Variable gap extractor

Abstract

A tire tread extractor includes a plurality of shafts, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, a servo motor, and a pressure sensor. The shafts are configured to rotate to remove a tire tread from a tire tread mold, and a space between the shafts forms a gap. The hydraulic cylinders are coupled to the shafts, and the hydraulic cylinders are configured to move the shafts to vary a size of the gap. The servo motor is coupled to an actuator, and they are configured to control a master hydraulic cylinder which is configured to control the hydraulic cylinders. The pressure sensor is coupled to the hydraulic cylinders and is configured to measure pressure between the shafts when the tire tread is in the gap. When pressure is above a first threshold, the hydraulic cylinders increase the gap. When pressure is below a second threshold, the hydraulic cylinders decrease the gap.

Description

VARIABLE GAP EXTRACTORTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of removal of molded articles from their molds, and, more particularly, to the removal of a rubber molded article such as a tire tread from a mold.BACKGROUND|0002] Molded articles may be formed when a preform of an article is placed in a mold for shaping. Removal of the article from the mold after a forming operation is complete without causing damage to the molded article is often carried out as a separate operation during the manufacturing process. Depending on the shape, placement, and orientation of various physical features of the molded article, the removal of the article from the mold may require special care to avoid tearing, breakage, or unwanted physical alterations.

[0003] In certain tread patterns such as those used for trucks or off-road applications, the tread lugs may have a substantial height relative to the overall thickness of the tread, the tread sipes may be closely spaced, the lugs may have negative draft angles, and other features that can create challenges when prying the finished tread from the mold. Given that rubber is an inherently elastic material, simply pulling one end of the finished tire tread to remove the tread from the mold may present various challenges, including stretching of the tread and other effects.SUMMARY

[0004] According to an exemplary embodiment, a tire tread extractor includes a plurality of shafts, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, a servo motor, and a pressure sensor. The plurality of shafts is configured to rotate to remove a tire tread from a tire tread mold, and a space between the plurality of shafts forms a gap. The plurality of hydraulic cylinders is coupled to the plurality of shafts, and the hydraulic cylinders are configured to move the plurality of shafts to vary a sizeof the gap. The servo motor is coupled to an actuator, and the servo motor and the actuator are collectively configured to control a master hydraulic cylinder. The master hydraulic cylinder is configured to control the plurality of hydraulic cylinders. The pressure sensor is coupled to the plurality of hydraulic cylinders and is configured to measure a pressure between the plurality of shafts when the tire tread is positioned in the gap. When the pressure is above a first threshold, the hydraulic cylinders increase the size of the gap, and when the pressure is below a second threshold, the hydraulic cylinders decrease the size of the gap.

[0005] According to another exemplary embodiment, a tire tread extractor includes a plurality of shafts, at least one spring, a servo motor, and a pressure sensor. The plurality of shafts is configured to rotate to remove a tire tread from a tire tread mold, and a space between the plurality of shafts forms a gap. The at least one spring is coupled to the plurality of shafts and is configured to move the plurality of shafts to vary a size of the gap. The servo motor is coupled to an actuator which are configured to control a master hydraulic cylinder. The master hydraulic cylinder is coupled to and controls at least one hydraulic cylinder to vary the size of the gap. The pressure sensor is coupled to the at least one hydraulic cylinder and is configured to measure a pressure between the plurality of shafts when the tire tread is positioned in the gap. When the pressure is below a threshold, the at least one hydraulic cylinder decreases the size of the gap.

[0006] According to another exemplary embodiment, a method of extracting a tire tread from a tire tread mold includes inserting the tire tread mold into a tire tread extractor. The tire tread extractor includes a plurality of shafts, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders, a servo motor, and a pressure sensor. The plurality of shafts is configured to rotate to remove the tire tread from the tire tread mold, and a space between the plurality of shafts forms a gap. The plurality of hydraulic cylinders is coupled to the plurality of shafts. The hydraulic cylinders are configured to move the plurality of shafts to vary a size of the gap. The servo motor is coupled to an actuator, the servo motor and the actuator being collectively configured to control a master hydraulic cylinder. The master hydraulic cylinder is configured to control the plurality of hydraulic cylinders. The pressure sensor is coupled to the plurality of hydraulic cylinders and is configuredto measure a pressure between the plurality of shafts when the tire tread is positioned in the gap. When the pressure is above a first threshold, the hydraulic cylinders increase the size of the gap, and when the pressure is below a second threshold, the hydraulic cylinders decrease the size of the gap. The method also includes pulling an extractor tab on the tire tread to remove the tire tread from the tire tread mold. The method also includes extracting the tire tread from the tire tread mold.

