Abstract: A tire is formed by disposing a cylindrical band member on a forming drum and outer circumferential sides of side portions disposed on both sides of the forming drum in a drum axial direction; expanding in diameter the forming drum and moving the side portions closer together in the drum axial direction; making step portions formed in the band member conform to side surfaces of the forming drum; moving bead members toward the step portions and compression-bonding the bead members to the band member on the side surfaces of the forming drum; and using a turn-up mechanism to wrap the bead members by turning up both end portions of the band member in the drum axial direction to form an intermediate green tire.

Abstract: A tire building method comprises the following steps: step 1, manufacturing a first carcass assembly on a carcass drum, and transferring the first carcass assembly to a building drum through a first carcass transfer device; step 2, manufacturing a second carcass assembly on a belt drum, and transferring the second carcass assembly to the building drum through a second carcass transfer device; step 3, respectively driving a first chuck seat and a second chuck seat to move oppositely by a first nut and a second nut; step 4, sleeving the second carcass assembly on the supported first carcass assembly, and fitting the two carcass assemblies together and rolling the same to form a third carcass assembly; step 5, winding a tread to the outer surface of the third carcass assembly to form a fourth carcass assembly; and step 6, dismounting the fourth carcass assembly from the building drum.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels, comprising the step of building on a forming support a carcass structure comprising at least one carcass ply and, at least one end edge of the carcass ply, at least one annular anchoring structure comprising at least one substantially circumferential annular insert and at least one filling insert associated to said at least one substantially circumferential annular insert. The step of building the carcass structure comprises the steps of positioning the annular anchoring structure on the carcass ply by moving the annular substantially circumferential insert into contact with an end edge of the carcass ply by means of a special positioning member, pulling down the filling insert on the end edge of the carcass ply and turning up a free end portion of the end edge of the carcass ply so as to form a turned up end portion of the carcass ply including said annular anchoring structure.

Abstract: A carcass sleeve is situated in a radially external position with respect to a toroidal forming drum, arranged in a first radially contracted operative condition. The carcass sleeve is shaped according to a toroidal configuration while the forming drum is positioned inside the carcass sleeve. During shaping of the carcass sleeve, the forming drum is radially expanded up to a second radially expanded operative condition. Upon completed shaping, the carcass sleeve is coupled to the forming drum in the second operative condition. The forming drum, coupled to the shaped carcass sleeve, is arranged in proximity to at least one device for building at least one belt layer at a radially external position relative to the shaped carcass sleeve.

Abstract: A bead core coating method for coating an annular bead core with a belt-shaped rubber sheet including the steps of: winding the rubber sheet extruded on an outer circumferential surface of a rotary drum; sticking a part of the rubber sheet to an outer surface of the bead core which is in rotation; and winding a remaining part of the rubber sheet stuck on the outer surface of the bead core while sequentially sticking the remaining part along the outer surface of the bead core, wherein air is blown to a sheet portion including the end that is not stuck to the outer surface of the bead core in the currently-winding rubber sheet in a first direction toward the end along a sheet surface or a second direction inclined toward an outer surface side of the bead core as compared with the first direction.

Abstract: A cylindrical member manufacturing device is provided. A rear end of an arm is rotatably supported by a base fixed to a rotation shaft coaxial with a drum shaft and separated from the drum shaft in a drum width direction; the arm is set to rotate in a direction so that a front end moves toward and away from an outer circumferential surface of a forming drum; and the base, the arm, and the rotation shaft are integrally rotated about the rotation shaft with the rotating forming drum with the front end moved toward the outer circumferential surface and the arm pressing a front end of a band-like rubber member disposed on the outer circumferential surface and holding a first end on the outer circumferential surface in order to wind the band-like rubber member around the outer circumferential surface and form the band-like rubber member into a cylindrical shape.

Abstract: A bead core coating method for coating an annular bead core with a belt-shaped rubber sheet, including the steps of: winding the rubber sheet around an outer circumferential surface of a rotary drum; sticking a central portion of the rubber sheet to an outer surface of the bead core; and winding both ends in the width direction of the rubber sheet stuck on the outer surface of the bead core while sequentially sticking both ends in the width direction along the outer surface of the bead core from the central portion in the width direction toward each end in the width direction, wherein in the step of sticking, air is blown to a gap generated between the central portion in the width direction of the rubber sheet and the outer circumferential surface of the rotary drum at a place where the rubber sheet is peeled from the rotary drum.

