Patent Publication Number: US-2023146624-A1

Title: Modular tire turn-up apparatus

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to a turn-up apparatus for turning the edges of a tire carcass. 
     More particularly, this invention pertains to a modular tire turn-up apparatus for selectively engaging a separate tire building drum to turn-up the edges of a tire carcass wound thereon. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     In current tire building operations, one production step takes place on a tire building drum. The tire building drum supports a tire carcass which initially rests flat on the tire building drum. Edges of the tire carcass are turned up by turn-up equipment (e.g., bladder, fingers, or the like) integrated into the tire building drum. These integrated tire building turn-up drums have limitations however. Each integrated tire building turn-up drum is of a set diameter, therefore each different tire size requires a different integrated drum. Integrated tire building turn-up drums are very expensive and not well suited for traditional production line manufacture. The tire must be removed from the integrated tire building turn-up drum and transferred to a different drum for further production steps. Maintenance on such integrated drums can often be difficult and time consuming, which results in downtime for the machine and lost productivity. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     There exists a need for improvements in tire building operations, specifically with regard to the process of turning up the edge portions of a tire carcass disposed on a tire building drum. A new tire building system incorporates simplified independent tire building drums and a tire turn-up apparatus that is completely external to the tire building drums. The external tire turn-up apparatus is adjustably configured in order to be compatible with tire building drums of different diameters and tire building drums having differing numbers of guide slots. These simplified tire building drums may move along a production line type assembly system while carrying a tire carcass for multiple operations instead of removing the tire and placing it on another drum for each operation. This new tire building system will benefit assembly speeds and reduce downtime when a particular drum or a particular tire turn-up apparatus requires service or repair. 
     The new tire building system incorporates a new and completely adjustable tire turn-up apparatus to turn-up the tire carcass without any mechanisms needed inside the tire building drum which carries the tire carcass. The tire turn-up apparatus is completely external to the tire building drum. The apparatus may have mechanical fingers which may enter the drum beneath the outer drum surface and exit the guide slots once the fingers reach a bead disposed on the tire carcass. The apparatus has flexibility to change the set diameters of the fingers to the necessary position depending on the size of the tire building drum and associated tire to be assembled. The device further has flexibility to reposition and add mechanical fingers depending on the diameter of a selected tire building drum and the number of guide slots of the tire building drum. 
     In one embodiment, a tire building system is provided. The tire building system includes a tire building drum and a tire turn-up device. The tire building drum may include a cylindrical outer drum surface, an inner drum surface, a first drum end, and a second drum end. The tire building drum may further define a lengthwise direction between the first and second drum ends. Each of the first and second drum ends may include a plurality of guide slots disposed between the inner drum surface and the outer drum surface. The guide slots may extend parallel to the lengthwise direction. The guide slots may be open at the respective drum end. The guide slots may be spaced equally circumferentially around the first and second drum ends. The tire turn-up device may be configured to selectively engage and disengage the drum. The tire turn-up device may include a first plurality of fingers configured to be received through the plurality of guide slots. The first plurality of fingers may be movable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position. 
     The tire turn-up device of such a tire building system may be configured to move in the lengthwise direction to engage and disengage the tire building drum. 
     The first plurality of fingers of such a tire building system may be positioned parallel with the lengthwise direction when positioned in the radially retracted position. 
     The tire building drum of such a tire building system may be a selected drum of a group of drums of different drum diameters. The first plurality of fingers may be arranged in a circular equally spaced first finger pattern. The tire turn-up device may be configured such that a first finger diameter of the first finger pattern is adjustable to correspond to the drum diameter of the selected drum. 
     The first plurality of fingers of such a tire building system may have a first configuration where the fingers are equally spaced in a first finger pattern. The first plurality of fingers may further have a second configuration where the fingers are repositioned to allow insertion of a second plurality of fingers. In the second configuration, the combined first and second pluralities of fingers may be equally spaced in a second finger pattern. 
     The tire building drum may include a plurality of ramps. Each ramp of the plurality of ramps may be associated with one of the guide slots. The ramps may be configured to engage the first plurality of fingers when the first plurality of fingers are in the radially retracted position. The tire turn-up device may be configured to move in the lengthwise direction toward the drum in order to cause the first plurality of fingers to engage the plurality of ramps. The plurality of ramps may be configured to guide movement of the plurality of fingers between the radially retracted position and the radially extended position as the turn-up device is moved in the longitudinal direction toward the drum. 
