Abstract:
The present invention relates to a tyre segmenting device capable of cutting tyres into two or more segments, the device including: a cutter for dividing the tyre into two or more segments; a positioning device on which the tyre is mounted, the positioning device positioning a tyre mounted thereon in alignment with the cutter; and a moving device operatively connected to the positioning device; wherein in use, the moving device moves the positioning device between a loading position in which a tyre can be loaded and unloaded from the positioning device and a cutting position where the cutter engages the tyre and divides the tyre into the two or more segments.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a device capable of segmenting tyres. More particularly, the present invention relates to a tyre segmenting device that can be included as a part of a larger tyre processing/recycling process and it will be convenient to hereinafter disclose the invention in relation to that exemplary application. However, it is to be appreciated that the invention is not strictly limited to that application, and may be used in segmenting tyres or other similar objects that can then be used for other subsequent applications. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The following discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the invention. However, it should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application. 
         [0003]    A vehicle tyre (or tire) is a generally a circular ring shaped covering manufactured from rubber and reinforcing steel which is fitted over the outer circumference of a vehicle wheel. Most vehicle tyres since at least the 1960s have been made from a composite material that includes rubber reinforced with cords of polyester, steel, and/or other textile materials. This composite material has varying configurations in different functional sections of the tyre in order to provide different properties of strength, resilience and shape in accordance with the function of that section. A tyre can therefore generally be said to include three distinct compositional sections:
       The crown, located generally around the outer perimeter of the tyre formed from a thick section of rubber that includes rigid steel belts for reinforcement to give high mileage and performance. The crown includes an outer surface having various designs of jagged shaped grooves in it, known as the tread.   The sidewalls are the radial sections of the tyre between the crown and the inner circular edges of the tyre contacting the wheel rim. The sidewalls include a number of radial reinforcing cords that add to the resilience of the sidewall.   The bead located at the inner rim of the tyre and is reinforced with a number of concentric circumferential reinforcing steel wires.       
 
         [0007]    Even with reinforcement, vehicle tyres have a limited life and will eventually have to be replaced. Many such used tyres are subsequently processed and recycled in order to reuse the rubber and steel constituents of the tyre. As the tyre structure has different composition in each section, it is desirable to separate the tyre into these different sections in order to process the different sections separately. A number of tyre recycling processes are known to the applicant that separate the tyre into at least two separate compositional sections. In several prior processes known to the applicant, the recycling process includes a cutting process that separates the sidewalls of the tyre from the crown of the tyre. A number of processes also longitudinally cut each of the sidewall section and crown section into two or more symmetrical parts using various cutting devices such as circular saws, cutting blades or the like. 
         [0008]    However, most prior tyre segmenting processes tend to be complicated, using a number of interrupted processes to separate the various sections of the tyre. Some prior tyre segmenting processes also require stoppages between each step in order to load and unload the tyre from the segmenting device and/or during the cutting process in order to utilise different cutting devices to divide the tyre in to the various compositional sections. 
         [0009]    It would therefore be desirable to provide an alternative tyre segmenting device that was generally simpler than prior tyre segmenting devices. Furthermore, it would be preferable for this device to include a positioning device that would aid in aligning and positioning a tyre in the cutting device in order to provide more continuous and preferably faster processing of the tyre. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    According to the present invention, there is provided a tyre segmenting device including: 
         [0011]    a cutter for dividing the tyre into two or more segments; 
         [0012]    a positioning device on which the tyre is mounted, the positioning device positioning a tyre mounted thereon in alignment with the cutter; and 
         [0013]    a moving device operatively connected to the positioning device; 
         [0014]    wherein in use, the moving device moves the positioning device between a loading position in which a tyre can be loaded and unloaded from the positioning device and a cutting position where the cutter engages the tyre and divides the tyre into the two or more segments. 
         [0015]    It is to be understood that the term “segment” encompasses portions of a tyre of any size, shape or form. 
         [0016]    The tyre segmenting device according to the present invention therefore provides a simple device having a number of interrelated components which can divide, preferably cut, a tyre into separate segments in a substantially continuous process. In this respect, a tyre is loaded on the positioning device and aligned with a cutting device. The positioning device and tyre mounted thereon is then moved to the cutting position where the cutting device divides the tyre into a desired number and type of segments. Preferably, the positioning device forces the tyre into engagement with and through the cutting device in order to divide the tyre in the desired segments. 
