Abstract: A thin, membrane-like cylindrical rubber tire curing bladder is provided with reinforcing cords wound in parallel spiral paths at any composite angle to the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. When installed on the centerpost mechanism of a tire curing press and inflated in the curing process, the bladder length increases due to partial and reversible straightening of the spirally wound cord reinforcement. This permits optimum fit of the bladder in the tire being cured with uniform controlled growth of the membrane. Longer service life of the bladder is thereby achieved. The bladder is a good heat conductor inherent to its thin matrix, unlike previously known curing bladders.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for installing sidewall replacement members on a used tire carcass by attaching sidewall members to the pre-buffed and cement coated sidewalls of the tire carcass, covering each sidewall member with a flexible sidewall mold, placing a flexible curing envelope around said tire carcass including the sidewall molds and sealing the envelope in the bead area of the tire carcass. The envelope covered tire carcass is then placed in a curing chamber at a preselected temperature and pressures for time period sufficient to cure said sidewall members and bond them on said tire carcass. The sidewall members can be installed in conjunction with the installation of tread rubber on the tire.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a rubber double-toothed belt wherein the unvulcanized rubber thereof is firstly heat treated so as to define a first toothed portion of the belt without substantial vulcanization thereof. The preform is then entrained about pulleys and a pair of heated molds engaged with both the toothed portion and the nontoothed outer portion of the belt to place the preform under pressure at a vulcanization temperature for sufficient time to cause the outer rubber portion of the preform to flow outwardly and define the outer teeth of the final belt concurrently with the vulcanization of the double-toothed belt construction. The parameters for controlling the heat treatment to provide the configurational retention without substantial vulcanization of the preform rubber are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a composite material wherein the element used to reinforce the composite material is subjected to an electrostatic field induced by a high voltage electric current, said element being then impregnated with a liquid matrix material or precursor of matrix, while still under the influence of said field, and to the composite materials obtained by carrying out said process, notably vulcanized products, in particular vehicle tires, ceramics and electrodes.

Abstract: The heat-sink capacity of a thick-walled article being cured with a hot liquid supplying heat to one side of the wall, allows the point of least cure (PLC) to receive a higher rate of cure equivalents even after the hot liquid is replaced with a cold liquid. In the mean while, on the other side of the wall continues to be heated. Because such a change-over is effected before the PLC has received the minimum number of cure equivalents required to effect a cure at the PLC (a "pre-cure change-over"), a valving arrangement is provided which allows the changeover to be effected without permitting a pressure drop in the bladder sufficient to permit the tire to "blow" because it is as yet uncured when the change-over is effected. Such a pre-cure change-over cannot be made when steam is replaced with water at ambient temperature.

Abstract: A loading process for a heated tire press is described herein in which a loader takes an unfinished tire from an unfinished tire stand and puts it between the tire forming pieces of the tire press. This loader travels with folded-in clamp jaws into the inside of the unfinished tire from below, engages it with extended clamp jaws inside of the upper bead from below, transports it in this position to the upper tire forming piece and raises it until its upper bead presses against the upper rim ring on the upper tire forming piece. The upper bead is held there by an auxiliary bellows, retaining fastener or the like. Subsequently the clamp jaws are folded in again and the loader retracted.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for vulcanizing pneumatic vehicle tires where the tire beads, in the mounted state, are disposed on the radially inner periphery of a rim next to the essentially radially inwardly extending rim flanges. In order to obtain tires having a long service life and tire beads with a good sealing quality, it is proposed that the tire be vulcanized in essentially the proper contour for operation. Two, respectively radially segmented, bead-forming rings that have a variable diameter and can be displaced axially are provided. For the purpose of vulcanizing the sealing surfaces disposed in the interior of the tire so that these surfaces will rest on the rim in an airtight manner, the bead-forming rings are introduced, in a radially retracted state, into the interior of the tire blank, whereby at least one of the tire beads is ovally deformed.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the continuous production of articles or coatings with contours wherein a liquid material is introduced at one end into the mold cavity formed between at least two travelling continous shaping faces, said material being cured in the mold cavity and subsequently removed from the mold, characterized in that (i) the travelling faces are moved downwards at least in the region of the material feed, (ii) the stream of material supplied is moved to and fro transversely to the direction of advance of the faces, and (iii) the quantity of material supplied is controlled so as to fill the mold cavity with a uniform coating and an apparatus for use therein.

