The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Dec. 10, 2019
Filed:
Jan. 31, 2013
Chinglin Pan, Mauldin, SC (US);
Ronald Cress, Simpsonville, SC (US);
Chinglin Pan, Mauldin, SC (US);
Ronald Cress, Simpsonville, SC (US);
Compagnie Generale des Etablissements Michelin, Clermont-Ferrand, FR;
Abstract
The invention includes methods and apparatus for demolding a tread from a mold. In particular embodiments, such methods include a step of demolding a first end of a tread from a mold to form a demolded portion of the tread, the tread extending lengthwise from the first end to a second end. A further step includes folding the tread such that at least a portion of the demolded portion is arranged overtop a portion of the tread remaining within the mold. Yet a further step includes applying lubricant to the tread to thereby lubricate relative translation between folded portions of the tread. A further step includes demolding additional portions of the tread by sliding at least a portion of the demolded portion along the portion of the tread remaining in the mold with the lubricant arranged between the demolded portion and the portion of the tread remaining within the mold.