Transfer ring shoe and transfer ring with air entrainment reduction features

Abstract

A transfer ring for use in a vehicle tire manufacturing system comprises a radially expandable and foldable segmented gripping surface defined by a plurality of transfer ring shoes, each shoe having an inward-facing surface mounted for movement toward and away from a central axis of the cylindrical gripping surface. Each inward-facing surface has first and second side edges. Each side edge has a central portion configured to be substantially parallel to the central portion of the other side edge, forming an intermediate portion therebetween. Each side edge has first and second tapered portions at respective ends on either side of the central portion. Each tapered portion extends outward from the corresponding central portion and toward the tapered portion of the other side edge. The tapered portions at corresponding ends of the shoes cooperate to form ends, with the width of each end decreasing in a direction away from the intermediate portion.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present general concept relates to an apparatus useful in the manufacture of vehicle tires. More particularly, the present general concept relates to a transfer ring and transfer ring shoe having features designed to reduce air entrapment within a tire during tire manufacture. [Background technology]

[0002] Manufacturing vehicle tires generally involves forming a tire carcass, forming the tire's annular belt and tread "package" separately from the carcass, and then bonding the belt and tread package to the tire carcass to form a "green" tire. The green tire is then processed to form the tread and various other features of the finished tire. Other supplemental steps, such as bonding the belt and tread package to the tire carcass, often referred to as "stitching" the belt and tread package, may be performed during or after one or more of the aforementioned steps.

[0003] Formation of a tire's belt and tread package is typically accomplished using a belt and tread drum of the type disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 6,013,147. Such belt and tread drums typically define a cylindrical outer surface or periphery around which one or more layers of tire belt material (e.g., comprising reinforcing cords embedded in a polymer binder) are placed to define the belt and tread package. The periphery of the belt and tread drum is preferably stretchable, for example, to allow the completed belt and tread package to be removed from the drum. The completed belt and tread package is typically essentially inextensible radially. However, the completed belt and tread package is typically flexible enough that, if unsupported, the annular belt and tread package will deform and sag under the influence of gravity. Also, desirably, the periphery of the belt and tread drum is adjustable so that a single drum can be used to form belt and tread packages of different diameters.

[0004] In the manufacture of vehicle tires, tire carcasses are typically built using tire building drums of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,457,505. Such tire building drums typically define a radially expandable and contractible cylindrical working surface on which the tire carcass is formed, similar to the belt and tread drums previously described. After the tire carcass is formed on the cylindrical working surface, the tire carcass is typically transferred to an inflation drum of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,372. The tire carcass is positioned around the expansion drum, with a portion of the tire carcass covered by a belt and tread package. The tire carcass is then expanded to a ring shape that is often similar, though not identical, to the shape of the finished tire. While the tire carcass is being expanded, the belt and tread package are "sewn" to the tire carcass.

[0005] In modern tire manufacturing, the process of stitching the belt and tread package to the tire carcass is typically accomplished using a "stitching" machine of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,423,272. Such stitching machines typically define one or more rollers configured to be brought into close proximity with a rotatable expansion drum when the tire carcass is positioned around the expansion drum, a portion of the tire carcass is covered with the belt and tread package, and the tire carcass is annularly expanded. As the expansion drum rotates, the rollers of the stitching machine are used to press against the outer circumferential surface of the belt and tread package, thereby forcing the belt and tread package into the tire carcass and adhering the contact surfaces of the two components to one another. Alternatively, or in combination with the stitching machine, the belt and tread package may be "hand-stitched" to the tire carcass using hand-held rollers or similar tools. In either case, the roller is generally applied to the outer surface of the belt and tread package, starting along an axially central circumferential path along the belt and tread package, proceeding spirally around the periphery of the belt and tread package, and from there proceeding axially outward toward one of the opposing peripheral edges of the belt and tread package, in this manner compressing any voids or voids that may exist between the belt and tread package and the tire carcass axially outward toward the outer peripheral edge of the belt and tread package.

