This invention relates in general to the field of tyre handling and, in particular, to methods and apparatuses for fitting and removing a tyre on a wheel rim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tyre handling apparatuses are used for fitting and removing tyres e.g. to replace a tyre which is worn or damaged with a new tyre, or to replace a tyre with another tyre which is better suited to certain conditions e.g. the weather or terrain.

It is beneficial for a tyre handling apparatus to be portable. In particular, for mobile tyre service providers, or in a competitive environment, e.g. car, UTV and buggy racing, it is important for a tyre handling apparatus to be lightweight and compact.

Existing solutions for a portable tyre handling apparatus include a fixed base to grasp and rotate the wheel rim. For these apparatuses, an external support structure is required to support a mount/demount tool, e.g. a duck head, in a suitable position to engage with the wheel rim. Such supporting structures are generally very large and heavy.

Alternatively, existing solutions may include a base section for grasping a wheel rim in place, with the duck head coaxially mounted. For these apparatuses, the duck head is generally operated with a long arm or lever to rotate around a circumference of the wheel rim. Such a lever is not compact, and the force required to drive the duck head generally means that the tyre handling apparatus must be fixed to the ground.

The present invention aims to address these problems in the state of the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a tyre handling apparatus according to claim 1 .

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of removing and/or fitting a tyre on a wheel rim according to claim 8.

Optional features are as set out in the dependent claims. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a tyre handling apparatus according to an embodiment;

Figure 2 shows a tyre handling apparatus according to an embodiment;

Figure 3 is an exploded view showing a tyre handling apparatus according to an embodiment;

Figure 4 shows a driving unit of a tyre handling apparatus according to an embodiment;

Figure 5 shows a mount/demount unit of a tyre handling apparatus according to an embodiment;

Figure 6 shows a tyre handling apparatus according to an embodiment;

Figure 7 shows a tyre handling apparatus according to an embodiment;

Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a method of removing and/or fitting a tyre on a wheel rim according to an embodiment;

Figure 9 shows a step of the method according to an embodiment;

Figure 10 shows a step of the method according to an embodiment;

Figure 1 1 shows a step of the method according to an embodiment;

Figure 1 2 shows a step of the method according to an embodiment;

Figure 1 3 shows a step of the method according to an embodiment;

Figure 14 shows a step of the method according to an embodiment;

Figure 15 shows a step of the method according to an embodiment; and

Figure 16 shows a step of the method according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a tyre handling apparatus, and a method of removing and/or fitting a tyre on a wheel rim. In particular, the tyre handling apparatus is configured to hold a wheel rim and engage a mount/demount tool with the wheel rim to fit or remove a tyre.

Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings shows a tyre handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The tyre handling apparatus 1 comprises a central axle 10, a coupling part 20, a driving unit 30 and a mount/demount unit 40.

Figure 2 of the accompanying drawings shows a tyre handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. As shown, the central axle 10 is configured to mount a wheel rim A.

By mounting the wheel rim A on a central axle 10 of the tyre handling apparatus 1 , the tyre handling apparatus 1 can be made more compact. Furthermore, the apparatus can be well balanced around the central axle 10, reducing the amount of stabilisation required for the apparatus. This can reduce a weight required for a supporting structure of the apparatus, and avoid the need to secure the apparatus in place. In this way, implementations of the tyre handling apparatus 1 can be made portable.

Figure 3 of the accompanying drawings shows an exploded view showing a tyre handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The coupling part 20 is rotatably mounted on the central axle 10. The coupling part 20 is configured to couple to a mounted wheel rim, such that rotation of the coupling part 20 causes rotation of the wheel rim.

By rotating the wheel rim relative to the mount/demount unit 40 using a driving unit 30, the amount of torque required to overcome the frictional resistance between the tyre and the duck head can be provided with a small motor or manual driving unit. In this way, the size and weight of the apparatus can be reduced. Furthermore, a smaller driving unit with a low torque can increase stability of the apparatus, and avoid the need to secure the apparatus in place. In this way, implementations of the tyre handling apparatus 1 can be made portable.

