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: The invention concerns a method and device for fitting a tire, of the type with an incorporated air chamber, normally referred to as “tubeless”, on a rim.

Abstract: A method of fitting a tire P and a removable tread support S on a one-piece wheel rim J, rim comprising a first rim seat, inclined outwards, and the tire P comprises a first bead and a second bead to be mounted respectively on the first and second rim seats, in which, before completion of fitting the support S on a rim bearing surface of the rim, the first bead is gripped at a given point and is moved radially outwards to radially separate this point on the first bead from the support S. The fitting of the support S on the rim bearing surface continues and the bead is released after completion of the fitting of the support S.

Abstract: A bead loosening device (10) can be used to loosen a tire from a rim while the tire/wheel assembly (20) is installed on a horizontal spindle (18) of a tire-testing machine (12). The device (10) comprises a supporting arm (30), having a first end pivotally connected to a lever (34), and a shoe-carrying arm (32), having a first end pivotally connected to the lever (34) and a second end to which a shoe (38) is attached. A handle (40) is connected to the lever (34) in such a manner that movement of the handle (40) results in the shoe (38) moving radially inward towards a sidewall of the tire. The shoe-carrying arm (32) follows a curved path slanted towards the supporting arm (30).

Abstract: A refitting apparatus for a tire assembly “w” having a disk wheel “a” having engaging rims and a tire “d” fitted to the disk wheel and having tire bead rims and side walls. The apparatus is constituted to perform a refit process in which a pressing step of bringing one of the tire bead rims “e” of the tire into pressing contact with one of the engaging rims “b” of the disk wheel “a” by supplying air into the tire “d” and a releasing step of releasing the one of tire bead rims “e” of the tire “d” from the one of engaging rims “b” of the disk wheel “a” are repeated a predetermined number of times for each of the tire bead rims “e”.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seating a tire bead in the bead seat of a wheel includes the basic steps of: engaging the wheel and generating reciprocating movement of the wheel along the axis of rotation to fully seat the tire bead on the wheel. The method and apparatus further involves the step of rotating the tire and wheel about the wheel's axis of rotation while generating the reciprocating movement, as well as the step of applying pressure to the side walls of the tire while generating the reciprocating movement.

Abstract: A refitting apparatus for a tire assembly “w” having a disk wheel “a” having engaging rims and a tire “d” fitted to the disk wheel and having tire bead rims and side walls. The apparatus is constituted to perform a refit process in which a pressing step of bringing one of the tire bead rims “e” of the tire into pressing contact with one of the engaging rims “b” of the disk wheel “a” by supplying air into the tire “d” and a releasing step of releasing the one of tire bead rims “e” of the tire “d” from the one of engaging rims “b” of the disk wheel “a” are repeated a predetermined number of times for each of the tire bead rims “e”.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire filling station includes a support and seal arrangement on which one side wall of the tire is supported and sealed, and a tire filling bell that presses and seals against the opposite side wall of the tire and then supplies pressurized air into the tire. The filling bell includes outer and inner rings that are concentrically slidable relative to each other. One of the rings is selected for the filling operation depending on the size of the tire. The support and seal arrangement includes plural plate members that are joined and sealed together to form a continuous support and seal surface, or moved laterally apart to allow a transport apparatus to carry and support the mounted tire from underneath. The tire filling station is adaptable to different models and sizes of mounted tires even in a mixed process flow, in an automated manner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for seating a tire bead in the bead seat of a wheel includes the basic steps of: engaging the wheel and generating reciprocating movement of the wheel along the axis of rotation to fully seat the tire bead on the wheel. The method and apparatus further involves the step of rotating the tire and wheel about the wheel's axis of rotation while generating the reciprocating movement, as well as the step of applying pressure to the side walls of the tire while generating the reciprocating movement.

