Abstract: Described herein is a process for mounting a tire onto a wheel. The process comprises positioning the tire in respect to the wheel such that a first arc of the bottom bead extends between the wheel's top and bottom bead seats. Next, two fingers are placed in contact with the bottom bead at locations immediately adjacent to opposing ends of the first arc of the bottom bead. The first finger rotates about the central axis in a rotational direction away from the first arc of the bottom bead while applying a force in a direction of the bottom bead to advance all of the bottom bead below the top bead seat. These steps are repeated with the top bead to advance all of the top bead below the top bead seat. During the process, the first finger and the second finger may not contact any portion of the wheel.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for dismounting a tire from a wheel assembly. The method may comprise inserting at least a first finger and a second finger between a top bead of a tire and a top bead seat of a wheel, pulling a portion of at least the top bead past a plane defined by the outer edge of the top bead seat, and moving the first finger in a first rotational direction away from the second finger. Also described herein is a finger for dismounting a tire from a wheel. The finger may comprise at least one roller having two opposing ends, each end connected to a corresponding end of a roller nest of the finger. Also described herein is an apparatus for removing a tire from a wheel. The apparatus may comprise a wheel alignment assembly, a tire dismount assembly, a bead lifter, and a rotation assembly.

Abstract: Described herein is a method for dismounting a tire from a wheel assembly. The method may comprise inserting at least a first finger and a second finger between a top bead of a tire and a top bead seat of a wheel, pulling a portion of at least the top bead past a plane defined by the outer edge of the top bead seat, and moving the first finger in a first rotational direction away from the second finger. Also described herein is a finger for dismounting a tire from a wheel. The finger may comprise at least one roller having two opposing ends, each end connected to a corresponding end of a roller nest of the finger. Also described herein is an apparatus for removing a tire from a wheel. The apparatus may comprise a wheel alignment assembly, a tire dismount assembly, a bead lifter, and a rotation assembly.