[0006] In the aforementioned process, both the steps of transferring the tire carcass from the tire building drum to the expansion drum and transferring the belt and tread package to the tire carcass for stitching are typically accomplished using one or more transfer rings of the type described in U.S. Patent No. 8,091,602. Such transfer rings, also referred to as "O-rings," typically include a plurality of "shoe" segments having arcuate inner surfaces that collectively form a segmented, radially inwardly facing, generally cylindrical surface suitable for gripping and holding the tire carcass and / or belt and tread package. Each shoe segment is attached to a suitable linkage such that the shoe collectively can radially expand and contract relative to one another, whereby the diameter of the segmented, radially inwardly facing, cylindrical surface can be expanded to fit over the tire carcass and / or belt and tread package, contracted to grip the tire carcass or belt and tread package for transfer, and then re-expanded to release the tire carcass or belt and tread package after transfer.

[0007] The arcuate inner surfaces of the shoes are generally referred to herein as forming a segmented "cylindrical" surface. However, it will be understood that the arcuate inward-facing surfaces of the shoes may be formed with additional curvature to accommodate a more desirable fit along the respective portions of the exterior of the tire component. For example, in certain configurations of transfer rings, the respective inward-facing surfaces of each shoe forming the segmented "cylindrical" surface define a gradually varying radius in a direction along the axial dimension of the segment. In other words, in the axial direction of the cylindrical surface, the central portion of the shoe may define a concave or convex shape, and the contact surface may have a gradual radius extending outward toward the edges / sides of the shoe. Similarly, the curvature of each inner shoe surface along the circumferential dimension may vary between the central portion and the outer circumferential side edges of the shoe. Thus, it will be understood that the arcuate surfaces of the shoes may form a generally "cylindrical" gripping surface, although not defining a perfect cylindrical shape.

[0008] Additionally, in prior art configurations of transfer rings, the arcuate inner surfaces of the transfer ring shoes may generally be referred to herein as having a “rectangular” shape. While the arcuate inward-facing surfaces of the shoes may be formed with the aforementioned circumferential and / or axial arcuate surfaces, the term “rectangular” may be used herein to refer to transfer ring shoes having inner surfaces that define peripheral edges that extend parallel to the central axis of the generally cylindrical, segmented surface, i.e., perpendicular to the arcuate axial side edges of the shoes. Thus, when each shoe is viewed in plan view, the arcuate inward-facing surfaces of the shoes may resemble the shape of a curved rectangle. Similarly, while transfer ring shoes are generally described herein as having “radial” movement toward and away from the central axis of the transfer ring, it is understood that various transfer ring configurations may provide movement that is not purely radial, such as, for example, “iris” movement along both the radial and circumferential directions of the transfer ring.

[0009] When using a transfer ring to transfer a tire carcass and / or belt and tread package (collectively referred to herein as "tire components") as described above, it is not uncommon for the transfer ring to be configured so that shoes exert significant pressure on the outer surfaces of the tire components to partially assist in maintaining the uniform annular shape of the tire components during transfer. Such high pressure exerted on the outer surfaces of the tire components can result in at least a portion of the arcuate inner surfaces of the shoes being imprinted onto the tire components, resulting in the formation of an imprint of the inner surface of the shoe and a corresponding bulge adjacent the imprint in the tire component. However, in situations where a space remains between adjacently oriented rectangular transfer ring shoes, the shoes leaving an uncompressed area (e.g., a seam) between the shoes can create an indentation in the tire component. When the tire components are stitched together, these rectangular indentations and the resulting abrupt edges of the seams formed in the tire components cause air to vent at 90 degrees to the periphery of the belt and tread package. Thus, these uncompressed seam areas of the tire components do not allow air to pass freely toward the edges of the belt and tread package. In some extreme cases, the presence of these uncompressed seam areas in the tire components can even result in voids or gaps being trapped between the surfaces of the sewn tire components after the operation of the stitching machine and / or hand-stitching tool is complete. These voids or gaps can, in certain circumstances, result in undesirable performance characteristics in the finished tire, such as, for example, vibration and / or resonance of the rotating tire. Such vibration and / or resonance can result in undesirable tire noise and / or shudder, increased tire wear and shortened tire life, and, in some extreme cases, catastrophic tire failure. These air entrapment issues can be particularly problematic in applications where, for example, tire components are thin and materials are lightweight.

