Abstract: A carrier for a large truck wheel hub and drum combination defines a pair of spaced sleeves which engage two of the ten wheel-mounting lugs extending from the hub, enabling it to be carried with ease by two men. The metal sleeves are fixed to a pair of hinged legs which together define a collapsible V-shaped spanner bar, spanning across the front face of the wheel hub. A pair of collapsible gripping bars extend forwardly from the legs alongside the hub, providing handgrips, permitting the hub to be evenly balanced on the carrier between two men, who can very easily maneuver the wheel hub back onto, or off of, a truck axle mount, a job which currently is one to dread. In a variation that enables one man to do the job unassisted, the V-shaped spanner bar is replaced with a straight length that spans only two lugs and is connected to a gooseneck, engageable by a cherry picker. With the weight relieved by the cherry picker, the man can maneuver the hub without a helper.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for use in lifting an automobile wheel into an automobile body. An elongated member releaseably engages an automobile wheel and pivots on the body of the automobile as the elongated member is lifted to lift the automobile wheel into the body. In addition, devices and methods are provided for mounting an automobile wheel on an automobile wheel hub assembly and removing the same therefrom. An elongated member is placed within a central aperture of an automobile wheel and the elongated member is pivoted either on an outer surface of an axially central member of an automobile wheel hub assembly or on an inner wall of an axially central member thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for handling a vehicle wheel, especially for removing a wheel of a lorry from a shaft (24) or for installing it in position, comprising a vertically movable frame portion (2), and gripping elements (11, 12, 13) connected to the frame portion for gripping the vehicle wheel (14) and lifting or otherwise displacing the wheel (14) from the shaft (24) or back onto the shaft (24), the gripping elements (11, 12, 13) comprising two or more support members (21, 22, 23) arranged to be fitted into a groove in the disc of the wheel (16) to be handled. The support members (21, 22, 23) are of such shape that the vehicle wheel is rotatable on the support members (21, 22, 23) fitted into the disc wheel groove (20).

Abstract: A tool for removing and replacing wheels of heavy vehicles such as buses and trucks. The tool has a track with a first end member to be clamped to the vehicle axle. Chains on the intermediate part of the tool support the tool on the wheel of the vehicle. The chains can be released when the first end is clamped and the second end supported. Adjustable legs are supported on the second end of the track for supporting the second end of the track. A carriage with a wheel support on it is movable on the track. The wheel support is clamped firmly to the wheel support on the carriage. The axle nut may then be removed and the carriage can be moved toward the second end member and locked in position on the track with the wheel on it. The wheel can then be swung to an inclined position for servicing. When serviced, the carriage with the wheel can be moved toward the first end member of the track bringing the wheel back onto the axle.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel changing aid for mounting and removing a vehicle wheel to and from a jacked position on the wheel axle of a vehicle. The device includes a rocker base having an operator end, a wheel receiving end, and a bottom facing pivot surface adapted to contact the ground as the rocker base is pivoted. A plurality of spaced apart rollers are mounted on the base near the wheel receiving end and allow rotation of a vehicle wheel in order to accurately align the wheel lug openings with the lugs on the axle hub during the changing procedure. A knee/foot bearing pad is positioned towards the operator end of the base and permits the vehicle wheel to be raised or lowered from the axle hub of the vehicle by applying the operator's knee/foot to rock the base of the device. The knee/foot bearing pad may be extendably mounted to the base to increase the mechanical advantage in raising and lowering the wheel and provide additional operator clearance for safety purposes.

Abstract: Apparatus for vehicle wheel alignment comprising a wheel engaging member and a bearing surface rigidly mountable to the wheel engaging member. A lever with a movable fulcrum is mounted to the bearing surface for applying an appropriately directed force to the bearing surface to adjust the alignment of an engaged wheel. A bracing member is provided extendable from the lever for attachment to an anchor surface. The bracing member provides a reaction force to ensure that the aligning force generated by the lever is directed toward the engaged wheel. Alternative embodiments of the invention can be used to adjust wheel alignment on straight axle and trailing arm axle vehicles.

Abstract: A vehicle tire and wheel handling device in the form of a pair of tire and wheel receiving cradles or supports for receiving, supporting and handling vehicle tires and wheels when a vehicle is on a hoist in elevated position to facilitate the tires and wheels being "rotated", that is, being switched from one position on the vehicle to another position. Each cradle or support includes spaced parallel side support members interconnected by end rollers to cradle and receive a substantial portion of the periphery of a tire and wheel assembly in order to engage and support the wheel as it is removed from a wheel hub and maintain it supported in generally an upright position while the wheel is moved from a position adjacent one hub of the vehicle to a position adjacent another hub of the vehicle so that the tire and wheel assembly can be remounted on the vehicle on a different hub from which it was removed.