         [0017]    Once the tyre is divided into the various segments, the positioning device can be moved back to the loading position and a new tyre loaded onto the positioning device for the next segmenting process. Typically, the loading process of the new tyre onto the positioning device displaces the segments of the segmented tyre left on the positioning device, unloading these segmented sections from the device. In some embodiments, a conveyer belt or other collection device can be positioned at a location where these segmented tyre sections fall from the positioning device and therefore allow the segmented sections to be transported to other devices and processes for further processing such as sizing, separation, comminution or the like. 
         [0018]    Positioning a tyre on the positioning device can be accomplished using various arrangements. In one embodiment, the positioning device includes a recess or cavity into which a tyre can be mounted, the walls of the cavity being configured to align the tyre with the cutting device. In another more preferred embodiment, the positioning device includes an alignment hub which in use extends through the central hole of a tyre mounted thereon, preferably engaging the inner rim of the tyre, in order to position the tyre in alignment with the cutter. In this respect, the alignment hub and cutter are preferably aligned, and therefore once the tyre is moved into alignment with the hub, it too is aligned with the cutter. 
         [0019]    The positioning device can include further components which aid in loading, holding and unloading the tyre from the segmenting device. In some embodiments, the positioning device further includes a mounting plate on which the tyre is supported. Typically, the mounting plate is a planar plate on which the base of the tyre engages. As can be appreciated, the presence of a hub in the center of such a loading plate can restrict the way in which the tyre is loaded onto the positioning device, with the tyre having to be loaded for a generally perpendicular position relative to the mounting plate in order to place the tyre over the hub. It is therefore preferable for the alignment hub to be movable between a retracted position wherein the alignment hub is located below the mounting plate, and an extended position wherein at least a portion of the alignment hub extends above the mounting plate. In this manner the tyre can be laterally loaded, slid or otherwise moved onto the mounting plate from one side of the plate, and then the alignment hub can be raised into the extended position through the center of the tyre. 
         [0020]    The alignment hub can be moved between the extended position and retracted position using a number of moving means. In some embodiments, movement of the alignment hub is provided by a separate motor or means to the moving device. However, in more preferred embodiments, the alignment hub is operatively connected to the moving device, the moving device lifting the alignment hub between the retracted position and the extended position. 
         [0021]    The moving device of the present invention can be any suitable reciprocating or powered device. In some forms the moving device is a motor which drives one or more articulated sections in order to move the movable parts of the device. In other forms the moving device is a screw device. In yet other forms, the moving device includes at least one hydraulic piston. 
         [0022]    As can be appreciated, the mounting plate would also be moved between the loading position and cutting position along with the other interconnected sections of the positioning device. Again, this could in some embodiments be achieved by a separate means to the moving means. However, it is preferable that the mounting plate is also operatively moved by the moving device. More preferably, the mounting plate is seated on a section of the positioning device when in the extended position. Accordingly, movement of the hub towards the cutting position (as moved by the moving device) will also move the mounting plate towards the cutting position. 
         [0023]    The hub can have any number of suitable configurations that center and align a tyre mounted on the positioning device with the cutter. In one embodiment, the hub comprises a conical surface which extends through a circular hub aperture in the mounting plate. In another embodiment, the hub is formed from two or more generally circumferentially spaced apart arms which extend from a base support to form a generally frustoconical shaped structure. 
         [0024]    The hub can have a solid or fixed configuration or could be configured to have a more flexible configuration which can alter in response to pressure or other forces bearing on the positioning device or tyre. In one preferred embodiment, each of the arms forming the hub have an upper distal end pivotably mounted to an upper support and a lower proximal end mounted in a radial guide allowing lateral movement of the proximal end relative to the base support. In this embodiment, the lower proximal end of each arm is pivotably mounted to a slide, the slide laterally movable along the length of the radial guide. Preferably, the slide is captured within the radial guide. Each radial guide also typically includes a biasing means that biases the proximal end of each arm towards an outer circumferential position in the radial guide. The hub will therefore preferentially form into a generally frustoconical shape with the maximum diameter corresponding to the outer circumferential position in the radial guide. However, if any inwardly directed radial force acts on the arms of the hub, such as for example a circumferential constriction, then the base of the hub arms can move radially inwards in response to the constriction force(s). 