Abstract: An assembly line for mounting tires on wheels, for inflating the tire mounted on a wheel, for placement of the bead heels of the tire and for balancing which also includes apparatus for checking the conformity of the diameter of the tire to be mounted and for checking the conformity of the dimensions of the wheel.

Abstract: In the method of mounting a pneumatic radial tire comprising a spiral belt and a pair of cross belt members arranged in parallel to each other at both sides of an equatorial plane of the tire and at a given opening space onto a vehicle body, the tire is mounted as a front tire and/or a rear tire so as to contact a portion of the cord in the belt member facing the opening space with ground under a given condition in a forward rotating direction of the tire.

Abstract: A process and device for inflating a tire by forming, within an enclosure in which there are enclosed the rim and the beads of the tire, an inflation orifice between a first seat of the rim and a first bead, then introducing compressed air into said orifice and closing it such that the tire is inflated and mounted hermetically on the rim. Before forming this orifice, the first bead of the tire is located axially to the outside of the first seat and the second bead is mounted hermetically on the second seat, then, to form the orifice, points on the first bead are pressed. The device for implementing the process includes a bell formed of a fixed part and a mobile part intended to slide relative thereto to tightly surround the tire on the rim for its inflation, and including, within the bell, a finger for pressing at points on said bead.

Abstract: A method of mounting a tire on a rim and a device for use in the method. The method includes extracting a bead from a mounting groove of the rim, so as to bring it axially outside a seat of said rim, with a view to subsequently mounting that bead on the seat, the other bead having been mounted on another seat. The method further includes bringing the bead into a local extraction position, radially and axially outside the seat, and of extracting the bead on the whole circumference of the tire, by pivoting a bead gripper on two pins provided radially on both sides of the mounting groove of the rim. The device includes a bead gripper pivotally mounted on one of the pins which is mobile and coupled to a control through a rod which is pivoted on the other pin.

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus for mounting a flexible tire on a rim includes a robot having at least one articulated joint and a wrist. The robot is moveable with at least three degrees of freedom along a selectable one of a plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A central processing unit selectively executes any one of the plurality of paths stored in memory. A bead mounting tool is attachable to the wrist of the robot for movement along the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths of the robot. The tool is orientatable with at least three degrees of freedom independent of the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A workpiece support positions the rim in a predetermined location with respect to the robot and positions the tire in a predetermined orientation with respect to the rim. A signal is generated and sent to the robot corresponding to a size of the rim and tire combination to be assembled.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inflating a tire mounted on a wheel having first and second rims spaced apart from one another includes a reciprocal inflation head moveable along a fixed path between a first position spaced from the wheel and tire, and a second position in operable engagement with a sidewall of the tire. The inflation head has an annular sealing surface engageable with the sidewall of the tire to provide a sealed passage for introducing compressed fluid between the tire and the wheel for inflating the tire on the wheel. A floating connection allows passive angular orientation of the inflation head with respect to the sidewall of the tire as the head moves between the first and second positions to achieve sufficient contact between the sealing surface of the head and the sidewall of the tire for creating the sealed passage and for maintaining sufficient contact during inflation of the tire on the wheel to maintain the sealed passage.

Abstract: A protective bag for safely servicing a tire. The bag comprises a flexible fabric that is preferably permeable to air, and is fastened around a tire using a plurality of securely fastenable straps.

Abstract: Apparatus for inflating a wheel-mounted tire on a high production basis comprises a platen supported on a frame beneath an inflation head on which the wheel-mounted tire is received. The platen has internal air passages opening opposite a fixed support plate of the frame through which pressurized air is directed to selectively float the platen above the support plate to facilitate near-frictionless horizontal movement of the platen in all radial directions. A centering device locates the wheel-mounted tire precisely in line with the inflation head after which the air is discontinued to lower the platen back onto the support plate. The inflation head is then operated to inflate the tire. The platen is refloated and centered in a home position by a platen centering device.

