Patent ID: 8689848
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: B29D

Abstract:
1. A bead lock assembly for use in tyre building comprising first and second parallel, coaxial, axially spaced bead lock arrangements, each bead lock arrangement including a plurality of bead lock segments movable radially relative to a longitudinal axis of the bead lock assembly between a collapsed, rest position and an expanded, operative position, each bead lock arrangement further including an annular, extensible, bead seating ring encircling the radially movable segments of the bead lock arrangement and having, at its radially outermost face, a circumferentially extending bead seating surface having a predetermined curved cross section, and, each bead lock arrangement further including an annular seal positioned coaxial with the respective bead seating ring and disposed adjacent a side face of the respective bead seating ring presented generally towards the bead seating ring of the opposing bead arrangement, each annular seal engaging its respective bead seating ring at least in the operative position of the ring, to provide a pneumatic seal between the bead seating ring and a fixed component of the bead lock assembly, wherein the side face of each bead seating ring is inclined, so that at least part of said side face defines a frustum of a cone, the frusta-conical surface of the bead seating ring being spaced apart from the associated annular seal in the collapsed position and contacting the associated annular seal during radial expansion of the bead seating ring towards its operative position.