Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of fitting or removing a motor vehicle tyre 4 comprising a rotatably supported wheel receiving device 2 to which the rim 3 is to be fixed, at least one fitting or removal tool 5, a rotary drive device 10 for the wheel receiving device and a sensing device 6, 7, 8 for sensing the radially outer rim contour 12, 14 along which the at least one fitting or removal tool is to be guided during the fitting or removal operation, wherein the sensing device 6, 7, 8 is a sensing device which contact-lessly senses the rim contour and the sensing signals of which are converted into electrical sensing signals, and connected to the sensing device 6, 7, 8 is a control device 9 which evaluates the electrical sensing signals and which controls the at least one fitting or removal tool 5 in the fitting or removal operation in dependence on the sensing signals without contact with the rim surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simply and inexpensively positioning mounted automobile and truck tires for effective setting of a bead, with subsequent inflation in an efficient manner. In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus is a wheel-like structure with an outer rim in the shape of a polygon, such as a circle, octagon, hexagon, or square. The outer rim supports a plurality of mounting brackets adapted to hold tires for inflation. Tires that have been mounted on wheel rims are placed on the mounting brackets, a bead is set by a blast of air, and an air inflation hose is connected to the tire. The wheel rotates, so that additional tires can be placed on subsequent mounting brackets, resulting in a series of tires being inflated continuously and simultaneously. When a tire is completely inflated, the hose is disconnected and the tire removed from the device for storage, shipping or further handling.

Abstract: A tire/wheel bead entrapment remover is disclosed. The tire/wheel bead entrapment remover includes one or more working assemblies having a circumferential perimeter that substantially engages a tire. The one ore more working assemblies axially-moves one of a wheel of the tire mounted to the wheel while axially-fixing the other of the tire or the wheel to remove one or more entrapments between a bead of the tire and a beat seat of the wheel. According to an embodiment, a tire/wheel bead entrapment remover includes one or more wheels that engages an outboard surface or an inboard surface of a tire mounted to a wheel. The radial axis extends through the one or more wheels. The radial axis traverses a radial line that radially extends from a common axis of rotation of the tire and the wheel. A method for removing an entrapment from a tire/wheel assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tire assembly line including a wheel soaping work station, a tire soaping workstation, a tire and wheel assembly station, and a tire inflation station. The assembly line is formed from a plurality of modules that are interchangeable and releasably connected to one another. The modules support an endless conveyor member for circling movement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable wheel rim support group designed to be mounted on an assembling-disassembling machine. The support group includes at least one pair of annular plate-shaped members designed to abut against the wheel rim on a side opposite to that of a removable locking device, the plate-shaped members being arranged facing and approachable to and retractable from one another about a control shaft, a plurality of friction engagement members disposed angularly displaced and partly formed in one of the annular plate-shaped members and partly in the other, and support and rotational motion transmission members between the control shaft and one of the annular plate-shaped members.

Abstract: A method of fitting a tire P and a removable tread support S on a one-piece wheel rim J, rim comprising a first rim seat, inclined outwards, and the tire P comprises a first bead and a second bead to be mounted respectively on the first and second rim seats, in which, before completion of fitting the support S on a rim bearing surface of the rim, the first bead is gripped at a given point and is moved radially outwards to radially separate this point on the first bead from the support S. The fitting of the support S on the rim bearing surface continues and the bead is released after completion of the fitting of the support S.

Abstract: A tire inflation and handling assistance device provides an adequately stabilized and supported vertical tire support member having a hub engagement and stop structure which can be pivoted from a first generally horizontal, stable position to a stable angled position from about 50 to 75 degrees and more preferably over a range of from about 55 to 70 degrees from the horizontal to enable an uninflated hub and tire assembly to be tilted to a position engaging the tire support member and to facilitate sealing engagement in forming an inflated hub and tire assembly. The angle utilized may be dependent upon the shape and extent of engagement of the hub engagement and stop structure.