Abstract: A process and a drum for looping annular anchoring structures in a process for building tyres for vehicle wheels includes: depositing a loop on a drum including a radially expandable/contractible intermediate annular portion and, in a position axially adjacent to the opposite axial ends of the intermediate annular portion, a pair of radially expandable/contractible lateral annular portions; associating an annular anchoring structure with a radially outer annular surface portion of the loop defined at the intermediate annular portion; and turning up each of opposite end edges of the loop on the annular anchoring structure through the lateral annular portions as a result of a thrusting stress imparted by a respective lateral annular portion of the pair of lateral annular portions because of a synchronous radial movement and a synchronous axial displacement of a respective plurality of circumferentially adjacent first angular sectors.

Abstract: A process for building tyres provides for building a carcass sleeve around a forming drum having an application diameter and two lateral half-portions axially moveable relative to each other. The carcass sleeve comprises at least one carcass ply coaxially engaged around each of the axially opposite end flaps thereof to an annular anchoring structure defining a fitting diameter smaller than the application diameter. The building of the carcass sleeve comprises: applying and stopping a leading end of a semi-finished product in form of continuous strip cut to size against a continuous surface of the forming drum; winding the semi-finished product in form of continuous strip cut to size circumferentially around the forming drum; joining a trailing end of the semi-finished product to the leading end at said continuous surface. The continuous surface is extended only partly around the forming drum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a filler-raising device that raises a filler upright to couple the filler with a bead core. The filler-raising device includes a balloon that raises the filler upright toward the bead core and an air controller that supplies air into the balloon and draws air out of the balloon.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for making a vehicle tire having a tire carcass defining an axial center, a first and a second tire bead, a tire belt and a tread. The carcass is completed on a carcass drum wherein the carcass drum is free of sidewalls. The tire carcass is removed from the carcass drum and moved to a transfer position for arranging sidewalls. The sidewalls are arranged on sidewall drums on sides of the carcass. The sidewall drums are moved in axial direction toward the axial center of the tire carcass. The sidewall drums with the sidewalls are expanded and connected to the tire carcass. Thereafter, the sidewall drums are collapsed and moved outward and the tire carcass is released for further transport. The carcass and the attached sidewalls are transferred to a shaping drum where the tire carcass with the sidewalls is shaped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a positioning device for use in a tire building system and a method for positioning a bead. The device includes a holding unit including a substantially planar holding surface having a first side, a transport unit movable parallel to the holding surface and including a gripper for gripping the bead and moving the gripped bead substantially along the holding surface, and a bead retainer arranged for at least temporarily retaining the bead in abutment against the holding surface at the first side thereof. The gripper is moveable between a first position in which the gripper projects at least partially out of the holding surface at the first side thereof for gripping the bead, and a second position, in which the gripper is completely arranged behind the holding surface, as viewed from the first side.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tire having one or more reinforcements or supporting inserts in the sidewalls is provided. The reinforcements are positioned onto one or more air impermeable layers. One or more reinforcing plies are positioned over the reinforcing supports and suspended therebetween. A gas pressure is used to expand the one or more air impermeable layers away from the forming drum and against a reinforcing ply. As such, the creases or wrinkles in the one or more reinforcing plies can be avoided along with other non-uniformities such as deradialization and/or an uneven overlap where the ends of a ply are joined.

