Wheel Holding Means Patents (Class 157/14)
  • Patent number: 11491818
    Abstract: The disclosure discloses a high-precision wheel assembling device, which is high in size and shape precision, good in dynamic balance, high in fatigue strength, good in rigidity and elasticity, light in weight, attractive in appearance and recyclable in material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: CITIC Dicastal Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Weidong Liu, Shiwen Xu, Minglei Li
  • Patent number: 11370077
    Abstract: A device for removing burrs from bolt holes of an aluminum alloy wheel is composed of a frame, a support plate, clamping guide rails, clamping motors, clamping sliders, support rods, clamping wheels, racks, gears, a brush disc, a support sleeve, a feed slide, guide pillars, a feed linear motor, a pitch adjustment linear motor, a conical pitch head, horizontal push rods, sliders, springs, burr brush drive motors and burr brushes. The device can meet the requirements of an automatic production line and can be used for automatically removing burrs from the inner walls of bolt hole countersinks. The device has certain flexibility and can adjust pitch diameter, can be used for removing burrs from bolt hole countersinks having different diameters, and is easy to manufacture, economical, practical and convenient to operate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: CITIC DICASTAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Huiying Liu, Song Li
  • Patent number: 11364597
    Abstract: The disclosure provides a tire centering fixture including: a gear, a first rack, a second rack, a third rack, a shaft sleeve, and a guide cylinder. The first rack, the second rack, and the third rack are engaged with the gear. The gear is disposed around the shaft sleeve; the gear and the shaft sleeve are disposed on the guide cylinder. The guide cylinder includes a central cavity and a base wall. The base wall includes a central hole and a circular recess; a lower end of the shaft sleeve is in movable fit with the circular recess of the base wall, and a lower end face thereof is flush with the bottom surface of the circular recess. A locating base is disposed on the upper end face of the guide cylinder and is fixed on the guide cylinder. The locating base functions as an end cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2022
    Inventor: Jian Huang
  • Patent number: 10828948
    Abstract: The present invention regards a group for supporting and tightening a rim of or for a tired wheel, and such group includes a base, a wheel-holder table, an upright or column projecting upward from the base and supporting at the top the wheel-holder table, a shaft or pin mounted in or alongside the upright or column, a sleeve element or ring nut element constrainable or mountable on the shaft or pin and means for the relative movement of the shaft or pin and of the table.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: BUTLER ENGINEERING AND MARKETING S.P.A.
    Inventor: Tullio Gonzaga
  • Patent number: 10752064
    Abstract: A fixture for eccentric clamping of a wheel is composed of a base (1), a cylinder (2), a cylinder support (3), a connecting seat (4), a movable positioning seat (5), a guide rail sliding seat (6), a linear guide rail (7) and a fixed positioning seat (8), wherein the cylinder support (3), the linear guide rail (7) and the fixed positioning seat (8) are fixed on the base (1), the cylinder (2) is mounted on the cylinder support (3), an output shaft of the cylinder (2) is connected with the connecting seat (4), the connecting seat (4) is connected with the linear guide rail (7) via the guide rail sliding seat (6), the movable positioning seat (5) is fixed on the connecting seat (4), and the cylinder (2) is configured to drive the connecting seat (4) and the movable positioning seat (5) to move along the linear guide rail (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Weidong Liu, Fengyan Liu, Jiandong Guo, Xiaoguang Huang, Yao Zheng, Xiao Liu
  • Patent number: 10207556
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an axle unit comprising a stub axle and an axle tube, wherein the stub axle has a longitudinal channel which extends inside the stub axle substantially along a stub axis, wherein the stub axle has a transverse channel which extends inside the stub axle substantially transversely to the stub axis and opens to the environment at the outer face of the stub axle, wherein the longitudinal channel and the transverse channel are connected together, wherein the stub axle has a stub joining region to which the hollow-bodied axle tube can be secured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: SAF-HOLLAND GmbH
    Inventors: Armin Christ, Kerstin Kreiner
  • Patent number: 10189066
    Abstract: WHEEL STRAIGHTENER DEVICE describes a constructive configuration in wheel straightener equipment, used for the correction of warped wheel of motor vehicle, in which the modifications applied to the new device relates primarily to the improvement in manufacture and use of such devices, aiming to eliminate the jack and improve wheel support points on the equipment, as well as providing a flange that has a universal feature that meets all 4, 5 and 6-hole models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GAHOTECH SISTEMAS AUTOMOTIVOS EIRELI-EPP
    Inventor: Adilson Garcia
  • Patent number: 9815157
