Patent Publication Number: US-9415553-B2

Title: Apparatus and method for curing a rubber like article

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13,127,608 filed May 4, 2011 which is a US national stage entry of PCT Patent Application No. PCT/US2008/084351 filed on Nov. 21, 2008, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to the formation of a moldable material, and, more specifically, to the molding and/or curing of an annular article. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     Tires traditionally include a tread and belt area extending between opposing sidewalls, which together with a tire wheel form an inflatable pressurization chamber to facilitate use of the tire. The sidewalls generally extend in a radial direction toward the central axis of the tire. To form the tire, a green tire is built at least partially from uncured materials. Subsequently, the green tire is placed within a tire mold for molding and curing. Such mold generally includes an outer mold portion that generally forms the exterior profile and surfaces of the tire. The outer mold portion may be formed of a plurality of members. Within the mold, a flexible bladder is generally used to force the green tire outwardly in a radial direction against the profile formed by the outer mold portion. 
     More recent tire developments include providing a non-inflating tire, the tire comprising a band of material that, in effect, forms a tread band without any sidewalls extending radially from such tread band. The use of traditional tire molding/curing methods to form this non-traditional tire has, however, provided less than optimum results. Accordingly, there is a need to provide new methods and apparatus for molding and/or curing a band or ring-like article. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Particular embodiments of the invention include methods and apparatus for molding and/or curing an article. In more specific embodiments, methods and apparatus for molding and/or curing an annular article are provided. Particular embodiments of the invention include a mold core for use in a mold to form an annular article, wherein the mold core is positioned within the mold to form an annular mold cavity between the mold core and an outer mold portion, the mold core including an outer ring having an outer surface for engaging the annular article, the outer ring being formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature, the outer ring also having a width extending between opposing lateral side surfaces, and a thickness extending between an outer molding surface and an inner surface. The mold core may have a movable or slidable attachment to an exposed surface of the mold so that as the mold core cools, a substantially uniform gap between the article and the mold core is created allowing the article to be easily removed from the mold core. Particular embodiments of the mold core may also include an inner member positioned within a central portion of the outer ring, the inner member being positioned in spaced relation to the inner surface of the outer ring; and a plurality of translation members extending radially relative to the outer ring, and between the outer ring and the inner member, the translation members slidably engaging one of the outer ring and the inner member as the outer ring expands or contracts with changes in temperature. 
     Particular embodiments of the present invention also include an apparatus that has a mold for forming an annular article, the mold including a mold outer portion and a mold core positioned within mold outer portion. In particular embodiments, the mold core includes an outer ring having an outer surface for engaging the annular article, the outer ring being formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature, the outer ring also having a width extending between opposing lateral side surfaces, and a thickness extending between an outer molding surface and an inner surface. This apparatus may also have a cooling station with an exposed surface that the mold core is attached to at least in a partially sliding manner so that as the mold core is cooled, the outer ring contracts concentrically away from the article, creating a uniform gap between the article and the perimeter of the outer ring. In further embodiments, the mold core may include an inner member positioned centrally within the outer ring, the inner member being positioned in spaced relation to the inner surface of the outer ring. In still further embodiments, the mold core includes a plurality of translation members extending radially relative to the outer ring, and between the outer ring and the inner member, the translation members slidably engaging one of the outer ring and the inner member as the outer ring expands or contracts with changes in temperature. 
     Particular embodiments of the present invention also include a method of molding and/or curing an annular article from a mold, the method including the step of positioning a mold core centrally within a mold outer portion to form an annular mold cavity between the mold outer portion and the mold core, the mold core including an outer ring having an outer surface for engaging the annular article, the outer ring being formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. In particular embodiments, such methods include the steps of heating the outer ring, and cooling the outer ring subsequent to the step of heating, whereby the outer ring contracts relative to the article. Further, such methods may include the step of removing the article from the core outer ring. 
     The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following more detailed descriptions of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawing wherein like reference numbers represent like parts of the invention. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional side view of a mold for forming an annular or band-like article, the mold having a mold core centrally positioned within an outer mold portion, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top cross-sectional view of the mold shown in  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2 . 
