GROUND MAT AND METHOD OF MAKING THE SAME USING RECYCLED TIRES

Abstract

A ground mat for use at construction sites is described. Embodiments of the ground mat include one or more sections comprising a plurality of entry blocks and regular blocks. Each of the blocks typically comprises a plurality of tire tread sections sandwiched between a pair of rigid plates. The plates can be held together by way of threaded bolts and associated nuts. A cable can be implemented to secure the blocks together. Some embodiments can include wiper elements located in-between the intersection of neighboring blocks. The wiper elements can comprise relatively short pieces of vertically-orientated tread portions.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/617,762, filed 30 Mar. 2012.

BACKGROUND

Stabilized Construction Exits

Stabilized construction exits minimize the amount of sediment leaving a site as mud and debris are typically attached to vehicles. One method of stabilizing a construction exit involves installing a pad of gravel over a cloth filter at an area designated as an exit for construction traffic. As vehicles drive over the gravel, the gravel removes mud and sediment from the vehicle and reduces soil transported off the construction site. The filter cloth acts to separate the gravel from soil below, thereby keeping the gravel from being ground into the soil. Furthermore, the filter cloth reduces the amount of rutting by spreading vehicle weight over an area larger than a width of the vehicle's tires.

In addition to using gravel, a vehicle washing station is generally established at construction site exits. Wash stations are utilized since gravel by itself does not remove enough sediment. To help make sure the sediment from vehicles stays onsite and is handled properly, runoff from vehicle washing stations must be diverted into a sediment trap. This adds more cost to keeping the construction site in compliance with certain regulations.

Limitations of prior art stabilized construction entrances/exits include, but are not limited to, (i) requiring periodic top dressing with additional stones, (ii) that they must be used in conjunction with street sweeping on adjacent public right of ways, (iii) that they must be constructed on level ground only, (iv) that they are expensive to construct, (v) when a wash station is included, a sediment trap of some kind must also be provided to collect wash water runoff, (vi) that they are only moderately effective in removing sediment from equipment leaving a construction site, (vii) migration of sediment from the construction site, and (viii) aggregate stone must be removed and replaced if the construction entrance/exit is clogged with sediment.

Tire Cutters

There are many current methods of recycling tires into mulch known in the industry. Most of these methods use machines to separate tire tread from sidewalls. Generally, the tire tread includes metal while the sidewalls are substantially made of rubber. The initial stage of recycling a tire deals with separating the tire into three pieces, two sidewall portions and a tread portion. Tread portions of the tire that have a steel belt cannot easily be used to make mulch. Extra processing steps are needed when scrapping the tread portion including using magnets to separate out the scrap metal from rubber. Therefore, the tread portion is a significant cost in recycling the entire tire.

As the tread is a significant economic cost, any machines used to separate the sidewalls from the tread are not precise. Prior art machines are known to cut the sidewall away from a center tread portion so that the sidewalls can be used for mulch. Some machines utilize only a single blade and can only remove one sidewall at a time. Because each of the sidewalls is separately removed, the resulting center tread portion is not parallel. Furthermore, the time required to process the tires by removing one sidewall at a time is not economical. As can be appreciated, because most modern tires incorporate steel belts, the use of center tread portions has been limited.

Prior art machines designed to cut off both sidewalls simultaneously have been limited to cutting into the sidewall. As such, these machines using dual blades only cut the sidewall and are not used to cut the tread portion. Furthermore, the tires being cut on prior art machines have had a tendency to wander to the left or right towards one or the other of the sidewalls. At best, this results in tread portions with non-linear side edges along their lengths. At worst, the entire cutting operation will fail once the cutting blades are pulled on to, and over, one of the sidewalls.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a ground mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of a ground mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of an entrance block according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a regular block according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of a ground mat including wipers according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4B is a perspective view of a wiper according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5A is a top view of one configuration of a ground mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5B is a top view of another configuration of a ground mat according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a side view of a tire cutter according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram illustrating a method according to one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention include a ground mat for use at a construction site. The ground mat includes a plurality of sections, where each section comprises a series of blocks. Generally, two types of blocks can be implemented, a tapered entry block and a regular block. Each of the blocks typically comprises a plurality of tire tread sections stacked together and sandwiched between a pair of rigid plates. The plates are typically held together by way of threaded bolts and associated nuts or by way of rods that are welded to the plates. The various blocks can be strung together with cable or chain via through holes in the blocks to make sections. Means of coupling ends of the cables or chains to outer blocks include, but are not limited to, clevises, swaged fasteners, or other suitable fasteners.