[0007] The summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices or processes described herein will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein, taking in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] The accompanying drawings are not intended to be drawn to scale. Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements. For purposes of clarity, not every component can be labeled in every drawing. Understanding that these drawings depict only several implementations in accordance with the disclosure and therefore, not to be considered limiting of its scope, the disclosure will be described with additional specificity and detail through use of the accompanying drawings.

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a tire tread extractor, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0010] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the tire tread extractor of FIG. 1, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0011] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a tire tread extractor, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0012] FIG. 4 is another perspective view of the tire tread extractor of FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0013] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a tire tread extractor, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0014] FIG. 6 is another perspective view of the tire tread extractor of FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0015] FIG. 7 is another perspective view of the tire tread extractor of FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0016] FIG. 8 is another perspective view of the tire tread extractor of FIG. 5, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0017] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a tire tread extractor, according to an exemplary embodiment,

[0018] FIG. 10 is another perspective view of the tire tread extractor of FIG. 9, according to an exemplary embodiment, and

[0019] FIG. 11 is a flow chart of a method of extracting a tire tread from a tire tread mold, according to an exemplary embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Before turning to the FIGURES, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0021] FIGS. 1 and 2 show perspective views of a tire tread extractor 100, according to an exemplary embodiment. The tire tread extractor 100 is shown to include a frame 105, a first shaft 110 rotatably associated with the frame 105, and a second shaft 115 rotatably associated with the frame 105. The first shaft 110 and second shaft 115 may be made of steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material. The first shaft 110 may rotate in a first direction, and the second shaft 115 may rotate in a second direction which may be in a direction opposite the first direction. That is, the first shaft 110 and second shaft 115 are configured to counter-rotate with respect to each other. Additionally, the tire tread extractor 100 is shown to include an upper bearing housing 130 and a lower bearing housing 135 which may be configured to connect the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 to the frame 105. The tire tread extractor 100 may also include a primary gearbox 160 and a secondary gearbox 165. The first shaft 110 may be coupled to the primary gearbox 160, and the second shaft 115 may be coupled to the secondary gearbox 165. The primary gearbox 160 and the secondary gearbox 165 are connected via an intermediate shaft, according to exemplary embodiments. In this way, power may be transmitted from the first shaft 110 to the second shaft 115 while the primary gearbox 160 and the secondary gearbox 165 keep the rotation of the first shaft 110 and second shaft 115 synchronized. The first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 may be adapted to engage a tire tread at least partially situated in a mold.|0022] A driving mechanism associated with the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 may operate to rotate the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115. The frame 105 may be configured for longitudinal movement along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the tire tread mold when the tire tread mold is placed between the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115. In exemplary embodiments, the frame 105 may be hinged in configuration. In this way, the frame 105 allows the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 to pivot vertically (e.g., in a scissoring motion), thereby increasing the center-to center distance between the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115. The primary gearbox 160 and the secondary gearbox 165 may rotate around the intermediate shaft that connects them, further enabling a rotational scissoring motion by the tire tread extractor 100. Specifically, the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 may pull on an extractor tab while the tire tread extractor 100 simultaneously moves over the tire tread, therebyreleasing the tire tread from the tire tread mold. The extractor tab may be approximately 4” to 6” (10.16 cm to 15.24 cm) in length.

[0023] A space between the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 forms a gap. The first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 may be configured to move up and down relative to each other to vary the size of the gap. Specifically, a plurality of hydraulic cylinders 120 may be coupled to the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 to move the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 to vary the size of the gap. Additionally, a servo motor may be coupled to an actuator, and the servo motor and actuator may be collectively configured to control a hydraulic power unit 140 which may be configured to control a master hydraulic cylinder 125. The master hydraulic cylinder 125 may be coupled to the hydraulic cylinders 120 and may control the hydraulic cylinders 120.