         [0025]    In many embodiments, the mounting plate would include one or more hub apertures through which at least part of the structure of the hub can extend so as to allow the alignment hub to move between the extended position and retracted position. In preferred embodiments, each hub aperture defines an outer circumferential limit having a diameter which is greater than the typical inner rim diameter of tyre being processed by the segmenting device. Therefore, when the tyre is pressed against the cutter in the cutting position, the limited size of aperture defined by the rim of the tyre provides a circumferential constriction force on the arms of the hub. With enough force, the base of the hub arms can move radially inwards in response to these constriction forces changing the angle of frustoconical shape of the hub. This should allow the tyre to be more forcefully squashed between the mounting plate and the cutter. 
         [0026]    In those embodiments of the invention where the positioning device includes a mounting plate, it is preferable for the mounting plate to include one or more cutter recesses into which part of the structure, preferably the leading edge, of the cutter can extend. In some embodiments, some or all of the recesses form apertures through the mounting plate. These recesses allow at least the leading edges of the cutting sections to extend completely through the tyre mounted on the mounting plate, and therefore allow the cutter to completely cut through the tyre and separate the various divided segments of the tyre from one another. 
         [0027]    While the cutting device and positioning device can be effective in segmenting the tyre, it is possible that the resilient and flexible nature of the tyre material could result in one or more segments of the cut tyre being caught or otherwise lodged in the cutter. It is therefore preferable that the segmenting device further includes a separator which extends into and in some cases through the cutter after the tyre is divided by the cutter. Preferably, the separator extends into the cutter when the positioning device moves from the cutting position to the loading position so as to disengage the segmented tyre sections from the cutter. The separator can include any form and configuration of device which can be used to dislodge caught segments from the cutter. In one preferred form, the separator includes two or more fingers which, in use, extend through the cutter in predetermined positions when the positioning device moves from the cutting position to the loading position. 
         [0028]    The separator is preferably moved between the cutting sections of the cutter after the tyre is cut into segments by the cutter. Preferably, this movement would occur during or after the positioning device has moved from the cutting position back to the loading position. As can be appreciated, the direction of movement of the positioning device from the cutting position back to the loading position is in generally the same direction or movement that the separator moves in order to extends through the cutter. It is therefore preferable for the separator to be operatively connected to the moving device. In this manner, movement of the positioning device from the cutting position back to the loading position can also move the fingers of the separator from a position out of the cutter to a position extending within the cutter. Such an operative connection can be formed using one or more connector arms which connect the separator to the positioning device. In those embodiments in which the positioning device includes a base plate, the operative connection can be formed using one or more connector arms which connect the separator to the base plate. 
         [0029]    Of course, the exact configuration and type of segments into which a tyre can be cut generally depends on the configuration of the cutting sections of the cutter. Preferably, the cutting blades would be configured to separate the tyre into at least two of the three different general sections. In order to achieve this, the cutter can include at least one generally circumferential blade for separating the crown of the tyre from the sidewalls. The cutter can also include at least one generally circumferential blade for separating the bead of the tyre from the sidewalls. It is also desirable to cut these segments into two or more smaller sections for handling and subsequent processing purposes. Accordingly, the cutter can also include one or more radial blades for radially dividing the tyre. 
         [0030]    As can be appreciated, it would be preferable for the cutter to include at least two circumferential blades which separate the bead section, sidewall sections and crown section of the tyre into separate sections. In this regard, the cutter would include both a generally circumferential blade for separating the crown of the tyre from the sidewalls and a generally circumferential blade for separating the bead of the tyre from the sidewalls. Advantageously, this particular cutter embodiment would divide the tyre into two or more different sections having different internal composition and/or structure that can then be treated separately during subsequent processing steps. 
         [0031]    In order to guide movement of the moving parts of the segmenting device it is preferable for the device to further include at least one guide rail between the cutter and the positioning device for guiding movement of the positioning device between the loading and cutting positions. In some embodiments, the separator is also mounted on the guide rail. 
         [0032]    The speed of processing tyres in the segmenting device can be increased through the inclusion of a tyre supply and feeding device. Many forms of tyre supply and feeding devices are possible, such as for example conveyor belts, mechanical arm arrangements, slide chutes or the like. However, in one preferred embodiment, the segmenting device further includes a stacking frame in which two or more tyres can be stacked prior to loading on the positioning device. In some preferred embodiments, the tyre stacker also includes a lateral reciprocating arm which moves a tyre from the base of the stacking frame to the positioning device. Advantageously, loading of the new tyre onto the positioning device through the action of the reciprocating arm tends also to displace and thereby unload any sections of the segmented tyre located on the positioning device. 
