AU2006208412B1

AU2006208412B1 - An apparatus and method for cutting tyres

Info

Publication number: AU2006208412B1
Application number: AU2006208412A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Craig Andrew Freer
Original assignee: CRAIG FREER
Current assignee: CRAIG FREER
Priority date: 2006-09-08
Filing date: 2006-09-08
Publication date: 2007-04-05
Anticipated expiration: 2026-09-08

Description

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ORIGINAL

Complete Specification Applicant: Title: Address for Service: Craig Andrew Freer An apparatus and method for cutting tyres LESICAR PERRIN, 49 Wright Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to melus:

NO

An apparatus and method for cutting tyres FIELD OF THE INVENTION 00

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The present invention relates to the cutting of used tyres into segments or pieces to assist in their disposal, recycling or cutting into a useful size.

5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 00 O NAny discussion of the prior art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of (the common general knowledge in this field.

Huge quantities of worn automotive tyres are generated throughout the world every year. These worn tyres create significant waste disposal issues. In the past used tyres have either been simply left stacked in the open on unused land or have been placed in landfill. The problem with simply leaving the tyres exposed in the environment is that if they catch alight they can potentially burn for months. These stacks of tyres are also an eye sore and can be a breeding ground for vermin. On the other hand if the tyres are placed in landfill, due of their shape they take up significant space and result in air pockets which can lead to significant submergence of the landfill cap at a future time. This slumping of the landfill cap can lead to increased erosion and exposure of the landfill contents with the resultant negative environmental impacts. As a result the cost of dumping a single standard automobile tyre at a landfill can be quite significant.

Due to the potential environmental impact of used automobile tyres, legislative requirements have been introduced in Australia and other countries, or are in the process of being introduced, to minimise the effect of these used tyres. As a consequence of this drive towards lessening the environmental impact operators of dumps will in the future not be able to dispose of whole tyres by placing them in landfill. The operators will be required to dispose of only portions of tyres that are no bigger than 250mm.

Furthermore, with the increase in fuel prices it is becoming more important to minimise transport costs. As can be appreciated, due to the doughnut shape of tyres they are a bulky item to transport. Accordingly, operators or tyre replacement stores

IND

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N pay large sums of money to have these bulky items transported to disposal depots e such as landfills.

d) 00 It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems or provide the public with a useful alternative.

C 5 It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide for an apparatus for cutting tyres into portions.

00 N SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION STherefore in one form of the invention there is proposed an apparatus for cutting tyres, including: a tyre support; a first cutting means adapted to make a first incision; a second cutting means adapted to make a second incision, whereby the action of the first and second cutting means results in the tyre being cut into individual portions; at least one conveyer means adapted to transport the portions of tyre away from said first and second cutting means; wherein the tyre to be cut is placed in an upright arrangement and is incised and rotated by the action of the first cutting means.

Preferably, the first cutting means is a toothed disc.

In preference, the first cutting means is located in a vertical arrangement.

Preferably, the first incision is substantially parallel to the front wall of the tyre.

Most preferably, the first cutting means is adapted to both cut and rotate the tyre.

In preference, the first cutting means is attached to an arm configured to pivot about a pivot point, such that the first cutting means is movable between a first and a second position to thereby facilitate the placement of the tyre onto the tyre support.

Preferably, the arm is moved by a hydraulic actuator.

IND

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SIn preference, the apparatus includes a movable guide adapted to securely locate the tyre in a cutting position. The guide is attached to the arm and includes at least one roller.

00 Preferably, the tyre support is a discus having at least one groove extending around its outer edge.

In preference, the first cutting means, in the second position, is adapted to 00 engage the groove.

IND

SPreferably, the second cutting means includes a first and second blade.

In preference, the first and second blades are positioned on a substantially horizontal plane and adapted to operate in a scissor type action.

Preferably, the first blade is attached to a platform adapted to pivot around an axis which is substantially vertical.

In preference, the platform is moved by a hydraulic actuator such that the first blade slidably engages the second blade.

Preferably, the second blade and tyre support are attached to a rigid frame member.

In preference, the apparatus includes a first conveyer belt and a second conveyer belt.

Most preferably, the first conveyer belt is positioned on a horizontal plane and the second conveyer belt is positioned at an inclined angle.

In preference, the placement of the tyre on the tyre support is automated.

Preferably, the severing of the tyre into portions is automated.

In a further form of the invention there is proposed a method for cutting tyres including the step of: providing an apparatus having a tyre support, first and second cutting means adapted to make first and second incisions respectively and a conveyer belt; positioning a tyre in an upright arrangement on the tyre support;

NO

operating the apparatus such that the first cutting means incises the tyre; further operating the apparatus such that tyre is rotated thereby producing a longitudinally extending incision; 00 0 operating the apparatus such that the second cutting means incises the tyre; further rotating the tyre to present a second portion of tyre to be severed by the C second cutting means; operating the apparatus such that the second cutting means incises the tyre 00 0thereby severing a first portion of the tyre which falls onto the conveyer belt and N is removed; repeating steps to until all the tyre is cut into portions.

Preferably, the tyre is cut into portions of a predetermined size.

