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.
Claims20
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 second clamping assembly coupled to the base frame, the second clamping assembly comprising a second clamp positioned proximate to the leading edge.
A method of extracting a tire tread from a tread mold, the method comprising:
- positioning a tread extractor assembly over a tread mold;
- extending a 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;
- 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.
A system comprising:
- a rail assembly;
- and
- a tread extraction assembly coupled to the rail assembly, the tread extraction assembly comprising:
- a base frame;
- and
- a first clamping assembly having a first clamp movable relative to the base frame, the first clamp configured to clamp a portion of a tire tread lying in a tread mold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.