Abstract: A tire mounting apparatus for mounting a flexible tire on a rim includes a robot having at least one articulated joint and a wrist. The robot is moveable with at least three degrees of freedom along a selectable one of a plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A central processing unit selectively executes any one of the plurality of paths stored in memory. A bead mounting tool is attachable to the wrist of the robot for movement along the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths of the robot. The tool is orientatable with at least three degrees of freedom independent of the selected one of the plurality of programmable predetermined paths. A workpiece support positions the rim in a predetermined location with respect to the robot and positions the tire in a predetermined orientation with respect to the rim. A signal is generated and sent to the robot corresponding to a size of the rim and tire combination to be assembled.

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.

Abstract: A safety device which can be retrofitted onto existing rim holding tire changers or provided as a feature of such devices by the original equipment manufacturer. Applicant's safety feature is a barrier, in the preferred embodiment a U-shaped steel tube approximately 18" across and 5' in height, mounted to the tower of the device. The actuator for applying pressure during the bead seating process (and during the inflation process) consists of two buttons on the opposite side of the barrier from the table top on which the tire and rim sit during the process. To actuate the pressure during the bead seating step of the process, both buttons must be depressed. This requires that the operator uses both hands to actuate the system. Also, the actuator being located on the opposite side of the barrier from the table top requires the operator the walk behind the barrier in order to actuate this step of the process.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for inflating larger tubeless tires (80), such as those utilized on farm tractors, includes a segmented manifold (104) which is expandable radially to accommodate different sizes of tires. The segmented manifold (104) includes outlet holes (36) from which pressurized gas may exit to inflate the tire (80). The holes (36) have centerlines which make angles generally between 40.degree. and 75.degree. with a plane containing the manifold (104). The angled holes (36) direct the pressurized gases exiting the manifold in optimum directions to expand the tire sidewall against the wheel flange (92) to assist in sealing the tire beads against the wheel (82).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for bead seating a tubeless tire onto a rim. Two separate reservoirs are provided with an inflation reservoir being at a slightly lower pressure than a charging reservoir. Both reservoirs are filled at the same time via a pressure differential valve. A push button causes the pressure to change slightly in the charging reservoir. A quick release valve, sensing the slight pressure change, substantially instantaneously releases the air in the charging reservoir. The release of air permits a piston to slide thus substantially instantaneously releasing the air in the inflation reservoir which is channeled to a nozzle which seats the bead of the tire on the rim.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fitting bead portions of the tire onto a wheel substantially uniformly and at the same time for filling inner pressure into the tire. A wheel cap-shaped jig in the form of a disc is arranged on the side surface of the wheel. The periphery of the wheel cap-shaped jig progressively reduces outwardly in the rotating axial direction of the wheel. The tire is then obliquely arranged on the wheel through the wheel cap-shaped jig, and the bead portions are radially outwardly expanded along their circumferences so as to assemble onto the rim. An outer cylindrical member having an inclined annular end surface and an inner cylindrical member telescopically arranged in the outer cylindrical member are brought into air-tight contact with the rim and a side surface of the tire, respectively.

Abstract: A method for assembling a tire on the rim of a wheel and filling inner pressure in the tire. The wheel is fixed on a wheel table in an airtight manner to the table. The tire is arranged on the wheel and a pawl is moved along the circumference of the wheel or the wheel on the table is rotated to arrange the bead portions of the tire around the rim of the wheel. An outer cylinder member is brought into abutment against one of the bead portions to urge it toward the other bead portion and pressurized air is filled into the tire through a clearance between the wheel and the one bead portion of the tire to bring the bead portions into close contact with the rim of the wheel. Thereafter, pressurized air is further filled in the tire through the inflation valve of the wheel to maintain the inner pressure higher than the normal inner pressure and then the inner pressure is lowered to the normal inner pressure.

