Continuous platform cutting apparatus for cutting a cellular polymer surface

An apparatus for shaping a continuously fed slab of cellular polymer material by cutting and removing portions of the material from an outer surface of the slab, comprising:

• a compression roller and a cooperating support surface, said compression roller rotatable on an axis and having its outer surface spaced apart from the support surface to define a predetermined gap therebetween so that the roller exerts a compressive force against the slab of cellular polymer material as said slab is fed continuously through said gap between the compression roller and the support surface;
• a continuous patterned belt having an outer surface and being interposed in the gap between the compression roller and the support surface and movable with relation thereto, said outer surface of said patterned belt defining at least one recess to receive a portion of the cellular polymer material when a region of the slab is passed through said gap and compressed between the compression roller and the support surface, and wherein said belt is driven by a drive roller;
• and
• a blade for cutting the cellular polymer material as the slab emerges from the gap between the compression roller and the support surface, said blade positioned adjacent the gap and in substantially closely adjacent relationship with the outer surface of the patterned belt to cut a portion of the cellular material received within the recess of the patterned belt from the slab.