Abstract: A reinforcement ply intended for use in a tire is characterized by the fact that the reinforcement ply is formed, at least in part, of a fabric having the following properties: (a) the fabric comprises a three-dimensional body and reinforcement threads arranged in the body and held by the body; and (b) practically all the voids in the fabric are capable of being impregnated with at least one material which forms part of the structure of the tire. The invention also relates to these plies which are impregnated with at least one material which forms part of the structure of the tires. The invention further relates to tires having at least one reinforcement ply, as well as to the methods for obtaining such tires.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for making vehicle tires comprising filling a pair of discrete annular tire sidewall molds with uncured sidewall compound bringing the sidewall molds into contact, one on either side of a preshaped green tire carcass, positioning the assembly of sidewall molds and tire carcass in a tire curing mold, curing the tire and removing it from the curing mold and the sidewall mold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for building a tire comprising fitting a patterned cavity of a tread mould with unvulcanized tread composition, shaping the radially inner surface of the tread to a first profile to accommodate a tread reinforcement breaker, consolidating the assembly and shaping its radially inner surface to a second profile, fitting a tire carcass into the second profile, completing the tire assembly, vulcanizing the assembly in the tread mould and removing it from the mould. The method includes various means for fitting the components for consolidating them and for forming the required profiles for subsequent components.

Abstract: A method for consolidating an annular ring of uncured elastomeric material in a tread ring mould comprising a set of rigid segments in sliding end-to-end relationship to form a consolidation ring having a first small diameter for insertion of the segments into the elastomeric material in the tread mould and a second larger diameter at which the segments form a smooth, continuous consolidating surface, mechanical means for moving the segments from the first diameter substantially to the second diameter and a fluid pressure inflatable bag means which may be inflated behind the segments to apply consolidation force at the second diameter.

Abstract: A mould particularly as used in the manufacture of a product from elastomeric material which is required to be heated.Preferably the heating is carried out by means of an electric current which may be induced electromagnetically.The product may be a tire.

Abstract: A molding and/or vulcanizing press that is provided with two adjacent sites for containing two corresponding vulcanizing molds, each mold comprising at least two opposite sections, lower and upper sections respectively, that are reciprocally shiftable axially, defining a cavity inside which a product is molded and/or vulcanized, each section being mounted on corresponding tables. A device is provided for coupling the molds integral with a beam and a base and interposed respectively between the beam and an upper table and between the base and a lower table. The device is provided with coupling surfaces with corresponding matching surfaces provided on the tables for allowing each mold relative shifting between the closed and pressurized mold and a frame.

Abstract: A green tire vulcanizing press including a lower die having a heat source, an upper die capable of being opened and closed relative to the lower die and having a heat source, a shaping bladder received in a bladder well disposed in a central part of the lower die, and a hot pressure medium supplied into the bladder, the bladder well is made movable vertically and an upper clamp ring for the shaping bladder is held stationary while a lower clamp ring is provided vertically movably, whereby the shaping for a green tire as well as the separation of the bladder from the tire and removal of the tire after the vulcanizing press work are performed through vertical movements of the lower clamp ring and the bladder well under a fixed state of the upper clamp ring.

Abstract: A mold used for forming an elastomeric article such as a tire under heat and pressure is provided with small grooves at selected locations along the internal cavity walls to reduce or eliminate flash which customarily forms at these locations. Specifically, grooves are provided at the structural interfaces of replaceable mold components, such as tread and bead rings with cavity wall portions of the mold sections. The grooves operate to trap or collect elastomeric material extruded into the interfaces and provide a seal-like barrier to further flash.

Abstract: A tube assembly for use in a process of vulcanizing a pre-cured tread onto a tire casing is disclosed. The tube assembly includes an elastomeric tubular wall having an inner periphery with a protective non-woven fabric layer covering a major portion thereof. The fabric layer includes a plurality of polyester cords extending in parallel relation in a single ply elastomeric matrix. Longitudinal edges of the fabric are covered by thin strips of elastomer bonded to the fabric layer and the tube wall. Superimposed fabric reinforcing swatches are bonded to the fabric layer around the valve stem. The tube assembly is resistant to being damaged prematurely by the rim which supports the tire casing in the tread vulcanization process.

