Importance

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Abstract

Annular envelope-sealing members are permanently affixed to and carried by the rim means upon which an envelope-enshrouded tire is mounted preparatory to its treatment within a heated pressure chamber. Mounting of the tire upon the rim means automatically brings the annular members into axial alignment with the tire and into overlying relationship with its opposite sidewalls. Each annular member is independently mounted for axial movement away from the rim means and is biased toward it so as impose a sealing force of desired non-excessive magnitude upon the tire, upon inflation thereof, notwithstanding possible variations in its sidewall width dimensions. The annular members may be so constructed as to effect sealed relationships with respective ones of the marginal edge portions of the envelope upon the tire in either of two alternative ways, at the option of each particular retreader. One or more extender sections may be positioned between and interlocked with the flanged end sections of the rim means, to permit use of the apparatus in association with tires of virtually any width.

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First Claim