Abstract: A safety and protective apparatus for changing and inflating tires mounted on a multi-piece rim assembly includes a base having an upstanding support, an arm pivotably carried on the support pivotable away from the base for positioning the tire and rim thereon and pivotable over the base to a superposed position directly above the tire and rim in a locked position. Spaced fingers depend downwardly from the pivoted arm to engage the rim and prevent escapement and flying apart during tire inflation. A lock assembly is carried by the base for locking the free end of the pivoted arm in a hold-down position.

Abstract: In a multi-piece rim arrangement having a tapered base member and an associated tire bead seat band, the bead seat band is constructed to prevent tire inflation if the rim is improperly assembled. Included is a portable puller tool, adaptable to existing rim assemblies, that functions to pull the bead seat band against the lock ring of the multi-piece rim arrangement with sufficient force to insure proper positioning of the various rim members and establish air tight integrity with a mounted tire.

Abstract: A safety cage for holding a pneumatic tire during inflation is provided in which a framework is formed having a base and a center post protruding therefrom for the placement of a pneumatic tire for inflation of the tire. Side frame members extend from the base member and have top frame members attached thereto which swing over onto the center post where a locking pin locks the top frame members together and to the center post for holding the pneumatic tire mounted on a wheel within the safety cage to prevent injury to a worker during the inflation operation.

Abstract: A bead retention system for mounting and retaining tires on a rim in which a band of resilient flexible material has a series of transverse bead separators mounted along its length at spaced-apart positions. The band has a length and configuration in the unstressed condition for positioning in a tire cavity prior to mounting of the tire on the rim. A cable connecting the ends of the band extends through a ratchet locking member and may be inserted through the valve hole of the rim whereby the band can be pulled down and locked in position around the rim after mounting of the tire on the rim.