Patent ID: 6058999
Filing Date: 2000-05-09
Classification: B29D

Abstract:
A rotatable drum for use in the manufacture of vehicle tires, the drum including a plurality of segments which collectively define an outer circumference of the drum, said segments being divided into first and second end portions which are individually mounted for axial and radial movement between expanded and collapsed positions relative to the rotational axis of the drum, characterized by each of said end portions being separately linked for axial movement toward and away from one another in a direction substantially parallel to the rotational axis of the drum, and further being divided into first and second groups, said segments of said first group being disposed in alternating juxtaposition about the circumference of the drum with respect to said segments of said second group, with said segments of said first group being movable substantially simultaneously axially further and radially faster than said segments of said second group as said segments are moved between their expanded and collapsed positions so that said segments of said second group are received in overlying relationship to said segments of said first group as said segments of said first and second groups are simultaneously moved radially inward toward the rotational axis of the drum.