Abstract: A drum (1) for building tires (2), the drum (1) having two half-drums (12), each of which has an expandable bead clamping device (20), and at least one shaping bladder (27) and a turn-up bladder (33) fixed to an outer tubular body (16) of the half-drum (12) on opposite sides of the respective bead clamping device (20); each turn-up bladder (33) having an outer annular lip (34) extending, at rest, along the respective half-drum (12) and covering the respective bead clamping device (20) and substantially the whole respective shaping bladder (27).

Abstract: A method and apparatus providing for minimization of the separation of a plurality of radially collapsible, generally circular, mandrels which are mounted for axial movement along the longitudinal axis of a central shaft. The method and apparatus is useful for shaping of a green vehicle tire carcass employing a shaping drum which includes dual mandrels which are axially displace able along the longitudinal axis of the drum and adapted to engage respective ones of first and second beads of the carcass.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for a sub forming an elastomeric extrusion into a bead apex filler and for applying the same to an annular bead (120) to form a bead/apex subassembly for use in the construction of a pneumatic tire. The apex filler (100) is formed from a triangular shaped extrusion (8) that is initially wrapped around a rotating mandrel (40) having a diameter of between about 50% to about 75% of the outer diameter of the annular bead to which the filler is attached. A helical former (50, 60) disposed around the mandrel causes the extrusion to move in a helical path as it traverses the mandrel. As the extrusion is removed from the mandrel, the extrusion is sufficiently uncoiled to relieve and compressive or tensile stresses. Then, the partially uncoiled extrusion is wrapped around the outer periphery of the bead to form a bead/apex filler subassembly (118) which is substantially without compressive or tensile stresses when mounted onto the tire being constructed.

Abstract: A method of making a green tire comprises: winding a carcass ply of rubberized cords around a building drum into a substantially cylindrical body; pressing the cylindrical body against the building drum through the entire circumference not to allow the carcass cords to move axially and circumferentially of the drum; constricting edge portions of the substantially cylindrical body so that the outer diameter thereof is decreased; setting a bead core around each of the constricted edge portions; folding back the edge portions around the bead cores; releasing the cylindrical body from the pressing against the building drum after the edge portions are constricted at the earliest; and swelling a main portion of the cylindrical body between the bead cores while decreasing the width between the bead cores.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacture of a tire, the apparatus including a drum with shoulder having a generally cylindrical main receiving surface to receive the products to be assembled, the main receiving surface being radially retractable. The drum has a shoulder axially to the side edges of said main receiving surface. The drum is mounted on a shaft. At least one associated axially movable side crown is mounted coaxially with the drum. The drum has a lateral protuberance coaxially juxtaposed to at least one of its shoulders. The side crown is axially slidable at least partly under the lateral protuberance, the lateral protuberance forming a quasi-cylindrical support surface whose outside diameter is smaller than the diameter of the main receiving surface. The side crown has a substantially cylindrical outer surface capable of passing axially outside of the lateral protuberance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for manufacturing pneumatic tires, wherein a green case comprised of at least one inner liner rubber member and a carcass ply member is formed on a first drum and transferred to a position around a second drum. The green case is the fixedly secured to the second drum by axially moving a pair of centering elements in opposite directions into pressure contact with opposite inner sides at the bead portions of the green case, and urging the inner peripheries of the bead portions by a pair of lock elements. The second drum is then caused to expand and undergo a width reduction, thereby expanding the green case into a toroidal shape. Sidewall rubber members, which have been previously wound on a pair of side bladders on the outer side of the lock elements, are expanded and reversed by inflating the side bladders and joined to the toroidal green case to thereby form a green tire.

Abstract: An oscillating arm apparatus for manufacturing a tire reinforcement from a single cord in which the cord is deposited in contiguous arches on a rigid core by a system of arms arranged in series conveying an eyelet in such a way as to allow it to traverse a core and thus deposit adjacent arches.