[0010] In light of the above, it would be beneficial to provide a transfer ring that incorporates transfer ring shoes that reduce air entrapment between tire components as they are stitched together. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0011] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent No. 6,013,147 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. 6,457,505 [Patent Document 3] U.S. Patent No. 6,602,372 [Patent Document 4] U.S. Patent No. 3,423,272 [Patent Document 5] U.S. Patent No. 8,091,602 Summary of the Invention

[0012] The foregoing and / or other aspects and advantages of the inventive general concept may be achieved by providing a transfer ring for use in a vehicle tire manufacturing system. According to various illustrative embodiments of the inventive general concept, the transfer ring may include a radially expandable and foldable, segmented, generally cylindrical gripping surface defined by a plurality of inwardly facing surfaces mounted for movement toward and away from a central axis of the cylindrical gripping surface. Each inwardly facing surface may have first and second side edges, each having a central portion configured to be substantially parallel to a central portion of the other side edge, forming an intermediate portion therebetween. Each side edge may have first and second tapered portions at respective ends on either side of the central portion, each tapered portion of each side edge extending outward from the corresponding central portion and toward the tapered portion of the other side edge. In various illustrative embodiments, the first tapered portions of the first and second side edges can cooperate to form a first end, and the second tapered portions of the first and second side edges can cooperate to form a second end, and the widths of the first and second ends can decrease in a direction away from the intermediate portion.

[0013] In various exemplary embodiments, the first and second tapered portions of each of the first and second side edges may extend inward from their respective central portions at a 30-degree angle. The first and second ends may further define respective first and second edges that are substantially parallel to one another. The first and second tapered portions of each of the first and second side edges may extend inward from their respective central portions to form curved first and second ends. The central portions of each of the first and second side edges may be narrower than one of the respective first and second tapered portions. The inward-facing surfaces may be symmetrical about a midpoint between the first and second ends. In various exemplary embodiments, each of the inward-facing surfaces may define an arcuate shape about a circumferential dimension of the cylindrical gripping surface. In various exemplary embodiments, each of the inward-facing surfaces may define an arcuate shape about an axial dimension of the cylindrical gripping surface. In various illustrative embodiments, a respective central portion of each first side edge of each respective inward-facing surface may be shaped to conformably engage a respective central portion of a second side edge of an adjacent inward-facing surface in the collapsed position of the transfer ring. In various illustrative embodiments, each of the first and second edges may be narrower than each central portion of each of the first and second side edges.

[0014] In accordance with various illustrative embodiments of the present general concept, a transfer ring shoe for use in a vehicle tire manufacturing system is provided. According to various illustrative embodiments, the transfer ring shoe can include a plate defining a first surface and an opposing second surface for gripping a tire component, and a mount for securing the plate for movement toward and away from a central axis of the transfer ring. The first surface can define first and second opposing side edges extending parallel to each other, first and second opposing end edges extending parallel to each other, and a plurality of tapered edges, each extending inward from one of the first and second side edges and the first and second end edges and between corresponding ends. An intermediate portion of the plate between the first and second side edges can define a gripping surface for the tire component. Each end edge and a corresponding adjacent tapered edge can cooperate to define a tapered end of the plate configured to form an air relief seam in the gripped tire component.

[0015] In various embodiments, each tapered edge may extend at a 30-degree angle from the corresponding side edge. In various embodiments, each tapered edge may extend inward from the respective side edge to form curved first and second ends. In various embodiments, each side edge may be narrower than the respective tapered edge. In various embodiments, the plate may be symmetrical about a midpoint between the first and second edges. In various embodiments, the first surface may define an arcuate shape between the first and second side edges. In various embodiments, the first surface may define an arcuate shape between the first and second edges. In various embodiments, the first side edge may be shaped to fit the second side edge. In various embodiments, the mount may define a portion of a hinge connection for rotatably connecting the transfer ring shoe to the driven link of the transfer ring. In various embodiment examples, the mount may define a portion of a cam for maintaining the first surface of the transfer ring shoe in a cylindrical configuration with other transfer ring shoes attached to the transfer ring.

[0016] Additional aspects and advantages of the inventive general concept will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the inventive general concept. Other features and aspects will become apparent from the following detailed description, the drawings, and the claims.

