Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting an annular bead core-apex subassembly, the apparatus comprising a spacer disc for supporting the annular bead core-apex subassembly, and a clamping device comprising a supporting surface for supporting the spacer disc, as well as a plurality of clamping elements for selectively clamping the spacer disc to the supporting surface. The clamping elements are movable between an expanded position in which the spacer disc is clamped to the supporting surface, and a retracted position in which the spacer disc is released and can be lifted from the supporting surface. Moreover, the present invention is directed to a system comprising a respective apparatus for supporting an annular bead core-apex subassembly as well as the subassembly. Finally, the present invention is also directed to a method of transporting an annular bead core-apex subassembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus for supporting an annular bead core-apex subassembly, the apparatus comprising a spacer disc for supporting the annular bead core-apex subassembly, and a clamping device comprising a supporting surface for supporting the spacer disc, as well as a plurality of clamping elements for selectively clamping the spacer disc to the supporting surface. The clamping elements are movable between an expanded position in which the spacer disc is clamped to the supporting surface, and a retracted position in which the spacer disc is released and can be lifted from the supporting surface. Moreover, the present invention is directed to a system comprising a respective apparatus for supporting an annular bead core-apex subassembly as well as the subassembly. Finally, the present invention is also directed to a method of transporting an annular bead core-apex subassembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing an annular bead core-apex subassembly comprises a first station having a first support surface and a second station having a second support surface. The first support surface is mounted to a first support element and is rotatable on the first support element. The second support surface is mounted to a second support element and is rotatable on the second support element. The apparatus comprises a moving device for moving the first support surface from a first location to a second location and for moving the second support surface from the second location to either the first location or to another location. The apparatus comprises at least one handling device selected from a loading device or an unloading device, and a first nozzle in fluid communication with a first pumping or extrusion device for discharging a rubber compound.

Abstract: A bead core-apex subassembly comprises an annular bead core, a flipper and an apex. The flipper is wrapped about the bead core such that it encloses the bead core. The apex is in contact with the flipper and comprises at least a first segment and a second segment, the first segment having a composition different from the composition of the second segment. A method comprises the steps of providing an annular bead core; wrapping a flipper about the annular bead core; positioning the bead core with the flipper on a rotatable support surface; providing a nozzle in fluid communication with a pumping or extrusion device; rotating the support surface about an axis; and discharging a rubber compound through the nozzle onto the rotating support surface and forming an apex from the discharged rubber compound, the apex being attached to the flipper.

Abstract: The invention relates to the extrusion of tire components with a large change of gauge across their cross-sectional area. It is provided a method and an assembly for extruding such a tire component with an extruder feeding a flow channel with a downstream die opening, whereby a deflector is provided in the flow channel upstream the die opening such that a flow of rubber is slowed down in front of broad portions of the cross-sectional area of the downstream die, avoiding distortion or bending of the extruded tire component.

Abstract: The invention relates to the extrusion of tire components with a large change of gauge across their cross-sectional area. It is provided a method and an assembly for extruding such a tire component with an extruder feeding a flow channel with a downstream die opening, whereby a deflector is provided in the flow channel upstream the die opening such that a flow of rubber is slowed down in front of broad portions of the cross-sectional area of the downstream die, avoiding distortion or bending of the extruded tire component.

Abstract: The invention relates to the extrusion of tire components with a large change of gauge across their cross-sectional area. It is provided a method and an assembly for extruding such a tire component with an extruder feeding a flow channel with a downstream die opening, whereby a deflector is provided in the flow channel upstream the die opening such that a flow of rubber is slowed down in front of broad portions of the cross-sectional area of the downstream die, avoiding distortion or bending of the extruded tire component.

Abstract: The invention relates to the extrusion of tire components with a large change of gauge across their cross-sectional area. It is provided a method and an assembly for extruding such a tire component with an extruder feeding a flow channel with a downstream die opening, whereby a deflector is provided in the flow channel upstream the die opening such that a flow of rubber is slowed down in front of broad portions of the cross-sectional area of the downstream die, avoiding distortion or bending of the extruded tire component.