In some embodiments, located at the coupling locations of the various blocks, in-between the intersection of neighboring blocks, are wiper elements that comprise relatively short pieces of vertically-orientated tread portions that rise and extend above the top surfaces of the blocks.

In operation, a truck or other construction vehicle drives over the mat when exiting a construction area. Driving over the blocks can induce vibrations and other forces to free dirt, mud, and other debris from tires of the vehicle. The wiper elements can help to separate debris from tires of the construction vehicles. The liberated debris can fall into open spaces provided between neighboring blocks of the mat. The liberated debris is then stopped from migrating onto roadways adjacent the construction exit.

Embodiments of the present invention further include a machine for separating a center tread of a tire from sidewalls of the tire. The machine is capable of producing a substantially uniform center tread cut from sidewalls. A dual-blade is implemented with the machine to cut two sidewalls from the center tread at once. The dual-blade allows a manufacture to produce substantially uniform center treads for use in the ground mat blocks.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise: (i) a ground mat for use at the exit of a construction site to prevent excessive tracking of debris from the site onto roadways and eventually into storm sewers; (ii) a method of using and fabricating the foregoing mat; (iii) a machine for cutting the center tread portion from a tire separating it from the sidewalls; and (iv) a method of cutting the center tread portion of a tire from the sidewalls.

Terminology

The terms and phrases as indicated in quotation marks (“ ”) in this section are intended to have the meaning ascribed to them in this Terminology section applied to them throughout this document, including in the claims, unless clearly indicated otherwise in context. Further, as applicable, the stated definitions are to apply, regardless of the word or phrase's case, to the singular and plural variations of the defined word or phrase.

The term “or” as used in this specification and the appended claims is not meant to be exclusive; rather the term is inclusive, meaning either or both.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “another embodiment,” “a preferred embodiment,” “an alternative embodiment,” “one variation,” “a variation,” and similar phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment or variation, is included in at least an embodiment or variation of the invention. The phrase “in one embodiment,” “in one variation,” or similar phrases, as used in various places in the specification, are not necessarily meant to refer to the same embodiment or the same variation.

The terms “couple” or “coupled,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to an indirect or direct physical connection between the identified elements, components, or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact.

The terms “directly coupled” or “coupled directly,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a physical connection between identified elements, components, or objects, in which no other element, component, or object resides between those identified as being directly coupled.

The term “approximately,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 10% of the value given.

The term “about,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to plus or minus 20% of the value given.

The terms “generally” and “substantially,” as used in this specification and appended claims, mean mostly, or for the most part.

Directional and/or relationary terms such as, but not limited to, left, right, nadir, apex, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, back, front, and lateral are relative to each other and are dependent on the specific orientation of a applicable element or article, and are used accordingly to aid in the description of the various embodiments and are not necessarily intended to be construed as limiting.

The terms “wiper” or “wiper element,” as used in this specification and appended claims, refers to a panel of material used to clean debris from tires of a vehicle.

An Embodiment of a Ground Mat

FIGS. 1A-1B are detailed diagrams of an embodiment 100 showing a ground mat according to one embodiment of the present invention. The ground mat 100 is typically used at a construction exit to remove debris from exiting trucks and equipment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the ground mat 100 generally comprises one or more sections made up of a plurality of entrance blocks 102 and a plurality of regular blocks 104. Depending on an embodiment, the entrance blocks 102 and the regular blocks 104 can form various sections having different configurations. For instance, one section can include a row or set of the entrance blocks 102 and another section can include a row or set of the regular blocks 104. The sections can then be linked to together to form an embodiment of the ground mat 100. For example, one ground mat can include a row of entrance blocks 102, three rows of the regular blocks 104, and another row of the entrance blocks 102, as shown in FIG. 1A. It is to be appreciated that various configurations of the entrance blocks 102 and the regular blocks 104 is anticipated.