In some embodiments, the mount/demount unit 40 may be slidably mounted on the central axle 10. In this way, the mount/demount unit 40 can be arranged at the correct position along the central axle 10 for a variety of differently sized wheel rims. Furthermore, the mount/demount can slide along the central axle 10 to disengage the mount/demount unit 40 from the wheel rim and allow demounting of a wheel rim. In some embodiments, the mount/demount unit 40 may be configured to be demounted from an end of the central axle 10 distal from the coupling part 20. In this way, a wheel rim can be mounted on the central axle 10 between the coupling part 20 and the mount/demount unit 40. In some examples, the mount/demount unit 40 may be configured to slide off and onto one end of the central axle 10. For example, the mount/demount unit 40 or a bracket of the mount/demount unit 40 may include an opening to receive one end of the central axle 10. In some examples, the mount/demount unit 40 may be configured to clamp onto a mid-point of the central axle 10, or fix onto one of the central axle 10 with the screw and/or bolt attachment.

In some embodiments, the central axle 10 may include a first portion 1 1 with a circular crosssection for mounting the wheel rim and a second portion 12 with a polygonal cross-section for mounting the mount/demount unit 40. In this way, a wheel rim with a circular opening may freely rotate on the first portion 1 1 , and the mount/demount portion may be engaged with the polygonal cross-section of the second portion 1 2 to fix an angular position of the mount/demount unit 40. For example, the mount/demount unit 40 may include a polygonal opening corresponding to the second portion 1 2, such that the second portion 1 2 is free to pass through the polygonal opening but restricted from rotating within the polygonal opening.

In some examples, an outer radius of the second portion 1 2 may be smaller than or the same as an outer radius of the first portion 1 1 . In this way, the wheel rim may pass freely over both portions when mounted or unmounted from the central axle 10. Alternatively, in some examples, the cross-section of the central axle 10 may be polygonal along its full length, or may be generally circular with one or more flat portions to engage with the mount/demount unit 40.

Figure 4 of the accompanying drawings shows a driving unit 30 of a tyre handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The driving unit 30 is configured to rotate the coupling part 20.

As described above, implementations of the tyre handling apparatus 1 can use a small motor or manual driving unit 30. In this way, the size and weight of the apparatus can be reduced. Furthermore, a smaller driving unit 30 with a lower torque can increase stability of the apparatus, and avoid the need to secure the apparatus in place. In this way, implementations of the tyre handling apparatus 1 can be made portable.

In some embodiments, the driving unit 30 may include a control unit 31 to activate and/or deactivate the driving unit 30. For example, the driving unit 30 may include an electronic switch implemented in, e.g., a floor pedal (as shown in Figure 3). In some embodiments, the driving unit 30 may include a motor 32 and a gearbox 33. In some embodiments, the gearbox 33 may include a worm gear reducer. In this way, a low-torque, high-speed output of the motor 32 may be converted to a low-speed, high-torque rotation of the coupling part 20. In some examples, the driving unit 30 may include a chain or belt drive 34 to account for different angles of input and output of the gearbox 33. In this way, the driving unit 30 can be positioned directly below the gearbox 33, lowering a centre of mass of the tyre handling apparatus 1 and reducing the overall dimensions.

In some embodiments, the gearbox 33 may include a direct reducer. In this way, the number of components and the overall dimensions of the tyre handling apparatus 1 can be reduced.

As shown in Figure 1 , the coupling part 20 may include an engaging plate 21 arranged perpendicular to the central axle 10, and a plurality of wheel studs 22 attached to the engaging plate 21 and arranged to engage with a plurality of bolt holes in the mounted wheel rim. In some examples, the engaging plate 21 may include a pattern of stud holes, allowing the plurality of wheel studs 22 to be arranged in a variety of configurations suitable for a variety of different wheel rims. Alternatively, in some examples, the coupling part 20 may include a grasping or clamping mechanism to couple with the wheel rim.

In some embodiments, the coupling part 20 may include a cylindrical sleeve 23 configured to fit around the central axle 10. The engaging plate 21 may be fixed at one end of the sleeve, and a drive wheel 24 may be fixed at the other end. The driving unit 30 may be configured to rotate the drive wheel 24. In this way, the driving unit 30 may be arranged at a point on the central axle 10 distal from the coupling part 20. The drive wheel 24, cylindrical sleeve 23 and engaging plate 21 may be fixed as a single piece to rotate together around the central axle 10. Alternatively, in some examples, the driving unit 30 may be configured to rotate the engaging plate 21 directly.

