Adjustable Or Adaptable For Different Sizes Or Shapes Patents (Class 157/21)
  • Patent number: 9180744
    Abstract: A device for centring the rim of a wheel on the wheel-holder unit of a tire changer machine comprises a first plate which can be positioned above the wheel-holder unit and coupled there for rotating integrally with it and equipped with a through opening which can be aligned with a central hole of the wheel-holder unit for allowing the insertion of a clamping rod in the hole through the opening, for locking the rim on the wheel-holder unit. The device also comprises a second plate forming a supporting surface (E) for the rim and equipped with its own through opening, the second plate being slidably positioned above the first plate and the device also comprises friction reduction means operatively interposed between the first plate and the second plate for facilitating their sliding relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: CORGHI S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giulio Corghi
  • Patent number: 8720522
    Abstract: A motorcycle wheel changing tool is presented that utilizes a rolling carriage that immobilizes the front or back wheel utilizing flat steel swing arms and a tension spring that holds the wheel in place with a knockout retaining rod through the wheel. The entire unit can be rolled and/or lifted in place to work in conjunction with a motorcycle stand. There is a folding handle that expands or contracts to accommodate different size tire/wheel widths and can pull the unit. The rolling wheels can be raised or lowered for different motorcycles depending on the height of the bike in relation to the wheel stand. Additionally, four large eye hooks can be raised or lowered to secure the wheel. Two threaded rods are utilized that secure both angle ends in place to secure the unit so that it is perpendicular to the wheel and keeps the unit from flexing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Inventor: Sam Combs
  • Patent number: 8590590
    Abstract: A machine for fitting and removing a tire (1) from a rim (2) of a wheel (3). The machine comprises a frame (10), a rotating table (11) for attaching the wheel to and for rotating the rim about its axis (Y), and a tool for fitting and/or removing the tire from the rim. The machine also comprises a lever (12) to which a pressure element (13) is attached in order to push the bead (6) of the tire toward a circumferential recess of the rim. The lever (12) is connected to the frame (10) and comprises a first articulation in order to bring a pressure element (13) closer to or further from the axis (Y), and a second articulation in order to bring the pressure element (13) closer to or further from a central plane (PC) perpendicular to the axis (Y) and passing through the center (D) of the rim (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Inventor: Bertrand du Quesne
  • Patent number: 8464775
    Abstract: A tool for tire uninstalling and installing machines includes an element for connection to a movable bearing member of the tire uninstalling and installing machine, which has a longitudinal axis, and a round contact element which is freely and rotatably supported by said connection member about a rotation axis and which has an external outline in contact with a contact portion of a side of a tire installed to a rim, the round element having a flared contacting and lifting surface suitable to contact and lift the tire from the rim, which has a base facing toward the rim and defining a first opposed vertex, touching means extending from the base toward the rim for touching a portion of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Teco S.r.l.
    Inventors: Mauro Barbetti, Roberto Iotti, Gianfranco Pellacani
  • Patent number: 8453702
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2013
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Giulio Corghi, Andrea Bacchi
  • Patent number: 8443865
    Abstract: A wheel servicing machine provides a rotatable shaft having a retractable rod slidably disposed in a center bore of the rotatable shaft, wherein the retractable rod is longitudinally moveable relative to the shaft. A rotatable locking member is disposed on the distal end of the retractable rod. The locking member includes one or more mounting studs protruding radially therefrom for engaging a centering cone or a wheel clamp. A tool support arm including a stage protrudes from the base. A tool adapted for engaging a sidewall of a tire is attached to support arm. A second stage including a second tool configured for engaging the opposite sidewall of the tire may also extend from the base. A platform assembly having one or more spring-loaded rollers is attached to the base in some embodiments. A longitudinally moveable travel arm with a jointed auxiliary arm is also provided. A wheel clamp having a plurality of arms, wherein at least one arm is moveable relative to at least one other arm, is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John Story
  • Publication number: 20130075044