[0017] The following illustrative embodiments represent examples of techniques and structures designed to achieve the objectives of the general concepts of the present invention, but the general concepts of the present invention are not limited to these illustrative embodiments. In the accompanying drawings and illustrations, the size and relative size, shape, and quality of lines, entities, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. A wide variety of further embodiments will be more readily understood and appreciated through the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0018] [Figure 1] 1 shows a transfer ring with shoes formed in a typical "rectangular" shape. [Figure 2] 1 shows a transfer ring having shoes constructed in accordance with an example embodiment of the present general concept; [Figure 3] 3 shows a perspective view of the transfer ring shoe of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 shows a perspective view of the transfer ring shoe of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] 10 shows a perspective view of a transfer ring according to another example embodiment of the present general concept. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] Reference will now be made to illustrative examples of embodiments of the general concepts of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and illustrations. Illustrative examples of embodiments are described herein to explain the general concepts of the present invention by reference to the drawings.

[0020] The following detailed description is provided to aid the reader in a comprehensive understanding of the structures and manufacturing techniques described herein. Accordingly, various changes, modifications, and equivalents of the structures and manufacturing techniques described herein will be suggested to those skilled in the art. However, the progression of manufacturing operations described is merely exemplary, and the sequence types of operations are not limited to those described herein and may be changed as known in the art, except for operations that are necessarily performed in a particular order. Additionally, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be simplified and / or omitted for clarity and conciseness.

[0021] Spatially relative terms such as "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "below," "lower," "lower side," "upper," and the like may be used herein for ease of description to describe the relationship of one element or feature to another element or feature as shown in the figures. Spatially relative terms are intended to encompass various orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is flipped or rotated, an element described as "below" or "below" another element or feature would then be oriented "above" that other element or feature. Thus, the exemplary term "bottom" can encompass both an upward and downward orientation. The device may be oriented otherwise (rotated 90 degrees or in another orientation), and the spatially relative descriptors used herein would be interpreted accordingly.

[0022] Figures 1 and 2 show a transfer ring having shoes incorporating air entrainment reduction features in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present general concept. The transfer ring, identified as 10 in Figures 1 and 2, includes first and second circular frame members 14, 16, respectively, fixed to one another and positioned in a side-by-side, parallel, spaced-apart relationship. The first and second circular frame members 14, 16 have substantially the same inner and outer diameters, and each frame member preferably defines a generally rectangular cross-section with opposing inner and outer flat sides. Two of these surfaces, 20, 22, are shown in Figure 1. A plurality of hinge pin connectors 26 extend between the first and second circular frame members 14, 16 at spaced locations around the periphery of each of the first and second circular frame members 14, 16 to rigidly hold the first and second circular frame members 14, 16 in a side-by-side, parallel, aligned, spaced apart relationship, thereby defining a skeletal cage 25 having an open space 28 between the first and second circular frame members 14, 16.

[0023] A circular drive member 30 is disposed within the open space 28 of the skeletal cage 25 and is mounted in an aligned, parallel, and coaxial relationship to the first and second circular frame members 14, 16 via a plurality of rollers 40 extending between the first and second circular frame members 14, 16, thereby allowing the drive member 30 to rotate about a central axis of the drive member 30 relative to the skeletal cage 25. A plurality of driven links 32 are also provided within the open space 28 of the skeletal cage 25. Each driven link 32 is elongated in shape, having a first end hingedly attached to a respective hinge pin connector 26 extending between the first and second circular frame members 14, 16 and a second end extending generally inside the skeletal cage 25.

[0024] A power source 44, such as a piston / cylinder device as shown in FIG. 1, is provided to effect controlled rotation of the drive member 30 relative to the skeletal cage 25. Thus, actuation of the power source 44 effects rotational movement of the drive member 30 relative to the skeletal cage 25, thereby rotating each driven link 32 about its respective hinge pin connector 26 between a retracted position as shown in FIG. 1, in which the respective second end of each driven link 32 extends generally radially inward toward the central axis of the drive member 30 and the first and second circular frame members 14, 16, and an extended position as shown in FIG. 2, in which the respective second end of each driven link 32 extends generally along the outer periphery of the drive member 30. It should be noted that the system shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is merely one type of transfer ring system in which shoes according to the present general concept may be used. For example, while the system of FIGS. 1 and 2 employs various linkages to move the shoes radially, other systems utilizing the present general concept may have different linkages or may move the shoes generally radially without any linkages. For example, some transfer rings employing the general concepts of the present invention may have an array of actuators that move the shoes in a generally radial direction, other components that move the shoes in a generally radial direction, and so on.