         FIG. 3  is a partial cross-sectional side view of the core outer ring shown in  FIG. 2 , showing a heating cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a partial cross-sectional side view of the core outer ring shown in  FIG. 2 , showing a cooling cavity in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a core outer ring showing a pair of heating cavities and a cooling cavity, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of a core outer ring showing a pair of heating cavities and a cooling cavity, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  shows a mold core cooling operation in association with the core cross-section of  FIG. 4 , in accordance with a particular embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional side view of the mold of  FIG. 1 , showing the core outer ring engaging a mold outer member while the ring is in a heat-expanded state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional side view of the mold of  FIG. 1 , showing the core disengaged from a band-like article subsequent to cooling the core outer ring after removal from the mold, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PARTICULAR EMBODIMENTS 
     Particular embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatus for molding and/or curing an annular (ring-like or band-like) article, such as, for example, a tread band or a tire or tire-like band without sidewalls. 
     Molded tires traditionally include a pair of opposing sidewalls each extending radially inward from a tire tread area and to a tire bead. A mold for forming traditional or conventional tires generally includes an expandable membrane (i.e., bladder) positioned centrally within the mold, such that the unmolded tire is positioned between the membrane and an outer portion of the mold. During the molding process, the membrane expands to force the tire radially and/or axially outward against the outer mold portion to form the exterior surfaces of the tire, including tread and sidewall surfaces. Subsequently, the membrane reduces in size beyond the inner-most portion of the tire to facilitate tire removal. Certain non-conventional tires, however, may not include any molded sidewalls, and instead form an annular article, which extends laterally to form the tread area of the tire. The annular article may resemble a cylinder or ring, and include reinforcements, such as textiles and/or fabric, to increase its strength and/or durability. The annular article may be mounted to a drum or wheel, such as for use as a non-inflated tire. The present invention provides methods and apparatus for forming the annular tire article, as well as for forming a tread band for a retreaded tire, or any other moldable annular article for use in any industry. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , a mold  10  for use in practicing the methods described herein, according to one embodiment, is generally shown. Mold  10  includes a mold core  30  positioned centrally within a mold  10 . Mold core  30  is used in lieu of an expandable membrane within mold  10  to form an annular article  90  (shown in  FIGS. 8-9 ) with outer mold portion  20 . Outer mold portion  20  generally represents the outer extents of the mold, and provides surfaces against which moldable material is forced to form article  90 . Accordingly, outer mold portion  20 , in conjunction with mold core  30 , forms an annular molding cavity  28  for use in forming annular article  90 . 
     It follows that methods of molding an annular article may include the step of positioning a mold core centrally within an outer mold portion to form a mold cavity between the outer mold portion and the mold core. Performing the step of positioning includes transferring mold core  30  in and out of mold  10  in accordance with any known method, or obvious variation. For example, mold core  30  may be inserted and/or removed axially (i.e., in an axial direction of mold core  30 ). Further, with reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , mold core  30  may be positioned coaxially with outer mold portion  20 . To position mold core  30  as desired, mold core  30  may engage an alignment member  25  contained within mold  10 . Alignment member  25  may be continuous, or may comprise various segments. Alignment member  25  may be formed with, or affixed to, outer mold portion  20 . Alternatively, alignment member  25  may exist independent of outer mold portion  20 . Prior to inserting mold core  30  into outer mold portion, material for forming annular article  90  may be mounted upon mold core  30 . For example, mold core  30  may operate as a building drum, upon which material is assembled to form pre-molded article  90 . Alternatively, the material may be placed about a mold core  30  that has previously been positioned within mold  10 . 