[0024] The first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 may be configured to move up and down relative to each other in response to a measurement from a pressure sensor. A pressure sensor may be coupled to the plurality of hydraulic cylinders 120 and may be configured to measure a pressure, from a clamping force, between the plurality of shafts when a tire tread is positioned within the gap. In an exemplary embodiment, when the pressure is above a first threshold, the hydraulic cylinders 120 may increase the size of the gap, and when the pressure is below a second threshold, the hydraulic cylinders 120 may decrease the size of the gap. The first threshold may be greater than the second threshold. In some embodiments, the size of the gap may be pre-programmed. In another exemplary embodiment, a biasing mechanism coupled to the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 may increase the size of the gap. When the pressure is below a threshold, the hydraulic cylinders 120 may decrease the size of the gap. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism can be a spring (e.g., a torsion spring). In some embodiments, the pressure sensor may be a plurality of pressure sensors, such as a sensor array. In some embodiments, a screw type VGE may provide feedback to the hydraulic cylinders 120 based on the amount of torque present in the servo motors (e.g., servo motor 340) when they are holding the tire tread extractor 100 in place via the master hydraulic cylinder 125. For example,when the torque is above a first threshold, the hydraulic cylinders 120 may increase the size of the gap, and when the torque is below a second threshold, the hydraulic cylinders 120 may decrease the size of the gap. In other embodiments, the actuator coupled to the servo motor may contain sensors to provide force feedback to the hydraulic cylinders 120. Similarly, when the measured force is above a first threshold, the hydraulic cylinders 120 may increase the size of the gap, and when the measured force is below a second threshold, the hydraulic cylinders 120 may decrease the size of the gap.10025] The variability of the gap may provide advantages to using the tire tread extractor 100 versus using a tire tread extractor with a fixed gap. The tire tread extractor 100 may extract a plurality of tire treads with different thicknesses from a tire tread mold. Specifically, the tire tread extractor 100 may extract tire treads with thicknesses that range between approximately 3 / 8” and approximately 2” (i.e., between 0.9525 cm to 5.08 cm). In some embodiments, the thicknesses may be, for example, 3 / 8”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”, 1.75” and 2” (i.e., between 0.9525 cm, 2.54 cm, 3.175 cm, 3.81 cm, 4.445 cm, to 5.08 cm). In some embodiments, the range may be smaller or greater. Use of the tire tread extractor 100 may lead to more efficient production of tire treads since the same extractor can extract tire treads of different thicknesses from tire tread molds which may reduce production time. Additionally, the tire tread extractor 100 may be more efficient than a fixed gap extractor because the tire tread extractor 100 may adjust the gap between the first shaft 110 and the second shaft 115 based on pressure. The tire tread extractor 100 may increase or decrease the gap depending on whether a pressure measurement is within an acceptable range. The ability to adjust the gap based on pressure may lengthen the use life of the tire tread extractor 100 since it may be less likely to be affected by high pressure.10026] FIGS. 3 and 4 show perspective views of a tire tread extractor 200, according to an exemplary embodiment. The tire tread extractor 200 is shown to include a frame 205, a first shaft 210 rotatably associated with the frame 205, and a second shaft 215 rotatably associated with the frame 205. The first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 may be made of steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material. The first shaft 210 may rotate in a first direction, and the second shaft215 may rotate in a second direction which may be in a direction opposite the first direction. That is, the first shaft 210 and second shaft 215 are configured to counter-rotate with respect to each other. Additionally, the tire tread extractor 200 is shown to include an upper bearing housing 230 and a lower bearing housing 235 which may be configured to connect the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 to the frame 205. The tire tread extractor 200 may also include a primary gearbox 260 and a secondary gearbox 265. The first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 may be adapted to engage a tire tread at least partially situated in a mold. A driving mechanism associated with the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 may operate to rotate the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215. The frame 205 may be configured for longitudinal movement along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the tire tread mold when the tire tread mold is placed between the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215. Specifically, the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 may pull on an extractor tab while the tire tread extractor 200 simultaneously moves over the tire tread, thereby releasing the tire tread from the tire tread mold. The extractor tab may be approximately 4” to 6” in length.

