Tube-tire patch and method and apparatus for applying same

Abstract

The invention comprises a tube-tire patch, and a method and apparatus for applying said patch. The patch comprises a cured rubber member with a concave surface internally reinforced with a fabric and having a stem integral with said member and upraised generally centrally from said concave surface. The patch includes an uncured rubber layer covering the concave surface and a removable protective cover generally coextensive with the concave surface and fully covering the uncured rubber layer. The patch is especially useful for patching a punctured tube-tire. A tube-tire patch as described above is inserted through the puncture after appropriate buffing and cleaning about the puncture with the stem portion of the patch extending through the puncture. The protective cover is removed from the concave surface through the puncture and thereafter a pulling force is exerted upon the stem and away from the puncture. A pressurized fluid such as air or steam is passed into and out of the tube-tire while a band is generally maintained about the outer circumference of the tube-tire and support, generally in the form of two bands, is generally maintained against the inner circumference thereof. Heat is generally applied to the patch to quickly cure the uncured rubber layer and thereby form a strong and effective patch. The heat can preferably be applied internally as by using steam as the pressurized fluid and/or externally as by using a heated pad clamped onto the tire over the patch.