     As mentioned above, outer mold portion  20  provides surfaces for forming article  90 , and generally represents any configuration of components for engaging and forming article  90 , such as those utilized by a conventional tire mold. For example, with continued reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , outer mold portion  20  may include top and bottom portions  22   a ,  22   b , respectively, to facilitate the opening and closing of mold  10 . Further, outer mold portion  20  may include a plurality of segments  24  extending about a circumference of mold  10 , which may be partitioned into top and bottom segments  24   a ,  24   b , respectively. As with conventional segmented tire molds, segments  24  translate radially outward to prevent the tearing of any features formed into article  90 . If mold  10  does not include segments  24 , top and/or bottom portions  22   a ,  22   b  may extend to enclose mold cavity  28 . It is contemplated, that any outer mold portion  20  known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or any variation thereof, may be employed by mold  10 , and contained within the scope of the present invention. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , outer mold portion  20  may include a recess  26  for forming molding cavity  28  when bounded by mold core  30 . Recess  26  may be formed by providing a radial space or gap between the outer surface  42   a  of mold core  30  and at least a portion of outer mold portion  20 . Recess  26  may include any features, such as, for example, textures, projections, and recessions, for forming corresponding forms within article  90 . For example, recess  26  may include features for forming a tread pattern and related forms within article  90 . 
     With reference to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , mold core  30  includes an outer ring  40  and an inner member  50 . Core outer ring  40  is designed to expand and contract radially relative to article  90 , to facilitate the demolding of article  90  from mold core  30 . Core outer ring  40  may also expands and contracts radially relative to mold outer member  20  and core inner member  50 . To achieve expansion and contraction, core outer ring  40  is formed of a material that expands and contracts with changing temperature. In one embodiment, core outer ring  40  is formed of aluminum. Aluminum and aluminum alloys are characterized as having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion of generally within the range of 2.1-2.5 mm/mm/Celsius×10 −5  for a temperature range of 100-390 degrees Celsius. The coefficient of volumetric thermal expansion is a multiple of 3 times (300%) the value of the coefficient of linear thermal expansion. Accordingly, core outer ring  40  may be substantially or primarily formed of a material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion equal to, or greater than, that of aluminum. In other embodiments, core outer ring  40  is formed of a material having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion approximately equal to, or greater than, approximately 1.5 mm/mm/Celsius×10 −5 , or a coefficient of linear thermal expansion greater than steel, for a temperature range of 100-390 degrees Celsius. It is contemplated that core outer ring  40  may be formed of any material for achieving any desired expansion and contraction within any desired temperature range. 
     In particular embodiments, core outer ring  40  expands and contracts more than (has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion greater than) core inner member  50 , within a particular temperature range. For example, at least a portion of core inner member  50  is formed of a material, such as steel, for example, having a coefficient of linear thermal expansion less than core outer ring  40 . Steel has a coefficient of linear thermal expansion generally within the range of approximately 1.0-1.4 mm/mm/Celsius×10 −5  for a temperature range of 540-980 degrees Celsius. In other embodiments, the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of core outer ring  40  is approximately equal to, or greater than, 150% (a multiple of 1.5 times) the coefficient of linear thermal expansion of inner member  50 , at similar temperatures. By forming core inner member  50  from one or more materials that expand and contract less with changing temperatures, inner member  50  is more dimensionally stable and is more optimally interoperable with any mechanism or device for handling, transporting, or receiving mold core  20 . Accordingly, the step of positioning a mold core, in particular embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, includes a mold core having an outer ring formed of a material capable of expanding and contracting with changes in temperature. In further embodiments of such methods, the core outer ring is formed of a material having a coefficient of thermal expansion greater than that of a material forming at least a portion of the inner member. 
