Patent ID: 6209684
Filing Date: 2001-04-03
Classification: B05C,B60C

Abstract:
An apparatus for applying a lubricant to first and second spaced apart beads defining an opening of an unmounted pneumatic tire prior to mounting of the tire on a wheel comprising:a tire supporting surface at a lubrication station;at least one lubricating head located at the lubrication station, the lubricating head having a crank arm with an axis of rotation;means for moving the lubricating head axially with respect to the tire supporting surface between a first axial position spaced from the tire supporting surface and a second axial position disposed adjacent to the tire supporting surface;means for rotating the crank arm of the lubricating head about the axis of rotation when in the second axial position; andat least one lubricating member supported by the crank arm of the lubricating head spaced radially from the axis of rotation of the crank arm for applying lubricant to the first and second spaced apart beads, such that the lubricating member is axially insertable through the opening defined by the first and second spaced apart beads of the tire to be lubricated when the moving means is in the second position, and operable in response to rotation of the crank arm through at least 360.degree. to apply lubricant along an entire periphery of the first and second beads.