Abstract: Tire mold maintenance and repair systems and related methods are disclosed. According to an aspect, a mold maintenance and repair system includes a mold holder. The mold holder is configured to releasably attach to a support structure and to hold a mold. The mold comprises contoured upper portion for molding an item and an attachment lower portion for attaching to the mold holder.

Abstract: A tire uniformity correcting drum comprises: a lower drum to be in contact with a portion of an inner circumferential surface of a tire; an upper drum provided to be movable up and down with respect to the lower drum and configured to press another portion of the inner circumferential surface of the tire which is not in contact with the lower drum; and a hydraulic driving unit configured to connect the lower drum and the upper drum and move up and down the upper drum with respect to the lower drum. A contact area of the upper drum with the inner circumferential surface of the tire is smaller than a contact area of the lower drum with the inner circumferential surface of the tire.

Abstract: A mold design having a non-symmetric tread ring parting line is described that forms a tread pattern that extends onto the off-shoulder area of a tire on one side. The mold has a single tread segment that forms the entire tread pattern on the tire. The tread segment of the mold is non-symmetric in that one end, a first end, extends farther downward than the opposite end, a second end. The first end of the tread segment contains a tread pattern design capable of imparting a tread design on the off-shoulder or sidewall of one side of the tire to form a non-symmetric tread pattern.

Abstract: A tread mold includes a securable region at an outer circumferential portion thereof which is capable of being secured to a jig at a machining apparatus, and a positioning surface at the outer circumferential portion thereof which is capable of making surface contact with a reference surface at the jig so as to permit positioning to be carried out relative to the jig, the positioning surface is arranged so as to face in the tire circumferential direction so as to permit the tread mold to be positioned relative to the jig in the tire circumferential direction.

Abstract: A mold 6 includes multiple segments 24 arranged in the circumferential direction so as to form a ring shape, and a pair of side plates 26, 28 positioned on an inner side in the radial direction, at end portions, in an axial direction, of the multiple segments 24. The side plates 26, 28 respectively have outer circumferential surfaces 26b, 28b which contact with the multiple segments 24 arranged in the ring shape. Each of the segments 24 includes a first contact surface 36 which contacts with the outer circumferential surface 26b of the upper side plate 26, and a second contact surface 38 which contacts with the outer circumferential surface 28b of the lower side plate 28. A radius R1 of the first contact surface 36 is greater than a radius R2 of the second contact surface 38.

Abstract: A method is for producing a profile segment of a segmented casting-vulcanizing mold for vehicle tires, the molding area of which molds a segment of the tread profile of a tire to be vulcanized, including the steps: creating a rigid model segment having a casing-like tread surface; milling the profile positive of the tread into the casing-like tread surface of the model segment to obtain the master model; creating a flexible impression from the master model; creating a rigid plaster cast from the impression to form a casting core segment; casting all of the annular, placed-together casting core segments with an aluminium-magnesium alloy to obtain a vulcanizing mold, subsequently divided into profile segments. A plasma coating is applied to the tread of the model segment, into which the profile positive of the tread is subsequently milled to obtain the master model. Plasma coating gives the master model a defined roughness.

Abstract: A tire mold capable of imparting appropriate amounts of heat according to regions of an uncured tire is provided. The tire mold includes a base mold and a pattern mold which is fitted to the base mold and has a surface part for molding a tread pattern on the tire. A heat adjusting agent for adjusting amounts of heat to be transmitted to the tire via the surface part of the pattern mold is placed in a hollow cavity formed between the base mold and the pattern mold or inside the base mold.

Abstract: A vertical position fixing of a treatment chamber inside a tire vulcanizing machine for the fastening of treatment chamber elements at least during a vulcanization process so that in the closed position at least one defined vertical distance H can be fixed, wherein fixing elements are provided on at least one treatment chamber element and are designed in such a way that a fixing which is releasable and absorbs the occurring forces is facilitated.

Abstract: A self-locking mold (100) includes sectors (108) circumferentially distributed around a shell (102) to resist internal pressure and remain in the closed position without the aid of additional components during curing. The mold (100) includes shoulder spacers (120) that, in the closed position of the mold, are arranged between the shell (102) and the sectors (108). An elastic means (130) is employed so as to avoid friction between them.