Abstract: A method for making a vehicle tire in which a tire carcass is expanded radially on a shaping drum, wherein the sidewalls arranged on the tire carcass are turned up by inflatable shaping bladders. This involves moving two pusher bells, which are arranged to the sides of the tire carcass, in the direction of the center of the blank, wherein the pusher bells are respectively mounted on a movable first and second carriage and are respectively moved in the axial direction by a first and second drive by way of a coupling, wherein the pusher bells are pressed laterally against the shaping bladders. When disequilibrium of forces on the two sides of the shaping bladders is set, the pressing positions of the two pusher bells are balanced, the two drives being arranged on a freely mounted third carriage.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the subject invention comprise methods and apparatus for mounting a tread ring onto a tire carcass. Such methods may include the step of providing a tire tread ring having opposing side edges; arranging the tread ring in an initial ring arrangement in communication with a pressure source, the pressure source being in communication with an outer side of the tread ring; expanding the tread ring radially outward from the initial ring arrangement to an expanded arrangement, the tread ring being expanded by applying vacuum pressure along the outer side of the tread ring supplied by the pressure source; inserting a tire carcass within a central opening of the tread ring while in the expanded arrangement; contracting the tread ring into an installed arrangement about an outer surface of the tire carcass; and, releasing the vacuum along the outer side of the tread ring.

Abstract: In a process for building tires for vehicle wheels, a carcass sleeve is arranged on a shaping drum including two half-drums and two supports. Each support is operatively associated with one of the half-drums and carries a plurality of turning-up levers having free ends positioned close to the respective half-drum. Two annular anchoring structures are disposed around the carcass sleeve and each of the two supports is locked to the respective half-drum by interposing only stiff mechanical elements in mutual contact between the support and the half-drum. The carcass sleeve is shaped in a toroidal conformation, by setting a threaded shaft in rotation and moving the half-drums dose to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly and a method for manufacturing a green tire and/or a green air spring. The device comprises a template having a shaping surface (2) for placing a tire component thereon comprising a layer of unvulcanized rubber for the green tire and/or green air spring. The shaping surface (2) is provided with an attachment surface (9) for at least temporarily retaining at least a leading section of the tire component. The attachment surface (9) comprises a number of adhering surface sections (3) with non-adhering surface sections (4) placed in between them, wherein the non-adhering surface sections (4) are at least partially receded with respect to the adhering surface sections (3). In one embodiment the attachment surface (9) comprises a substantially saw-tooth-shaped cross-section.

Abstract: The boost turn-up method comprises a belt drum, which is carried and driven by a belt drum case, and a forming drum, which is carried and driven by a forming drum case; a first boost device, which is arranged along the axial direction, is arranged at the side part of the belt drum; a second boost device, which is arranged along the axial direction, is arranged at the side part of the forming drum; the first boost device and the second boost device are symmetrical along the vertical center line of the forming drum in the turn-up preparation process of a tire blank; the first boost device and the second boost device push the Bladder or the turn-up rods towards the center from two sides of the forming drum. Thus, the same thrust is simultaneously exerted to assist implementation of the turn-up operation.

Abstract: To build a tire carcass, a tubular carcass body is formed about a building drum, which has a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface coaxial with the longitudinal axis and defined at least partly by a ring of longitudinal articulated rods lying in respective planes of a sheaf of planes through the longitudinal axis; the building drum locking two bead bundles to the tubular carcass body and torus-shaping the tubular carcass body by moving and/or deforming the articulated rods in their planes.

