TECHNICAL FIELD

Generally, the present invention is related to an apparatus for marking a surface of an object. Specifically, the present invention is directed to marking a tire bead based on input received prior to marking the tire. In particular, the present invention is directed to marking a tire bead with different colors and/or indicia based upon the test results.

BACKGROUND ART

It is well known in the tire industry to mark tires with paint or other indicia to identify the part number and/or grade quality of the tire. For example, after a tire has been tested, a tire is selectively marked based upon the test results. In some instances, proper marking consists of any combination of colored marks. Some customers may require markings on the tire bead, while others may mark the sidewall surface or tread. In any event, most marking systems currently require the use of paint rollers which are engaged by the tire during passage along a conveyor system. Another difficulty with marking tires is due to their shape and the difficulty in marking a tire surface that is not readily accessible, such as the tire bead or surfaces near the tire bead.

Prior art marking devices use paint trays and a roller which stays in the tray until needed. As the tire passes in proximity to the roller, the roller is moved to come in contact with the tire surface to be marked. Such a device is very messy as paint may spill and come in contact with other equipment. It is also cumbersome to refill the paint tray and most embodiments require machine down time in order to fill the paint trays and/or adjust the roller mechanisms. The paint or ink used for marking must also be kept moist to allow for application, but must also be quick-drying once applied. Therefore, there is a need in the art to better automate the marking apparatus and to minimize machine down time, which in turn reduces waste and the like.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a tire marking apparatus.

It is another aspect of the present invention to provide an apparatus to mark a surface of an object, comprising a conveyor assembly having spaced apart conveyor belts with a conveyor opening therebetween, the conveyor assembly having an entry side and an exit side that supports the object, a marking assembly movable between a retracted position away from the conveyor belts, which allows movement of the object from the entry side to the exit side, and an operate position proximal the surface to be marked, and at least one marker carried by the marking assembly, the at least one marker configured to mark the surface of the object when the marking assembly is in the operate position.

Yet another aspect of the present invention is to provide a method for marking an object, comprising receiving an object on spaced apart conveyor belts which form an opening therebetween, detecting a position of the object, moving a marking assembly from a retracted position to an operate position so that the marking assembly is oriented to the surface of the object to be marked that is not otherwise accessible from an external radial position of the object, marking a surface of the object with the marking assembly, and returning the marking assembly to the retracted position and moving the conveyor belts to move the object.

