Abstract: A large number of bead holding segments (30) are disposed along outer circumferences of a pair of drums (2, 2a). The bead holding segments can approach to and separate from each other in such manner that they can be expanded and contracted in the radial directions by means of an expanding/contracting mechanism (13, 17). A green tire is built and shaped while bead portions (3a) at the opposite ends of a green case (3) are being held by the segments (30). A bead holding unit (20) provided with the bead holding segments (30) and a drum main body section (10) provided with the expanding/contracting mechanism (13, 17) are formed separately from each other so that they can be freely mounted and dismounted, and the unit (20) is fixed to and released from the main body section (10) by means of a releasing mechanism (25, 6) provided on the side of the drum main body. Upon switching of a tire diameter size, only the unit (20) is replaced.

Abstract: A method for removing a cylindrical member from a radially expansible and contractible band-forming drum and transferring the cylindrical member to a subsequent station. The cylindrical member includes a cylindrical laminate structure prepared by winding tire constituent elements in the form of an inner liner and a carcass ply around the band forming drum, and a pair of bead rings axially spaced from each other and fixed and held at predetermined positions on the outer circumference of the laminate structure. The bead rings are grasped while maintaining a predetermined distance therebetween, without displacing the bead rings before the band-forming drum is contracted to decrease its diameter. At least the axial end of the cylindrical member close to the subsequent station is held in a slightly radially expanded state, and the band-forming drum is then contracted to decrease its diameter to allow removal of the cylindrical member from the drum in its axial direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a tire in which an inner circumference of a tire carcass is wrapped around a tire bead by being grasped by an expanding air bladder against a stopper plate. The stopper plate, with the bladder still inflated is raised relative to the bead and main tire carcass and then moved into the annular portion of the tire carcass to encase the bead.