Abstract: An automatic spew trimming method wherein a tire is rotated while being supported from an inside to be trimmed by a knife and an apparatus used therefor. The apparatus includes a supply conveyer, a tire rotating section, a cutter for tire tread, a cutter for sidewall, and a discharge conveyer. According to the method and the apparatus of the present invention, even a tire such as a motor cycle tire having low rigidity, small tread width and nearly complete round cross section can be trimmed to cut off spew. Further, even if many kinds of tires of different sizes are supplied at random, they can be satisfactorily accommodated and treated.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for fitting bead portions of the tire onto a wheel substantially uniformly and at the same time for filling inner pressure into the tire. A wheel cap-shaped jig in the form of a disc is arranged on the side surface of the wheel. The periphery of the wheel cap-shaped jig progressively reduces outwardly in the rotating axial direction of the wheel. The tire is then obliquely arranged on the wheel through the wheel cap-shaped jig, and the bead portions are radially outwardly expanded along their circumferences so as to assemble onto the rim. An outer cylindrical member having an inclined annular end surface and an inner cylindrical member telescopically arranged in the outer cylindrical member are brought into air-tight contact with the rim and a side surface of the tire, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus for improving the fit of a pneumatic tire on a wheel comprises a plurality a conical pressure rollers. A first pair of pressure rollers with their larger diameter positioned downwardly are arranged diametrically opposite each other with respect to the axis of the tire. A second pair of pressure rollers with their larger diameter positioned upwardly are arranged similarly diametrically opposite the pressure rollers with their larger diameter upwardly are arranged alternately with pressure rollers with their larger diameter downwardly in the peripheral direction of the tire.

Abstract: A method for assembling a tire on a wheel without causing any detrimental deformation of bead portions of the tire. The tire is obliquely arranged on a wheel cap-shaped jig provided on the upper side surface of the wheel located on a flat surface to arrange the lower part of the lower bead portion loosely around the wheel. The lower part of the tire is inwardly urged, while the other part of the lower bead portion is radially outwardly expanded to arrange it along its circumference around the wheel, progressively. Moreover, the part of the upper bead portion is radially outwardly expanded and is urged downward toward the support surface to arrange it loosely around the wheel. The part of the tire corresponding to the part of the upper bead portion is inwardly urged, while the remaining part of the upper bead portion is radially outwardly expanded and is urged downward toward the support surface along the circumference of the upper bead portion to arrange it around the wheel, progressively.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire assembly apparatus and method for performing tire soaping, tire mounting and tire inflating operations, all of which being integrated at a single station positioned at one location in the apparatus. A conveyance system transfers a wheel to a transfer pallet located at a marry station whereat a tire is married to the wheel by dropping thereonto from a chute. The transfer pallet is transferred to an integrated tire mounting and inflating station, whereupon the tire and the wheel are soaped. Next, the tire is adjusted into a predetermined position relative to the wheel by stuffers. Then, the tire is mounted to the wheel utilizing one of a number of preferred mounting and inflating heads which cause the tire beads to slip over the upper rim of the wheel. Once mounted, the tire is inflated utilizing the same mounting and inflating head. The completed pneumatic vehicle wheel may now be transferred to other stations for further processing.

Abstract: Methods of and apparatus for facilitating the inflation of tires mounted on split rims. Gripper devices are fixed to the outer flange ring of the split rim at equidistantly spaced intervals therearound, and generally equal forces are exerted on these devices to pull the bead seat ring of the rim toward the outer end of the rim. This: (1) seats the bead seat ring on an O-ring surrounding the bead seat to keep air from leaking between the bead seat and bead seat ring, and (2) displaces the outer flange ring away from the outer bead of the tire so that the bead can move toward the outer end of the rim and the tire thereby freely expand as air is pumped into the tire.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein load simulating apparatus for use in applying a load to a mounted and inflated wheel/tire assembly in order to insure proper and complete seating of the tire bead on the vehicle rim. The load simulating apparatus of the present invention incorporates a plurality of pivotably mounted driven rollers which are operable to move into engagement with the peripheral tread portion of the tire and to accelerate same while applying a generally radially inwardly directed force thereto so as to simulate the loading on the tire typically encountered after the wheel/tire assembly is mounted on a vehicle. Preferably, the load simulating apparatus of the present invention will be incorporated in a wheel/tire assembly line and located prior to the balancing machine so as to insure proper and complete seating of the tire bead before the assembly is balanced.