Abstract: Portable apparatus for curing a part includes a wheeled frame having sliding part supports that move the part from a loading position to a curing position. A part clamping assembly is slidably mounted on the frame to apply clamping pressure to the part when the part is in the curing position in order to compact the part during a cure cycle. The clamping assembly includes a set of electrically heated shoes that heat the part to a cure temperature. A fan is provided to accelerate cool down the part after curing is complete. The heating and cooling operations are automatically performed by a programmed controller.

Abstract: Segmented mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire of given diameter, having shells and segments collaborating to withstand the internal pressure and remain in the closed position without assistance from additional components, having at its lateral edges a projection extending radially inwards, equipped with a lip extending axially towards the inside of the mold, having a frustoconical surface inclined at an angle ? wherein extensions of the line of each frustoconical surface intersect on the radially internal side of the segment, each shell having a projection extending radially outwards and a lip having a frustoconical surface inclined by the same angle ?, and containing force-limiting element having a stop and a housing positioned respectively in the radial extension of each of the projections and each having a bearing surface, to come into contact with one another when internal pressure in the mold exceeds a given threshold.

Abstract: A tire curing press for curing vulcanized tires includes an upper cavity part and a base that at least partially forms the lower cavity part. A movable platen is supported by the base that supports a tire mold section received within the upper cavity part. In various examples, an outer riser column is secured to the base and extends vertically upwards from the base to support the upper cavity part, a multi-height lock ring is disposed upon the base and is configured to interface with an annular flange of the upper cavity part via a bayonet connection, first and second cylinders are configured to apply a substantially equal squeeze pressure to the movable platen to thereby establish a final tire curing pressure within the press cavity, and/or a lock plate is carried by the upper cavity part and includes a locking surface for selective engagement with an abutment shoulder.

Abstract: Segmented mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire of given diameter (DS), having a width (L) and a diameter (J) at the interconnect point (E), comprising shells and segments collaborating to withstand the internal pressure and remain in the closed position without assistance from additional components, in which mold each segment comprises at its lateral edges a projection extending radially inwards, which projection is equipped with a lip extending axially towards the inside of the mold and having an inclined frustoconical surface of given angle (a) with respect to the axis (XX?) of the mold such that the extensions of the line of each frustoconical surface on a meridian plane intercept on the radially internal side of the segment concerned, and in which mold each shell comprises a projection extending radially outwards and provided with a lip having a frustoconical surface inclined by the same angle ? with respect to the axis XX? of the mold.

Abstract: A tire mold is configured in such a manner that a pair of upper and lower side plates, a sector, a sector shoe which holds the sector, and an actuator are arranged in sequence from the inside toward the outside in the radial direction of the tire.

Abstract: Segmented mold for molding and vulcanizing a tire of given diameter, having shells and segments collaborating to withstand the internal pressure and remain in the closed position without assistance from additional components, in which mold each segment comprises at its lateral edges a projection extending radially inwards, which projection is equipped with a lip extending axially towards the inside of the mold and having a frustoconical surface inclined at an angle ? with respect to the axis (XX?) of the mold such that the extensions of the line of each frustoconical surface on a meridian plane intersect on the radially internal side of the segment concerned, and in which mold each shell comprises a projection extending radially outwards and provided with a lip having a frustoconical surface inclined by the same angle ? with respect to the axis XX? of the mold, wherein the mold contains force-limiting means made up of a stop and of a housing positioned respectively in the radial extension of each of the proje

Abstract: A rim 58, 83 of a post cure inflator 60 can be changed in an easy and safety manner, while the amount of energy consumption is reduced. A inflator body 61 having the lower rim 58 can be located at a lower position, and the upper rim 83 can be moved downward to a lower position. Thus, the lower rim 58 and the upper rim 83 can be changed at the lower position in response to the change of the type of the tire to be manufactured, whereby the changing operation is made easy and safety. Further, the upper rim 83 moves upward. With this configuration, a vulcanized tire T having a heavy weight only moves in a front and rear direction while being supported by the inflator 61(lower rim 58), whereby the amount of energy consumption can be reduced easily.

Abstract: The curing press (2) for a tire blank comprises: a trough (4), a cover (6) connected to the trough by means of sliding guide members (8), the cover and the trough each being pivotably mounted on these members. The cover (6) is, moreover, pivotably mounted on an axle (24) guided slidably with respect to the trough.