Abstract: Apparatus for positioning a rotary member such as a vehicle wheel at a balancing machine in such a way that the rotary member can be lifted into a position, at the level of the balancing machine measuring spindle, in which the longitudinal center lines of the measuring spindle and the rotary member are aligned with each other and the rotary member can be moved concentrically relative to the measuring spindle. The apparatus has two equal-length positioning arms which are pivotally connected at an apex point in a scissor-like arrangement and which are pivotable uniformly relative to each other about their connecting point in a plane which is perpendicular to the measuring spindle. The positioning arms connecting point is displaceable along a line which is perpendicular to the longitudinal center line of the measuring spindle and which coincides with the line bisecting the angle formed by the positioning arms.

Abstract: A tool for removing from a vehicle axle a wheel-tire assembly or replacing the assembly thereupon and for maneuvering the assembly from a horizontal position to a vertical position, all with minimal effort. The tool includes a wheel support section for supporting the wheel-tire assembly during removal and replacement of the assembly, a leverage section for transmitting forces exerted by an operator, and a handle section for manipulation by the operator. The handle section has a hooked portion which is inserted between the wheel-tire assembly and a work area for the purpose of manipulating the assembly. The invention includes a method for manipulating the tool so that the wheel-tire assembly may readily be maneuvered into desired operating positions with the exertion of minimal effort.

Abstract: A toe angle adjusting method is a method wherein the toe angle of the rear wheels is adjusted for only one of the rear wheels, and the toe angle adjustment for the front wheels is performed subsequent to adjustment for the rear wheels. The toe angle adjustment for the front wheels is based on a composite angle of the rear wheels, or a forward direction, decided by a relative relationship between the rear wheels. The toe angle adjustment for the front wheels includes adjustment of a toe angle for the front wheels and a horizontal adjustment of the steering wheel to a horizontal position or neutral state. The toe angle of the front wheels is adjusted in a state when the front wheels are turned, and the horizontal adjustment for the steering wheel is performed by adjusting a tire angle of the front wheels. The toe angle adjustment for the front wheels is implemented on the basis of a forward advancing direction of the vehicle. This direction is determined on the basis of the relationship between the rear wheels.

Abstract: A wheel mounting tool for a wheel assembly including a hub with a plurality of bolt studs and a wheel with bolt holes registerable with the bolt studs comprises an elongated, rigid straight shank with a cylindrical open-ended socket on at least one end. The socket has an inside cylindrical surface with a diameter larger than the diameter of the bolt studs and an outside cylindrical surface with a diameter smaller than the diameter of the bolt holes. In a preferred embodiment, a shallow internal thread extends circumferentially around the inside cylindrical surface adjacent the open mouth end of the socket. The inside diameter of the internal threads is larger than the outside diameter of the bolt studs enabling the socket to be assembled onto and removed from the bolt studs by relative axial movement. Alternatively, the internal threads may be substituted by a helical array of thread segments or internal protuberances having a pitch angle matching the pitch angle of the threads on the bolt studs.

Abstract: An apparatus to reduce the difficulty in tire wheel aligning/mounting in stud/lug nut applications. The apparatus is a detachable two-part mount stud extension assembly comprised of an extender and an adapter which is screwed onto a mount stud, thus extending the outward extension/reach of this mount stud beyond that of the unextended mount studs. The extender is a headed shaft. The adapter is a hollow cylinder whose one end has an internal thread which fits that of a mating mount stud, and whose other end has an extender alignment hole. The unheaded extender end is inserted into the threaded-end cavity of the adapter, on into the extender alignment hole. The adapter is screwed onto a mating mount stud, thus capturing the extender in one axial direction by the mount stud, and in the other axial direction by the adapter structure. An absence of extender axial end play signals safe and secure adapter/apparatus installation.

Abstract: An apparatus to reduce the difficulty in tire wheel aligning/mounting in stud/lug nut applications. The apparatus is a detachable two-part mount stud extension assembly comprised of an extender and an adapter which is screwed onto a mount stud, thus extending the outward extension/reach of this mount stud beyond that of the unextended mount studs. The extender is a headed shaft whose unheaded end has a connecting structure which enables the attachment of an extender extension. The adapter is a hollow cylinder whose one end has an internal thread which fits that of a mating mount stud, and whose other end has an extender alignment hole. The unheaded extender end is inserted into the threaded-end cavity of the adapter, on into the extender alignment hole. The adapter is screwed onto a mating mount stud, thus capturing the extender in one axial direction by the mount stud, and in the other axial direction by the adapter structure. The extender lies within the longitudinal length of the adapter.

