<p>In the manufacture of a pneumatic tyre the approximately triangular space immediately radially inward of each bead of the tyre is filled by an apex construction (13C) made by helically winding uncured rubber strip. The tapered configuration is achieved by winding from a position progressively closer to a support surface (20) so that the windings become progressively more oblique. Width reduction of the rubber strip can be achieved by subjecting it to progressively greater tension during winding. The winding of the apex formation (13C) may be interrupted while and end of a carcass ply (18) is turned over the bead (10A) and incomplete apex (13C). Turns (19) of unsheathed wire may be wound over the carcass ply end and then winding of the uncured rubber strip continued until the apex formation (13C) is completed. In one modification (Figure 5) the carcass ply is incorporated in a wound bead assembly. In another (Figure 3) windings of a harder material such as Kevlar are interposed between windings of uncured rubber.</p>