Abstract: A device designed for demounting a tire from a rim at least one of whose seats is inclined outwards, the device being in the form of an insert (4) of length (L) with three faces and whose cross-section in a transverse plane is triangular overall with a contour formed by two long sides (41, 42) and a short side (43), the angle between the long sides being close to the angle between the rim seats and the rotation axis, the length of the short side being essentially equal to the height of the projection of the outward-inclined rim seat, this insert (4) comprising on its face intended to come in contact with a bead seat at least one relief (421, 422) designed to interact with said bead seat (11) so as to keep the insert engaged with the bead.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for optimizing bead seating (1). According to the invention, a displaceable contact wheel is used to create a tread contact surface (26) between a motor vehicle wheel to be optimized (16) and said contact wheel (2). The contact wheel (2) is pivoted by means of a pivoting receiving element (9), enabling the bead seating to be optimized. In order to ensure a predefinedly high number of vehicle wheels (16) to be optimized, the inventive device for optimizing bead seating (1) is embodied in such a way that the optimization process can be carried out in a fully automated manner.

Abstract: A tool is provided for assistance in removing and installing tires on wheel rims. The tool can be provided with a handle having a tool head disposed at each end. Each tool head is designed to fit between a tire bead and an associated wheel rim so that when the handle is levered, a force is applied to the bead and rim that moves the bead over the rim. Each tool head has a substantially flat portion which can be easily fit between opposing tire and wheel rim surfaces. One tool head has a slightly hooked distal tip to enable axial engagement with a flange of the wheel rim, and thus can be used either for installing a tire on a rim or for removing a tire from the rim. Another tool head has a protrusion disposed near the tool midpoint to engage a flange of the wheel rim. The protrusion can be a roller member having a pin axis perpendicular to an axis of the tool handle. This roller can be fabricated from a soft polymer or rubber material so that the tool will not damage soft-metal wheel rims such as aluminum.

Abstract: A transfer device is provided for transferring tires from a tire conveyor line to a wheel conveyor line. The transfer device includes first and second surfaces rotatable with respect to one another. The first surface can receive tires from the tire conveyor line. A rotating device rotates the first surface to induce movement of the tire to the second surface. The second surface can receive the tire from the first surface and rotate toward the wheel conveyor to position the tire to engage the wheel.

Abstract: A bead breaker device (1) having an arm (2) able to slide horizontally along a sliding axis (X—X), in a pipe (3) supported so that it can slide vertically on a post (4) projecting cantilevered from a base; an orientable bead breaker tool (10) associated with an end of said arm (2) and suitable for breaking the bead of a tire of a wheel removably fixed onto rotary support and locking apparatus of the rim; an actuating device (14, 15, 17) suitable for orienting said tool (10) between a first thrusting configuration and a second penetration configuration, said actuating device (14, 15, 17) including a thrusting body (14) and an elastic element (17) cooperating with said tool (10), said thrusting body (14) being able to be actuated between a first extension position against the action of said elastic element (17) and a second release position in which the force exerted by said elastic element (17) prevails.

Abstract: A tire assembly line including a wheel soaping work station, a tire soaping workstation, a tire and wheel assembly station, and a tire inflation station. The assembly line is formed from a plurality of modules that are interchangeable and releasably connected to one another. The modules support an endless conveyor member for circling movement.

Abstract: A device for controlled activation of the pressurized supply of air for inflating tires in machines for tire dealers comprising air feeders, at least one pair of regulators for air pressure regulation to two predefined extreme values, a first regulator to a minimum value and a second regulator to a maximum value, the regulators being connected in parallel to each other to the air feeders, at least one dispenser for dispensing pressurized inflation air connectable alternately to one of the regulators, at least one selection valve, interposed between the first and second regulators and the dispenser for selecting alternate connection of the dispenser to the regulators, the selection valve being kept, by a return element, normally connected to the first regulator and forcibly temporarily connectable, in contrast with the return element, to the second regulator, interruption of direct actuation causing automatic reconnection of the selection valve to the first regulator.

Abstract: A protective pad which removably attaches to the rim of a wheel thereby protecting the wheel from damage during tire mounting and demounting when such mounting or demounting is performed manually using a tire working implement.