Abstract: In a process of manufacturing pneumatic tires, a carcass sleeve is made which includes at least one carcass ply provided with axially opposite flaps turned up around annular anchoring structures, so as to form respective loops. An outer sleeve is positioned around the carcass sleeve and the latter is radially expanded in order to cause application of same against a radially internal surface of the outer sleeve. After each of the end flaps has been turned up and before radial expansion, only a portion belonging to each of the loops and extending substantially parallel to the respective annular anchoring structure is submitted to a step of carrying out heating under pressure, to make each loop integral with the annular anchoring structure and prevent the turned-up ply/plies from even partly slipping off, during the subsequent radial-expansion step of the carcass sleeve and vulcanization step of the tire.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming a tire. A drum has an expansion device that is configured to turn-up the lateral ends of the tire carcass about respective bead-and-apex assemblies while generally maintaining a constant orientation of the bead-and-apex assemblies. Further, the expansion device turns-up the lateral ends of the tire carcass while at the same time radially expanding the tire carcass. The methods entail turning-up the lateral ends of the tire carcass around the bead-and-apex assemblies and also moving a portion of the tire carcass lying between the bead-and-apex assemblies in a radially-outward direction relative to an axis of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A tyre having two beads, with a toroidal body ply wound about the two beads to form two turn-ups, and two bead fillers, each contacting a bead and are partly enclosed inside a turn-up of the body ply. The bead filler includes a first elastomer ring, which is initially placed flat and between the body ply, and a bead, which is turned up about the bead when forming the corresponding turn-up of the body ply, to bring two opposite ends of the first elastomer ring into close proximity The bead filler is cured, after being turned up about the bead, to connect the two opposite ends of the first elastomer ring, while at the same time eliminating the air trapped inside the turn-up of the body ply.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for turning up the carcass plies in a tire, the tire including a carcass structure including at least one carcass ply provided with at least one reinforcing element coated with at least one layer of elastomeric material, and at least one annular reinforcing structure. The apparatus is equipped with a support drum conveniently shaped for supporting at least one ply and with at least one turning up device provided with an annular continuous presser element. The latter is axially translatable along an axis of the support drum and radially expandable or contractible relative to the axis of the support drum between a contracted position and an expanded position to turn up the carcass ply around an annular reinforcing structure. The device is further provided with means of adjusting the contracted position of the annular element depending on the size of the tire to be manufactured.

Abstract: An apparatus for upturning a tire-building component on a tire-building drum has a roller lever. To provide an apparatus which is capable of upturning a tire-building component on a tire-building drum, and which achieves the upturn of the tire-building component without defects, in particular unintended creasing in the side wall, it is proposed that, during the procedure of preparation for upturning, a spacer provides separation between the roller and the segment in such a way that the roller is in essence in contact exclusively with the tire-building component. The roller therefore rolls along the tire-building component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of forming a tire. A drum has an expansion device that is configured to turn-up the lateral ends of the tire carcass about respective bead-and-apex assemblies while generally maintaining a constant orientation of the bead-and-apex assemblies. Further, the expansion device turns-up the lateral ends of the tire carcass while at the same time radially expanding the tire carcass. The methods entail turning-up the lateral ends of the tire carcass around the bead-and-apex assemblies and also moving a portion of the tire carcass lying between the bead-and-apex assemblies in a radially-outward direction relative to an axis of rotation of the drum.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel tire includes a carcass structure, at least one annular reinforcing structure, a tread band, and a pair of sidewalls. The carcass structure includes at least one carcass ply, each including a plurality of elongated elements disposed around a cross-section profile of the tire. Each elongated element includes two side portions at mutually-spaced-apart positions and a crown portion that extends between the side portions. The at least one annular reinforcing structure includes at least one bead core. A fraction of the elongated elements is turned up around the at least one bead core. A method of manufacturing the tire includes preparing the elongated elements, disposing each elongated element on a toroidal support, applying at least one bead core at a region close to side portions of the elongated elements, and turning up ends of a fraction of the elongated elements around the at least one bead core.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tire building, and a building system, process setup method and manufacturing method for a tire built by this tire building drum, which can suppress investment cost of the drum core of the tire building drum used in a tire building system for building tires in different sizes, and to shrink an inventory of reserve drum cores. Plural distance pieces having the same thickness and end pieces forming the both end portions in the width direction are aligned in the width direction of the drum core to configure plural rigid segment which constitute the tire building drum. The distance pieces which are detachably configured are so arranged that their thickness direction face in the width direction of the drum core.

Abstract: A dryer rack for use with an apparatus for drying an object inside a drum is disclosed, wherein the dryer rack includes a platform for having an upper surface for supporting the object. The platform may include at least one grip for loading and unloading the dryer rack into an interior space of the drum. The at least one grip is flush with the upper surface of the platform. The at least one grip is formed in a forward portion of the platform, to be near an access point of the drum.

Abstract: A sidewall rubber disposed outside of a carcass layer, reinforcing a portion between beads, in a widthwise direction of the tire is configured from a wide rubber ribbon having a width of 20 to 100 mm wound spirally along a circumferential direction of the tire outward of the tire such that the rubber ribbon is deviated radially outward of the tire.

