Abstract: A vehicle-carrying leisure-purpose parasol rack includes a screw rod including a hollow tubular grip and a holding seat attached thereto; a connection ring having a thread in mating engagement with the screw rod; a plurality of clamp arms, each of which includes a clamping terminal in a hook form, an extension section, and a mounting terminal, the clamping terminal and the mounting terminal being arranged on two opposite ends of the extension section, the mounting terminals respectively corresponding to retaining notches formed in the connection ring so that the clamp arms are detachably connected to the connection ring; and an assisting member having a fixed terminal and a hollow tubular terminal. The fixed terminal is detachably connected to the extension section of one of the clamp arms, such that the hollow tubular terminal is in alignment with the hollow tubular grip.

Abstract: In the context of service and maintenance of heavy road vehicles, apparatus is provided that is configured to engage and support a rack and manoeuvre it into position relative to the vehicle to facilitate removal and installation of the wheels. The rack has a frame with a base and a pair of arms, each arm being pivotally attached to opposite sides of the base to pivot between an open configuration and a folded configuration. The apparatus may be expanded and contracted between an expanded configuration, where the rack engagement assembly is configured to engage the rack in the open configuration, and a contracted configuration where the rack engagement assembly is configured to engage the rack in the folded configuration.

Abstract: A shelf is configured for use with a weight rack including first and second vertical members extending generally parallel to each other and positioned in spaced relation to each other. The shelf supports one or more free weights and has first and second opposed ends and front and rear sides extending between the ends, where the first end of the shelf is connected to the first vertical member and the second end of the shelf is connected to the second vertical member, such that the first and second vertical members support the entire weight of the shelf. The shelf may include a rotation limiting structure to limit rotation of the shelf with respect to the vertical members. A weight rack may be outfitted with one or more such shelves, and in one configuration, the weight rack may include a number (N) of adjacent shelf stacks supported by number (N+1) of vertical members.

Abstract: A self-loading post caster dolly for lifting and moving heavy objects. A fixed structural frame includes a vertical socket. A horizontal lifting bar includes a vertical post that is moved through the vertical socket then secured to hold the object with the lifting bar at a desired height.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a wheel rack includes a locking frame plate having a first L-shaped plate, a second L-shaped plate, and a stopper plate. A ball seat is fixed to the locking frame plate, and a rod has a first end with a sphere attached thereto. The locking frame plate is configured to be fixed to a jamb of a vehicle lift. In another embodiment, a wheel rack includes a locking frame plate having a first L-shaped plate, a second L-shaped plate, and a stopper plate. A ball seat is fixed to the locking frame plate. The wheel rack also includes a locking seat and a rod that has an end with a sphere attached thereto. The locking frame plate is configured to be fixed to a jamb of a vehicle lift.

Abstract: An adjustable tire rack is provided for mounting to the wall of a structure to support, store and/or display truck, car and motorcycle tires, rims and tire/rim combinations having a wide range of diameters and widths. The adjustable tire rack generally comprises a rail member and a first and second adjustable telescoping tire support. The rail member has a raised u-shaped channel running along its length and is configured to be secured to the wall studs of a structure. The first and second adjustable telescoping tire supports each have a c-channel that is configured to fit over the raised u-shaped channel of the rail member and secured at multiple positions along the length of the rail member to accommodate various tire diameters.

Abstract: A tire rack includes a base having a plurality of apertures in a bottom surface, and a plurality of posts extending from a top surface of the base. Each of the plurality of posts has a reduced diameter portion having dimensions corresponding to the apertures in the bottom surface of the base. The tire rack further includes a plurality of side bars. Each side bar extending between two of the plurality of posts, and each side bar having a plurality of apertures. The tire rack also has a plurality of crossbars. Each crossbar extends between two of the plurality of side bars, wherein each crossbar has a first end removably received in an aperture of a first side bar and a second end removably received in an aperture of a second side bar. The plurality of crossbars are configured to receive a plurality of tires in an upright position.

Abstract: A wheel storage and transport frame comprising: a floor; a first corner pillar fixedly attached to the floor; a second corner pillar fixedly attached to the floor; a third corner pillar fixedly attached to the floor; a fourth corner pillar fixedly attached to the floor; a first end wall fixedly attached to the floor and the first and second corner pillars; a rear wall fixedly attached the floor and the second and third corner pillars; a second end wall fixedly attached to the floor and third and fourth corner pillars; a rotatable front panel rotatably attached to the floor via at least one hinged element, and adjacent to the first and fourth corner pillars, the bottom of the rotatable front panel remaining generally parallel to the floor, and the top of the rotatable front panel also remaining generally parallel to the floor and also moveable in generally a circular path.