    Abstract: A circumferential positioning device of automobile hub having rotary positioning seat, transition seat, bearing, positioning pin, positioning cylinder, bearing, base frame, main rotating shaft with sliding spline, coupling assembly, link snap-gauge assembly, lead screw, connecting bolt, nut, servo motor, lower bracket of main rotating shaft, small bracket of belt servo motor, belt pulley servo motor, small belt pulley axle, small belt pulley, belt, large belt pulley. The device in the present invention two radial grooves passing through the center that are formed in the bottom surface of the flange of the hub, correspond to the spoke direction on the facade of the hub and are just matched with the two radial bosses passing through the center on the top face of the positioning seat to achieve a positioning purpose.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: CITIC Dicastal CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jinling Yang, Li Yang, Liang Ma, Zhi Chen, Yongwang Zhao, Guoyuan Xiong, Zhihua Zhu, Zuo Xu
  • Patent number: 9283820
    Abstract: A center clamping mechanism for a wheel assembly service machine such as a tire changer machine includes a back cone centering element projecting outwardly from a platen and configured to engage a center bore of the wheel rim hub mount pad from an inner side of the hub mount pad. The centering element may include a compliant element configured to at least partially support the weight of the wheel rim and tire when being clamped. A pivot arm defines a contact surface for the inner side of the wheel rim hub mount pad, and when the tire is rotated by an operator with the inner side in contact with the contact surface, an anti-rotate pin carried on the pivot arm may be adjusted in radial position relative to the drive axis to accommodate different lug holes at varying lug bolt circle diameters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Engineering Company
    Inventor: Douglas S. Hanneken
  • Patent number: 9132706
    Abstract: A device (1) for locking wheel rims for vehicles on repair workshop machines, particularly tire-changing machines or the like, includes a fastening apparatus (2) associable in a removable way with at least a supporting arrangement (B) of the rim of a wheel (A) in a vehicle repair workshop machine or the like, a stop element (3) engageable on a rim arranged on the supporting arrangement (B) for locking the rim itself and a simultaneous movement apparatus (4) associated with the fastening apparatus (2) and with the stop element (3) and suitable for simultaneously moving the fastening apparatus (2) and the stop element (3) between a release configuration, wherein the fastening apparatus is released from the supporting arrangement and the stop element is substantially disengaged from the rim, and a locking configuration, wherein the fastening apparatus is associated with the supporting arrangement and the stop element is engaged on the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: GIULIANO GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Bonacini
  • Patent number: 9004137
    Abstract: The invention relates to bicycle work stands for making repairs and changing and mounting tubeless tires. There is provided a one-sided wheel work stand with a pivotal upper wheel bracket which allows the user to work unobstructed on the wheel and then acts as a device to lay the wheel flat for better sealing. In related embodiments, the work stand is configured to assist a user in adapting 32 mm 15 QR axle hubs and in truing a bicycle wheel while attached to the work stand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Inventors: Timothy Voegeli, Philip Voegeli
  • Patent number: 8776858
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for mounting and removing a tire (2) on and from a respective rim (3) comprises: a movement element (9) for moving a bead (2a) of the tire (2) in order to insert/remove the bead (2a) into/from a respective groove in the rim (3); means (4) for supporting and moving the rim (3), designed to rotationally drive the rim about its longitudinal axis; characterized in that the means (4) for supporting and moving the rim (3) comprise a sensor (252) for measuring the mechanical strain applied to the supporting and movement means (4) as a result of the mechanical stress on the bead (2a) of the tire (2) during mounting/removal of the latter on/from the rim (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    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
  • Publication number: 20140102644
    Abstract: A safety system for containment of explosion when servicing a tire mounted on a rim includes an enclosure capable of receiving the tire and provided with openings to allow passage of air upon tire explosion, and a support device attached to the enclosure for contacting the tire to secure thereof in a servicing position within the enclosure and without contacting the rim. The system also includes a first energy absorbing unit attached to and located within the enclosure to face a first rim side and capable of substantially absorb kinetic energy of first rim parts ejected upon tire explosion. The system further includes a second energy absorbing unit attached to and located within the enclosure to face a second rim side and capable of substantially absorb kinetic energy of second rim parts and any portion of the tire ejected upon tire explosion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Sylvain Bilodeau, Jean-Claude Ouellet, Denis Hotte, Bertrand Maheux
  • Publication number: 20140083626
    Abstract: The invention relates to bicycle work stands for making repairs and changing and mounting tubeless tires. There is provided a one-sided wheel work stand with a pivotal upper wheel bracket which allows the user to work unobstructed on the wheel and then acts as a device to lay the wheel flat for better sealing. In related embodiments, the work stand is configured to assist a user in adapting 32 mm 15 QR axle hubs and in truing a bicycle wheel while attached to the work stand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Inventor: Timothy Voegeli
  • Patent number: 8636048
