Abstract:
A lock ring spreader is capable of being mounted to a lock ring having a first end and a second end. The lock ring spreader comprises a first mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the first end of the lock ring and a second mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the second end of the lock ring. A crank arm is pivotally coupled to the first mount and extends radially outward from the first mount relative to the lock ring. A link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mount and the crank arm, and extends radially outward from the second mount relative to the lock ring. Pivoting the crank arm radially inward relative to the lock ring pivots the link arm relative to the crank arm and expands the distance between the first mount and the second mount.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/703,441 filed Sep. 20, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference as if fully set forth herein. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH 
       [0002]    Not Applicable. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to lock rings, and more particularly to a device and a method for installing and uninstalling a lock ring. 
         [0004]    Lock rings are used in a wide variety of applications to axially restrain a tire and associated rim components that are mounted to a rim. After the tire has been mounted to the rim, the lock ring is installed by opening (i.e., the ends are spread apart to enlarge the overall diameter of the lock ring) and moving the lock ring over the rim. The rim includes an annular gutter or recess that is sized to receive the lock ring on the rim. The lock ring, once aligned with the annular gutter, is then closed (i.e., the ends are allowed to spring back toward their natural position) so that the lock ring is seated in the annular gutter, is biased toward the rim, and is axially restrained on the rim. To uninstall the lock ring, the lock ring is opened, unseated from the gutter, and removed from the rim. 
         [0005]    Lock rings can be sized for use with rims ranging from less than twelve inches to over sixty-four inches in diameter. Lock rings, especially those at the larger end of the spectrum, can require a substantial amount of force to spread apart the ends. Even with smaller lock rings, other factors make it challenging to quickly and easily install and uninstall lock rings. Ergonomics of the installation can present impediments to manipulating the lock ring. For instance, installation and removal is often performed in the field (e.g., at a work site, such as a remote mine) and is subject to the current conditions (e.g., extreme temperatures, rain, etc.). In addition, those manipulating the lock ring are typically wearing thick gloves and often must maneuver the lock ring within a relatively limited envelope (e.g., larger tires may be mounted/dismounted while the rim remains bolted to the vehicle). Economic factors further drive a desire for efficient wheel repair because an idle machine, such as a dump truck having a capacity exceeding three hundred and fifty tons, has a substantial opportunity cost associated with each minute of unproductive downtime. 
         [0006]    In light of at least the above, a need exists for a device that allows for efficient manipulation of a lock ring. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    In one aspect, a lock ring spreader is capable of being mounted to a lock ring having a first end and a second end. The lock ring spreader comprises a first mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the first end of the lock ring and a second mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the second end of the lock ring. A crank arm is pivotally coupled to the first mount and extends radially outward from the first mount relative to the lock ring. A link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mount and the crank arm, and extends radially outward from the second mount relative to the lock ring. Pivoting the crank arm radially inward relative to the lock ring pivots the link arm relative to the crank arm and expands the distance between the first mount and the second mount. 
         [0008]    In another aspect, a lock ring spreader is capable of being mounted to a lock ring defining a first end, a second end opposite to the first end, a first axial face, a second axial face opposite to the first axial face, and an outer radial face between the first axial face and the second axial face. The lock ring spreader comprises a first mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the first end of the lock ring, the first mount is configured to substantially conform to at least one of the first axial face, the second axial face, and the outer radial face. A second mount is mountable to the lock ring near the second end of the lock ring, the second mount is configured to substantially conform to at least one of the first axial face, the second axial face, and the outer radial face. A crank arm has a first end that is pivotally coupled to the first mount near the first end. A link arm has a first end and a second end, the link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mount near the first end and to the crank arm near the second end. Pivoting the crank arm radially inward toward the second mount relative to the lock ring pivots the link arm relative to the crank arm and expands a distance between the first mount and the second mount. 
         [0009]    In a further aspect, a lock ring spreader is capable of being mounted to a lock ring having a first end and a second end. The lock ring spreader comprises a first mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the first end of the lock ring and a second mount that is mountable to the lock ring near the second end of the lock ring. A crank arm is pivotally coupled to the first mount about a first axis. A link arm is pivotally coupled to the second mount about a second axis and to the crank arm about a third axis. The second axis is closer to a central axis of the lock ring than the third axis when the lock ring spreader is mounted to the lock ring. Pivoting the crank arm about the first axis (between a first position and a second position) pivots the link arm about the second axis and the third axis. 
