Abstract:
A portable device for seating the beads of a tubeless tire and rim assembly, the device including an air tank containing pressurized air, the air tank being mounted substantially within a bracket, the bracket having a surface for supportably receiving the tire and rim assembly, a means for directing the pressurized air between a bead of the tire and the rim, and a positioning member which selectively stores the means for directing the pressurized air between a bead of the tire and the rim during seating.

Description:
PRIORITY 
   This is a continuation-in-part of application Ser. No. 10/701,093 filed Nov. 4, 2003 claiming priority of provisional patent application Ser. No. 60/423,493 filed Nov. 4, 2002. 

   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   1. Field of the Invention 
   The present invention relates to the field of seating the beads of a tubeless tire to a rim. 
   2. The Prior Art 
   The present invention relates to an improved apparatus for creating an airtight seal between the beads of a tubeless tire and a rim. The present invention is directed to an apparatus that generates a pneumatic pulse and directs the pulse in a manner to impart momentum to a bead and inject air into the tire, thereby setting a bead of a tubeless tire to a rim. 
   As shown in the prior art, one of the difficulties presented in changing tubeless tires is establishing the initial airtight seal between the beads of the tire and the bead-seating surfaces of the rim on which it is to be mounted. An uninflated tire has an open space or gap between the bead and the bead-seating surface of the rim, which is often so large that air seeps through the gap during inflation. This large gap inhibits the tire&#39;s ability to hold air, thereby preventing it from expanding so as to reduce the size of the gap. Heavy truck tires especially encounter this problem because the stiffness of the tires prevents sufficient reduction of the gap for seating to occur. 
   A number of different tools have been used to attempt to seat the beads of a tubeless tire. For example, mechanical straps or hoops have been used which squeeze the tire along the circumference of its tread and thereby force a bead upward toward the bead-seating surface as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,578,059, issued to J. Uhen on May 11, 1971. Additionally, pneumatic tools have been used that inject a narrow jet or on a circular curtain of high pressure air between a bead and the bead-seating surface as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,866,654, issued to V. Duquesne on Feb. 18, 1975. 
   Another type of pneumatic tool that has been used is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,764, which uses a single high energy pulse of air to produce a bead motion and internal pressure wave that cooperate to cause the contact between the bead and the rim to progress dynamically from one end of the bead to the other. However, this device fails to recognize that its discharge nozzle restricts airflow and the valve used to discharge the air flow reduces the effectiveness of the apparatus because it retards the rise time of the pulse of air. Additionally, the device recognizes the importance of stabilizing the rim prior to actuation of the device. However, this apparatus contemplates use of a rim support block, which is independent of the device and therefore must be hauled along with the device. 
   Another pneumatic tool is the one disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,456,302 which makes use of a piston that is releasably sealed against an outlet of an air tank. Although this device provides for increased pressure rise time, it is susceptible to small air leaks, has an appreciable kickback, is expensive to manufacture, and does not contemplate supporting the rim on the tire prior to actuating the device. 
   Yet another pneumatic tool is described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,179,033 which makes use of a quick fill/release port to discharge the pressurized air. However, the quick fill/release port is susceptible to leakage and will discharge the air tank completely within an hour or so. This makes the device unsuitable for use over an extended period of time. For example, tow truck operators that have to travel an extended amount of time or a trucker who wishes to travel with the device over an extended haul will find this device unsuitable for use. Additionally, this device does not contemplate supporting the rim on the tire prior to actuating the device. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   A broad aspect of the invention includes an apparatus for creating an airtight seal between a bead of a tubeless tire and a rim. The device comprises an air tank containing pressurized air, a bracket connected to the air tank, the bracket having a surface for receiving the tire and rim, and a means for directing the pressurized air between the tubeless tire and rim. 