Abstract: A tire changer has the feature of therefor restraining vehicle tire/rim assemblies which are caused to explode due to tire overinflation or tire bead failure for any reason. A tire and rim assembly hold down bar is pivotally attached to one side of the body of the tire changer and is secured in position immediately overlying the tire/rim assembly on the tire changer by engaging a tongue in a buckle assembly mounted on the bar. The tongue is attached to the end of a web belt which is secured to the other side of the body of the tire changer. Engagement of the tongue in the buckle also actuates an enabling valve in a conduit for transmitting tire inflation air from a pressure source to the tire. Inflation air may then be provided at will to the tire by actuation of an inflation valve located in the air conduit between the pressure source and the tire.

Abstract: To assure proper seating of the beads of a tubeless tire upon its wheel, after the tire has been mounted upon its wheel and inflated, the inflated tire is compressed by concave, tread-engaging members pressed against diametrically opposed, circumferential portions of the tire tread to induce a flexing sliding motion of the beads relative to the wheel and at the same time increases the internal air pressure to enable the beads to shift as required into proper seating engagement with the wheel and return the internal air pressure to design pressure when the compressive force is released.

Abstract: A tire changer has a base on which is mounted a rim and tire assembly support table upon which tires are inflated through an air inflation hose. A rigid arm-like member is pivotally attached to the base of the tire changer in a position so that it may be pivoted between a safety position overlying the support table and a rim/tire assembly thereon and a stowed position away from the support table. In one embodiment the rigid arm pivots from an overhead position to the safety position and in another embodiment the rigid arm pivots from a lateral position to the safety position. The rigid arm carries the air inflation hose with a short length of the hose extending therefrom, so the arm must overlie the support table for the hose to reach the inflation valve on a tire supported on the table.

Abstract: A tire changer has the feature of restraining vehicle tire/rim assemblies which are caused to explode due to tire overinflation or tire bead failure for any reason. A tire and rim assembly hold down bar is pivotally attached to one side of the body of the tire changer and is secured in position immediately overlying the tire/rim assembly on the tire changer by engaging a tongue in a buckle assembly mounted on the bar. The tongue is attached to the end of a web belt which is secured to the other side of the body of the tire changer. Engagement of the tongue in the buckle also actuates an enabling valve in a conduit for transmitting tire inflation air from a pressure source to the tire. Inflation air may then be provided at will to the tire by actuation of an inflation valve located in the air conduit between the pressure source and the tire.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for mounting pneumatic vehicle tires, the beads of which have pull and compression resistant bead cores, with the beads, in the mounted state of the tire, being disposed on the radially inner periphery of a wheel rim next to the essentially radially inwardly extending rim flanges of the latter. A mounting mechanism is brought into contact with the peripheral region of a tire bead portion that has been introduced into the rim. The mounting mechanism is introduced in such a way that a first section of the mounting mechanism rests against the tire axially outwardly of the rim flange, while a second section of the mounting mechanism rests against the tire at the level of the rim flange and/or axially inwardly of the rim flange. These two sections of the mounting mechanism define an angle of 80.degree. to 120.degree. relative to one another. While the introduced tire bead portion is held in place against the rim, the mounting mechanism is guided along the periphery of the tire.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for laying a pneumatic tire around a wheel rim by a mounting unit which is moved along the wheel rim.According to the invention at least one pair of mounting units is moved with equal speeds along the wheel rim in opposite directions through angles, which together form an angle of substantially 360.degree..The invention further relates to an apparatus for laying a pneumatic tire around a wheel rim using the method wherein a mounting unit is movable along the wheel rim.According to the invention at least one pair of mounting units is provided, which are movable with equal speeds in opposite directions along the wheel rim and which together cover an angle of substantially 360.degree..

