Tread application apparatus

• Main Authors: CHLEBINA; LAWRENCE E, HEAD; WILLIAM J, KUBINSKI; DONALD C
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 20.06.1995
• Edition: 6
• Subjects: DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS RELATED TO TYRES; PERFORMING OPERATIONS; PRODUCING PARTICULAR ARTICLES FROM PLASTICS OR FROM SUBSTANCESIN A PLASTIC STATE; REPAIRING, OR CONNECTING VALVES TO, INFLATABLE ELASTIC BODIESIN GENERAL; TRANSPORTING; TYRE CHANGING OR REPAIRING; TYRE INFLATION; VEHICLE TYRES; VEHICLES IN GENERAL; WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE, IN GENERAL

An improved method for mounting an annular tread 1 onto a tire casing 2 is described. The improved method comprises the steps of expanding the tread 1 radially and encircling the expanded tread with a transfer mechanism 30. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the expanded condition independent of the center 6 of the tread 1. The means 90 for holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 is accomplished without contacting the radially inner surface 7 of the tread 1. The transfer mechanism 30 has a means 92 for circumferentially clamping the central portion of the tread 1 to the casing 2. The transfer mechanism 30 with expanded tread 1 is centered over the casing 2. The means 92 for clamping the central portion 6 of the tread 1 is actuated while holding the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 in the transfer mechanism 30. Then the lateral edges 5 of the tread 1 are released from the transfer mechanism 30 thereby transferring the tread 1 to the casing 2 while preventing entrapment of air between the casing 2 and the tread 1.