   This invention contemplates the use of a straight pass through valve that will instantaneously discharge the air at a high rate once activated. The preferred embodiment is designed to assist in the inflation of tubeless tires. The preferred embodiment incorporates large air tank capacity filled to a desired pressure. Preferably, a tire and rim assembly is leaned against the built-in bracket. By doing so, the weight of the tire automatically substantially sets a first bead of the tire on the rim. An air line can then be attached to the valve stem of the tire and the barrel is aimed between the second bead of the tire and rim while holding the barrel with both hands. In the preferred embodiment, unlike the prior art, instead of using a manual release valve, a foot pedal located on the lower part of the bracket can be actuated to allow an instantaneous blast of air to set the second bead. Because the valve releases the air much faster and from a large volume, less air pressure is necessary in the tank and is therefore more efficient than the prior art. Further, the need for a rim support block as is known in the art is eliminated. 
   In an alternative embodiment, a positioning member is provided to releasably retain the means for directing the pressurized air between the tubeless tire and rim for convenient storage. The positioning member also facilitates selective positioning of the means for directing the pressurized air between the tubeless tire and rim during seating. In operation, the positioning member reduces kickback of the means for directing the pressurized air between the tubeless tire and rim during seating. The positioning member also allows the operator to use one or possibly no hands on the means for directing the pressurized air between the tubeless tire and rim during seating. 
   In this respect, before explaining the preferred embodiment and the alternative embodiments of the present invention in detail, it is to be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The present invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced and carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employed herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. 
   It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to discharge the air at a high rate so as to seat a bead of a tubeless tire onto a rim. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a bracket that the truck tire and rim can be rested on to seat a first bead of the tire onto the rim. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a bracket that will protect the air tank and valves from abuse and damage. 
   It is another object of the present invention to release pressurized air substantially all at once. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a foot actuated pedal to trigger the release valve, thereby allowing the operator to use both hands for other purposes. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to create a safe working environment by placing the foot actuated pedal within the confines of the bracket. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to create a safe working environment by preventing heavy lifting of the air tank. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to contain all necessary parts for seating the beads of a tire in one mobile assembly. 
   It is another object of the invention to eliminate the need for a rim support block as is known in the art. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a positioning member to releasably retain the means for directing the pressurized air between the tubeless tire and rim for convenient storage. 
   It is still another object of the present invention to provide a positioning member which facilitates selective positioning of the means for directing the pressurized air between the tubeless tire and rim during seating. 
   It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a positioning member which reduces kickback of the means for directing the pressurized air between the tubeless tire and rim during seating. 
   It is another object of the present invention to provide a positioning member which allows the operator to use one or possibly no hands on the means for directing the pressurized air between the tubeless tire and rim during seating. 
   These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent in view of the present specification, claims and drawings. 
   There has thus been outlined, rather broadly, the more important features of the invention in order that the detailed description thereof that follows may be better understood, and in order that the present contribution to the art may be better appreciated. There are, of course, additional features of the invention that will be described hereinafter and that will form the subject matter of the invention. 
   As such, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the conception, upon which this disclosure is based, may readily be utilized as a basis for the designing of other structures, methods and systems for carrying out the several purposes of the present invention. It is important, therefore, that the claims be regarded as including such equivalent constructions insofar as they do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention. 
   Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientists, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application. The abstract is neither intended to define the invention of the application, which is measured by the claims, nor is it intended to be limiting as to the scope of the present invention in any way. 
   These together with other objects of the present invention, along with the various features of novelty which characterize the present invention, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the present invention, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of the present invention and alternative embodiments. 

   
     DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  is an elevated view of the device  10  in association with a tire  11  and rim  15 . 
       FIG. 2  is a side view of the device  10 . 
       FIG. 3  is an elevated exploded view of the device  10 . 
       FIG. 4  is a view of the barrel  20  position relative to the rim  15  and tire  11 . 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of the exhaust valve  30 . 
       FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the exhaust valve  30 . 
       FIG. 7  is a view along line  7 — 7  in  FIG. 6  of the exhaust valve  30 . 
       FIG. 8  is a view along line  8 — 8  in  FIG. 6  of the exhaust valve  30  of the device  10 . 
       FIG. 9  is a side view of bracket  40  showing the engagement of the rim  15  when the rim  15  is rested thereupon. 
       FIG. 10  is a side view of bracket  40  of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing the engagement of the tire  11  when the tire  11  is rested thereupon. 
       FIG. 11  is a side view of another alternative embodiment of invention showing the device  10  and the positioning member  100 . 
       FIG. 12  is a side view of another alternative embodiment of invention showing the device  10  and the positioning member  100  rotated for storage. 
       FIG. 13  is a side view of another alternative embodiment of invention showing the device  10 , the positioning member  100  and the engagement of the tire  11  with the positioning member  100  and the device  10 . 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
   While the invention may be susceptible to embodiments in different forms, there will be described in detail the preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention, and is not intended to limit the claims to that which is described herein. 
     FIG. 1  is an elevated view of the device  10  of the preferred embodiment in association with a tire  11  and rim  15 . The device  10  has an air tank  16 , which is preferably an eight gallon tank. In the preferred embodiment, the air tank  16  is ASME® and CE® approved. The air tank  16  has affixed an intank valve  12 , which is preferably a ¼ inch ball valve. The intank valve  12  allows for pressurization of the air tank  16 , preferably to 120 pounds per square inch (lbs./in 2 ). This preferred feature provides for a safer working environment because of the lower working pressures utilized, as compared to those devices known in the art. The air tank  16  also has a safety valve  13 , which is preferably a ¼ inch automatic release valve. The safety valve  13  prevents overfilling and allows for maximum pressure control. 
   The air tank  16  also attaches to a nipple  26  that attaches to an exhaust valve  30 , which as will be discussed later provides for the substantially instantaneous release of the pressurized air within air tank  16 . The nipple  26  is preferably a passage approximately 1½ inches diameter and 11 inches long and is preferably formed to take a 45 degree shape along the passage. Affixed to the exhaust valve  30  is a nipple  28 , preferably made of stainless steel and is preferably 2¼ inches in diameter and 1½ inches in length, which also connects to a hose  22 . A fastener  38 , preferably a 1½ inch diameter lock nut, secures the nipple  28  to the exhaust valve  30 . The nipple  28  is preferably made of stainless steel and is preferably 1½ inch in length and 2½ inches diameter. Hose  22  is preferably a ⅝ inch diameter nylon hose and preferably is 50 inches in length. As will be shown the hose  22  acts as a passageway between the exhaust valve  30  and the tire  11 . The exhaust valve  30  is also affixed to a hose  24 , which is preferably a 4 to 6 millimeter nylon hose and is preferably 30 inches in length; Hose  24  as will be shown acts as a passageway between the exhaust valve  30  and release valve  32 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 1 , the device  10  of the preferred embodiment also has a bracket  40 . The bracket  40  is preferably constructed of a pair of generally circular members  43 ,  45 , which are preferably made of 1 inch square tubing. The members  43  and  45  are preferably spaced 250 millimeters apart and each have an outer diameter of approximately 610 millimeters. Although these are the preferred dimensions, any suitable dimensions can be utilized so that tire  11  and rim  15  assemblies of varied sizes will rest upon the bracket  40 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , each member  43 ,  45  has a stripping  95 , preferably made of rubber, and preferably affixed by adhesive. In operation, the bracket  40  of the preferred embodiment creates a surface that supports the rim  15  when rested on the bracket  40  and the weight of the tire  11  automatically substantially seats the first bead  96  of the tire  11  onto the rim  15  prior to seating of the second bead  97  of the tire  11  onto the rim  15 . The stripping  95  protect the bracket  40  and the rim  15  from scratching and damage when the bracket  40  contacts the rim  15 . 
   The bracket  40  is designed to support the tire  11  and rim  15 , such that two points of the rim  15  contact and rest upon one point of each bracket member  43 ,  45 . Thus, only the second bead  97  needs to be lifted to inflate. As shown in  FIG. 9 , in the preferred embodiment, the bracket  40  is shown engaging the rim  15  when the rim  15  is rested thereupon. The tire  11  is represented in hatched lines to better illustrate the engagement. Seating a first bead  96  prior to inflation allows the device  10  to work at a much lower air pressure making it safer and much more productive in inflating tires that are much stiffer and difficult to set. 
   The bracket  40  preferably has a bracket plate  46 , which secures to the tank plate  48  of the air tank  16  by a fastener  50 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , which is preferably a hexagon socket set screw, thereby affixing the tank  16  to the bracket  40 . Thus the air tank  16  is mounted substantially within the bracket  40 . Mounting the air tank  16  substantially with the bracket  40  also protects the air tank  16  and all its valves and gauges from the abuse and damage. The bracket  40  has a handle  42  and wheels  44 , which allow for easy handling of the device  10 . The wheels  44  are preferably nylon wheels. The device  10  is therefore self contained and has all parts in one mobile assembly needed to inflate truck tires. The wheels  44  make the unit perfect for in shop or even portable for use on a service truck. Additionally, the portability of the device  10  creates a safe working environment because heavy lifting is not required. 
     FIG. 2  is a side view of the preferred embodiment of the device  10 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , the air tank  16  has a pressure gauge  14 , which is preferably a ¼ inch connector. The air tank  16  also has a water release valve  18 , which is preferably a ¼inch connector. As shown in  FIG. 2 , a fastener  36 , which is preferably a clamp, secures the hose  22  onto the nipple  28 . Also shown in  FIG. 2  is fastener  34 , which also preferably is a clamp, and which secures the barrel  20  onto the hose  22 . 
   As shown in  FIG. 2 , the hose  22  connects to a barrel  20 . The barrel  20  is preferably formed to take a 45 degree shape and is made of 2 inch steel tubing. Additionally shown in  FIG. 2  is the release valve  32 . The release valve  32  is preferably a ¼ inch connector. As will be shown, opening the release valve  32  actuates the exhaust valve  30 . This action causes the exhaust valve  30  to release pressurized air from the air tank  16 , through the exhaust valve  30 , through hose  22 , through the barrel  20 , and finally into the tire  11 , thus seating the second bead  97  of the tire  11  onto the rim  15 . The exhaust valve  30  allows for the immediate release of air and is much more accurate than other valves used in the prior art. The exhaust valve  30  is, as will be shown, preferably a straight pass through valve so there is nothing that inhibits the flow. Therefore the discharge is smoother and safer than others and therefore much more efficient. 
     FIG. 3  is an elevated exploded view of the device  10  of the preferred embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 3  is the pedal  25 . Pedal  25  is preferably a foot actuated trigger that opens the release valve  32  when pressed. The pedal  25  is preferably formed to secure to the bracket  40 . The pedal  25  allows the user to concentrate two hands on the barrel  20  and hose  22  and position himself behind the tire  11  and rim  15  to keep his body and face away from the discharge. The pedal  25  is also mounted substantially within the bracket  40  so that actuation must be a deliberate act, thereby creating a much safer work environment. 
   The bracket  40  also has a first handle receptive member  76  and second handle receptive member  78  that allow for the handle  42  to affix to the bracket. Fastener  52 , preferably 5/16 inch in diameter and ⅝ inch in length hexagon socket set screw, affixes the handle  42  to the bracket  40 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the bracket  40  has a wheel plate  70  and wheel plate orifice  72 . A fastener  54 , which is preferably a ½ inch diameter and 1 inch in length hexagon socket set screw, affixes through the wheel orifice  74  and wheel plate orifice  72 , thus affixing the wheel  44  to the bracket  40 . This arrangement permits device  10  to be easily moved. 