Abstract: Provided is a tire vulcanizer capable of adjusting the height of an upper mold attaching member or a lower mold attaching member while fixing the position of the upper mold attaching member or the lower mold attaching member, with a simple structure. A tire vulcanizer (2) includes: a guide frame (5) that supports an upper mold attaching member (21) and a base frame (26); a fixed rack (6) that is provided to the guide frame (5) along the height direction of a mold (23) and includes a plurality of teeth, the mold (23) including an upper mold (4) placed in the upper mold attaching member (21) and a lower mold (35) placed in the base frame (26); a movable rack (7) that is provided to the upper mold attaching member (21), meshes with the fixed rack (6), and includes a plurality of teeth; and an air cylinder that moves the movable rack (7) in the height direction of the mold (23) with respect to the upper mold attaching member (21) while keeping the height of the upper mold attaching member (21) constant.

Abstract: The tire vulcanizer is featured by including a slide back mechanism configured such that the upper metal mold separated and lifted from the lower metal mold installed to be fixed to a base is moved by an operation of a movable carriage so as to reciprocate between a vulcanization position at which the upper metal mold is pressed toward the lower metal mold, and a waiting position at which the green tire can be carried in the lower metal mold and at which the cured tire can be carried out from the lower metal mold, and is featured in that the upper metal mold is attached below, via a squeezing cylinder mechanism, to a beam integrated with a tie rod which is vertically moved by an operation of a lifting/lowering cylinder along a guide hole provided in the movable carriage.

Abstract: A system for molding a non-pneumatic tire includes a lower mold portion including a lower face plate configured to provide a lower relief corresponding to a first side of the tire. The lower mold portion also includes a plurality of lower projections extending from the lower face plate and configured to correspond to cavities in the first side of the tire, wherein the lower projections taper as the lower projections extend from the lower face plate, and wherein at least some of the lower projections are hollow. The system further includes an upper mold portion configured to be coupled to the lower mold portion. The lower mold portion and the upper mold portion are configured to be coupled to one another, such that a hub associated with the tire provides a seal between the lower mold portion and the upper mold portion.

Abstract: A molding system including a component formed in a generally closed loop shape and having a plurality of radially extending teeth. The component includes a plurality of discrete segments coupled together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vulcanizing press comprising two plates capable of adopting a proximal position in which said plates close a mold, so as to give a tire a predetermined shape, and a distal position in which the mold is open; and at least one bore formed in one of said plates called the support plate, the diameter of said bore being defined so as to let the head of a pin pass thereinto. The vulcanizing press further includes a locking/unlocking device comprising a first movable stop that can move between a rest position and an active position, in which said stop is interposed between the head of the pin and the support plate in order to keep said pin in the bore, the shank of said pin being fixed to the mold.

Abstract: A tire vulcanizing device includes a plurality of opening/closing cylinders for respectively independently moving a plurality of mold holding members, which respectively hold a plurality of segmented molds arranged in a circumference direction, forward and backward in radial directions, a plurality of positioning blocks arranged in respective spaces in the circumferential direction between the plurality of segmented molds, respective pairs of engaging members respectively provided at opposite sides of the respective mold holding members, and respective pairs of stopper members each pair of which are provided on the adjoining positioning blocks, for restricting the advanced end positions of the segmented molds in engagements with the respective pairs of engaging members.

Abstract: A vulcanizing mold (10) for a tire includes a frame (24), two lateral shells (26, 28), a plurality of segments (30), a lever (36), a pivot link with an axle (38) for linking the lever (36) to the segment (30), a pivot link with an axle (44) for linking the lever (36) to the driving shell (26), a slide ramp (46) for the axle (44) of the pivot link, the lever (36), the pivot link and the slide ramp (46) being arranged such that the axial displacement of the driving shell (26) with respect to the frame (24) causes a displacement of the axle (38) of the pivot link which is substantially exclusively radial with respect to the driving shell (26).

Abstract: A tire mold apparatus is provided along with methods of retrofitting a tire mold, such that a tire mold of the type traditionally utilized in a dome type curing press can be modified to have external steam tracings allowing the mold to be utilized in a platen press.

Abstract: A curing mold includes an upper mold portion having a plurality of upper and lower sections radially translatable between open and closed positions, wherein each of the lower sections are positioned adjacent one of the upper sections to form a plurality of pairs of upper and lower sections. The tire mold also includes a pin extending from a first section of each pair of sections, and an aperture extending within a second section of each pair of sections, the aperture including an opening and positioned for receiving a portion of the pin extending from the corresponding first section when the mold is in a substantially closed position. Particular embodiments of the present invention also include a first plurality of radially translatable sections arranged to form an expandable ring and one or more first synchronization members extending between adjacent sections of the first plurality of sections.