Abstract: A drum for the formation of a vehicle tire carcass including bead positioning features, the drum including multiple subsystems which are operatively and cooperatively interconnected to enhance the definition of embryonic sidewalls of the tire.

Abstract: Device for transporting material strips made of rubber or a rubber-like synthetic material and for depositing such material strips on an installation drum for pneumatic tires or its parts, in particular, for depositing narrow apex strips on a bellows drum, wherein the advancing material strips are cut to length from an endless material and positioned on a pattern table within the region of the device.

Abstract: A bead wire winding device is provided with a winding guide(s) (3) which is rotated with a molding support body (1), and which approachingly and retreatingly displaces with respect to each side portion of the molding support body (1). A bead wire (W) is supplied to a wire seating portion (11) of the winding guide (3) within a space defined by each winding guide (3) which is in an approached state with respect to a respective side surface of the molding support body (1), and in an enlarged diameter state. The winding guide (3) is constituted by a plurality of radially displacing members (9), which can be enlargingly and reducingly displaced in a radial direction, connected to a boss portion (7) through link members (8). Each of the radially displacing members (9) has a protrusion that forms a wire seating portion (11). A clamping claw (13) is provided on at least one of the radially displacing members (9), and is urged constantly in a closing direction and pinches a tip portion of the bead wire (W).

Abstract: Method and apparatus for producing tires, in which a carcass layer is formed by continuously feeding a carcass cord from a cord passage and applying the carcass cord over an outer peripheral surface of a substantially toroidal core so as to extend in a meridian direction of the core while the core is subjected to an indexing movement in its circumferential direction. The carcass cord is arranged so as to extend linearly from one end to the other end of the core with respect to a meridian direction thereof, and vice versa, under the operation of a feed mechanism which is capable of achieving a reciprocating movement. A turn-up portion of the carcass cord is wound on, and supported by a pin at the end of the core in the meridian direction, and subsequently adhered onto the core by a press head which can be advanced relative to the pin.

Abstract: A shaping drum for a tire having two bead holding systems mounted facing one another on a central shaft. Each of the bead holding systems includes a support mounted to be movable axially relative to the shaft. On each support there is mounted an assembly which includes a plurality of rigid segments and an elastic membrane which surrounds them. The rigid segments are each mounted on the support and swing about an articulation, the axis of which is perpendicular to a radial plane. A seat is formed on each assembly, the seat being arranged axially on the inside of the articulations, the articulations forming a crown on the support. The elastic membrane is fixed to the support axially on the inside and on the outside of the crown of articulations.

Abstract: An automatic feeder for beads with bead fillers is provided which enables automatic feeding of beads with bead fillers to a bead setter within a tire forming machine and which enables reduction of an operator's burden and improvement of productivity. A plurality of beads with bead fillers are disposed on each of chain conveyors and in a bead stock device. The beads are delivered to a pair of bead holding portions of a bead chuck by a bead removal plate. The bead chuck is fixed to an arm portion of a conveyance robot. The bead chuck is raised, slid, and lowered due to the rotation of drive motors. A pair of beads with bead fillers is thereby supplied to a bead setter within a tire forming machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a ribbon-like coating structure to the outer surface of a tire bead core. A bead core (2) is coaxially placed around a support drum (6) carrying an inflatable air bag (7) disposed in a deflated condition. Clasping sectors (14) circumferentially distributed in the drum are radially moved close to the inner surface of the bead core (2) to make a central portion of a ribbon-like coating structure (3) arranged about the inflatable air bag (7), adhere against the bead core itself. The air bag is inflated so as to form, on opposite axial sides relative to the bead core (2), two lobes (17, 18) each of them being enclosed between the outer surface of the drum (6) and a respective annular opposition bell (19, 20) coaxially encircling the drum. By axially moving the opposition bells (19, 20), a first and a second side flap of the coating structure (3) are applied to respective surfaces of the bead core (2).