In some embodiments, a conical spacer 50 may be arranged between the mounted wheel rim and the mount/demount unit 40. The conical spacer 50 may be mounted on the central axle 10 between the mounted wheel rim and the mount/demount unit 40. The conical spacer 50 may be configured to keep the mounted wheel rim in position, by urging the wheel rim against the coupling part 20. In some examples, the conical spacer 50 may be formed with a circular cross section and a conical profile, wherein a radius of the conical spacer 50 decreases in the direction of the central axle 10. The conical spacer 50 may be arranged to have an end with the smallest radius directed to towards the wheel rim. In this way, the conical spacer 50 can be made to fit into a central opening of any size on a variety of wheel rims. In some examples, the conical spacer 50 is configured to be demounted from the central axle 10 to allow a wheel rim to be mounted onto the central axle 10.

Figure 5 of the accompanying drawings shows a mount/demount unit 40 of a tyre handling apparatus 1 according to an embodiment. The mount/demount unit 40 is mounted on the central axle 10. The mount/demount unit 40 is mounted with a fixed angular position. The mount/demount unit 40 comprises a mount/demount tool 41. The mount/demount tool 41 is arranged to engage with the mounted wheel rim to fit or remove a tyre.

By arranging the mount/demount unit 40 on the central axle 10, the tyre handling apparatus 1 can be made more compact, as there are no elements required to be outside an outer circumference of a mounted tyre. The mount/demount unit 40 and a mounted wheel rim share a common axis provided by the central axle 10, so the mount/demount tool 41 can be arranged at a fixed position to engage with the mounted wheel rim. By rotating the wheel rim relative to the mount/demount unit 40, the mount/demount unit 40 can be mounted using a simple attachment with a fixed angular position, reducing the complexity of the device and allowing the mount/demount device to be easily demounted while a wheel rim is mounted onto the central axle 10.

In some embodiments, the mount/demount unit 40 may comprise a bracket 42 mounted on the central axle 10 with a fixed angular position, and a support arm 43 slidably attached to the bracket 41 and arranged to extend radially out from the central axle 10. The mount/demount tool 41 is fixed at an end of the support arm distal from the central axle 10. In this way, the mount/demount tool 41 can be arranged to engage with a variety of differently sized wheel rims. Alternatively, in some examples, the mount/demount tool 41 may be arranged at a fixed radius adapted for a specific size of wheel rim.

As shown, the mount/demount unit 40 may include one or more control levers 44. Each of the control levers 44 may be configured to engage a braking mechanism to fix a position of the mount/demount unit 40. For example, a first control lever 44a may lock a position of the support arm 43 and thus fix the radial position of the mount/demount tool 41. A second control level 44b may lock a position of the bracket on the central axle 10 and thus fix a longitudinal position of the mount/demount unit 40. In this way, the arrangement of the mount/demount unit 40 can be adjusted, and fixed in position before use. In some examples, the control levers 44 may be replaced with dials, wheels or electronic switches. In some examples, the braking mechanisms may be replaced with motorised actuators. Alternatively, one or both of the bracket 42 and support arm 43 may be fixed in position without the control levers 44. In some embodiments, the mount/demount tool 41 may be a duck head. A duck head tool is a tool which can be used to fit the bead of a tyre onto a wheel rim, and also used to remove the tyre bead from the wheel rim. In some examples, an alternative mount/demount tool 41 may be used such as a tyre lever or similar arrangement. In this way, a single tool can be used to fit or remove a tyre. In this way the tyre handling apparatus 1 can be used to remove one tyre and fit another, e.g. a new tyre, immediately after.

In some embodiments, the tyre handling apparatus 1 may also include a plurality of supporting legs 60. In some examples, the legs 60 are attached to the driving unit 30. Alternatively, the legs 60 may be attached to the central axle 10. The tyre handling apparatus 1 may include three or four legs.

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the legs 60 may be foldable or collapsible. In this way, the tyre handling apparatus 1 can be made portable. Alternatively, the legs 60 may be fixed in position.