Abstract: A tire vulcanizing device includes a plurality of opening/closing cylinders for respectively independently moving a plurality of mold holding members, which respectively hold a plurality of segmented molds arranged in a circumference direction, forward and backward in radial directions, a plurality of positioning blocks arranged in respective spaces in the circumferential direction between the plurality of segmented molds, respective pairs of engaging members respectively provided at opposite sides of the respective mold holding members, and respective pairs of stopper members each pair of which are provided on the adjoining positioning blocks, for restricting the advanced end positions of the segmented molds in engagements with the respective pairs of engaging members.

Abstract: A mold includes at least one axial member carrying at least one sidewall molding surface for molding a sidewall of a tire, radial segments each carrying at least one surface for molding a tread of the tire and locking surfaces for connecting the axial member with the radial segments. First radial and axial locking surfaces which are displaceable and carried by the axial member cooperate with second radial and axial locking surfaces. The sidewall molding surface is integral with a fixed portion of the axial member. The first radial and axial locking surfaces are integral with at least one locking member mounted in the axial member and are movable relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A tire curing mold capable of operating between open and closed positions includes a first plurality of translatable sections, the sections translatable between open and closed positions and one or more first side plates positioned for engagement with the first plurality of translatable sections when the sections are in the closed position. The tire curing mold also includes a first mold back ring slidably engaging the first plurality of sections and slidably attached to a first base plate, and a first plurality of displacement members extending between the first base plate and the first mold back ring, the one or more displacement members applying a closing force against the first mold back ring to force the first plurality of translatable sections into the closed position.

Abstract: Provided are a apparatus and a method for vulcanizing a pneumatic tire, where are capable of: smoothly releasing a vulcanized pneumatic tire from multiple sectors separated from one another in a circumferential direction in each of an upper mold and a lower mold; and thereby lightening load on each mold. In addition to springs for biasing the sectors to always move into a smaller diameter, respectively, pushpins for moving the sectors into larger and smaller diameters are actuated by the respective cylinder rods of drive cylinders, and thereby the movements of the individual sectors into the larger and smaller diameters are controlled. Accordingly, even though the sectors would otherwise move abruptly into the smaller diameter due to biasing forces of the springs after the vulcanized tire is released from the sectors at the larger diameter, a radius-reducing movement speed of the sectors is control led by the cylinder rods in contact with rear ends of the push pins.

Abstract: In a tire vulcanizer of the present invention, a locking mechanism which secures a top mold and a bottom mold in a closed condition comprises tie rods disposed alongside the top mold, and each having a top end part fixed to a top mold mounting member and a lower end part on which a plurality of grooves are formed one above the other in a vertical direction; through holes formed in a bottom mold mounting member for allowing each of the tie rod to pass through each of the through holes; lock plates capable of engaging and disengaging, along a horizontal direction, with the groove on each tie rod having passed through each through hole, and lock plate shifting mechanisms each opening and closing the lock plates only in a horizontal direction relative to each tie rod. With the configuration as described above, adjustment based on a height of a mold is simplified, while reducing an overall height of the tire vulcanizer.

Abstract: An apparatus for vulcanizing at least a tread of a tire has a top mold section and a bottom mold section. The mold sections are secured to one another during a vulcanizing process by a plurality of locking mechanisms located around the outer circumference of the apparatus. Each locking mechanism includes a dual action hydraulic actuator. A piston rod of the hydraulic actuator imparts movement to a generally vertically oriented articulated linkage member. T-shaped projection located at an end of the articulated linkage member distal from the piston rod is brought into engagement with a securing member associated with the top mold section to secure the mold sections to one another. After the vulcanizing process is complete the hydraulic actuator imparts movement to the articulated linkage member to release the top mold section from the bottom mold section.

Abstract: An improved system for changing sipe blade configurations on equipment for the manufacture of tires is provided. This system allows the replacement of damaged sipe blades, the replacement of sipe blades of one configuration with those of another configuration, and the elimination of a sipe blade altogether. Certain embodiments allow sipe blades to be changed by providing a sipe blade that is held by a blade holder with a slit in its heel that allows a compact assembly of the sipe blade and blade holder that is easy to manufacture. Other embodiments allow sipe blades that have an undercut in the direction of draw in their midportion and side portions without undercuts to be easily made and installed. Finally, other embodiments allow for the effective replacement and fabrication of sipe blades that have undercuts in the direction of draw that blend into other projections found on a curing member.

