Static tire inflator

Abstract

The invention pertains to apparatus for inflating tubeless tires, particularly of large sizes, wherein the tire is quickly inflated, and a variety of wheel widths may be readily accommodated. A wheel and uninflated tire are located within the path of movement of an inflation head which includes an annular wheel rim seal ring which is brought into sealing engagement with the wheel rim. Thereafter, a tire sidewall engaging seal ring also mounted upon the inflation head compresses the tire sidewall under the influence of an expansible air bag motor to displace the tire bead from a sealing relationship with the wheel flange, and the sidewall engaging ring forms an annular compressed air receiving chamber with the wheel rim ring permitting compressed air to enter the tire throughout the displaced tire bead periphery. Upon air pressure equilibrium being achieved within the tire and chamber the sidewall engaging ring retracts under the influence of a second pressurized air bag motor mounted upon the inflation head to permit the tire bead to seat and seal against the wheel flange. Retraction of the inflation head from the wheel rim clears the inflated wheel-tire assembly. The apparatus of the invention is intended for automatic, high production tire inflation systems and is usually incorporated into conveyor apparatus.