     With reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , outer core ring  40  generally includes outer surface  42   a  and inner surface  42   b . Outer surface  42   a  operates as a mounting surface for article  90  (shown in  FIGS. 8-9 ), and forms at least a portion of mold cavity  28 . Outer surface  42   a  may also engage outer mold portion  20 , such as for substantially sealing molding cavity  28  to reduce the loss of moldable material during a molding process. With specific reference to  FIG. 3 , core outer ring  40  may comprise a generally rectangular or square cross-sectional shape having a thickness t and a height h. Outer and inner surfaces  42   a ,  42   b  are generally cylindrical and smooth, but may instead form other shapes and/or include any contours, textures, or other features as desired, such as for the purpose of creating increased surface area or other features along the inner surface  92  of article  90  (generally shown in  FIGS. 8-9 ). Accordingly, the step of positioning a mold within outer mold portion, in particular embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, includes a mold core having an outer ring, the outer ring having an outer surface for engaging the annular article. 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-4 , contact surfaces  43  may be positioned around the top and bottom edges of inner surface  42   b  at particular locations for contacting or interfacing portions of outer mold member  20  or other mounting surfaces within mold  10 , such as any alignment member  25 . Surfaces  43  may provide a durable surface for contacting and/or interacting with other members or surfaces. In the embodiment shown, contact surfaces  43  comprise arcuate plates attached to inner surface  42   b  in a ring-like arrangement. In the alternative, contact surfaces  43  may be arranged intermittently about outer surface  42   b . It is also contemplated that contact surfaces  43  may comprise a plating or coating formed along outer surface  42   b , in lieu of plates or other forms. Contact surfaces  43  may be formed of steel, or any other desired material suitable for its desired purpose. 
     As mentioned above, a core inner member  50  may be placed within core outer ring  40 . With reference to  FIGS. 1-2 , a plurality of translation members  60  may extend between core outer ring  40  and core inner member  50  to allow core outer ring  40  to expand and contract as desired. Accordingly, the step of positioning a mold core centrally within an outer mold portion, in particular embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, includes a mold core having an inner member positioned centrally within the outer ring in spaced relation to the inner surface of the outer ring, and a plurality of translation members extending radially relative to the outer ring, and between the outer ring and the inner member, the translation members slidably engaging one of the outer ring and the inner member as the outer ring expands or contracts with changes in temperature. 
     Translation members  60  may comprise pins, as shown generally in  FIGS. 1-2 , and more specifically in  FIG. 8-9 , or any other known device or means, such as bearings or the like, capable of facilitating the relative translation between outer ring  40  and inner member  50 . With general reference to the FIGURES, translation members  60  may be attached to core outer ring  40 , and extend through apertures  54  formed within core inner member  50 , wherein translation members  60  are in sliding engagement with apertures  54  and core inner member  50 . In particular embodiments, translation members  60  may also extend into an aperture  48  formed within core outer ring  40  to provide improved lateral support for translation members  60 . Alternatively, translation members  60  may be attached to core inner member  50  while slidingly engaging an aperture formed within core outer ring  40 . Translation members  60  may be attached by any known means, such as, for example, by welding, press-fitting, or mechanical interference, or by use of adhesives or fasteners  62 , which are exemplarily shown in  FIGS. 1-2, 8-9 . 
     Translation members  60 , such as pins, may be formed of any material, or coated with any desired material, to facilitate a more optimum sliding operation. For example, pins may be formed of, or coated with, bronze, or any other material that may operate as a bearing material. Translation members  60  may also be coated with a lubricant, which may be a high temperature lubricant. Any quantity of translation members  60  may be spaced about mold core  30 . When utilizing pins, each pin may be sized to provide adequate strength and exterior surface area to achieve its intended purpose. For example, mold  10  may include five (5) bronze pins, each of which may have an outside diameter of at least approximately 30-35 mm. 
     As shown generally in  FIGS. 1-2 and 8-9 , core inner member  50  generally includes an outer portion  52 , web  56 , and inner portion  58 . Core inner member  50  generally provides a means for handling, transporting, securing, and/or mounting mold core  30 , while allowing core outer ring  40  to expand and contract as desired. Within core outer ring  40 , core outer portion  52  is positioned in spaced relation to inner surface  42   b  to facilitate the expansion and contraction of outer ring  40 . In the embodiment shown, outer portion  52  includes a plurality of apertures  54  for slidingly accepting translation members  60 . Outer portion  52  may form a ring as shown, or, alternatively, may form any other shape or extend intermittently around inner surface  42   b  of core outer ring  40 . 
