Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

There is provided a device for handling tires having an anchor for attaching to a prime mover and a clamping device rotatably mounted to the anchor that rotates relative to the anchor about a rotation axis. The clamping device has a plurality of engagement members connected by a mechanical linkage and a carrying body with a plurality of guides. The weight distribution of the clamping device is balanced about the rotation axis. Each guide carries one of the engagement members and is oriented to allow the engagement members to move perpendicular to the rotation axis between clamping and release positions. The mechanical linkage includes a rotating actuator and controls movement of the engagement members along the guides. The movement of each engagement member is rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis relative to the movement of the other engagement members. The device has an actuator that actuates the mechanical linkage.

An aircraft wheel hub protector is adapted to engage an aircraft wheel including an aircraft tire on a rim. The aircraft wheel hub protector having two or more cover sections with a protective protrusion and coupling mechanism guide extending from the a first cover section and passing through a bearing race and internal surface within a hub of the rim of the aircraft wheel in such a fashion so as to provide a void within the protective protrusion. The second cover section is engaged with an opposed side of the aircraft wheel from the first cover section. A coupling mechanism passes through the void in the protective protrusion without having contact with the bearing race and internal surfaces within the hub of the rim and coupling the first cover section and securing the aircraft wheel hub protector to the aircraft wheel.

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.

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.

An aircraft wheel hub protector is adapted to engage an aircraft wheel including an aircraft tire on a rim. The aircraft wheel hub protector having two or more cover sections with a protective protrusion and coupling mechanism guide extending from the a first cover section and passing through a bearing race and internal surface within a hub of the rim of the aircraft wheel in such a fashion so as to provide a void within the protective protrusion. The second cover section is engaged with an opposed side of the aircraft wheel from the first cover section. A coupling mechanism passes through the void in the protective protrusion without having contact with the bearing race and internal surfaces within the hub of the rim and coupling the first cover section and securing the aircraft wheel hub protector to the aircraft wheel.

Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

Embodiments of collapsible wheels and methods of making collapsible wheels are generally described herein. Other embodiments may be described and claimed.

There is provided a device for handling tires having an anchor for attaching to a prime mover and a clamping device rotatably mounted to the anchor that rotates relative to the anchor about a rotation axis. The clamping device has a plurality of engagement members connected by a mechanical linkage and a carrying body with a plurality of guides. The weight distribution of the clamping device is balanced about the rotation axis. Each guide carries one of the engagement members and is oriented to allow the engagement members to move perpendicular to the rotation axis between clamping and release positions. The mechanical linkage includes a rotating actuator and controls movement of the engagement members along the guides. The movement of each engagement member is rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis relative to the movement of the other engagement members. The device has an actuator that actuates the mechanical linkage.