Abstract: Discarded rubber automotive tires are processed into bales for disposal and use as landfill, fish habitats and other purposes by compressing a stack of such tires endwise into a compact annular bale and then securing the bale with ties at circumferentially spaced locations thereon. Preferably during compression of the stack, it is slit lengthwise from end to end at multiple circumferential locations between the wires. The resulting slits extend inwardly from the outer toward the inner periphery of the bale but terminate short of the inner tire bead and rim to permit the escape of air and water from the annular interior spaces of the tires and yet maintain the integrity of the bale. The compressed, tied and slit baled product is particularly useful in forming artificial reefs in bodies of water for use as fish habitats because of its lack of buoyancy and resulting ease and accuracy of placement.

Abstract: Discarded rubber automotive tires are processed into bales for disposal and use as landfill, fish habitats and other purposes by compressing a stack of such tires endwise into a compact annular bale and then securing the bale with ties at circumferentially spaced locations thereon. Preferably during compression of the stack, it is slit lengthwise from end to end at multiple circumferential locations between the wires. The resulting slits extend inwardly from the outer toward the inner periphery of the bale but terminate short of the inner tire bead and rim to permit the escape of air and water from the annular interior spaces of the tires and yet maintain the integrity of the bale. The compressed, tied and slit baled product is particularly useful in forming artifical reefs in bodies of water for use as fish habitats because of its lack of buoyancy and resulting ease and accuracy of placement.

Abstract: A machine with an open upstanding frame has a central space within which a stack of tires are placed. A hydraulic ram mounted on top of the frame, when retracted, supports a press platen slidable on vertical frame posts above the stack and a knife platen spaced above the press platen. Four tire-slitting knives project downwardly from the knife platen in alignment with slots in the press platen. When the ram extends, the knife and press platens move downwardly until the press platen engages the stack. Thereafter continued extension of the ram causes compression springs between the platens to contract so that the knife platen continues downwardly until it engages the press platen and the knives pass through the slots of the press platen into cutting engagement with the stack. Thereafter the knife and press platens continue downwardly together simultaneously compressing and slitting the stack.