Figure 6 of the accompanying drawings shows a tyre handling apparatus 1 , including a plurality of fixed legs 61. Each of the legs 61 may be fixed in position at the driving unit 30. Each of the legs 61 may be formed with a bend along its length, e.g. a 90-degree curve at a point along its length. Each of the legs 61 may be formed with a flattened cross section. Each of the legs 61 may initially extend in a direction perpendicular to the central axle 10, e.g. away from the central axle 10, and curve to a direction parallel to the central axle 10. In this way, the fixed legs 61 may form a stable base to the apparatus with a low centre of gravity, such that the central axle 10 extends vertically when the legs 61 of the tyre handling apparatus 1 are placed on a flat horizontal surface.

Figure 7 of the accompanying drawings shows a tyre handling apparatus 1 , including a plurality of fixed legs 62. The plurality of legs 62 may be formed with a leg member forming each pair of legs 62. Each of the leg members may be formed with one or more bends along its length, e.g. a 90-degree curve at one or two points along its length. Each of the legs 62 may be formed with a flattened cross section. Each of the legs 62 may initially extend in a direction parallel to the central axle 10, e.g. along a length of the driving unit 30. Each of the leg members may be fixed in position at the driving unit 30, e.g. at one or two points along the length of the driving unit 30. Each leg member may be formed with a 90-degree curve at each end of the driving unit 30, to form a pair of legs 62. Each of the legs 62 may be curved to a direction perpendicular to the central axle 10. For example, each of the legs 62 may be curved to extend in the same direction. In this way, the fixed legs 62 may form a stable base to the apparatus with a low centre of gravity, such that the central axle 10 extends horizontally when the legs 62 of the tyre handling apparatus 1 are placed on a flat horizontal surface.

Alternatively, in some examples, the tyre handling apparatus 1 may be formed with a fixed base e.g. a flat plate or box shaped base to support the apparatus.

Figure 8 of the accompanying drawings shows a method of removing and/or fitting a tyre on a wheel rim A using the tyre handling apparatus 1 of any embodiment.

The method starts at step SI 1 .

At step SI 2, the method includes demounting the mount/demount unit 40 from the central axle 10.

Figure 9 of the accompanying drawings shows the tyre handling apparatus 1 of an embodiment after step SI 2. As shown, the mount/demount unit 40 is demounted from the central axle 10.

In some embodiments, the mount/demount unit 40 may be slidably mounted on the central axle 10. In this way, the mount/demount unit 40 can slide along the central axle 10 to disengage the mount/demount tool 41 from a wheel rim and allow demounting of a wheel rim.

As shown, the central axle 10 may include a first portion 1 1 with a circular cross-section for mounting the wheel rim and a second portion 12 with a polygonal cross-section for mounting the mount/demount unit 41. In this way, a wheel rim with a circular opening may freely rotate on the first portion 1 1 , and the mount/demount portion 41 may be engaged with the polygonal cross-section of the second portion 12 to fix an angular position of the mount/demount unit 41 .

As shown, the coupling part 20 may include an engaging plate 21 arranged perpendicular to the central axle, with a pattern of stud holes. A plurality of wheel studs 22 may be attached to the stud holes to engage with a plurality of bolt holes in a variety of configurations suitable for a variety of different wheel rims.

Figure 10 of the accompanying drawings shows the tyre handling apparatus of an embodiment with a plurality of wheel studs 22 attached to the engaging plate 21 .

At step SI 3, the method includes mounting the wheel rim A onto the central axle 10, and coupling the coupling part 20 to the mounted wheel rim A. Figure 1 1 of the accompanying drawings shows the tyre handling apparatus 1 of an embodiment after step SI 3. As shown, a wheel rim A is mounted on the central axle 10.

As shown, an outer radius of the second portion 1 2 may be smaller than or the same as an outer radius of the first portion 1 1 . In this way, the wheel rim A may pass freely over both portions when mounted or unmounted from the central axle 10.

In some examples, as shown, the wheel rim A may be mounted with a tyre, e.g. for removal of the tyre and/or fitting a new tyre. Alternatively, in some examples, the wheel rim A may be mounted without a tyre, e.g. for fitting a tyre to the wheel rim A.