    Abstract: The tire run-flat ring removal and installation machine includes three basic embodiments, each having a tire support table (14) and actuators for removing and/or reinstalling the run-flat ring (R) in the tire (T). The actuators may be hydraulically, pneumatically, or electromechanically powered, and save the technician considerable time and effort in the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Inventors: James R. Carawan, Monica L. Carawan, Al Turner, Jennifer Turner, Dale Hall
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130248120
    Abstract: An automatic anti-slipping system for a rotationally fixed attachment of a rim of a wheel in a wheel service machine, comprises a wheel supporting and rotating means (20), for supporting and rotating a wheel to be serviced. At least two driving pins (32) are provided at the wheel supporting and rotating means (20) for reversibly generating a rotationally fixed connection between a wheel supporting and rotating means (20) and a rim of a wheel to be serviced, wherein at least one of the at least two driving pins (32) is adapted to come in a positive locking engagement with at least one recess of a rim, and wherein the at least two driving pins (32) are adapted to be reversibly moveable, and actuator means (40) are able to reversibly move the driving pins (32) in an actuated state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2012
    Publication date: September 26, 2013
    Inventor: Paolo SOTGIU
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20130025797
    Abstract: A device (1) for locking wheel rims for vehicles on repair workshop machines, particularly tyre-changing machines or the like, includes a fastening apparatus (2) associable in a removable way with at least a supporting arrangement (B) of the rim of a wheel (A) in a vehicle repair workshop machine or the like, a stop element (3) engageable on a rim arranged on the supporting arrangement (B) for locking the rim itself and a simultaneous movement apparatus (4) associated with the fastening apparatus (2) and with the stop element (3) and suitable for simultaneously moving the fastening apparatus (2) and the stop element (3) between a release configuration, wherein the fastening apparatus is released from the supporting arrangement and the stop element is substantially disengaged from the rim, and a locking configuration, wherein the fastening apparatus is associated with the supporting arrangement and the stop element is engaged on the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Publication date: January 31, 2013
    Applicant: GIULIANO GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio BONACINI
  • Publication number: 20120279667
    Abstract: The tire run-flat ring removal and installation machine includes three basic embodiments, each having a tire support table (14) and actuators for removing and/or reinstalling the run-flat ring (R) in the tire (T). The actuators may be hydraulically, pneumatically, or electromechanically powered, and save the technician considerable time and effort in the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: James R. Carawan, Monica L. Carawan, Al Turner, Jennifer Turner, Dale Hale
  • Publication number: 20120255682
    Abstract: A tire support stand includes a connecting arm and a telescopic arm, both connected to a securing bracket. The telescopic arm is pivotally connected to the securing bracket, while the connecting arm is firmly affixed to the securing bracket. The telescopic arm includes a sleeve member and an extendable arm which extends in and out of the sleeve member. The tire support stand has two configurations: (1) an upright configuration in which the connecting arm is mounted in a tripod; and (2) an L-shaped configuration in which the connecting arm is mounted to a trailer hitch receiver. In the upright configuration, a spindle platform is mounted on top of the connecting arm for receiving a tire. In the L-shaped configuration, the telescopic arm is rotated to a position perpendicular to the connecting arm and the spindle platform is mounted on top of the telescopic arm for receiving a tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph C. Orr
  • Patent number: 8235084
    Abstract: A device for truing and regulating the tension of spoked running wheels includes a support device for stationarily clamping the hub of the running wheel, a measuring device for determining the lateral and top eccentricity of the rim, a device for fixing a motor-driven nipple wrench to the spoke nipple, a device for manually adjusting spoke tension. The hub of the running wheel is clamped for measuring symmetrical to the axial radial plane; both lateral and top eccentricity and rim anomalies on the same radial rim segment can be read out directly and electronically with or without the tires fitted. A wrench can be installed in existing devices; and is suitable for manual and motor-driven applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Inventor: Christoph Rugel
  • Publication number: 20120055636
    Abstract: A device for locking wheel rims for vehicles on repair workshop machines, has a supporting structure rotating around a work axis with a repair workshop machine or the like and has a resting portion for a wheel rim for vehicles, a locking element removably connected to a fastening element on the supporting structure, and a movement arrangement. The movement arrangement has a main actuator cylinder with fluid operation suitable for moving the fastening element from a release position, wherein the locking element is disengaged from the rim, to a retention position, wherein the locking element is engaged on the rim, an auxiliary actuator cylinder with fluid operation suitable for moving the fastening element from the release position to the retention position of the rim, and a feeding mouth for a fluid connected to one of the main actuator cylinder and the auxiliary actuator cylinder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2011
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Applicant: GIULIANO GROUP S.p.A.
