Device and method for applying a strip to a rotary surface

1. Apparatus for applying to a rotary receiving surface, a reinforcing strip comprising a set of parallel yarns or cords which are generally coated in a rubber mix and arranged in a longitudinal direction of the strip, the strip having a predetermined width extending transversely of the longitudinal direction, the apparatus comprising:

a supply mechanism for supplying the strip;

a laying mechanism for laying the strip onto the receiving surface; and

a displacement mechanism disposed between the supply mechanism and the laying mechanism for displacing the strip transversely with respect to a direction in which the strip is laid on the receiving surface, whereby the laid strip forms an undulating pattern;

wherein the displacement mechanism includes a guide through which the strip passes and a guide moving mechanism including a pair of first shafts rotatably drivable about respective parallel axes oriented perpendicular to the strip's longitudinal direction, the first shafts being operably connected to the guide and rotatable relative thereto at respective speeds that are equal, the connection between the first shafts and the guide comprising two second shafts freely rotatably mounted to the guide, and two levers each including a first end pivotably connected to a respective first shaft by a first pivot and a second end pivotably connected to a respective second shaft by a second pivot oriented parallel to the first pivot, the levers oriented non-parallel to the shaft to provide an eccentric connection between each first shaft and the guide and to produce an alternating movement of the guide,

wherein the supply mechanism is arranged to supply the strip to the displacement mechanism in the longitudinal direction of the strip with a plane of the strip oriented substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the receiving surface, and the laying mechanism is arranged to cause the strip to pivot by substantially ninety degrees about an axis oriented substantially parallel to the strip's longitudinal direction to lay the strip on the receiving surface tangentially with respect thereto.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further including a body; the supply mechanism including at least one rotary capstan mounted on the body and around which the strip is fed, wherein an amplitude of the alternating transverse displacement is a function of a ratio between a first speed of the portion of the strip approaching the displacement mechanism and a second speed of the receiving surface.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein the first speed comprises a rotary speed of the capstan, and the second speed comprises a rotary speed of the receiving surface.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein the guide-moving mechanism is further arranged to move the guide in a plane which contains the axis about which the guide rotates and which is oriented substantially perpendicular to the strip's longitudinal direction, to vary the amplitude of the transverse displacement.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein a period of the alternating transverse movement of the strip is proportional to the rotary speed of the shafts.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5 wherein the magnitude of the centricity of the connection is variable to adjust the amplitude of the alternating transverse movement.

7. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the guide comprises an arm carrying two freely rotatable guiding rollers between which the strip passes, the guiding rollers rotatable about respective axes oriented perpendicular to the strip's longitudinal direction.

8. The apparatus according to claim 6 wherein the displacement mechanism further comprises a magnet arranged to apply a magnetic force urging the guide in a direction for producing the eccentricity of the connection between each shaft and the guide.