     With continued reference to  FIGS. 1-2 and 8-9 , web  56  extends radially to connect core outer portion  52  and inner portion  58 . Web  56  may form a continuous structure, or, alternatively, may include a plurality of voids or discontinuities. For example, web  56  may comprise a plurality of spokes or spoke-like members that extend between outer portion  52  and inner portion  58 . 
     In the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 1-2 and 8-9 , inner portion  58  at least partially extends axially (i.e., in an axial direction of core  30 ) to strengthen inner core  40  and/or to provide a surface to facilitate mounting and/or attachment of core  30  to any device or machine. Inner portion  58  may form a cylinder as shown in  FIGS. 1-2 , having any desired cross-sectional shape, such as, for example, a square, or may extend intermittently around the axis of core  30 . Accordingly, inner portion  58 , as well as outer portion  52  and web  56 , may each be formed from a single member or of multiple members. It is contemplated that web  56  may exist without inner portion  58 . 
     Inner core  50  may be adapted to facilitate any desired handling, transport, or securement of mold core  30 . For example, mold core  30  may be transported to and from mold  10 , inserted and secured into mold  10 , and extracted from mold  10 . Mold core  30 , as mentioned above, may also me mounted and secured to a tire building machine. Accordingly, inner core  50 , and any of its components, may be sized, shaped, or include features  59  (shown by example in  FIG. 1 ) to facilitate handling, transfer, and/or securement of mold core  30  and its interoperability with any related any device or machine. 
     Inner core  50 , or any combination of its components, may be formed independently or as a single monolithic form. When assembling inner core  50  from multiple components, the components may be secured by any known means, such as, for example, welding or use of fasteners. In particular embodiments, it is contemplated that mold core  30  may not include an inner member  50 , and, instead, outer ring  40  may include any desired features that would otherwise be included within inner member  50 , such as, for example, any features  59  for handling, transferring, or securing mold core  30 . 
     Alternatively, the mold core  30  may comprise a unitary body have an outer ring portion that is connected to an inner hub by a web. The inner hub may be hollowed out and the web and outer ring kept to a minimum thickness in order to reduce the amount of material that composes the mold core so that it will heat up and cool down more quickly. The bottom surface of the mold core could be attached to an exposed surface by at least two key and keyway combinations with either the key or keyway being found on either surface. The keys and keyways would be configured so that they would slide relatively to each other, keeping the mold core center fixed in position while it expands or contracts concentrically. The keys and keyways could be spaced apart from each other at ninety degree internals. Preferably, there would be four such combinations at ninety degree intervals. 
     With general reference to the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , core outer ring  40  includes a plurality of heating cavities  44 . Heating cavities  44  are provided for the purpose of heating outer ring  40  during molding and/or curing operations within mold  10 . Heating cavities  44  may be distributed approximately evenly about a circumference of outer ring  40  to more evenly and uniformly heat ring  40 . One or more heating sources  45  operate conjunctively with heating cavities  44  to heat outer ring  40 . For example, with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , an electric heating cartridge or element positioned within each cavity  44 . Alternatively, heated fluid, such as, water, steam, or any other liquid or gas, may flow through cavities  44  as desired. Still, any other known means of heating may be used to heat outer ring  40 , with or without cavities  44 . For example, a heating source may heat outer ring  40  indirectly (i.e., through another mold component), or directly through a surface of outer ring  40 . Accordingly, in the methods disclosed herein, particular embodiments of the step of heating includes heating the core outer ring by use of one or more heating sources positioned in operable communication with one or more heating cavities formed within the outer ring  40 . In further embodiments of such methods, the one or more heating cavities are approximately uniformly spaced around the outer ring. In still further embodiments of such methods, the one or more heating cavities extend in an axial direction of the outer ring. Alternatively, a cartridge heater may be found in one or more heating cavities which receives electricity from the mold to heat the outer ring  40 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3 , heating cavity  44  may extend fully through the width of outer ring  40 , or, alternatively, partially through a width of outer ring  40 . Heating cavity  44  may extend linearly, as generally shown in  FIG. 3 , or non-linearly, as generally shown in  FIG. 6 . For example, a non-linear heating cavity  44  may extend helically about outer ring  40 . As shown in the FIGURES, heating cavity  44  may have a constant outer diameter d 44 , or may taper or vary along its length as desired. Heating cavity  44  may be sized to maximize surface contact with the heating source. A depression  47  may be included along a side surface  42   c  for the purpose of routing any wiring or tubing extending from the heating source or any cooling source associated with cool cavities  46  (discussed below). 
