AU755408B2 - Apparatus for use in changing tyres - Google Patents

Description

-1- P/00/0011 Regulation 3.2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT 4*

U.

ORIGINAL

Name of Applicant: WILLIAM ROCCO SUARDI Actual Inventor: WILLIAM ROCCO SUARDI Address for service in Australia: CARTER SMITH BEADLE 2 Railway Parade Camberwell Victoria 3124 Australia Invention Title: Apparatus for Use in Changing Tyres The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us 004123198 2 APPARATUS FOR USE IN CHANGING TYRES The present invention relates to an apparatus for use in changing tyres, for example, car or truck tyres.

The present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to changing a tyre of a car. However, it will be appreciated that the present invention is not limited to use in changing a car tyre and that the present invention can be used in changing a tyre of any wheeled vehicle.

When a motorist is unfortunate enough to suffer a flat tyre, it is necessary for the flat tyre to be changed. Changing the tyre requires that the wheel nuts be loosened and the car jacked up to lift the flat tyre off the ground. The wheel nuts are then fully removed from the wheel studs. The wheel is then removed from the wheel studs. The spare tyre is subsequently placed on the studs and the wheel nuts replaced. The jack is let down and a final tightening is given to each nut. This essentially completes the operation of changing the tyre.

Car wheels/tyres are large, relatively heavy objects that are awkward to handle and many motorists experience difficulty in lifting the wheel and manipulating the wheel such that the wheel can be placed over the wheel studs. This is particularly prevalent amongst the elderly, small women and those with back ailments.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus that overcomes or at least ameliorates one or more of the above problems.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for use in changing a tyre including surface engaging means for locating the apparatus on a surface, two opposed members connected to or forming part of the surface engaging 25 means, shaft means extending between the two opposed members and a tyre supporting means formed with or connected to the shaft means, wherein the tyre 'supporting means is rotatable about an axis extending generally along the shaft means such that the tyre supporting means is rotatable from a lower position to a higher position to thereby raise a tyre positioned on the tyre supporting means and wherein each of the opposed members is hollow and includes a slot on an inner surface thereof Sand the shaft means extends into said slots whereby said shaft means can be moved 004149502 2a along said slots in a direction generally parallel to longitudinal axes of the respective opposed members and wherein the apparatus further includes a handle attached to the tyre supporting means for manipulating the tyre support means.

In use of the apparatus of the present invention, the apparatus is placed on the oe o* •coo *ee *oeo *oeeo o*e -3ground such that the surface engaging means sits on the ground. The tyre supporting means is rotated to a higher position and the flat tyre is removed from the wheel studs and placed on the tyre supporting means. The tyre supporting means is then rotated or moved to the lower position and the flat tyre is removed therefrom, for example, by rolling it off the tyre supporting means, The spare tyre is then positioned on the tyre supporting means, for example, by rolling it on, and the tyre supporting means is rotated to a higher position where the wheel holes of the tyre are in alignment with the wheel studs. The spare tyre may then be easily placed onto the wheel studs. The apparatus can eliminate much of the lifting and manhandling of the tyres/wheels during changing of a tyre.

In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the surface engaging means .:.includes a frame means including the two opposed members connected by at least one connecting member. Preferably, the two opposed members are connected by Stwo, or more, connecting members. Preferably, the frame means is of generally square or rectangular configuration.

*..Preferably, the shaft means is arranged such that the tyre supporting means S.can be rotated about an axis extending generally along the shaft means and such that the tyre supporting means can be moved in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft means, for example, also in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the two opposed members. This provides a second degree of freedom of movement for a tyre on the tyre supporting means and allows easier positioning of the tyre to line up the stud holes with the wheel studs.

For example, the tyre may be raised to the correct height by rotation of the tyre supporting means to a higher position and the tyre may then be placed onto the wheel studs by moving the tyre supporting means towards the wheel studs in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft means.

In one embodiment, the two opposed members may comprise hollow members, preferably of square or rectangular cross-section. Each hollow member may have a slot in an inner face thereof such that the opposed inner faces of the members have said slots. The shaft means preferably extends into the slots.