Abstract: A process for producing a clutch facing which comprises the steps of: impregnating inorganic fibers with a thermosetting resin; causing rubber composition sheets to adhere to the resin-impregnated inorganic fibers, said sheets having been obtained by causing organic fibers to add to a rubber composition as a processing aid and forming the resulting material into sheets; forming a preform therefrom; and molding the preform under heat and pressure.

Abstract: A method of forming a double timing belt wherein a belt preform is firstly formed with teeth on one face thereof. The opposite face of the belt in which the tensile cord is embedded is provided with oppositely projecting teeth in accurate alignment with the teeth of the preform by a successive molding of pluralities of such teeth to the opposite face, with the preform entrained about a pair of adjustably spaced toothed pulleys. Accurate uniform pitch line difference is maintained by providing shims between the mold and belt support during the molding of the second set of teeth to the preform. The mold and support are retained in accurate alignment by cooperating dowels and recesses on the support and mold members. Cooling devices are provided at opposite ends of the mold for preventing full vulcanization of the tooth rubber thereat.

Abstract: A tubular tire for cycles comprising a tubular toroidal body including an inner airtight tube to be inflated, the tire body or carcass being equipped, on the outer surface mating the wheel rim, with a rubberized tape having projecting portions such as profiles or prominences adapted to ensure a better engagement between the tire and the rim.The carcass is built by longitudinally joining together the edges of a rubberized fabric, the junction being radially external with respect to the tire and below the tread. The edges are joined either by overlapping or by abutment of the edges. In this latter case a reinforcement strip is provided between the carcass and the tread. An additional narrow strip protecting the junction is provided between the carcass and the inner or air tube.According to an embodiment the tire has a tunnel shaped cross-section obtained by suitably shaping the rubberized tape and the tire body when vulcanizing the tire.

Abstract: Tubeless tire curing rim apparatus having rim bodies which telescope together under spring pressure to form an initial seal between a tire bead and sealing rim flanges on the rim bodies and which telescope apart as the tire is inflated to form the conventional bead rim seal. The bead-to-bead spacing for the tire is adjustable by means of calibrated threaded rings on the rim bodies or by a means of calibrated threaded central column.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cold retreading or recapping of the running surface of a vehicle tire. A rubber, rope and cloth mold larger in diameter than the recap tires produced in it is produced utilizing a new tire male mold covered with perforated polypropylene film, uncured rubber with nylon rope at its edges and highly stretchable cloth enclosed in an envelope and cured by application of pressure and heat. A larger male mold is used to make the final female mold directly, or a like-size male mold is used to make an intermediate mold which is used to produce a tread ring that is stretched to form a larger diameter male mold from which a final mold is prepared. The somewhat flexible, compressible final female mold thus produced is then utilized in recapping tires by positioning it around a prepared tire carcass coated with cement, a layer of uncured rubber, and a sheet of perforated polypropylene film.

Abstract: The method of molding a pneumatic tire having a radially outer tread portion, a tire casing underlying the tread portion and a reinforcing cord belt interposed between the tread portion and casing in which the tread portion is spin cast and then partially cured in the mold, the reinforcing cord belt is then fastened to the tread portion, a core inserted in the mold and the tire casing spin cast and cured. The reinforcing cord belt may be adhered to the tread portion by staples or a skim coat adhesive to hold the belt in place during the spin casting of the tire casing.

Abstract: An elastomeric spring is formed by extruding a rubbery material into a reinforcing sleeve in a mold during relative motion between the mold and nozzle, and thereafter vulcanizing.

Abstract: A method for forming tires by the use of a tire-forming machine having a drum bladder and a turnup bladder. An organic halogen compound having in the molecule thereof a ##STR1## bond, in which X represents a halogen atom, is applied to the surfaces of the drum bladder and turnup bladder of the machine to form a layer of the organic halogen compound, whereby unvulcanized rubber for tires is prevented from sticking to said bladders during the formation of tires form the unvulcanized rubber.

