Method of molding spokes of a non-pneumatic tire using an array of molds
AssigneeCompagnie Generale Des Etablissements Michelin
InventorsDavid C Lung, Robert Gaut
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A method of curing spokes is provided in which first molds of a first and second series of molds are placed into a platen press, and force and heat applied. The platen press is opened and the first mold of the first series is moved relative to the platen press while the position of the first mold of the second series is kept the same relative to the platen press. Force and heat are applied to the molds. The platen press is opened, and the first mold of the first series is removed while the second mold of the first series is kept within the platen press. A cured spoke is removed from the first mold of the first series.
Claims14
A method of curing spokes of a non-pneumatic tire, comprising:
- providing a platen press;
- providing a first mold of a first series of molds, wherein the first mold of the first series of molds is configured for molding a spoke;
- providing a second mold of the first series of molds, wherein the second mold of the first series of molds is configured for molding a spoke;
- providing a first mold of a second series of molds, wherein the first mold of the second series of molds is configured for molding a spoke;
- placing the first mold of the first series of molds and the first mold of the second series of molds within the platen press;
- applying force to the first mold of the first series of molds and the first mold of the second series of molds by the platen press, and heating the first mold of the first series of molds and the first mold of the second series of molds;
- opening the platen press;
- placing the second mold of the first series of molds within the platen press;
- applying force to the first mold of the first series of molds, the second mold of the first series of molds, and the first mold of the second series of molds by the platen press, and heating the first mold of the first series of molds, the second mold of the first series of molds, and the first mold of the second series of molds;
- opening the platen press;
- removing the first mold of the first series of molds from the platen press while keeping the second mold of the first series of molds within the platen press;
- and
- removing a cured spoke from the first mold of the first series of molds;
- wherein all of the molds of the first series of molds spend less time within the platen press than all of the molds of the second series of molds for curing.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.