[0025] 1 and 2, and with further reference to FIG. 3, the transfer ring 10 includes a plurality of shoes 12, each shoe 12 defining an arcuate inner surface 48 that forms a segmented cylindrical surface 50 for gripping and transferring tire components. As shown in FIG. 3, in this embodiment, the inner surface 48 of each of the plurality of shoes 12 defines an octagonal truncated rhombus, which may also be considered an "eight-sided diamond" shape, where each gap between adjacent shoes is constant along the "axial center" of the shoe and expands in area near the axial edges of the cylindrical surface 50. The shoes 12 in this example embodiment have the inner surface 48 with first and second side edges 34, 36 configured to extend parallel to one another along an axial dimension of the transfer ring 10 that is parallel to the central axis of the segmented cylindrical surface 50. The first and second side edges 34, 36 extend only partially along the axial length of the inner surface 48 along their central portions, such that the region of the inner surface 48 between these parallel first and second side edges 34, 36 may be referred to herein as the “axial center” 36 of the shoe 12. Similarly, the inner surface 48 defines first and second edges 38, 42 configured to extend parallel to one another along opposite peripheries of the segmented cylindrical surface 50, along planes perpendicular to the central axis of the segmented cylindrical surface 50, in a direction parallel to the outer periphery of the segmented cylindrical surface 50. The first and second side edges 38, 42 extend only partially along the portion of the segmented cylindrical surface 50 formed by the inner surface 48 of each shoe 12 along their central portions, such that the region of the inner surface 48 between these parallel first and second side edges 38, 42 may be referred to herein as the “circumferential center” 46 of the shoe 12.

[0026] A tapered edge 52, 54, 56, 58 extends from each end point of each first and second side edge 34, 36 to the proximal end point of the adjacent first or second edge 38, 42. For example, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5 , the first tapered edge 52 extends between the proximal end points of the first side edge 34 and the second edge 42. The second tapered edge 54 extends between the proximal end points of the second edge 42 and the second side edge 36. The third tapered edge 56 extends between the proximal end points of the first side edge 34 and the first edge 38. The fourth tapered edge 58 extends between the proximal end points of the second side edge 36 and the first edge 38. Each tapered edge 52, 54, 56, 58 extends from a respective side edge 34, 36 toward a respective end edge 38, 42 generally along a direction that forms an acute angle with the axial length of the inner surface 48 of the shoe 12. Thus, the end edges 38, 42, together with the adjacent tapered edges 52, 54, 56, 58, define tapered portions 60, 62 of the inner surface 48 of the shoe 12 that extend axially outward from each side of the axial central portion 36. Thus, the width of the inner surface 48 of the shoe 12 along the circumferential dimension of the segmented cylindrical surface 50 tapers axially away from the axial central portion 36 to form tapered portions 60, 62 that gradually narrow along the axial dimension outward from the axial central portion 36 of the shoe 12. Thus, as shown in FIG. 3 , gaps of increasing width are formed between adjacent shoes in the direction of the outer annular edges of the segmented cylindrical surface 50.

[0027] FIG. 4 illustrates additional features of the shoe 12, including a fixture for securing the shoe 12 to a corresponding driven link 32 of the transfer ring 10. As shown in FIG. 4, the outer surface 64 of the shoe 12 further includes at least one wall 66 extending outwardly from the outer surface 64 and generally perpendicular thereto. In the illustrated embodiment, a pair of walls 66, 68 extend outwardly from the outer surface 64 in a spaced-apart, parallel orientation along the circumferential dimension of the shoe 12. The walls 66, 68 are spaced apart a distance suitable to permit insertion of one end of one of the driven links 32 therebetween. Suitable fastening means, such as a plurality of axially aligned through-openings 70, are provided along the walls 66, 68 and through each driven link to receive pins, bolts, or other rotatable connectors therein for rotatably connecting each shoe 12 to a corresponding driven link 32. In the illustrated embodiment, an internally threaded set screw opening 72 is provided opening perpendicular to the axial dimension of one of the through openings 70 so that when the pin connector is received through the through openings 70 in the walls 66, 68 and the followed link 32, a set screw (not shown) can be received within the set screw opening 72 to secure the pin connector through the through opening 70. However, it will be understood that there are other suitable configurations that can be used to achieve a rotatable connection between each shoe 12 and the corresponding followed link 32, and that such other configurations can be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the general concept of the present invention.

