The present invention relates to a lifting column and a first and second mast for lifting a vehicle, a lifting system including one or more of these lifting columns and a method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting column according to the invention includes a frame provided with a first mast and a second mast; at least one carrier configured for engaging the vehicle, with the at least one carrier moveable relative to the first and second mast; and a lifting mechanism with a drive for moving the at least one carrier and lifting the vehicle. The first and second mast are positioned on the frame at a mast distance, with the mast distance enabling access to a wheel of the vehicle.

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 lifting column and a first and second mast for lifting a vehicle, a lifting system including one or more of these lifting columns and a method for lifting a vehicle. The lifting column according to the invention includes a frame provided with a first mast and a second mast; at least one carrier configured for engaging the vehicle, with the at least one carrier moveable relative to the first and second mast; and a lifting mechanism with a drive for moving the at least one carrier and lifting the vehicle. The first and second mast are positioned on the frame at a mast distance, with the mast distance enabling access to a wheel of the vehicle.

In the context of service and maintenance of heavy road vehicles, apparatus is provided that is configured to engage and support a rack and manoeuvre it into position relative to the vehicle to facilitate removal and installation of the wheels. The rack has a frame with a base and a pair of arms, each arm being pivotally attached to opposite sides of the base to pivot between an open configuration and a folded configuration. The apparatus may be expanded and contracted between an expanded configuration, where the rack engagement assembly is configured to engage the rack in the open configuration, and a contracted configuration where the rack engagement assembly is configured to engage the rack in the folded configuration.

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.

A tool for transferring a motor vehicle into a rollable state despite a parking lock having been activated includes a base which is fastenable to a vehicle wheel of the motor vehicle and an actuating element which is displaceable along a sliding direction relative to the base and via which, in a state of the base fastened to the vehicle wheel, by displacement of the actuating element along the sliding direction relative to the base, displacing a propeller shaft of the motor vehicle, a toothing engagement between a first toothing of the propeller shaft and a second toothing of a wheel hub can be undone, as a result of which the motor vehicle can be transferred into the rollable state. A travel limiting device specifies a travel by which the actuating element can be displaced at most relative to the base in order to undo the toothing engagement.

A device for lifting a wheel and rolling the wheel on a surface includes an elongated rigid plate having a top side, a bottom side, a peripheral edge, a pedal portion at a rear end of the rigid plate, and a wheel portion at a forward end of the rigid plate. A roller is fixed with the bottom side of the rigid plate and the peripheral edge of the wheel portion at the forward end of the rigid plate is bent upward to form a tire-tread engaging lip, at least a portion of which engages a tread of the wheel. In use, with the wheel resting on the wheel portion, the pedal portion may be pressed downwardly to pivot the rigid plate about the roller to lift the wheel. The lifting device is then rolled on the surface to place the wheel at a desired position.

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.

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.

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.