     In another embodiment, a tire turn-up apparatus for selectively engaging a cylindrical tire building drum is provided. The tire turn-up apparatus includes a base and a first plurality of finger assemblies. The base may be centered on a longitudinal axis and may be movable along the longitudinal axis. Each finger assembly of the first plurality of finger assemblies may include a backstop and a finger pivotally connected to the backstop. The backstop may be connected to the base. The finger may be pivotally connected at a pivotal connection to the backstop. The finger may be movable between a radially retracted position and a radially extended position. The finger may further have a free end. 
     The pivotal connection of each finger of such a tire turn-up apparatus may be radially adjustable on its respective backstop to define an adjustable finger pattern diameter. Each finger may be parallel to the longitudinal axis when in the radially retracted position. Alternatively, the radially retracted position of each finger may be configured to adjust to an outwardly directed acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     The pivotal connection of each finger of such a tire turn-up apparatus may be radially fixed on its respective backstop to define a fixed finger pattern diameter. The radially retracted position of each finger may be configured to adjust to an outwardly directed acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis. 
     The first plurality of finger assemblies of such a tire turn-up apparatus may have a first configuration where the finger assemblies are equally circumferentially spaced in a first finger pattern having a first diameter. The first plurality of finger assemblies may have a second configuration where the finger assemblies are repositioned circumferentially on the base to allow insertion of a second plurality of finger assemblies. In the second configuration, the combined first and second pluralities of finger assemblies are equally circumferentially spaced in a second finger pattern having a second diameter. The second configuration of the first plurality of finger assemblies may include at least one gap configured to receive the second plurality of finger assemblies. The at least one gap may include multiple gaps equally circumferentially spaced around the base. 
     Each finger assembly of such a tire turn-up apparatus may further include an actuator connected between its respective finger and its respective backstop. The actuator may be configured to move its respective finger between the radially retracted position and the radially extended position. Each actuator may be pivotally connected to its respective backstop. Each actuator may further be radially adjustable in position relative to the backstop. 
     In another embodiment, a method of turning up an end of a tire carcass is provided. The method may include the steps of: (a) engaging a first drum of a first diameter with a separable turn-up device, the first drum having a first tire carcass disposed thereon; (b) turning up an end of the first tire carcass with the turn-up device; (c) disengaging the turn up device from the first drum; (d) adjusting a diameter of the turn-up device; (e) engaging a second drum of a second diameter with the adjusted turn-up device, the second drum having a second tire carcass disposed thereon; and (f) turning up an end of the second tire carcass with the adjusted turn-up device. 
     Step (a) of such a method may further include aligning a plurality of guide slots of the first drum with a plurality of turn-up fingers of the separable turn-up device. Step (b) may further include moving the turn-up fingers from a radially retracted position to a radially extended position to turn-up the end of the first tire carcass. Step (c) may further include returning the turn-up fingers to the radially retracted position. 
     Step (a) of such a method may further include moving the tire turn-up device along a lengthwise direction to engage a plurality of ramps of the first drum with free ends of a plurality of turn-up fingers of the separable turn-up device. Step (d) may further include adjusting a radially retracted positioned of the plurality of turn-up fingers to an outwardly directed acute angle and may include aligning the free end of each turn-up finger with one of the ramps of the first drum. 
     Steps (b) and (f) of such a method may each further include actuating a plurality of actuators. Each actuator may be associated with a finger of the turn-up device and may be configured to move the finger from a radially retracted position to a radially extended position. 
     In step (a) of such a method, the turn-up device may include a first plurality of fingers. The first plurality of fingers may be equally circumferentially spaced in a first finger pattern. Step (d) may further include radially adjusting a first finger pattern diameter of the first finger pattern. 
     In step (a) of such a method, the turn-up device may include a first plurality of fingers. The first plurality of fingers may be equally circumferentially spaced in a first finger pattern. Step (d) may further include repositioning the first plurality of fingers and adding a second plurality of fingers. The combined first and second pluralities of fingers may be equally circumferentially spaced in a second finger pattern. Step (d) may further include radially adjusting a second finger pattern diameter of the second finger pattern. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG.  1    is a schematic of a portion of a tire building production line in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  2    is a side elevation view of tire building drum in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  3    is a cross-sectional view of the tire building drum of  FIG.  2   . 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a tire building system with a tire turn-up apparatus disengaged from each end of a tire building drum in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  5    is a perspective view of the tire building system of  FIG.  4    with the tire turn-up apparatus engaged with the tire building drum and having fingers arranged in a radially retracted position. 
         FIG.  6    is an enlarged schematic cross-sectional view of the tire building system of  FIG.  5   . 