Abstract: A method of forming a complete carcass of a tire, whereby an inner carcass (5) of the tire, formed on a collapsible forming device (2) supporting the beads (8) of the inner carcass (5), is inserted, together with the collapsible forming device (2), inside a toroidal body (19) supporting, internally, an outer carcass (9); is made to adhere to the outer carcass (9) to form the complete carcass; is clamped with respect to the toroidal body (19) by means of a pair of fastening rings (24) fitted laterally to the toroidal body (19) and having radial arms (26) for supporting and clamping the two beads (8); and, finally, is detached from the forming device (2) by collapsing and extracting the forming device (2) from the toroidal body (19).

Abstract: A bladderless former sleeve (100) is disclosed for a bladderless second stage tire building machine (102) having at least one bead lock assembly (116), the bead lock assembly (116) having an annular clamp (114) with an annular groove (112). The sleeve (100) includes an annular main body (104) having first (106) and second (108) ends, the main body (104) having a thickness. A bead (110) is attached to the annular main body (104) at the first end (106). The bead (110) has a thickness substantially greater than the thickness of the main body (104) at the second end (108). The bead (110) is sized to fit snugly within the groove (112) of the clamp (114). The main body (104) of the sleeve (100) is sized to substantially cover the bead lock assembly (116) or at least the bead lock shoes (120) of the machine (102) during operation of the machine when the bead lock shoes (120) are in a fully expanded position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying a ribbon-like coating structure to the outer surface of a tire bead core. A bead core (2) is coaxially placed around a support drum (6) carrying an inflatable air bag (7) disposed in a deflated condition. Clasping sectors (14) circumferentially distributed in the drum are radially moved close to the inner surface of the bead core (2) to make a central portion of a ribbon-like coating structure (3) arranged about the inflatable air bag (7), adhere against the bead core itself. The air bag is inflated so as to form, on opposite axial sides relative to the bead core (2), two lobes (17, 18) each of them being enclosed between the outer surface of the drum (6) and a respective annular opposition bell (19, 20) coaxially encircling the drum. By axially moving the opposition bells (19, 20), a first and a second side flap of the coating structure (3) are applied to respective surfaces of the bead core (2).

Abstract: A driving apparatus of a tire forming drum in which rotation of left-hand and right-hand bead locking mechanisms and movement of these bead locking mechanisms in directions of approaching and separating from each other can be effected simultaneously. A state of a main shaft and an inner shaft of the driving apparatus of the tire forming drum can be switched between a connected state and a non-connected state by a clutch. The main shaft and the inner shaft are both connected to a differential gear unit. An encoder is fixed to the differential gear unit and can detect the rotational difference between the inner shaft and the main shaft. Connected to the inner shaft are a distance-between-beads changing motor and a distance-between-beads fixing brake. Mounted to the main shaft are a main shaft rotating motor and a disc brake.

Abstract: The assembly applies an apex filler to the outer circumferential surface of an annular bead ring. The apex filler applying assembly incorporates an apex filler applicator that is preferably operable in conjunction with a plurality of server mechanisms. One server mechanism is a conveyor that receives a bead ring. A locator operates in conjunction with the conveyor to position the annular bead ring precisely on the conveyor so that it may be engaged by a transfer mechanism. The transfer mechanism removes the bead ring from the conveyor and mounts it on a chuck turret assembly. A chuck head in the chuck turret assembly engages the bead ring and accurately positions the bead ring relative to applying rollers in the apex filler applicator, in which position the apex filler--which has been directed from an extruder through an orienting mechanism, into an in-feed mechanism and severed to length by an in-flight guillotine cutter--is applied to the annular bead ring.

Abstract: A transfer ring (1) for toroidal carcasses (2), wherein a number of first actuators (17) provide for radially moving a number of sectors (19) to and from a position which forms a grab ring (20) for cooperating with an intermediate annular portion (7) of the carcass (2). A number of second actuators (35) provide for moving a number of clamping devices (34) to and from a closed position engaging the beads (3) of the carcass (2). Each sector (19) and each clamping device (34) presents respective magnetic retaining elements (22, 44), respectively cooperating with the intermediate annular portion (7) and the beads (3) of the carcass (2).