         [0010]    In yet another aspect, an assembly comprises a rim having an annular gutter formed in a radially outer surface and a tire mounted to the rim. A bead seat band is mounted on the rim adjacent to the tire. A lock ring has a first end and a second end, the lock ring is configured to selectively engage the annular gutter and axially restrain the bead seat band on the rim. A lock ring spreader has a first mount that is coupled to the first end of the lock ring, a second mount that is coupled to the second end of the lock ring, a crank arm that is pivotally coupled to the first mount and extends radially outward from the first mount relative to the lock ring, and a link arm that is pivotally coupled to the second mount and the crank arm and extends radially outward from the second mount relative to the lock ring. Pivoting the crank arm radially inward relative to the lock ring pivots the link arm relative to the crank arm and expands a distance between the first mount and the second mount to disengage the lock ring from the annular gutter. 
         [0011]    In a further aspect, a method of using a lock ring spreader to install and uninstall a lock ring from a gutter of a rim includes mounting a first mount of the lock ring spreader to the lock ring near a first end of the lock ring, mounting a second mount of the lock ring spreader to the lock ring near a second end of the lock ring, rotating a crank arm that is pivotally coupled to the first mount at a first axis about the first axis, rotating a link arm that is pivotally coupled to the second mount at a second axis and to the crank arm at a third axis about the second axis and the third axis. Rotating the crank arm about the first axis between a first position and a second position pivots the link arm about the second axis and the third axis, and expands a distance between the first mount and the second mount. The distance between the first mount and the second mount allows the lock ring to be installed and uninstalled from the gutter of the rim without the lock ring undergoing plastic deformation. 
         [0012]    These and still other aspects will be apparent from the description that follows. In the detailed description, preferred example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. These embodiments do not represent the full scope of the concept; rather the concept may be employed in other embodiments. Reference should therefore be made to the claims herein for interpreting the breadth of the invention. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is an isometric view of a first example lock ring spreader. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the first example lock ring spreader. 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a bottom view of the first example lock ring spreader. 
           [0016]      FIG. 4  is an isometric, exploded view of the first example lock ring spreader. 
           [0017]      FIG. 5  is a side view of the first example lock ring spreader illustrated in  FIG. 1  mounted to an example lock ring and in an unlocked position. 
           [0018]      FIG. 6  is a partial cross section along line  6 - 6  shown in  FIG. 5 . 
           [0019]      FIG. 7  is a side view of the first example lock ring spreader mounted to the example lock ring and in an intermediate position. 
           [0020]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the first example lock ring spreader mounted to the example lock ring and in an over-center position. 
           [0021]      FIG. 9  is a side view of the first example lock ring spreader mounted to the example lock ring and in a locked position. 
           [0022]      FIG. 10  is a partial cross section of the first example lock ring spreader illustrating a first example latch assembly. 
           [0023]      FIG. 11  is a front isometric view of a second example lock ring spreader. 
           [0024]      FIG. 12  is a rear isometric view of the second example lock ring spreader. 
           [0025]      FIG. 13  is an isometric, exploded view of the second example lock ring spreader. 
           [0026]      FIG. 14  is an isometric view of the second example lock ring spreader in an intermediate position. 
           [0027]      FIG. 15  is an isometric view of the second example lock ring spreader in a locked position. 
           [0028]      FIG. 16  is a partial cross section along line  16 - 16  shown in  FIG. 15  illustrating a second example latch assembly in a locked position. 
           [0029]      FIG. 17  is a partial cross section along line  16 - 16  shown in  FIG. 15  illustrating the second example latch assembly in an unlocked position. 
           [0030]      FIG. 18  is an isometric view of an example wheel assembly. 
           [0031]      FIG. 19  is a detail view of a portion of the example wheel assembly circumscribed by arc  19 - 19  shown in  FIG. 18 . 
           [0032]      FIG. 20  is a partial section view along line  20 - 20  shown in  FIG. 19 . 
           [0033]      FIG. 21  is a partial isometric view of the second example lock ring spreader mounted to a lock ring of the example wheel assembly and in an unlocked position. 
           [0034]      FIG. 22  is a partial isometric view similar to  FIG. 21  with the second example lock ring spreader in an over-center position. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23  is a partial isometric view similar to  FIG. 22  with the second example lock ring spreader in a locked position. 
           [0036]      FIG. 24  is an isometric view of the example lock ring removed from the remainder of the wheel assembly. 