    Abstract: A clamping attachment for assisting in securing a small tire rim to a tire-mounting machine having a plurality of clamping members is provided. The clamping attaching includes a first portion having a lip and a recess for providing clamping forces to a tire rim. The attachment also includes second and third portions for aiding in attaching the attachment to existing clamping members of a tire-mounting machine. The clamping attachments are used with tires having smaller diameters than what the tire-mounting machines are capable of securing to the tabletop under normal operating conditions. The attachments are configured to be quickly added to the machines to provide for securing the rims to the machine in order to add or remove a tire from the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: TONY BERTRAND
  • Patent number: 8376018
    Abstract: A tyre-changing machine including a chuck having a self-centring group for blocking a rim of a wheel. The self-centring group includes blocking jaws of the rim arranged angularly equidistanced along a circumference centred on a rotation axis of the chuck, and links and a jack for moving for radially distancing and nearing the blocking jaws with respect to the rotation axis of the chuck to vary a diameter of the circumference on which the blocking jaws are arranged while maintaining an inclination of each blocking jaw constant with respect to the rotation axis of the chuck. Each blocking jaw includes a first portion that is connected to the links, and a second portion that is movably coupled to the first portion such as to be able to change an overall development of the blocking jaw in a radial direction with respect to the rotation axis of the chuck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • Patent number: 7987889
    Abstract: A wheel servicing machine provides a rotatable shaft having a retractable rod slidably disposed in a center bore of the rotatable shaft, wherein the retractable rod is longitudinally moveable relative to the shaft. A rotatable locking member is disposed on the distal end of the retractable rod. The locking member includes one or more mounting studs protruding radially therefrom for engaging a centering cone or a wheel clamp. A tool support arm including a stage protrudes from the base. A tool adapted for engaging a sidewall of a tire is attached to the support arm. A second stage including a second tool configured for engaging the opposite sidewall of the tire may also extend from the base. A platform assembly having one or more spring-loaded rollers is attached to the base in some embodiments. A longitudinally moveable travel arm includes a jointed auxiliary arm extending therefrom. A wheel clamp includes a plurality of arms, wherein at least one arm is moveable relative to at least one other arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: John Story
  • Publication number: 20110048650
    Abstract: A dual mode end effector is disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: Android Industries LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, David H. Larson
  • Patent number: 7784519
    Abstract: A tire fitting machine having a wheel mounting means 1 which is mounted rotatably about a vertical axis 5 and to which a wheel rim 6 is to be fixed when fitting or removing a tire, wherein the wheel rim 6 rests on a support surface 2 of the wheel mounting means 1, the support surface extending perpendicularly to the axis 6, wherein the support surface 2 is displaceable along the axis 5 and is fixable in a plurality of positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Snap-On Equipment Srl a Unico Socio
    Inventor: Paolo Sotgiu
  • Patent number: 7708045
    Abstract: The spindle for fitting vehicle wheel rims on workshop machines, particularly tyre-changing machines or the like, comprises a frame associable in rotation around a work axis with a workshop machine, at least three gripping adapters of the rim of a wheel associable with the frame and moving along respective approach and away movement directions with respect to the work axis, at least a fluid-operated actuator cylinder associated with one of the gripping adapters and suitable for moving the adapter along the corresponding approach and away movement direction, at least three racks, each of which is associated with one gripping adapter and extends substantially parallel with the corresponding approach and away movement directions, and a pinion meshed with the racks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Giuliano S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fabrizio Bonacini
  • Publication number: 20100101736
    Abstract: A clamping device for mounting a vehicle wheel on a balancing machine. The clamping device has a clamping flange and a plurality of centering bolts. The clamping flange is provided with plural sets of recesses for the centering bolts. An insertable section of each centering bolt is removably insertable into a recess. A profiled contour in the insertable section of the centering bolt and an inner contour of a sidewall of the clamping flange delimiting the recess are not circular and have complementary shapes such that the centering bolt is accommodated in the recess such that some sections of the centering bolt can be rotated about the longitudinal axis thereof. When the centering bolt is rotated, at least one subarea of a circumferential surface in the insertable section of the centering bolt frictionally engages with at least one adjacent subarea of the sidewall of the clamping flange delimiting the recess.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 29, 2010
