Apparatus for vacuum forming an elastomeric tire
US7399172B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 4, 2004 |
| Grant date | Jul 15, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 21, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB29D30/10
- WIPO fieldOther special machines
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A vacuum forming apparatus and process for its use in forming a transport tire from an elastomeric material that includes a mold having a cavity or annular area wherein a transport tire core of plies, belt and beads is laid-up on a mandrel located within the mold. The mold receives a cover fitted in sealing engagement over the mold top and a cylindrical canister is fitted through the center of which cover and the mold center that is open at a top end to receive a pour of an elastomeric material mixture and includes a needle valve in its lower end that exhausts into one end of the mold annular area. The cylindrical canister includes a port for connection to a deep vacuum source and the cover includes a port that is for connection to a low level vacuum source, with the deep vacuum to remove air from the elastomeric material mixture as it is poured into the canister, and with, after filling, the port is open to atmosphere and the needle valve is opened to exhaust the mixture into the mold annular chamber wherethrough it is pulled by the low level vacuum through the cover port, filling the mold annular cavity and thoroughly impregnating the core maintained therein.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.