Abstract: A tire support device for supporting the bead area of a tire is described. The tire support device includes an inner support member having a plurality of support vanes mounted to the support member, the support vanes radially extend from the inner support member. The tire support device further comprises a plurality of cover plates forming an outer cylindrical surface for supporting the bead area of a tire. The cover plates having an inner rib which extends radially inward, said rib having one or more guide members, each slide member slidably mounted on the support vane, wherein the guide members are slidably from a radially inward position to close the cover plates, and to a radially outward position to radially expand the tires.

Abstract: A tire unloading apparatus for separating a cured tire from a toroidally shaped segmented core body configured to carry the cured tire includes a plurality of tire engaging paddle mechanisms positioned in a spaced apart circular array defining a cured tire receiving central opening, the cured tire mounted to a core body. The paddle mechanisms operatively move between a radially outward tire release position and a radially inward tire gripping position. The tire unloading apparatus further includes a core segment manipulating apparatus operative to move individual core segments from a radially outward tire supporting core body position to a radially inward segment removal position. A plurality of segment support arms forming a circular array below the tire receiving opening are in an operative location to support respective core body segments.

Abstract: A manufacturing facility includes a storage facility and a production facility. Workpieces are located in the storage facility in temporary storage accommodations, and are moved between the storage facility and stations in the production facility by mobile carrier units. The temporary storage accommodations may be units having a generally circular lading envelope, and an hexagonal optimal packing density. The mobile carrier units may be automated guided vehicles and may include self-navigating software, and interactive communication with other guided vehicles to permit suitable routes to be chosen, or to permit obstacles to be avoided. The facility may include a workpiece retrieval apparatus used for transferring workpieces between the storage accommodations and the automated guided vehicles, or to other locations. The workpiece retrieval apparatus may be mounted on a bridge, and may include a multi-element raising and lowering array that is biased to oppose torsional deflection of the lifting member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a knockdown shelving system which comprises a plurality of connected shelves with storage compartments that are configured to store vehicle wheels or tires upright and parallel to each other. Vertical posts are located at each corner of the connected shelves and shared between adjacent shelves. The vertical posts are formed of a rolled hollow T-profile which comprises rows of longitudinally spaced perforations that extend along the vertical posts. The vertical posts are connected by lengthwise and crosswise struts, the struts having hooks which engage the perforations of the vertical posts. Storage compartments for tires or wheels are formed by tire carriers which are placed onto lengthwise struts and extend parallel between front and rear vertical posts, and by crosswise struts which extend perpendicular to the tire carriers between two front vertical posts and two rear vertical posts, respectively.

Abstract: Disclosed is a knockdown shelving system which comprises a plurality of connected shelves with storage compartments that are configured to store vehicle wheels or tires upright and parallel to each other. Vertical posts are located at each corner of the connected shelves and shared between adjacent shelves. The vertical posts are formed of a rolled hollow T-profile which comprises rows of longitudinally spaced perforations that extend along the vertical posts. The vertical posts are connected by lengthwise and crosswise struts, the struts having hooks which engage the perforations of the vertical posts. Storage compartments for tires or wheels are formed by tire carriers which are placed onto lengthwise struts and extend parallel between front and rear vertical posts, and by crosswise struts which extend perpendicular to the tire carriers between two front vertical posts and two rear vertical posts, respectively.

Abstract: A tire rack includes a base having a plurality of apertures in a bottom surface, and a plurality of posts extending from a top surface of the base. Each of the plurality of posts has a reduced diameter portion having dimensions corresponding to the apertures in the bottom surface of the base. The tire rack further includes a plurality of side bars. Each side bar extending between two of the plurality of posts, and each side bar having a plurality of apertures. The tire rack also has a plurality of crossbars. Each crossbar extends between two of the plurality of side bars, wherein each crossbar has a first end removably received in an aperture of a first side bar and a second end removably received in an aperture of a second side bar. The plurality of crossbars are configured to receive a plurality of tires in an upright position.