         FIG.  7    is a perspective view of the tire turn-up apparatus having a first plurality of finger assemblies arranged in a first pattern in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  8    is a perspective view of the tire turn-up apparatus of  FIG.  7    having the first plurality of fingers arranged in the first pattern at a second diameter. 
         FIG.  9    is a perspective view of a tire turn-up apparatus having a first plurality of finger assemblies radially fixed on respective backstops in the radially retracted position adjusted to an outwardly directed acute angle in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  10    is a schematic cross-section side elevational view of the tire turn-up apparatus of  FIG.  9    in conjunction with the tire building drum. 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of the tire turn-up apparatus of  FIG.  7    having the first plurality of finger assemblies repositioned in a second configuration having at least one gap. 
         FIG.  12 A  is a diagram of the first pattern of  FIG.  7   . 
         FIG.  12 B  is a diagram of the second configuration of  FIG.  11    having the second plurality of finger assemblies overlaid above the at least one gap. 
         FIG.  12 C  is a diagram of a second finger pattern having the second plurality of finger assemblies positioned in the at least one gap. 
         FIG.  13 A  is a diagram of the first pattern of  FIG.  7    having specified fixed finger assemblies and non-fixed finger assemblies of the first plurality of finger assemblies. 
         FIG.  13 B  is a diagram of an embodiment of a second configuration with the at least one gap having multiple gaps and having each second finger assembly of the second plurality of finger assemblies overlaid above a respective gap of the multiple gaps. 
         FIG.  13 C  is a diagram of a second finger pattern having each second finger assembly of the second plurality of finger assemblies positioned in a respective gap of the multiple gaps. 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of a finger assembly of  FIG.  4    in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  15    is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  4    having the tire turn-up apparatus disengaged from a first drum of a first diameter. 
         FIG.  16    is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  15    having the tire turn-up apparatus engaged with the first drum. 
         FIG.  17    is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  16    with the first plurality of fingers positioned in the radially extended position to turn-up an end of a first tire carcass wrapped around the first drum. 
         FIG.  18    is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  17    having the tire turn-up apparatus disengaged from the first drum with turned-up carcass ends. 
         FIG.  19 A  is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  18    having a diameter of the first plurality of finger assemblies radially adjusted. 
         FIG.  19 B  is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  18    having the radially retracted position of the first plurality of finger assemblies adjusted to the outwardly directed acute angle. 
         FIG.  20 A  is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  19 A  having the radially adjusted first plurality of finger assemblies engaged with a second drum of a second diameter. 
         FIG.  20 B  is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  19 B  having the adjusted radially retracted position of the first plurality of finger assemblies engaged with the second drum of the second diameter. 
         FIG.  21 A  is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  20 A  with the first plurality of finger assemblies positioned in the radially extended position to turn-up edge portions of a second tire carcass wrapped around the second drum. 
         FIG.  21 B  is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  20 B  with the first plurality of finger assemblies positioned in the radially extended position to turn-up the edge portions of the second tire carcass. 
         FIG.  22    is a side elevational view of the tire building system of  FIG.  4    without the first plurality of finger assemblies and having a headstock engaged with the tire building drum. 
         FIG.  23 A  is a front view of a base of a tire turn-up apparatus having a first base half and a second base half in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG.  23 B  is a front view of the base of  FIG.  23 A  having the first and second base halves hinged open. 
         FIG.  24 A  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a tire building drum having a support ring with first and second drum halves spaced apart from the support ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG.  24 B  is a perspective view of the tire building drum of  FIG.  24 A  with the first and second drum halves in contact with the support ring in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more drawings of which are set forth herein. Each drawing is provided by way of explanation of the present disclosure and is not a limitation. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. 
     Thus, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. Other objects, features, and aspects of the present disclosure are disclosed in, or are obvious from, the following detailed description. It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure. 
     The words “connected”, “attached”, “joined”, “mounted”, “fastened”, and the like should be interpreted to mean any manner of joining two objects including, but not limited to, the use of any fasteners such as screws, nuts and bolts, bolts, pin and clevis, and the like allowing for a stationary, translatable, or pivotable relationship; welding of any kind such as traditional MIG welding, TIG welding, friction welding, brazing, soldering, ultrasonic welding, torch welding, inductive welding, and the like; using any resin, glue, epoxy, and the like; being integrally formed as a single part together; any mechanical fit such as a friction fit, interference fit, slidable fit, rotatable fit, pivotable fit, and the like; any combination thereof; and the like. 