Abstract: A wheel mounting tool for mounting a wheel having a plurality of mounting holes to a hub having a plurality of corresponding externally threaded mounting studs. The tool includes a socket portion with an internal thread for engaging a threaded stud of the hub, and an offset elongated handle portion pivotally attached to the socket portion. In use the tool can be threaded to a mounting stud of the hub, placed through a mounting hole of the wheel, and pivoted about the stud to lift and force the wheel onto the hub with all of the mounting holes of the wheel in alignment with all of the mounting studs of the hub.

Abstract: An elongated shank-type tool is provided including a handle on one end and an integral open convolution coil on the other end to be threadingly passed through a mounting stud receiving opening in a wheel after which the coil may be engaged over a vehicle hub wheel mounting stud, the handle end of the tool may be raised to elevate an associated wheel in alignment with the studs on the wheel hub and the lower portion of the wheel may be displaced inwardly toward an associated wheel hub for engaging the lower studs through the corresponding stud receiving openings. After a lug nut has been threaded on a lower stud, the coil may be disengaged from the associated wheel mounting hub stud and threaded back through the associated mounting stud receiving opening.

Abstract: A tire dismantling and setting device includes a roller holder for loading or holding tires thereon, an axle retainer pre-fixed on a car axle, a driving bolt rotatably secured on the roller holder, and a pair of tire fasteners fastening the tires on the roller holder, whereby upon a clockwise rotation of the driving bolt to urge the bolt coupled with the axle retainer against the car axle, the holder and the fastened tires can be dismantled conveniently and safely. When rotating the driving bolt counter-clockwise, the bracket, the tire fastener and the fastened tires are pushed rearwardly to be mounted on a car axle conveniently.

Abstract: Noncontact sensors project fanned or structured light onto the tire, while the wheel is rotated, to illuminate at least two contour lines on the surface of the tire. the contour lines are read by video cameras, positioned offset from the optical plane of the structured light, to allow triangulation in determining the spatial position of the contour lines. Radially equivalent points are selected from each contour line by an algorithm which ignores the effects of any raised lettering on the tire sidewalls. Control of the video cameras and processing of the video data is performed by parallel processor-based computer system coordinated by sequencer circuit.

Abstract: This arrangement for mounting disk wheels on motor vehicles has at least one sleeve 1 slippable over a wheel bolt 6, a mounting lever being pivotably attachable at the end of the sleeve 1.The sleeve 1 has at least one detachable insert 3, whose outer diameter is adapted to the inner diameter of the sleeve 1 and whose inner diameter is adapted to the diameter of the wheel bolt 6 so that the same sleeve can be used for wheel bolts of different diameters. (FIG.

Abstract: An apparatus to reduce the difficulty in tire wheel aligning/mounting in stud/lug nut applications. The apparatus is a detachable two-part mount stud extension assembly comprised of an extender and an adapter which is screwed onto a mount stud, thus extending the outward extension/reach of this mount stud beyond that of the unextended mount studs. The extender is a headed shaft, The adapter is a hollow cylinder whose one end has an internal thread which fits that of a mating mount stud, and whose other end has an extender alignment hole. The unheaded extender end is inserted into the threaded-end cavity of the adapter, on into the extender alignment hole. The adapter is screwed onto a mating mount stud, thus capturing the extender in one axial direction by the mount stud, and in the other axial direction by the adapter structure. An absence of extender axial end play signals safe and secure adapter/apparatus installation.

Abstract: An automatic wheel attachment apparatus for attaching a wheel to a wheel attachment member of an automotive body. The automatic wheel attachment apparatus includes a reorienting device for reorienting a wheel attachment surface of the wheel attachment member, a phasing device for phasing wheel attachment bolts on the wheel attachment member, the phasing device being movable longitudinally and vertically of the automotive body to bring the wheel attachment member and the phasing device into central alignment with each other, a detecting device for detecting the amount and direction of movement of the phasing device, and a nut runner for fastening the wheel to the wheel attachment member while the center of the wheel attachment member as detected by the detecting device is being held in alignment with the center of the wheel. At least the reorienting device, the phasing device, and the detecting device are combined in a single robot.

Abstract: A wheel puller for removing, transporting, and replacing large vehicle wheels and their corresponding brake drums is disclosed. The wheel puller includes a U-shaped metal frame having a central front portion and two arm portions. Upright members are disposed on or near said central portion and a horizontal pivot bar is mounted between the upright members. The pivot bar is vertically translatable on the upright members. A plurality of wheels are mounted on the frame to support and transport the frame. L-shaped wheel lifting arms pivotably mounted on the horizontal pivot bar pivot from a wheel engaging position to a handle position. In the wheel engaging position, the wheel lifting arms reside within the U-shaped frame and are parallel to and extend in the same direction as the arm portions. In the handle position, the wheel lifting arms reside on the side of the central portion opposite the arm portions and extend in a direction opposite to that of the arm portions.