Abstract: In a center mechanism of a tire vulcanizer of the present invention, in order to improve working efficiency and lower total height, after a green tire is vulcanized and patterned and becomes a vulcanized tire, a bladder well is lifted from a bottom position where a lower bead ring is positioned on a lower mold and a bladder is installed in the green tire to a top position where the lower bead ring is positioned above the lower mold and an upper clamp, and the upper clamp, a lower clamp, and the bladder are placed in the bladder well, while heights of the upper clamp and the lower clamp are fixed.

Abstract: In a method for manufacturing tyres for vehicle wheels, a green tyre, once formed, is transferred into a vulcanisation mould and pressed against the holding walls of a moulding cavity. Concurrently with the pressing step, a fluid present between the green tyre and the holding walls is evacuated through vent valves. The tyre is brought into contact with the closing head of each valve so as to push it toward a closed position of the valve itself. The closing head has a distal portion facing the moulding cavity and includes at least one grip element for the tyre blend, so that the closure member is pulled toward the open position while the moulded and cured tyre is moved away from the inner surface of said moulding cavity.

Abstract: A vacuum container for a tyre curing mold having two sidewalls and a number of lateral sectors; the container having an inclined-surface actuating device, which moves the lateral sectors radially, is activated by a press having a movable plate with a central airtight chamber, and has, for each lateral sector, a wedge integral with the lateral sector, and a conical bell fitted in sliding manner to the wedges; and the container having: an air shut-off plate integral with the movable plate of the press to transmit motion to the conical bell; an adjusting ring integral with the air shut-off plate and the conical bell; a static first annular seal interposed between the conical bell and the adjusting ring; and a static second annular seal interposed between the air shut-off plate and the movable plate of the press.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes generating code for displaying a two-dimensional media programming schedule grid, receiving a command to compress the grid at a first location along a first dimension, and generating code for displaying the grid with visible graphical fold marks defining a fold area near the first location along the first dimension.

Abstract: In a tire vulcanizer of the present invention, a locking mechanism which secures a top mold and a bottom mold in a closed condition comprises tie rods disposed alongside the top mold, and each having a top end part fixed to a top mold mounting member and a lower end part on which a plurality of grooves are formed one above the other in a vertical direction; through holes formed in a bottom mold mounting member for allowing each of the tie rod to pass through each of the through holes; lock plates capable of engaging and disengaging, along a horizontal direction, with the groove on each tie rod having passed through each through hole, and lock plate shifting mechanisms each opening and closing the lock plates only in a horizontal direction relative to each tie rod. With the configuration as described above, adjustment based on a height of a mold is simplified, while reducing an overall height of the tire vulcanizer.

Abstract: In a tire vulcanization forming mold which is circumferentially divided into a plurality of segment molds, a plurality of circumferential grooves are formed on each segment mold with spaces in a tire width direction; arc-shape mold blocks are detachably fitted respectively in the plurality of circumferential grooves; a plurality of slit grooves are formed on each mold block to open on side surfaces of the mold block; tread pattern forming blades are detachably inserted into these slit grooves in the tire width direction; and coming-off prevention engaging portions are provided on the slit grooves and the blades. Thus, the tire vulcanization forming mold is capable of enabling the blades to be replaced easily with respect to the segment molds.

Abstract: An underground mine tire 20 having a nominal bead diameter of 20.0 inches or less has a carcass, a tread 25 and a pair of rubber sidewalls 23, each extending along the outer periphery of the carcass 21 below the tread 25. The tire 20 has a nominal bead width D greater than 8.50 inches and an overall diameter of less than 55 inches. The carcass 21 has at least one radial steel cord reinforced ply 24.

Abstract: A mold device is described for use in a mold having a plurality of tread molding segments. Each tread molding segment has an end face for mating with an adjoining segment. The mold device includes a piston located on the segment end face and is actuated by the opening and closing of the mold. Each of the mold segments further includes a retractable blade assembly having a first and second chamber; wherein the piston is positioned within the first chamber and having a plunger end in communication with a temperature sensitive block of material and a spring. The first chamber is in fluid communication with a second chamber, wherein said second chamber further comprises a retractable blade mounted within a blade collar wherein the blade collar is slidably received within said second chamber; said second chamber further comprises a temperature sensitive block of material and a spring.

