Tire mold and a method of rapidly depressurizing the mold

Abstract

A tire mold 2 for curing new or retreaded tires 20 has an upper platen 4 , a lower platen 6 , and a central rim 30 with a frangible member 50 designed to open when a predetermined pressure P 1 in excess of the normal curing pressure P c is observed. The frangible member 50 preferably includes a rupture disk 60 that breaks upon exposure to the pressure P 1 .

1 - 9 . (canceled)  
     
     
         10 . An improved tire apparatus for curing a retreaded or new tire in a mold, the apparatus comprising: 
 a central rim having mounting flanges for mounting the beads of said tire, the central rim having a central portion having an inner surface open to atmospheric pressure and an exterior surface for forming a toroidal pressure chamber with the tire;    a frangible member connected to the central portion of the rim, the frangible member opening to atmospheric pressure P o  when the chamber pressure reaches a predetermined pressure P l , P l  being greater than the tire curing pressure P c, .    
     
     
         11 . The improved tire apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the frangible member has a rupture element breakable at the predetermined pressure P l .  
     
     
         12 . The improved tire apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the frangible member opens at predetermined pressures in the 200 to 250 p.s.i. range.  
     
     
         13 . The improved tire apparatus of  claim 10  wherein the frangible member redirects the flow 90° relative to the path exiting the rim.  
     
     
         14 . The improved tire apparatus of  claim 10  wherein all exhaust flows are centrally directed initially within the central rim.  
     
     
         15 . An apparatus for use in a tire mold for curing tubeless tires, said apparatus comprising: a central rim having mounting flanges for sealing said tire at the beads, the central rim having a central portion having a first side at atmospheric pressure and a second side at the mold internal pressure, a frangible member mounted in a hole of the central portion, and said frangible member having a rupture element breakable at a predetermined pressure greater than the tire curing pressure whereby dangerous vapors may vent from the mold through the frangible member out into the atmosphere.  
     
     
         16 . A frangible member comprising a body having a first end for mounting to a pressure chamber, said body having an interior threaded surface, a rupture element breakable at a predetermined pressure exceeding the chamber pressure, said rupture element being mounted within the threads of said interior threaded surface of said body.  
     
     
         17 . The frangible member of  claim 16  wherein said frangible member further comprises a distal end having an end cap with holes wherein the exhaust flow is redirected ninety degrees.