Abstract: A novel pre-form for a fiber reinforced synthetic material vehicle wheel comprises:a substantially planar spider portion comprising sheet molding compound comprising randomly oriented fiber reinforced resin, substantially all of which fiber is from about 0.5 to 2 inches in length;a first tubular section comprising fiber reinforced resin sheet surrounding said spider portion about an axis substantially normal to the plane of said spider portion; anda second tubular section surrounding and substantially coaxial with said first tubular section comprising fiber reinforced resin sheet, said fiber reinforced resin sheet of said first and second tubular sections preferably comprising random, chopped fiber of about 0.5 to 2 inches length and continuous fiber in a ratio of about from 1:1 to 1:4, respectively. A novel fiber reinforced synthetic material wheel is made by compression molding said pre-form.

Abstract: A process for making a radial tire comprises steps of transforming a cylindrical tire carcass assembly into a toroidal shape, laying over a given number of belts, winding a plurality of synthetic fiber threads, laying over a tread cap, transforming the tire carcass assembly to such an extent that the upper surface thereof contacts substantially all over the lower surface of the belts, joining integrally these tire components to form a green tire, and subjecting the green tire to vulcanization in a vulcanizing mold.The synthetic fiber threads are wound over the belts in the circumferential direction with a space of 5 mm to 15 mm left between each adjacent thread in the range of more than 70% of the width of the belts.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for preheating and preforming a green tire prior to final vulcanization of the tire. The method includes the steps of supporting the beads of a green tire between a pair of relatively cool discs to form a tightly closed space, moving the discs toward each other until the tire has a shape substantially the same as the final tire shape, supplying the space with a thermal medium, and heating the medium and the tire to a temperature substantially lower than that at which the vulcanization starts but high enough to preform the tire. A coolant is passed through the parts of the discs which engage the tire beads to prevent overheating of the beads.

Abstract: This invention relates to reinforced tire utilizing polyurea or polyurethane formulations having low hysteresis. The polymer having low hysteresis is formed by reacting a prepolymer of an aromatic isocyanate and a high molecular weight difunctional polyol with a chain extender mix comprising an aromatic diamine and difunctional polyol. In these compositions the aromatic diisocyanate and aromatic diamine are selected so that there is substantial symmetry between the molecules. The reinforcement used is preferably an aromatic polyamide.

Abstract: In a method for controlling a tire vulcanization of a vulcanizing apparatus, an initial green tire temperature is measured before vulcanization and a tire temperature during vulcanization is estimated on the basis of the thus measured initial tire temperature. In addition, a sum of products of vulcanizing rates derived from the thus estimated tire temperature is calculated so as to stop the tire vulcanization when the sum of products of vulcanizing rates becomes equal to a predetermined value. Therefore, the vulcanizing rate controlling can be performed in an easy and accurate manner without measuring the tire temperature during vulcanization, and thus a trace of a thermometer insertion is not remained on the vulcanized tire surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for use in the manufacture of pneumatic tires, in which a pair of tire bead assemblies are held in accurately spaced relationship against opposite ends of a tube. Tire carcass material carried on an expansible former is located within the tube and expanded to engage the bead assemblies, projecting ends of the carcass material being turned radially outwardly around the bead assemblies while the bead assemblies are supported by the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for cold retreading of the running surface of a vehicle tire. A rubber and cloth mold is produced utilizing a new tire male mold covered with perforated polyethylene film, uncured rubber and highly stretchable cloth enclosed in an envelope and cured by application of pressure and heat. The somewhat flexible female mold thus produced is then utilized in recapping tires by positioning it around a prepared tire carcass coated with cement, a layer of uncured rubber, and a sheet of perforated polyethylene film. The mold and tire assembly is then enclosed in an envelope, and like assemblies are placed in a chamber where curing of the rubber layer is accomplished by inflation of the tire carcass, evacuation of the envelope, pressurization of the chamber and application of heat.

Abstract: A simple economical multistage vulcanization process is disclosed for producing premium anomaly-free tires wherein the inner liner or curing bladder is supplied with dead end water and steam sequentially in several stages at high pressures which assure thorough diffusion of entrapped air. The internal steam pressure is 250 to 300 psig in stage I to effect rapid heat transfer, the internal water pressure in stage II is from 300 to 450 psig, and the internal steam pressure is 250 psig or higher in the first part of stage III. The overall cycle time for curing radial passenger car tires in "Bag-O-Matic" presses is reduced one minute or more by using internal steam pressures from 250 to 300 psig in stage I and III and reducing the steam pressure near the end of stage III to boil off the residual water.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a method for producing reinforcement for cast tires and a method for the production of reinforced cast tires having bead rings, from castable elastomers, the tire inside the mold being restricted by a core during the formation, characterized in that before the toroidal tire core is installed into the mold, the reinforcement and the bead rings are applied thereto. First, the two bead wires are enclosed by a piece of cut fabric which is adapted to the size of the tire, the warp threads in the fabric running substantially perpendicular to the bead rings, then two sides of the fabric are joined, such that the jointure seam runs substantially parallel to the weft direction, as a result of which, both bead wires are connected via the piece of fabric.