Abstract: A safety device for restraining a multiple part rim during the inflation of a truck tire is designed to be used on a hydraulically adjustable platform of a service vehicle. The device includes a top restraint frame that is designed to be mounted on horizontal frame members of the vehicle and is slidable between a storage position under the vehicle body and a position above the adjustable platform. Before the tire is inflated, the assembled tire and rim are placed on the platform and the top restraint frame is pulled over them. A chain is fastened to both the platform and the restraint frame and is passed through the central opening in the rim to restrain the tire and rim parts from too much lateral movement.

Abstract: A bead loosening tool for loosening the axially inner bead of a tire in a dual wheel set without disassembling the set and a method of bead loosening for loosening the axially inner bead of such tires. The apparatus includes a pair of elongated arms movable between open and closed positions. In the closed position, the arms are sufficiently close to each other as to be insertable in the space between the tires of a dual wheel set. A motor is provided for driving the arms apart to loosen the bead.According to the method, the tool is inserted between the tires of a dual wheel set and relatively movable surfaces of the tool positioned against the rim of the axially inner wheel of the set and the tire wall adjacent the bead of the axially outer tire in the set. The surfaces are then moved apart to achieve bead loosening.

Abstract: A substantially flat plate is positioned on a rim, which has a large central opening and no lug holes, to enable a tire to be mounted thereon or dismounted therefrom by a tire changer requiring a rim to have lug holes around the central opening to hold the rim. The flat plate has its length selected so that its opposite ends rest on an annular portion of the rim. The opposite ends of the flat plate have substantially the same curve as the annular portion of the rim on which they rest. The flat plate has a central circular opening to receive a threaded shaft of the tire changer supporting the rim. A hollow tube extends downwardly from the bottom surface of the flat plate adjacent the central opening for disposition over a positioning pin of the tire changer on which the rim is supported.

Abstract: Vehicular tires, mounted on wheel rims, are more safely inflated in rugged box enclosing entire tire-and-wheel-rim assembly, using inflating line that penetrates through wall of box, with pressure gauge visible from outside of box. Interlocks can be provided to help assure that box must be closed before inflation can be started, and that box cannot be opened for 3 to 10 minutes after inflation is completed. Window can be provided for visually inspecting tire-and-wheel-rim assembly during or after inflation, and deflation valve permits deflation if the inflation appears unsafe. Box can have welded-on re-enforcements.

Abstract: Vehicular tires, mounted on wheel rims, are more safely inflated in rugged box enclosing entire tire-and-wheel-rim assembly, using inflating line that penetrates through wall of box, with pressure gauge visible from outside of box. Interlocks can be provided to help assure that box must be closed before inflation can be started, and that box cannot be opened for 3 to 10 minutes after inflation is completed. Window can be provided for visually inspecting tire-and-wheel-rim assembly during or after inflation, and deflation valve permits deflation if the inflation appears unsafe. Box can have welded-on re-enforcements.

Abstract: A method of mounting a tire on a rim. Contemplated are vehicle wheels having rims where the seats for the tire beads are disposed along the inner periphery of the rim respectively next to a radially inwardly extending rim flange. The rims also have circumferential recessed portions which are disposed next to the seats and which have a base with a diameter which is greater than the diameter of the seats. The following method steps are involved. The rim and the tire are moved toward one another, with their axes of rotation being disposed at an angle to one another. The rim is introduced into the tire, at least one bead portion of which has assumed an oval shape. The rim is rotated. A portion of one of the beads, the seat of which extends parallel to the rim seat, is intorduced into the recessed portion of the rim. Subsequently, the rest of that bead is inserted. After the same procedure is repeated for the other bead, the tire is inflated with air, so that the beads are brought onto the rim seats.

