Patent ID: 6013147
Filing Date: 2000-01-11
Classification: B29D

Abstract:
A belt and tread drum for use in the manufacture of vehicle tires including a generally cylindrical core having an axis of rotation and adapted to be mounted for rotation thereof comprisingmeans defining an outer shell disposed in circumscribing relationship to the core and rotatable therewith, said means including a plurality of segments, each of which includes a radially outer arcuate surface such that the collective arcuate surfaces of said segments defines an outer circumference of the drum for the formation of a belt and tread package thereon,means for selectively positioning said segments radially of the axis of rotation of the drum, said means including a plurality of sets of links, each set of links including a first link having first and second opposite ends and a second link having first and second opposite ends,a plurality of carrier means for mounting of respective ones of said segments on respective ones of said carriers,hub means of generally cylindrical geometry fixedly mounted on said core for rotation therewith,actuator means of generally cylindrical geometry disposed in circumscribing relationship with said hub means and defining therebetween a cylindrical cavity, said actuator means being rotatable with respect to said hub means,piston means disposed within said cylindrical cavity for reciprocation therein between retracted and extended positions,pressurized fluid means for urging said piston means away from its retracted position and toward its extended position,means for restricting rotational movement of said piston means relative to said actuator means,means for effecting rotational movement of said actuator relative to said hub in response to movement of said piston between its retracted and extended positions,said first end of said first link and said first end of said second link of each set of links being pivotally mounted to a respective one of said carriers, said second end of said first link being pivotally mounted to said actuator, and said second end of said second link being pivotally mounted to said hub such that rotation of said actuator relative to said hub results in an increase or decrease in the arcuate spatial separation of said second end of said first link and said second end of said second link and resultant radial movement of said carriers and their respective segments, andmeans for selectively limiting the extent of movement of said piston within said cavity between its retracted and extended positions.