    Applicant: HAWEKA AG
    Inventor: Dirk Warkotsch
  • Publication number: 20090260765
    Abstract: A device for retaining a wheel having an inner diameter during an assembly operation of a tire-wheel assembly at a single-cell workstation includes a claw portion that releasably-attaches to the inner diameter of the wheel, including a fixed portion and a rotatable portion, wherein the rotatable portion is rotatably-disposed upon the fixed portion; wheel-engaging portions slidably-disposed upon the rotatable portion; sliding portions that are slidably-disposed within the fixed portion, wherein each sliding portion is coupled with one of each wheel-engaging portion, and an actuator portion coupled to the rotatable portion. A method is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: Android Industries LLC
    Inventors: Lawrence J. Lawson, John Fox
  • Patent number: 7509988
    Abstract: A manual device, for use in tire changing without power equipment, provides a frame with two gripping wheels that engage the rim of a wheel. The frame adjusts in a direction along a radius of a wheel. The adjustable frame allows the present invention to grip wheels of various diameters in a dogging pattern on a stand or rack. The wheels are non-marring and have a perimeter groove that allows a rim to partially seat within the wheel for a firm grip of the frame in a clamping action with other frames of the present invention. Three of the present invention, operated simultaneously, secure a rim of a wheel to a stand or rack without marring the wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Stephen C. Nemish
  • Publication number: 20080163959
    Abstract: A manual device, for use in a stand, provides a threaded rod with two opposed cones coaxial upon the rod. The cones have wider bases located outwardly from the center of the rod and narrow tops located inwardly. Threaded holes centered in the tops of the cones admit the rod. In use, a wheel is placed upon the rod and the cones are turned towards the wheel, points toward the wheel. As the cones engage the wheel, the angled surface of each cone guides the wheel to be centered upon the rod. For open hubs, one cone is reversed so the base contacts the wheel while the top of the other enters the wheel hub and the base. When finger tight, the cones secure the wheel to the rod without marring for spinning and balancing on an axis coaxial with the rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Steven C. Nemish
  • Patent number: 7284586
    Abstract: A vehicle-mounted wheel repair platform includes a vehicle connection assembly, a wheel repair platform assembly, and a wheel securing assembly. The vehicle connection assembly includes a horizontal section having a vehicle attachment port for coupling to a vehicle, and a vertical section connected to the horizontal section. The platform assembly includes a vertically-oriented section configured to engage the vertical section of the vehicle connection assembly, and a wheel platform connected to the vertically-oriented section. The wheel securing assembly is coupled to the wheel platform and operable to secure a wheel to the top surface of the wheel platform.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Inventor: David Howland
  • Patent number: 7201204
    Abstract: Self-centering unit for tire removal machines, comprising a plate provided with a series of angularly equidistant radial slots, in each of which a clamping jaw is received and slides to grip the edge of a wheel rim, said clamping jaws being linked together in such a manner as to be always equidistant from the axis of said plate, at least one clamping jaw being associated with actuator means causing it to translate in a radial direction by means of a positioner device arranged to vary the working position of said clamping jaws relative to the actuator means, without modifying their travel stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.
    Inventors: Remo Corghi, Enrico Santoro
  • Patent number: 7201203
    Abstract: In a device for clamping the rim of a vehicle wheel, in particular for mounting tires, comprising a shelf (35), onto which the rim may be deposited by one side, and comprising clamping jaws (12 to 15), which may be moved radially relative to the rim, for clamping the rim edge adjacent to the shelf (35), two pairs of clamping jaws (12 to 15), of which the paths of movement intersect at right angles, are provided. The movement of the clamping jaws (12 to 15) is generated by a cylinder (22) and is synchronized by means of a gear unit (27).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Schenck RoTec GmbH
    Inventors: Martin Rogalla, Dieter Thelen, Werner Lehr
  • Patent number: 7159633
    Abstract: A wheel clamping assembly provides a frame having three arms, two fixed stops and a turnable cam. The arms are equally spaced and have holes to admit the stops and the cam. The stops have an extension eccentrically located upon the top of the cylinder. Then the cam has an involute, having an expanding radius, upon the top of the cam. In use, the stops are placed upon two arms and the cam is placed upon the remaining arm, all at the same radius. A wheel rim is positioned upon the stops and the cam. The cam is then turned to grasp the wheel. The stops and the cam are made of a non-marring material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Inventor: Stephen C. Nemish