[0027] A space between first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 forms a gap. The first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 may be configured to move up and down relative to each other to vary the size of the gap. Specifically, a spring 220 may be coupled to the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 to move the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 to vary the size of the gap. For example, a tire tread mold may be inserted into the tire tread extractor 200 between the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215. The force of the tire tread mold may expand the gap between the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 and the spring 220 may provide resistance so that the gap does not become excessively large.

[0028] The variability of the gap may provide advantages to using the tire tread extractor 200 versus using a tire tread extractor with a fixed gap. The tire tread extractor 200 may extract a plurality of tire treads with different thicknesses from a tire tread mold. Specifically, the tire tread extractor 200 may extract tire treads with thicknesses that range between approximately 3 / 8” and approximately 2”. In some embodiments, the thicknesses may be, for example, 3 / 8”, 1”,1.25”, 1.5”, 1.75” and 2”. In some embodiments, the range may be smaller or greater. Use of the tire tread extractor 200 may lead to more efficient production of tire treads since the same extractor can extract tire treads of different thicknesses from tire tread molds which may reduce production time. Additionally, the tire tread extractor 200 may be more efficient than a fixed gap extractor because the tire tread extractor 200 may adjust the gap between the first shaft 210 and the second shaft 215 which may lengthen the use life of the tire tread extractor 200 since it may be less likely to be affected by high pressure.10029] FIGS. 5, 6, 7, and 8 show perspective views of a tire tread extractor 300, according to an exemplary embodiment. The tire tread extractor 300 is shown to include a frame 305, a first shaft 310 rotatably associated with the frame 305, and a second shaft 315 rotatably associated with the frame 305. The first shaft 310 and second shaft 315 may be made of steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material. The first shaft 310 may rotate in a first direction, and the second shaft 315 may rotate in a second direction which may be in a direction opposite the first direction. That is, the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 are configured to counter-rotate with respect to each other. Additionally, the tire tread extractor 300 is shown to include an upper bearing housing 330 and a lower bearing housing 335 which may be configured to connect the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 to the frame 305. The tire tread extractor 300 may also include a primary gearbox 360 and a secondary gearbox 365. The first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 may be adapted to engage a tire tread at least partially situated in a mold. A driving mechanism associated with the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 may operate to rotate the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315. The frame 305 may be configured for longitudinal movement along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the tire tread mold when the tire tread mold is placed between the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315. Specifically, the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 may pull on an extractor tab while the tire tread extractor 300 simultaneously moves over the tire tread, thereby releasing the tire tread from the tire tread mold. The extractor tab may be approximately 4” to 6” in length.

[0030] The first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 may form a gap between them. The first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 may be configured to move up and down relative to each other to vary the size of the gap. A servo motor 340 may be coupled to an actuator, and the servo motor 340 and the actuator may be collectively configured to move the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 to vary the size of the gap. In some embodiments, the size of the gap may be preprogrammed. Specifically, a servo motor 340 may be coupled to an actuator, and the servo motor 340 and actuator may be collectively configured to control a worm gear 320. The worm gear 320 may be coupled to a pinion gear 325. The pinion gear 325 may be coupled to a synchronizing chain 345 which is configured to keep opposite sides of the frame 305 synchronized as the first shaft 310 and second shaft 315 move up and down relative to each other. Additionally, the tire tread extractor 300 may include a clamping screw 350 and a rail roller 355. The rail roller 355 may maintain a distance between the tire tread rubber and the tire tread extractor 100, thereby allowing the tire tread extractor 100 to remove the tire tread from the mold without damaging the rubber or the mold. The clamping screw 350 may be positioned within an upper screw housing 370 and a lower screw housing 375. The pinion gear 325 may be configured to rotate the clamping screw 350. The rotation of the clamping screw 350 may be configured to move the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 up and down relative to each other to vary the size of the gap. The tire tread extractor 300 may also include a torque arm 380 that is configured to maintain a uniform pressure distribution along the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315.