Abstract: A vehicle tire crown portion 10 including a tread 11 is injection molded and prevulcanized in a closed annular mold cavity 17 defined by a segmented outer mold 16 clamped together by a locking ring 22 and a segmented core 19 pressed against the outer mold by upper and lower pressure plates 25, 26. The core is then removed by disassembling its segments, whereafter a carcass 14 and prevulcanized sidewalls 12, 13 are placed in the central portion of the mold on an inflatable air bag 38 flanked by lateral mold section 39, 40. The vulcanization of the tire assembly is then completed, during which the sidewalls are joined to the retained crown portion.

Abstract: When this airplane tire is mounted on its rim, its carcass reinforcement has a relative camber of convexity before inflation which is at most equal to 0.17 in the crown and at most equal to to 0.20 in the sidewalls. After inflation, the equilibrium curve of this carcass reinforcement is, at the level of the shoulders of the tire, located radially outwards of its equilibrium curve in the tire before inflation.The cables of the lateral plies of the tripartite crown reinforcement are very extensible and have a high coefficient of contraction under the heat at the temperature of vulcanization of the tire.

Abstract: A rubber article having an indicium on the surface of said article, characterized by said indicium having a surface of a first finish, the surface of said article substantially surrounds said indicium having a second finish which is different from said first finish such that a readily visual distinguishable appearance can be seen between the surface of said indicium and the surface substantially surrounding said indicium.

Abstract: A vehicle tire crown portion 10 including a tread 11 is injection molded and prevulcanized in a closed annular mold cavity 17 defined by a segmented outer mold 16 clamped together by a locking ring 22 and a segmented core 19 pressed against the outer mold by upper and lower pressure plates 25, 26. The core is then removed by disassembling its segments, whereafter a carcass 14 and prevulcanized sidewalls 12, 13 are placed in the central portion of the mold on an inflatable air bag 38 flanked by lateral mold sections 39, 40. The vulcanization of the tire assembly is then completed, during which the sidewalls are joined to the retained crown portion.

Abstract: The annular tread belt body is assembled of uncured resilient material having reinforcing cords and is then mounted on a precured tire casing. The read belt body is assembled with a predetermined configuration at a radially inner surface and the precured tire casing has a matching predetermined configuration on the radially outer surface for mounting of the tread belt in a centered position on the tire casing. The tread belt body and precured tire casing are enclosed in a segmental mold where the tread belt is cured. After removal from the mold, the tread belt is separated from the tire casing. The tread belt is then mounted on the radially outer surface of a tire having reinforcing cords positioned in a generally radial direction relative to the axis of the tire.

Abstract: An improved bicycle tire which can be folded for storage and transportation while maintaining the same running properties as a conventional tire. A plurality of bead cores made of a cord tensile member embedded in the bead section of the tire are provided by winding three to five turns of a cord tensile member having a low elongation ratio and high strength and which has been twisted one to two turns/10 cm in such a manner that the start and finish ends of the bead core overlap one another by 60 to 150 mm. The bead core preferably has a cut elongation of 5% or less and the strength of 300 kg/core.

Abstract: The tripartite crown reinforcement of this tire is subdivided into a median portion composed of two plies of cables whose extensibility is practically zero, flanked by two lateral portions each composed of three plies of cables whose extensibility is very great. When this tire is not inflated, the edges of its tread resume the falling shape which has been imparted to them in the vulcanization mold.

Abstract: A method for restoration and re-utilization of discharged gas for use in a vulcanization employing inert gas in part of the vulcanization of elastomer products, which includes the steps of restoring a mixture of used inert gas discharged from a vulcanizing unit and vulcanizing medium for steam separation thereof, subjecting the elastomer product mounted in a metal mold to a preshaping by supplying the inert gas obtained by the steam separation to the vulcanizing unit prior to starting of the vulcanization, and subjecting the inert gas obtained by the steam separation to supplementary pressurization by inert gas obtained from an inert gas generating unit when the inert gas is to be supplied to the vulcanizing unit, and also an arrangement for carrying out the above method in an efficient manner.