  • Patent number: 7010975
    Abstract: A balancing machine with a clamping device for mounting a vehicle wheel on a balancing machine shaft. The clamping device has a mounting flange (7) with multiple recesses (13) for receiving at least one centering pin (8). To reduce centering errors and/or balancing errors because of play between the centering pin (8) and the mounting flange (7), e.g., due to manufacturing tolerances or wear, the centering pin has an elastically deformable circumference (21) which in its operating position is in contact with a wall surface (25) of the mounting flange (7) bounding the recess (13). The circumference (21) can be either hydraulically or mechanically deformable. In addition, the invention also relates to a balancing machine having a mounting flange (7) having a central opening for axial guidance on a shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2006
    Inventors: Harald Oppermann, Guy Carter
  • Patent number: 6840522
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for repairing an automobile wheel is provided. The apparatus includes a rotatable center shaft assembly. An anchor anchors a wheel to the center shaft assembly. The center shaft assembly being rotatable so that anchoring the wheel rotates the wheel with the anchor. A centering device is disposed about the center shaft assembly between the center shaft assembly and the wheel for centering the wheel about the center shaft assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2005
    Inventor: Thomas Merrifield
  • Patent number: 6516855
    Abstract: A wheel rim locking device for tire removal machines, comprising, for supporting the wheel rim, an upper plate provided with an axial hole and supported at the top of a hollow vertical rotary shaft, conical means to be inserted axially into said hole and into the cavity of said shaft to lock the wheel rim in a centered position, means driving said conical means towards the wheel rim and axially locking them, and means for rotatably locking said hollow shaft relative to said wheel rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Assignee: RGHI S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • Patent number: 6324753
    Abstract: A mounting assistance device with which a vibrating device can be efficiently mounted to a tire and wheel assembly. In the mounting assistance device, abutting portions are made to abut against sidewall portions of a tire and then an eccentric disc is pressed against a sliding portion so as to be united therewith by lowering a lever of a handle member in a first direction. In this state, when the lever is rotated 180° about a pin member in a second direction, due to an effect of the eccentric disc, clamping members move in a mutually approaching direction. Accordingly, clamping and fixing to the tire is accomplished by the mounting assistance device. Thus, the mounting assistance device (and vibrating device) can be mounted without using tools, simply by rotating the lever in the two directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2001
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventor: Yutaka Naruse
  • Patent number: 6244105
    Abstract: In a tire uniformity machine in which a tire is mounted between upper and lower spindles via upper and lower rims, a rim holding apparatus 10 is composed of a parallel spindle 1 which is in parallel with the axis of tire uniformity machine, a taper collet 2 formed with an inner hole engaging concentrically with the parallel spindle 1 at the center portion thereof and a taper surface at the outer peripheral portion thereof, a rim formed with a taper surface engaging with the taper surface of the taper collet 2 at the inner peripheral portion thereof, a rim clamping device 4 which holds the rim 3 and is mounted so that the parallel spindle 1 is capable of being moved in the axial direction, and a fixing device 5 for determining the axial position of the rim clamping device 4. Thereby, there is provided a highly accurate tire uniformity machine in which (1) the change of rim width and the fitting/removal of rim can be performed easily, and (2) the runout of rim can be decreased to 0.025 mm (standard) or less.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiharu Nishihara, Naoyuki Miyazono
  • Patent number: 6145566
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Assignee: Summit Tool Company
    Inventor: Roger Kliskey
  • Patent number: 6065522
    Abstract: A tire changing machine having a self-centering platform with a vertical axis is provided with a safety device for releasably locking on the platform a wheel with a tire. The device is particularly useful during tire-inflating operations to prevent an operator from suffering injury due to an explosion of the tire. The device comprises a stem which is vertically slidable with respect to a horizontal arm, the stem inferiorly bearing a plate interacting contactingly with the wheel placed on the platform. A retaining organ exhibits a hole in which a vertical rod which is solidly constrained to the arm is inserted with a predetermined degree of play. The retaining organ is hinged to the stem in such a way as to be able to assume at least one locked position in which it prevents the stem from rising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: G.S. S.r.l.
