Apparatus for cutting elastomeric materials

Abstract

A method and apparatus is provided for cutting an elastomeric laminate that may include a layer of reinforcement cords, into a desired length without cutting through the cords. The method includes the step of cutting through the gum portion of the elastomeric composite material at a desired skive angle, and then opening up the skived cut. Next, the cord reinforcement layer is cut without severing the reinforcement cords. An elastomeric composite strip cut to the desired length is produced and has cut ends. One of the cut ends has the gum portion cut at a desired skive angle adjacent an overhang portion of the reinforcement layer. The opposite end of the elastomeric composite segment also has a skived portion to mate with the skived portion of the first cut end, and a gap in the cord ply to mate with the cord overhang of the first end, resulting in a splice. An improved anvil having independently controlled vacuum zones is also provided, as well as improved cutting mechanisms.

1 . An apparatus for cutting a strip of laminate containing one or more layers of gum and a layer of reinforcing cords, the apparatus comprising: 
 (a) a first cutting element inclined at a skive angle α, the cutting element being positioned to cut through only the one or more layers of gum;    (b) a second cutting element for cutting through the layer of reinforcing cords in a line tangent to the one or more cords.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the cutting element has the cutting edge inclined at an acute angle β relative to the width of the laminate.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the skive angle α is about 10° or less adjacent the one or more cords.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an anvil having a cutting surface and being positioned relative to the laminate so that the laminate wraps around the lower surface.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the lower surface of the anvil has a first angled surface and a second angled surface.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of  claim 2  wherein the cutting element is an ultrasonic knife.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the anvil lower surface has one or more vacuum holes.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein the laminate is held in tension across the anvil lower surface.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 4  wherein a calibration block is located adjacent the anvil, the calibration block having an angled surface.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9  wherein the calibration block has an adjustable angled surface.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an anvil, and having a pull down bar rotatably mounted onto the anvil for engagement with the laminate.