In preference, the second cutting means includes a first and second blade adapted to operate in a scissor type action.

Preferably, the operation of the apparatus is at least partially automated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of a tyre cutting apparatus of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the tyre cutting apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating the cutting blades; Figure 3 is a side view of the tyre cutting apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating the placement of a used tyre; Figure 4 is a side view of the tyre cutting apparatus of Figure 3 illustrating the engagement of a first cutting member; Figure 5 is a side view of the tyre cutting apparatus of Figure 4 illustrating the movement of the used tyre; NO k SFigure 6 is a side view of the tyre cutting apparatus of Figure 5 illustrating the movement of a second cutting member and the severing of a portion of used tyre; 00

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Figure 7 is a top view of the tyre cutting apparatus of Figure 1 illustrating the second cutting member in a first position; Figure 8 is a top view of the tyre cutting apparatus of Figure 7 illustrating the 00 second cutting member in a second position; and

NO

Figure 9 is a top view of the tyre cutting apparatus of Figure 7 illustrating the second cutting member in a third position.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

Referring to the drawings for a more detailed description, a tyre cutting apparatus 10 is illustrated, demonstrating by way of example one arrangement in which the principles of the present invention may be employed. The apparatus as illustrated in Figure 1, includes a housing 12, base frame 14, cutting device 16, an elevation conveyer belt 18 having guides 20 mounted on conveyer arm 22 and motor housing 24. The apparatus 10 further includes a door 26, mounted on runner 28, which includes a window 30 and handle 32. The apparatus 10 is connected to three phase mains power by way of cable 34 which is adapted to engage socket 36, as is well know in the art. It should however be appreciated that the apparatus could be powered using a generator if the tyres are being cut in a location away from the electricity grid. The operator is able to control the apparatus 10 using switch unit 38 and levers 40. During operation a hopper or bin 42 can be placed at the terminal end of elevation conveyer belt 18 to enable the severed tyre portions to be collected.

NO

Figure 2 illustrates the cutting device 16 which includes a tyre support 44, a first cutting means 46 adapted to make a first incision in a tyre and a second cutting C/ means 48 adapted to make a second incision in the tyre.

00 In a preferred embodiment the first cutting means 46 is a toothed disc which is located in a vertical arrangement. The toothed disc 50 serves a dual Spurpose in that it is adapted to both cut and rotate the tyre. The toothed disc 00 rotates around shaft 52 which is attached to arm 54 by way of connection members N 56 and 58. A drive chain 60 engages shaft 52 to thereby operate the toothed disc The arm 54, which is adapted to pivot around pivot shaft 62, is operated by way of a hydraulic cylinder 64 as is well known in the art. The arm 54 is configured to pivot between a raised position and a lowered position. In the raised position, as illustrated in Figure 2, the toothed disc 50 is in an unengaged position which allows the placement of a tyre onto the support 44. The arm 54 is then lowered by way of the hydraulic cylinder 64 so that a portion of the tooth disc 50 pierces the tyre and engages the groove 66 that extends around the outer edge of the type support 44.

The arm 54 further includes guides 68 and 70 which are adapted to securely locate the tyre during operation of the apparatus 10. Guide 70 includes a guide arm 72 having a roller 74 attached thereto. The guide arm 72 is able to be adjusted by way of locking member 76 to facilitate the securing of tyres of different widths.

The tyre support 44 is a discus shape and is adapted to rotate about axle 78 which engages base 80. The base 80 is connected to rigid frame 82 which provides a rigid member into which the cutting force is applied to sever the tyre into portions.

The second cutting means 48 includes a first and second blade 84 and 86 which are adapted to operate in a pincer or scissor type action. The first blade 84 is attached to a platform 88 by way of bolts 90. The platform 88 pivots on a substantially horizontal plane. The second blade 86 is attached to the rigid frame 82 by way of bolts 92.

During operation the severed portions of tyre drop onto the horizontal conveyer belt 94 which transport the portions to the elevation conveyer 18 as illustrated in Figure 1. It should however be appreciated that the invention is not limited to the use of two conveyers belt and other conveyer means could be used.

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SIn use, as illustrated in Figure 3, a tyre 96 is place in a substantially vertical arrangement onto the tyre support 44, which engages base 80. Although only a portion of tyre 96 is illustrated in the figures it should be appreciated that initially a 00 0complete tyre would be placed onto support 44. The apparatus 10 further includes angled sides 98 which ensure that any cut portion of tyre 96 ends up on the Shorizontal conveyer 94. As further illustrated in Figure 3, the base frame 14 includes slots 100 configured to accommodate the prongs of a forklift. In this way the 00 0apparatus is able to be transported to a location in close proximity to the supply of N used tyres.

As illustrated in Figures 4 to 6, the arm 54 is pivoted downwardly such that the toothed disc 50 pierces through the tyre 96 and engages groove 66 in support 44.

The toothed disc 50 is then rotated by way of drive chain 60. This results in the tyre 96 rotating in a direction as indicated by arrow 102 thereby producing a longitudinally extending incision. When the tyre 96 rotates to a position wherein the longitudinally extending incision is adjacent to the second cutting means 48 the rotation of the toothed disc 50 is discontinued and the first blade 84 is moved in the directed indicated by arrow 104 such that it slidably engages the second blade 86 in a pincer or scissor type action. In this way a portion of tyre 106 is severed and falls onto horizontal conveyer 94.