     With general reference to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , core outer ring  40  includes a plurality of cooling cavities  46 . Accordingly, in particular embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, the step of positioning includes a mold core having one or more cooling cavities positioned around the outer ring. Cooling cavities  46  are provided as a means of cooling outer ring  40  to facilitate the removal of article  90  from ring  40  subsequent a molding and/or curing process. As with heating cavities  44 , cooling cavities  46  may be distributed approximately evenly about a circumference of outer ring  40 , and may extend linearly or non-linearly, and partially or fully, through outer ring  40 . Likewise, cooling cavity  46  may have a constant or variable outer diameter d 46 . In a particular embodiment, outer ring  40  includes  10  evenly spaced cooling cavities  46 , each having a diameter d 46  of approximately 1 inch. It is contemplated, that heating cavities  44  and/or cooling cavities  46  may operate as both heating and cooling cavities (i.e., dual-purpose cavities). Accordingly, core outer ring  40  may only include dual-purpose cavities, or may include both dual-purpose cavities and single-purpose cavities (i.e., heating cavities  44  and/or cooling cavities  46 ). As with heating cavities  44 , is it contemplated that cooling may be achieved without use of a cooling cavity  46 , as such cooling may be achieved by applying a cooling source  70  to any exterior surface of outer ring  40 . Alternatively, a cooling source such as a heat sink may be used that is in contact with the core outer ring to cool it by conduction, thus eliminating the need for cooling cavities altogether. 
     With reference to  FIG. 7 , a cooling source  70 , may be placed in communication with a cooling cavity  46 . Cooling source  70  may utilize any known cooling means, such as a heat sink or cooling fluid  72 , to facilitate cooling of outer ring  40 . Accordingly, the step of cooling, in particular embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, include flowing cooling fluid through the cooling cavities. Cooling fluid  72  may comprise water or any other liquid or gas, which may be supplied at any pressure, temperature (such as ambient or room-temperature), or flow rate to control the cooling of outer ring  40  as desired. For example, cooling fluid  72  may be supplied to core outer ring  40  at ambient or room temperature, at 5-10 gallons per minute, and at a pressure of 100 psi. By altering the size, shape, and/or material of outer ring  40 , the cooling rate of outer ring  40  may further be controlled. 
     With specific regard to the cooling operation shown in  FIG. 7 , cooling source  70  injects cooling fluid  72  into cooling cavity  46  at a first end of cavity  46 , while fluid recovery  74  is inserted into cooling cavity  46  to reclaim the cooling fluid  72  at a second end of cavity  46 . It is contemplated that the flow shown in  FIG. 7  may be reversed, whereby the source  70  is inserted into cooling cavity  66  to inject cooling fluid  72  into the second (closed) end of cavity  46 , and recovered at the first (open) end of cavity  46  by fluid recovery  74 . When cooling cavity  46  extends fully through a width of core outer ring  40 , cooling fluid  72  may flow between fluid source  70  and fluid outlet  74 , each of which are positioned at opposite ends of cooling cavity  46 . A sealing member  76  may be provided to prevent any leakage of cooling fluid  72  from cavity  46 . Sealing member  76  may comprise an o-ring or a gasket, or any other known sealing device. Accordingly, the step of cooling, in particular embodiments of the methods disclosed herein, includes placing a cooling fluid source in operable communication with one or more of the cooling cavities, and placing a cooling fluid recovery outlet in operable communication with one or more of the cooling cavities. 