[0028] 1, 2, and 4, first and second grooves 74, 76 are defined along the respective first walls 66 of each shoe 12, with each first groove 74 having at least one open end that opens toward an adjacent shoe and each second groove 76 having at least one open end that opens toward the opposite adjacent shoe. The first groove 74 is adapted to receive a first end of a rigid guide rod (not shown) of sufficient length to span two adjacent ones of the shoes 12. Each guide rod is secured within its respective first groove 74 by fasteners, such as screws, bolts, welds, adhesives, or other fasteners, or by an integral connection. The opposite second end of each guide rod extends into and is slidably received within the second groove 76 of the adjacent shoe.

[0029] The driven link 32 is configured to rotate between an extended position (see FIG. 2) and a retracted position (see FIG. 1) upon appropriate rotation of the drive member 30 relative to the skeletal cage 25. When the driven link 32 rotates to the extended position, the shoe 12 is brought by the driven link 32 to an extended configuration, with the inner surfaces 48 of the shoe 12 moving apart to increase the overall diameter of the segmented cylindrical surface 50. Conversely, when the driven link 32 rotates to the retracted position, the shoe 12 is brought by the driven link 32 to a retracted configuration, with the inner surfaces 48 of the shoe 12 moving closer together to decrease the overall diameter of the segmented cylindrical surface 50. To this end, and referring again to FIG. 4, each of the first and second grooves 74, 76 are oriented relative to each other such that each of the guide rods slides along its respective second groove 76 to cooperatively maintain the inner surfaces 48 of the shoe 12 relative to each other in a generally cylindrical configuration throughout the aforementioned expansion and contraction of the shoe 12 between the extended and retracted configurations.

[0030] It will be appreciated that the above-described shoe 12, which defines a tapered portion of its inner surface 48 extending axially outward from its central portion 36, enables the transfer ring 10, when used in a manner in which the inner surface 48 of the shoe 12 is stamped onto a tire component, to have a substantial portion of the periphery of the stamp extend parallel to or at an acute angle to the axial dimension of the segmented cylindrical surface 50. In other words, the portion of the stamp defined by the first and second side edges 34, 36 of the inner surface 48, respectively, extends parallel to the central axis of the tire component and the segmented cylindrical surface 50. The portion of the stamp defined by each of the tapered edges 52, 54, 56, 58 extends at an acute angle to the central axis of the tire component and the segmented cylindrical surface 50. However, only the relatively short first and second edges 38, 42 form a portion of the stamp having a seam that extends substantially perpendicular to the axial dimension of the segmented cylindrical surface 50 along the periphery of the tire segment. Thus, when a tire component defining one or more marks of this shape is stitched to another tire component, the axially parallel, angled portions of the marks defined by the side edges 34, 36 and tapered edges 52, 54, 56, 58 facilitate air migration toward the axially outer edges of the tire component, from which such air may more easily escape. At the same time, the portions of the marks defining seams extending perpendicular to the axial dimension of the tire component, from which it may be more difficult to escape air from between tire components, are reduced compared to prior art transfer ring configurations.

[0031] In this regard, in some embodiments, the width of the axially central portion 36 of the shoe 12, i.e., the width of the parallel first and second side edges 34, 36, may be set to be less than the width of a standard stitcher roller. In the illustrated embodiment of Figures 1-5, the taper angle "θ" of each of the tapered edges 52, 54, 56, 58 relative to the respective side edges 34, 36 is approximately 30 degrees inward from the side edges 34, 36 toward the circumferentially central portion 46 of the inner surface 48. However, it will be understood that other angles and / or configurations are contemplated without departing from the scope of the general concept of the present invention.