The ground mat 100 can be configured based on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, types of equipment used at a construction site, size of an area designated for an exit, type of soil at proposed exit location, and type of soil and/or material making up the construction site. For instance, the ground mat 100 can be configured with a tapered shape, as shown in FIG. 5B. It is to be appreciated that the size and shape of the ground mat 100 can be based on a construction site by construction site basis.

Referring to FIG. 1B, a side view of an embodiment of the ground mat 100 is illustrated. As shown, the ground mat 100 has a row of entrance blocks 102, three rows of regular blocks 104, and another row of entrance blocks 102. FIG. 1B is just one possible configuration of the ground mat 100 and is not meant to be limiting. FIG. 1B also illustrates the tapered shape of the entrance blocks 102.

Referring to FIG. 2, a detailed diagram of one of the entrance blocks 102 is shown. The entrance block 102 is generally comprised of a plurality of semi-rigid panels 106 and a pair of rigid plates 108. In one embodiment, the semi-rigid panels 106 can be reinforced with metal alloys or composite materials. Generally, the semi-rigid panels 106 of the entrance blocks 102 can be tapered. In one example, the panels 106 can have a substantially trapezoidal shape, as shown in FIG. 2.

The tapered panels 106 can include a plurality of through holes 110. One or more of the through holes 110 can be adapted to receive a rod 112. The rods 112 can be implemented to couple the pair of rigid plates 108 together. In one example, the rods 112 can be welded to the pair of rigid plates 108. In another example, the rods 112 can be threaded bolts. It is to be appreciated that other means of coupling the rods 112 to the pair of rigid plates 108 can be implemented. Alternatively, other means of coupling the pair of rigid plates 108 together is anticipated.

In one embodiment, at least one of the through holes 110 can be adapted to receive a cable 116, as shown in FIG. 4B. The cable 116 can be implemented to couple the entrance blocks 102 and the regular blocks 104 together. In one embodiment, the cable 116 can be a steel wire rope.

Generally, each of the pair of rigid plates 108 has a trapezoidal shape and are comprised of steel. It is to be appreciated that other shapes and/or rigid materials can be implemented without exceeding the scope of the present invention. Each of the trapezoidal plates 108 can include one or more through holes 114. The through holes 114 can be adapted to receive the rods 112. The rods 112 can be adapted to couple the trapezoidal plates 108 together. In one embodiment, carriage bolts can be implemented to couple the trapezoidal plates 108 together. In another embodiment, steel rods can be welded to the trapezoidal plates 108 to couple the plates 108 together.

Generally, between eight to ten tapered panels 106 can be implemented in the entrance block 102. It is to be appreciated that the number of panels can be increased or decreased without exceeding the scope of the present invention. In one example, eight tapered panels 106 can be implemented with each entrance block 102. Each of the eight tapered panels 106 can include four through holes. Two through holes can be adapted to receive the rods 112 and two through holes can be adapted to receive the steel cable 116. In one example, the panels 106 can be comprised of recycled tire treads.

In one embodiment, the tapered panels 106 can be comprised of a center portion of a recycled tire. For example, a center tread portion separated from sidewalls of a recycled tire can be implemented. The separated center tread can then be cut into tapered sections having a substantially trapezoidal shape. It is to be appreciated that other materials having properties similar to recycled tires can be implemented in the present invention.

In production, the tapered panels 106 are typically compressed between the trapezoidal plates 108. Compressing the tapered panels 106 together can increase the overall strength and durability of the entrance block 102.

In one embodiment, each of the entrance blocks 102 can be comprised of eight recycled tire treads, two rods, and two steel plates. The eight tire treads can have a substantially trapezoidal shape measuring thirteen inches long by four and a half inches wide at the widest end. Each of the tire treads can have four through holes. Two of the through holes can be adapted to receive a 5/8 inch carriage bolt and the other two through holes can be adapted to receive a 3/8 inch steel threaded cable. Each of the steel plates can measure seven inches long, by two and half inches wide at the widest end, and a quarter inch thickness. The pair of steel plates can each have two through holes that align with two through holes of each tire tread. The though holes of the steel plates can be adapted to receive the 5/8 inch carriage bolts.