Abstract: A tool for demounting a first and second bead of a tire mounted on a rim, the tool comprising a handle having a first end for disengaging a first tire bead from a rim and a second opposite end for disengaging a second tire bead from the rim. The first handle end includes a heel extending radially outward from the handle; an elongate arm portion extending radially outward from the heel and forming a forward opening crook; a raised arm portion disposed adjacent the crook; and a tip extending radially outward from the body portion. The opposite second end of the tool handle is configured to disengage a second bead of the tire from the rim and includes a heel extending radially outward from the handle; an elongate lever arm portion extending radially outward from the heel and defining an open crook adjacent the heel; and an elongate raised arm portion adjacent the crook extending outward to a tip portion.

Abstract: A method of separating the bead of a tire from a rim to which it is mounted in a tire/rim combination. One step of the method involves providing a tire lifting device having a working end including a rigid bead puller and a flexible positioner. Next, a sidewall of the tire is depressed, such as via a roller, in order to produce a gap between the bead and the rim. The working end of the tire lifting device is then inserted into the gap such that the flexible positioner engages the rim and the bead puller engages the bead. Finally, the tire pulling device is moved such that the bead is pulled over the rim.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for installing tire pressure monitor sensors onto wheels and for assembling tires onto wheels having tire pressure monitor sensors. The method includes orienting a wheel to place a tire pressure monitor sensor in a predetermined location using an automated orientation system in order to prevent damage to the tire pressure monitor sensor during assembly of a tire onto the wheel. The orientation of the wheel is detected using signals emitted from the tire pressure monitor sensor in order to ensure that the tire pressure monitor sensor is in its proper predetermined location prior to assembling the tire onto the wheel. After the tire is assembled onto the wheel and is inflated, a signal from the tire pressure monitor sensor is then read in order to determine if the tire pressure monitor sensor is functioning and if the tire is properly inflated.

Abstract: A tire assembly line including a wheel soaping work station, a tire soaping workstation, a tire and wheel assembly station, and a tire inflation station. The assembly line is formed from a plurality of modules that are interchangeable and releasably connected to one another. The modules support an endless conveyor member for circling movement. The endless conveyor member moves wheels and assemble tires and wheels along the assembly line between the work stations.

Abstract: A tool for demounting a first and a second bead of a tire mounted on a rim, the tool comprising a handle having a first end for disengaging a first tire bead from a rim and a second opposite end for disengaging a second tire bead from the rim. The first handle end includes a heel extending radially outward from the handle; an elongate arm portion extending radially outward from the heel and forming a forward opening crook; a raised arm portion disposed adjacent the crook; and a tip extending radially outward from the body portion. The opposite second end of the tool handle is configured to disengage a second bead of the tire from the rim and includes a heel extending radially outward from the handle; an elongate lever arm portion extending radially outward from the heel and defining an open crook adjacent the heel; and an elongate raised arm portion adjacent the crook extending outward to a tip portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for fitting motor vehicle tires onto rims of disk wheels having a tire fitting tool (17) which can rotate about an axis and is mounted at a distance from the axis, an electric motor (2) as a drive motor for a rotational drive of the tire fitting tool (17) about the axis and a power supply device for the drive motor, the power supply device being connected to a gradient-limiting device which, when a predefined gradient of the torque transmitted from the drive motor (2) to the tire fitting tool (17) is exceeded, causes a braking current for stopping the rotational drive to be supplied to the drive motor (2). With the gradient as switch-off criterion, switching off takes place significantly before the limiting value of the torque or of the motor current is reached, so that the tire is handled more gently and it is ensured that the tire is not damaged by the interrupted fitting procedure.

Abstract: A tool for demounting a first and a second bead of a tire mounted on a rim, the tool comprising a handle having a first end for disengaging a first tire bead from a rim and a second opposite end for disengaging a second tire bead from the rim. The first handle end includes a heel extending radially outward from the handle; an elongate arm portion extending radially outward from the heel and forming a forward opening crook; a raised arm portion disposed adjacent the crook; and a tip extending radially outward from the body portion. The opposite second end of the tool handle is configured to disengage a second bead of the tire from the rim and includes a heel extending radially outward from the handle; an elongate lever arm portion extending radially outward from the heel and defining an open crook adjacent the heel; and an elongate raised arm portion adjacent the crook extending outward to a tip portion.