Abstract: A tire molding apparatus folds the periphery of bead portions at a low speed with an increased pressing force. The tire molding apparatus has folding mechanisms including fingers to fold the tire component to the periphery of bead cores. Folding fingers (101) are integrally provided with cams (120), which rotate in accordance with the swing of the fingers. The fingers (101) receive a driving force of a driver (130) through cam followers (122) energized by springs and the cams (120), and open. The cams (120) are rotated in accordance with the opening of the finger, compressing the springs energizing the cam followers (122). The compression of the springs reduces the opening speed of the fingers (101), and increases the pressing force of finger rolls (104) applied to the tire component (K).

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass comprised of at least one carcass ply containing a steel cord(s) arranged at a cord angle of 70-90° with respect to an equatorial plane of the tire and toroidally extending between a pair of bead cores and turned up around the bead core inward or outward in a radial direction to form a turnup portion, wherein a wrap part wrapping on a peripheral face of the bead core therealong is formed in the turnup portion of the carcass ply.

Abstract: A method for building a radial tire on a tire-building machine that has an expandable carcass drum with a cylindrical external circumference and two bellows supports with inflatable bellows. A tire inner liner and a carcass ply have projections and project beyond the edges of the carcass drum are laid and spliced on the carcass drum. The bead cores with core profiles are positioned and the projections of the carcass ply are turned up around the outsides of the bead cores by the inflation of the bellows. Expandable bellows supports are provided that are expanded for the placing and splicing of tire components so that the external surfaces of the bellows together with the external surface of the expanded carcass drum form at least essentially a uniform cylindrical load-bearing surface.

Abstract: A tire comprising sidewalls joining a crown part to beads that are intended to come into contact with a mounting rim, these sidewalls comprising a carcass reinforcement anchored in each bead to at least one bead wire and having an end in each bead, the bead wire having, seen in meridian cross-section, an outer profile comprising two profile parts, a first part radially to the inside of axial width L, extending between an axially innermost point and an axially outermost part, and a second part radially to the outside between said points. Each bead comprises at least one additional coupling reinforcement in contact with the carcass reinforcement.

Abstract: A shaping drum for a tire blank comprising bottom zones formed of a circular reinforcement ring which is moved in rotation about an axis XX?, comprising bead-holding means (2a, 2b) mounted opposite one another on a central spindle. Each of the bead-holding means comprises a support (5a, 5b) mounted to be axially movably relative to the spindle. An assembly of return segments (9a, 9b) is distributed circumferentially around the axis XX?, which circulate radially between two circular rings (6a, 7a, 6b, 7b) fixed on the support (5a, 5b), and comprises a bead-receiving seat (10a, 10b). A turn-up membrane (12a, 12b) can slide over the bead-receiving seat, anchored in an airtight manner by its two ends (121a, 122a, 121b, 122b) on the radially outer circumference of the circular rings (6a, 7a, 6b, 7b) and anchored mechanically by appropriate means (14a, 14b) on the return segments (9a, 9b) along a circumferential anchoring line (90a).

Abstract: Tire building drum and tire building method, capable of assembling tire component members with high accuracy. A tire building drum is used, which includes at least one core body, which is disposed at an axial inside of a pair of bead lock means, and which comprises a plurality of sheets of rigid support members disposed in a toroidal shape and adapted to be displaced and thereby expanded or contracted. Bead cores are locked by the bead lock means, respectively, and a center portion of a carcass band is bulged while displacing the bead lock means close to each other. Back side portions of the carcass band are folded to radial outsides around the bead cores, respectively. The core body is then radially expanded to the maximum diameter while locking the bead cores, and tire component members are assembled onto the radially expanded core body.

Abstract: A method of producing a tire having an outside-in ply construction is provided.