Referring to FIG. 3, a detailed diagram of one of the regular blocks 104 is shown. Generally, the regular block 104 can be comprised of a plurality of semi-rigid panels 118 and a pair of rigid plates 120. The plurality of panels 118 and the pair of rigid plates 120 can each have a substantially rectangular shape. The rectangular panels 118 are typically secured between the pair of rectangular plates 120. It is to be appreciated that the width of the tapered panels 106 and the rectangular panels 118, which correlate to the height of the ground mat 100, can be adjusted. For example, the width of the tapered panels 106 and rectangular panels 118 can range from two inches wide to eight inches wide. The panels can be sized based on a case by case implementation. Some embodiments can include tapered panels 106 that are wider than the rectangular panels 118 and vice versa.

Each of the rectangular panels 118 can include a plurality of through holes 122. In one example, each of the rectangular panels 118 can have eight through holes. It is to be appreciated that the number of through holes can be increased or decreased without exceeding the scope of this disclosure. One or more of the through holes 122 can be adapted to receive a rod 124. In one embodiment, four through holes located approximate a middle portion of the rectangular panel 118 can be adapted to receive a rod 124. The rods 124 can be adapted to couple the rectangular plates 120 together. In one embodiment, carriage bolts can be implemented to couple the rectangular plates 120 together. In another embodiment, steel rods can be welded to the rectangular plates 120 to couple the plates 120 together.

At least one of the through holes 122 of the rectangular panel 118 can be adapted to receive a steel cable 124. In one embodiment, four of the through holes 122, located approximate ends of the rectangular panels 118, can be adapted to receive a steel cable. The other four through holes 122 can be adapted to receive carriage bolts adapted to couple the pair of rectangular plates 120 together.

Similar to the tapered panels 106 of the entrance block 102, the rectangular panels 118 can be comprised of a center portion of a recycled tire. For example, a center tread portion separated from sidewalls of a recycled tire can be implemented. The separated rectangular center tread can then be cut into rectangular sections. It is to be appreciated that other materials having similar properties to recycled tires can be implemented in the present invention.

The rectangular plates 120 are generally comprised of steel. It is to be appreciated that other shapes and/or rigid materials can be implemented without exceeding the scope of the present invention.

In one embodiment, each of the regular blocks 104 can be comprised of eight recycled tire treads and two steel plates. The eight tire treads can have a substantially rectangular shape measuring approximately thirty-six inches long by four inches wide. Each of the tire treads can have eight through holes. Four of the through holes located approximate a middle portion of the tire tread can be adapted to receive a 5/8 inch carriage bolt and the other four through holes located approximate ends of the tire tread can be adapted to receive a 3/8 inch steel threaded cable. The pair of steel plates can each have a substantially rectangular shape measuring twenty-four inches long, by three inches wide, with a quarter inch thickness. The pair of steel plates can each have four through holes. The though holes of the steel plates can be adapted to receive the 5/8 inch carriage bolts. The through holes of the steel plates can line up with the middle four through holes of each of the recycled tire treads.

The number of panels generally correlates to the width of each block and a gap size between each block. In an embodiment, the number of panels in each block can be based on a target gap size. It is to be appreciated that the target gap size can be altered based on a variety of factors. Some of these factors include, but are not limited to, a minimum and maximum expected tire size interfacing with the ground mat and ensuring a portion of a sidewall of the tires fits in the gap. For example, if the target gap size is five and half inches, then the number of panels will be selected to provide that gap size.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 4A, a ground mat 150 can include a plurality of wipers 126. In one instance, the plurality of wipers 126 can be rectangular pieces of rubber. For example, the plurality of wipers 126 can be comprised of a recycled tire tread. It is to be appreciated that other materials having similar properties to rubber and tire treads can be implemented. Generally, the wipers 126 can be located in between neighboring blocks. In one embodiment, the wipers 126 can comprise relatively short pieces of vertically-orientated tread portions that rise and extend above top surfaces of the blocks, as shown.

