This invention provides an envelope configuration for retreading tires using a cold-retreading process. Envelopes formed by two parts are known in the prior art. However, the known sealing means between parts are not satisfactory, either due to sealing problems or due to decreasing the envelope useful life. In order to overcome these limitations, this invention provides an envelope (20) comprised of two parts (22, 24), in which an end region (224a) of a flap (224) of the first part (22) is covered by an end region (244a) of a flap (244) of the second part (24), or vice-versa, in order to form an overlapping joint, in which a free end of the flap (224) of the first part (22) has at least one differentiated cross section (224b) whose thickness is greater than that of the flap (224) of the first part (22), and in which the overlapping joint is covered by an elastic ring (26) that is wide enough to cover said differentiated cross section (224b).

A dual mold spacer for use with a dual mold assembly is provided that includes a first side portion configured to engage a first side rail of the dual mold assembly. A second side portion is configured to engage a second side rail of the dual mold assembly. A body portion extends from the first side portion to the second side portion and is configured to be located between a press of the dual mold assembly and first and second molds of the dual mold assembly. The body portion is configured for being spaced from and free from engagement with the first and second molds.

A dual mold spacer for use with a dual mold assembly is provided that includes a first side portion configured to engage a first side rail of the dual mold assembly. A second side portion is configured to engage a second side rail of the dual mold assembly. A body portion extends from the first side portion to the second side portion and is configured to be located between a press of the dual mold assembly and first and second molds of the dual mold assembly. The body portion is configured for being spaced from and free from engagement with the first and second molds.

The invention includes methods for forming a retreaded tire and treads there for. Particular embodiments of such methods include providing a tire carcass configured to receive a tire tread along an annular tread-receiving area and a pre-formed tread comprising a tread body and a submerged void arranged along a bottom side of the tread and extending into the tread thickness to a top end located below the top side of the tread, the submerged void having a length and an opening arranged along the bottom side when the tread is in an uninstalled configuration, where the opening of the submerged void extends in a direction of the submerged groove length along an alternating, non-linear path. Further steps include assembling a retreaded tire by arranging the tire tread atop a bonding layer arranged between the tire tread and the tire carcass and comprising uncured bonding material.

A plurality of embodiments of a method and apparatus for retreading individual tires using one or more electrical heating bands and a component or device to apply a force to the retread tire package comprising a new or used core and a new retread along with an adhesive. In particular, the force may be applied using one or more plates that are connected to actuators for pushing the plates into the retread package to apply the force during curing of the package.

A plurality of embodiments of a method and apparatus for retreading individual tires using one or more electrical heating bands and a component or device to apply a force to the retread tire package comprising a new or used core and a new retread along with an adhesive. In particular, the force may be applied using one or more plates that are connected to actuators for pushing the plates into the retread package to apply the force during curing of the package.

A machine for retreading tires includes a rotatable hub that includes a moveable conical element, and an expandable rim disposed around the rotatable hub. The expandable rim includes a plurality of shoes. Each shoe of the plurality of shoes may have a base portion and a rim portion. The base portion may have a two-piece construction that allows for replacement of a worn interface that may include a channel and a ramp. A method for assembling an expandable rim for use in a tire retreading machine, and a method for servicing a machine having an expandable rim are also disclosed.

A machine for retreading tires includes a rotatable hub that includes a moveable conical element, and an expandable rim disposed around the rotatable hub. The expandable rim includes a plurality of shoes. Each shoe of the plurality of shoes may have a base portion and a rim portion. The base portion may have a two-piece construction that allows for replacement of a worn interface that may include a channel and a ramp. A method for assembling an expandable rim for use in a tire retreading machine, and a method for servicing a machine having an expandable rim are also disclosed.

The invention relates to a commercial vehicle tire which is cold-retreadable and comprises sidewalls (5), belt plies (2a) and a profiled tread (1) with shoulder flanks (8a) located outside the ground contact area and running to the sidewalls (5), wherein a buffing indicator (9, 9, 9) for indicating the buffing depth is provided on at least one shoulder flank (8a), running around in the circumferential direction, possibly interrupted in some portions and formed by a multiplicity of elevations (10), wherein the elevations (10) have with respect to the level of the shoulder flank (8a) a maximum thickness, determined perpendicularly to this level, of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

The elevations (10) of the buffing indicator (9, 9, 9) are dome-shaped and have a circular base area with a diameter of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

The invention relates to a commercial vehicle tire which is cold-retreadable and comprises sidewalls (5), belt plies (2a) and a profiled tread (1) with shoulder flanks (8a) located outside the ground contact area and running to the sidewalls (5), wherein a buffing indicator (9, 9, 9) for indicating the buffing depth is provided on at least one shoulder flank (8a), running around in the circumferential direction, possibly interrupted in some portions and formed by a multiplicity of elevations (10), wherein the elevations (10) have with respect to the level of the shoulder flank (8a) a maximum thickness, determined perpendicularly to this level, of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.

The elevations (10) of the buffing indicator (9, 9, 9) are dome-shaped and have a circular base area with a diameter of 0.5 mm to 2.0 mm.