Wilburn W Hinson

US Patent:

48508349, Jul 25, 1989

Filed:

Dec 30, 1987

Appl. No.:

7/139801

Inventors:

Wilburn W. Hinson - Athens GA
David D. Inman - Findlay OH
Dennis A. Russell - Findlay OH

Assignee:

The Hercules Tire and Rubber Company - Findlay OH

International Classification:

B29D 3054

US Classification:

425 19

Abstract:

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