Referring to FIG. 4B, a typical wiper 126 is illustrated. A pair of through holes 128 can align with the through holes on each block. Generally, the through holes 128 are adapted to receive the steel cable 116 there through. As mentioned, the wipers 126 are placed between two adjoining blocks to wipe off tires of a vehicle as the vehicle drives over the ground mat 100.

Referring to FIG. 5A, one example of a configuration 200 of the ground mat 100 is illustrated. As shown, the configuration 200 can have a rectangular shape and can generally include a plurality of sections comprising the entrance blocks 102 and the regular blocks 104. The configuration 200 can include a pair of first sections 202 and a pair of second sections 204. The first section 202 can include ten entrance blocks 102 and thirteen regular blocks 104. The second section 204 can include eight entrance blocks 102 and fourteen regular blocks 104.

Referring to FIG. 5B, another example of a configuration 210 of the ground mat 100 is illustrated. As shown, the configuration 200 can have a tapered shape and can include a plurality of sections comprising the entrance blocks 102 and the regular blocks 104. The configuration 210 can include four sections. A first section 212 can include a plurality of entrance blocks 102 and a plurality of regular blocks 104. A second section 214 can include a plurality of regular blocks 104. Generally, the second section 214 has less regular blocks 104 than the first section 212. A third section 216 can include a plurality of regular blocks 104. The third section 216 can have less regular blocks 104 than the second section 214. A fourth section 218 can include a plurality of entrance blocks 102 and a plurality of regular blocks 104. Depending on an implementation, the fourth section 218 can have more or less regular blocks 104 than the third section 216.

As shown in FIGS. 4A and 5B, some embodiments of the ground mat 100 can include a filler block 130. Generally, the filler block 130 can be implemented in embodiments where the ground mat 100 has a tapered configuration. The filler block 130 can be constructed similarly to the regular block 104. In one instance, the filler block 130 can be a shortened variation of the regular block 104. For example, the filler block 130 can include rectangular tire treads with through holes, two steel plates with through holes, and one or more rods adapted to couple the steel plates together.

As indicated above and throughout this disclosure, other variations of the ground mat 100 are contemplated as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art given the benefit of this disclosure. Alternative uses for the ground mat 100 include, for instance, being used to create roadways or heavy equipment platforms for use on top of muddy or sensitive ground. The sizes specified in this disclosure are merely exemplary and are not intended to be limiting.

A Method for Building and Using a Ground Mat

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustration of an embodiment 600 showing a method for building and using a ground mat, as previously disclosed. Embodiment 600 illustrates some of the steps followed to manufacture the ground mat.

Other embodiments can implement additional or different steps to manufacture the ground mat. The steps selected are one of several methods of manufacturing the ground mat and are not meant to be limiting.

In block 602, a center tire tread can be separated from a recycled tire. To separate the center tire tread, a tire cutting device disclosed herein can be implemented to create substantially rectangular slabs of tire tread having equal size. It is to be appreciated that other means of cutting tires can be implemented. In block 604, the tire tread slabs can then be cut into an appropriate size and shape. As necessary, various tire tread slabs can be cut at an angle for use in the entrance blocks.

Through holes can be drilled or punched through each of the tire tread slabs in block 606. In some embodiments, templates can be implemented to ensure uniform location of through holes on each slab.

After each of the tire slabs has been drilled with through holes, a plurality of slabs can be stacked together between a pair of steel plates in block 608. Depending on an embodiment, a pre-determined number of tire slabs can be stacked between a pair of steel plates. The steel plates can have through holes that line up with the through holes of the tire slabs. For instance, the blocks can be fabricated by stacking the desired number of slabs together between two steel plates and joining the plates with steel rods or threaded fasteners that pass through the corresponding through holes in the tire tread slabs. The slabs can be compressed as necessary prior to securing the rods or fasteners to the steel plates.

In block 610, the pair of steel plates can be coupled together. In one instance, carriage bolts can be implemented to couple the steel plates together.

In block 612, wipers can be placed between interfaces of selected sets of blocks.

