AU2002301651A9 - Tyre Bead Breaker Apparatus - Google Patents

Description

24/10 '02 THU 16:11 FAX 61 8 82119433 Leslcar Perrin 0]005 11210

ORIGINAL

Complete Specification Applicant; Title: Address for Service: Peter Hrmo Tyre Bead Breaker Apparatus LESICAR PERRIN, 49 Wright Street, Adelaide, South Australia 5000, Australia The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to melus: 24/10 '02 THU 16:11 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrin o006 I 2 Tyre bead breaker apparatus The present invention relates to a tyre bead breaker apparatus and in particular to a tyre bead breaker apparatus that is generally simple to assemble and operate whilst being of a compact construction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION A vehicle wheel includes a wheel rim and a rubber tyre. The rubber tyre includes a bead around the inner periphery of the sidewall of the tyre and it is this bead that engages the metal wheel rim around the periphery of the sidewalls. In tyres, and in particular in tubeless tyres, it is necessary for there to be a good effective seal between the inner periphery of the side wall of the tyre and the metal wheel rim. This is achieved not only by the pressure within the tyre, but also by the use of a suitable fluid that provides adhesion between the bead of the tyre and the wheel rim.

In removing a tyre from the wheel rim, it is therefore necessary to separate the bead from the wheel rim. Tyres that have been fitted for a substantial length of time or those that have been exposed to significant heat may have beads that are difficult to break, heat over time partially vulcanising the bead to the rim. Whilst there are many types of bead breaking tools provided to facilitate to the task of breaking the bead, these are generally power operated and are suitable for use in workshops only. Other portable bead breakers are available but they are relatively complex, require a significant amount of time to set up and operate, and are cumbersome. As such, they are generally not suitable for use as a tool that can be simply carried by people in their vehicles. This is extremely important in countries where there are significant distances between vehicle repair facilities, such as outback Australia.

It is therefore in object of the present invention to provide for a tyre bead breaker that is simple, effective to use, and does not occupy a significant amount of space nor is significantly heavy, or at least one that provides the public with a useful alternative.

It is also an object of the invention to provide a tool including a tyre bead breaker that may, if necessary, be adapted for other uses. However, it is to be understood that the present invention is primarily for a tyre bead breaker.

It is also a further object of the present invention to provide for to a tyre bead breaker adaptable for different size wheel rim and tyre configurations- 24/10 '02 THU 16:11 FAX 61 8 82119433 Leslcar Perrin I007 3 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, in one form of the invention there is proposed an apparatus for breaking the bead of a tyre from the rim of a wheel including: a longitudinal handle having at one end a flat plate, the plane of the plate being at an angle not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handle, said plate having an outer edge; a chain adapted to be tied to the handle at a position between the mid-point of the handle and the plate, said chain further including a locking means adapted to lock the end of the chain to said wheel leaving a number of links between the handle and the rim; wherein in use the plate outer edge is placed on the tyre at the edge of the rim, the handle positioned across said rim, the handle lifted upwardly at the end opposite said plate to thereby exert a downward force on said plate outer edge by pivoting about the locked chain.

Preferably the plate is generally at right angles to said handle and is attached to the handle on a side opposite the outer edge.

Preferably the plate outer edge includes an inwardly angled lip, Preferably the outer edge is curved to minimise the risk of cutting the tyre- Preferably the locking means is adapted to engage the wheel rim locknut aperture.

In preference the handle is comprised of a first and second longitudinal member, the plate attached to said second member and adapted to slidingly engage the first member.

In preferencie the locking means locks the members in relative position.

In preference the locking means is a biased detent on the first member engaging an aperture in said second member.

In a preferred embodiment disposed at the end of said handle opposite said plate is a tapered projection.

In preference second member is removable from said first member enabling a shovel to be attached to said first member.

In a further form of the invention there Is proposed a tyre bead breaking apparatus including: a longitudinal bar adapted for holding or gripping at a first end and including a plate extcnding angularly to the longitudinal axis of the bar at the other or second end; a chain adapted to the attached to the bar at a position on the bar substantially closer to the 24/10 '02 THU 16:11 FAX 61 8 82119433 Leslcar Perrin (Nl08 1 4 second end; whereini said chain includes a locking means adapted to fixedly attach the chain to a wheel rim.

from which the bead is to be broken, such that in use, the edge of the plate is positioned between the wheel rim and the tyre, the first end of the bar is lifted upwards so that the plate experiences a downward torque and forces its way between the wheel rim and the tyre bead.