           [0037]      FIG. 25  is a partial detail view of the lock ring circumscribed by arc  25 - 25  shown in  FIG. 24 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0038]    The example bead seat band lock ring spreaders are described in connection with example lock rings for locking the bead seat bands on a wheel or rim to retain a tire on the rim. However, as one skilled in the art will appreciate when given the benefit of this disclosure, the lock ring spreader concept can be adapted to engage other bead seat band lock ring forms, such as the various lock rings manufactured by GKN Wheels Armstrong of Armstrong, Iowa. Furthermore, the structure, size, and construction of the example lock ring spreaders can be adapted from the examples shown to accommodate specific application requirements (e.g., operating envelope restrictions, force requirements, cost constraints, etc.) without departing from the lock ring spreader concept. Throughout the description, terms such as front, back, side, top, bottom, up, down, upper, lower, inner, outer, above, below, and the like are used to describe the relative arrangement and/or operation of various components of the example embodiment; however, none of these relative terms are to be construed as limiting the construction or alternative arrangements that are within the scope of the claims. 
         [0039]      FIGS. 1-4  show the construction of an example lock ring spreader  10 . The lock ring spreader  10  can be mounted to a lock ring  12  (shown in  FIGS. 5-9 ) and used to open (e.g., expand, spread, etc.) and close (e.g., retract, collapse, etc.) the lock ring  12 . Specifically, when the lock ring spreader  10  is moved from an unlocked position (shown in  FIGS. 1-3  and  6 ) to a locked position (shown in  FIG. 9 ), the lock ring  12  is expanded from a closed position to an open position at which the interior diameter of the lock ring  12  is larger. The lock ring  12  is then more easily positioned over a rim of a wheel assembly and aligned with an annular gutter formed in the rim. With the lock ring  12  in position, the lock ring spreader  10  is moved to the unlocked position and the lock ring  12  springs back toward a natural position where it is then seated in the annular gutter to axially restrain the tire on the rim. 
         [0040]    The lock ring spreader  10  is secured or mounted to the lock ring  12  by a first mount  14  and a second mount  16 . The example first mount  14  includes a pair of legs  18 ,  20  that are connected along a top by a bridge  22 . An underside of the first mount  14  defines a generally U-shaped recess  24 . One of the legs  20  tapers from the bridge  22  so that the recess  24  is configured to conform to the contours of the lock ring  12 . The recess  24  may be contoured to engage the specific form of a mating lock ring. Each leg  18 ,  20  further includes a pair of aligned, transverse holes  26 . The holes  26  are positioned beneath the bridge  22  and are configured to receive a mounting pin  28 . Specifically, a shaft  30  of the mounting pin  28  is inserted into the holes  26  until a head  32  of the mounting pin  28  is near one of the legs  18 . The example mounting pins  28  shown include a spring-loaded ball that protrudes radially outward from the shaft  30  so that the ball can retract into the shaft  30  when sufficient axial force is applied to move the mounting pin  28  into the holes  26 . The ball also inhibits the mounting pin  28  from being removed from the holes  26  without sufficient force. While the mounting pins  28  provide for convenient mounting and dismounting, the first mount  14  and the second mount  16 , in other forms, can be bolted or otherwise secured to the lock ring  12 . 
         [0041]    The first mount  14  and the second mount  16  differ in that the first mount  14  includes a pair of parallel projections  34 ,  36  extending upward from the bridge  22 , whereas the second mount  16  includes a single projection  38  that extends upward from the bridge  22  of the second mount  16 . All of the projections  34 ,  36 ,  38  have generally rectangular bases and extend upward to a rounded tip. Each of the projections  34 ,  36  on the first mount  14  includes a transverse hole  40  used to mount a crank arm  42  and a handle  44  to the first mount  14 . The first mount  14  and the second mount  16  may be of various other constructions. For instance, the mounts  14 ,  16  can be generally rectangular bars, each having an end mounted (e.g., bolted) to the lock ring  12  and a pivot formed at an opposite end to accommodate the remaining components. Alternatively, the mounts  14 ,  16  can be L-shaped with one leg fixed to the lock ring  12  and the other leg pivotally coupled to the remaining components. 
         [0042]    Shown best in  FIG. 4 , the crank arm  42  is pivotally coupled to the first mount  14  between the projections  34 ,  36 . Specifically, the crank arm  42  defines a first end  46  that includes an opening  48 . The opening  48  in the first end  46  of the crank arm  42  is aligned with the holes  40  formed in the projections  34 ,  36 . A shoulder pin  50  is then inserted into the holes  40  and the opening  48  to pivotally couple the crank arm  42  to the first mount  14 . A pair of washers  52 ,  54  are also installed on the shoulder pin  50  between side faces of the crank arm  42  and the projections  34 ,  36 . The shoulder pin  50  is restrained to the first mount  14  by a pin  60  that is press fit into a cylindrical passage  62  formed in the projection  34  that intersects the hole  40 . The pin  60  extends into another cylindrical passage  64  that is formed through the shoulder pin  50 , thereby coupling the shoulder pin  50  to the first mount  14 . When assembled, the crank arm  42  is pivotally coupled to the first mount  14  about a first pivot axis  65 . 