After each of the blocks is put together, the blocks can be coupled to each other in block 614. In one instance, steel cable can be implemented to couple the blocks together. In one example, swaged fasteners can be implemented to couple ends of the steel cable to outer blocks of the ground mat. The various blocks can be assembled into a desired pattern such as is illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

After the ground mat has been assembled, the ground mat can be placed at an exit of a construction site in block 616. With the ground mat in place, exiting trucks and equipment can drive over the ground mat.

When a construction site is ready to close, the ground mat can be removed from the construction site in block 618.

An Embodiment of a Tire Cutting Apparatus

FIG. 7 is a detailed diagram of an embodiment of an apparatus 700 showing a tire tread cutter. The tire tread cutter 700 can be implemented to separate a center tread portion of a recycled tire from the sidewalls of the tire. In one embodiment, the tire tread cutter 700 is capable of cutting center tread portions from a tire wherein the edges of the tread portions remain linear and parallel.

The cutter 700 generally comprises a pair of cutting wheels 702, a pair of cutting guides 704, and one or more rotators 706. The pair of cutting wheels 702 and the one or more rotators 706 can be coupled to a drive shaft 708.

Generally, the pair of cutting wheels 702 can have a 1.5 inch to 6 inch diameter. The cutting wheels 702 can be coupled to the drive shaft 708 in parallel. Depending on an implementation, the cutting wheels 702 can be spaced from 2.5 inches to 6 inches apart. For example, the cutting wheels 702 can be spaced 4.5 inches apart. It is to be appreciated that increasing or decreasing the spacing of the cutting wheels 702 has been contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure. In one embodiment, the cutting wheels 702 and the rotators 706 can be adjustable along the drive shaft 708. For example, the cutting wheels 702 can move from a three inch spacing to a five inch spacing between wheels.

The rotators 706 can be coupled to the drive shaft 708 adjacent to the cutting wheels 702. As the drive shaft 708 is rotated, the rotators 706 can be rotated. Generally, each of the rotators 706 is adjacent and against an outside surface of one of the cutting wheels 702, as shown in FIG. 7. In one embodiment, the rotators 706 can be against an inside surface of the cutting wheels 702. The rotators 706 can be adapted to guide and/or rotate a tire 710 about an axis parallel to the rotators 706. As the drive shaft 708 is rotated, the rotators 706 can rotate the tire 710 allowing the cutting blades 702 to cut the tire 710 separating a central tread portion from sidewalls of the tire 710. In one embodiment, the rotators 706 can be shaped similar to a sprocket. It is to be appreciated that other shapes can be implemented in the present invention. Generally, the rotators 706 have a diameter smaller than the cutting blades 702. In one example, the rotators 706 can have a 3 inch diameter and the cutting blades 702 can have a 4.7 inch diameter. The larger diameter of the cutting blades 702 can allow the blades to cut into the tire before the rotators 706 interface with the tire.

The cutting guides 704 can be adapted to interface with an interior of the tire 710. Generally, the cutting guides 704 are spaced similar to the cutting wheels 702. The cutting guides 704 can keep the cutting blades 702 on a linear path. Each of the cutting wheels 702 can be adapted to fit into a groove 712 of each respective cutting guide 704. The grooves 712 can provide a guide for the cutting blades 702 and keep the cutting blades 702 from having lateral movement. In one embodiment, the cutting guides 704 can be coupled to a hydraulic cylinder 714 to support the tire 710 and move the tire 710 into a position for cutting. Generally, the cutting guides 704 rotate as the tire 710 is rotated. For instance, the cutting guides 704 can include ball bearings about which the cutting guides 704 rotate.

In one embodiment, the tire tread cutter can include a motor 716. The motor 716 can be controlled by one or more control levers 718. The drive shaft 708 can be coupled to the motor 716. In an embodiment, the motor 716 can be adapted to rotate the drive shaft 708.

In one embodiment, the cutting blades 702 can switch locations with the cutting guides 704. The cutting guides 704 can include the tire rotators 708. The cutting guides 704 can be located on the drive shaft 708. As such, the cutting guides 704 can guide and rotate the tire 710. The cutting blades 702 can be coupled to the hydraulic cylinder 714. Spacing of both the cutting blades 702 and the cutting guides 704 can be adjusted closer or further apart.