     Unless specifically stated otherwise, any part of the apparatus of the present disclosure may be made of any appropriate or suitable material including, but not limited to, metal, alloy, polymer, polymer mixture, wood, composite, or any combination thereof. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a portion of a tire building production line  100  is shown. The tire building production line  100  may include a conveyer belt  102 . The conveyer belt  102  may carry a lineup  104  of tire building drums  106 . Although the tire building production line  100  is shown utilizing a conveyer belt  102 , it should be appreciated that other means exist (e.g., rollers, dollies, wheeled cradles, or the like) for transporting tire building drums  106  between multiple building stations and may alternatively be utilized for such a purpose. Each tire building drum  106  of the lineup  104  may be a selected drum from a group of drums  108  having different drum diameters  110 . The utilization of multiple simplified tire building drums  106  allows for a more streamlined tire building process which allows each tire building drum  106  to hold a tire assembly throughout multiple building stations on the tire building production line  100 . 
     As can best be seen in in  FIGS.  2  and  3   , each tire building drum  106  may include a cylindrical outer drum surface  112 , an inner drum surface  114 , a first drum end  116 , and a second drum end  118 . The tire building drum  106  may further include a lengthwise direction  120  defined perpendicularly between the first drum end  116  and the second drum end  118 . Each of the first and second drum ends  116 ,  118  include a plurality of guide slots  122  disposed between the outer drum surface  112  and the inner drum surface  114 . The plurality of guide slots  122  may extend parallel to the lengthwise direction  120 . Each of the guide slots  122  may be open either to its respective first drum end  116  or second drum end  118 . The guide slots  122  may be equally circumferentially spaced around each drum end  116 ,  118 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  3   , each tire building drum  106  may further include a plurality of ramps  124 . Each ramp  124  is associated with one of the guide slots  122 . As illustrated, each ramp  124  may extend from the inner drum surface  114  proximate its respective guide slot  122 . Each ramp  124  may extend into an internal drum area  126 . The internal drum area  126  may include means (not shown) for interfacing with an external control mechanism (not shown) for positioning the tire building drum  106 . The internal drum area  126  may be defined by the inner drum surface  114  between the first drum end  116  and the second drum  118 . Alternatively, each ramp  124  may extend from its respective guide slot  122 . 
     Each tire building drum  106  may include a first bead lock groove  128  and a second bead lock groove  130 , which may be positioned circumferentially around the outer drum surface  112 . The first bead lock groove  128  may be positioned adjacent to the guide slots  122  extending from the first drum end  116 . The second bead lock groove  130  may be positioned adjacent to the guide slots  122  extending from the second drum end  118 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  1   , each tire building drum  106  of the lineup  104  may be wrapped with a tire carcass  132 . The tire carcass  132  may be wrapped onto each respective tire building drum  106  at a station (not shown) located on the tire building production line  100 . The tire carcass  132  may include two tire carcass edge portions  134  which extend partially over the guide slots  122  extending from the first drum end  116  and second drum end  118 . Each tire building drum  106  may further carry a first bead  136  and a second bead  138 . Each of the first and second beads  136 ,  138  may be positioned around the tire carcass  132 . The first bead  136  may be positioned over the first bead lock groove  128 . The second bead  138  may be positioned over the second bead lock groove  130 . As the tire carcass  132  is shaped, the first and second beads  136 ,  138  may ensure that a finished tire diameter conforms to the drum diameter  110  of the tire building drum  106  on which a tire was formed. 
     The tire building production line  100  further includes a station comprising a tire building system  200 . Each tire building drum  106  of the lineup  104  may proceed to the tire building system  200  to have the tire carcass edge portions  134  turned up before proceeding to another station (not shown) of the tire building production line  100 . As can best be seen in  FIGS.  1  and  4 - 6   , the tire building system  200  may include a selected tire building drum  106  from the lineup  104  and a separable tire turn-up apparatus  202 . The tire turn-up apparatus  202  may be referred to as a tire turn-up device  202  or a turn-up device  202 . The tire turn-up apparatus  202  is completely external to the selected tire building drum  106 . Each tire building drum  106  may simplified in that no internal mechanisms are needed to turn-up the tire carcass  132 . 
     The tire turn-up apparatus  202  is configured to selectively engage and disengage the selected tire building drum  106 . As can best be seen in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , the tire turn-up apparatus  202  includes a base  204  and a first plurality of finger assemblies  206 . The base  204  may be centered on a longitudinal axis  208 . Furthermore, the base  204  may be movable along the longitudinal axis  208  in order to engage and disengage the selected tire building drum  106 . For example, the base  204  may be movable along the longitudinal axis  208  utilizing a rail system  209  as shown in  FIGS.  15 - 21 B  in conjunction with a servo motor (not shown). It should be appreciated that one of ordinary skill in the art may utilize other means for moving the base along the longitudinal axis  208 . The lengthwise direction  120  of the selected tire building drum  106  may be aligned with the longitudinal axis  208 . 
