The invention is related to the field of transportation of automobile tires and may be used to save transportation expenses by forming packages comprising at least two (three of more under specific conditions) tires, thereby increasing the quantity of loading units of tires per unit loading area during transportation thereof.

Patent No. EP 0723914 discloses a prior art device and method for insertion of tires. The method comprises the steps of positioning at least one first tyre in a desired position, exerting compression force on at least one second tyre in order to compress said tyre, and placing the thus compressed second tyre in the first tyre, so that the second tyre nests in the first tyre. The device comprises positioning means for positioning at least one first tyre; compressing means for compressing at least one second tyre; and placing means for placing the thus compressed second tyre in the positioned first tyre so that the second tyre nests in the first tyre. According to this patent the planes of both tires must be parallel. This requires very strong compression of inner tire. However, a disadvantage of the described method and device is that tires cannot be packed when the plane of a smaller diameter tire being inserted into the interior space of a larger diameter tire is perpendicular to the plane of the latter, thereby making the tire uninsertable

There has been disclosed another prior art device for packaging tires (EP 2035282). This patent discloses the method and device wherein an inner tire is first compressed and then it is inserted in a compressed condition into the interior space of a stretched outer tire. This method characterized in that the smaller diameter tyre being compressed predominantly in one plane being perpendicular to the diameter thereof, the compressed tyre being arranged at an angle to the plane of the larger diameter tyre followed by a controllable feeding of the smaller diameter tyre into the interior space of the larger diameter tire with synchronous change in the trajectory of motion. The device characterized in that the means for compressing the small diameter tyre being arranged at an angle to the larger diameter tyre and compressing surfaces being arranged generally in a vertical position, with the device further comprising the means for changing the direction of feeding from a position at an angle to the plane of the larger diameter tyre toward the plane of the larger diameter tire.

The prior art methods and devices have the following disadvantages described below. Using the method and device disclosed in the EP 0723914 causes residual deformation of crimp rings of an inserted tire. An assembled wheel can not be adequately sealed and it is not possible to further use it without additionally placing a tube into it.

The device is not operable in a mobile manner due to large overall dimensions and mass thereof.

When a device disclosed in EP 2035282 is used, an inner tire cannot be synchronously compressed and inserted to reduce the process. It is also not possible to synchronously load an inner tire and outer tire into the device to make the process less time-intensive, because the means to hold the inner tire in a stable position are not available in the loading zone and it may be arranged in the compression device only on stationary grips. Changing the position of grips not only displaces the inner tire mounted thereon relative to the plane of the stretched outer tire, but also may cause the inner tire to fall from the device. In addition, since the means for fixing the inner tire in a stable position are not available, this tire needs to be continuously held manually to prevent it from deviating and falling from the device. Arrangement of work table at a low level makes it difficult to unload a finished tire package out of the device, thereby making the device servicing inconvenient.

The objectives of the invention are to improve quality of the packaged tires, reduce energy costs related to the packaging process and increase operating safety and convenience of the device.

The above objectives are to be attained through as follows: a) The tires are packaged so that an inner tire is positioned predominantly in one plane and at an angle to a diametric plane of an outer tire. The inner tire is controllably inserted into the interior space of the outer tire by synchronously changing direction of motion and compressing thereof. b) Elastic bands or rollers located on flat members of a deforming device and rotating in one direction are used to synchronously deform and feed the inner tire. This allows the shape of the tire to be uniformly and consistently changed. In this case, residual deformation is extremely low or absent at all and hence, future operation of the tires is not affected. c) Rollers or elastic bands mounted in longitudinal members of the deforming device and rotating in one direction produce a friction force between surfaces of flat members and a tire outer surface. This makes it possible to rapidly and conveniently grip the smaller diameter tire and feed it into the interior space of the larger diameter tire. d) Other movable means are not available between longitudinal members of the deforming device at the time of feeding the tire, thereby allowing automated tire feeding means to be used. e) Since longitudinal members are disposed at an angle to each other in the direction of the stretched tire, the to-be-inserted tire held and guided by the friction force begins uniformly and consistently to deform in the process of feeding (it is compressed in the plane perpendicular to the diameter thereof) and in such a condition it enters into the interior space. f) Availability of a centering device provided with support members allows the outer tire to be loaded in a vertical position at the working plane level. Thus, there is no need for an operator to held the tire and bend to unload it out, thereby providing easy, convenient and safe operation of the device and offering opportunities to use automated means for loading tires and unloading the finished tire package. g) The device is easily transportable (in case it is wheeled or trailer-mounted) due to low weight and small overall dimensions thereof, so it may be operated in a mobile manner. h) Reducing packaging process eliminates a number of driving means in the device allowing energy costs to be substantially cut.

