Tire rack, loading and unloading systems and method

Abstract

A tire loading apparatus and method of packing tires that includes placing the tires in a rack, compressing the tires, and assembling the rack are disclosed. The apparatus includes one or more conveyors, scanners, and robots that load tires from a conveyor to a rack. A tire unloading apparatus is also disclosed. The unloading apparatus includes a scissor mechanism to raise and/or lower tire racks to an unloading platform. The unloading apparatus additionally includes one or more unloaders and conveyors. The sorting and unloading of tires is accomplished with one or more automated conveyors, scanners, and storage structures for reading information from incoming tires and using the tire information to sort and store the tires. A rack to improve compression and support of tires during storage and shipment is also disclosed.

1 . An apparatus for sorting tires, wherein said apparatus comprises:
 a first tire transportation system configured to transport tires to a computer-controlled vision system;   said computer-controlled vision system configured to automatically read identifying information on said tires;   a computer-controlled routing device configured to route said tires to a storage structure based on said identifying information;   said storage structure configured to store said tires, and automatically accept and dispense said tires; and   a second tire transportation system configured to transport said tires from said storage structure.   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said first tire transportation system and said second tire transportation system are configured as conveyors. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said storage structure comprises a tower configured to lift said tires, each tire being supported in said tower by a finger. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said finger interfaces with a tension member that is moved by an electric motor operating through a speed-reduction system. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 4 , wherein said tension member is configured with a chain and said speed-reduction system includes a gearbox. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising a computer configured to use said identifying information and said computer-controlled routing device to facilitate sorting said tires into said storage structure. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , comprising a computer configured to facilitate dispensing said tires from said storage structure in a sequence configured for automated loading of said tires onto a rack.