Abstract: A magnetic pick-up tool, which preferably features a magnet retained on its non-exposed sides within a ferrous-containing carrier. The ferrous-containing carrier redirects the magnetic forces issuing from the magnet toward the exposed surface area, significantly increasing a magnet's strength without the need for increasing magnet size. In one embodiment, the pick-up tool features a threaded carrier, mated to a sleeve member in a manner allowing the sleeve member to be adjustably positioned relative to the magnet and carrier by rotation of the sleeve member in the desired direction.

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: A handle for a tire bead breaking tool is disclosed, comprising an elongate shaft having a gripping portion, a shield portion, and a working portion at a forward end. The working portion is configured having an oblong cross-section comprising protruding opposite end surfaces and substantially less protruding opposite lateral surfaces disposed between the end surfaces. The lateral surfaces of the working portion extend along at least a portion of the gripping portion. The working portion of the handle is press fit into a circular bore of a tool head and contacts sidewalls defining the bore along the handle protruding end surfaces.

Abstract: A a tire bead breaking tool is disclosed comprising a handle and a wedge head. The shaft is configured having a gripping portion, a shield portion, and a working portion at a forward end. The working portion is configured having an oblong cross-section comprising protruding opposite end surfaces and substantially less protruding opposite lateral surfaces disposed between the end surfaces. The working portion of the handle is press fit into a circular bore of a tool head and contacts sidewalls defining the bore along the handle protruding end surfaces. The wedge head is configured having an elongate wedge arm extending forward to a rounded terminal edge. A protrusion extends outward from the wedge arm and is offset rearward from the forward wedge arm edge. The protrusion includes a beveled leading surface terminating at an outer edge.

Abstract: A bead breaking device (10) to break a bead (71) from a rim (81) of a wheel (80), comprising an assembly (20, 90) for mounting the device upon a wheel; a first arm (40) pivotally connected to the assembly; means for rotating (50) the first arm; and a breaking tool (60), carried at one end of the first arm and rotatable therewith relative to the assembly. A method for breaking a tire bead from a rim of a wheel, comprises the steps of mounting a wheel and a tire on a bead breaking machine; locating a bead breaking device on the machine, the device providing a bead breaking tool and at least a first arm carrying the tool at one end; forcing the bead breaking tool between the bead of the tire and the rim at one point on the circumference of the rim; and rotating the first arm and bead breaking tool sufficiently to cause the tool to separate the seal between the bead and the rim.

Abstract: A center post tire changing apparatus for mounting or demounting a tire from a wheel includes an elongated support post having a wheel support assembly disposed on one end of the support post and a center post connected to and extending upwardly from the wheel support assembly and in coaxial alignment with the support post. A wheel securing assembly is disposed upon the center post, wherein the wheel is securely mounted on the center post between the wheel support assembly and the wheel securing assembly. A bead beaker is preferably permanently secured to the support post and is noted to be continuously adjustable thereon.

Abstract: A tool for use in conjunction with a center-post tire changing machine for mounting and demounting pneumatic tires from wheel rims includes an elongated shaft member having first and second ends wherein a portion of the elongated shaft member defines a main plane of the tool. A tire mounting portion at the first end includes a rounded first face forming a bead contact area, a flat second face forming a rim contact area, and a retaining knob protruding from the flat second face, the tire mounting portion being angularly offset from the main plane vertically by a first bend and horizontally by a second bend. A tire demounting portion at the second end includes a rounded first face forming a bead contact area, a flat second face forming a rim contact area, and a retaining knob protruding from the flat second face. The tire demounting portion is angularly offset both horizontally and vertically from the main plane by a third bend.