US 9,434,221 B2 · Tire machine clamping system

Abstract

Apparatuses and methods for adapting a tire machine to accept small wheel assemblies. A first embodiment includes a cross shaped guide with clamp adapters that glide in unison to engage and disengage the small wheel assembly via a rim hooking structure that extends the reach of the OEM tire clamps. Each clamp adapter is set over the OEM tire clamps and is engaged or closed via an engagement clip and opened or disengaged via a disengagement clip disposed on each clamp adapter. Another embodiment includes individual clamp adapters that are slid over the OEM tire clamps to extend the reach of the OEM tire clamps. A stop hook is disposed on the clamp adapters to engage a clamp hook on the OEM tire clamp when the tire machine is activated which engages a raised adapter hook on each clamp adapter to the small wheel assembly rim edge.

Claims11

Dependent claims

A tire machine adapter for connection to an existing tire machine having a plurality of tire clamps to extend a range of reach for small wheel assemblies, the tire machine adapter comprising:

a guide having a plurality of linear arms;
a plurality of clamp adapters configured to connect to each respective tire clamp, wherein each clamp adapter is configured to slide along a respective linear arm of the guide;
a tongue and a retracting adjustable clip disposed on each clamp adapter for respectively engaging substantially opposite facing surfaces on each tire clamp;
and
a rim edge hooking structure disposed on each clamp adapter.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Tire machine clamping system

Life of this patent

Tire machine clamping system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims11