Abstract: A device for cutting the profile of a tyre tread (B) in a profiled element made of a raw rubber mixture comprises a frame (1) supporting a cutting assembly (2) and travel means (3) which make it possible for said profiled element (B) to be cut to travel in front of said cutting assembly (2), said cutting assembly (2) comprising at least one cutter (4) for cutting a longitudinal groove (S) in the outer face of said profiled element (B) and means (5) for inducing vibration in said cutter (4) in a transverse direction perpendicular to the direction of travel (X-X?) of said profiled element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and an apparatus for mounting a tyre on a rim or demounting a tyre from a rim. The method includes the steps of rotating the wheel (tyre/rim assembly) by an electric motor about an axis, checking the current consumption of the electric motor during the mounting and demounting operation, and continuously and automatically adjusting a specific combination of torque and speed of the electric motor during the mounting/demounting operation. The apparatus for mounting a tyre on a rim or demounting a tyre from a rim comprises an electric motor for rotating the wheel (rim/tyre assembly) about an axis, a sensing device for sensing the motor current and transmitting corresponding signals to a control device and an adjustment controller for continuously and automatically adjusting a specific combination of torque and speed of the electric motor during the mounting/demounting operation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various rotary cutting tools in which each have a plurality of blades disposed on an outer surface of the cutting tool. Disclosed also are a variety of systems or apparatuses for maintaining or cutting rubber surfaces into which one or more of the cutting tools can be incorporated.

Abstract: An automatic tire sipe forming machine for forming sipes of uniform depths and at uniform intervals across the circumferential surface of a tire. The automatic tire sipe forming machine includes means for indexing a tire a fixed rotational interval and a reciprocating mechanism for forming the sipes. The automatic tire sipe forming machine further includes means for changing the angle of the sipes and for accommodating various widths and sizes of tires.

Abstract: A wear testing device includes a plurality of holding portions that hold rubber samples. The rubber samples held by each of the plurality of holding portions are independently and simultaneously pressed against a circumferential surface of a rotation body in rotation by a pressing mechanism so that abrasion debris of each of the rubber samples produced via this contact falls downward.

Abstract: The invention includes methods for forming a retreaded tire, and treads there for. Particular embodiments of such methods provide a tire tread, the tire tread having a bottom side and a top side configured for engaging a ground surface, a thickness extending between the top side and the bottom side, and a pair of opposing lateral sides defining a width of the tread, the bottom side having one or more submerged voids extending from the bottom side into the tread thickness to form a tread pattern, the submerged voids having a depth less than the thickness and the top side being free of any exposed voids comprising a groove. Further steps include applying the tire tread to a tire carcass, curing the tire tread to the tire carcass, and forming one or more voids into the tread thickness the top side of the tread after the step of bonding.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tire processing apparatus for processing large used tires as are found from industrial mining applications. The present invention relates particularly to a tire processing apparatus comprising a head that is operable to move about two or more axes at a first end of a swing arm, the head further having a rasp operable to strip rubber particles from a stationary tire for use of the particles as a landscaping mulch. In various embodiments, the apparatus also comprises a head with a circular saw operable to cut a portion of the tire into a livestock trough. The invention also includes a method using the above. The system and method in its various embodiments are particularly adept at processing used tires from mining industry applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments relating to devices, systems and methods relating to the mounting and inflating of tires for use in automotive applications. There is a need in the art for improved devices, systems and methods for tire mounting and inflation, so as to allow a user to prepare racing tires without mounting on a rim.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for controlling the abrasion of a tire surface. Particular embodiments provide an abrading tool for abrading a surface of a tire, the tool comprising means for rotating an abrading wheel, an abrading wheel rotatably attached to the means for rotating, and a depth guide secured to the means for rotating, wherein the depth guide includes a pair of freely rotatable, spaced apart guide wheels. Further embodiments include a depth guide configured for use with an abrading tool which includes a abrading wheel and a means for rotating the abrading wheel, the depth guide comprising a mounting member securable to the means for rotating and a pair of freely rotatable, spaced apart guide wheels rotatably attached to the mounting member. Particular embodiments further include a method for preparing a portion of a tire for repair.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing flash from a tire includes a laser sensor which, while the tire is rotating, can be moved along the outer contour of the shoulders and tread area of a tire to detect the contour of the tire. A first sanding assembly removes the flash from the tread area, while the tire is not rotating, by moving horizontally and vertically in accordance with the detected contour of the tread area. A second sanding assembly removes the flash from the shoulder area, while the tire is rotating, by moving horizontally, vertically, and pivotally in accordance with the detected contour of the shoulder area.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preparing a test sample comprising, providing a CNC machine; providing a cured tire comprising, a tire component at least partially covered by an external component, or a tire component at least partially covered by an internal component; and using the CNC machine to separate the tire component from the cured tire by either removing part of the external component, or removing part of the internal component.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel balancer system having a processing system and a spindle shaft upon which a vehicle wheel assembly is mounted for measurement of imbalance characteristics and forces. The processing system is configured with software instructions to evaluate the remaining imbalance present in a vehicle wheel assembly following the application of imbalance correction weights, and to determine if the remaining imbalance is the result of the vehicle wheel assembly having deviated from an expected rotational position during the time between the measurement of the imbalance and the application of the imbalance correction weights. In the event of such a deviation, the processing system is further configured to provide the operator with a suitable warning to evaluate and correct the mounting of the vehicle wheel assembly before proceeding to rebalance or re-measure the vehicle wheel assembly.

Abstract: The tire has a tread with a tread surface and at least one groove which has a bottom wall and two lateral walls. At least one flexible wall is arranged in the groove in such a way that as liquid flows, the flexible wall flexes to allow the liquid to pass. After molding, the tire has a connecting element with a thickness which is equal to that of the bottom wall so that, after vulcanizing, the connecting element connects the lateral walls to the bottom wall over a given depth. The connecting element is then cut at its junction with each of the lateral walls of the groove so as to obtain the flexible wall.

Abstract: A lower side coupling of a Hirth coupling is coaxially coupled and fixed to a spindle, an upper side coupling of the Hirth coupling is coaxially coupled and fixed to a lower rim, the upper side coupling of the lower rim is meshed with the lower side coupling of the spindle, and upward separation of the lower rim from the spindle is prevented by chuck mechanisms.

Abstract: A salvage hold down attachment for excavators preferably includes a pivot boom base and a pair of boom arms. The pivot boom base preferably includes a boom base, a bottom arm plate, a plurality of cylinder plates and an arm cross tube. The bottom arm plate is attached to the arm cross tube. First and second outer cylinder plates are attached to the first and second boom frame members. First and second inner cylinder plates are attached to the cross tube. Each boom arm preferably includes an arm tube, a plurality of staggered teeth and a front projection. Each boom arm is attached to the bottom arm plate and one of the boom frame members. The salvage hold down attachment for excavators is connected to an undercarriage dozer attachment bracket of an excavator and operated by the dozer controls of the excavator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for making lacerations in a surface of a product without removing the surface. The device includes a power-driven hand tool; a disc member connectable to the power-driven hand tool, wherein when connected to the power-driven hand tool, the disc member can be rotated by the power-driven hand tool in a circular motion; and a plurality of pointed lacerating elements secured to and extending perpendicular from a face of the disc member, where the plurality of lacerating elements form a pattern on the face, and where when the disc member is rotated in a circular motion by the power-driven hand tool, the lacerating elements lacerate the surface of the product without removing the surface. The present invention also relates to a method for lacerating a surface of a product without removing the surface.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods and apparatus for controlling the abrasion of a tire surface. Particular embodiments provide an abrading tool for abrading a surface of a tire, the tool comprising means for rotating an abrading wheel, an abrading wheel rotatably attached to the means for rotating, and a depth guide secured to the means for rotating, wherein the depth guide includes a pair of freely rotatable, spaced apart guide wheels. Further embodiments include a depth guide configured for use with an abrading tool which includes a abrading wheel and a means for rotating the abrading wheel, the depth guide comprising a mounting member securable to the means for rotating and a pair of freely rotatable, spaced apart guide wheels rotatably attached to the mounting member. Particular embodiments further include a method for preparing a portion of a tire for repair.

Abstract: There is described a machine (1) for regeneration of pneumatic tires (2) comprising a beading device (5) for axial locking of the pneumatic tire to be regenerated in the direction of the revolving axis of the pneumatic tire (2) which provides an untranslatable bead (6) and a translatable bead (7) in said direction, a work rasp (9) mounted on a spindle (25), inflation means (66) of the pneumatic tire and a discharge cochlea (77). Said machine further comprises a roughing miller (8) suitable to prepare the pneumatic tire to a subsequent finishing by means of the rasp (9), said miller (8) being mounted on the same spindle (25) of the rasp (9) and after it, and constituted of a monoblock (27) with discharge channels (28) for chips produced by inserts (29) with a curved profile (30) providing a plurality of planar blades (31) joined by discharge grooves (32) of the chips produced.

Abstract: A system and method for removing an outer layer of resilient material from an object to achieve a target outer dimension includes performing an initial cut at a cutting depth to remove an outer layer of the material. A parameter indicative of a work input to a cutter that performed the cut is acquired and used to determine the cutting depth that will be used for performing a subsequent cut to remove an additional layer. In this way, subsequent cuts are performed until the target outer dimension is achieved.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus of reducing current requirements by increasing resistance of the blade structure by reducing the cross sectional area of at least one section of the blade so that the electrical current requirements for heating of the blade to cutting temperature are reduced wherein the power supply and substantially entire unit may be mounted within a hand held unit. Methods of shaping blades to perform various heat distributions for specialty blades for custom cutting are disclosed. Further, an improved blade mounting structure is provided which includes structure for maintaining the legs of the blade parallel to the direction of cut and provides for easy insertion of new blades by maintaining a slotted blade cradle stable and in alignment with the blades and a clamp member away from the blade when the clamp mounting structure is loosened.

Abstract: A system and method for removing an outer layer of resilient material from an object to achieve a target outer dimension includes performing an initial cut at a cutting depth to remove an outer layer of the material. A parameter indicative of a work input to a cutter that performed the cut is acquired and used to determine the cutting depth that will be used for performing a subsequent cut to remove an additional layer. In this way, subsequent cuts are performed until the target outer dimension is achieved.

Abstract: The blocking device of a wheel rim on a tire-mounting machine is provided with a rotating support plate having a central hole, and includes a stem for engaging with the rotating support plate, and a cursor which is slidable on the stem and which includes a conical centring body and a device for activating for moving the cursor along the stem. The device for activating includes a mechanical transmission between a collar and a motor and the coupling between the cursor and the stem is such as to prevent rotation of the cursor about the stem.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a buff of tread from a crown of a tire, the steps of the method including measuring the distance between the tire crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of locations; calculating a projected distance between the crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of transverse locations across the crown using proposed buff radii, choosing a new position of the buffing radius origin from the one or more proposed origin positions on the centerline of the tire; and buffing the tread from the tire crown along the arc described by the buff radius having the buffing radius origin at the new position.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a buff of tread from a crown of a tire, the steps of the method including measuring the distance between the tire crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of locations; calculating a projected distance between the crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of transverse locations across the crown using proposed buff radii, choosing a new position of the buffing radius origin from the one or more proposed origin positions; and buffing the tread from the tire crown along the arc described by the buff radius having the buffing radius origin at the new position.

Abstract: Method of manufacturing a tire comprising a tread strip in which blind radial cuts are arranged in the blocks of rubber that form the tread pattern, comprising a step during which the cuts (33) are made in the unvulcanized tread strip (3) intended to cap the green tire. One or more blades (22) are raised to a temperature higher than the vulcanization temperature of the material of which the tread strip (3) is made are caused to penetrate the radially internal face (32) of the tread strip (3) for a sufficient period of time that they superficially vulcanize the walls of the cut in contact with the blade (22) so as to prevent the faces from sticking back together once the blade has been withdrawn from the cut.

Abstract: An abrading wheel such as a rasp hub for use in tire retreading machines includes two generally circular end, or side, plates with plural spaced mounting pins extending between and coupled to the two spaced plates. Rasp blades arranged in stacks which are arranged end-to-end about the wheel's circular circumference. Disposed between and engaging each pair of adjacent blades is a spacer, which is also attached to the mounting pins. Each spacer is curved lengthwise to match the curvature of the blades and includes plural spaced upper and lower recesses disposed immediately adjacent to its pair of adjacent blades to allow air to freely pass over the entire length of each blade as the hub is rotated at high speed to dissipate heat from the blades during operation for increased blade reliability and longevity.

Abstract: There is described a machine (1) for regeneration of pneumatic tyres (2) comprising a beading device (5) for axial locking of the pneumatic tyre to be regenerated in the direction of the revolving axis of the pneumatic tyre (2) which provides an untranslatable bead (6) and a translatable bead (7) in said direction, a work rasp (9) mounted on a spindle (25), inflation means (66) of the pneumatic tyre and a discharge cochlea (77). Said machine further comprises a roughing miller (8) suitable to prepare the pneumatic tyre to a subsequent finishing by means of the rasp (9), said miller (8) being mounted on the same spindle (25) of the rasp (9) and after it, and constituted of a monoblock (27) with discharge channels (28) for chips produced by inserts (29) with a curved profile (30) providing a plurality of planar blades (31) joined by discharge grooves (32) of the chips produced.

Abstract: A rasp hub for use in tire retreading machines includes two side plates with mounting pins extending between the plates. Rasp blades arranged in stacks are mounted on the mounting pins. The stacks extend end-to-end circumferentially about the hub. The center portion of the mounting pins is curved so that the cut profile of the blades is convex. The blades are inclined relative to a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation to define a cut angle. The center planes of the mounting pins intersect, preferably close to the axis of rotation of the hub, to reduce deviation of the blades from the concentricity.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus and computer programs for correcting a buff of tread from a crown of a tire, the steps of the method including measuring the distance between the tire crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of locations; calculating a projected distance between the crown surface and the belt at each of the plurality of transverse locations across the crown using proposed buff radii, choosing a new position of the buffing radius origin from the one or more proposed origin positions; and buffing the tread from the tire crown along the arc described by the buff radius having the buffing radius origin at the new position.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire tread has tread elements formed by circumferential and/or lateral grooves. At least one tread element has a sipe that devolves from a constant width sipe having a three dimensional aspect in at least a portion of the radially outer portion of the sipe to a wider width groove at the base of the tread feature.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a pneumatic tire on a tread surface of which hand grooving can be carried out swiftly and easily, and a method of carrying out the hand grooving thereon. In order to achieve the object, a pneumatic tire comprises a tread surface formed with a plurality of grooves. The tread surface includes a guide line previously disposed as a reference for carrying out hand grooving. The guide line extends along at least one edge line of the grooves or a virtual extension line of at least one edge line of the grooves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for buffing tread from a tire carcass, the method comprising the steps of: receiving a signal from a sensor, the signal generated as a function of a distance between the sensor and a belt in the tire and a tire characteristic; selecting a signal response curve from a plurality of signal response curves, the selected signal response curve representing the function of the distance between the sensor and the tire belt and the tire characteristic; determining from the response curve the distance between the sensor and the belt for the signal response received; buffing tread from the tire until the distance between the sensor and the belt reaches a final distance.

Abstract: A tread of thickness E, intended to be used in a tire having a carcass reinforcement surmounted by a crown reinforcement and including on its outer surface a plurality of grooves of depth h, including at least circumferential grooves separated axially by ribs, is provided with at least one internal, circumferential anti-rubber-on-rubber connection element, the outer wall of which, viewed in meridian section, has in part a contour identical to the contour of the wall of the regrooving groove to be created, the point(s) of said wall which are farthest from the axis of rotation being radially distant from the tread surface by a quantity h1 less than the depth h of the grooves, and the point(s) of said wall closest to the axis of rotation being radially distant from the tread surface by the maximum regrooving height H.

Abstract: A method and apparatus 100 for correcting tire nonuniformity is disclosed. The invention is particularly suited for correcting tread runout and connicity problems for large off-road tires. Multiple measurements are taken in multiple circumferentially spaced planes which enable data to be fed into a computer which predicts an optimal profile to correct tire non-uniformities using preset rules. A virtual template directs correction of the tire profile.

Abstract: A tire buffer for buffing a tire casing as part of a retread operation can include a rasp pedestal having a rasp head and a texturing device. A moving assembly can be connected to the rasp pedestal for selectively moving the rasp pedestal along a pair of perpendicular axes. The rasp pedestal can rotate about a vertical axis. A tire hub assembly can be included for rotating the tire casing. The tire buffer can be operated at an operator station by interfacing with a control unit. The tire buffer can automatically buff a tire casing to achieve a predetermined tire casing profile and impart a texture thereto. The tire buffer includes a tire location mechanism and a tire measurement mechanism mounted to the rasp pedestal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for forming a carved groove of a green tire capable of forming a carved groove of a necessary depth without being influenced by variation of outer diameters of the green tire is provided. In a method and an apparatus for forming a carved groove for a lug groove with a cutter on an outer circumferential surface of a green tire before curing, a distance sensor is moved along a portion to be carved on the outer circumferential surface of the green tire to measure outer diameters of the portion to be carved, cut shape data for a green tire having an ideal shape stored in memory beforehand is revised on the basis of the measured outer diameters, and the cutter is moved in accordance with the revised cut shape data for carving.

Abstract: A tool mounting assembly including a tool support means which includes tool holders adapted for receiving an associated tool and enabling rotation of the associated tool about a rotation axis. The tool mounting assembly further including means for causing relative movement between the tool holders in the direction of the rotation axis so to enable the tool holders to adopt an operative position in which the associated tool is held thereby and the release position in which the associated tool is enabled to be removed from the mounting assembly.

Abstract: A tire buffer for buffing a tire casing as part of a retread operation can include a rasp pedestal having a rasp head and a texturing device. A moving assembly can be connected to the rasp pedestal for selectively moving the rasp pedestal along a pair of perpendicular axes. The rasp pedestal can rotate about a vertical axis. A tire hub assembly can be included for rotating the tire casing. The tire buffer can be operated at an operator station by interfacing with a control unit. The tire buffer can automatically buff a tire casing to achieve a predetermined tire casing profile and impart a texture thereto. The tire buffer includes a tire location mechanism and a tire measurement mechanism mounted to the rasp pedestal.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus of simple construction for manufacturing a pneumatic tire are provided. Belt wave and unevenness of belt gauge are restrained at a minimum, joining of joint parts is ensured, installation space can be smallest within the limit of necessity and equipment cost is low. In a method for manufacturing a pneumatic tire by charging a green tire having tire components assembled in a mold for vulcanization-molding and forming lug grooves on a tire tread surface, carved grooves are previously formed at positions on a surface of the green tire corresponding to the lug grooves extending in substantially the same direction as the lug grooves.

Abstract: A tire buffer for buffing a tire casing as part of a retread operation can include a rasp pedestal having a rasp head and a texturing device. A moving assembly can be connected to the rasp pedestal for selectively moving the rasp pedestal along a pair of perpendicular axes. The rasp pedestal can rotate about a vertical axis. A tire hub assembly can be included for rotating the tire casing. The tire buffer can be operated at an operator station by interfacing with a control unit. The tire buffer can automatically buff a tire casing to achieve a predetermined tire casing profile and impart a texture thereto. The tire buffer includes a tire location mechanism and a tire measurement mechanism mounted to the rasp pedestal.

Abstract: A tire buffer for buffing a tire casing as part of a retread operation can include a rasp pedestal having a rasp head and a texturing device. A moving assembly can be connected to the rasp pedestal for selectively moving the rasp pedestal along a pair of perpendicular axes. The rasp pedestal can rotate about a vertical axis. A tire hub assembly can be included for rotating the tire casing. The tire buffer can be operated at an operator station by interfacing with a control unit. The tire buffer can automatically buff a tire casing to achieve a predetermined tire casing profile and impart a texture thereto. The tire buffer includes a tire location mechanism and a tire measurement mechanism mounted to the rasp pedestal.

Abstract: A machine for machining and deflashing tire treads, having a frame, a drum for supporting the tire and rotating it about its axis, a cylindrical cutting tool and means for orienting the tool in various directions with respect to the tire, including means allowing rotation of the tire to be reversed and means for arranging the tool to work in two substantially symmetrical positions relative to the tire, a first position for cutting proper and a second position for deflashing, each of said positions corresponding to an opposite direction of rotation of the tire.

Abstract: A device and technique for processing tires on site includes penetrating the tire with an array of spikes to provide a multiplicity of pinholes dispersed about the tread surface. The pinholes, thereby eliminating the risk of blisters. The size and quantity of the pinholes is calibrated to provide a path for the escape of gas entrapped in the tire material during the manufacturing process, without significantly affecting the performance of strength of the tire. The pattern of pinholes provides a ready path for gas to escape as the tire is heated during use, without the risk of blistering that plagues the typical racing tire. In one embodiment of the invention, the tire is rotatably supported to contact a tire preparation element that includes a plurality of spikes configured to smoothly penetrate the tire rubber. In one feature, the spikes can be heated to facilitate penetration of the tire material, particularly high durometer materials.

Abstract: A machine for machining and deflashing tire treads, having a frame, a drum for supporting the tire and rotating it about its axis, a cylindrical cutting tool and means for orienting the tool in various directions with respect to the tire, including means allowing rotation of the tire to be reversed and means for arranging the tool to work in two substantially symmetrical positions relative to the tire, a first position for cutting proper and a second position for deflashing, each of said positions corresponding to an opposite direction of rotation of the tire.

Abstract: A cylindrical cutting tool for a tire detreading or machining machine, the circular blade of which has a beveled cutting edge, wherein the cutting edge is interrupted by at least one notch, that is to say a portion having a lower axial height than the cutting edge.

Abstract: Flat strips cut from discarded tires are stacked and stored as bulk rubber on pallets for easy handling, transport by fork lift trucks and storage in outside compacted storage space without accumulating water where mosquitos can breed. Typically flat rectangular longitudinal tread strips are folded and stacked in a plurality of abutting stacks about five feet high for rubber-to-rubber engagement in configurations extending substantially to opposite edges of a pallet platform, thus storing about a ton of bulk rubber per pallet. The pallets then may be transported and stored in compact stacks at outside locations without accumulating water and breeding mosquitos.

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 method and apparatus for reconditioning tires while on lift trucks where a cutting tool is mounted to the lift truck and brought in contact with the tire and the tire is rotated, thereby removing material to return the tire to a more circular shape.

Abstract: A machine for retreading tires, including a rotary chuck on which the tire to be treated is mounted and buffing tools, in which the chuck is mounted on a first carriage guided in rails and moved by a first motor, the buffing tools are carried by a second carriage guided in rails oriented parallel to the axis of rotation of the chuck and moved by a second motor, and in which provision is made for precisely positioning the first carriage relative to the second carriage and any relative displacement between the axis of rotation of the chuck and the center of the buffing tools is contained in a single plane passing through the axis of rotation of said chuck.

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.