Transfer ring or drum apparatus with adjustable circumference

摘要

An apparatus for use in the manufacture of a pneumatic tire is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a longitudinal axis and a plurality of arcuate segments (28) defining an arc of a cylindrical surface such that the arcuate segments collectively define the cylindrical surface and the arcuate segments (289 are supported for movement radially relative to the longitudinal axis for adjusting the circumference of the cylindrical surface. Each arcuate segment includes at least one of two side sections of each arcuate segment having a row of spaced fingers (56) corresponding in a fitted arrangement with gaps of an adjacent arcuate segment such that, as the circumference is adjusted and the side sections of each segment hingedly move relative to an intermediate section about a corresponding pivot axis, the fingers move into and out of the gaps provided between the fingers of the adjacent arcuate segment. The fingers (56) and gaps are both tapered at a taper angle relative to the circumferential direction of the apparatus.