         [0043]    The example crank arm  42  has a generally rectangular cross section and extends from the first end  46  to a second end  66 . Between the first end  46  and the second end  66 , the crank arm  42  diverges into two segments  68 ,  70 . Another opening  72  is formed near the second end  66  and is configured to receive a handle pin  74 . The handle pin  74  includes a smaller diameter portion  76  that can be threaded into the mating opening  72  or, for instance, can be knurled and press-fit into the opening  72 . A larger diameter portion  78  also includes an annular groove  80  into which a clip  82  is seated. The clip  82  protrudes radially outward from the larger diameter portion  78  to restrain a handle grip  84  on the handle pin  74 . The handle grip  84  includes a series of serrated internal rings that cam against the clip  82  as the handle grip  84  is installed on the handle pin  74 , but catch against the clip  82  when attempting to remove the handle grip  84  from the handle pin  74 . 
         [0044]    The crank arm  42  includes a cavity  88  (shown in  FIG. 10 ) into which a first latch member  86  is mounted. The first latch member  86  is pivotally mounted within the cavity  88  about a latch pivot  90 , such as by a spring pin  91  seated within an opening  93 . A torsion spring  95  is also seated within the cavity  88  to bias the first latch member  86  clockwise (as shown in  FIG. 10 ) about the latch pivot  90 . A first end  97  of the torsion spring  95  is secured to the crank arm  42  and a second end  99  cams against the first latch member  86 . The first latch member  86  includes a grip portion  92  that can be grasped to pivot the first latch member  86  about the latch pivot  90 . An engagement portion  94  includes a tooth  96  that is configured to selectively engage a second latch member  98  that is integrated into the second mount  16 . As shown only in  FIG. 10 , the second latch member  98  includes a land  100  that is contoured to interface with the tooth  96  of the first latch member  86  when the first latch member  86  is in the locked position shown in  FIG. 10 . 
         [0045]    The crank arm  42  is coupled to the second mount  16  through a pair of link arms  102 ,  104 . The link arms  102 ,  104  have generally rectangular cross sections with rounded ends. Each of the link arms  102 ,  104  includes an opening  106  at a first end  108 . The single projection  38  extending from the second mount  16  includes a transverse hole  110  that can be aligned with the opening  106  of each link arm  102 ,  104 . Washers  112  are seated between the projection  38  and the link arms  102 ,  104 , and a fastener assembly  114  pivotally couples the link arms  102 ,  104  to the second mount  16  about a second pivot axis  115 . The fastener assembly  114  is shown to include a barrel fastener  116  having internal threads that mate with external threads of a fastener  118 . Once the fastener assembly  114  is engaged the link arms  102 ,  104  are pivotally captured to the second mount  16 . Each link arm  102 ,  104  includes another opening  120  near a second end  122  so that the second end  122  of each link arm  102 ,  104  can be pivotally mounted to the crank arm  42  about a third pivot axis  117 . More specifically, the lower segment  68  of the crank arm  42  has an opening  124  for pivotally mounting the second end  122  of each link arm  102 ,  104 . The link arms  102 ,  104  are positioned to flank the side faces of the crank arm  42 . Another fastener assembly  114  pivotally couples the link arms  102 ,  104  to the crank arm  42  and captures additional washers  112 . 
         [0046]    An example dampener  126  is pivotally mounted to both the first mount  14  and the link arm  102 . The dampener  126  includes a rod  128  near a first end that defines a ring  130  sized to fit over the shoulder pin  50  and abut an outside face  132  of the projection  34 . The shoulder pin  50  also includes an annular recess  134  and a clip  136  that is seated in the recess  134 . The clip  136  protrudes radially outward from the shoulder pin  50  to restrain a handle grip  138  on the shoulder pin  50 , thus capturing the rod  128  of the dampener  126 . The handle grip  138  includes a series of serrated internal rings that cam against the clip  136  as the handle grip  138  is installed, but catch against the clip  136  when attempting to remove the handle grip  138  from the shoulder pin  50 . 
         [0047]    The dampener  126  is pivotally coupled at a second end to the link arm  102 . Specifically, a cylinder portion  140  of the dampener  126  includes a transverse opening  142  that is aligned with a hole  144  formed through the link arm  102  between the first end  108  and the second end  122  of the link arm  102 . A fastener assembly  114  pivotally couples the cylinder portion  140  to the link arm  102 . The dampener  126  can be a hydraulic dampener, a pneumatic dampener, etc. that provides one- or two-way resistance to relative movement, so that when the lock ring spreader  10  is moved toward the unlocked position, the dampener  126  provides resistance to this movement to inhibit the lock ring  12  from closing faster than desired for a particular application. Furthermore, the dampener  126  can be mounted to other components of the lock ring spreader  10 , such as between the crank arm  42  and the second mount  16 . 
