Patent ID: 6435244
Filing Date: 2002-08-20
Classification: D21G,F16C

Abstract:
An apparatus for applying a polymeric cover to a roll core, the roll core being generally cylindrical in shape and having a predetermined length, an outer surface having a circumference and a central axis, said apparatus comprising:a. a main frame assembly comprising a base portion, a plurality of side frame members rising from said base portion and a transverse frame member rigidly extending between said side frame members, said transverse frame member further comprising a downwardly facing chuck located thereon; b. a motor driven elevator assembly comprising a platform assembly arranged for vertical movement, said apparatus further comprising an upwardly facing chuck mounted on said platform assembly; c. said chucks being aligned and spaced apart a predetermined distance to receive and secure the roll core therebetween in a substantially vertical orientation, the roll core having a bottom end and a top end when vertically oriented, said motor driven elevator assembly being provided for non-rotatably moving the roll core downwardly from an elevated start position to a lowered finish position; d. a spacer assembly located proximate the bottom end of the roll core, said spacer assembly having an outer circumference greater than the roll core outer surface; e. a turntable rotatably mounted on said base portion, said turntable including a central opening being large enough in size to accommodate vertical movement of the roll core therethrough from said start position to said finished position during application of the polymeric cover thereon; f. a mold tape dispenser located on said turntable, said dispenser provided for dispensing a length of mold tape, said mold tape length having a leading edge arranged for securement to said spacer assembly; g. at least one extruder positioned on said turntable; and, h. said turntable being arranged for rotation around the roll core while the roll core is lowered by said elevator assembly from said start position to said finish position, said turntable rotation causing said mold tape dispenser and said extruder to travel in a circular path around the roll core thus causing said mold tape to helically wind around the roll core outer surface in spaced-apart relationship therewith to define an application zone between the inside surface of said mold tape and the roll core outer surface, said extruder provided for applying said extruded filament within said application zone and winding said filament over the roll core outer surface such that when said roll core reaches said finished position, it is covered with a layer of said polymeric material, said mold tape acting as a supportive form to prevent sagging of said layer prior to hardening.