Patent ID: 6355126
Filing Date: 2002-03-12
Classification: B29C,B29D,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for forming a tire reinforcing layer, comprising the steps of: transferring a strip, which is comprised of a plurality of rubber-coated cords extending in parallel with each other, to a location adjacent to a rigid core having a circular outer contour, and cutting the strip into a predetermined length to form a ribbon piece; transferring the ribbon piece onto an outer peripheral surface of the rigid core using a plurality of manipulators which comprise magnetic or vacuum attracting elements and adhering the ribbon piece in conformity to said outer peripheral surface as being inclined with reference to an equatorial line of the rigid core by a predetermined angle; and rotating the rigid core about a center axis thereof, by an angle which corresponds to the length of the ribbon piece in the circumferential direction; said steps being repeated so that the ribbon pieces are successively adhered to the outer peripheral surface of the rigid core while side edges of adjacent ribbon pieces are brought into close contact with each other; wherein the number of manipulators is the same as the number of the magnetic or vacuum attracting elements such that said magnetic or vacuum attracting elements are connected to hands of the respective manipulators, and wherein the number of manipulators is three or more.