Abstract: A cold recapping method using a rubber bonding composition on each of a group of tires and a precured tread strip wrapped around each tire has each tire mounted on a rim and enclosed in a flexible curing envelope which extends radially inwardly over the sidewalls of the tire. The group of tires is assembled in side by side relationship with the envelopes held between the sidewalls of adjacent tires.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is shown for simultaneously retreading all of the tires in a stack of rubber tires that have been placed in an autoclave or the like. Each of the tires is covered respectively with a precured tread and enclosing envelope having a U-shaped cross section that surrounds the periphery of the tire to be retreaded, the inner edges of the respective envelopes being pressed to seal against the rims or shoulders of the tires. Proper sealing of the edges of the U-shaped envelopes against the sides of the tires is effected by compressing the stack against a back-up means adjustably supported on and locked in position on a post that extends centrally through the stack. The improved means for producing compression in the tire stack includes an inflatable tire means that surrounds the post to press the stack against the back-up means.

Abstract: A retreaded belted tire and a method and apparatus for use in preparing same. The tire is prepared for retreading by removing a portion of the existing crown area rubber material so as to leave not greater than a predetermined amount of rubber material lying radially outward of the belt structure. New tread rubber material of uniform thickness throughout its length and width is added to the prepared tire and the assembly is cured under heat and pressure. When the newly added tread material is unvulcanized rubber, the assembly is cured in a mold having a crown area profile complementary to that of the prepared tire.

Abstract: Precise positioning and securement of annular envelope-sealing members in desired relationship with a rim-mounted tire, having a replacement tread strip and a flexible impervious envelope thereon, are achieved by mating screw-threaded members carried by and extending axially of the tire-mounting rim and each of the annular members. The screw-threaded means carried by the tire-mounting rim may be and preferably is fixedly connected thereto when the rim is of a two-part type used for curing purposes, and may be releasably connected to a tire-mounting rim of a unitary cylindrical type such as is employed for the vehicular mounting of a truck tire.

Abstract: A method for recapping a solid tire with precured tread rubber is disclosed. The method comprises preparing a used solid tire for recapping, including buffing down the tire to remove the old tread and to prepare the surface; applying intermediate bonding material including cushion gum; adding precured padding stock for a base layer where needed; applying and splicing together the precured tread rubber strip; placing wicking material across the tread rubber surface, for air bleeding; enveloping the tire; placing the enveloped tire assembly in a curing module having annular sealing means that can be pressed against the envelope at both tire sidewalls to form a sealed space around the envelope; and supplyng heat and pressure in the space to press the envelope and tread rubber against the tire carcass while curing the internal layer(s) of bonding material, thereby securing the layers together and forming an integral retreaded tire.

Abstract: A method wherein uncured urethane formulations are bonded to a cured rubber or synthetic rubber substrate in such a manner so as to provide greater bonding strength than has been achieved previously in urethane formulation bonding to rubber or synthetic rubber.

Abstract: A precured tire tread for use in retreading tires contoured to have a flat road-contacting tread surface when applied to the casing.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for recapping tires, particularly of the type used on off-the-road vehicles. Rubber strips are applied to the prepared tread surface of the tire to "smooth" the tire, after which the tire is disposed on a roller assembly to cut i.e., "groove" a tread design in the tire. The roller assembly is hydraulically displaced to dispose the tire in a pit and is rotated for indexing the tire to groove the circumference thereof. A grooving blade is heated to a controlled temperature and is hydraulically pulled across the tread surface to cut the tread grooves.

Abstract: An elongate elastomeric tread strip having a contoured tread face of at least two ribs and an intervening valley is applied to a peripheral tread supporting surface of a pneumatic tire carcass by laying the flat back of one end portion of at least one such strip against and generally tangent to the tread supporting surface of the carcass, and rotating the carcass to wrap the tread strip therearound while stitching the strip to the carcass by pressingly engaging the contoured face of the tread strip with a contoured roller defining a moving contoured surface whose contour at least substantially matches that of the tread strip. The method and apparatus also provide for subjecting the tread strip to a rapidly vibrating force to aid further in causing the strip to uniformly contact the tire carcass throughout the width of the tread strip being applied to the carcass.

