Patent ID: 7874822

Claim:
A core segment manipulating apparatus for relocating core segments forming a toroidally shaped core body configured to carry a cured tire, the core body including a plurality of core segments extending generally radially from a central core axis, the plurality of core segments comprising a first set of key segments and a second set of second segments, the key segments having different physical characteristics than the second segments and operatively retaining the second segments in a radially outward, assembled core body position, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of key segment engaging mechanisms and a plurality of second segment engagement mechanisms in a spaced apart circular array adjacent to respective core key segments and second segments, the key segment and second segment engaging mechanisms operative to individually move respective key segments and second segments from a radially outward core body position to a radially inward segment removal position; the key segment engaging mechanisms and the second segment engaging mechanisms operatively transfer respective core segments at the radially inward segment removal position to a segment removal mechanism for withdrawal of the core segments from the core; the key segment engaging mechanisms operatively move radially outward to a segment-receiving radial location subsequent to the release of respective key segments at the radially inward segment removal position; the key segment engaging mechanisms and the second segment engaging mechanisms comprises at least one pin member positioned for operative receipt into a socket within a respective core segment; and the pin member of each key segment engaging mechanism is mounted to a pivotal support block operative to pivot the pin member at the segment-receiving location between a downward tilting orientation and an upright key segment-receiving pin orientation.