Means and method of separating lengths of flattened flexible polymeric tube
AssigneeThe Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
InventorsErnest W. DeMarse, Michael M. Gozdiff
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Abstract
A plurality of lengths of at least one flattened flexible polymeric tube disposed in superposed relation. Each length in cross section includes enlarged folded edge portions with a flat center portion between the edge portions. Means such as a separator or spacer having substantial thickness is inserted between or within the tube lengths to support the weight of at least a substantial part of the center portion of each length to prevent the formation of edge creases longitudinally along the edges of the tube lengths. The invention is particularly useful in the processing of uncured or unvulcanized rubber tubes either in a stacked or rolled condition.
Claims30
In combination with a plurality of lengths of at least one flattened flexible polymeric tube disposed in superposed relation, each said length in cross-section including enlarged folded edge portions with a flat center portion therebetween each length thereby having a substantially elongated dumbbell configuration, a cellular polymeric foam separator having substantial thickness in relation to the single wall thickness of the tube, supporting the weight of at least a substantial part of the center portion of each said length to provide a bearing surface to distribute the weight of each said length over at least a substantial part of the flat center portion of the length disposed immediately therebelow and away from the edge portions thereof to thereby prevent the formation of edge creases longitudinally along the edges of the tube lengths.
A separator of, cellular, polymeric flexible material for use as load-bearing means between lengths of extruded tube of unvulcanized rubber with one length of tube being superposed over another said length, said tube having a flattened central section and enlarged folded edges of a generally bulbular configuration, said separator having a substantial width and thickness in relation to said tube and being adapted to provide support for said central section thereof to thereby distribute the weight of each said length of tube over said central section to relieve pressure on the folded edges thereof.
A method of reducing or eliminating longitudinal edge creases in superposed lengths of flattened tubes of flexible polymeric material including enlarged edge portions and a flattened center portion therebetween, said method comprises inserting a flexible, volume-compressible polymeric separator between the superposed lengths of flattened tubes to support at least a part of said center portion of one said length of tube and distribute the weight of that said length over the center portion of the length disposed immediately therebelow and away from the edge portions thereof.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.