Abstract: A thread, intended to form a carcass reinforcement, is wound in contiguous hoops on a rigid core through an eyelet fastened on a chain mounted on pulleys arranged around the core. The eyelet carries out a reciprocating movement around the core so as to progressively and contiguously lay a hoop upon each forward movement and a hoop upon each return movement.

Abstract: A radially expandable and contractible rim used to secure an annular elastomeric sealing ring to a tire bead during retreading of a tire.

Abstract: A ring-like band with both ends in which beads are wrapped is formed in the following procedure: A forming drum 11 mounted with a band 1 is expanded up to an intermediate diameter, and right and left bead lock segments 65 are positioned with specified intervals. Then, right and left fingers 54 are positioned outside edge portions 1a in the expanding state. Thus, right and left beads 2 are located at specified positions, and the fingers 54 are contracted to reduce the diameters of the edge portions 1a. Subsequently, the bead lock segments are expanded for supporting the beads 2 together with the edge portions 1a from the inner side. Finally, the bead lock segments 65 are brought close to the forming drum side while the forming drum 11 is expanded to the maximum diameter, and the edge portions 1a are folded by the swelling of folding bladders, to thus wrap the beads 2.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for building a green tire. The process includes mounting a carcass, in the form of a cylinder, around a green tire building machine having left and right shoulder formers with radially expandable bead locking mechanisms. The left and the right shoulder formers are each moved together into an idle movable state where the shoulder formers are allowed to move freely in an axial direction either closer or farther from each other. The bead locking mechanisms are radially expanded so as to lock the beads in a set position on the outer circumferential surface of the carcass outside the respective bead locking mechanism. Once the beads are locked, each of the shoulder formers are placed in a driven movable state for driving the respective shoulder formers toward each other thereby narrowing the distance between the beads so as to shape the carcass into a toroidal form.

Abstract: A bead lock drum for use in the manufacture of vehicle tires and including multiple carriages disposed about a central shaft and carrying a plurality of circumference-defining segments, the carriages and segments being separable about a transverse plane of the drum for removal and insertion of spacers between adjacent aligned segments and suitable to alter the width dimension of the drum and permit the use of a single drum for making various width tires of a given rim size.

Abstract: A method and a device for applying an apex (13) to the outer peripheral surface of a bead ring (12) prior to assembling a bead portion with a tire carcass in manufacture of an air-filled tire, wherein the apex is fed from one end thereof to the outer peripheral surface of the bead ring (12) and applied thereto as it is wound with rotation of the bead ring (12), the rotation is interrupted to clamp the rear portion of the apex and cut to length, the rotation is resumed to apply the remainder and the rear end of the apex is then move along a circular arc convex toward the bead ring to form the joint portion.

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 hand-held apparatus for vulcanizing the damaged bead zone of a pneumatic tire. The apparatus includes tongs to engage the bead to be repaired and a hold-up element to engage the diametrically opposite point on the bead. At least one transport and manipulation handle is provided for carrying the apparatus and at least one actuator is included to activate the tongs and the hold-up element.

Abstract: A system for movably supporting bead portions of a tire during tire manufacture utilizes a bead support assembly having relatively movable parts that cooperate to define an elongate, outwardly opening groove for receiving and supporting bead portions of a tire. The relatively movable parts include a flexible sheath of material forming a cover that overlies a relatively rigid underlying support. The support gives the groove its shape; however, the cover overlies the support and engages such bead portions as extend into the groove. The cover has an excessively wide central portion that slides freely from side to side through the region of the groove to maintain a point-to-point non-slip type of engagement between the cover and such bead portions as engage the cover, thereby enabling such bead portions as extend into the groove to "rotate" through a limited range of movement without causing malformation or distortion of the bead portions.