Abstract: An endless tread assembly is fabricated on a ring having grooves and ridges which mold the radially inward surface of the tread assembly. The ring is a thin walled cylinder having a single slit or gap. The tread assembly on the ring is suspended by rotatable wheels rollable on the inward surface of the ring, so as to position an arcuate portion of the ring and tread assembly between a fixed press arm and a single movable heated press mold shoe operable to mold about a 40 degree arc of the tread assembly between the shoe and the ring backed by the press arm. Lugs on the inward surface of the ring cooperate with a latch fixed on the press arm to index selected increments of the tread assembly and ring between the press arm and mold segment. After all arcuate increments of the tread assembly have been molded and cured, the ring is opened at the gap and then simply flexed to reduce its diameter sufficiently to remove the cured tread assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and processes for the production of a continuous rubber strip which is molded with surface designs, such as tire treads, in the uncured state and then cured, after removal from the mold, by heat or radiation is disclosed. In the apparatus the extruded rubber strip is passed between cooperating mold segments carried by respective endless belts which, along with related components, apply suitable temperatures and pressures to the strip to produce the surface designs. The molded uncured rubber strip is removed from the molds and then completely cured by radiation and/or heat. Process embodiments are also disclosed wherein partial curing of the rubber while in the molding apparatus is performed.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a radial carcass and at least two plies of steel cord belts as constituents of the reusable tire body has recap components that include an unvulcanized reinforcement belt having rubberized textile cord elements oriented parallel with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire. The textile cord reinforcement belt is wound around the tire under tension and an unvulcanized tread strip is applied thereover. Subsequent vulcanization assures a firm bond between the recap components and the used tire body.

Abstract: A rim for temporary support of a tire carcass in an inflated condition, and for slow rotation, during application of tread rubber, consists of two airtight discs adjustably mounted on a power driven shaft, one disc having a fixed bead seat and the other disc having a removable bead seat. The space between the bead seats is bridged by telescoping supports, and a safety lock is provided.

Abstract: Tire casings are retreaded with precured tread strips in a heated pressure vessel provided with pressure connections which effect simultaneous inflation of the tires and pressurization of the vessel while maintaining tire pressure above vessel pressure. Subsequently a pressure relief system permits the tires to exhaust faster than the vessel. Each tire is prepared for retreading by applying a bonding medium between the tire periphery and the retread strip and wrapping the resulting assembly with a fluid impervious flexible cover. Tread stabilization rings, wick material and non-stick polymer film may be inserted between the tread strip and the cover.

Abstract: Tire casings are retreaded with precured tread strips in a heated pressure vessel provided with pressure connections which effect simultaneous inflation of the tires and pressurization of the vessel while maintaining tire pressure above vessel pressure. Subsequently a pressure relief system permits the tires to exhaust faster than the vessel. Each tire is prepared for retreading by applying a bonding medium between the tire periphery and the retread strip and wrapping the resulting assembly with a fluid impervious flexible cover. Tread stabilization rings, wick material and non-stick polymer film may be inserted between the tread strip and the cover.

Abstract: A method of applying a tread band to a tire carcass includes the steps of placing a pre-vulcanized tread band on the inner surface of a resiliently flexible tread band holder and deforming the band holder inwardly to contact the tread band with a tire carcass. The deformation is carried out using inflatable air bags on the outer surface of the tread band holder. The deformation shortens the periphery of the tread band and produces a compressive stress in the band, which is retained in the band after bonding to the tire carcass.

Abstract: Tread stock is partially cured by irradiation before assembly in the tire, so as to shorten the curing time of the tire in the mold and thereby create substantial savings.Tires are retreaded by applying ribbons of tread stock over the carcass prepared in any conventional manner, and then completing the cure without the use of a mold.Curing or partial curing may be effected by electron irradiation or other irradiation which changes the molecular structure of the rubber. Progressive irradiation is disclosed by which an object is repeatedly irradiated to attain a desired cure. Shielding of one or more portions of a green tire or tire element is disclosed to prevent the irradiation from curing the shielded rubber. Other methods of curing may be preferable in some operations.Curing (1) a portion of the area of tread stock and (2) curing a portion of the thickness of tread stock are disclosed herein.

Abstract: A flexible envelope having a central portion overlying a replacement tread strip upon the tire to be retreaded has marginal edge portions overlying bands of cushion gum material upon opposite sidewalls of the tire. During the initial phase of subsequently-ensuing treatment of the aforesaid tire assembly within a heated pressure chamber, the bands of cushion gum material undergo plastic flow and create fluid-tight sealed relationships between the overlying marginal edge portions of the envelope and the underlying tire sidewalls. The bands are removed from the tire sidewalls and envelope after completion of the chamber-treatment of the assembly, and preferably before cooling thereof to ambient room temperature.

