Abstract: A skid assembly including a skid having a stacking surface and four gum rolls is provided. The gum rolls include a first gum roll positioned on the stacking surface and a second gum roll positioned on the stacking surface and abutting the first gum roll. The first and second gum rolls cooperate to define a first skid layer. The gum rolls further include third and fourth gum rolls each positioned on one of the first or second gum rolls. The fourth gum roll abuts the third gum roll, and the third and fourth gum rolls both cooperate to form a second skid layer. The gum rolls are formed of a strip stock wound onto a core fixture. The strip stock is coated to prevent the strip stock from adhering to itself while being wound into the gum roll.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, a tire tread cutting apparatus for cutting a length of a tire tread is described. The tire tread cutting apparatus includes a track having a first track end and a second track end downstream of the first track end. The track includes a plurality of rollers positioned between the first track end and the second track end. The plurality of rollers is configured to facilitate the tire tread along the track. A tire hub is positioned downstream of and adjacent to the second track end. The tire hub is configured to receive a tire casing. The tire casing defines a tire casing circumference along an outer surface of the tire casing. A tread dispenser is positioned upstream of the track and configured to dispense tire tread. The tread dispenser includes a drive roller configured to drive tire tread downstream toward the second track end.

Abstract: A method of forming a gum roll is provided. The method includes providing a strip stock having a first end, a first surface, and a second surface opposite to the first surface. The first end of the strip stock is coupled to a core fixture so the first surface interfaces with the core fixture. The strip stock is rotated to wind the strip stock onto the core fixture such that the first surface interfaces with the second surface to form the gum roll. The method further includes cutting the strip stock to form the second end when the gum roll is wound to an outer roll diameter, the outer roll diameter being greater than a diameter of the core fixture.