         [0033]    It should be appreciated that the segmenting device according to the present invention can be used to segment any numerous forms and types of tyres ranging from bicycles tyres to large tractor and aircraft tyres. However, given the number of automobiles and other like vehicle currently in use and the number of discard tyres these types of vehicles produce each year, the segmenting device is most preferably configured for segmenting light vehicle tyres. 
         [0034]    Preferably, in use, the segmenting device loads a tyre, positions a tyre on the positioning device in alignment with the cutter, cuts the tyre using the cutter and unloads the tyre segments from the device in a continuos process. 
         [0035]    According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of segmenting a tyre including: 
         [0036]    mounting a tyre on a positioning device which positions a tyre mounted thereon in alignment with a cutter; 
         [0037]    moving the positioning device and tyre mounted thereon into a cutting position where the tyre is in engagement with the cutter using a moving device which is operatively connected to the positioning device; and 
         [0038]    dividing the tyre into two or more segments using the cutter. 
         [0039]    In one preferred embodiment, each step in the method is performed in a continuous process. 
         [0040]    Preferably, the method according to the present invention is performed using the segmenting device according to the present invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0041]    The present invention will now be described with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a particular preferred embodiment of the present invention, wherein: 
           [0042]      FIG. 1  is front elevation view of one preferred embodiment of the segmenting device according to the present invention. 
           [0043]      FIG. 2  is a plan view of the mounting plate of the segmenting device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0044]      FIG. 3  is a section front elevation view of the mounting plate along line A-A of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0045]      FIG. 4  is a plan view of the alignment hub of the segmenting device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0046]      FIG. 5  is a section front elevation view of the alignment hub along line B-B of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0047]      FIG. 6  is a front elevation view of the cutting section of the segmenting device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0048]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of the cutting section in direction D shown in  FIG. 6 . 
           [0049]      FIG. 8  is a front elevation view of the separator section of the segmenting device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0050]      FIG. 9  is a sectional plan view of the separation section along line C-C of  FIG. 8 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0051]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , there is shown one preferred embodiment of a tyre  18  segmenting device  10  according to the present invention. The illustrated segmenting device  10  is used to cut tyre  18  into a predetermined number of segments which can then be used in further downstream recycling processes to produce various rubber, steel and rubber and steel composite products. It should therefore be appreciated that the configuration of the segments that each tyre  18  is cut into can be varied to suit the requirements of these downstream processes. 
         [0052]    The illustrated segmenting device  10  includes two distinct sections, being a stacking section  12  and segmenting section  20 . 
         [0053]    The stacking section  12  is used for stacking and storing tyre  18  ready for processing in the second segmenting section  20 . As shown, the stacking section  12  consists of a metal framework structure  13  having a vertical tyre stack  14  constructed of a framework box  15  in which a number of tyre  18  can be vertically stacked and a reciprocating feeding arm  16  located at the base of the tyre stack  14  for feeding tyre  18  stored in the tyre stack  14  to the segmenting section  20 . The illustrated reciprocating feeding arm  16  is a rectangular rod which is attached to a hydraulic piston arm (not illustrated). The piston arm is moveable from a retracted position (not shown) in which the leading face of the feeding arm  16  is retracted from the base of the tyre stack  14  and an extended position (as illustrated in  FIG. 1 ) in which the feeding arm  16  is fully extended and the leading face of the feeding arm  16  has engaged the bottom tyre  18  of the tyre stack  14  and moves said tyre  18  to the segmenting section  20  ready for processing. 
         [0054]    The segmenting section  20  is the processing section of the segmenting device  10  and includes components which engage and cut a tyre  18  into the desired segments ready for further processing in other downstream process equipment. In order to cut the tyre  18  into the desired number of segments, the segmenting section  20  includes a number of interconnected parts, which can be generally classified into three sections, namely a positioning section  22 , a cutting section  24  and a separator section  26 . Each of these sections  22 ,  24  and  26  are vertically mounted on a skeletal support frame  25  including vertical support posts  27  and base  29 . Each of the positioning section  22  and separator sections  26  are vertically movable relative to the cutting section  24  about four spaced apart vertical guide rails  31 . Each of these sections  22 ,  24  and  26  will now be described in more detail. 