Abstract: A tire having a tread including first and second reinforcement plies disposed between at least one carcass ply and the tread and at least one of the sidewalls of the tire. A method for making a tire body ply is also described. The method includes delivering a first rubber coating, at least one insert, a body fabric, and a second rubber coating to a bite formed by at least two calendering rollers. The method further includes pressing the first rubber coating, the body fabric, the at least one insert, and the second rubber coating through the bite and then between the at least two calendering rollers to form a tire body ply. In another embodiment, the method includes spacing a first insert from a center of the tire body ply by a first distance and a second insert from the center of the tire body ply by a second distance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a green tire capable of preventing the variation of carcass-cord paths between bead cores and disturbances of the carcass cord arrangement are disclosed. An assembly of a bead core and a bead apex rubber is set on the radially outside of a cylindrical carcass assembly, and they are locked with a bead lock ring expanded, while maintain the cylindrical shape. Then, applying tension to the carcass cords between the expanded bead lock rings, the bead apex rubber is folded down towards the tire equator. Further, the edges portions of the carcass are turned up around the bead cores locked.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises a carcass reaching a bead core of a bead portion from a tread portion via a side wall portion; a side wall rubber arranged in an outer side of said carcass and forming an outer side surface of said side wall portion; and a clinch rubber for preventing a rim displacement connected to a lower end of the side wall rubber and forming an outer side surface of said bead portion. The sidewall rubber and the clinch rubber are constituted by a strip wind body formed by winding and overlapping a side wall rubber strip and a clinch rubber strip in a circumferential direction and spirally, and the respective rubber strips are wound in the same direction from the bead portion side toward the tread portion side.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for turning up the carcass plies in a tyre, the tyre including a carcass structure including at least one carcass ply provided with at least one reinforcing element coated with at least one layer of elastomeric material, and at least one annular reinforcing structure. The apparatus is equipped with a support drum conveniently shaped for supporting at least one ply and with at least one turning up device provided with an annular continuous presser element. The latter is axially translatable along an axis of the support drum and radially expandable or contractible relative to the axis of the support drum between a contracted position and an expanded position to turn up the carcass ply around an annular reinforcing structure. The device is further provided with means of adjusting the contracted position of the annular element depending on the size of the tyre to be manufactured.

Abstract: The method for molding a bead portion for a green tire includes a bead core supporting step for supporting the bead core through a carcass ply upon expanding a diameter of a bead core supporter including a seating surface for supporting a radially inner surface of the bead core. Since the bead core supporter comprises an outer piece outside of the seating surface in a tire axial direction that rises up towards outside in the radial direction with a clearance between the same and the bead core, that is larger than the thickness of the carcass ply, it is possible to flip a carcass outer region up, that is outside in the tire axial direction than a sandwiched region of the carcass ply, sandwiched and held between the seating surface and the bead core, and to deform the carcass outer region into an outer inclined piece that is inclined and extended towards radially outside without including any partially bent portions.

Abstract: A side surface of an apex rubber is exposed annularly by injection molding the annular apex rubber and opening a forming mold while retaining the annular apex rubber in an unvulcanized state. Further, a side surface of a rubber pad is exposed annularly by injection molding the annular rubber pad and opening a forming mold while retaining the annular rubber pad in an unvulcanized state. Thereafter, an integrated compound rubber member is formed by overlapping a lower mold retaining the apex rubber and a lower mold retaining the rubber pad and laminating the side surface of the apex rubber to the side surface of the rubber pad, and an unvulcanized tire is formed by laminating the compound rubber member to the carcass ply.

Abstract: A method for building a tyre for a vehicle wheel includes positioning a casing sleeve on a shaping drum and securing the sleeve on the drum. During at least one of positioning and securing the sleeve, the sleeve is kept in an essentially centered position on the drum by radial forces directed against a radially inner surface of the sleeve. A shaping drum for making a tyre for a vehicle wheel includes a rotation shaft and two coaxial half-drums integral with each other with respect to rotation. At least one of the half-drums is axially movable in both directions with respect to the other half-drum. Each half-drum includes a support device, a gripping device, and a centering device. A first equatorial plane defined the centering devices is axially movable with respect to a second equatorial plane defined by the gripping devices. A plant for building a tyre is also disclosed.