Abstract: Precured tread stock for retreading tires and a method of applying such a tread to a prepared tire carcass. The new tread stock has a circumferential groove at each side in which non-expansible rings are seated during curing to force the tread stock into firm engagement with the tire carcass. The area in which the ring is seated is subsequently trimmed off.

Abstract: A kettle having a chamber sealed from the ambient atmosphere and designed to receive a plurality of tires retreaded with precured treads. Steam and air are supplied to the chamber in such a way that they are thoroughly mixed within the chamber to eliminate any hot or cold spots previously encountered in devices wherein the steam and air are each supplied to the chamber through a single inlet.

Abstract: A process and a rubber-base bonding material in the form of a preformed strip for retreading vehicle tires using a prevulcanized tread and microwave heating for vulcanizing and binding the bonding strip to the tire carcass and to the tread is disclosed, wherein a bonding strip is used whose dielectric loss factor at the vulcanizing (retreading) temperature is higher than the loss factor of the prevulcanized tread, so that the microwave heat applied will be concentrated to the bonding strip and vulcanize the same providing satisfactory adhesion between carcass and tread without the already prevulcanized tread being destroyed or significantly reduced in quality due to the effect of the excess heat.

Abstract: A device for simultaneously supporting a tire which is to be recapped and for applying hermetically against the sidewalls of said tire a flexible sheathing which is connected to a source of vacuum comprises support means for supporting the tire by its beads and for varying the distance between the beads; annular means intended to be applied against the flexible sheathing in the region of the sidewalls of the tire; bearing means supporting both said support means and said annular means, said bearing means facing each other with an adjustable axial distance between them; and connecting means connecting said bearing means to each other and making it possible to vary the distance between said bearing means.

Abstract: The invention relates to the retreading of rubber tires wherein a prevulcanized tread is applied to a tire carcass with an interposed vulcanizable bonding layer. The tread and at least the adjacent part of the carcass are enclosed within a close fitting flexible envelope and the resulting blank is subjected to a pressure- and heat-treatment in an autoclave to bond the tread to the carcass. The invention resides in the construction and use of an envelope which is associated with an adjacent reservoir within the autoclave, preferably between the envelope and tire, for the accumulation of possible gaseous inclusions between the inside of the envelope and the blank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an apparatus for assembling and bonding a pre-cured tread strip to the carcass of a new tire or the casing of a tire to be retreaded wherein the tread is preheated and that heat is utilized to assist in the final bonding of the tread to the carcass. A heated drum is utilized, with the tread being wrapped around the periphery thereof and brought to an elevated temperature following which a roller type transfer mechanism is used to transfer the tread to a tire support and assembly apparatus where a stitcher and locking and sealing ring temporarily secure the tread to the periphery of the carcass with previously applied cushion gum material sandwiched therebetween. A shifting mechanism is then activated to transfer the tire and the tire support and assembly apparatus to a curing chamber where the tread is engaged by a heated belt which, together with the residual heat in the tread, serves to complete bonding of the tread to the carcass.

Abstract: Renewal of the running surface of a worn pneumatic or solid rubber tire, in which a layer of bonding rubber is applied to the prepared body of the tire and to the interior of a prefabricated precured rubber tread ring has gaseous inclusions between the applied layers led away and the assembly prepared in this way is heated in an autoclave for vulcanizing the layer of bonding rubber. The tread ring directly before applying it to the body is stretched very hard in a simple stretching mechanism so that when the tread ring is removed from the stretching mechanism a free stretch of about three to four percent remains temporarily. This allows the freed but stretched tread ring to be slipped over the body without further auxiliary means retaining the ring stretched and the ring to be arranged in exact correlation with the circumference of the body. The free stretch rapidly and continuously reduces to about one percent permanent stretch.

Abstract: A method of retreading a pneumatic tire. The tire casing is buffed to a predetermined profile to remove the old tread. A cushion layer having an integral belt disposed therein is wrapped circumferentially around the casing and attached thereto. A precured tread having an integral belt disposed therein is wrapped circumferentially over the cushion and attached to the casing and cushion. The tire is cured to form a unitary structure.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire having a radial carcass and at least two plies of steel cord belts as constituents of the reusable tire body has recap components that include an unvulcanized reinforcement belt having rubberized textile cord elements oriented parallel with respect to the equatorial plane of the tire. The textile cord reinforcement belt is wound around the tire under tension and an unvulcanized tread strip is applied thereover. Subsequent vulcanization assures a firm bond between the recap components and the used tire body.

