Air removal and fastener extraction system
AssigneeBandag Incorporated
InventorsEugene A. Johnston, William H. Brugman, Johnathon L. Logsden
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An air removal and fastener extraction system for use in retreading tires is disclosed. The system includes a strap that is disposed over a splice region of the tread during precure retreading. A plurality of fasteners are inserted through the strap and across the splice. This securely holds the splice region intact, allows air to be vented during curing, and permits removal of all fasteners in a single pulling motion exerted on the strap after the curing process is completed.
Claims18
A system to remove air during curing from a retreaded tire assembly having a tire casing providing a peripheral surface, a bonding layer and a tread layer wrapped about the peripheral surface, the tread layer having at least a first end and a second end disposed proximate one another at a splice region when the tread layer is wrapped about the bonding layer in the circumferential direction, the system configured to secure the splice region, the system comprising:
- a strap having a first layer comprised of a substantially non-air permeable material and an air permeable second layer, the strap being disposed over a portion of the first and second end of the tread layer and oriented along the splice region, and the first layer in contact with the tread;
- and
- a plurality of fasteners configured for perforating the strap and extending into the tread layer.
A method for retreading tires, comprising:
- removing old tread from a tire casing;
- applying a bonding layer along the perimeter of the tire casing;
- wrapping a tread layer having a first end and a second end along the bonding layer about the perimeter of the tire casing until the first end is generally proximate the second end to form a splice region;
- orienting a strap along the splice region, the strap having a first layer comprising a substantially non-air permeable material and an air permeable second layer, such that the first layer of the strap is in contact with the tread layer;
- inserting a plurality of fasteners through the strap and into the tread layer;
- placing the tire casing, bonding layer, tread layer, strap and fasteners in an envelope having an exhaust fitting;
- wicking air from between the envelope and the tire casing along and through the strap;
- curing the bonding layer;
- removing the envelope;
- and
- pulling the strap to remove the plurality of fasteners.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.