Method of and apparatus for fitting and removing unpuncturable inner tubes

摘要

This invention provides a method of and an apparatus for fitting and removing a so-called unpuncturable inner tube with respect to a corresponding pneumatic tire. The inner tube is elongated and disposed in front of the tire held in a vertical position, and the lower front portion of the tube is introduced into the lower portion of the tire. The apparatus comprises a gantry-like frame structure for holding the tire vertically, and a movable carriage extending at right angles to the gantry and supporting a tiltable device comprising essentially two arms pivotally interconnected and adapted to elongate the inner tube. Removal of the inner tube is also feasible due to the provision of means for partially crushing the tire containing the inner tube until one portion of the tube projects into the central aperture of the tire from which it is then expelled by a push arm extension adapted to be fitted to the upper one of the pair of extension arms. The various inner-tube and tire engaging members of the apparatus are adjustable to accomodate a wide range of inner tube and tire sizes.