Abstract: Vehicular tires, mounted on wheel rims, are more safely inflated in rugged box enclosing entire tire-and-wheel-rim assembly, using inflating line that penetrates through wall of box, with pressure gauge visible from outside of box. Interlocks can be provided to help assure that box must be closed before inflation can be started, and that box cannot be opened for 5 to 10 minutes after inflation is completed. Window can be provided for visually inspecting tire-and-wheel-rim assembly during or after inflation, and deflation valve permits deflation if the inflation appears unsafe.

Abstract: A method of demounting a tire from a five-piece rim where, after the locking ring is removed, a number of bead seat breaker tools are mounted at spaced intervals around the rim and connected to the peripheral flange of the removable bead seat band to lock the latter to the rim. A central leg on each tool locks the tool to the rim. The top platen of the tire press is lowered to cause the bead flange to strip the tire bead from the removable bead seat band. The tools have respective hooks to engage the rim and sockets in the bead seat band.

Abstract: A safety cage device is disclosed for use in restraining a multiple part rim during the inflation of a truck tire. The safety device comprises a base having a pair of outwardly extending arms and a shaft which extends through the center of the rim, and a retainer which fits on the shaft and has outwardly extending arms to hold the top of the rim. If the rim explodes, a portion of the retainer inelastically deforms to absorb the force of the explosion. The energy-absorbing deformation of a portion of the device allows other portions of the device to do a better job of retaining the various parts of the rim.

Abstract: An adapter, to facilitate the use of a bead-loosening tool for demounting a tire mounted on a wheel-rim, has a base plate with a slot therethrough through which the force-transmitting and flange-engaging means of a bead-loosening tool may extend. One surface of the adapter presents a configuration that is complementary to the configuration presented by an axially outer end of a wheel-rim. The foregoing abstract is not to be taken as limiting the invention of this application, and in order to understand the full nature and extent of the technical disclosure of this application, reference must be made to the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description.

Abstract: A tire inflation safety cage for a tire having a lock ring which includes a framework mounted on a base plate with longitudinally extending side members forming an enclosure having an open end with an open area above the side members for connecting an air hose to the valve of a tire on a wheel to be inflated disposed within the interior with a foot pedal actuated valve within the hose, the side members being supported in spaced-apart, substantially parallel relationship to permit a hammer to be laterally swung by an operator into striking engagement with a selected portion of the lock ring for positive seating on the wheel together with a pair of spaced-apart, parallel rollers, having an elevating mechanism therebetween and a ramp associated therewith so that a tire on a wheel may be moved through the framework open end and rotatably positioned on the rollers for rotation into a selected rotary position for inflation and seating of the lock ring following which the inflated tire may be easily removed from the

Abstract: A tire fitting device comprises a strip for location in an annular groove adjacent to a bead seat to prevent a tire bead engaging the groove prior to inflation of the tire and a handle for mounting on the wheel rim to locate the tire in the well and prevent the tire beads slipping around the rim edge during fitting.The strip comprises a length of flexible material, e.g. spring steel, which extends around at least half the circumference of the groove. Alternatively the strip may comprise a closed loop of resilient material.The handle has an attachment portion by which the handle is mounted on the rim and an arcuate portion which engages the tire sidewall to urge the sidewall axially inwards into the well during fitting. The handle is attached to the strip by a flange portion welded to one side of the strip. Alternatively the strip and handle may be separate.

Abstract: A safety clamp to be locked onto a rim while a tire is being mounted and inflated thereon using a retaining ring, the safety clamp having a rigid frame with peripheral portions overlying the rim and ring assembly and the tire, and the frame supporting plural locking members which are expanded to underlie the rim and the tire bead and lock the clamp thereto when a central rod is lowered, but the locking members being retracted when the central rod is raised thereby to release the safety clamp and permit its removal.