Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.

The present invention relates to a hubless one-piece wheel comprising: a rim; and a disc integrally formed at the rim and formed by low-pressure casting, wherein the disc is a hubless type including a plurality of spokes and a space at the center of the rim. One side of said each spoke is integrally formed at the rim, and a lug hole is formed in the other side of said each spoke for coupling the wheel to a vehicle body. The plurality of spokes are radially arranged inside the rim, and each of the other sides of the spoke locates in the inner center portion of the rim being separated by the space.

The present invention relates to a hubless one-piece wheel comprising: a rim; and a disc integrally formed at the rim and formed by low-pressure casting, wherein the disc is a hubless type including a plurality of spokes and a space at the center of the rim. One side of said each spoke is integrally formed at the rim, and a lug hole is formed in the other side of said each spoke for coupling the wheel to a vehicle body. The plurality of spokes are radially arranged inside the rim, and each of the other sides of the spoke locates in the inner center portion of the rim being separated by the space.

Disclosed herein is an expandable device adapted to forcibly separate spaced components having generally parallel opposed surfaces defining a cavity therebetween, the expandable device having a jaw assembly with a pair of opposing jaws and actuating means for opening the jaws, the actuating means including a separating member configured to be driven between the jaws so as to push apart the jaws such that the jaws are openable between a contracted configuration where the jaws are receivable in the cavity to an expanded configuration where the jaws are forced apart by the actuating means such that the outwardly directed surfaces of the jaws are engageable with the opposed surfaces and exert oppositely directed forces thereon. Also disclosed herein is an apparatus configured to carry at least one said expandable device, and an assembly comprising two said apparatus.

Screw fastener engaging/disengaging apparatus suitable for attaching/detaching wheels to/from vehicles has a frame and a set of parallel spindles mounted on the frame for holding one type of screw fastener at the spindle ends. The spindle ends are arranged in a circular array with the spindles rotatable about their longitudinal axes. The screw fasteners are configured for screw engagement with screw fasteners of another type mounted on a wheel attachment member to/from which a wheel can be attached/detached. An adjustment mechanism collectively changes positions of the spindle axes between a circular array with a first radius and a circular array with a second radius.

A lift to facilitate changing of a tire and wheel assembly on an automobile, small truck or trailer in the field. The lift includes an elongated rod with a U-shaped socket having a slot and aligned flat to facilitate seating and pivoting of the socket on a lug bolt on an axle-spindle of the vehicle when passed through one of the bolt holes in the tire rim. A handle is provided on the opposite end of the elongated rod by which an operator may lift the tire using the lever principle while rotating the assembly such that the bolt holes in the rim align with the lug bolts. A slide on the elongated rod serves as a stop to control sliding of the tire and wheel assembly towards the operator during the lifting operation.

In one embodiment, a wheel righting apparatus includes a main frame and a wheel latching frame that is pivotally coupled to the main frame. The wheel latching frame is configured to be removably coupled to a wheel. The wheel righting apparatus also includes a winch assembly coupled to the main frame. The winch assembly is operable to move the wheel from a horizontal position to a vertical position by pivoting the wheel latching frame relative to the main frame.

A puller device for removing a component from another component, such as a wheel rim or pulley from an axle. The illustrative puller device includes a cross yoke, a pair of couplers that are movable along the yoke, and a forcing screw. The underside of the yoke may include steps or lands that are spaced to assist in centering the yoke into a wheel rim to be removed.

The present invention discloses a device for removal of wheel rim burr which comprises a main body, plural positioning wheels, an eccentric wheel disposed on the main body, and at least two brush wheels disposed between two corresponding positioning wheels.

Systems, methods and apparatus for automated vehicle wheel removal and replacement are provided. One system includes a computer system with applications for scheduling the replacement of tires for the vehicle. An electronically controlled lift device and robotic apparatus is configured for interaction with the computer system. The lift device mechanically adjusts arms for placement on lift points of vehicles. The robotic apparatus detects positioning of lug nut configuration for a wheel, removes lug nuts, and then removes the wheel from the wheel hub with gripping arms. The wheel and tire are then handed off to a separate tire changing machine. When a new tire is replaced the robotic apparatus then mounts the wheel to the original wheel hub, and then secures the lug nuts to the lug nut bolts.