Patent ID: 6758931
Filing Date: 2004-07-06
Classification: B29D

Abstract:
A method of applying a length of tire tread having a first end and a second end to a tire casing having a layer of cushion gum applied thereto, the tire casing and the cushion gum having a circumference, the method comprising:mounting the tire casing on a hub, the hub being rotatable; measuring, automatically, the circumference of the tire casing and cushion gum; dispensing along a track the length of tire tread based on the measured circumference of the casing and the cushion gum, the length of tire tread having a first end; adjusting the length of tire tread along the track with respect to a cutter so that, after being cut, the first and a second end of the tread will provide a substantially continuous tread design when brought together on said tire casing; cutting said length of tire tread to define the second end; connecting an encoder to the tire tread at a determined distance from the second end; moving the length of tire tread along the track to provide the length of tire tread to the casing; applying the length of tire tread to the circumference of the tire casing and cushion gum; monitoring the circumferential distance of the casing and cushion gum not covered by the tire tread; monitoring the length of tire tread not applied to the casing and cushion gum by monitoring the location of the second end of the tire tread via the encoder; and controlling the pressure applied to the tire tread during application, the pressure applied to the tread based on the circumferential distance of the casing and cushion gum not covered by the tire tread and the length of tire tread not applied to the casing and cushion gum, so that the first and second ends of the tread will provide a continuous tread design when applied.