Abstract: Mechanism for supporting and retaining the beads when building at least a portion of a pneumatic tire on a building drum, said mechanism comprising radially expandable and retractable means for laterally supporting at least a part of each bead, wherein a large number of rocker arms is arranged in a ring shape about the center line of the building drum, and means serve to shift and swivel all of these rocker arms simultaneously to an expanded position and to retract them again, said swivelling action of each rocker arm being performed in an imaginary plane extending radially through the center line of the drum and said shifting action including a component directed along the center line of the building drum.

Abstract: A bead locking apparatus includes bead support segments disposed in an annular arrangement at each of the axially opposite ends of a building drum mounted on a rotary shaft, the support segments being movable outward or inward radially of the drum, an elastic ring fitted in an annular recess formed in the outer periphery of the annular arrangement of segments, a segment drive device for moving the bead support segments radially outward, and a device for radially expanding the elastic ring independently of the segments. The bead is first primarily locked by the elastic ring and then secondarily locked by the support segments.

Abstract: Apparatus comprising a former used in the manufacture of tires. Two green covers (52, 53) devoid of sidewalls for pneumatic tires are assembled and shaped side-by-side. The two covers (52, 53) may be joined together during assembly but separated during manufacture.

Abstract: A tire building apparatus includes a main hollow shaft, a rotatable screw shaft inserted in the main shaft, a pair of slider units axially movably supported so that upon rotating the screw shaft the slider units move through equal distances toward and away from each other, a pair of support member assemblies expansibly and contractibly supported by the slider units for supporting the bead portions of the green case on radially insides by the support member assemblies when expanded to increase their diameters, a pair of movable blocks axially movably supported to be able to abut against the slider units, a drum core in the form of a ring to surround the main shaft between the slider units, a link mechanism connecting the drum core and the movable blocks for expanding the drum core when the movable blocks move axially inwardly toward each other and contracting the drum core when the movable blocks move axially outwardly away from each other, a pair of stoppers for limiting axially outward movement of the movabl

Abstract: The described device for practicing a method of splicing the ends of a tire bead filler strip comprises two primary pliers systems (2, 2a) arranged to engage through respective gripping elements (25, 26) the opposite ends of an elastomeric filler (45) applied on the radial outer peripheral of a bead core (46). The pliers systems are pivoted around an axis spaced from the center of the bead core, with respect to the convergence point of the V-shaped opening formed by the ends of the filler and are angularly moveable upon carrying out their movement, the pliers systems rotate with respect to the other according to an angulation greater than the value of the angle from by the ends of the filler and that the gripping means (25, 26) are shaped in such a way that in a radial outer zone of the filler, the apices of the triangular shaped filler strip are overlapped during the action of the pliers systems. An ancillary pliers system (24) compresses laterally the overlapped ends to effect the final splicing.

Abstract: A method of manufacture of a tire in which a carcass ply is formed by winding a continuous cord around a pair of spaced members to form a ply (31) having loops (36) at its edges. The cord ply is rubberized and support elements (32)(33) are located in the loops (36) to form a cylindrical ply having spaced hooped support elements at each ply edge. Bead wire assemblies (40) and (41) are located coaxially of the ply together with the support elements which are subsequently incorporated in the bead wire assemblies.There is also provided a tire building former on which the above method can be performed. The former (100) comprises at least three coaxial discs (101), (102), (106) for supporting a carcass ply 30 on their radially outer surfaces. The central disc (106) is axially movable between the two other discs so as to support a portion of an elastomeric ply (103) helically wound onto the former (100) from a strip (1040.