[0031] The variability of the gap may provide advantages to using the tire tread extractor 300 versus using a tire tread extractor with a fixed gap. The tire tread extractor 300 may extract a plurality of tire treads with different thicknesses from a tire tread mold. Specifically, the tire tread extractor 300 may extract tire treads with thicknesses that range between approximately 3 / 8” and approximately 2”. In some embodiments, the thicknesses may be, for example, 3 / 8”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”, 1.75” and 2”. In some embodiments, the range may be smaller or greater. Use of the tire tread extractor 300 may lead to more efficient production of tire treads since the same extractor can extract tire treads of different thicknesses from tire tread molds which may reduce production time. Additionally, as with the tire tread extractor 300, the tire tread extractor 300may be more efficient than a fixed gap extractor because the tire tread extractor 300 may adjust the gap between the first shaft 310 and the second shaft 315 which may lengthen the use life of the tire tread extractor 300 since it may be less likely to be affected by high pressure.|0032] FIGS. 9 and 10 show perspective views of a tire tread extractor 400, according to an exemplary embodiment. The tire tread extractor 400 is shown to include a frame 405, a first shaft 410 rotatably associated with the frame 405, and a second shaft 415 rotatably associated with the frame 405. The first shaft 410 and second shaft 415 may be made of steel, aluminum, or any other suitable material. The first shaft 410 may rotate in a first direction, and the second shaft 415 may rotate in a second direction which may be in a direction opposite the first direction. That is, the first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415 are configured to counter-rotate with respect to each other. Additionally, the tire tread extractor 400 is shown to include an upper bearing housing 430 and a lower bearing housing 435 which may be configured to connect the first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415 to the frame 405. The tire tread extractor 400 may also include a primary gearbox 460 and a secondary gearbox 465. The first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415 may be adapted to engage a tire tread at least partially situated in a mold. A driving mechanism associated with the first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415 may operate to rotate the first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415. The frame 405 may be configured for longitudinal movement along a substantial portion of a longitudinal length of the tire tread mold when the tire tread mold is placed between the first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415. Specifically, the first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415 may pull on an extractor tab while the tire tread extractor 400 simultaneously moves over the tire tread, thereby releasing the tire tread from the tire tread mold. The extractor tab may be approximately 4” to 6” in length.10033] The first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415 may form a gap between them. The first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415 may be configured to move up and down relative to each other to vary the size of the gap. Specifically, a servo actuator 420 may be configured to translate the first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415 to vary the size of the gap. In some embodiments, the size of the gap may be pre-programmed (e.g., to be within an upper limit and a lower limit that arepredetermined). The tire tread extractor 400 may also include a torque arm 480 that is configured to maintain a uniform pressure distribution along the first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415. Additionally, the tire tread extractor 400 may include a rail roller 455.|0034] The variability of the gap may provide advantages to using the tire tread extractor 400 versus using a tire tread extractor with a fixed gap. The tire tread extractor 400 may extract a plurality of tire treads with different thicknesses from a tire tread mold. Specifically, the tire tread extractor 400 can extract tire treads with thicknesses that range between approximately 3 / 8” and approximately 2”. In some embodiments, the thicknesses can be, for example, 3 / 8”, 1”, 1.25”, 1.5”, 1.75” and 2”. In some embodiments, the range can be smaller or greater. Use of the tire tread extractor 400 can lead to more efficient production of tire treads since the same extractor can extract tire treads of different thicknesses from tire tread molds which can reduce production time. Additionally, as with the tire tread extractors 200 and 300, the tire tread extractor 400 can be more efficient than a fixed gap extractor because the tire tread extractor 400 can adjust the gap between the first shaft 410 and the second shaft 415 which can lengthen the use life of the tire tread extractor 400.

[0035] FIG. 11 shows a flow chart of a method 500 of extracting a tire tread from a tire tread mold, according to an exemplary embodiment. The method 500 may be performed by the components and elements described above with reference to FIGS. 1-10. At step 505, the method 500 may include inserting a tire tread into a tire tread extractor. At step 510, the method 500 may include pulling an extractor tab on the tire tread. At step 515, the method 500 may include extracting a tire tread from a tire tread mold.

[0036] At step 505, the method 500 includes inserting a tire tread mold into a tire tread extractor (e.g., tire tread extractor 100, tire tread extractor 200, tire tread extractor 300, or tire tread extractor 400). For example, a curing press may open and feed the tire tread mold into the tire tread extractor. An extractor tab may be positioned on top of the tire tread mold, and the extractor tab may be used by the tire tread extractor to extract the tire tread from the tire treadmold. The extractor tab may be approximately 4” to approximately 6” in length, e.g., 4”, 4’4”, 4!4”, 4%”, 5”, 514”, 514”, 514” or 6” in one or more embodiments.

