Abstract:
An apparatus for manufacturing an annular bead core-apex subassembly comprises a first station having a first support surface and a second station having a second support surface. The first support surface is mounted to a first support element and is rotatable on the first support element. The second support surface is mounted to a second support element and is rotatable on the second support element. The apparatus comprises a moving device for moving the first support surface from a first location to a second location and for moving the second support surface from the second location to either the first location or to another location. The apparatus comprises at least one handling device selected from a loading device or an unloading device, and a first nozzle in fluid communication with a first pumping or extrusion device for discharging a rubber compound.
Abstract:
A bead core-apex subassembly comprises an annular bead core, a flipper and an apex. The flipper is wrapped about the bead core such that it encloses the bead core. The apex is in contact with the flipper and comprises at least a first segment and a second segment, the first segment having a composition different from the composition of the second segment. A method comprises the steps of providing an annular bead core; wrapping a flipper about the annular bead core; positioning the bead core with the flipper on a rotatable support surface; providing a nozzle in fluid communication with a pumping or extrusion device; rotating the support surface about an axis; and discharging a rubber compound through the nozzle onto the rotating support surface and forming an apex from the discharged rubber compound, the apex being attached to the flipper.