Abstract: A tire storage system includes two spaced apart arrays of tire storage locations. An array of transfer locations is disposed between the two arrays of storage locations. Tires are loaded on and removed from carriages when the carriages are at transfer locations. The carriages are movable from the transfer locations to the storage locations along a path which extends along central axes of tires disposed on the carriages. The carriages may be suspended above a floor. Upper and lower arrays of storage and transfer locations may be provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for storing articles comprises a plurality of individual article support devices for supporting a plurality of articles independent of the side walls of a container. Each article support device comprises a first rack and a second rack. Each one of the racks comprises a first spine and a second spine, each spine having notches for receiving the peripheral surface of the articles. Each rack also has a plurality of openings formed in each rack disposed intermediately to each spine. At least one of the racks has a coupling mechanism for coupling the first spine and the second spine to form one of the racks for coupling to the other rack through one of the openings. The racks are coupled so that the spines of one of the racks are oriented approximately ninety degrees to the adjacent spines of the other rack.

Abstract: A wheel storage rack for storing wheels when not in use includes a vertically extending central post with arms extending from the central post. The arms support receivers for attaching wheel mounts. Each wheel mount is removably attachable to a wheel. The wheel mount has a hub for attaching to the inside surface of a wheel. A lug bolt passes through a lug hole in the wheel to secure the wheel to the hub, and a mounting post extends from the wheel mount in a direction opposite the hub. The mounting post is inserted into the receiver to mount the wheel to the storage rack.

Abstract: Attached to an upper end or rear sidewall of each of a plurality of movable racks is a hollow tube mounted on a rectangular plate in two places on each rack. Passing through the hollow tubes of each of the plurality of movable racks is a solid rod having a diameter of one to two inches. The solid rod is anchored at opposite ends on two stationary or fixed racks to facilitate sliding of the plurality of racks across a floor. No special equipment is required to maximize floor space for storage of tires.

Abstract: A tire storage system is disclosed, for securely storing one or more tires. The tire storage system consists of two identical tire caps and a connecting spacer. One of the tire caps is placed horizontally on a flat surface. The used tire is placed upon one of the tire caps, such that part of the tire cap extends upward through the opening of the tire. The spacer is securely affixed to the tire cap, and generally fills the rest of the tire opening. The other tire cap is placed horizontally over the tire and is also secured to the spacer. The tire storage system seals the inside of the tire from outside access, so as to prevent mosquito breeding and infestation. The tire storage system can be used to stack multiple tires of different sizes, for efficient storage, and can be recycled with the tire at a later time. The tire storage system can be made from or treated with fire-retardant materials, to inhibit unwanted fires.

Abstract: A wheel rim stacking apparatus to stack at least two wheel rims in a co axial and vertical relationship. The apparatus including an annular flange including an inwardly directed substantially cylindrical shaped wall of a diameter substantially commensurate with the outside diameter of the bead of a the wheel rim to allow a the wheel rim to be located with the cylindrical wall to be located on the outside thereof, the cylindrical wall having an upper edge and a lower edge.

Abstract: A modular cargo carrier system comprising at least one pair of carrier modules and means for attaching said modules to a vehicle or to a support on a vehicle. The modules each have a top, a bottom, sides and ends, the attaching means being located on at least a bottom and one side whereby the modules may be mounted in different orientations on the vehicle top to carry different types of cargo. The modules further include longitudinal and transverse cargo grooves or contoured cargo contact surfaces on the top and on at least one side and/or end for supporting cargo in said grooves. Module connectors are provided for attaching the modules to each other in a variety of configurations.

Abstract: A green tire holding device (50) including a horizontal turning spindle (52) which supports and turns a green tire (T) so that no set portion of the tire is constantly subjected to the downward pull of the rest of the tire carcass. The spindle (52) can be programmed to automatically continuously turn the green tire (T) or to automatically turn the green tire (T) at spaced intervals corresponding to desired angular movements. In a tire manufacturing method, the holding device (50) is used to turn the green tire (T) during a pre-curing wait cycle to thereby minimize distortion of the green tire (T).

Abstract: A green tire holding device (10) including a frame (12), a rod (14) extending horizontally from the frame (12), and a bladder (16) mounted on the rod (14). The bladder (16) is inflatable to an inflated shape so that it contacts a substantial portion of an inner circumference of a green tire (T) to support the green tire during a pre-curing wait cycle. The green tire holding device (10) can comprise a plurality of rods (14), a plurality of bladders (16), and/or a plurality of bladders (16) on each rod (14). The bladders (16) can be inflated at substantially the same time and/or certain bladders (16) can be deflated independently of other bladders (16). In a tire manufacturing method, the loaded green tire storage device (10) is transported to a doping/curing area with the bladders (16) deflated. At the doping/curing area, the tires (T) are removed from the rods (14), doped, and re-hung on the rods (14).