[0037] At step 510, the method 500 includes pulling on the extractor tab that is positioned on the tire tread. By way of example, the first shaft (e.g., first shaft 110, first shaft 210, first shaft 310, or first shaft 410) and the second shaft (e.g., second shaft 115, second shaft 215, second shaft 315, or second shaft 415) may pull on the extractor tab to remove the tire tread from the tire tread mold. While the first shaft and second shaft lock onto on the extractor tab, the tire tread extractor simultaneously moves over the tire tread, thereby releasing the tire tread from the tire tread mold while the first shaft and the second shaft maintain a high level of interference with the tire tread.|0038] At step 515, the method 500 includes extracting a tire tread from a tire tread mold. After the tire tread extractor moves over the tire tread to release the tire tread from the tire tread mold and the tire tread is out of the curing press, the first shaft and the second shaft unlock and rotate in reverse directions to release the extractor tab. The tire tread is separated from the tire tread mold, and the tire tread remains undamaged.

[0039] As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “relative to,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally mean up to or including plus or minus 5% or 10% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “approximately,” “relative to,” “substantially,” and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains.Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0040] As will be understood by one skilled in the art, for any and all purposes, particularly in terms of providing a written description, all ranges disclosed herein also encompass any and all possible subranges and combinations of subranges thereof, inclusive of the endpoints. As such, all disclosed ranges are to be understood to encompass and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or any and all individual values subsumed by each range. For example, a stated range of 1 to 10 should be considered to include and provide support for claims that recite any and all subranges or individual values that are between and / or inclusive of the minimum value of 1 and the maximum value of 10; that is, all subranges beginning with a minimum value of 1 or more and ending with a maximum value of 10 or less (e.g., 5.5 to 10, 2.34 to 3.56, and so forth) or any values from 1 to 10 (e.g., 3, 5.8, 9.9994, and so forth).

[0041] Any listed range may be easily recognized as sufficiently describing and enabling the same range being broken down into at least equal halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, tenths, etc. As a non-limiting example, each range discussed herein may be readily broken down into a lower third, middle third and upper third, etc. As will also be understood by one skilled in the art all language such as “up to,” “at least,” “greater than,” “less than,” and the like, include the number recited and refer to ranges which may be subsequently broken down into subranges as discussed above. Further, as will be understood by one skilled in the art, a range includes each individual member. Thus, for example, a group having 1-3 layers refers to groups having 1, 2, or 3 layers. Similarly, a group having 1-5 layers refers to groups having 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 layers, and so forth.

[0042] It should be noted that the term “exemplary” and variations thereof, as used herein to describe various embodiments, are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such terms are not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).

[0043] The term “coupled” and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent, or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the twomembers coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If “coupled” or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of “coupled” provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., “directly coupled” means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of “coupled” provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

[0044] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., “top,” “bottom,” “above,” “below”) are merely used to describe the orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.

[0045] Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.

[0046] The present disclosure is not to be limited in terms of the particular embodiments described in this application. Modifications and variations may be made without departing from its spirit and scope, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For example, in some embodiments, one or more components described above can be utilized in connection with a system for extracting tire tread set forth in International Publication No. WO 2023 / 159033 published August 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0047] Alternative methods and devices within the scope of the disclosure, in addition to those enumerated herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing descriptions. Such modifications and variations are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.The present disclosure is to be limited only by the terms of the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to particular methods or devices, which may of course vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A tire tread extractor comprising: a plurality of shafts configured to rotate to remove a tire tread from a tire tread mold, a space between the plurality of shafts forming a gap; a plurality of hydraulic cylinders coupled to the plurality of shafts, the hydraulic cylinders being configured to move the plurality of shafts to vary a size of the gap; a servo motor coupled to an actuator, the servo motor and the actuator being collectively configured to control a master hydraulic cylinder, the master hydraulic cylinder being configured to control the plurality of hydraulic cylinders; and a pressure sensor coupled to the plurality of hydraulic cylinders and configured to measure a pressure between the plurality of shafts when the tire tread is positioned in the gap, wherein when the pressure is above a first threshold the hydraulic cylinders increase the size of the gap, and wherein when the pressure is below a second threshold the hydraulic cylinders decrease the size of the gap.