         [0055]    Referring to  FIGS. 1 to 5 , there is shown the components making up the positioning section  22  of the illustrated tyre  18  segmenting device  10 . The positioning section  22  is location where a tyre  18  is initially loaded into the segmenting section  20  from the tyre stacking section  12 . The positioning section  22  functions to receive the tyre  18  from the reciprocating arm  16 , center and align the tyre  18  with the cutting section  24  and raise the tyre  18  into engagement with a cutter blade  82  of the cutting section  24 . Three interacting components, a mounting plate  32 , an alignment hub  34  and a screw device  36  are used to achieve this function. 
         [0056]    The mounting plate  32  is shown in  FIGS. 1 to 3 . The function of the mounting plate  32  is to provide a flat mounting area on which a tyre  18  can be received from the stacking section  12 . The mounting plate  32  also supports the tyre  18  during the segmenting process when the tyre  18  is engaged with the cutting section  24 . As best shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the mounting plate  32  consists of a generally rectangular planar plate which is horizontally orientated with respect to the guide rails  31 . A tyre  18  is received and supported on the upper surface  33  of the mounting plate  32 . 
         [0057]    The mounting plate  32  is vertically movable about the guide rails  31 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mounting plate  32  includes eight outer holes, defining rail holes  42  and connector holes  43 . Each of the four guide rails  31  are threaded through one of the four rail holes  42 . Each of the rail holes  42  is sized to allow the mounting plate  32  to move freely upwardly and downwardly about the guide rails  31 . The other connector holes  43  accommodate one of four connecting rods  44  that connect the alignment hub  34  to the separator section  26 , as will be described in more detail later in the specification. Again, each of the connector holes  43  are sized to allow the mounting plate  32  to move freely upwardly and downwardly about the connecting rods  44 . 
         [0058]    Vertical movement of the mounting plate  32  is between a seated position, as shown in  FIG. 1  and a raised position, where the mounting plate  32  and a tyre  18  supported thereon is raised towards the cutting section  24 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the mounting plate includes four flange sections  41 . In the seated position each of the flanges  41  of the mounting plate are seated on a respective receiving edge of the skeletal support frame  25 . As best seen in  FIG. 1 , each of the flanges  41  can be specifically configured to fit a certain receiving edge  47 ,  49  of the skeletal support frame  25 . For example, flange  46  is configured with an upwardly tapered edge which is received on a downwardly tapered edge of receiving edge  47  of the skeletal support frame  25 . On the other hand, flange  45  includes an extension section  48  which is seated on support rod  49  of the skeletal support frame  25 . 
         [0059]    Referring again to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , it can be seen that the mounting plate  32  includes a central grate like hub aperture  40 . The hub aperture  40  includes a central circular aperture  50 , having eight spaced apart radial slots  52  extending therefrom. The hub aperture  40  is shaped to allow the alignment hub  34  to pass through and interact with a tyre  18  mounted on the mounting plate  32 . The upper surface  33  of the mounting plate  32  also include two concentric circular grooves  54 ,  55  arranged concentrically around the central aperture  50 . The circular grooves  54 ,  55  are interconnected by a series of radial grooves  56  which are equally spaced around the circumference of the circular grooves  54 ,  55 . The pattern of the grooves  54 ,  55  and  56  correspond to the configuration of the leading edge of the blades  82  of the cutting section  24 , and are configured to receive the leading edges of the blades  82  during operation of the segmenting device  10 . 
         [0060]    The screw device  36  is best shown in  FIG. 1 . As illustrated, the screw device  36  is fixedly mounted to the guide rails  31  through mounting arrangement  58  such that the cylinder of the screw device  36  is mounted in a fixed position relative to the guide rails  31  and frame  25 . As can be appreciated, the screw device  36  includes a screw  59  which can move between a retracted position, as shown in  FIG. 1  and an extended position (not illustrated). In the illustrated embodiment, the screw  59  is attached to the underside of a base plate  60  of the alignment hub  34 , and in operation moves the positioning hub  34  and attached components vertically upwardly and downwardly along the guide rails  31 . 