GWN:IR:#27276.DCI 24 March 1998 -4- Movement of the shaft means along the slots will thereby result in movement of the tyre supporting means in a direction that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axes of the two opposed members or, to put it another way, in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the shaft means.

The shaft means may be provided with enlargements at each end thereof to prevent removal of the shaft means from the slots.

The shaft means preferably comprises an axle extending between the two opposed members. The ends of the axle may each carry a roller wheel that can move within the hollow centre of the two opposed members. The roller wheels carried by the axle enable smooth movement of the axle in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the axle.

Alternatively, the shaft means may include a bearing surface at either end with the bearing surface sliding inside the hollow opposed members.

The opposed members may be provided with friction reducing means in the hollow portions thereof and/or on the slots in order to reduce friction that would occur when the shaft means is moved along the slots. The friction reducing means may comprise a low friction coating, such as nylon or polytetrafluoroethylene (ptfe).

Alternatively, the friction reducing means may comprise lubricating means.

The shaft means may be provided with friction reducing means at points where the shaft means contact the slots or the opposed members.

The tyre supporting means may include rotatable tyre support means for allowing rotation of a tyre positioned thereon. This feature will allow easier alignment of the stud holes on the tyre with the wheel studs.

The tyre supporting means preferably comprises a generally U-shaped bracket having two arms connected to the shaft means. The rotatable tyre support means is preferably connected to or mounted to the respective arms of the U-shaped bracket.

The rotatable tyre support means may comprise at least one roller mounted on each of the arms of the U-shaped bracket. Preferably, the rotatable tyre support means comprises a set of rollers mounted to each of the arms of the U-shaped bracket.

In order to facilitate movement and rotation of the tyre supporting means, the GWN:IR:#27276.DC I 24 Mch 1998 tyre supporting means may be provided with a handle. The handle may be removable. The handle is preferably connected to the tyre supporting means at a position relatively distant from the shaft means. The handle may advantageously be configured as a wheel wrench or wheel brace (in which case the handle is suitably a removable handle).

For convenience, the apparatus of the present invention may be provided in a storage box. The storage box may include a compartment for holding the wheel nuts that have been removed from the wheel studs, which reduces the possibility of the wheel nuts getting lost or soiled.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention; S"Figure 2 shows a top view, partly in cross-section, of the apparatus of Figure 1; S. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional side view taken along section 3-3 of Figure 2; and Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view taken along section 4-4 of Figure 2.

The apparatus 10 in accordance with the present invention includes a frame that comprises two generally opposed members 11, 12 connected by connecting members 13 and 14. As can be seen from Figures 1 and 4, the opposed members 11, 12 are hollow members of generally rectangular configuration. Member 11 is provided with a slot 15 and member 12 is provided with a slot 16. A shaft 17 extends between the two opposed members 11, 12. The shaft 17 has a first end 18 that extends through slot 15 and a second end 19 that extends through slot 16. A first wheel 20 is connected to end 18 of the shaft and a second wheel 21 is connected to end 19 of the shaft. The apparatus further includes a tyre supporting means that, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-4, comprises a generally Ushaped member 22 having two arms 23, 24. Arm 23 is connected to shaft 17 at point 25 and arm 24 is connected to shaft 17 at point 26. The arms 23, 24 are GWN:IR:#27276.DCI 24 March 1998 -6preferably connected to the shaft 17 by welding or by use of suitable fastening means such as bolts or the like.

Also connected to the U-shaped bracket 22 are two sets of rollers 27, 28. The set of rollers 27 comprises first and second rollers 27a, 27b and the second set of rollers 28 similarly comprises first roller 28a and second roller 28b. The rollers 27a, 27b are held in spaced apart relationship by spring 29 and stop members 30, 31 formed on or mounted to arm 23. Similarly, rollers 28a, 28b are held in spaced apart relationship by spring 32 and stop members 33, 34 that are formed on or positioned on arm 24.