The List of Figures in which:

Fig. 1 - the view of the device before starting the operation.

Fig. 2 - the view of the device with loaded tires at the beginning of operation.

Fig. 3 - the view of the device with a stretched larger diameter tire at the first stage of operation.

Fig. 4 - the view of the device at the initial stage of the smaller tire compression. Fig. 5 - the view of the device at the next stage of the smaller tire compression and feeding.

Fig. 6 - the view of the device at the stage of changing the direction of motion of the tire. Fig. 7 - the view of the device at the final stage of operation thereof.

The device for packaging tires into the interior space of other tire comprises the following components:

1. A device frame.

2. A centering device with support members. 3. An outer tire stretching means.

4. A means for synchronous feeding and compression of an inner tire.

5. A means for changing the sliding angle of the inner tire.

6. A final inner tire packaging means.

The device frame is a welded structure and is intended to mount the centering device with support members, outer tire stretching means, means for synchronous feeding and compression of an inner tire, means for changing the sliding angle of the inner tire and final inner tire packaging means thereon.

The centering device with support members (2) is a movable structure comprising a rectangular platform provided with rectangular support members disposed on two opposite sides thereof. The support members are mounted perpendicular relative to the platform and parallel relative to each other. The centering device is intended to dispose the outer tire vertically therein and allow free movement of grips (3-4) in the interior space thereof by aligning the main axis of this tire with the central axis of grips of the stretching means. The axes are aligned by moving the centering device upward or downward depending on the external diameter of the loaded tire. The centering device moves along the guiding members disposed on the device frame (1) and motion thereof is limited by stroke length of a driving means thereof and also by sensors controlling the device position. The means for stretching a larger diameter tire is intended to stretch and maintain the outer tire (12) in a position for packaging the inter tire (13) within the interior space thereof (13). It comprises one stationary platform (6) and one movable platform (5) to mount expandable grips (3-4).

The grips are movable members (3) and stationary members (4) and are intended to grip and maintain the outer tire (12) in a position during the stretching process. The grips are configured as rectangular plates with perpendicularly mounted semicircular segments provided with a retaining plate. Stationary grips are mounted so that axes of semicircular segments align and a convex portion thereof is oriented downward. A convex portion of semicircular segments of movable grips is oriented upward. The movable grips (3) move along the guiding members disposed on the movable platform (5) and stationary platform (6) and motion thereof is limited by the length stroke of driving means thereof and also by the diameter of a crimp ring of the outer tire (12).

The movable platform (5) is a vertically disposed rectangular structure having one stationary grip (4) and one movable grip (3) and also a movable sliding plate with a means stop designed to change the sliding angle of the inner tire (9) mounted in the plane thereof. The movable platform (5) is intended to feed grips (3-4) into the interior space of the outer tire (12), stretch this tire and also withdraw grips (3-4) from the interior space thereof. The grips (3-4) are disposed so that convex semicircular segments with retaining plates are oriented toward the stationary platform (6). The movable platform (5) moves along the guiding members mounted on the device frame (1) and the motion thereof is limited by the stroke length of the driving means thereof and also by sensors controlling position of the movable platform (5) and outer tire (12).

The stationary platform (6) is a part of the device frame (1) and is disposed parallel to the movable platform (5). One stationary grip (4) and one movable grip (3) are disposed in the plane thereof. The grips are disposed so that convex semicircular segments with retaining plates are oriented toward the movable platform (5).

The means for synchronous feeding and compression of the inner tire is intended to feed the to-be-inserted tire (13) at an angle to the diametric plane of the outer tire (12) while synchronously deforming it for further disposing it within the interior space of the stretched outer tire. The means comprises two stationary longitudinal members (7) disposed relative to each other at an angle oriented toward the members of the outer tire stretching means. Longitudinal members are fixed on the frame, so that a narrow portion of the structure defined by these members is in close proximity to the grips (3-4) and stationary platform (6). Longitudinal members are equipped with elastic band (8) rotating in the direction of the members of the outer tire stretching means. Rotation time of elastic bands is controlled by sensors recording the position of the tire (13) to be inserted between longitudinal members (7).

The means for changing a sliding angle of the inner tire is intended to reduce the sliding angle between the to-be-inserted tire (13) and sliding plate (9). It facilitates positioning of this tire in the same plane with the outer tire (12). The means comprises a movable sliding plate having a stop (9) mounted thereon.

The movable plate with the stop (9) is mounted in the movable plate (5) of the outer tire stretching means between the movable grip (3) and stationary grip (4). It moves in the sliding direction of the inner tire (direction of motion of the movable grip (3)) (13) and in the reverse direction.

The sliding plate with the stop (9) moves along the guiding members mounted on the stationary platform (6) and its travel is limited by the stroke length of driving means thereof and also be sensors controlling the position thereof relative to the movable grip (3).

The final inner tire packaging means is intended to fully insert the tire (13) into the interior space of the stretched outer tire (12). The means comprises a feeding platform (10) and a movable stop (11) mounted thereon. The feeding platform (10) is connected to the device frame (1) and moves the guiding members mounted on this frame upward and toward the deforming device. The movable stop (12) is a rectangular plate provided with semicircular opposite sides and having a round configuration which moves along the guiding members of the movable platform (10) from the rightmost position toward the members of the outer tire stretching means and backward. Travel of the feeding platform (10) and movable stop (1 1) is limited by the stroke length of driving means.

Device Operation

To package tires, make sure that movable members of the device are in the initial position (Fig. 1). In this position, the movable platform (5) of the outer tire stretching means having grips (3-4) and the means for changing the sliding angle (9) mounted thereon is parked in the leftmost position from the other stationary platform (6) with grips. The stretching means grips (3-4) are in a closed condition. The movable platform with the stop (9) of the means for changing the tire sliding angle is in the lowermost position. Elastic bands (8) of the means for synchronous deformation and feeding of the inner tire do not rotate. The feeding platform (10) of the final inner tire packaging means, is in the lowermost position, while a movable stop (11) disposed thereon is in the rightmost position.

An outer tire (12) is positioned vertically on support members of the centering device (2) between the stretching means platforms (5-6) (Fig. 2). The tire (12) axis is aligned with the central axis of grips (3-4), if required. In this case, the centering device (12) actuated by the driving means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown) moves upward or downward until axes are aligned. The time of alignment is determined either by an operator (visually) or automatically (position sensors, not shown), then operation of the driving means (not shown) of the centering device (2) is stopped (either by an operator or sensor signals). The tire (13) to be inserted is arranged in the deforming device in a position in which the outer surface thereof synchronously contacts elastic bands (8) and longitudinal members (7) of the deforming device (Fig. 2).