Abstract: Device (D) for winding a cylindrical sleeve (C) of axis XX? around a toric ring (R) so that the end (E) of the said cylindrical sleeve is engaged between the toric ring (R) and the cylindrical sleeve (C) itself in order to make at least one complete turn around the substantially circular radial section of the said toric ring (R). The device comprises a winding fabric (T) also formed by a sleeve sliding freely in the axial direction on the external surface of a concentric set of winding heads (10, 10?) having an external profile comprising a back (104) constituting a substantially cylindrical surface, a convex front annular surface (102) connected to the previous surface and a concave annular surface (103) connected to the latter so that the winding fabric (2) produces S-shaped loops when the said winding fabric (T) substantially follows the radial profile of the convex annular surface (102) and of the concave annular surface (103) of the winding heads (10, 10?).

Abstract: A turn-up device (40) for making a molded body of an air spring on a mechanical drum (30) having expandable end portions (32). The device (40) comprises a support member (42), a plurality of turning arms (44) pivotally mounted to the support member (42), and a sleeve (46) having a plurality of fingers (72) each provided with a cam surface (74). The turning arms (44) are movable between radially outer and inner positions and are biased to the radially inner position. The turning arms (44) are positioned and sized for insertion into the spaces between the segments of the expandable end portion of the drum (30). The support member (42) is movable towards the end portion (32) of the drum (30) relative to the sleeve (46). The turning arms (44) each include a roller (62) that engages the respective cam surface (74) of the respective finger (72) when the turning arm (44) is in its radially outer position.

Abstract: To effectively restrict occurrence of radially extending grooves in tire sidewall portions, turn-up portions (N) of a tire structure member (K) are turned up around the beads (B) by synchronously moving turn-up arms (66) axially inward by a moving means (75), with turn-up rollers (70) maintained in contact with the turn-up portion (N), and simultaneously, by synchronously swinging the turn-up arms (66) radially outward by a swinging means (76). The contact pressure of the turn-up rollers (70) applied to the turn-up portion (N) can thus be easily adjusted to an optimum value, with the result that impressions (grooves) produced in the outer surface of the turn-up portion (N) (which becomes part of the tire sidewall portion after being turned up) can be kept as shallow as possible.

Abstract: Using a core manufacturing method, a green tire is obtained in which edge portions of a carcass ply are turned up at bead cores. An inner liner 40 is set on an external surface of a hard core 12, and a carcass 46 is formed thereon. A bladder 36 disposed inside the core is inflated, whereby edge portions of the carcass 46 can be turned up. Thereafter, conventionally known tire structural members such as a belt, a side tread and a top tread are set on, and a green tire is completed on the external surface of the hard core 12.

Abstract: There are provided a method and a drum for building a tire in which residual air can be effectively removed by enhancing a pressing force of a carcass band to a bead filler in the turning of the carcass band around a bead core, wherein a cylindrical green case is arranged on an outer peripheral side of a building drum, and a central portion of the green case is expansion-deformed in a radial direction while approaching both the bead cores to each other under a restraint of the bead core through the building drum, and the green case is pressed onto an inner peripheral face of a belt-tread band, and thereafter both the end portions of the carcass band are turned around the bead cores so that the carcass band is pushed onto rigid support members disposed at an inner peripheral side of the carcass band together with the bead cores and bead fillers.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire comprises: a carcass ply turned up around a bead core in each bead portion from the inside to the outside of the tire so as to form a pair of turnup portions and a main portion therebetween; a bead apex disposed between the carcass ply turnup portion and main portion; and a reinforcing rubber layer disposed axially outside the carcass ply, wherein the bead apex extends radially outwardly from the bead core up to a position at a radial height in a range of from 10 to 25 mm from the radially outer end of the bead core; the reinforcing rubber layer extends radially outwardly beyond the maximum tire section width point, and radially inwardly beyond the radially outer edge of the turnup portion; and the bead apex and reinforcing rubber layer are each made of a hard rubber, and the difference in hardness therebetween is not more than 15 degrees.

Abstract: A tire building drum and a method of building a tire carcass is disclosed. The tire building drum has a center section comprised of a plurality of segments that are radially and axially movable. The building drum further comprises shoulder sections that are axially movable. The shoulder sections include radially expandable bead locks. The method employs the steps of applying one or more carcass layers, locking the bead locks and moving the center section radially outwardly while moving the bead locks axially inwardly.