The U-shaped bracket 22 also has an abutment member 35 affixed at a point located remote from the shaft 17. The abutment member 35 includes a downwardly extending portion having an end 36 that rests on the ground when the U-shaped bracket 22 is in a lower position. The abutment member 35 causes the U-shaped o bracket to sit in a generally horizontal plane when the U-shaped bracket 22 is a lower most position.

An upper end 37 is suitably provided with a handle engaging portion that enables a removable handle 38 to be removably connected to the abutment member The removable handle 38 may be provided with a keyway 39 that can be slid o* o over a projection 40 formed on abutment member 35. Removable handle 38 enables easy manipulation of the U-shaped bracket 22 when the handle 38 is connected to o• 0.

the abutment member Operation of the apparatus shown in Figures 1-4 will now be described. In order to remove a flat tyre from a car, the car is jacked up and the wheel nuts of the flat tyre are removed. The apparatus 10 is positioned such that the connecting member 14 is located closest to the car. Handle 38 is connected to abutment member 35. The handle 38 is then used to push the U-shaped bracket 22 to a rearward position. In this particular manoeuvre, the shaft 17 moves generally parallel to the slots 15, 16. It will be appreciated that the wheels 20, 21 carried by shaft 17 are rolling inside the hollow cavities of generally opposed members 11, 12 during this particular movement.

GWN:IR:#27276.DCI 24March 1998 -7- When the sets of rollers 27, 28 are positioned substantially underneath the tyre, handle 38 is lifted upwardly in a direction shown by arrow 41 in Figures 1 and 3. This has the effect of rotating the U-shaped bracket upwardly about the shaft 17, with the result that the sets of rollers 27, 28 are raised towards the lower part of the tyre. When the rollers 27, 28 contact the lower part of the tyre 42 (shown in dashed outline in Figures 1, 3 and the operator of the apparatus uses his or her free hand to slide the tyre off the wheel studs. As the tyre is being slid off the wheel studs, any necessary adjustments in the position of the rollers 27, 28 may be made by pulling the handle 38 towards the user. Once the tyre has been removed from the wheel studs, the handle 38 is further pulled towards the user which causes the Ushaped bracket 22 and shaft 17 to move towards the user and away from the car.

.'.When the tyre is clear of the body work of the car, the handle 38 is lowered until the end 36 of abutment member 35 contacts the ground. The tyre 42 may then be rolled off the rollers 27, 28.

In order to fit the spare tyre to the tyre, the spare tyre is rolled onto rollers 27, 28. As the spare tyre can be rolled onto the rollers, it is not necessary to physically lift the tyre. The operator of the apparatus then grasps handle 38 and lifts the handle slightly so that the end 36 of abutment member 35 is lifted clear off the *ground. The operator continues to lift handle 38 (in a direction shown by arrow 41) until the tyre 42 is at the correct height to enable the stud holes 43 to be at approximately the same height as the wheel studs of the car. The operator then pushes handle 38 towards the car, which causes U-shaped bracket 22 and shaft 17 to move towards the car. If the stud holes 43 of the tyre 42 are not in correct alignment with the wheel studs, it is possible to rotate the tyre 42 on rollers 27, 28 in order to bring the stud holes 43 into the correct alignment with the studs. The operator of the apparatus then further pushes the handle 38 towards the car, which then causes the stud holes 43 to pass over the wheel studs.

It will be apparent that the act of lifting the handle 38 in the direction shown by the arrow 41 causes the top part of the tyre 42 to tilt towards the car. This assists in fitting the tyre to the car. Moreover, the apparatus 10 shown in Figures GWN:IR:#27276.DCI 24 Marh 1998 -8- 1-4 enables the height of the tyre, the rotational position of the stud holes 43 and the transverse distance between the tyre and the car to be altered. This enables simple and accurate placement of the wheel onto the wheel studs. If further adjustment is required, the tolerances involved in manufacture of the apparatus 10 enable the Ushaped bracket 22 to be moved in a direction generally shown by arrow 44. It will be appreciated that the extent of movement in the direction of arrow 44 is not large but that a degree of fine tuning of the position of the tyre can thereby be effected.