Abstract: A device for the substantially vertical suspension of tire carcasses, which includes a plurality of articulated supports, the latter being able to bear on the inside of a tire carcass, each of said supports having a convex bearing surface capable of adopting a plurality of angular positions.

Abstract: A device for the substantially vertical suspension of tire carcasses which includes a plurality of supports arranged about a lifting axis (XX′), which supports bear on the inside of a tire carcass, the supports being mobile radially relative to the lifting axis, the device further including a system having at least one spring which exerts a radial expansion force on the supports, this expansion being limited by a stop. The invention also relates to a process for building a tire in using this device.

Abstract: Device for securing multiple vehicle wheels or vehicle tires, having a base unit adapted for being secured to a ceiling or a wall of a building; at least pair of one receiving elements, each receiving element connected to the base unit and has a longitudinal axis, each longitudinal axis oriented 90° from each other; and at least one mounting element associated with each receiving element, wherein each mounting element is the form of a longitudinally extending mounting arm and including a first end and a second end, wherein each mounting element is connected at the first end to the receiving element, and the second end to mounting device, the mounting element device adapted to hold the wheels or tires; each mounting element is independently pivotably connected to the corresponding receiving element between a receiving position and a storage position; each mounting element is independently lockable in the storage position via a locking device; and each mounting device extending perpendicular from the corres

Abstract: A device is provided for supporting a vehicle tire having a body formed with a front ramp surface adapted to permit the tire to roll up onto the device, and a top surface for supporting the tire having an arcuate configuration adapted for supporting the tire. The top surface includes a pair of spaced apart peaks and a trough positioned between the peaks for supporting the vehicle tire. Additionally, support blocks may be provided beneath the device for raising the device to ensure that the vehicle, when supported, remains level. Still further, the device provides for grooves extending through the top surface to permit drainage and air flow around the vehicle tire.

Abstract: A supportive tire rack for green tire transfer and storage includes a base assembly that carries at least four support pins that are horizontally cantilevered from the base. A pair of upper support plates and a pair of lower support plates are carried by the pins. The upper support plates engage the bead rings of the tire while the lower support plates cradle the lower surface of the tire. Each support plate is pivotally carried on an arm that is pivotally carried on a pin. Each arm is also in the form of a damper that dampens oscillatory forces in the tire. The arms and plates are biased toward resting positions by springs.

Abstract: A supportive tire rack for green tire transfer and storage includes a base assembly that carries at least four support pins that are horizontally cantilevered from the base. A pair of upper support plates and a pair of lower support plates are carried by the pins. The upper support plates engage the bead rings of the tire while the lower support plates cradle the lower surface of the tire. Each support plate is pivotally carried on an arm that is pivotally carried on a pin. Each arm is also in the form of a damper that dampens oscillatory forces in the tire. The arms and plates are biased toward resting positions by springs. Alternatively, the lower support is a spring biased sling formed of a flexible material and the upper support is a pair of spring biased T-shaped arms which are pivotally mounted on two of the pins for engaging the bead rings.

Abstract: A navigation apparatus allowing a user to know an outline of a route searched for and selected. The apparatus includes: a searching element for searching for a route to a destination; a determining element for determining a pattern of the route searched for by the searching element; an extracting element for extracting information pertaining to the route searched for by the searching element; a preparing element for preparing an abstract of the route by applying the information extracted by the extracting element to the pattern determined by the determining element; and an outputting element for outputting the abstract of the route prepared by the preparing element.

Abstract: A supportive tire rack for green tire transfer and storage includes a base assembly that carries at least four support pins that are horizontally cantilevered from the base. A pair of upper support plates and a pair of lower support plates are carried by the pins. The upper support plates engage the bead rings of the tire while the lower support plates cradle the lower surface of the tire. Each support plate is pivotally carried on an arm that is pivotally carried on a pin. Each arm is also in the form of a damper that dampens oscillatory forces in the tire. The arms and plates are biased toward resting positions by springs.

Abstract: A rack for removably mounting in-line skate wheels includes a top plate having a retainer for releasably locking a wheel-mounting spindle thereto. The spindle is rotatably secure to the rack. Preferably, a plurality of spindles are deplayed. The rack may be incorporated into a multi-compartment framing which includes shelves and at least one drawer. By enveloping the rack within a suitable covering, a carry-all or carrying bag or case is provided.

Abstract: A base mountable in a container supports a plurality of article support members having notches offset from notches in adjacent article support members for supporting articles in a horizontally nested orientation. Additional article support members are engagable with upper portions of the articles for receiving articles in a second overlaying tier in which the second tier of articles are nested vertically within the first tier of articles as well as horizontally from other articles in the second tier of articles. Each article support member is formed of an extruded tubular member having exterior flanges which receive a rack carrying the notches. The rack is formed of cross-linked polyethylene.

Abstract: A pallet for raw cover tire has a circular bottom plate, and a supporting portion provided to a periphery of the bottom plate and supporting one of outer side surfaces of side walls of a raw cover tire. The supporting portion has a first receiving surface of a cone form inclining downwardly toward the bottom plate at an angle .alpha. to the bottom plate, and a second receiving surface of a cone form extending upwardly from an upper edge of the first receiving surface at an angle .beta. smaller than the angle .alpha..

Abstract: A spacer rack for stacking wheel rims includes a plurality of plastic rim holders interconnected with one another in coplanar relationship. Each rim holder includes a vertical, circular positioning edge arid a spacer ring projecting inwardly from the positioning edge. The positioning edge projects upwardly and downwardly beyond the spacer ring to define the outer peripheries of wheel rim-receiving areas. Each rim holder includes outer flanges that are connected to the outer flanges of other rim holders.

Abstract: The apparatus of this invention comprises first and second support members, wherein each support member includes horizontally extending legs and an upright portion. One leg of each support member is arranged to overlie a leg of the other support member, and locking tabs on the overlying legs insert and lock into notches of the underlying legs to interlock the supports.

Abstract: A wheel retaining device for retaining a plurality of replacement wheels. The wheel retaining device includes an elongate body dimensioned for insertion through apertures formed in the wheels and retainers positioned proximate opposite ends of the elongate body for retaining the wheels on the elongate body. The wheel retaining device includes a locking mechanism for securing the wheels on the elongate body.

Abstract: A storage rack apparatus is configured to be mounted on a wall for holding articles. The storage rack apparatus includes a back frame section configured to be rigidly coupled to the wall, and a bottom frame section pivotably coupled to the back frame section. The bottom frame section includes a first support member and a second support member spaced apart from the first support member for holding the articles therebetween when the bottom section is in an upwardly pivoted storage position. The apparatus also includes a loading bar coupled to the bottom frame section. The loading bar includes a frame member extending generally parallel to the first and second support members of the bottom section for holding the articles in a downwardly pivoted loading and unloading position.

Abstract: A storage and inspection rack for wheel and tire assemblies. The inspection rack includes an exterior tubular metal framework, a removable fire retardant protective cover and roller carriage assemblies. The frame provides a plurality of individual bays. Each bay houses a roller carriage assembly for easy loading and unloading of the wheel and tire assembly which stand upright therein.

Abstract: The instant invention is a method and apparatus for stacking discarded tires for use in the formation of non-degradable structures and supports. The method consists of placing discarded vehicle tires on banding posts that are capable of maintaining numerous cut tires in-line. The tire stacks form part of a triangular bundle which allows for the formation of hexagon shaped bundles of a vertical disposition providing predictable compressibility and longevity for use in artificial reefs, structure support for buildings and pavement. In addition, placement of the triangular tire stacks in a horizontal position allows for formation of wave reducing reefs or levy construction.

Abstract: A channel adapted to receive the wheel of a bicycle or motor cycle. The walls are inclined toward the base of the channel to provide a firm grip on wheels of varying sizes. The walls of the channel contain in one case holes in an alternative embodiment slots which are connected by a pin or bar that secures the wheel in the channel. The pin and bar contain holes that will accept a lock and prevent its removal. A series of channels may be mounted on a plate or other structure to allow for the secure storage of a number of cycles simultaneously.

Abstract: In a pallet, in particular for the carrying of vehicle tires comprising a bottom part and two opposite side parts, which are attached perpendicularly to the bottom part to form together with the bottom part a tire-receiving region, and in which tire supporting members are provided in the tire-receiving region, provision is made for a vertically extending introduction slot freely accessible from above in at least one of the side parts, in particular for a tire handling device. This introduction slot allows without problem a deep lowering of rod-like tire handling devices which extend transversely above the side parts.