Abstract: The device comprises a base for positioning a tire and a lever pivoted on a support and able to move and be fixed in position along a plane which is radial with respect to the center of the base. An active end of the lever, located on an L-shaped bend at an end of the lever, can be introduced internally of the opening to interact contactingly with the internal surface of a part of the support ring pre-inserted in the opening. By acting on the lever, the active end presses the ring against the inside of the tire with radial force. The support ring is of a type which when applied on a vehicle wheel enables the vehicle to continue moving for a considerable time even where tire pressure is suddenly lost.

Abstract: A tire tool for facilitating the removal of a tire from a wheel rim having multiple radially spaced stud holes. The tire tool comprises a main body portion with two threaded bores at opposite ends of the main body portion. Secured to a first threaded bore of the main body portion is a means for driving the first end of the main body portion in a downward direction. The driving means is adapted to rest on the inner edge of a tire. Secured to the second threaded bore of the main body portion is a means for releasably securing the main body portion to the plurality of stud holes of the rim. The tire removal is accomplished by the downward driving force which causes the bead of the tire to break from the rim of the wheel.

Abstract: A wheel rim locking device for tire removal machines, comprising, for supporting the wheel rim, an upper plate provided with an axial hole and supported at the top of a hollow vertical rotary shaft, conical means to be inserted axially into said hole and into the cavity of said shaft to lock the wheel rim in a centered position, means driving said conical means towards the wheel rim and axially locking them, and means for rotatably locking said hollow shaft relative to said wheel rim.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a conveyor for transporting a tire mounted on a rim to a predetermined position at a tire inflating work station. The conveyor can include carrier surfaces spaced laterally with respect to one another along a path of travel for engaging the tire and rim for transport. The carrier surfaces are moveable along the path of travel and moveable vertically between a raised transport position and a lowered transfer position. A support surface at the tire inflating workstation has at least two portions. The portions include at least one interlocking joint for holding the portions of the support surface in sealing engagement with respect to one another during an inflation process. An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a reciprocal inflation head moveable from a first position spaced from the tire to a second position engagable with the side wall of the tire for communicating pressurized fluid to inflate the tire on the rim.

Abstract: A telescoping tire inflation apparatus for inflating wheel-mounted tires having a variety of different diameters and widths without requiring a hardware change. The apparatus includes a bell assembly that moves from a retracted position to an extended position where either an outer bell housing or an inner bell housing engages a larger-sized or smaller-sized wheel-mounted tire, respectively. A controller presets the inner bell housing to either a retracted position wherein the inner bell housing is disposed within the outer bell housing or an extended position where the inner bell housing telescopes downwardly from the outer bell housing. The inner bell housing can be moved to its extended position to push downward upon the sidewall of a relatively smaller-sized wheel-mounted tire, thereby creating a gap between the tire bead and the rim of the wheel through which compressed air supplied to the inner bell housing enters the tire at a high rate.

Abstract: A device that is used to seal a tire and to inflate the seated tire. An outer chamber serves to both direct exhaust air from an inner chamber with the tire and to protect the operator. The inner chamber is connected through valves to the outer chamber which valves control to the exhaust air to the outer chamber. There also are controls to inflate the tire.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dismounting and mounting tires onto vehicle wheels without removing the tires and wheels from the vehicle. The apparatus (26) includes three carriages (20, 22, 24), two of which have rotating drums (32, 34) for rotating a tire. One of the carriages (24) has a pair of tire bead breaking dowels (76, 77) mounted on the carriage and operated by a power source. Tire cutting knives (84) are held in the dowels for selectively cutting up a tire (98) mounted on a wheel (100). The tire bead breaking dowels are operated to remove an old tire while the drum (34) on a rotational carriage (24) rotates the tire. The third carriage (20) includes a jack stand base (21) and a jack stand (74) to hold a vehicle in an elevated position after the drums in two of the carriages raise the tire, and wheel to either remove or mount a tire on the wheel. The apparatus is movable by means of wheels (48, 50, 52, 54) held thereon.

Abstract: A portable, lightweight, tire bead breaking apparatus includes a vertically oriented frame disposed upon a wheeled base. A hydraulically actuated ram is pivotally mounted to the frame. A bead breaking shoe is attached to a distal end of the ram, and engages the beaded edge of a tire mounted upon a swivel pan rotatably mounted to the base. The bead breaking operator is able to simultaneously operate the ram, while rotating the tire disposed upon the swivel pan.