     Each finger assembly  206  may include a backstop  210  connected to the base  204  and a finger  212  pivotally connected at a pivotal connection  214  to the backstop  210 . Each backstop may include a plurality of cams  215 . The plurality of cams  215  may be configured to hold the backstop  210  to the base  204 . The plurality of cams  215  may further be configured to adjust the backstop  210  circumferentially on the base  204 . 
     Collectively the fingers  212  of the first plurality of finger assemblies  206  may be referred to as a first plurality of fingers  212 . Each finger  212  of the first plurality of finger assemblies  206  may be positionable between a radially retracted position  216  ( FIGS.  4 - 6   ) and a radially extended position  218  ( FIGS.  17 ,  21 A, and  21 B ). Each finger  212  of the first plurality of finger assemblies  206  may be configured to be received through one of the guide slots  122 . Each finger  212  may have a free end  220  positioned distally from its respective pivotal connection  214 . The free end  220  may include a roller  222  connected thereto. Each finger  212  of the first plurality of finger assemblies  206 , when engaged with the tire building drum  106 , works in unison to cause its respective free end  220  and associated roller  222  to turn-up the tire carcass edge potions  134  disposed on the tire building drum  106 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS.  7  and  8   , the each finger  212  of the plurality of finger assemblies  206  may be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis  208  when in the radially retracted position  216 . The pivotal connection  214  of each finger  212  may be radially adjustable on its respective backstop  210  to define an adjustable finger pattern diameter  224 . The adjustable finger pattern diameter  224  allows for each finger  212  to be adjusted in order to be compatible with different drum diameters  110  of the tire building drums  106  from the lineup  104 . By radially adjusting the first plurality of fingers  212 , the free end  220  of each finger  212  is positioned to align with its respective ramp  124 . Additionally, as can best be seen in  FIG.  10   , the radially retracted position  216  of each finger  212  may be configured to adjust to an outwardly directed acute angle  226  relative to the longitudinal axis  208 . The outwardly directed acute angle  226  allows for further adjustability to align the free end  220  of each finger  212  with its respective ramp  124 . This is beneficial when the drum diameter  110  is larger than the largest finger diameter that the adjustable finger pattern diameter  224  can be adjusted to. 
     In an alternative embodiment as can best be seen in  FIGS.  9  and  10   , the pivotal connection  214  of each finger may be fixed on its respective backstop  210  to define a fixed finger pattern diameter  228 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  10   , the radially retracted position  216  of each finger  212  may be configured to have the finger  212  oriented at the outwardly directed acute angle  226  relative to the longitudinal axis  208 . The outwardly directed acute angle  226  may be selected based on the drum diameter  110  of the selected tire building drum  106 . The outwardly directed acute angle  226  of each finger  212  in the radially retracted position  216  aligns the free end  220  of each finger  212  with its respective ramp  124 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  7   , the first plurality of finger assemblies  206  may have a first configuration  230  where finger assemblies  206  are equally circumferentially spaced in a first finger pattern  232 . The first finger pattern  232  may be associated with a first finger diameter  234 . The first finger diameter  234  may be referred to as a first finger pattern diameter  234 . The tire turn-up apparatus  202  may be configured such that the first finger diameter is adjustable to correspond to an associated drum diameter  110 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  11   , the first plurality of fingers assemblies  206  may have a second configuration  236  where the finger assemblies  206  are repositioned from the first configuration  230  along the base  204  to allow insertion of a second plurality of finger assemblies  238  (schematically shown in  FIGS.  12 A- 13 C ). The second configuration  236  of the first plurality of finger assemblies  106  may have at least one gap  240 . The at least one gap  240  may be configured to receive the second plurality of finger assemblies  238 . 
     As shown in  FIGS.  12 C and  13 C , in the second configuration  236 , the combined first plurality of finger assemblies  206  and second plurality of finger assemblies  238  are equally circumferentially spaced in a second finger pattern  242 . The second finger pattern may be associated with a second finger diameter  244 . The second finger diameter  244  may be referred to as a second finger pattern diameter  244 . The second finger diameter  244  may be larger than the first finger diameter  234 . Tire building drums  106  with larger drum diameters  110  may have more guide slots  122  associated with the first and second drum ends  116 ,  118  and thus require the use of both the first and second pluralities of finger assemblies  206 ,  238 . Each finger assembly of the second plurality of finger assemblies  138  may be identical to each finger assembly of the first plurality of finger assemblies  206 . 