         [0048]    The first mount  14 , the second mount  16 , the crank arm  42 , the link arms  102 ,  104 , the shoulder pin  50 , and the handle pin  74  may be made of metal, plastic, composites, or any other material suitable in view of the ultimate application requirements. 
         [0049]      FIG. 5  shows the lock ring spreader  10  mounted near ends  146 ,  148  of the lock ring  12 . The first mount  14  is mounted near one end  146  and the second mount  16  is mounted near the second end  148  by respective mounting pins  28 . Each end  146 ,  148  of the lock ring  12  includes an opening  150  that extends laterally through the lock ring  12  and is sized to allow the mounting pin  28  to pass through.  FIG. 6  shows a cross section through the second mount  16  mounted to the second end  148  by pin  28 . The lock ring  12  includes a first axial face  152  (including an angled portion  154 ), a second axial face  156 , and an outer radial face  158 . The outer radial face  158  connects the first axial face  152  and the second axial face  156 . The opening  150  extends through the first axial face  152  and the second axial face  156 , so that the holes  26  in the legs  18 ,  20  are aligned with the opening  150  when the second mount  16  is engaged with the lock ring  12 . The underside of the second mount  16  (i.e., the generally U-shaped recess  24 ) is configured to substantially conform to the first axial face  152 , the outer radial face  158 , and the second axial face  156 . The term “conform” generally implies an engagement between the mounts  14 ,  16  and the lock ring  12  that inhibits relative movement between each respective mount  14 ,  16  and the lock ring  12 , such that movement of the mounts  14 ,  16  results in movement of the lock ring  12 . 
         [0050]    With the first mount  14  and the second mount  16  mounted or secured to the respective ends  146 ,  148  of the lock ring  12 , the lock ring spreader  10  can be manipulated to alter a distance D 1  between the ends  146 ,  148  of the lock ring  12  (shown greater than zero in  FIGS. 7-9 ). For instance, the distance D 1  can be altered or adjusted between approximately zero (i.e., when the ends  146 ,  148  are in contact) to any application-specific distance or separation required to mount the open lock ring  12  on a rim. Shown in  FIG. 8 , the maximum distance D 1  between the ends  146 ,  148  of the lock ring  12  is established when the lock ring spreader  10  is fully spread (i.e., when the lock ring spreader is in the over-center position). The specific value of this distance D 1  is application specific, with the general limitation that the distance D 1  does not result in plastic deformation of the lock ring  12 . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 5 ,  7 ,  8 , and  9  show the lock ring spreader  10  being manipulated from the unlocked position in  FIG. 5 , to an intermediate position in  FIG. 7 , to an over-center position in  FIG. 8 , to a locked position in  FIG. 9 . Similarly, the lock ring  12  is shown moving from a closed position in  FIG. 5  (at which there is little or no distance D 1  between the ends  146 ,  148  of the lock ring  12 ) to an open position in  FIG. 9  (at which the distance D 1  between the ends  146 ,  148  has been increased so that the lock ring  12  can be mounted on a rim). Since the mounts  14 ,  16  are shown coupled to the ends  146 ,  148  of the lock ring  12 , the distance D 1  between the ends of the lock ring  12  is related to a distance D 2  defined between the mounts  14 ,  16 . In the example lock ring spreader  10 , mounts  14 ,  16  are spaced apart by the distance D 2  even when the ends  146 ,  148  of the lock ring  12  are in contact. However, the specific mounting location of each mount  14 ,  16  relative to the ends  146 ,  148  of the lock ring  12  can be adjusted as desired. 
         [0052]    In use, an operator generally grasps the handle grips  84 ,  138  and applies a force to rotate the crank arm  42  clockwise (as viewed in  FIG. 5 ) about the first pivot axis  65  defined by the first mount  14 , moving the lock ring spreader  10  and the lock ring  12  toward the orientation shown in  FIG. 7 . The link arms  102 ,  104  begin to pivot at the first ends  108  counterclockwise about the second pivot axis  115  defined by the second mount  16 . The link arms  102 ,  104  also pivot relative to the crank arm  42  at the second ends  122  about the third pivot axis  117 . This movement increases the distance between the mounting locations of the dampener  126  on the shoulder pin  50  and the link arm  102 . The dampener  126  can be configured to provide resistance to this expansion or may allow expansion with minimal resistance. 