Abstract: The invention provides for the retreading of tires in which the tire casing is stressed by fluid pressure inside the casing so that the casing is in a stressed condition when a new tread is applied thereto. The tire casing is stressed by positioning it on a rim and providing fluid pressure in the cavity between the rim and the casing with or without employing an expandible tube in the cavity.

Abstract: A tire having a layer of uncured rubber in its tread portion is fitted to a hub and an annular protective chain is placed over the uncured rubber. The tire is inflated and the protective chain is tensioned by chains connected to the lateral edges of the chain and extending radially inwardly to the axis of and axially away from the central plane of the tire by means of a telescopic jack aligned with the axis of the tire. The tire is vulcanised by sealably enclosing it in a cover, venting the space between the cover and tire, and curing the rubber in an autoclave in which the tire is a loose fit.

Abstract: The specification discloses a method and system for retreading tires wherein an uncured gum layer disposed between a vehicle tire carcass and a pre-cured tire tread is vulcanized by RF energy. An annular air bladder is received within the tire carcass and includes an annular conductive grounding strip. A hub is received within the center opening of the tire carcass and connects to the grounding strip. A chamber capable of withstanding high pressures is dimensioned to receive the tire carcass. A shaft is horizontally rotatably disposed in the chamber and is adapted to connect to the hub. Drive structure extends through the wall of the chamber in order to rotate the shaft at a predetermined speed. A source of pressure is provided for pressurizing the interior of the chamber. An RF antenna extends from the chamber to a position adjacent the tire tread when the tire carcass is mounted for rotation about the shaft. A source of RF energy is located outside the chamber.

Abstract: A plurality of solid tires are retreaded simultaneously in a stacked configuration in an autoclave or the like. Each tire periphery is provided with a U-shaped cover which engages and seals with the rims or shoulders of the tire. The sealing is effected by placing rigid plates between tires and compressing the stack vertically with an internal tension device, the edges of the envelopes being compressed between the plates and the respective tire rims or shoulders.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a novel process of and molds for applying rubber, preferably precured rubber, to tires and other objects, wherein in a preferred form of the invention a generally annular matrix is provided defined by a pair of relatively movable annular matrix portions, the pair of movable annular matrix portions defining an annular housing in a closed position thereof in which a tire is adapted to be retreaded, a bladder within the housing, the bladder including opposite annular edges, means for securing both annular edges to but one of the matrix portions whereby the bladder and the one matrix portion define a pressurization chamber, and means for pressurizing the interior of the chamber augmented by ancillary heating to achieve retreading of the tire.

Abstract: A method for retreading a tire carcass having an arcuate crown with a transversely flat, prevulcanized profiled tread comprising applying the tread to the crown of the carcass with an intermediate layer of unvulcanized bonding rubber therebetween thereby deforming the tread to conform to the crown while preventing the occlusion of air between the tread and carcass, securing an elastic, pressure-permeable fabric or elastomeric stressing belt annularly around the assembled tread and carcass and vulcanizing the intermediate layer of bonding rubber by applying heat and pressure while preventing deformation of the carcass, slippage or raised edges of the tread and uneven distribution of the bonding rubber layer. Also disclosed are a stressing belt and an autoclave structure and method of autoclave operation for use in the above-described method.

Abstract: A pre-cured tread stock for re-capping a vehicle tire and a method for retaining the tread tightly in place on the peripheral surface of the tire casing during the curing of the tread onto the casing under heat and pressure. The tread cross-section includes a central portion and a longitudinally extending groove at each side near the respective edge or "wing," the grooves extending circumferentially around the tire casing when the tread is wrapped around and "stitched" to the casing. The grooves are of such shape that when the tread is laterally curved to fit a buffed tire casing, the outer and lower sides of the grooves extend generally upwardly in a hook-shaped profile.