BRIEF DESCRPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate several implementations of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the advantages and principles of the invention. In the: drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view of an apparatus embodying the present invention when used on a wheel; Figure 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus as in Figure 1 when initially positioned on a wheel; Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view as in Figure 2 where the apparatus has been used to successfully separate the bead from the rim of a wheel; Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus embodying the present invention; Figure 5 is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of an apparatus embodying the present invention; Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view of t~he apparatus of Figure 5 when in use; Figure 7 is a cross-sectional partial view of the apparatus when a tyre bead has been broken; and Figure 8 is a perspective view of the apparatus of Figure 6 when used in combination with a vehicle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODvMNTS The following detailed description of the invention refers to the accompanying drawings. Although the description includes exemplary embodiments, other embodiments are possible, and changes may be made to the embodiments described without departing from the 24/10 '02 THU 16:12 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrin 1009 spirit and scope of the invention. Wherever possible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same and like parts.

Shown in Figures 1-3 is a tyre bead breaker apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The apparatus 10 includes an extendible handle 12 comprised of a first bar 14 and a second bar 16, the cross-sectional shape and size of the two bars being such that one end of the second bar can at least in part slide into the first bar. The other end of the second bar includes a plate 18 extending generally at right angles to the second bar, although the angle may be varied. The plate is of non-rectangular shape attached to the second bar adjacent a smaller edge. Chain 20 is tied around the bar second bar 16, generally at a position closer to the plate 18 than to the first bar 14. The chain is also attached via a nut and bolt arrangement 22 to a locknut aperture 24 of a wheel rim 26 supporting tyre 28. A securing bolt 30 may be used to slidably lock the first and second bars.

Tt is not intended to limit the invention to the handle comprised of two longitudinal members and in some circumstances it may be that the handle comprises of only one longitudinal member. The use of two members is however advantageous in relation to being able to store the apparatus when not in use and to lengthen the handle to increase the torque.

To use the tyre bead breaker 10, the plate 18 is placed so that its outer edge 32 lies inbetween the rim 26 and tyre 28. Those skilled in the art will immediately appreciate that as a lifting force 34 is applied, chain 20 acts as a central pivot point causing causes the plate 18 to experience a downward force. If sufficient force is applied, the plate 18 then breaks the seal between the wheel rim and the tyre enabling one to change a tyre.

Those skilled in the art will also readily appreciate that adjusting the position of the chain 20 along the second bar 16 can vary the torque. The closer the chain 20 is to the plate 18, the more torque will be present at the edge 32 of the plate for the same amount of upward lift 34.

The operation of the tyre bead breaker 10 is more clearly illustrated in the crosssectional drawings of Figures 2 and 3. In Figure 2, the tyre bead breaker 10 is shown before any torque being applied, whilst Figure 3 illustrates the relative positioning of the tyre bead breaker the tyre 26, and wheel rim 24 when the bead has been successfully broken. The length of the chain can be adjusted using a nut and bolt combination 36 that engages the chain links.

24/10 '02 THU 16:12 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrin Zl010 I 6 Although not illustrated in Figures 1-3, it is envisaged that the first and second bars can be slidably ajustable there being multiple locking positioned between the two. This can be achieved by using a suitable locking means; as would be well known to those skilled in the art.

The tyre bead breaker 10 may also function as an additional tool that may be used to assist not only in changing a tyre but also oither recovery operations for a vehicle or for general use. Such a tool is illustrated in Figure 4, the first bar 14 being of a tubular construction.

Extending from an upper end of the bar 14 is a projection 38 that functions as crowbar, a handle including a T-member 42 sliding over the projection 38 and upper end, biased deten t 41 engaging aperture 43 in the handle to lock it in place. Of course instead of a detent one may equally well use a bolt arid nut arrangrment.

At the opposite or lower end of the bar 14 are a plurality of apertures 44 positioned to align with apertures 46 in the second bar 16 so that a locking means such as inut and bolt 48 can lock the two bars together- When the breaker 10 is not being used a shovel 50 having a neck 52 may be attached to the first bar 14 by using the nut and bolt 48 to pass through aperture 54 in the neck of the shovel and one of the aperture 44 of the first bar, the diameter of the neck 52 greater than the diameter of the first bar 14.

