A flexible compression apparatus for seating the bead of a tubeless tire onto a rim and a method of using the apparatus. The flexible compression including: a circular spiral flexible band having a first terminal edge wound on an exterior surface of the flexible band and a second terminal edge wound on an inner surface of the flexible band; one or more straps in contact with the exterior surface of the flexible band and running parallel to the flexible band, said one or more straps each having a secured end and a terminal end, wherein the secured end of the one or more straps is affixed to the flexible band; and one or more tightening mechanisms for receiving the terminal end(s) of the strap(s).

A flexible compression apparatus for seating the bead of a tubeless tire onto a rim and a method of using the apparatus. The flexible compression including: a circular spiral flexible band having a first terminal edge wound on an exterior surface of the flexible band and a second terminal edge wound on an inner surface of the flexible band; one or more straps in contact with the exterior surface of the flexible band and running parallel to the flexible band, said one or more straps each having a secured end and a terminal end, wherein the secured end of the one or more straps is affixed to the flexible band; and one or more tightening mechanisms for receiving the terminal end(s) of the strap(s).

A tire air filling mechanism in a tire testing device includes an air supply source which supplies air into a tire to be mounted between a pair of rims attached to ends of tire shafts. An injection direction of the air supplied into the tire from the air supply source is set at a direction inclined with respect to a radial direction of the tire, so that the air supplied from the air supply source can be turned inside the tire.

An annular and ring extends around the interior of a wheel/rim on which a tire is mounted. The inner diameter of the annular ring is sized for a snug fit on the wheel rim. A tensioning cable extends through the tubular ring and opposed arms are attached to the ring and are movable between disengaged and engaged positions. The apparatus is selectively movable by actuation of a cable tensioner between a first, disengaged position where the arms do not engage the tire and thereby lock it to the rim, and a second, engaged position in which the arm bear against the tire beads, capturing the tire beads between the rim flanges and the wing members to lock the tire to the rim and to create and/or enhances the air-tight seal between the tire and the rim. The bead lock apparatus may be beneficially used in combination with a foam insert for enhanced tire performance.

An annular and ring extends around the interior of a wheel/rim on which a tire is mounted. The inner diameter of the annular ring is sized for a snug fit on the wheel rim. A tensioning cable extends through the tubular ring and opposed arms are attached to the ring and are movable between disengaged and engaged positions. The apparatus is selectively movable by actuation of a cable tensioner between a first, disengaged position where the arms do not engage the tire and thereby lock it to the rim, and a second, engaged position in which the arm bear against the tire beads, capturing the tire beads between the rim flanges and the wing members to lock the tire to the rim and to create and/or enhances the air-tight seal between the tire and the rim. The bead lock apparatus may be beneficially used in combination with a foam insert for enhanced tire performance.

A pneumatic tire seater for seating a tubeless tire on a rim has an advanced rapid air release (RAR) valve mounted on a tank suitable for containing pressurized air. A nozzle is mounted on one end of the RAR valve, and the other end of the valve is in unconstrained pneumatic communication with the interior of the air tank. A piston is within a cylinder of the RAR valve. A control chamber behind the piston contains a compression spring. Control gas passageways provide constrained pneumatic communication between the control chamber and the air tank, passing control gas into the control chamber. In response to actuating a control mechanism, the air in the control chamber is vented out into the atmosphere causing the RAR valve to rapidly open, producing a blast of air of sufficient magnitude to seat a tire on a rim.

An apparatus for seating a tire and rim assembly comprising a tubeless tire on a rim and defining opposite lateral sides thereof. The apparatus comprising an enclosure and a bead-seater pivotally mounted thereto. The apparatus also comprises a bead-seater pivotally mountable to an enclosure. The enclosure defines an internal area thereof for enclosing a tire and rim assembly therein in a vertical position. The enclosure defining at least one entry opening for receiving the tire and rim assembly and at least one access opening. The bead-seater being selectively pivoted for operationally engaging the tire and rim at one lateral side thereof about a junction thereof via the access opening to seat the tire on the rim. A support member is positioned within the enclosure and extends within the inner area for supporting the tire and rim assembly thereon at an opposite lateral side thereof in the vertical position.

A tire air filling mechanism in a tire testing device includes an air supply source which supplies air into a tire to be mounted between a pair of rims attached to ends of tire shafts. An injection direction of the air supplied into the tire from the air supply source is set at a direction inclined with respect to a radial direction of the tire, so that the air supplied from the air supply source can be turned inside the tire.

An apparatus for seating a bead of a tire adjacent a bead seat of a wheel is disclosed.

An apparatus for seating a bead of a tire adjacent a bead seat of a wheel is disclosed.