Abstract: A movable, adjustable carrier assembly suitable for transporting a tire through a tire retreading plant along a conveyor track at different heights. The adjustable carrier assembly includes a main bar and a support bar. The support bar self-lockingly engages one of a plurality of notches or slots in the main bar. By reason of the multiplicity of notches, the height of the support bar, and accordingly the height of the tire it is transporting, can be adjusted, thus permitting a tire to be transported throughout a tire retreading plant on a single adjustable carrier, the height of the tire being adjusted as needed at the various operational stations. Also, the same adjustable carrier can be adjusted to accommodate tires of different sizes.

Abstract: A tire display device having an arm assembly, a pivotable bracket assembly, and a plate assembly, the arm assembly comprising a wall bracket, an arm having one end secured to the wall bracket, and a free end pivotally supporting the pivotable bracket assembly for pivotable movement in a horizontal plane. The bracket assembly, in turn, supports a plate having peripheral flanges provided with slots for admitting respective slide arms having inner ends provided with threaded bores for aligning with respective radially extending slots in the plate so that a bolt can be passed through the slot into the threaded bore for adjustably securing the slide arm on the plate. The other end of the slide arm is provided with a pocket for engaging a bead on the tire. The slidable adjustability of the slide arms permit mounting of tires having different diameters. The plate is provided with a central opening for admitting a flanged bushing which is mountable on a shaft secured to a base of the pivotable bracket.

Abstract: A rack for stacking articles and maintaining stacked articles under compression for compact storage, includes upper and lower cooperating U-shaped members. The U-shaped members each include a horizontal support and a leg extending vertically from opposite ends of the horizontal support. The vertical legs of at least one of the upper and lower members cooperate with the vertical legs of the other of the upper and lower members for vertical adjustment of the upper member relative to the lower member. A device is provided for locking the upper and lower members from relative movement with each other, subsequent to adjustment of the upper and lower members.

Abstract: A hanger assembly for a tire bumper comprising inner and outer legs which define a slot for receiving a tire side wall, one leg having a clinching rib formed thereon for clinching with the bead of the tire and the other leg extending radially into the tire carcass between its side walls and having a seating position formed thereon for seating against the interior of the tire along complementary surfaces in radial alignment with the thread portion of the tire, the outer leg having an aperture for receiving a securing element attachable to a mooring pier for holding the tire thereon.

Abstract: A vehicle has a rear bumper and a spare tire carrier. A retracting mechanism is actuated by a rotatable shaft which extends toward and is spaced from the rear bumper. An aperture through the rear bumper enables a crank to be inserted therethrough and into engagement with the rotatable shaft. A drive device is inserted through the bumper and into the shaft where it is attached in lieu of the previous crank. A marginal end of the drive device extends through the bumper and is a polygon in cross-section configuration. A rotatable housing is removably locked about the polygon so that the polygon is inaccessible and therefore cannot be rotated when the rotatable housing is engaged by a rotatable means. When the housing is removed, the polygon is engaged by a crank and rotated, thereby rotating the rotatable shaft whereupon the spare tire is extended from the tire carrier.

Abstract: There is provided a display apparatus for automobile tires molded as a one piece structure and assembled from two identical members. The tire supporting surface is located on the surface of the legs of each structure. This surface has indentations which protrude on the underside of the surface whereby overlapping legs interlock under the weight of the tire to create a rigid structure supporting the tire in a vertical position.

Abstract: A rack (28) which supports the beads (12) in a separated condition is transported to the storing and feeding apparatus (10) where the rack (28) is used to place the beads (12) around a plurality of continuous conveyors (20) which are expanded to grip the beads (12). After the rack (28) is removed from the feeding and storing apparatus (10), the conveyors (20) are actuated to simultaneously and intermittently feed the beads (12) to a bead transfer member. The apparatus (10) includes means (64,66,89) to adjust and level the conveyors (20) to accommodate a range of bead sizes and means (118) to insure feeding of one bead (12) at a time.

Abstract: Bead protectors fittable to an opposed pair of tire bead portions are made of a thermoplastic resin. Each bead protector comprises a tubular portion fittable in the bead portion and a flange portion extending from the tubular portion via a curved portion and fittable to the outer side surface of the bead portion. The bead protector is integrally molded in an L-shaped radial cross section. Each of fastening bands comprises a stretchable portion and hooked plate-like metal members. When fitted to the tire bead portions, the bead protectors are interconnected by the fastening bands and elastically pulled toward each other axially of the tire by the stretchable portions, with the hooks in engagement with projections on the flange portions.