         [0053]    The lock ring  12  typically resists opening or expanding and urges the ends  146 ,  148  toward each other to a “natural position” (i.e., the position of the lock ring  12  when external forces are not applied). In some instances, the natural position may urge the ends  146 ,  148  past each other (e.g., where the lock ring  12  has overlapped itself). The dampener  126  is included to resist movement of the ends  146 ,  148  back to the natural position once the lock ring  12  has begun to open. The dampener  126  inhibits rapid closing of the lock ring  12 , allowing for more controlled movement of both the lock ring  12  and the lock ring spreader  10 . 
         [0054]    Once the lock ring spreader  10  is pivoted to the orientation shown in  FIG. 8 , the lock ring spreader has reached a “soft lock” whereat the lock ring spreader  10  is near an over-center position. Specifically, the force provided by the “spring” force of the lock ring  12  that urges the ends  146 ,  148  toward each other will act to urge the lock ring spreader  10  toward the locked position shown in  FIG. 9  once the lock ring spreader  10  has moved past the over-center position. 
         [0055]    The lock ring spreader  10  also includes a “hard lock” when positioned as shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 . The example hard lock includes the first latch member  86  pivotally mounted to the crank arm  42  and the second latch member  98  integrated into the second mount  16 . The tooth  96  on the engagement portion  94  of the first latch member  86  may be urged into contact with the land  100  of the second latch member  98  by the torsion spring  95 , an elastomeric member seated within the cavity  88 , or other resilient/biasing members. 
         [0056]    The open lock ring  12  and the locked lock ring spreader  10  can be positioned over an annular gutter formed in a rim. An inner radial face  164  of the lock ring  12  (shown in  FIG. 9 ) is positioned adjacent to the gutter and the lock ring spreader  10  is unlocked. To unlock the first latch member  86  and the second latch member  98 , force is applied to the grip portion  92  of the first latch member  86  to pivot the tooth  96  about the latch pivot  90  clear of the land  100 . The inherent spring force of the lock ring  12  will urge the ends  146 ,  148  of the lock ring toward each other, but the dampener  126  will inhibit or retard this movement as the ends of the dampener  126  are urged closer. 
         [0057]    Other “hard locks” may be incorporated into the lock ring spreader  10 . For instance, the link arm  104  and the segment  68  of the crank arm  42  may include respective openings that are axially aligned when the lock ring spreader  10  is oriented as shown in  FIG. 9 . A lock pin can then be inserted into the openings to mechanically inhibit relative rotation of the link arm  104  relative to the crank arm  42  while the lock pin is in place. Alternatively, a locking ratchet can be integrated into the crank arm  42  at the first end  46 , a hook can be pivotally coupled to the second mount  16  and be swung over the second end  66  when the crank arm  42  is near the second mount  16 , or any other suitable locking structure/mechanism. 
         [0058]    The construction of a second example lock ring spreader  200  is shown in  FIGS. 11-17 . The second example lock ring spreader  200  is similar to the first example lock ring spreader  10  described above, therefore, the following description focuses on the distinctions. Again, the lock ring spreader  200  can be mounted to the lock ring  12  (shown in  FIGS. 5-9 ) and used to open (e.g., expand, spread, etc.) and close (e.g., retract, collapse, etc.) the lock ring  12  as the lock ring spreader  200  is moved between a locked position and an unlocked position. 
         [0059]    The lock ring spreader  200  is secured or mounted to a lock ring (e.g., lock ring  12 ) by a first mount  202  and a second mount  204 , which are similar to the mounts  14 ,  16  described with reference to the first example lock ring spreader  10 . Each mount  202 ,  204  includes a pair of legs  206 ,  208  that are connected along a top by a bridge  210  and are configured to conform to the contours of the mating lock ring. The first mount  202  and the second mount  204  are selectively coupled to the lock ring via mounting pins  212 . 
         [0060]    Again, the first mount  202  and the second mount  204  differ in that the first mount  202  includes a pair of parallel projections  214 ,  216  extending upward from the bridge  210 , whereas the second mount  204  includes a single projection  218  that extends upward from the bridge  210 . As best shown in  FIGS. 13 and 14 , one of the pair of parallel projections  214  is wider than the other and is positioned flush with an outer side of the leg  206 . A crank arm  220  and a handle  222  are mounted to the projections  214 ,  216  of the first mount  202 . 
         [0061]    The crank arm  220  is pivotally coupled to the first mount  202  about a first pivot axis  228  by a shoulder pin  224  and washers  226 . The crank arm  220  extends from a first end  230  to a second end  232 . Between the first end  230  and the second end  232 , the crank arm  220  diverges into two segments  234 ,  236 . A handle grip  238  is secured to a handle pin  240  that is secured to the second end  232  of the crank arm  220 . 