Abstract: An improved method of manufacturing or retreading pneumatic tires is disclosed wherein a precured tread component is bonded to a tire carcass or casing primarily by utilization of the residual heat in the precured tread component. The method includes the steps of molding or vulcanizing the tread in an apparatus such as a mold or other conventional type device designed to form and vulcanize a tire tread with or without the tread design. The method also includes providing the new tire carcass in finished form or a buffed casing, except for the tread, and conveying the precured tread at an elevated temperature to the tire carcass and applying the same thereon. In applying the tread to the carcass, the carcass is mounted on a mechanism capable of rotating the tire and precisely guiding the heated tread onto the carcass, and also includes stitching the tread to the carcass and using an intermediate bonding medium which is known in the trade as cushion rubber.

Abstract: A method for repairing or retreading a vehicle tire comprising the steps of filling a repair region with vulcanisable rubber, covering the repair region with a flexible cover attached around its edges to the tire with an adhesive, piercing the cover with a suction needle at points where air or other gases have accumulated, sealing of the openings made by the needle, and heating the repair region to vulcanize the repair rubber.

Abstract: The apparatus is used for tire-retreading of the type wherein a flexible impervious covering encloses a replacement tread strip encircling the tire and is subjected to a pressure-differential so as to maintain firm engagement between the strip and the tire during bonding of the former to the latter within a heated pressure chamber. The apparatus includes at least one such cover or shroud member whose marginal edge portions overlie opposite sidewalls of the tire and are maintained in fluid-tight, sealed relationship therewith by first and second disc-like members which overlie respective ones of the envelope edge portions and the tire sidewalls and which are urged toward each other by releasable clamping means innerconnecting their radially-innermost portions and extending generally axially through the rim-mounted tire. The replacement tread strip may be formed either of precured rubber or of rubber which is cured during the retreading operation, and the tire may be either of a pneumatic type or a solid type.

Abstract: A method of retreading a radial tire whose belts are damaged and require removal. A narrow, inextensible band is centrally disposed around the outer periphery of the tire after the worn tread and damaged belts have been removed. The band restricts expansion of the tire to a diameter correlated to the diameter of the tire when newly molded and vulcanized.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of recapping tires. The tire to be recapped is placed within an envelope with the recap thereabout. A hose runs from inside the envelope to outside the tank in which the tire is placed. Hot water is pumped into the air-tight tank. The rising air and water pressure force the air out of the envelope and press the envelope firmly against the recapped tire to hold the recap securely in place. As water leaks in the envelope cause rejects, the present method advances the art by allowing for an early detection of leaks in the envelope. As well, the usual methods remove the air from the envelope by creating a vacuum in the tank. This method uses the simpler process of creating a higher pressure in the tank to force the air out of the envelope.

Abstract: The invention is a replacement tread for installation on a tire casing and the method of installing the tread. The replacement tread includes an endless, pre-molded central tread portion having a relaxed diameter less than the inflated diameter of the tire casing. Integral shoulder wings extend downwardly from the central tread portion and define a circular bottom edge. The shoulder wings bias the bottom edges against the tire casing effecting a seal.To install the replacement tread, the tread area of the tire casing is prepared and the tire casing inflated. The replacement tread is expanded and released onto the tire casing. Tension forces hold the replacement tread closely against the tire casing. The tread is stitched under pressure forces to remove entrapped air and to effect a fluid seal between the shoulder wings and the tire casing. Finally, the replacement tread and the tire casing assembly is cured or bonded.

Abstract: A method and system for applying at least one thick sheet of uncured rubber as a layer about the periphery of a buffed tire carcass and "sticking" the layer thereto by pressure applied from the crown of the tire outward as the tire is rotated. A tread design is formed in the rubber layer by at least one heated cutter which is prealigned with the tire carcass and is limited to impovement along a predetermined path for each of a plurality of angularly indexed tire positions. After tread formation the layer is vulcanized onto the tire carcass by the application of heat and pressure and the rubber cut from the layer is reused in forming a sheet of rubber for another tire tread.

Abstract: Tire casings are retreaded with precured tread strips in a heated pressure vessel provided with pressure connections which effect simultaneous inflation of the tires and pressurization of the vessel while maintaining tire pressure above vessel pressure. Subsequently a pressure relief system permits the tires to exhaust faster than the vessel. Each tire is prepared for retreading by applying a bonding medium between the tire periphery and the retread strip and wrapping the resulting assembly with a fluid impervious flexible cover. Tread stabilization rings, wick material and non-stick polymer film may be inserted between the tread strip and the cover.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a mold particularly adapted for applying pre-cured tread rubber to a tire, the mold including a pair of generally annular mold bodies which collectively define a chamber adapted to receive a tire, the mold bodies being capable of relative axial adjustment whereby axial dimensions of the chamber may be varied to accomodate tires of different widths, an annular band for locking the mold bodies to each other at a particular position of axial relative adjustment, and axially shiftable means for maintaining the mold bodies at a desired position of relative axial adjustments.Preferably an annular resilient rubber or like envelope surrounds the tire as well as its sidewalls to prevent steam or an equivalent heating medium from permeating between the tire and the pre-cured rubber glue thereto.