    Inventor: Maurizio Bonacini
  • Patent number: 8011412
    Abstract: An apparatus for protecting the exterior or polished surface of wheels as tires are removed and placed on the wheel. The apparatus includes a substantially flat base having a plurality of stanchions extending out from the base. Each stanchion has a collar positioned adjacent to the base that includes a diameter greater than the stanchion. The stanchions are sized to fit through the bolt holes of the wheel in order to generally align each stanchion with one of those holes. Each collar is sized to be preferably slightly larger than the average bolt, or lug, hole on the wheel. Additionally, each collar is sized to cover substantially the same area as the lug nut or nut that normally attaches the wheels to the vehicle upon which they are used.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Assignee: Melzo Innovations
    Inventors: J. Stephen Farley, Bill Cropper, Clay Spivey
  • Publication number: 20110192548
    Abstract: A tire cage is disclosed for containing the debris from a tire explosion. The cage includes a lightweight energy absorbing material for protecting structural members of the cage from tire explosion damage so that the cage is reusable. The energy absorbing material may be a metallic foam or other open celled structured material that is able to absorb large amounts of kinetic energy by permanently deforming. The cage is particularly effective in containing explosions of large equipment tires 6 to 12 feet in diameter and having a stored kinetic energy in a range of approximately 900 kilojoules to 1500 kilojoules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Applicant: Goldcorp Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis J. Dupray, Donald Kent Wilson
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7775249
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering a tire on a wheel for concentrically mounting the tire on the wheel. The tire and wheel assembly are placed on an arched member which gravitationally centers assembly on the arched member. Further, the arched member is also a rest for the tire sidewall to seal the bead of the tire on the wheel. A tire stand for handling, positioning and assisting in seating a bead is also provided. The tire stand also has an arched member to center the tire on the wheel. Two forks cradle a vertically positioned tire to initially position the tire and wheel assembly over the arched member. The tire stand is configured to be tilted to a horizontal position with the tire and wheel assembly inserted, thereby centering the assembly on the arched member. A beading device can then be activated to the concentric tire and wheel assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Ochoa Brothers, Inc.
    Inventor: Sandy Ochoa
  • Publication number: 20100200174
    Abstract: The blocking device (10) of a wheel rim (100) on a tyre-mounting machine is provided with a rotating support plate (5) having a central hole (6), and comprises a stem (11) for engaging with the rotating support plate (5), and a cursor (15) which is slidable on the stem (11) and which comprises a conical centring body (16) and means for activating for moving the cursor (15) along the stem (11). The means for activating comprise a mechanical transmission between a collar (20) and a motor (28) and the coupling between the cursor (15) and the stem (11) is such as to prevent rotation of the cursor (15) about the stem (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2010
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: CORGHI S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giulio CORGHI, Andrea Bacchi
  • Publication number: 20090194239
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for centering a tire on a wheel for concentrically mounting the tire on the wheel. The tire and wheel assembly are placed on an arched member which gravitationally centers assembly on the arched member. Further, the arched member is also a rest for the tire sidewall to seal the bead of the tire on the wheel. A tire stand for handling, positioning and assisting in seating a bead is also provided. The tire stand also has an arched member to center the tire on the wheel. Two forks cradle a vertically positioned tire to initially position the tire and wheel assembly over the arched member. The tire stand is configured to be tilted to a horizontal position-with the tire and wheel assembly inserted, thereby centering the assembly on the arched member. A beading device can then be activated to the concentric tire and wheel assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Sandy Ochoa
  • Patent number: 7546865
    Abstract: A machine for assembling and disassembling a tyre fitted with a rigid inner run-flat ring, wherein the machine is a tyre removing machine having a turntable; a tool column located alongside the turntable and having a guide located alongside and parallel to the turntable; a slide mounted to run along the guide; and an actuating device for moving the slide along the guide; the tyre removing machine having tooling defined by a first tool fitted to the turntable to support the tyre and the rigid ring, and by a second tool fitted to the slide and movable with the slide along the tool column to engage the rigid ring and move the rigid ring with respect to the tyre.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Bridgestone Corporation