         [0062]    The crank arm  220  includes parallel mounts  242 ,  244  extending away from the second end  232 . Each mount  242 ,  244  defines a keyed opening  246  into which a first latch member  248  is slidably mounted. The first latch member  248  includes a grip portion  250  that is oriented transverse to a latch arm  252 . The grip portion  250  can be grasped to slide the first latch member  248  within the keyed opening  246 . The example latch arm  252  has a generally D-shaped cross section with a flat top surface  254 . The D-shaped cross section of the latch arm  252  is matched to the keyed opening  246  (also a D-shape) to inhibit the latch arm  252  from rotating within the keyed opening  246 . 
         [0063]    With specific reference to  FIG. 16 , the first latch member  248  is biased toward a locked position. A stop pin  256  is secured in a transverse hole  258  formed in the latch arm  252  to capture a spring  260  between the stop pin  256  and one of the mounts  244 . The distal end of the latch arm  252  defines an engagement portion  264  that is rounded to cam against the projection  218  extending from the second mount  204 . A second latch member  266  is formed in the projection  218  and defines a D-shaped recess  268  that is oriented to receive the engagement portion  264  of the latch arm  252  when the lock ring spreader  200  is in the locked position (i.e., the associated lock ring is spread open). To disengage or unlock the first latch member  248  and the second latch member  266 , an operator can bias the grip portion  250  in the direction of arrow F shown in  FIG. 17 . Sliding the latch arm  252  as shown compresses the spring  260  and unseats the engagement portion  264  from the recess  268 , thus allowing the crank arm  220  to pivot. 
         [0064]    The crank arm  220  is coupled to the second mount  204  through a pair of link arms  270 ,  272 . Each of the link arms  270 ,  272  extends between a first end  276  and a second end  278 . The first end  276  is pivotally coupled to the second mount  204  via a fastener assembly  280  (i.e., a barrel fastener  282  having internal threads that mate with external threads of a fastener  284 ). The second end  278  of each link arm  270 ,  272  is pivotally mounted to the crank arm  220  at an intermediate opening  286 . 
         [0065]    Another example dampener  288  is pivotally mounted to both the second mount  204  and the crank arm  220 . The dampener  288  includes a rod  290  having a ring  292  at an end that is pivotally secured to the second mount  204  via the fastener assembly  280 . A spacer  295  provides clearance between the link arm  270  and the dampener  288 . The dampener  288  is pivotally coupled at a second end to the crank arm  220 . Specifically, a cylinder portion  294  of the dampener  288  includes a transverse standoff  296  that is aligned with and extends through a hole  298  formed through the crank arm  220 . A fastener  300  engages the standoff  296  to pivotally capture the cylinder portion  294  to the crank arm  220 . The dampener  288  is a pneumatic dampener having an annular gap or space between a head of the rod  290  and an interior surface (not shown) of the cylinder portion  294  such that the metering of air through the gap impedes relative movement between the rod  290  and the cylinder portion  294 . As a result, the movement of the crank arm  220  relative to the mounts  202 ,  204  is controlled. In a preferred form, the dampener  288  does not provide substantial resistance (i.e., little more than nominal friction forces) as the rod  290  is being extended from the cylinder portion  294 , and provides a metering resistance as the rod  290  is being retracted into the cylinder portion  294  (i.e., as the lock ring is being closed). 
         [0066]    The lock ring spreader  200  can be manipulated from an unlocked position in  FIG. 12 , to an intermediate position in  FIG. 14 , to an over-center and locked position in  FIG. 15 . As noted above, the lock ring spreader  200  includes an alternative example “hard lock” comprising the first latch member  248  and the second latch member  266 . To further aid operation, the crank arm  220  may include an additional handle grip, such as an overmolded handle  302  (shown dashed in  FIG. 11 ) or grip inserts  304  (shown dashed in  FIG. 12 ) along the segment  236  of the crank arm  220 . 
         [0067]    An example wheel assembly  301  is illustrated in  FIGS. 18-20 . The wheel assembly  301  includes a tire  303  that is mounted on a rim  305 ; the tire  303  is shown deflated prior to dismounting it from the rim  305 . As best shown in  FIGS. 19 and 20 , the tire  303  and associated bead seat band  306  and flange  308  are spaced inward and away from a lock ring  310  to allow the mounts  202 ,  204  of the second example lock ring spreader  200  to be mounted near the ends  312 ,  314  of the lock ring  310 . The lock ring  310  includes openings  316 ,  318  near the ends  312 ,  314  to allow the lock ring spreader  200  to be secured to the lock ring  310 , as generally discussed above. Further separating the ends  312 ,  314  of the lock ring  310  (i.e., opening or expanding the lock ring  310 ) allows the lock ring  310  to be removed from the rim  305 . Specifically, the lock ring  310  is spread apart to allow a contoured, radially inner face  320  to be spaced apart and removed from a gutter  322  formed in the rim  305 . An o-ring (not shown) is typically seated in an annular groove  324  also formed in the rim  305 . 