     As can best be seen by comparing  FIG.  12 A  to  FIG.  12 B , the first plurality of finger assemblies  106  may be repositioned from the first configuration  230  to make room for the second plurality of finger assemblies  238 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  12 B , the at least one gap  240  may be one large gap configured to receive the second plurality of finger assemblies  238 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  13 B , the at least one gap  240  may include multiple gaps equally circumferentially spaced around the base  204 . The first plurality of finger assemblies  106  may include fixed finger assemblies  241  and non-fixed finger assemblies  243 . As can best be seen by comparing  FIG.  13 A  to  FIG.  13 B , the non-fixed finger assemblies  243  of the first plurality of finger assemblies  106  may move either clockwise or counterclockwise toward the fixed finger assemblies  241  in order to create the gaps  240  for receiving the second plurality of finger assemblies  238 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  14   , each finger assembly of the first and second pluralities of finger assemblies  206 ,  238  may further include a rail  246 , a stop plate  248 , and an actuator  250 . The rail  246  may be positioned parallel to the backstop. The rail  246  may be connected between its respective finger  212  and its respective backstop  210 . The rail  246  may be configured to conform to either the adjustable finger pattern diameter  224  or the fixed finger pattern diameter  228 . As can best be seen in  FIGS.  4 - 8   , each backstop  210  when configured in accordance with the adjustable finger pattern diameter  224  may include a rail opening  252 . The rail opening  252  of each respective backstop  210  may be configured to connect to the rail  246 . Each rail  246  may be adjustable radially when attached to the rail opening  252  of its respective backstop  210 . The rail opening  252  may house a linear rail system (not shown) or the like in order to radially adjust its associated rail  246 . 
     The stop plate  248  extends from a lower edge of the rail  246  nearest the longitudinal axis  208 . The stop plate may include a finger stop  254  positioned near a distal end of the stop plate  248  relative to the rail  246 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  14   , the finger stop  254  is fixed and ensures that the finger  212  when in the radially retracted positioned  216  is parallel to the longitudinal axis  208 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  10   , the finger stop  254  may be adjustable and have an adjustable height  256 . The height  256  of the finger stop  254  may be configured to control the outwardly directed acute angle  226  of each finger  212  when in the radially retracted positioned  216 . The height  256  may be adjusted using an electric piston, screw jack, scissor jack or the like. Alternatively, the outwardly directed acute angle  226  may be controlled using the actuator  250 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIGS.  4 - 8   , the actuator  250  when configured in accordance with the adjustable finger pattern diameter  224  may be connected between its respective finger  212  and its respective rail  246 . As can best be seen in  FIGS.  9 - 10   , the actuator  250  when configured in accordance with the fixed finger pattern diameter  228  may be connected between its respective finger  212  and its backstop  210 . The actuator  250  may be pivotally attached at both its ends. The actuator  250  may be configured to move its respective finger  212  between the radially retracted position  216  and the radially extended position  218 . Alternatively, the actuator  250  may be biased to only return its respective finger  212  to the radially retracted position  216  from the radially extended position  218 . In this alternate scenario, each finger  212  may move to the radially extended position  218  by moving the tire turn-up apparatus  202  along the longitudinal axis  208  to engage the free end  220  and roller  222  of each finger  212  with its respective ramp  124  and the tire carcass  132 . Each ramp  124  may guide the movement of each finger  212  between the radially retracted position  216  and the radially extended position  218 . The actuator  250  may be a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, an electric solenoid or the like. 