In some embodiments, a conical spacer 50 may be arranged between the mounted wheel rim A and the mount/demount unit 40. The conical spacer 50 may be mounted on the central axle 10 between the mounted wheel rim A and the mount/demount unit 40. The conical spacer 50 may be configured to keep the mounted wheel rim A in position, by urging the wheel rim A against the coupling part 20. In some examples, the conical spacer 50 may be formed with a circular cross section and a conical profile, wherein a radius of the conical spacer decreases in the direction of the central axle. The conical spacer 50 may be arranged to have an end with the smallest radius directed to towards the wheel rim A. In this way, the conical spacer 50 can be made to fit into a central opening of any size on a variety of wheel rims. In some examples, the conical spacer 50 is configured to be demounted from the central axle 10 to allow a wheel rim A to be mounted onto the central axle 10.

Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings shows the tyre handling apparatus 1 of an embodiment with a conical spacer 50.

At step SI 4, the method includes mounting the mount/demount unit 40 onto the central axle 10.

In some embodiments, the mount/demount unit 40 may be slidably mounted on the central axle 10. In this way, the mount/demount tool 41 can be arranged at the correct position along the central axle 10 for a variety of differently sized wheel rims. In some examples, the mount/demount unit 40 may be configured to clamp onto a mid-point of the central axle 10, or fix onto one of the central axle 10 with a screw and/or bolt attachment.

Figure 13 of the accompanying drawings shows the tyre handling apparatus 1 of an embodiment after step SI 4. As shown, the mount/demount unit 40 is mounted on the central axle 10. As shown, the mount/demount unit 40 may comprise a bracket 42 mounted on the central axle 10 with a fixed angular position, and a support arm 43 slidably attached to the bracket 42 and arranged to extend radially out from the central axle 10. The mount/demount tool 41 is fixed at an end of the support arm 43 distal from the central axlel O . In this way, the mount/demount tool 41 can be arranged to engage with a variety of differently sized wheel rims.

As shown, the mount/demount unit 40 may include one or more control levers 44. Each of the control levers 44 may be configured to engage a braking mechanism to fix a position of the mount/demount unit 40. For example, a first control lever 44a may lock a position of the support arm 43 and thus fix the radial position of the mount/demount tool 41. A second control level 44b may lock a position of the bracket 42 on the central axle 10 and thus fix a longitudinal position of the mount/demount unit 40. In this way, the arrangement of the mount/demount unit 40 can be adjusted, and fixed in position before use.

As shown, the mount/demount tool 41 may be a duck head. A duck head tool is a tool which can be used to fit the bead of a tyre onto a wheel rim A, and also used to remove the tyre bead from the wheel rim A. In this way the tyre handling apparatus 1 can be used to remove one tyre and fit another, e.g. a new tyre, immediately after.

At step SI 5, the method includes engaging the mount/demount tool 41 with the mounted wheel rim A to remove a tyre from the wheel rim A and/or fit a tyre to the wheel rim A.

Figure 14 of the accompanying drawings shows the tyre handling apparatus 1 of an embodiment after step SI 5. As shown, the mount/demount tool 41 is engaged with the mounted wheel rim A. In some examples, an additional tool, e.g. a tyre lever, may be used to engage the mount/demount tool 41. Although the mount/demount tool 41 as shown is being used to remove the tyre from the wheel rim, the same mount/demount tool 41 may be used to fit a tyre to the wheel rim.

At step SI 6, the method includes activating the driving unit 30 to rotate the coupling part 20.

As shown, the driving unit 30 may include a control unit 31 to activate and/or deactivate the driving unit 30. For example, the driving unit 30 may include an electronic switch implemented in, e.g., a floor pedal. Figure 15 of the accompanying drawings shows the tyre handling apparatus 1 of an embodiment after step SI 6. As shown, the driving unit 30 has been activated and the coupling part 20 has been rotated. In this way, the bead of the tyre is removed from the wheel rim A.

In some examples, the method includes repeating the steps SI 5 and SI 6 for a second bead of the tyre. As shown, a tyre lever or other tool can be used to engage the mount/demount tool 41 with the other side of the mounted wheel rim A. Once engaged, the driving unit 30 may be activated for a second time.

Figure 16 of the accompanying drawings shows the tyre handling apparatus 1 of an embodiment after activating the driving unit 30 for a second time. As shown, the tyre has been removed from the wheel rim A.

In some examples, the method may include repeating the steps SI 5 and SI 6 to fit a tyre, e.g. to fit a new tyre onto the wheel rim A.

The method finishes at step SI 7.

Although aspects of the invention herein have been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.