         [0061]    The alignment hub  34  is shown in  FIGS. 1 ,  4  and  5 . The function of the alignment hub  34  is to center and align a tyre  18  mounted on the mounting plate  32  with the cutting section  24 . As best shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the alignment hub  34  is formed from an arrangement of eight hub rods  62  which are interconnected to form a skeletal framework having a general frustoconical shape. Each hub rods  62  is radially mounted about a hub axis X-X and extend along radial paths which are generally equally spaced apart around a circumference centred at the hub axis X-X. Each of the eight hub rods  62  are secured into position in the alignment hub  34  at the extreme ends of each hub rod  62 . 
         [0062]    The distal end  64  of each hub rod  62  is pivotably connected to an adjacent hub rod  64  through a hub connector ring section  65 . As shown, a pin  66  is inserted through clamping ends of each connector ring section  65  and the respective sandwiched distal end  64  of each hub rod  62  to form a pivot connection. Each connector ring section  65  interconnects the distal ends  64  of each hub rod  62  to form an overall upper support ring structure  67 . 
         [0063]    The proximal end  68  of each hub rod  62  is pivotably fastened within a sliding rail guide  70 . Each rail guide  70  is radially mounted on the upper surface of the base plate  60  about a hub axis X-X and extends along a radial path, each of which are generally equally spaced apart from the others around a circumference centred at the hub axis X-X. Each rail guide  70  defines a radial track along its length along which the proximal end  68  can move if a constriction force is placed around the hub rods  62 . In order to enable the proximal end  68  of each rod  62  to slide within the rail guide  70 , the proximal end  68  is pivotably connected to a rectangular shoe slide  72  which is captured within the structure of the rail guide  70 . As can be appreciated, the shoe slide  72  can laterally move within the respective rail guide  70 . In order to ensure the hub rods  62  preferentially take the general frustoconical shape shown in  FIG. 5 , each rail guide  70  includes a spring biasing means  74  within the rail guide  70  between the shoe slide  72  and inner wall of the rail guide  70 . The illustrated spring biasing means  74  is a helical wound spring, though it should be appreciated other configurations of biasing means could also be used for the same function. The spring biasing means  74  biases the proximal end  68  of each hub rod  62  to the outer circumferential limit  76  defined by each the rail guide  70 . However, if an inwardly directed force, such as for example a circumferential constriction or the like is applied to each hub rod  62 , then the biasing force of the spring  74  can be countered and the proximal end of each hub rod  62  can move inwardly towards axis X-X, increasing the slope of the sides of the general frustoconical shape of the alignment hub  34 . 
         [0064]    Although not clearly shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the base plate  60  is vertically movable about the guide rails  31  through four rail holes (not illustrated) similar to those shown for the mounting plate  32 . Each rail hole is sized to allow the base plate  60  to move freely upwardly and downwardly about the guide rails  31 . 
         [0065]    Four connecting rods  44  also extend vertically from the base plate  60  to a base plate  100  of the separator section  26  in order to interconnect movement of the positioning section  22  with the separator section  26 , as will be described in more detail later in the specification. It is also possible in some embodiments for the connecting rod  44  to extend vertically from the mounting plate  32 . 
         [0066]    The alignment hub  34  can be moved by the screw  59  so that the upper leading end  78  of the alignment hub  34  is inserted through the hub aperture  40 , which is specifically configured for this purpose. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the alignment hub  34  is raised so that the top of the alignment hub  34  is inserted and extends through the hub aperture  40  and through the center of the tyre  18  mounted thereon. As can be appreciated, the sloped sides of the alignment hub  34  can contact the inner edges of the tyre  18  in the process. As the alignment hub  34  is progressively inserted through the hub aperture  40 , the tyre  18  is therefore centred and aligned around the alignment hub  34 . Of course, the position of the hub aperture  40  is aligned with the cutting section  24  of the segmenting device  10 . Accordingly, the tyre  18  therefore aligned by this process with the cutting section  24 . 
         [0067]    Once the sides of the hub rods  62  reach the outer limits or constriction of the hub aperture  40 , the mounting plate  32  is seated on the hub rods  62 , and is lifted upwardly with movement of hub  34  with mounted tyre  18  towards the cutting section  24 . 