     Referring back to the tire building system  200  as shown in  FIG.  4   , the tire building drum  106  is disengaged from the tire turn-up apparatus  202 . The tire building drum  106  is positioned between a first tire turn-up apparatus  260  and a second tire turn-up apparatus  262 . Each of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  may be identical and include all of the features from the tire turn-up apparatus  202 , described above. The first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are positioned facing one another with respective fingers  212  extending toward the tire building drum  106 . The first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  may both be aligned on the longitudinal axis  208 . The lengthwise direction  120  of the tire building drum  106  may be aligned with the longitudinal axis  208 . The first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  may be operated simultaneously upon the tire building drum  106  to turn-up both tire carcass edge portions  134 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  5   , the tire building drum  106  is engaged with the first tire turn-up apparatus  260  and the second tire turn-up apparatus  262 . Each finger  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are positioned in the radially retracted position. As can best be seen in  FIG.  6   , each finger  212  of the first tire turn-up apparatus  260  is positioned in the radially retracted position  216  and is engaged with its respective ramp  124 . Each finger  212  of the first tire turn-up apparatus  260  is positioned in the internal drum area  126  directly below its respective guide slot  122 . Alternatively, each finger  212  of the first tire turn-up apparatus  222  may be positioned directly between the guide slots  122  (not shown) as the first tire turn-up apparatus engages the tire building drum  106 . The ramps  124  help ensure that each finger  212  engages the tire carcass  132  at the correct location for turning the tire carcass edge portions  134  up. As can best be seen in  FIGS.  17 ,  21 A, and  21 B , each finger  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  is positioned in the radially extended position  218 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  15 - 21 B , schematic diagrams of the tire building system  200  for turning up the tire carcass edge portions  134  of a tire carcass  132  disposed on a tire building drum  106  are shown. As can best be seen in  FIG.  15   , the tire building system  200  includes the first and second turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  disengaged from a first tire building drum  264  having a first drum diameter  266 . The first tire building drum  264  may be one of the tire building drums  106  of the lineup  104 . The first tire building drum  264  may include a first tire carcass  268  wrapped thereon. The first tire carcass  268  may include first tire carcass edge portions  270  extending partially over the guide slots  122  of the first tire building drum  264 . The tire building system  200  may align the plurality of guide slots  122  of the first tire building drum  264  with the respective fingers  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  16   , the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are engaged with the first tire building drum  264 . The first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  may be moved towards one another along the longitudinal axis  208 , which is aligned parallel with the lengthwise direction  120 , to allow the respective fingers  212  to engage the ramps  124  of the first tire building drum  264 . The respective fingers  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are shown positioned in the radially retracted position  216 . 
     As can best the seen in  FIG.  17   , the first tire carcass edge portions  270  are turned up by simultaneously (1) moving the respective fingers  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  from the radially retracted position  216  to the radially extended position  218  and (2) moving the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  toward one another. Each actuator  250  may be associated with each finger  212  and may be actuated in order to move each finger  212  from the radially retracted position  216  to the radially extended position  218  in order to turn the first tire carcass edge portions  270  up. The first tire carcass edge portions  270  may be turned up around the first and second beads  136 ,  138 . The fingers  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are shown in the radially extended position  218 . The first tire carcass  268  is shown on the first tire building drum  264  in a turned up configuration  272 . 
     As can best be seen in  FIG.  18   , the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are disengaged from the first tire building drum  264  having the first tire carcass  268  in the turned up configuration  272 . The respective fingers  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  may be returned to the radially retracted positioned  216  in order to disengage the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  from the first tire building drum  264 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  19 A and  19 B , the first tire building drum  264  may be replaced with a second tire building drum  274 . The second tire building drum  274  is shown disengaged from the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262 . The second tire building drum  274  may have a second drum diameter  276  larger than the first drum diameter  266 . The second tire building drum  274  may be one of the tire building drums  106  of the lineup  104 . The second tire building drum  274  may include a second tire carcass  278  wrapped thereon. The second tire carcass  278  may include second tire carcass edge portions  280  extending partially over the guide slots  122  of the second tire building drum  274 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  19 A , the adjustable finger pattern diameter  224  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  may be adjusted so that each finger  212  may be positioned proximate its respective guide slot  122  and ramp  124  when engaged with the second tire building drum  274 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  19 B , the radially retracted position  216  of each finger  212  may be adjusted to an outwardly directed acute angle  226  to position the free end  220  and associated roller  222  of each finger  212  in alignment with its respective ramp  124 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  20 A and  20 B , the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are shown engaged with the second tire building drum  274 . The first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  may be moved toward one another along the longitudinal axis  208  to allow the respective fingers  212  to engage the ramps  124  of the second tire building drum  274 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  20 A , the fingers  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are shown positioned in the radially retracted position  216  with respective fingers  212  positioned parallel to the longitudinal axis  208 . As can best be seen in  FIG.  20 B , the fingers  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are shown positioned in the radially retracted position  216  with respective fingers  212  positioned at the outwardly directed acute angle  226 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  21 A and  21 B , the second tire carcass edge portions  280  may be turned up by simultaneously (1) moving the respective fingers  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  from the radially retracted position  216  to the radially extended position  218  and (2) moving the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  toward one another. Each actuator  250  may be associated with each finger  212  and may be actuated in order to move each finger  212  from the radially retracted position  216  to the radially extended position  218  in order to turn the second tire carcass edge portions  280  up. The fingers  212  of the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  are shown in the radially extended position  218 . The second tire carcass  278  is shown on the second tire building drum  264  in a turned-up configuration  272 . 
     In certain embodiments, the tire building system  200  may include spacer plates. The spacer plates (not shown) may be positioned between each backstop  210  in order to insure proper and uniform spacing. 