As further illustrated in Figures 7 to 9, the first blade 84 is attached to platform 88. The platform 88 is a two-third pie-shape and is configured to rotate around vertical axis 108. A hydraulic cylinder 110 is attached to the trailing edge 112 of the platform 88 and is configured to move the platform in the direction of arrow 114 thereby severing a portion of the tyre 96. The platform 88 is then retracted to its original position and the tyre 96 continues to rotate to thereby present a second portion of tyre to be severed by the action of blades 84 and 86. This process continues until the whole tyre is cut into portions of a predetermined size.

It should be appreciated that the operation of the apparatus could be at least partially automated. For instance the placement of the tyre on the tyre support could be automated or the severing of the tyre into portions could be automated. Thus since the tyre has been rotated through say 100 the second cutter automatically cuts through a tyre. The reader should furthermore appreciated that there may be a Splurality of first cutting means configured to create a plurality of parallel longitudinally extending incisions.

OO The skilled addressee will now appreciate the many advantages of the present invention. The apparatus provides a robust means for cutting a used tyre into a plurality of segments of predetermined size. This enables the used tyres to be disposed of in a manner that fulfils legislative requirements. Furthermore, the cost of OO transportation is reduces as the bulkiness of the waste is reduced. The apparatus r can also be used to prepare tyres for shredding or incineration.

O

OFurther advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention.

In any of the claims that follow and in the summary of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprising" is used in the sense of "including", i.e. the features specified may be associated with further features in various embodiments of the invention. The term "engage" used in any of the claims that follow and in the summary of the invention shall be taken to mean in close proximity as well in actual contact.

Claims

1. An apparatus for cutting tyres, including: 0a tyre support; a first cutting means adapted to make a first incision; a second cutting means adapted to make a second incision, whereby the action of the first and second cutting means results in the tyre being cut into 0individual portions; N at least one conveyer means adapted to transport the portions of tyre away Sfrom said first and second cutting means; wherein the tyre to be cut is placed in an upright arrangement and is incised and rotated by the action of the first cutting means.

2. An apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first cutting means is a toothed disc.

3. An apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the first cutting means is located in a vertical arrangement.

4. An apparatus according any one of the above claims, wherein the first incision is substantially parallel to the front wall of the tyre. An apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the first cutting means is adapted to both cut and rotate the tyre.

6. An apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the first cutting means is attached to an arm configured to pivot about a pivot point, such that the first cutting means is movable between a first and a second position to thereby facilitate the placement of the tyre onto the tyre support.

7. An apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the arm is moved by a hydraulic actuator.

8. An apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the apparatus includes a movable guide adapted to securely locate the tyre in a cutting position.

9. An apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the guide is attached to the arm. IND \O N 10. An apparatus according to claims 8 or 9, wherein the guide includes at least e one roller. 00 11. An apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the tyre support is a discus having at least one groove extending around its outer edge.

12. An apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the first cutting means, in the 00 second position, is adapted to engage the groove. IND S13. An apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the second N cutting means includes a first and second blade.

14. An apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the first and second blades are positioned on a substantially horizontal plane and adapted to operate in a scissor type action. An apparatus according to claims 13 or 14, wherein the first blade is attached to a platform adapted to pivot around an axis which is substantially vertical.

16. An apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the platform is moved by a hydraulic actuator such that the first blade slidably engages the second blade.

17. An apparatus according to claims 13, 14 or 16, wherein the second blade and tyre support are attached to a rigid frame member.

18. An apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the apparatus includes a first conveyer belt and a second conveyer belt.

19. An apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the first conveyer belt is positioned on a horizontal plane and the second conveyer belt is positioned at an inclined angle. An apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the placement of the tyre on the tyre support is automated.

21. An apparatus according to any one of the above claims, wherein the severing of the tyre into portions is automated. \O S22. A method for cutting tyres including the step of: e( d providing an apparatus having a tyre support, first and second cutting means adapted to make first and second incisions respectively and a 00 conveyer belt; positioning a tyre in an upright arrangement on the tyre support; S(c) operating the apparatus such that the first cutting means incises the 0 tyre; 00 further operating the apparatus such that tyre is rotated thereby IDproducing a longitudinally extending incision; operating the apparatus such that the second cutting means incises the tyre; further rotating the tyre to present a second portion of tyre to be severed by the second cutting means; operating the apparatus such that the second cutting means incises the tyre thereby severing a first portion of the tyre which falls onto the conveyer belt and is removed; repeating steps to until all the tyre is cut into portions.

23. A method for cutting tyres according to claim 22, wherein the tyre is cut into portions of a predetermined size.

24. A method for cutting tyres according to claims 22 or 23, wherein the second cutting means includes a first and second blade adapted to operate in a scissor type action. A method for cutting tyres according to claims 22 to 24, wherein the operation of the apparatus is at least partially automated.

26. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the drawings.