Abstract: A tool and method for mounting a vehicle wheel comprising an elongated body having an integral tapered head and support housing. The tapered head is inserted through a vehicle wheel aperture so as to receive a lug bolt therein protruding from the vehicle hub. Reception of a lug bolt within the central bore aligns the lug bolt within the wheel aperture and maintains such alignment. This relationship allows the remaining lug bolt/aperture combinations to be properly aligned by the user prior to the fastening of the lug nut thereto.

Abstract: Noncontact sensors project fanned or structured light onto the tire, while the wheel is rotated, to illuminate at least two contour lines on the surface of the tire. The contour lines are read by video cameras, positioned offset from the optical plane of the structured light, to allow triangulation in determining the spatial position of the contour lines. Radially equivalent points are selected from each contour line by an algorithm which ignores the effects of any raised lettering on the tire sidewalls. Control of the video cameras and processing of the video data is performed by parallel processor-based computer system coordinated by sequencer circuit.

Abstract: A wheel puller for use on large wheel and tire assemblies has a plate adapted for attachment to a tire rim. A back plate is spaced apart from this plate and extends across the axis of the wheel hub. Two wedge blocks are placed between the back plate and the wheel hub on either side of the center line of the wheel hub. A driving wedge is inserted between each wedge block and the back plate.In the process of using the wheel puller, the driving wedges are alternately tapped with a light hammer to pull the rim away from the hub. If necessary wedging spacers may be inserted between the driving wedges and the backplate to increase the distance that the wheel rim may be driven off the hub.

Abstract: A wheel mounting device, comprising a handle mounted centered and normal to one surface of a crossbar, cylindric arms extending, respectively from the opposite surface of the crossbar, terminating in undercut heads having, respectively diameters larger than those of the arms, and a roller frame detachably mounted to the crossbar for manipulating the position of the wheel relative to a hub.

Abstract: A dislodging tool for dislodging a mounted wheel from a drum of a vehicle. The tool comprises, firstly, a base member having one end internally threaded to be threadably engageable and rotatable on a drum stud projecting through a stud hole of a wheel mounted on the drum. Secondly, the tool comprises a collar member having at least one ear element extending laterally therefrom, the collar member being slideable onto the base member and retainable thereon. Thirdly, the tool comprises a bar member for each ear element of the collar member, the bar member being passable through an opening in a mounted wheel and having at one end thereof a hook to engage the outer lip of the inside surface of said mounted wheel, with the bar member being mountable on the ear element. Relatedly provided is a dislodging and dismounting tool for dislodging and dismounting a mounted wheel from a drum of a vehicle.

Abstract: Tire and wheel mounting guides for use with wheel mounted tires adjustably positions opposed support members against the tread of the tire so that the tire and wheel are held in movable relation to a hub of a vehicle on which the tire and wheel are being positioned.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting the position of the center of rotation of a hub of each wheel of a vehicle, the hub having secured thereto a plurality of laterally extending hub bolts. The apparatus comprises a position-correcting member movable toward and away from the hub bolts so as to be capable of coming into engagement with a first one of the hub bolts and to rotate the hub until a second one of the hub bolts adjacent to the one hub bolt comes into engagement with the position-correcting member, thereby to adjust the angular position of the hub bolts to a desired orientation. There is further provided a position detector movable along the correcting member toward the first and second hub bolts in engagement with the correcting member until it comes into engagement with one of these hub bolts, thereby to detect the position of the contacted hub bolt. The position of the center of rotation of the hub is calculated on the basis of the amounts of displacements of the correcting member and the detector.

Abstract: A guide tool to assist in mounting and dismounting an automobile wheel on the hub mounting studs therefor includes an elongated hollow tubular body internally threaded at the ends thereof with different diameter threads for threaded engagement with either of two different size wheel studs. The outer surface of the body is cylindrical and dimensioned to be received through the stud holes of the wheel for guiding the wheel onto and off of the studs without sliding engagement between the wheel and the stud threads. Diametrically opposed recesses in the outer surface of the body intermediate the ends thereof provide a seat for an end wrench or the like to facilitate mounting the guide tool on or removing it from a wheel stud.

Abstract: A wheel-removing and handling dolly device for dual or single-tired vehicle wheel assemblies consisting of a wheeled base having an upstanding post containing a hydraulic lifting ram cylinder whose piston rod is connected to a carriage assembly slidably engaged on the post. Respective gripping lever arms are provided on opposite sides of the carriage assembly, the lever arms having tire-gripping members horizontally pivoted to their outer end portions adapted to grippingly engaged diametrically opposite portions of a wheel assembly. The inner end of one of the lever arms is operatively connected to a hydraulic clamping cylinder assembly. A hydraulic wheel puller cylinder is carried horizontally by the carriage, extending between the gripping lever arms and having an extensible piston rod provided with a wheel hub-engaging head portion.