An apparatus 1 for mounting an annular tread ring R on an outer peripheral surface TS of a tire base T, which includes a tire base holding section 2 which is movable between a first position P1 and a second position P2 while holding the tire base T, and a tread ring mounting section 3 for mounting the tread ring R on the outer peripheral surface TS of the tire base T. The tread ring mounting section 3 comprises a tread holder 10 for holding the inner circumferential surface of the tread ring R, and a tread pushing-out device 11 for pushing out the tread ring R in the axis direction. At the second position P2, after placing the tread ring R on the outer peripheral surface TS of the tire base T in the tire base holding section 2, the tread ring mounting section 3 pushes out the tread ring R from the tread holder 10 toward the first position P1 by the tread pushing-out device 11. And the tire base holding section 2 moves toward the first position P1 at the same speed as the pushing-out speed of the tread pushing-out device 11. Thereby, the tread ring R is mounted on the outer peripheral surface TS of the tire base T.

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 rim for mounting a tire includes a base portion and a rim portion. The rim portion includes a rim segment, a first flange segment positioned on one side and a second flange segment positioned on an opposite side of the rim segment. The rim segment defines a circular curvature and has an original rim width measured along a rotation axis of the rim between inward facing surfaces of the first flange segment and the second flange segment. A band is positioned around a circumference of the rim segment contiguous with an inward facing surface of the first flange segment. The rim portion has an adjusted rim width, measured between a band inward facing surface and the inward facing surface of the second flange segment, which is different from the original rim width.

A dual tire buffing apparatus includes a turntable having a first end and an opposite second end. The turntable is rotatable about a central axis between first and second positions. A first expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the first end. The first expandable hub is configured to receive a first tire casing. A second expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the second end. The second expandable hub is configured to receive a second tire casing. A rasp head is positioned to operatively engage the first tire casing on the first expandable hub when the turntable is in the first position to perform a buffing operation on the first tire casing, and to operatively engage the second tire casing on the second expandable hub when the turntable is in the second position to perform a buffing operation on the second tire casing.

A rim for mounting a tire includes a base portion and a rim portion. The rim portion includes a rim segment, a first flange segment positioned on one side and a second flange segment positioned on an opposite side of the rim segment. The rim segment defines a circular curvature and has an original rim width measured along a rotation axis of the rim between inward facing surfaces of the first flange segment and the second flange segment. A band is positioned around a circumference of the rim segment contiguous with an inward facing surface of the first flange segment. The rim portion has an adjusted rim width, measured between a band inward facing surface and the inward facing surface of the second flange segment, which is different from the original rim width.

A dual tire buffing apparatus includes a turntable having a first end and an opposite second end. The turntable is rotatable about a central axis between first and second positions. A first expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the first end. The first expandable hub is configured to receive a first tire casing. A second expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the second end. The second expandable hub is configured to receive a second tire casing. A rasp head is positioned to operatively engage the first tire casing on the first expandable hub when the turntable is in the first position to perform a buffing operation on the first tire casing, and to operatively engage the second tire casing on the second expandable hub when the turntable is in the second position to perform a buffing operation on the second tire casing.

A machine for retreading tires includes a rotatable hub and an expandable rim disposed around the moveable hub. The expandable rim includes a plurality of shoes, each shoe having a flange segment on either side of a rim segment of the plurality of shoes. An adapter is attached to each of the flange segments such that an expandable rim width is decreased. A method for modifying a width of an expandable rim for use in a tire retreading machine comprising is also disclosed.

A loader device includes a support pedestal movable over a range of longitudinal travel along a longitudinal axis, a support carriage movably mounted to the support pedestal, a loader actuator, and a dismount actuator. The support carriage is movable over a range of vertical travel along a normal axis, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The support carriage has a support arm adapted to support a tire casing. The loader actuator and dismount actuator are respectively adapted to selectively move: (1) at least a portion of a tire casing supported upon the support carriage in a loading direction along the longitudinal axis off of the support arm onto the expandable rim hub and (2) at least a portion of a tire casing supported upon the expandable rim hub in an opposing unloading direction off of the expandable rim hub and onto the support arm of the loader device.

A dual tire buffing apparatus includes a turntable having a first end and an opposite second end. The turntable is rotatable about a central axis between first and second positions. A first expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the first end. The first expandable hub is configured to receive a first tire casing. A second expandable hub is rotatably coupled to the turntable proximate the second end. The second expandable hub is configured to receive a second tire casing. A rasp head is positioned to operatively engage the first tire casing on the first expandable hub when the turntable is in the first position to perform a buffing operation on the first tire casing, and to operatively engage the second tire casing on the second expandable hub when the turntable is in the second position to perform a buffing operation on the second tire casing.

A machine for retreading tires includes a rotatable hub and an expandable rim disposed around the moveable hub. The expandable rim includes a plurality of shoes, each shoe having a flange segment on either side of a rim segment of the plurality of shoes. An adapter is attached to each of the flange segments such that an expandable rim width is decreased. A method for modifying a width of an expandable rim for use in a tire retreading machine comprising is also disclosed.