[0032] While each of the shoes 12 shown in Figures 1-5 has a generally octagonal diamond shape, it is understood that numerous other shapes and configurations can be used without departing from the scope of the general inventive concept. For example, Figure 6 shows another embodiment of a transfer ring shoe 12a constructed in accordance with various features of the general inventive concept. In the embodiment of Figure 6, the shoe 12a tapers from only one of the side edges 36 to the end edges 38a, 42a, with the remaining side edge 34a formed along the entire axial length of the inner surface 48a of the shoe 12a. In other embodiments, the sides of the shoe may be tapered in any of a variety of curvature configurations, either convex or concave, and may taper or curve in the same circumferential direction along the shoe.

[0033] By way of example, Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a transfer ring shoe 12b constructed in accordance with various aspects of the present general concept. In the embodiment of Figure 7, the shoe 12b incorporates curved tapered edges 52b, 54b, 56b, 58b, each defining a concave path toward the axial and circumferential center of the inner surface 48b. In this embodiment, the axially outward taper of the inner surface 48b begins at a steep rate and decreases as the edge 38, 42 of the shoe 12b is approached. Conversely, in other embodiments, convex tapered edges may be provided such that the axially outward taper of the inner surface begins at a gradual rate and increases as the edge of the shoe is approached.

[0034] Regardless of the taper configuration, it may be desirable for the shoe 12 to be symmetrical about the midpoint between the edges of the shoe 12. The shoe may or may not be symmetrical from the first side edge to the second side edge, but in various embodiments, it may be desirable for the shoe to be substantially symmetrical between the first and second edges to avoid harmonic problems with the finished tire. Due to the reduced air entrainment provided by the shoe of the general concept of the present invention, such harmonic problems that may otherwise exist may also be reduced, e.g., harmonic resonance may be mitigated. By way of example, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, although the shoe 12a is not symmetrical around the circumferential direction of the arcuate inner surface 48a of the shoe 12a, the shoe 12a is nevertheless symmetrical from edge 38a to edge 42a.

[0035] An illustration of various embodiments of the present general concept may provide a transfer ring for use in a vehicle tire manufacturing system, the transfer ring including a radially expandable and foldable, segmented, generally cylindrical gripping surface defined by a plurality of inwardly facing arcuate surfaces mounted for generally radial movement toward and away from a central axis of the cylindrical gripping surface, each arcuate surface having first and second side edges configured to be substantially parallel to one another at least at a respective intermediate portion thereof, at least one of the first and second side edges tapering away from the respective intermediate portions to form first and second sides that decrease in width away from the respective intermediate portions. Each of the first and second side edges may taper from the respective intermediate portions to form first and second sides that decrease in width away from the respective intermediate portions. At least one of the first and second side edges may taper at a 30-degree angle away from the respective intermediate portions. The first and second side portions can be configured to have respective first and second edges that are substantially parallel to one another. Each of the first and second side edges can taper away from a respective intermediate portion to form the curved first and second sides. The parallel intermediate portions of the first and second side edges can be configured to be narrower than the width of the stitcher, and in some example embodiments, the narrow intermediate portions themselves can be radiused. The arcuate surface can be symmetrical about a midpoint between the first and second sides.

[0036] Numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and therefore, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments should be considered to be within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept. For example, regardless of the content of any portion of this application, unless expressly stated to the contrary, no particular described or illustrated activity or element, any particular order of such activities, or any particular interrelationship of such elements need be included in any claim herein or in any application claiming priority to this application. Furthermore, any activity may be repeated, any activity may be performed by multiple entities, and / or any element may be duplicated.

[0037] It should be noted that the simplified diagrams and drawings included herein may not show all of the various connections and assemblies of the various components, but one of ordinary skill in the art, using sound engineering judgment, would understand how to implement such connections and assemblies based on the exemplary components, diagrams, and descriptions provided herein. Numerous variations, modifications, and additional embodiments are possible, and therefore, all such variations, modifications, and embodiments should be considered to be within the spirit and scope of the general inventive concept.

[0038] While the general inventive concepts have been illustrated by the description of several illustrative embodiments, and exemplary embodiments have been described in detail, it is not Applicant's intention to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the general inventive concepts to such descriptions and illustrations. Instead, the description, drawings, and claims herein should be considered exemplary in nature and not restrictive, and additional embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the above description and drawings. Additional modifications will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of Applicant's general inventive concepts.