2. The tire tread extractor of claim 1 , wherein the first threshold is greater than the second threshold.

3. The tire tread extractor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shafts comprises a first shaft and a second shaft.

4. The tire tread extractor of claim 3, wherein the first shaft rotates in a first direction and the second shaft rotates in a second direction.

5. The tire tread extractor of claim 4, wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

6. The tire tread extractor of claim 1, wherein the size of the gap ranges between approximately 0.9525 cm and approximately 5.08 cm.

7. The tire tread extractor of claim 1, wherein the plurality of shafts is configured to move an extractor tab on the tire tread to remove the tire tread from the tire tread mold.

8. The tire tread extractor of claim 7, wherein the plurality of shafts is configured to pull the extractor tab while the tire tread extractor simultaneously moves over the tire tread, thereby releasing the tire tread from the tire tread mold.

9. The tire tread extractor of claim 7, wherein the extractor tab is approximately 10.16 cm to approximately 15.24 cm in length.

10. A tire tread extractor comprising: a plurality of shafts configured to rotate to remove a tire tread from a tire tread mold, wherein a space between the plurality of shafts forms a gap; at least one spring coupled to the plurality of shafts, wherein the at least one spring is configured to move the plurality of shafts to vary a size of the gap; a servo motor coupled to an actuator which are configured to control a master hydraulic cylinder, wherein the master hydraulic cylinder is coupled to and controls at least one hydraulic cylinder to vary the size of the gap; and a pressure sensor coupled to the at least one hydraulic cylinder and configured to measure a pressure between the plurality of shafts when the tire tread is positioned in the gap, wherein when the pressure is below a threshold, the at least one hydraulic cylinder decreases the size of the gap.

11. The tire tread extractor of claim 10, wherein the at least one spring increases the size of the gap when the tire tread is positioned in the gap and a thickness of the tire tread is greater than the size of the gap.

12. The tire tread extractor of claim 10, wherein the plurality of shafts comprises a first shaft and a second shaft.

13. The tire tread extractor of claim 12, wherein the first shaft rotates in a first direction and the second shaft rotates in a second direction.

14. The tire tread extractor of claim 13, wherein the first direction is opposite the second direction.

15. The tire tread extractor of claim 10, wherein the size of the gap ranges between approximately 0.9525 cm and approximately 5.08 cm.

16. The tire tread extractor of claim 10, wherein the plurality of shafts pulls an extractor tab on the tire tread to remove the tire tread from the tire tread mold.

17. The tire tread extractor of claim 16, wherein the plurality of shafts pulls the extractor tab while the tire tread extractor simultaneously moves over the tire tread, thereby releasing the tire tread from the tire tread mold.

18. The tire tread extractor of claim 16, wherein the extractor tab is approximately 10.16 cm to approximately 15.24 cm in length.

19. A method of extracting a tire tread from a tire tread mold comprising: inserting the tire tread into a tire tread extractor, the tire tread extractor comprising: a plurality of shafts configured to rotate to remove the tire tread from the tire tread mold, a space between the plurality of shafts forming a gap; a plurality of hydraulic cylinders coupled to the plurality of shafts, the hydraulic cylinders being configured to move the plurality of shafts to vary a size of the gap; a servo motor coupled to an actuator, the servo motor and the actuator being collectively configured to control a master hydraulic cylinder, the master hydraulic cylinder being configured to control the plurality of hydraulic cylinders; and a pressure sensor coupled to the plurality of hydraulic cylinders and configured to measure a pressure between the plurality of shafts when the tire tread is positioned in the gap,wherein when the pressure is above a first threshold the hydraulic cylinders increase the size of the gap, and wherein when the pressure is below a second threshold the hydraulic cylinders decrease the size of the gap, pulling an extractor tab on the tire tread to remove the tire tread from the tire tread mold; and extracting the tire tread from the tire tread mold.

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the first threshold is greater than the second threshold.

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