Abstract: A tire carcass building drum is provided adjacent its ends with a shoe movable axially thereto which comprises a main shoe and a secondary shoe rotatably mounted by bearings on the main shoe. The secondary shoe is provided with turn-up bladders thereon, which bladders function to turn over extended ply ends around bead assemblies placed on other components of a tire carcass being assembly on the drum. The secondary shoe further includes a toe surface engageable with the ends of the drum to thereby render the bladder members rotatable with the drum surface. These bladders also provide a support for ply ends against which the consolidating and stitching rollers can act to smooth and press together the ply materials.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a green tire on a curving apparatus that includes a fixing head system having two rotatable and axially movable, one-piece bead-holding disks are provided. The bead-holding disks are swiveled about an axis perpendicular to their axis of rotation. The essentially cylindrical carcass member is disposed on the bead-holding disks concentric to their axis of rotation. The bead-holding disks are subsequently swiveled back into a position vertical to their axis of rotation. After the carcass is fixed on the disks, it is curved into a belt unit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vulcanizing pneumatic vehicle tires having heads that in the mounted state are disposed on the radially inner periphery of a rim. In order for such tires to achieve a satisfactorily contoured vulcanization, and in order at the same time to produce sealing surfaces with great precision, the tire is vulcanized with its beads in their operating position. During the vulcanization, the radially outwardly disposed surfaces of the tire beads are shaped with the aid of rigid, one-piece, shaped molding rings.

Abstract: The described device comprises two primary pliers systems (2, 2a) arranged to engage through respective gripping elements (25, 26) the opposite ends of an elastomeric filler (45) applied on the radial outer peripheral of a bead core (46). The pliers systems are pivoted around an axis spaced from the center of the bead core, with respect to the convergence point of the V-shaped opening formed by the ends of the filler and are angularly moveable upon carrying out their movement, the pliers systems rotate with respect to the other according to an angulation greater than the value of the angle from by the ends of the filler and that the gripping means (25, 26) are shaped in such a way that in a radial outer zone of the filler, the ends are overlapped during the action of the pliers systems. An ancillary pliers system (24) compresses laterally the overlapped ends to effect the final splicing.

Abstract: The described device includes a bearing element positioned to engage a bead core and subjected to the action of a friction wheel acting in such a way as to make the bead core rotate around its own axis. Two pressure discs arranged specularly with respect to the lying median plane of the bead core act on opposite sides of a filler to apply the same on the outer peripheral chafer of the bead core while this latter is rotating. The pressure discs lie according to respective planes convergent toward the bead core and divergent in the sense of rotation of the bead core to favor the release of the filler from the pressure discs. The pressure discs are thrust on the filler through a pneumatic cylinder which exerts a constant force on an oscillating support according to an axis parallel to the bead core axis and bearing the discs themselves.

Abstract: In manufacture of an automobile tire, a method and a device for making a bead apex/bead ring assembly. More particularly, a method and a device for automatically applying an extruded belt-like rubber material generally referred to as "bead apex" or "bead filler" onto a core material referred to as "bead ring" which is previously mounted on a circular holding device referred to as "former" to make a bead ring/bead apex assembly. In the proposed method and device, the "apex" is drawn out from an extruder or a roll and fed to the "bead ring" and, then it is wound around and bonded to the outer periphery of the "bead ring" with rotation of the "former", and at least the leading end of the apex is caught and restrained by a holding device during at least a period from the start to the end of the apex applying process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retread curing ring apparatus for mounting on a tire retread assembly which comprises a tire carcass having a retread area, integral side walls with inner edges, a preformed tread strip positioned on the retread area, and a flexible envelope or bag surrounding the entire retread assembly. The retread curing ring apparatus is positioned adjacent to each side of the tire carcass. The curing ring apparatus comprises a circular body with a recess adjacent to its bottom edge and positioned in said recess a circular elastomeric gasket having a channel at its bottom edge for attachment to the curing ring. The gasket is prepared from a plastic or rubber material and comprises a plurality of circumferential ribs adjacent the bead of the tire carcass which enables the clamp assemblies mounted circumferentially on the curing ring to hold the curing ring and the tire assembly in an airtight engaged position during the retread process.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for applying a bead filler material to a bead wherein the bead filler material may be applied to the bead at an offset position to compensate for the stretching of the filler material as it is applied to the bead to afford a proper splice of the leading and trailing ends of the bead filler material.