    Inventors: Fabrizio Giovannucci, Vittorio Collepardi
  • Publication number: 20090020231
    Abstract: A device for truing and regulating the tension of spoked running wheels includes a support device for stationarily clamping the hub of the running wheel, a measuring device for determining the lateral and top eccentricity of the rim, a device for fixing a motor-driven nipple wrench to the spoke nipple, a device for manually adjusting spoke tension. The hub of the running wheel is clamped for measuring symmetrical to the axial radial plane; both lateral and top eccentricity and rim anomalies on the same radial rim segment can be read out directly and electronically with or without the tires fitted. A wrench can be installed in existing devices; and is suitable for manual and motor-driven applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2006
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Inventor: Christoph Rugel
  • Publication number: 20080105358
    Abstract: A chuck and a chuck system, and a method for processing a toroidal structure such as a tire carcass. The carcass includes an internal circumference and tapered ends. The chuck system comprises a plurality of chucks wherein each chuck includes a circumferential or substantially circumferential external surface and a plurality of friction reducing members positioned on the external surface. The friction reducing members are positioned to engage the internal circumference of the toroidal structure such as a tire. The method of processing a tire carcass includes positioning the tire carcass on fixed diameter chucks having friction reducing members on the external surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2006
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Inventors: Amir Serdarevic, John J. Kaiser, William Lutes
  • Patent number: 7296351
    Abstract: A tired-wheel having a wheel-rim and a tire thereon is automatically serviced. The method includes loading the tired-wheel onto a motor-driven support mounted for rotation about an axis of rotation, centering the tired-wheel with respect to the axis of rotation, and holding it by use of the motor-driven rotatable support, urging the wheel-rim against the rotatable support by use of an urging device so as to make the tired-wheel rigid in rotation with the rotatable support, disassembling the tire from the wheel-rim by use of a pair of working arms, moving away the urging device and removing the disassembled tire, loading a new tire onto the wheel-rim, repositioning the urging device and urging the wheel-rim against the rotatable support, and mounting the new tire onto the wheel-rim by use of the pair of working arms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Butler Engineering & Marketing SPA
    Inventor: Tullio Gonzaga
  • Patent number: 7293595
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotatable wheel rim support group designed to be mounted on an assembling-disassembling machine. The support group includes at least one pair of annular plate-shaped members designed to abut against the wheel rim on a side opposite to that of a removable locking device, the plate-shaped members being arranged facing and approachable to and retractable from one another about a control shaft, a plurality of friction engagement members disposed angularly displaced and partly formed in one of the annular plate-shaped members and partly in the other, and support and rotational motion transmission members between the control shaft and one of the annular plate-shaped members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Butler Engineering & Marketing, S.p.A.
    Inventor: Tullio Gonzaga
  • 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: 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: 7143801
    Abstract: A spindle for fastening rims of vehicle wheels on repair shop machines, which comprises a frame that can be associated rotationally about a working axis with a repair shop machine, six or more movable arms that are associated with the frame, are distributed around the working axis and can rotate about respective rotation axes that lie on a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the working axis, and claws for gripping the rim of a vehicle wheel, which are associated with the arms and on which it is possible to fit the internal cylindrical portion of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Sicam S.R.L.
    Inventor: Marco Matteucci
  • Patent number: 7108036
    Abstract: The device includes a special tool for extracting an upper bead of a tire; the tool is of such a shape and is activated in such a way as to automate the tire dismounting operation reliably and safely. The device comprises other tools, used in the lower bead extraction operation and in the mounting of a tire, which tools are operated using compressed-air actuators which operate tool-bearing arms according to preset trajectories and runs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2006
    Assignee: Snap-On Equipment S.r.l.
