Patent ID: 8753104

Claim:
A double tread separation apparatus for tire retreading comprising: a frame; a handling mechanism connected to the frame, the handling mechanism comprising upper and lower feed rollers and adapted for receiving and orienting a double tread, the double tread comprising (a) a first design side comprising an upper surface having a first tread pattern molded in a unitary tread body, and (b) a second design side comprising a lower surface having a second tread pattern molded in the unitary tread body, the second tread pattern opposingly oriented with respect to the first tread pattern across a plane between and parallel to the upper and lower surfaces, the first and second tread patterns adapted for being individually applied to a tire casing, wherein the upper and lower feed rollers are aligned and arranged to engage therebetween a cross section of the double tread extending between the upper and lower surfaces such that the upper feed roller engages the upper surface and the lower feed roller engages the lower surface; and a mechanism for separating the double tread into the upper and lower surfaces along a cutting line disposed between the upper and lower surfaces, the mechanism for separating including a blade aligned with the cutting line, wherein a position of the upper and lower feed rollers together is capable of floating in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the plane between the upper and lower surfaces such that the upper and lower feed rollers constantly align the cutting line of the double tread with the blade for cutting the double tread.