The movable platform (5) of the outer tire stretching means starts moving toward the stationary platform (6) under action of the driving means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown) also moving the outer tire (13). When it reaches a specific position restricted by the width of the outer tire (13) controlled by the sensor (not shown), the movable platform (5) of the stretching means stops. The grips (3-4), which were in the closed position up to this moment, are within the tire and begin to expand under action of the driving means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown) gripping the outer tire (12) from both sides. Once the grip walls contact the tire crimp rings, the sensor (not shown) supplies a signal to return the movable platform (5) to an initial position. Therefore, the tire (12) held by the grips (3-4) disposed on the stationary platform (6) and movable platform (5) begins to expand and the volume thereof increases compared to a normal tire condition (Fig. 3). Expansion of the outer tire (12) is restricted by the maximal width thereof. Once the movable platform (5) stopped the motion thereof and the outer tire (12) acquires the maximal volume, the means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown) rotating elastic bands (8) of the deforming device toward the expanded outer tire (12) is actuated. Friction forces are generated between the outer surface of the to-be-inserted tire (13) and elastic bands (8). This effect forces the inner tire (13) inward the expanded outer tire (12). Since the longitudinal members (7) are disposed at an angle relative to each other in the direction of the expanded tire (12), the to-be-inserted tire (13) held and guided by the friction force begins uniformly and consistently to deform in the process of feeding (it is compressed in the plane perpendicular to the diameter thereof) and in such a condition it enters into the interior space. Once the deformed tire (13) reaches the surface of the sliding plate with a stop (9) of the sliding angle changing means, the sensor (not shown) supplies a signal actuating the sliding plate with a stop (9) by the means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown) and moving it toward the sliding direction of the inserted tire (13) (Fig. 4). In so doing, the angle between the diametric plane of the to-be-inserted tire (13) and the sliding plate with a stop (9) begins to reduce and is oriented toward the expandable grips (3). The tire (13) begins to expand across the entire inner perimeter of the outer tire (12) under action of internal forces. Once the larger part of the to-be-inserted tire exists beyond the deforming device, which is recorded by the sensor (not shown), the final tire packaging means is actuated, while rotation of elastic bands (8) stops (Fig. 5). In this case, the feeding platform (10) of the device with the movable stop (11) disposed thereon moves upward toward the deforming device under action of the driving means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown). The platform (10) stops at the moment when the movable stop (11) is located between longitudinal members (7) disposed at an angle relative to each other (Fig. 6). Then the sensor (not shown) supplies a signal activating the driving means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown) of the movable stop (11). The movable stop (11) travels toward the expanded outer tire (12) and completely pushes the to-be- inserted tire (13) into the entire space of the former, then it stops. The movable sliding plate with the stop (9) of the means for changing the sliding angle of the to-be-inserted tire also stops. The tire (13) completely expands across the entire inner perimeter of the outer tire (12) under action of internal forces. Packaging of the tire (13) is completed (Fig. 7). Then a reverse process wherein the finished package comprising the tires (12-13) is released takes place. All means of the device return to the initial position in the following sequence: the signal activates the driving means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown) of the movable stop (11) which exits from the interior space of the outer tire and stops when the feeding platform (10) reaches the rightmost position. Then the sensor (not shown) activates the driving means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown) of the feeding platform (10) which begins a downward motion. Once the feeding platform (10) reaches the minimal position of the stroke, it stops. Synchronously the movable sliding plate with a stop (9) of the means for changing a sliding angle of the inner tire (13) returns to an initial position thereof. Then a signal is supplied to operate the travel of the movable platform (5) toward the stationary platform (6). Once a specific position is reached, which is restricted by the width of the outer tire (12) using the sensor (not shown), the movable platform (5) of the stretching means stops. Expandable grips (3-4), which were in the expanded position up to this moment, begin to return to an initial position (movable grips close with stationary grips) under action of the driving means (pneumatic, hydraulic, electromechanical, electromagnetic or any other means, not shown) releasing a package comprising the outer tire (12) and inner tire (13). Once the grips completely close, the sensor (not shown) activates the driving means of the movable platform (5) which returns to an initial position (leftmost). Therefore, the package comprising tires (12-13) remains arranged on support members of the centering device (2) between platforms (5-6) of the stretching means and becomes accessible to be unloaded from the device. After unloading a finished package, the device is ready for further use. If an additional tire needs to be packaged in the interior space of the package comprising several tires, the above process should be repeated.

The above specification relates to the specific embodiment of the device. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any minor modifications, changes in the spatial orientation, alterations in relative motion of movable members and modifications of any units thereof not altering essential features are within the scope of the subject matter of the invention.

List of Reference Characters

1. Device frame

2. Centering device with support members.

3. Movable grip of outer tire stretching means.

4. Stationary grip of outer tire stretching means.

5. Movable platform of outer tire stretching means. 6. Stationary platform of outer tire stretching means.

7. Longitudinal members of means for synchronous feeding and compression of inner tire.

8. Elastic bands 9. Movable sliding plate mounting support of means for changing sliding angle of inner tire.

10. Movable platform of final inner tire packaging means.

11. Movable stop of final inner tire packaging means

12. Outer tire. 13. Inner (insertable) tire.