    Inventor: Rino Spaggiari
  • Patent number: 6062289
    Abstract: A laminated clamp for use in connection with rim holding tire changers. The clamp includes a plurality of pliable gripping plates alternately disposed between a plurality of rigid support plates. The plurality of gripping plates provide multiple surfaces for effectively gripping the rim of a wheel and the support plates provide a rigid support structure for the clamp. The gripping plates are constructed of a material that is capable of gripping the rim without causing damage thereto. The gripping plates and support plates are configured to form claws for gripping the wheel rim from either the outside or the inside the rim. To prevent damage to the wheel, the edges of the gripping plates extend peripherally beyond the edges of the support plates thereby preventing the support plates from contacting the rim when the rim is operably seated in the clamp. Two of the support plates include base portions configured for attachment to the clamp carrier of the tire changer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2000
    Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Cunningham, David M. Carpenter
  • Patent number: 6039104
    Abstract: A dual purpose clamp for use in connection with rim holding tire changers. The clamp includes a base, a body and claws for gripping the rim of a tire. In the preferred embodiment, the base is generally L-shaped and includes perpendicular legs comprising spaced apart walls which define interior channels. Rails are mounted along a portion of the inner surface of the walls of each leg, and are configured to slidably engage oppositely disposed channels formed on the clamp carriers of the tire changer. Each leg of the base further includes a bore formed therein and configured to receive a locking pin for releasably securing the clamp to the clamp carrier in the desired position. First and second claws are attached to the body opposite the base. The first claw is configured to accommodate a first rim type, and the second claw is configured to accommodate a second rim type.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Hennessy Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles L. Cunningham, Robert E. Gwaltney
  • Patent number: 5921304
    Abstract: A selective optional lug adapter is to be mounted on a securing rod assembly that is held in place by a pair of clamping plates which are selectively bolted in place on a pivot tube supported on a base so that a small wheel rim can be held stationary while the tire or the rim is changed (i.e. removed and replaced) in a matter of minutes. Furthermore, the entire device can be disassembled into its major parts for storage, and adapters for different openings in the small rim can be changed or omitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Inventor: Thomas C. Nipper
  • Patent number: 5337817
    Abstract: A process for connecting and removing a mounting disk having holders for vehicle wheel rims in the mounting or removing of tires from the rim includes the use of a tire mounting device having a rotatable pin. The mounting disk and the rotatable pin are connnected together by a separable sliding splined connection. Wheel rims are releasably connected to the disk for the mounting of tires onto or the removing of tires from the wheel rims. The rims are made of various materials and have various designs, diameters and widths. Connections are without restrictions pertaining to the maximum possible clamping jaw diameter of the disk and without risk of damaging the wheel rim. The mounting disk functions to secure fragile wheel rims and the disk is easily connected to the tire mounting device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1994
    Assignee: Schenck Auto-Service Gerate GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Steinbeck, Johann Feith
  • Patent number: 5332020
    Abstract: This invention is a tire-changing device which is used for engaging then stripping the tire from rims of wheels. The device is used in combination with a workbench and stores under the bench when not in use. A threaded rod is raised above the bench top when the tire changer is in use. Mobility for the threaded rod is provided by having it slidably engage a sleeve which, in turn, is coupled to the bench. A friction pad is employed which rests on the bench and through which the threaded rod passes. A restraining hub through which the rod passes engages the hub of the wheel. A torque nut holds the hub firmly in place, thereby securing the wheel between the restraining hub and the friction pad. A double headed tool is provided which engages the rim of the tire. A first head is contoured to assist in engaging the bead of the tire to the rim and a second head is for the purpose of stripping the tire from the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 26, 1994
    Inventor: Larry F. Brunner
  • Patent number: 5088539
    Abstract: A tire changer having a vertical wheel hold down shaft rotatably mounted in a base cabinet and extending upward to a wheel mounting end portion above the cabinet. A collar attached to the hold down shaft beneath its mounting end portion and having a frusto-conical section extending upward to a backing flange centered about the hold down shaft. A locking pin which fits into a wheel lug hole extends upward from the flange. An upwardly extending biased centering cone slidably fitted around the hold down shaft. A bead breaker arm pivotally attached to an outside wall of the cabinet to pivot in a horizontal plane. A pneumatic cylinder is provided which is linked to both the hold down shaft and the bead breaker arm to actuate both, thus providing one pneumatic means for two different functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventors: Bryce Mannen, Gregory M. Calico, Tumkur R. Vijay
  • Patent number: 5078193
    Abstract: A small diameter tire changer has means for anchoring a base, a standard on the base, and a platform on the standard. A spindle rises from the platform. Over the spindle an adaptor plate is reversible with means for engaging the lug holes of either a four hole or five hole rim and the platform. Optional spacer means and means for engaging the web of a rim are provided. Means for retaining the wheel on the adaptor are provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 7, 1992
