Dual tire cutting machine

#The present invention is directed to a device of improved efficiency and versatility for bisecting or cutting tires into strips. More particular the present invention is directed to a device which permits simultaneous bisecting or cutting into strips of a plurality of tires and which is at the same time light weight and economical to employ and possesses various advantages in operation which will be described below.

#With increasing concern for the environment and the need for environmentally acceptable ways of disposing of waste material, it has become increasingly important to develop devices which specifically facilitate the handling and disposing of waste items which, because of their composition or structure, are otherwise difficult to dispose of. One of the most difficult items to dispose of effectively in our modern society is the automotive tire. Used tires, because of their rubber composition are largely non-degradable and due to their size and awkward configuration are difficult to store. Even the burning of used tires is an unattractive alternative because of the smoke and unpleasant odor that is produced.

#Accordingly there is a need for devices which effectively and efficiently permit used automotive tires either to be cut into pieces which can be more easily handled or into sections which can be used for other purposes. Particularly where it is contemplated that the tires will be disposed of by burying them it is important that these tires be bisected since the semi-enclosed interior of the uncut tires provides a breeding place for insects and rodents; and, additionally, the tires will not satisfactorily compact.

#FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the entire device of the present invention absent tires showing the cutting blades lowered into the large slotted wheels of the device.

#FIG. 2 is a side view of the device of the present invention showing the overhead arm and cutting blade in a raised position with a mounted tire shown in phantom on the large slotted wheel.

#FIG. 3 is a left side view of the device of the present invention showing the overhead arm and cutting blade in a lowered position with a tire mounted on the large slotted wheel and guide rollers engaging the bottom inside bead of the tire to provide proper tension.

#Directing attention to FIG. 1 of the drawings it will be seen that a four-legged frame 1 is provided upon which a horizontal shaft 11 is mounted with large slotted wheels 2a and 2b disposed at either end of the horizontal shaft 11. Each of the large wheels mounted on the shaft comprises two discs which are bolted together by bolts 48A and 48B and is provided with a circumferential groove 4a and 4b respectively between the two discs. At the forward end of the frame 1 there is also vertically mounted a cylinder 10 which causes a piston 23 attached at 21 to the overhead beam 19 to either rise vertically or be withdrawn back into the cylinder. Conveniently the cylinder and piston can nbe pneumatically activated by a source of compressed air (not shown) and controlled by switch 9.

#An additional horizontal shaft 18 is disposed at the upper rear of the frame 1 to provide a pivot point for the overhead beam 19. Passing through the overhead beam 19 at right angles is a horizontal shaft 12 which circular cutting blades 3a and 3b disposed at either end thereof. On either side of each circular cutting blade are disposed drive collars 30a and 30b respectively which are maintained in a set position on the shaft by set screws 51a and 51b. Large nuts 47a and 47b are provided at either end of the shaft 12 to position also the respective drive collars and cutting blades. In order to prevent these nuts from spinning off during operation; the ends of shaft 12 and nuts 47a and 47b have threads which cause the nuts to be tightened as the shaft rotates. Thus, nut 47b has a left hand thread while 47a has a right hand thread. Also mounted on the horizontal shaft 12 is a "U" shaped bracket 13 having an upward projecting handle 14. Attached to either end of this "U" shaped bracket is an "L" shape projection 17 with terminates in a vertical brake 17 adapted to engage the thread surface of a tire mounted on either of the wheels 2a or 2b. A horizontal hinged latch 15 is pivotally mounted at one end of the horizontal member 19 and biased downward by the spring 16 so that it engages the top of the "U" shape member 13 to prevent the rotation thereof on the shaft 12. These details of this latch arrangement when in engagement with the "U" shaped 13 can also be clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 4 of the drawings the latch 15 is shown when it is free of engagement with the member 13 and the brake 17 is engaging the thread surface of a mounted tire 26. to the overhead beam 19 to either rise vertically or be withdrawn back into the cylinder. Conveniently the cylinder and piston can be pneumatically activated by a source of compressed air (not shown) and controlled by switch 9.

#An additional horizontal shaft 18 is disposed at the upper rear of the frame 1 to provide a pivot point for the overhead beam 19. Passing through the overhead beam 19 at right angles is a horizontal shaft 12 with circular cutting blades 3a and 3b disposed at either end thereof. On either side of each circular cutting blade are disposed drive collars 30a and 30b respectively which are maintained in a set position on the shaft by set screws 51a and 51b. Large nuts 47a and 47b are provided at either end of the shaft 12 to position also the respective drive collars and cutting blades. In order to prevent these nuts from spinning off during operation; the ends of shaft 12 and the nuts 47a and 47b have threads which cause the nuts to be tightened as the shaft rotates. Thus, nut 47b has a left hand thread while 47a has a right hand thread. Also mounted on the horizontal shaft 12 is a "U" shaped bracket 13 having an upward projecting handle 14. Attached to either end of this "U" shaped bracket is an "L" shape projection 17 with terminates in a vertical brake 17 adapted to engage the thread surface of a tire mounted on either of the wheels 2a or 2b. A horizontal hinged latch 15 is pivotally mounted at one end of the horizontal member 19 and biased downward by the spring 16 so that it engages the top of the "U" shape member 13 to prevent the rotation thereof on the shaft 12. These details of this latch arrangement when in engagement with the "U" shaped 13 can also be clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3. In FIG. 4 of the drawings the latch 15 is shown when it is free of engagement with the member 13 and the brake 17 is engaging the thread surface of a mounted tire 26.