Feed pull roll system with detachable elastomeric feed-roll covers and process for cover replacement

An improved elastomer covered feed roll assembly for use in a feed/pull roll set combination in a sheet finishing machine, comprising:

• a roll core having a cylindrical surface having multiple longitudinally spaced and circumferentially offset elongated keyways each configured as a locking slot;
• multiple replaceable flexible feed cover sections each incorporating a flexible backing or substrate and an elastomeric layer or coating;
• and
• first and second locking components on opposite ends of each of said replaceable flexible feed cover section flexible backing or substrates, the locking components of each replaceable flexible feed cover section engaging a locking slot corresponding to the replaceable flexible feed cover section to mount and removably secure each replaceable flexible feed cover section on the surface of the roll core, each of said keyways drawing together the opposite ends of its corresponding replaceable flexible cover section to form an end joint, the keyways being spaced along the length of said roll core to mount said replaceable flexible feed cover sections in side-by-side abutting relationship on the roll core and being circumferentially offset to space said end joints around the circumference of the roll core.

A method for refurbishing a feed/pull roll set in a finishing machine incorporating a feed roll having a roll core covered with an elastomer coating, comprising:

• (a) removing the feed roll from the machine;
• (b) stripping the elastomer coating from the roll core;
• (c) cleaning the roll core;
• (d) forming a plurality of longitudinally-extending, circumferentially offset locking keyways on the roll core;
• (e) providing a plurality of replaceable flexible feed cover sections having a flexible backing and a elastomer coating or layer, and including a locking mechanism at respective ends of each cover;
• (f) installing said plurality of replaceable flexible feed cover sections on said roll core, with the locking mechanisms for each cover engaging corresponding keyways to detachably secure said plurality of replaceable feed covers in abutting side-by-side relationship on said roll cover to provide a refurbished feed roll;
• and
• (g) replacing the refurbished feed roll having said plurality of replaceable feed covers in said machine, whereby future refurbishment of the feed roll is accomplished by replacement of selected detachable replaceable flexible feed cover sections to provide a substantially continuous improved or refurbished elastomer gripping surface defined by the contiguous replaceable flexible feed cover sections.

A replaceable flexible feed cover section configured for releasable attachment to an improved elastomer covered feed roll assembly, comprising:

• (a) a flexible backing or substrate carrying an elastomeric coating or layer defining an elastomer gripping surface;
• (b) first and second locking components affixed on opposite ends of the flexible backing or substrate, wherein at least said first locking component comprises a clamp bar configured to engage a removable fastener and wherein said locking components are configured to be releasably affixed to and engage a corresponding locking slot to mount and removably secure the replaceable flexible feed cover section on a cylindrical surface of a roll core;
• and
• (c) wherein said elastomer gripping surface incorporates multiple feed grooves extending between the ends and along the length of the feed cover section and encircling the roll core when said replaceable flexible feed cover section is mounted on and releasably affixed to the roll core to provide an improved elastomer covered feed roll assembly.