         [0068]    Now moving to  FIGS. 1 ,  6  and  7 , it can be seen that the cutting section  24  is formed by a horizontal base plate  80  from which downwardly extending cutting blades  82  are fixed. The cutting blades  82  of the illustrated embodiment are configured to segment a tyre  18  into the bead section, sidewall sections and crown section of the tyre  18  and also radially cut the tyre  18  into smaller sections. In this regard, the cutting blades  82  include both a first circumferential blade  84  for separating the crown of the tyre  18  from the sidewalls of the tyre  18 , a second circumferential blade  85  for separating the bead of the tyre  18  from the sidewalls of the tyre  18  and also eight radial blades  86  for cutting these sections into smaller segments. As should be appreciate, this particular blade configuration segments a tyre  18  into a number of different sections having different internal composition and/or structure that can then be, if desired, treated separately during subsequent processing steps. 
         [0069]    The illustrated cutting section  24  also includes a pattern of separator apertures  88  located in the base plate  80 . The separator apertures  88  have a pattern matching the configuration of separator rods  102  of the separator section  26 , and allow these separator rods  102  to pass into the cutting section  24  through these apertures  88 . 
         [0070]    The base plate  80  is vertically fixed to the guide rails  31  through four rail holes  89 , in the illustrated case through welding of the base plate  80  to the rails  31  at the base of each of the rail holes  89 . The cutting section  24  is therefore vertically fixed in this position. Conversely, four connector holes  90  are also provided to accommodate one of four connecting rods  44  that connect the alignment hub  34  to the separator section  26 , as will be described in more detail later in the specification. Each connector holes  90  is sized to allow the four connecting rods  44  to move freely upwardly and downwardly through the respective connector hole  90 . 
         [0071]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1 ,  8  and  9 , there is shown the separator section  26  of the illustrated segmenting device  10 . The separator section  26  functions to separate or extract any sections of the segmented tyre  18  that may be caught or trapped within the cutting section  24  after the tyre cutting process. 
         [0072]    The separator section  26  comprises a base plate  100 , from which downwardly separator finger or rods  102  are fixed. The separator rods  102  are arranged in three sections, being central separator rod  103 , an inner uncapped circular formation  104  and a capped outer circular formation  105 . Each separator rod section  103 ,  104 ,  105  extends through a particular gap between the blades  82  of the cutting section  24 . As best shown in  FIG. 9 , the central separator rod  103  is located within the interior of the second circumferential blade  85 , the inner uncapped circular formation  104  is located between the first  84  and second  85  circumferential blades and each of the radial blades  86 , and the capped outer circular formation  105  is located outside of the first circumferential blades  84 . The outer circular formation  105  is also capped with a circular ring plate  106  that extends a ring formation around the circumference circumscribed by the separator rods  102  of the outer circular formation  105 . 
         [0073]    As noted previously, the separator rods  102  extend through the separator apertures  88  and into the cutter section  24 . After cutting, the separator rods  102  and ring plate  106  are moved downwardly through the cutting section  24 , and effectively knock out any segments of the segmented tyre  18  that may be caught or trapped within the cutting section  24  after the tyre cutting process. 
         [0074]    Although not clearly shown in  FIG. 1 ,  8  or  9 , movement of the separator section  26  is vertically movable about the guide rails  31  about four rail holes (not illustrated) similar to those shown for the mounting plate  32 . Each rail hole is sized to allow the base plate  100  to move freely upwardly and downwardly about the guide rails  31 . 
         [0075]    Four connecting rods  44  also extend vertically from the base plate  100  of the separator section  26  to the base plate  60  of the alignment hub  34  so as to interconnect movement of the positioning section  22  with the separator section  26 . In this respect, the length of each connector rod  44  is selected to allow the separator rods  102  of the separator section  26  to be substantially retracted from the cutting section  24  when the tyre  18  is raised into engagement with the blades  82  of the cutting section  24  and for the separator rods  102  of the separator section  26  to extend into the cutting section  24  when the alignment hub  34  is being lowered after segmenting the tyre  18 . 
         [0076]    In operation, a tyre  18  from the bottom of the tyre stack  14  in the stacking section  12  is pushed from the bottom of the tyre stack  14  to the mounting plate  32  by the reciprocating arm  16 . At this point, the segmenting section  20  is in a loading configuration with the alignment hub  34  positioned below the mounting plate  32 , thereby allowing the tyre  18  to be slid unhindered onto the mounting plate  32 . The reciprocating arm  16  is sized to generally position the tyre  18  with the central interior hole generally over the hub aperture  50 . Once in position, the alignment hub  34  is progressively raised through the hub aperture  40 , and specifically apertures  50  and  52 , of the operation of the screw device  36  and extension of screw  59  thereof. As the alignment hub  34  travels through the hub aperture  40 , the sides of the hub rods  62  contact the inner rim of the tyre  18  and align the tyre  18  with the blades  82  of the cutting section  24 . The hub rods  62  generally extend completely through hub aperture  40 , and thus the mounting plate  32  will be seated on the base plate  60 . The hub rods  62  fix the tyre  18  in place through this contact with the inner rim of the tyre  18 . Thus, in most cases, the tyre  18  will be seated on the hub rods  62 . 