    Inventor: Rino Spaggiari
  • Patent number: 7089987
    Abstract: An apparatus for servicing a tired wheel for motor vehicles, which comprises a tire assembling-disassembling machine provided with a rotatable motor-driven support (3) for supporting a wheel to be handled, sensor means (4, 5) for controlling both the position of, and the load on, the rotatable support (3), urging locking means (6) designed to act on the middle portion of the wheel-rim to make the wheel rigid in rotation with the rotatable support (3), detecting means (7, 7a, 7b) designed to measure the size of the wheel-rim, and program control means (EC).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Butler Engineering and Marketing S.p.A.
    Inventor: Tullio Gonzaga
  • Patent number: 6923200
    Abstract: A safety device for inflating an envelope at risk of bursting comprising: a tubular body, a piston element slidably and sealably mounted within at least one inner portion of the tubular body; at least one piston rod integral with the piston element and extending so as to protrude from a first end of the tubular body; an annular bottom member, located in the tubular body or at the first end of the tubular body and suitable for slidably guiding the piston rod and for closing the tubular body whereby delimiting an annular space together with the tubular body and with the piston; removable anchoring device suitable for acting at a protruding end of piston rod and for constraining the piston rod to a support; at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening formed in the tubular body at the annular space, in operation said inlet opening being suitable for being connected to a pressurize fluid source and the outlet opening being designed to be connected to the envelope to be pressurized; and a yielding re
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2005
    Inventor: Tullio Gonzaga
  • Patent number: 6854194
    Abstract: A wheel centering adapter for being applied to an elongated mounting shaft designed for extending through a center hole of a vehicle wheel. The centering adapter cooperates with a clamping assembly to align and center the wheel relative to the shaft. The centering adapter includes an adapter body defining a cylindrical through-bore designed to receive the mounting shaft. A protective liner is formed adjacent the through-bore of the adapter body and has a non-abrasive surface for protecting the mounting shaft from wear upon application and removal of the centering adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: Allan H. Hansen
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20040094272
    Abstract: A machine for presenting a tire with the axis horizontal, allowing access to the inside of the tire, which has a frame bearing an upright on which a support for the tire is mounted for vertical translation, the support ensuring on its own the holding and rotation of the tire about its axis by being in contact with the latter solely via a toric section of the tire, this section being arranged substantially vertically when the tire is installed on the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Applicant: Michelin Recherche Et Technique S.A.
    Inventors: Gerard Baumgartner, Denis Bidon, Emil Willi Reppel
  • Patent number: 6527032
    Abstract: An automatic bead release device for tire removal machines, comprising, for supporting the wheel rim complete with tire, rotary means associated with a frame which supports a bead release disc in contact with the tire just external to the flange of the wheel rim, a shaft parallel to its axis of rotation, on which said frame slides to approach and withdraw from the wheel rim, means for moving said frame along said shaft, and means for lightly inserting said disc below the flange of the wheel rim after it has come into contact with it.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20010042602
    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: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2001
    Publication date: November 22, 2001
    Inventor: Remo Corghi
  • Patent number: 6273171
    Abstract: A bead breaking device (10) to break a bead (71) from a rim (81) of a wheel (80), comprising an assembly (20, 90) for mounting the device upon a wheel; a first arm (40) pivotally connected to the assembly; means for rotating (50) the first arm; and a breaking tool (60), carried at one end of the first arm and rotatable therewith relative to the assembly. A method for breaking a tire bead from a rim of a wheel, comprises the steps of mounting a wheel and a tire on a bead breaking machine; locating a bead breaking device on the machine, the device providing a bead breaking tool and at least a first arm carrying the tool at one end; forcing the bead breaking tool between the bead of the tire and the rim at one point on the circumference of the rim; and rotating the first arm and bead breaking tool sufficiently to cause the tool to separate the seal between the bead and the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Assignee: Summit Tool Company
    Inventor: Roger Kliskey
  • Patent number: 6240995
    Abstract: An apparatus for mounting tires on a wheel rim and removing tires from a wheel rim which comprises a shaft member mounted for rotation on a base member, a hub member operatively associated with said shaft member for rotation therewith, said hub member containing a cavity therein, means for rigidly securing the wheel rim to a centrally disposed rod, said rod extending as free ends from opposite sides of said wheel rim for selectively mounting the wheel rim within the hub cavity from either of said opposite sides thereof, engaging means mounted for substantially vertical and horizontal movement relative to said shaft members for bringing said engaging means into contact with a tire to be mounted on the wheel rim, and actuator means for moving said engaging means in said substantially vertical and horizontal direction to achieve said contact with said tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Corghi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Remo Corghi