Bonding fixture

A fixture for bonding an elastomeric ring to a generally circular and rigid rim of a wheel comprising, first and second die portions relatively movable to open and closed positions and constructed and arranged to define when closed a cavity receiving therein a wheel rim and an elastomeric ring to be bonded to the rim, said die portions being constructed and arranged to define in cooperation with the elastomeric ring a passage encircling and opening onto the generally radially outer surface of the elastomeric ring such that when the die portions are closed and a fluid is admitted under pressure into said passage the elastomeric ring is urged generally radially inward into firm engagement with the rim, said first die portion having a generally cylingrical first wall and a second wall inclined thereto and extending generally radially inward thereof, said second die portion having a ring with a central opening therethrough and a third wall defining a portion of said cavity, said third wall being inclined to said first wall and extending generally radially inward thereof, and heater means disposed generally radially inward of such rim and constructed and arranged to heat the rim to an elevated temperature to cure a bonding agent interposed between the elastomeric ring and the rim such that the elastomeric ring is adhered to the rim of the wheel, said heater means having a cover constructed and arranged to overlie said central opening through said ring and at least one heater element carried by said cover and constructed and arranged to be disposed inward of the rim of the wheel when said cover is received over said opening of said ring.