         [0077]    The mounting plate  32  and the base plate  60  continue their joint movement upwards towards the cutting blade  82  until such time as the base plate  60  abuts the mounting plate  32  and forces the tyre  18  upwards onto the cutting blades  82 . The separator rods  102  also retract out from the cutter section  24  concurrently with the upwards movement of the alignment hub  34 . 
         [0078]    Once the tyre  18  reaches the cutting section  26 , the tyre  18  is forced into and through the blades  82  through the force of the upwards movement of the alignment hub  34  and seated mounting plate  32 . The cutting blades  82  are forced completely through the tyre  18  making a through-cut and are received in the corresponding grooves  54 ,  55  and  56  on the upper surface  33  of the mounting plate  32 . 
         [0079]    During this upwards movement through the cutting blades  82 , the hub rods  62  maintain their contact with the inner rim of the tyre  18 . However, at this point the proximal ends  68  of the hub rods  62  are also designed to move radially towards central axis X-X. In this respect, when the tyre  18  is being cut, the upwards force from the screw device  36  forces the hub rods  62  further through hub aperture  40 . This action causes a circumferential constriction or the like to be applied to each hub rod  62 , countering the biasing force of the spring  74 . This causes the proximal end  68  of each hub rod  62  to move inwardly towards axis X-X, increasing the slope of the sides of the general frustoconical shape of the alignment hub  34 . The tyre  18  is therefore substantially free from engagement with the alignment hub  34  and can therefore be squashed between the mounting plate  32  and structure of the cutting section  24 . 
         [0080]    Once the cutting procedure is completed, the alignment hub  34  and mounting plate  32  seated thereon is lowered by operation of the screw device  36 . Concurrently, the separator rods  102  of the separator section  26  extend into the cutting section  24  and knock any segments of the cut tyre  18  caught in the cutter section onto the mounting plate  32 . The alignment hub  34  and mounting plate  32  are lowered, until the mounting plate  32  is seated back on the respective receiving edges  47 ,  49  of the skeletal support frame  25 . The alignment hub  34  can then be lowered out from the hub aperture  40  and below the mounting plate  32  to place the segmenting section  20  back into the loading position. 
         [0081]    At this point a tyre  18  from the bottom of the tyre stack  14  in the stacking section  12  can again be pushed from the bottom of the stack  14  to the mounting plate  32  by the reciprocating arm  16 . The loading of a new tyre  18  from the tyre stack  14  onto the mounting plate  32  also tends to displace and thereby unload any sections of the segmented tyre  18  still on the mounting plate  32 . As can be appreciated, a conveyer belt or other collection device (not illustrated) can be positioned at a location where these segmented tyre  18  sections fall from the mounting plate  32  and therefore allow the segmented sections of the tyre  18  to be transported to other devices and process for further processing such as separation, comminution or the like. 
         [0082]    It should be appreciated that the segmenting device  10  can be constructed from any suitable material. However, in order to provide the required strength it is preferred that the various components of the segmenting device  10  are constructed of metal such as steel, stainless steel, brass, copper or the like. 
         [0083]    It should be realised that in some embodiments of the invention, a flexible connector (not illustrated) such as a strap or chain can be provided to connected the mounting plate  32  to the base plate  60  of the positioning section  22  in the position indicated by reference  110  in  FIG. 1 . The function of the flexible connector is to ensure the mounting plate  32  moves downwardly with the positioning section  22  when the positioning section  22  is lowered after the tyre  18  is segmented by the cutting blades  82 . 
         [0084]    In another preferred embodiment of the invention (not illustrated) a dampening device such as a spring or the like can be provided between the mounting plate  32  and base plate  60  in order to dampen or otherwise soften the abutment between these two plates when the device is in operation. 
         [0085]    Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein is susceptible to variations and modifications other than those specifically described. It is understood that the invention includes all such variations and modifications which fall within the spirit and scope of the present invention.