         [0068]    While the lock ring  310  and the lock ring spreader  200  can be adapted (e.g., contoured, sized, etc.) to meet various application-specific requirements, the location of the openings  316 ,  318  in the lock ring  310  and the throw (i.e., how much the mounts  202 ,  204  spread apart during operation of the lock ring spreader  200 ) are critical to the successful and repeated installation and removal of the lock ring  310  to and from the rim  305 . Specifically, the lock ring  310  and the lock ring spreader  200  are preferably configured such that the lock ring spreader  200  provides sufficient throw to easily remove the lock ring  310  from the rim  305  (i.e., unseat the lock ring  310  from the gutter  322 ) without plastically deforming any portion of the lock ring  310 . Plastic deformation of the lock ring  310  is undesirable as it can reduce the effective spring force retaining the lock ring  310  and other components (i.e., the tire  303 , the bead seat band  306 , and the flange  308 ) on the rim  305 . 
         [0069]    With additional reference to  FIGS. 21-23 , the second example lock ring spreader  200  is shown mounted to and manipulating the ends  312 ,  314  of the lock ring  310 . The lock ring spreader  200  is shown in  FIG. 21  in an unlocked position and the lock ring  310  is shown fully installed and seated on the rim  305 . To remove the lock ring  310  from the rim  305 , the crank arm  220  is pivoted relative to the mount  202  toward the mount  204 , which causes the link arms  270 ,  272  to pivot relative to both the mount  204  and the crank arm  220 . This movement results in the mounts  202 ,  204 , which are coupled to the lock ring  310  via pins  212 , separating or moving apart. The ends  312 ,  314  of the lock ring  310  are furthest apart when the lock ring spreader  200  is in the over-center position illustrated in  FIG. 22 . It is this over-center position that controls the preferred engagement between the lock ring  310  and the lock ring spreader  200  to achieve the desired separation and throw, without over expanding the lock ring  310  causing plastic deformation. In this position, the lock ring  310  can be removed from the rim  305  as the contoured, radially inner face  320  is spaced apart from the gutter  322 . However, as shown in  FIG. 23 , the lock ring spreader  200  is preferably moved into the locked position, which also allows the ends  312 ,  314  of the lock ring  310  to move slightly toward each other while maintaining a large enough inside diameter of the lock ring  310  such that the lock ring  310  can be easily uninstalled from or installed to the rim  305 . 
         [0070]    The specifics of the second example lock ring  310  are discussed with reference to  FIGS. 24 and 25 . The lock ring  310  is designed for use with a 57 inch rim. The interior diameter A (between inner surface  326  shown in  FIG. 24 ) is approximately 54.9 inches as measured in a “natural” or an “unloaded” state (i.e., no external forces are applied to influence the relative position of the ends  312 ,  314 ). Each of the openings  316 ,  318  in the lock ring  310  is offset radially inward from an outer surface  328  a perpendicular distance B of approximately 0.42 inches and is spaced from a respective end face  330 ,  332  an arcuate distance C of approximately 1.75 inches. A wedge-shaped gap  334  is established between the end faces  330 ,  332  such that the end faces  330 ,  332  are spaced an arcuate distance D of approximately 0.64 inches at the radially outer edge and an arcuate distance E of approximately 0.58 at the radially inner edge. Each of the openings  316 ,  318  has a diameter of approximately 0.31 inches. 
         [0071]    The second example lock ring spreader  200  is configured to provide the requisite amount of throw given the above, application-specific dimensions and considerations of the lock ring  310 . Specifically, with reference to  FIG. 21 , the perpendicular distance between pivot axis X and pivot axis Z, the perpendicular distance between pivot axis Y and pivot axis Z, and (when the lock ring spreader  200  is mounted to the lock ring  310 ) the perpendicular distance between pivot axis X and opening  316  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) and the perpendicular distance between pivot axis Y and opening  318  (shown in  FIG. 19 ) are configured to provide the requisite throw (in combination with the lock ring dimensions) to achieve proper operation without over-bending or over-expanding the lock ring. 
         [0072]    The relative dimensions, cross section, mounting location, or other construction details of the lock ring spreader concept can be adapted depending on the particular application requirements. For instance, longer link arms can be incorporated to increase the distance the mounts are separated when the lock ring spreader is locked. Alternatively, the pivotal mounting locations can be adjusted to alter the geometry of the movement. 
         [0073]    While there has been shown and described what is at present considered the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art when given the benefit of this disclosure, that various changes and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the following claims.