US 12,257,798 B2
Envelope spreader system for enveloping a retreaded tire
Merle E. Meier, Nashville, TN (US); Jaime J. Benitez, Nashville, TN (US); and Jeremy J. Nartker, Nashville, TN (US)
Assigned to Bridgestone Bandag, LLC, Nashville, TN (US)
Filed by BRIDGESTONE BANDAG, LLC, Nashville, TN (US)
Filed on Jan. 10, 2023, as Appl. No. 18/095,347.
Claims priority of provisional application 63/298,281, filed on Jan. 11, 2022.
Prior Publication US 2023/0219314 A1, Jul. 13, 2023
Int. Cl. B29D 30/54 (2006.01)
CPC B29D 30/542 (2013.01) [B29D 2030/543 (2013.01)] 12 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An envelope spreader system comprising:
a chassis having an opening configured to receive a tire assembly in an upright orientation;
a linkage assembly, the linkage assembly comprising a plurality of links rotatably coupled to the chassis and extending into the opening, wherein the plurality of links comprises:
a primary link rotatably coupled to the chassis at a first fixed pivot point between a primary link first end and a primary link second end configured to operably engage a portion of a tire envelope;
a secondary link rotatably coupled to the chassis at a second fixed pivot point between a secondary link first end and a secondary link second end configured to operably engage a portion of the tire envelope;
a spreader defined in part by the primary link second end and the secondary link second end; and
an actuator operably coupled to the primary link first end and the secondary link first end and configured to operate the linkage assembly between a first position and a second position.
 
7. An envelope spreader system comprising:
a linkage assembly operable between a first position and a second position, the linkage assembly comprising a plurality of links, each of the plurality of links rotatable about at least one pivot point of a plurality of pivot points, and each of the plurality of pivot points being in a fixed position relative to one another, wherein the plurality of links comprises a primary link and a secondary link rotatable about the same pivot point; and
an actuator operably coupled to the linkage assembly and configured to operate the linkage assembly between the first position and the second position.