A Method for Cutting a Tire

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustration of an embodiment 800 showing a method for cutting a central tread portion of a recycled tire using a cutting device.

When an associated hydraulic cylinder is in a retracted position, a tire is placed over a pair of lower roller guides in block 802. In block 804, after the tire is in place, the tire can be raised into contact with a pair of cutting blades and associated rotators. Generally, the cutting blades can penetrate into the tire before the rotators interface with the tire.

In block 806, the cutting blades can cut respective sides of the tire tread portion as the rotators advance the tire into the cutting blades. An operator can optionally guide the tire. For example, the operator can apply minimal force to affect changes in cutting direction as necessary to prevent the cutline from drifting towards the sidewall.

After the center portion is separated from the sidewalls, the hydraulic cylinder can be lowered and the center tire tread portion can be removed from the cutting device in block 808.

In block 810, the circular tire tread portion can then be cut widthwise and to a desired length to create slabs for subsequent use, such as in the described ground mats.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

The various embodiments and variations thereof, illustrated in the accompanying Figures and/or described above, are merely exemplary and are not meant to limit the scope of the invention. It is to be appreciated that numerous other variations of the invention have been contemplated, as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure. All variations of the invention that read upon appended claims are intended and contemplated to be within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A mat for use in construction, the mat comprising:

a plurality of first blocks each including a plurality of tapered tire treads; and

a plurality of second blocks each including a plurality of substantially rectangular tire treads, wherein a first set of the plurality of second blocks is coupled to a first set of the plurality of first blocks.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the first blocks comprises:

a first pair of steel plates;

the plurality of tapered tire treads; and

one or more rods adapted to couple the first pair of steel plates together, wherein the plurality of tapered tire treads are secured between the first pair of steel plates.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the second blocks comprises:

a second pair of steel plates;

the plurality of substantially rectangular tire treads; and

one or more rods adapted to couple the second pair of steel plates together, wherein the plurality of substantially rectangular tire treads are secured between the second pair of steel plates.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a steel cable couples the first set of the plurality of seconds blocks to the plurality of first blocks.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein each of the blocks includes at least one through hole adapted to receive the steel cable.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of substantially rectangular tire treads and the plurality of tapered tire treads are comprised of recycled tire treads.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, the apparatus further comprising:

a plurality of wipers, each wiper being located at an interface between the first set of second blocks with the plurality of first blocks.

8. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each wiper (i) comprises a substantially rectangular panel of recycled tire tread having a through hole configured to receive a steel cable and (ii) extends above a top surface of the blocks.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a second set of the plurality of second blocks is coupled to the first set of second blocks.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein a second set of the plurality of first blocks is coupled to the second set of the second blocks.

11. An apparatus comprising:

a first steel plate;

a plurality of recycled tire treads each having at least one through hole;

a second steel plate, wherein the plurality of recycled tire treads are located between the first steel plate and the second steel plate; and

one or more rods threaded through each of the plurality of tire treads, wherein the one or more rods are adapted to couple the first steel plate to the second steel plate.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of recycled tire treads have a substantially rectangular shape.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first steel plate and the second steel plate have a substantially rectangular shape.

14. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the plurality of recycled tire treads are tapered.

15. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the one or more rods each comprise a carriage bolt and a nut.

16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein ends of the one or more rods are welded to the first steel plate and the second steel plate.

17. A method of using a mat at a construction exit, the method comprising:

placing the mat at the construction exit, the mat comprising: a plurality of first blocks each including a plurality of tapered tire treads; and a plurality of second blocks each including a plurality of substantially rectangular tire treads, wherein a first set of the plurality of second blocks is coupled to a first set of the plurality of first blocks;

removing the mat from the construction exit.

18. The method of claim 17, wherein the mat includes a plurality of wipers.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein each wiper (i) comprises a substantially rectangular panel of recycled tire tread having a through hole configured to receive a steel cable and (ii) extends above a top surface of the blocks.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein a steel cable couples the first set of the plurality of seconds blocks to the first set of the plurality of first blocks.