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: A curing mold includes an upper mold portion having a plurality of upper and lower sections radially translatable between open and closed positions, wherein each of the lower sections are positioned adjacent one of the upper sections to form a plurality of pairs of upper and lower sections. The tire mold also includes a pin extending from a first section of each pair of sections, and an aperture extending within a second section of each pair of sections, the aperture including an opening and positioned for receiving a portion of the pin extending from the corresponding first section when the mold is in a substantially closed position. Particular embodiments of the present invention also include a first plurality of radially translatable sections arranged to form an expandable ring and one or more first synchronization members extending between adjacent sections of the first plurality of sections.

Abstract: A tire curing mold capable of operating between open and closed positions includes a first plurality of translatable sections, the sections translatable between open and closed positions and one or more first side plates positioned for engagement with the first plurality of translatable sections when the sections are in the closed position. The tire curing mold also includes a first mold back ring slidably engaging the first plurality of sections and slidably attached to a first base plate, and a first plurality of displacement members extending between the first base plate and the first mold back ring, the one or more displacement members applying a closing force against the first mold back ring to force the first plurality of translatable sections into the closed position.

Abstract: A mold includes at least one axial member carrying at least one sidewall molding surface for molding a sidewall of a tire, radial segments each carrying at least one surface for molding a tread of the tire and locking surfaces for connecting the axial member with the radial segments. First radial and axial locking surfaces which are displaceable and carried by the axial member cooperate with second radial and axial locking surfaces. The sidewall molding surface is integral with a fixed portion of the axial member. The first radial and axial locking surfaces are integral with at least one locking member mounted in the axial member and are movable relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A mold includes at least one axial member carrying at least one sidewall molding surface for molding a sidewall of a tire, radial segments each carrying at least one surface for molding a tread of the tire and locking surfaces for connecting the axial member with the radial segments. First radial and axial locking surfaces which are displaceable and carried by the axial member cooperate with second radial and axial locking surfaces. The sidewall molding surface is integral with a fixed portion of the axial member. The first radial and axial locking surfaces are integral with at least one locking member mounted in the axial member and are movable relative to the fixed portion.

Abstract: A method of compacting material such as but not limited to cathode material for electrochemical cells. A mixture is inserted into a die cavity and the mixture is compacted into a disk shape by the action of a first plunger pressing down on the material and a second plunger pressing upwardly on the material. Flashing of material during ejection of the disk from the die is prevented by fitting a polymeric sleeve around the outer surface of the first plunger. The sleeve flexes to bulge outwardly and does not enter the die cavity during compaction of material and returns to its original position during ejection of the compacted disk from the die. Contact between the disk and sleeve prevents flashing during ejection. Alternatively, a polymeric seal ring is placed around the outer surface of the first plunger. The disk presses against the seal ring preventing flashing of material during ejection.

Abstract: An apparatus for moulding and vulcanisation of tyres for vehicle wheels includes a vulcanisation press and a vulcanisation mould associated with the press. The apparatus includes a pair of plates and a plurality of mould sectors that are mutually movable between an open condition and a closed condition; at least one plurality of sector carriers designed to support the mould sectors and movable together with the sectors; and a plurality of guide means on which the plurality of sector carriers slide for movement of the mould sectors from the closed condition to the open condition and vice versa, at least part of the sector carriers having at least one spring device designed to exert a thrust action adapted to ensure sliding of the sector carrier on the guide element in a substantially parallel direction.

Abstract: In a center mechanism of a tire vulcanizing machine, including an upper clamp ring for grasping an upper opening end part of a bladder, a lower clamp ring for grasping a lower opening end part of the bladder, a hub on a side of a lower mold for supporting the lower clamp ring, a spacer connected to the hub and supported on the side of the lower mold to be ascendable and descendable, and a center post supported by the spacer to be extensible and contractible, the hub and the spacer are formed as members separate from each other, and are divisibly bound to each other by bolts.

Abstract: The mold for molding a tire has the contact part 42 that contacts with the end surface in the circumferential direction of the adjacent pieces and the non-contact part 44 that does not contact with the end surface in the circumferential direction of the adjacent pieces at the end surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the piece 30 in the segments right after the mold of the cycle of the tire molding process in which the opening and closure of the mold are repeated is closed, and the non-contact part 44 is present in the inner side of the tire radial direction, the contact part 42 is present outside of the tire radial direction than the non-contact part, and right before the mold in the cycle of the tire molding process is opened, the end surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the piece 30 in the segments contacts with the end surface 40 in the circumferential direction of the adjacent pieces in the non-contact part 44.