Abstract: A method of producing a pneumatic vehicle tire, the beads of which can be mounted on the radially inner periphery of a rim, and are pivotably relative to the bead cores. A carcass along with the adjacent rubber layers, and the tire beads, with their pull and compression resistant cores, are combined on a drum to form an essentially cylindrical blank. What will later be the insides of the tire initially face radially outwardly, and the interfaces of the initially radially outwardly extending beads form an essentially right angle with the cylindrical surface of the blank. At least the bead regions of the tire blank are preliminarily vulcanized, whereupon the blank is turned in and has imparted thereto a toroidal shape. The blank is then provided with a tread strip, and is final-vulcanized.

Abstract: A bead seal ring for use in the retreading of radial tires by use of a bead sealing ring unit that provides positive mechanical pressure for sealing the curing envelope between the bead sealing ring unit and the bead area of the tire by a radial force. In its relaxed or initial condition, the bead sealing ring unit has a diameter smaller than the bead diameter of the tire. The bead sealing ring unit is placed into sealing position and then expanded by a locking device secured to a metal band which is part of the bead sealing ring unit.

Abstract: A tire carcass (55) is built on a generally cylindrical drum (10) rotatable about an axis (12) by applying green tire components (50) to the cylindrical surface (14) and curved shoulder surfaces (32,34) of the drum (10). The radially inner surfaces (58) of the lower sidewalls (56) of the tire carcass (55) are formed on the surfaces (32,34) of the curved shoulders (28,30) which have a curvature which can be generated as a segment of a conic section which is at an angle other than a right angle to the axis of a cone. The curvature for each of the lower sidewall inner surfaces (58) as measured along a line of intersection (36) of a shoulder surface (32,34) of the drum (10) and a radial plane (A--A) containing the drum axis (12) is decreased from positions (38) adjacent the axially outer edges (40) of the drum (10) to positions (42) on the cylindrical surface (14 ) of the drum.

Abstract: A bead lock device comprises mutually separable and engageable shafts, and a pair of left and right bead lock members consisting of a plurality of segments, each segment having one end pivoted to the shafts and the other end adapted to expand in diameter in the radial direction and to hold the bead portion of a green tire case in substantially circular form. A slide member capable of moving in the radial direction of the shafts is provided and is connected to the segments through a link member for expanding and contracting the diameter of the segments in the radial direction through a link mechanism. A mechanism for moving the slide member in the direction of an expansion in diameter is provided for the segments and also provided is a mechanism for moving the segments in the direction of contraction in diameter of said segments.

Abstract: A continuously operating bead filler assembly system for forming filler material on top of a tire bead includes a multiple station assembly machine having at least one station for placing the bead and positioning the filler material in cylindrical form adjacent the bead and at least one station for forming and rotating the filler material on top of the bead. The multiple station assembly machine is used in conjunction with a rubber extruder, which continuously extrudes the filler material onto an accumulator, which delivers the filler material to a cutting and measuring device which cuts the filler material in predetermined lengths for deposit of the filler material in cylindrical form onto accumulator station.

Abstract: A collapsible tire building drum having a collapsible central cylindrical portion composed of a plurality of drum segments. The outer laterally spaced edges of the drum segments are grooved for connecting annular rings to the respective edges. Each of the annular rings is composed of a plurality of arcuate segments whose profile is the same at the juncture with the drum segments but tapers radially outwardly and upwardly and then curves downwardly and inwardly to provide an off-set under cut portion.

Abstract: To "set" the relative angular disposition of cords in plural inextensible belts on an inflated green tire carcass before it is cured in a mold, a roller is provided which momentarily presses a belt upon the carcass, thus "printing" the belt thereon at a fixed distance from the longitudinal axis of the carcass, and thereafter releases the belt. The carcass is inflated into a toroidal shape so that a point on the circumference of the carcass is at a predetermined inflated distance from the longitudinal axis of the carcass. The roller is placed on each belt to be "set" so that the roller contacts each belt prior to printing it on the carcass. The roller biases each belt on the carcass toward its (the carcass') longitudinal axis, and it is essential that the distance between the bottom surface of the roller and the longitudinal axis of the inflated carcass is maintained constant while each belt is in contact with the roller.