The slots 15, 16 of the apparatus shown in Figures 1-4 are shown as not extending to the ends of the opposed members 11, 12. However, for ease of manufacture, at least one end of the slots 15, 16 may extend to the respective ends of opposed members 11, 12 in order to enable the ends of the shaft 17 to be easily inserted into the slots. Once the shaft has been inserted into the slots, cap members (not shown) may be positioned in the ends of the opposed members 11, 12 to prevent undesired removal of the shaft 17 therefrom.

It will also be appreciated that as lifting of the tyre 42 is effectively done by "lifting on handle 38, the handle 38 and U-shaped bracket 22 are effectively acting as a lever to raise the tyre. This reduces the effort that is required to raise the tyre the desired level.

*The apparatus of the present invention has a low profile which enables convenience storage in the boot of a car. The apparatus may conveniently be supplied in a closeable box. The box may be provided with a storage area for storage of the wheel nuts that have been removed from the car during the tyre changing operation.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention described herein may be subject to modifications and variations other than those specifically described herein. It is to be understood that the present invention encompasses all such variations and modifications that fall within its spirit and scope.

GWN:IR:#27276.DCI 24 March 1998

Claims (18)

1. An apparatus for use in changing a tyre including surface engaging means for locating the apparatus on a surface, two opposed members connected to or forming part of the surface engaging means, shaft means extending between the two opposed members and a tyre supporting means formed with or connected to the shaft means, wherein the tyre supporting means is rotatable about an axis extending generally along the shaft means such that the tyre supporting means is rotatable from a lower position to a higher position to thereby raise a tyre positioned on the tyre supporting means and wherein each of the opposed members is hollow and includes a slot on an inner face thereof and the shaft means extends into said slots whereby said shaft means can be moved along said slots in a direction generally I: parallel to longitudinal axes of the respective opposed members and wherein the apparatus further includes a handle attached to the tyre supporting means for manipulating the tyre support means.

2. Apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the surface engaging means S-includes a frame means including the two opposed members connected by at least one connecting member.

3. Apparatus as claimed in claim 2 wherein the two opposed members are connected by two or more connecting members.

4. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the shaft means is provided with enlargements at each end thereof to prevent removal of the shaft means from the slots.

Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the ends of the shaft means each carry a roller wheel that can move within the hollow opposed members. 004149502

6. Apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the shaft means includes a bearing surface at either end, said bearing surface sliding inside the hollow opposed members.

7. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 wherein the opposed members are provided with friction reducing means in the hollow portions thereof and/or the slots to reduce friction that would occur when the shaft means is moved along the slots.

8. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the friction reducing means comprises a low friction coating. So::

9. Apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the friction reducing means comprises lubricating means.

Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 9 wherein the shaft means is provided with friction reducing means at points where the shaft means contacts the •slots or the opposed members. 20

11. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims further including S•rotatable tyre support means mounted to or formed on the tyre supporting means to allow rotation of a tyre positioned thereon.

12. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 wherein the rotatable tyre support means comprises at least one roller mounted to the tyre supporting means.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the tyre supporting means comprises a generally U-shaped bracket having two arms connected to or formed with the shaft means. 004149502 11

14. Apparatus as claimed in claim when appended to claims 11 or 12, wherein the rotatable tyre support means is connected to or mounted to the respective arms of the generally U-shaped bracket.

15. Apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the rotatable tyre support means comprises at least one roller mounted to each of the arms of the generally U-shaped bracket.

16. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 wherein the handle is a removable handle.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16 wherein the handle is connected to the tyre supporting means at a position relatively distant from the shaft means.

18. Apparatus for use in changing a tyre substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED: 3 October 2002 20 FREEHILLS CARTER SMITH BEADLE Patent Attorneys for the Applicant: WILLIAM ROCCO SUARDI