     Referring to  FIG.  22   , a headstock  300  for interfacing with the tire building drum  106  of the tire building system  200  is shown. The headstock  300  may include a headstock arm  302  extending therefrom. The headstock arm  302  may be oriented parallel to both the lengthwise direction  120  and the longitudinal axis  208 . The headstock  300  may pass through the base  204  in order to engage the tire building drum  106 . The drum  106  may be loaded onto the headstock  300  before positioning the tire building drum  106  between the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262 . Alternatively, the drum  106  may be loaded onto the headstock  300  after the end of the headstock  300  is positioned between the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262 . 
     Referring to  FIGS.  23 A and  23 B , the base  204  of the tire building system  200  is shown. The base  204  may include a first base half  284  and a second base half  286 . The first and second base halves  284 ,  286  may include respective lower ends  288  pivotally connected. The first and second base halves  284 ,  286  may include respective upper ends  290  which hinge open ( FIG.  23 B ) and hinge closed ( FIG.  23 A ). The pivotally connected first and second base halves  284 ,  286  allow the headstock  300  and tire building drum  106  to be positioned between the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262 . It should be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that this is one method of positioning the tire building drum  106  between the first and second tire turn-up apparatuses  260 ,  262  and that many other alternatives exist. 
     Referring to  FIGS.  24 A and  24 B , a second embodiment of a simplified tire building drum  400  is shown. The tire building drum  400  includes a first drum half  402  and a second drum half  404 . Each of the first and second drum halves  402 ,  404  includes a cylindrical outer drum surface  406 , an inner drum surface  408 , an external drum end  410 , and an internal drum end  412 . The tire building drum  400  may further include a lengthwise axis  414  upon which each drum half is centered. The lengthwise axis  414  is defined between the external drum ends  410  of the first and second drum halves  402 ,  404 . The tire building drum  400  may be configured to be received by the headstock arm  302  of the headstock  300 . The headstock arm includes at least a bead lock ball screw  304  which is configured to position the first and second drum halves  402 ,  404  along the lengthwise axis  414 , either closer together or further apart. The internal drum ends  412  of the first and second drum halves  402 ,  404  may either touch or be spaced apart when moving along the lengthwise axis  414 . In other embodiments (not shown), the headstock arm may include additional passageways for interfacing various materials, such as air, oil, power, or the like, with the tire building drum  400 . 
     Each of the first and second drum halves  402 ,  404  may further include a plurality of guide slots  416  disposed between the outer drum surface  406  and the inner drum surface  408 . The plurality of guide slots  416  may extend parallel to the lengthwise axis  414 . Each of the guide slots  416  may be open to its external drum end  410 . The guide slots  416  may be equally circumferentially spaced around each external drum end  410  of the first and second drum halves  402 ,  404 . 
     The tire building drum  400  may further include a plurality of ramps  418 . Each ramp  418  is associated with one of the guide slots  416 . As illustrated, each ramp  418  may extend from the inner drum surface  408  of either the first or second drum half  402 ,  404  proximate its respective guide slot  416 . Each ramp  418  may extend into an internal drum area  420 . The internal drum area  420  includes a means (not shown) for interfacing with the headstock  300  which is configured to position the tire building drum  400 . The internal drum area  420  may be defined by the inner drum surface  408  between the external drum ends  410  of the first and second drum halves  402 ,  404 . Alternatively, each ramp  418  may extend from its respective guide slot  416 . 
     The tire building drum  400  may include a first bead lock groove  422  and a second bead lock groove  424 , which may be positioned circumferentially around the outer drum surface  406  of the first and second drum halves  402 ,  404 , respectively. The first bead lock groove  422  may be positioned adjacent to the guide slots  416  extending from the external drum end  410  of the first drum half  402 . The second bead lock groove  424  may be positioned adjacent to the guide slots  416  extending from the external drum end  410  of the second drum half  404 . 
     The tire building drum may further include a support ring  426  positioned between the internal drum ends  412  of the first and second drum halves  402 ,  404 . The support ring  426  may be configured to support the tire carcass  132  when received by the tire building drum  400 . The support ring  426  may have a diameter  428  less than that of the inner drum surface  408  of the tire building drum  400  so as to enable the internal drum ends to slide over the support ring  426 . The tire building drum  400  may include other various elements necessary for proper operation. 
     Thus, although there have been described particular embodiments of the present invention of a new and useful MODULAR TIRE TURN-UP APPARATUS it is not intended that such references be construed as limitations upon the scope of this invention except as set forth in the following claims.