Abstract: A process and device for inflating a tire by forming, within an enclosure in which there are enclosed the rim and the beads of the tire, an inflation orifice between a first seat of the rim and a first bead, then introducing compressed air into said orifice and closing it such that the tire is inflated and mounted hermetically on the rim. Before forming this orifice, the first bead of the tire is located axially to the outside of the first seat and the second bead is mounted hermetically on the second seat, then, to form the orifice, points on the first bead are pressed. The device for implementing the process includes a bell formed of a fixed part and a mobile part intended to slide relative thereto to tightly surround the tire on the rim for its inflation, and including, within the bell, a finger for pressing at points on said bead.

Abstract: A tool is provided for assistance in removing and installing tires on wheel rims. The tool has a body with a lateral opening for engaging the flange of a wheel rim, preferably opening into a cavity that is wider than the opening such that the tools pivots between stable positions on a fulcrum at which lips of the lateral opening bear against the flange. A roller is mounted on one end of the tool body to exert a downward pressure on the tire sidewall, and a handle protrudes on an end opposite the cavity and fulcrum from the roller. The roller displaces the tire bead from its seat against the rim when removing or installing the bead of a tire that is already at least partly on the rim, or supports the second bead of a tire whose first bead is axially outside of the rim relative to the wheel rotation axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for and methods of dismounting and mounting tires onto vehicle wheels without removing the wheels from the vehicle. The apparatus includes driving elements for rotating a tire contacting the same, held in a body and operated by a power source. A pair of tire bead breakers may also be mounted in the body and operated by a power source. Tire cutting knives may be secured in the body for selectively cutting up a tire mounted on a wheel of a vehicle. A tire bead deflector is mounted on a flange of a wheel from which an old tire is to be removed after its beads have been broken, or to which a new tire is to be mounted, and the old tire to be removed or the new tire to be mounted is lowered into contact with the driving elements in the apparatus to enable the driving elements to rotate the old or new tire to either remove the old tire from or mount the new tire on the wheel. The apparatus may be made mobile by adding wheels thereto.

Abstract: An assembly line for mounting tires on wheels, for inflating the tire mounted on a wheel, for placement of the bead heels of the tire and for balancing which also includes apparatus for checking the conformity of the diameter of the tire to be mounted and for checking the conformity of the dimensions of the wheel.

Abstract: A bead depressor for use upon fitting or removal of a tire whereby a tire bead is held in a well base of a wheel comprises a plurality of depressor elements connected together by a cable, and a clamping bar which can be arrested in a centering bore in the wheel. The first depressor element which in use is fixed on the rim flange of the wheel is connected to the clamping bar by a holding rod member and an additional elastic clamping element is operative between the clamping bar and the first depressor element to urge the latter substantially radially against the rim flange and to tilt the clamping bar to arrest it in the centering bore in the wheel.

Abstract: A burst protection device for tire removing machines of the type having a platform on which a wheel can be located and an arm supporting a bead extractor, the burst protection device comprising a wheel locking member for centering and fixing a wheel on the platform and a clearance signal-producing device which is actuatable upon fixing of the wheel on the platform through the locking member; the signal-producing device controls operation of the machine in only an active intervention stage of the wheel locking member.

Abstract: An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a conveyor for transporting a tire mounted on a rim to a predetermined position at a tire inflating work station. The conveyor can include carrier surfaces spaced laterally with respect to one another along a path of travel for engaging the tire and rim for transport. The carrier surfaces are moveable along the path of travel and moveable vertically between a raised transport position and a lowered transfer position. A support surface at the tire inflating workstation has at least two portions. The portions include at least one interlocking joint for holding the portions of the support surface in sealing engagement with respect to one another during an inflation process. An apparatus for inflating a tire mounted on a rim can include a reciprocal inflation head moveable from a first position spaced from the tire to a second position engagable with the side wall of the tire for communicating pressurized fluid to inflate the tire on the rim.

Abstract: This new wheel compressor has a spring loaded, shaft with a foot operated torque brace, that when stepped on moves the shaft down. The shaft has an ACME threaded collar welded to the inside that has an ACME bolt threaded T-bar that has a compressor wing that when inserted through the center axel of the wheel threaded to the shaft compresses the wheel.