Abstract: A process is provided for vulcanizing a vulcanizable endless belt which is substantially V-shaped in cross-section, substantially uniformly, by heating the belt through its minor base and converging sides and then cooling the belt from its minor base and converging sides more rapidly than cooling of the major base. An apparatus for practicing the process has a drum and a substantially concentric jacket in spaced relation about the drum. An annular inflatable diaphram is disposed in the space between the drum and jacket. A belt to be vulcanized is placed in an annular groove in the drum, the diaphram is inflated to press the belt in the groove against the surfaces thereof. The surfaces of the groove facing the minor base and the converging sides are heated while the major base is flush with the surface of the drum and is not heated.

Abstract: A tire, particularly for aircraft, has a crown reinforcement formed of plies of circumferential cables having a relative extensibility upon rupture of at least 8%, preferably between 10% and 26%, when the vulcanized tire is mounted on its service rim but not yet inflated, and a relative contraction under the effect of the heat at the temperature of vulcanization of at least 1.25%, preferably between 2% and 8%.

Abstract: An apparatus for molding a tire with an annular reinforcement below the tread surface includes a first set of molding segments for molding a tire, a winding mechanism for winding a flexible reinforcement band or thread about the molded tire under tension and a second group of molding segments for molding a tread surface portion about the reinforced tire body.

Abstract: In order that the stresses upon travel will be as small as possible in the region of the shoulders of a tire, it is molded between a mold and a core which together define a central zone and two lateral zones and, in each of the latter two, the median line of the sidewalls has a point of inversion of curvature located at a distance from the crown of the tire which is greater than the distance of the point of inversion of curvature of the median line of the sidewalls of the tire when mounted on its rim.

Abstract: An apparatus for loading unvulcanized tires on a tire vulcanizing machine of the sort which has a vertically movable loader arm with a contractibly expansible paddle at the fore end thereof, an oscillating cylinder cooperative with a movable arm for oscillating the loader arm in a horizontal plane, and a stand-by station for temporarily holding unvulcanized tires to be loaded on the vulcanizing machine, the loader arm being adapted to load the unvulcanized tires one after another in a mold on the machine by lifting, oscillating and paddle-expanding operations. The loading apparatus is characterized by the provision of a plural number of stand-by stations on a locus of oscillatory movement of one loader arm, and a plural number of oscillating cylinders cooperative with a corresponding number of movable arms for oscillating the loader arm between the center of the mold and a selected one of the stand-by stations.

Abstract: Method for making a wheel composed of a rigid plastic inner section forming the wheel hub and rim and a resilient plastic tire section encircling the rim. A key formed integrally with the rim extends radially outward therefrom and interlockingly projects into the tire so as to mechanically connect the tire to the rim all around the wheel. The key can be formed with axially extending portions spaced radially outboard of the rim and terminating flush with the outer surface of the tire section so as to provide colored side wall decorations at one or both sides of the wheel. A method of molding the tire directly onto the discoid section is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for vulcanization of elastomer products which includes the steps of heating under pressure, the elastomer product mounted in a metal mold by supplying vulcanizing medium, suspending the supply of the vulcanizing medium when the elastomer product has reached a predetermined temperature or passed through a predetermined time period, and subsequently supplying insert gas preliminarily extracted from atmospheric air and maintained at least under approximately the same pressure as that of the vulcanizing medium, up to the termination of the heating step so as to maintain the elastomer product at the predetermined temperature.

Abstract: A tire (10) produced via a molding or casting process in a manner such that each of its bead areas (16) includes an annular slot (42) whereby the slots permit the insertion of an inextensible annular reinforcement element (40) into each of the bead area slots (42) after the molding or casting process. Slots (42) are preferably produced by the addition of annular collars (64) to either the outer member (50) or core member (60) of an improved molding or casting die (48). The improved molding or casting process includes a step of forming a circumferential slot (42) in each tire bead area (16), with these slots (42) permitting the addition of an inextensible annular reinforcement element (40) into each bead area (16) after the molding or casting process.