Molded article extractor and method
AssigneeBridgestone Bandag, LLC
InventorsSteven W. Prunchak, John R. White, Keith R. Gerhart
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tread extraction assembly is provided. The tread extraction assembly includes a base frame, a first clamping assembly, and a second clamping assembly. The base frame defines a leading edge. The first clamping assembly includes a first clamp movable relative to the base frame. The second clamping assembly is coupled to the base frame and includes a second clamp positioned proximate to the leading edge. The tread extraction assembly also includes a linear rail and a linear bearing. The first clamping assembly is coupled to the linear bearing and movable along the linear rail by a linear actuator.
Claims14
A tread extraction assembly comprising:
- a base frame defining a leading edge;
- a first clamping assembly having a first clamp movable relative to the base frame and a first actuator configured to open and close the first clamp;
- and
- a second clamping assembly coupled to the base frame, the second clamping assembly comprising a second clamp positioned proximate to the leading edge and a second actuator configured to open and close the second clamp,
- wherein the first actuator is a double-acting linear actuator operable between a low-engagement setting and a high-engagement setting, and wherein the first clamp is configured to be in a closed position when the first actuator is in the low-engagement setting and when the first actuator is in the high-engagement setting.
A method of extracting a tire tread from a tread mold, the method comprising:
- positioning a tread extractor assembly over a tread mold, the tread extractor assembly comprising a first clamping assembly and a second clamping assembly;
- extending the first clamping assembly of the tread extractor assembly from a first position to a second position;
- clamping a portion of a tire tread with the first clamping assembly, the first clamping assembly including a first clamp and a first actuator configured to open and close the first clamp, the first clamp being movable relative to a base frame of the tread extractor assembly, the base frame defining a leading edge;
- retracting the first clamping assembly from the second position to the first position while the portion of the tire tread is clamped by the first clamping assembly;
- and
- translating the tread extractor assembly along a length of the tread mold while the portion of the tire tread is clamped by the first clamping assembly, the tread extractor assembly being configured such that the second clamping assembly is coupled to the base frame of the tread extractor assembly, the second clamping assembly including a second clamp and a second actuator configured to open and close the second clamp, the second clamp being positioned proximate the leading edge,
- wherein the first actuator is a double-acting linear actuator operable between a low-engagement setting and a high-engagement setting, and wherein the first clamp is configured to be in a closed position when the first actuator is in the low-engagement setting and when the first actuator is in the high-engagement setting.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.