An alternate embodiment of the presnt invention is illuscmed in Figure 5- The bead breaker apparatus 56 includes a first bar 58 having a reduced diameter section 60 at its lower end from which extends a crow-bar type projection 62. Shovel 64 having an elongated neck 66 with an aperture 68 is adapted to slide over said projection 62 and reduced section 60 and is locked in place by biased detent The upper end of the hollow bar 58 is adapted to house either a handle 72 or the bead breaking extension 74. The handle 72 includes a sleeve 76 having a biase detent 78 adapted to engage aperture 80 in the upper end of the bar 5 8. Extending from the sleeve 76 are two bifurcated members 82a and 82b in a Y-type configuration joined with a cross-member 84.

The bead breaking extension 74 includes a bar 86 having across at oue end a plate 88 with a inwardly angled lip 90, die plate being of t somewhat canved configuration. The angle of the lip is designed so that it forces itself between the tyre and the wheel rim, this illustrated more clearly in Figures 6 and 7. The curvature of the edge of the plate prevents the sharp corners to contact the tyre and potentially damage it. Further the plate may be used as a hoe in some limited applic-ations.

24/10 '02 THU 18:12 FAX 61 8 82119433 Lesicar Perrin Q~01 7 The present apparatus is also adaptable for use with different size wheel rims atnd tyres.

In particular, the use of a chain arrangement allows the length of the chain to be varied and simply controlled by the use of a locking nut and bolt.

The skilled addresee should appreciate that instead of a handle a different locking means may equally well be used. Although not illustrated a stiff shaft that at one end is attached to the wheel rim and at the end to the handle may also be used. This the use of the chain is by way of example only.

In those cases where the tyre bead breaker as illustrated does not provide ftr sufficient force to break the bead, the upper edge of the plate may be placed under a vehicle and a conventional jack used to exert a downward force to break the bead. Such an arrangement is illustrated in Figure 8 where jack 921is placed under the tow bar 94 of' vehicle 96, the top of the plate 88 placed directly underneath the jack 92.

It will be appreciated that the present invention provides for a tyre bead breaker apparatus that is relatively easy to assemble and to operate. Being of a simplistic construction it is not subject to mechanical breakdown and cant be easily dissembled for easy storage. This is important where space is limited, such as in vehicles. In addition the present apparatus can function as a multi-tool apparatus.

Of course it is to be understood that the present apparatus may only be made from one longitudinal member having a plate at one end. Alternatively the member may be a telescopic one where the two halves. are never separated and where the: extension may be finely controllable.

Further advantages and improvements may very well be made to the present invention without deviating from its scope. Although the invention has been shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment- it is recognized that departures may be made therefrom within the scope and spirit of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details di sclosed herein but i s to be accorded the full scope of the c laims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Dated this 24th day of October 2002 By his Parent Attorneys LESICAR PERRIN

Claims (10)

1. 2. An apparatus as in claim 1 wherein said plate is generally at right angles to said handle and is attached to the handle on a side opposite the outer edge.
2. 3. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein said plate outer edge includes an inwardly angled lip.
3. 4. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein said outer edge is curved. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein said locking means is adapted to engage the wheel rim locknut aperture.
4. 6. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein said handle is comprised of a first and second longitudinal member, the plate attached to said second member and adapted to slidingly engage the first member.
5. 7. An apparatus as in claim 6 wherein a locking means locks the members in relative position.
6. 8. An apparatus as in claim 7 wherein said locking means is a biased detent on the first member engaging an aperture in said second member.
7. 9. An apparatus as in any one of the above claims wherein disposed at the end of said handle opposite said plate is a tapered projection. 24/10 '02 THU 16:13 FAX 81 8 82119433 Leslcar Perrin 013 9 An apparatus as in any one of claims 6 to 9 wherein said second member is removable from said first member enabling a shove] to be attached to said first menmber.
8. 11. A tyre bead breaking apparatus including: a longitudinal bar adapted for holding or gripping at a first end and including a plate extending angularly to the longitudinal axis of the bar at the other or second end; a chain adapted to the attached to the bar at a position on the bar substantially closer to the second end; wherein said chain includes a locking means adapted to fixedly attach the chain to a wheel rim from which the bead is to be broken, such that in use, the edge of the plate is positioned between the wheel rim and the tyre, thU first end of the bar is lifted upwards so that the plate experiences a downward torque and forces its way between the wheel rim and the tlyre bead.
9. 12- An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 4.
10. 13. An apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 5 to 8.