     As a result of the cooling operation, core outer ring  40  is cooled to any desired temperature to sufficiently contract and shrink for removal of article  90  from outer ring  40 . In one example, outer ring  40  is cooled to approximately 80 degrees Celsius prior to removing article  90 . With reference to  FIG. 8 , a heated core  30  is shown positioned within mold  10 . When ring  40  is heated, it expands to an expanded state, whereby inner surface  42   b  of outer ring  40  is separated from core inner member  50  by any desired distance Δ I , which may be in the range of 0.8 to 2.5 mm for example. Such expansion may force outer surface  42   a  of outer ring  40  against a portion of outer mold portion  20  to substantially close or seal mold cavity  28 . With reference to  FIG. 9 , core  30  is shown after removing article  90  subsequent to performing a cooling operation on core outer ring  40 . When cooling outer ring  40 , ring  40  contracts to provide a separation distance Δ f  between ring outer surface  42   a  and article  90  for removal of article  90  from core  30 . Separation distance Δ f  may be as small as 1-3 millimeters (mm). Accordingly, particular embodiments of the methods disclosed herein include the steps of heating the outer ring, cooling the outer ring subsequent to the step of heating, whereby the outer ring contracts relative to the article, and, removing the article from the core outer ring. Particular embodiments of the methods disclosed herein may also include a step of removing the core from the mold after the step of heating, and before the step of cooling. 
     Removal of article  90  from core  30  may be achieved by translating or lifting either article  90  or core  30  from the other. Because the separation distance Δ f  between core  30  and article  90  may be relatively small, such as 1-3 mm, core  30  or article  90  may be lifted concentrically from the other to avoid substantial contact with the other. Because at least portions of article  90  may remain partially attached (i.e., adhered) to core outer surface  42   a  after sufficiently cooling core  30 , removal may be facilitated by forming at least the inner surface  92  of article  90  from a material characterized as having a low surface friction (i.e., low tack). For example, article inner surface  92  is formed of a polymeric/elastomeric material, that when cured, provides low surface friction. Further, core outer surface  42   a  may be prepared or finished to provide a low-friction surface to facilitate removal of article  90  from core  30 . 
     In operation, according to a particular embodiment, core  30  with uncured article  90  is inserted into an open mold  10  prior to a molding and/or curing process. In an open position, components of mold outer portion  20  are separated to allow core  30  to be inserted into a central portion of mold  10 . Upon closure of mold  10 , the components of mold outer portion  20  are collapsed to form a molding cavity  28  between mold outer portion  20  and core  30 . Subsequently, mold  10  is heated according to methods known in the art, for the purpose of heating article  90  for a molding and/or curing process. Core  30  may be pre-heated prior to being positioned within mold  10 . One or more heating sources  45  may be used to heat core outer ring  40  through heating cavities  44  or by conduction as previously described. Subsequent a molding and/or curing operation, mold  10  is opened, and core  30  removed with article  90  mounted to outer surface  42   a . Core  30  is then subjected to a cooling operation remotely from the mold to facilitate the removal of article  90  from core  30 , such as, for example, at a cooling station or apparatus. While this process is being performed, a subsequent core  30  and article  90  may be placed within mold  10  for a new molding and/or curing operation. Alternatively, cooling of core  30  may occur before removing core  30  from mold  10 , and article  90  may be removed from core  30  while core  30  remains in mold  10 . 
     As previously stated, prior to the insertion of core  30  within mold  10 , an article  90  is first built upon core  30 . For example, core  30  may operate as a building drum for forming a tire article  90  thereupon. Accordingly, article  90  is mounted upon core  30 , and more specifically, along outer surface  42   a  of core outer ring  40  before the core  30  is inserted into mold  10 . It follows that, in other embodiments, article  90  may be placed within mold  10  separately from core  30 , where core  30  expands to contact article  90  after being heated during a molding and/or curing operation within mold  10 . Likewise, the core  30  may be preheated so that the article has an elevated temperature before entering the mold to reduce the cure time necessary in the mold. 
     While this invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments thereof, it shall be understood that such description is by way of illustration and not by way of limitation. Accordingly, the scope and content of the invention are to be defined only by the terms of the appended claims.