    Assignee: Discount Tire Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Badelt
  • Patent number: 5074347
    Abstract: A self-centering device for locking aircraft undercarriage wheel rims comprises a hollow telescopic shaft (14, 15) on which a wheel rim (30) is to be mounted, and which is traversed by a slidable rod (16) with which there engages by bilateral engagement at least one coupling member (23) which is provided at the free end of the shaft (14, 15) and is arranged to engage with and disengage from a sliding thrust cone (27) which clamps the wheel rim against a backing cone (127) or (227), the cone and backing cone resting on the outer conical bearing rings (300) associated with the wheel rim (30).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1986
    Date of Patent: December 24, 1991
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • Patent number: 4971128
    Abstract: An improved automatic rim exchanger for use in a tire uniformity machine includes an upper spindle adapted to be rotated about the same axis as an axis of a tire, a fitting portion provided at the bottom of the upper spindle and associated with a chuck for detachably supporting upper rim structure of an upper rim holding member and upper rim, a lower spindle associated with a lock mechanism, which spindle is rotatably disposed on a lower spindle assembly mounted on an elevator member, has lower rim structure of a lower rim holding member and a lower rim detachably fitted therein, and is raised and lowered in the axial direction on the same axis, a jointly movable support member projecting from the lower rim means and adapted to be detachably fitted in a holding hole of the upper rim structure for supporting the upper rim structure, and a conveyor for supporting the vertically fitted upper and lower rim structure to feed and eject them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 20, 1990
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yukihiro Koga, Naoyuki Miyazono
  • Patent number: 4865104
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Bryce L. Mannen
  • Patent number: 4800942
    Abstract: A Tire Changing Stand is shown having a base which includes a wheel rim supporting surface which is arranged in a plane generally parallel to the ground. A dome-shaped enclosure slopes evenly away from the wheel rim supporting surface toward the ground to define an open interior. A hydraulic power unit and hydraulic motor are contained within the open interior of the base. The hydraulic motor has an output shaft which terminates in a coupling for a tool driving extension. The output shaft is arranged in the base interior generally perpendicular to the plane of the rim supporting surface. The length of the shaft is selected so that the coupling does not extend above the plane of the rim supporting surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1989
    Inventor: Patrick M. Timlin
  • Patent number: 4763710
    Abstract: A rim assembly and a spindle assembly including locking ramps for releasably coupling them for concurrent rotation. The rim assembly has an exterior peripheral flange, an interior axial opening, a plurality of locking ramps extending radially inwardly into the opening with locking ramps having inclined surfaces on one face thereof. The spindle assembly has a taper body with an exterior face to be received within the opening of the rim assembly, a locking rotor coupled to the taper body, locking ramps extending radially outwardly therefrom with inclined surfaces on one face thereof couplable with the inclined surfaces of the rim assembly upon the rotation of said locking rotor. Locking pins are also included to lock the locking rotor in a first orientation with respect to the taper body when the inclined surfaces of the assemblies are out of contact. Also disclosed are the assemblies, per se.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1988
    Assignee: The Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Company
    Inventor: Martin Pielach
  • Patent number: 4742859
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Bryce L. Mannen
  • Patent number: 4563975
    Abstract: A mechanism for lifting wheels from a conveyor and positioning them in a wheel soaping mechanism. Also included is a device for rotating a lifted wheel through 360.degree. for presentation to a spray nozzle for soaping the wheel. The rotating mechanism is adapted to rotate each sequentially presented wheel in a direction opposite to that of the previously presented wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1983
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1986
    Assignee: Dominion Tool & Die Co.
    Inventors: Chester P. Kozlowski, Thomas J. Curcuri
  • Patent number: 4549595
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1984
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1985
    Inventor: John M. Kemper
  • Patent number: 4478081
    Abstract: Adapters are provided for mounting automobile wheel assemblies of different sizes and types to the mandrel of a wheel balancing or tire truing machine. The adapters have few parts and precisely align the wheel assembly with the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 1982
    Date of Patent: October 23, 1984
    Assignee: Amermac Inc.
    Inventor: Aubrey E. Greene
  • Patent number: 4433578
    Abstract: A wing nut with a threaded axial passage is adapted to engage the threads on the horizontal balancing shaft of a wheel balancer having an abutment thereon. A wheel to be balanced is placed on the shaft and is arranged to be held in tight engagement with the abutment when the wing nut is threaded on the shaft. The surface of the wing nut which forces the wheel against the abutment is recessed with a cylindrical recess. A plastic insert is adapted to be retained within the cylindrical recess and has a central bore which is aligned with the threaded passage in the nut to permit the balancing shaft to pass therethrough. The insert projects axially from the nut body so that the insert, rather than the nut body, will engage the member which is holding the wheel against the abutment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 1981
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1984
    Assignee: FMC Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald L. Hill