Claims

1. 1. A transfer ring for use in a vehicle tire manufacturing system, comprising: a radially expandable and foldable segmented, generally cylindrical gripping surface defined by a plurality of inwardly facing surfaces mounted for movement toward and away from a central axis of the cylindrical gripping surface, each inwardly facing surface having first and second side edges, each side edge having a central portion configured to be substantially parallel to a central portion of the other side edge and forming an intermediate portion therebetween, each side edge having first and second tapered portions at respective ends on either side of the central portion, each tapered portion of each side edge extending outward from the corresponding central portion and toward the tapered portion of the other side edge; the first tapered portions of the first and second side edges cooperate to form a first end, the second tapered portions of the first and second side edges cooperate to form a second end, and the widths of the first and second ends decrease in a direction away from the intermediate portion; Transfer ring.

2. 2. The transfer ring of claim 1, wherein the first and second tapered portions of each first and second side edge extend inwardly from the respective central portion at an angle of 30 degrees.

3. The transfer ring of claim 1 , wherein the first and second ends further define respective first and second edges that are substantially parallel to one another.

4. 2. The transfer ring of claim 1, wherein the first and second tapered portions of each first and second side edge extend inwardly from the respective central portions to form curved first and second ends.

5. 2. The transfer ring of claim 1, wherein the central portion of each of the first and second side edges is narrower than one of the respective first and second tapered portions.

6. The transfer ring of claim 1 , wherein the inwardly facing surface is symmetrical about a midpoint between the first and second ends.

7. The transfer ring of claim 1 , wherein each inwardly facing surface defines an arcuate shape about a perimeter dimension of the cylindrical gripping surface.

8. The transfer ring of claim 1 , wherein each inwardly facing surface defines an arcuate shape about an axial dimension of the cylindrical gripping surface.

9. 2. The transfer ring of claim 1, wherein each central portion of each first side edge of a respective inwardly facing surface is shaped to conformably engage with a central portion of a second side edge of an adjacent inwardly facing surface in the collapsed position of the transfer ring.

10. 2. The transfer ring of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second end edges is narrower than a respective center of each of the first and second side edges.

11. 1. A transfer ring shoe for use in a vehicle tire manufacturing system, comprising: a plate defining a first surface and an opposite second surface for gripping a tire component; a mount for securing the plate for movement toward and away from a central axis of a transfer ring; Equipped with The first surface is first and second side edges extending parallel to each other; first and second edge portions on opposite sides extending parallel to each other; a plurality of tapered edges, each extending inwardly from and between corresponding ends of one of the first and second side edges and the first and second end edges; Define the an intermediate portion of the plate between the first and second side edges defines a gripping surface for a tire component, and each edge and corresponding adjacent tapered edge cooperate to define a tapered end of the plate configured to form an air relief seam in a gripped tire component; Transfer ring shoe.

12. 12. The transfer ring shoe of claim 11, wherein each tapered edge extends at an angle of 30 degrees from the corresponding side edge.

13. 12. The transfer ring shoe of claim 11, wherein each tapered edge extends inwardly from a respective side edge to form curved first and second ends.

14. 12. The transfer ring shoe of claim 11, wherein each side edge is narrower than each tapered edge.

15. The transfer ring shoe of claim 11 , wherein the plate is symmetrical about a midpoint between the first and second edges.

16. The transfer ring shoe of claim 11 , wherein the first surface defines an arcuate shape between the first and second side edges.

17. The transfer ring shoe of claim 11 , wherein the first surface defines an arcuate shape between the first and second edges.

18. The transfer ring shoe of claim 11 , wherein the first side edge is shaped to fit over the second side edge.

19. The transfer ring shoe of claim 11 , wherein the mount defines part of a hinge connection for rotatably connecting the transfer ring shoe to a driven link of a transfer ring.

20. 12. The transfer ring shoe of claim 11, wherein the mount defines a portion of a cam for maintaining the first surface of the transfer ring shoe in a cylindrical configuration with other transfer ring shoes attached to the transfer ring.

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