Abstract: Improved apparatus is disclosed for bonding tread material to tire carcasses utilizing a flexible heat conducting belt one end of which is secured to the tread and the remaining length thereof encircles the periphery of the tread and, by virtue of its heat conducting properties, assists in the bond of the tread to the tire carcass. The flexibility of the belt, as contrasted to a rigid matrix, for example, also permits the belt to conform to the tread configuration. One form of the invention disclosed also includes a second belt laminated to the first and having more strength so that the required pressure to assist in the curing operation can be accomplished without using a conventional pressure chamber. A further form of the invention discloses a laminated metallic type belt which again has one end secured to the tread and is wrapped about the periphery of the assembled tire.

Abstract: A resilient mold and a method for retreading tires using such mold which has an inner face of a normal, unstretched diameter which is smaller than the outer diameter of a tire tread. The mold is in the shape of a ring and has, on its inner side or face, an embossing pattern which applies a tread design to a vulcanizable rubber band previously applied to a tire body. The ring mold is first expanded and then fitted over the tire body and the so-applied vulcanizable band and, thereafter, the ring mold is allowed to contract responsive to its inherent tension. The ring mold, thus fitted over the tread band, is centered on the body while the tire is rotated. This whole unit is then heated to a temperature which converts the tread band into a plastic form and embosses the tread design from the ring mold onto the tread band, which is vulcanized and bonded to the tire body.

Abstract: For securing together elastomeric substrates in surface-to-surface contact an adhesive for interposing between the substrates includes elastomer, a prepolymer or a polymerizable monomer, and a graft initiator. Molecular grafting occurs between the elastomer of the adhesive and the elastomer of both of the substrates, and after curing the layer of adhesive forms an integral assembly with the substrates, to result in a bonding strength which is much higher than is obtainable with known surface adhesives. The adhesive is of particular utility in bonding new tread bands to tire casings in the re-capping of used automobile tires.

Abstract: A strip of rubber base bonding material for use in cold bonding a prevulcanized tread strip to a tire contains both a low-temperature vulcanizing agent and accelerators. The bonding material is compounded by a special technique which stabilizes the vulcanizing agent and the accelerator thereby avoiding prevulcanization during storage. In use the bonding material is interposed between the tread strip and the tire, and the assembly is heated to less than about 300.degree. F under pressure to effect vulcanizing of the bonding material.

Abstract: A retread envelope press, seamless retread envelope, and method for manufacturing said seamless retread envelope are described as facilitating the production of superior retreaded or recapped tires. In particular, a seamless elastomeric compression-formed envelope is described which is formed and cured in a configuration having a U-shaped radial cross section. The envelope of the present invention also has a rip-resistant bead disposed along its peripheral edges. In manufacturing the envelope, an uncured chloro-butyl rubber slug of appropriate volume is placed in an annular compression chamber defined between two platens. As the platens are moved from a first feed position to a second forming position, the volume of the compression chamber is reduced and the elastomeric slug material is forced around a radially symmetrical core.

Abstract: A machine for retreading worn-out pneumatic tires comprises a chuck which is adapted to support a tire to be retreaded, an arrangement for rotating the tire, a peeling arrangement for removing the worn-out tread, a finishing arrangement for preparing the surface of the carcass for application of a new tread ring thereto, an arrangement for expanding the new ring and positioning the same on the carcass, and an arrangement for pressing the positioned tread ring against the tire, all of the arrangements being mounted on a common support with said chuck either axially or radially of the same for selective sequential movement toward and away from the tire to be retreaded.

Abstract: A wide range wheel chuck in which three wheel engaging chucks are disposed on the ends of three lever arms. The lever arms are rotatably journaled at the other end to a stationary base and at a point intermediate their ends to a base that is rotatable with respect to the stationary base. Relative movement between the bases results in simultaneous equal radial motion of the chuck jaws at the first ends of the lever arms.