   The air tank  16  preferably has an intank valve orifice  62  that allows for the intank valve  12  to attach to the air tank  16 . The air tank  16  preferably has a safety valve orifice  66  that allows for the safety valve  13  to attach to the air tank  16 . The air tank  16  preferably has a pressure gauge orifice  60  that allows for the pressure gauge  14  to attach to the air tank  16 . The air tank  16  preferably has a water release valve orifice (not shown) that allows for the water release valve  18  to attach to the air tank  16 . The air tank  16  preferably has an exhaust valve orifice  64  that allows for the exhaust valve  30  to attach to the air tank  16 . 
     FIG. 4  is a view of the barrel  20  of the preferred embodiment positioned relative to the rim  15  and tire  11 . As shown, the tire  11  and rim  15  can be rested on the bracket  40  of the device  10 . Leaning the tire  11  and rim  15  against the bracket  40  allows the first bead  96  of the tire  11  to be automatically set against the rim  15 . The barrel  20  can then be easily positioned relative to the rim  15  and second bead  97  prior to actuation of the device  10 . An air line can then be attached to the valve stem of the wheel and the barrel  20  is aimed between the second bead  97  and tire  11  while holding the barrel  20  with both hands. In the preferred embodiment, as shown above, a pedal  25  located on the lower part of the bracket  40  can be actuated to allow an instantaneous blast of air to set the second bead  97 . Because the exhaust valve  30  releases the air much faster and from a large volume, less air pressure is necessary in the tank and is therefore more efficient than the prior art. 
     FIG. 5  is a side view of the exhaust valve  30 . The exhaust valve  30  is preferably a straight pass through valve. Therefore the discharge of air is smoother and safer than other valves as known in the prior art and is therefore much more instantaneous and efficient. As shown, the exhaust valve  30  has a housing  80  situated between an intank port  85  and exhaust port  87 . The housing  80 , intank port  85  and exhaust port  87  each have an orifice that align with each other creating a conduit between the air tank  16  and hose  22 . First fastener  90 , second fastener  91 , third fastener  92 , and fourth fastener  93  secure the housing  80  between the intank port  85  and exhaust port  87 . The housing  80 , intank port  85  and exhaust port  87  are preferably made of copper. The fasteners  90 ,  91 ,  92 , and  93  are preferably ⅛ inch steel bolts. The housing  80  has a housing orifice  94 , as shown in  FIG. 6 , that opens into the release port  86 . The release port  86  is connected to the hose  24  and in turn the release valve  32 . 
     FIG. 6  is an exploded view of the exhaust valve  30  of the preferred embodiment. As shown, the housing  80  contains therein a sleeve  82 . The sleeve  82  is preferably made of rubber. The sleeve  82  has a sleeve orifice  83  that aligns with the housing orifice  94  as well as the release port  86 . 
   The housing  80  also contains therein a stopper  84 , a first nozzle  88 , and a second nozzle  89 . The stopper  84 , first nozzle  88 , and second nozzle  89  are preferably made of plastic. As shown, the first nozzle  88  and second nozzle  89  preferably contain a plurality of slits, as shown in  FIGS. 7 and 8 , which allow for passage of air therethrough. As shown, the nozzle  88  and nozzle  89  connect to the stopper  84 , which is then placed within the sleeve  82 . This combination of elements is then placed within the housing  80 , making sure the sleeve orifice  83  and housing orifice  94  align, as shown in  FIG. 6 . The housing  80  and associated elements are then placed between the exhaust port  87  and intank port  85  and secured by the first fastener  90 , second fastener  91 , third fastener  92 , and fourth fastener  93 . 
     FIG. 8  is a view along line  8 — 8  in  FIG. 6  of the exhaust valve  30  of the preferred embodiment of the device  10 . As is shown, the intank nipple  88  has slits there through, which allow for passage of pressurized air. Additionally, as is shown by  FIGS. 7 and 8 , the nipple  88 , as well as nipple  89 , preferably have a smooth inner conical centerpiece that allows for equal distribution of airflow through the slits. This preferred arrangement of the exhaust valve  30  permits a straight pass through that substantially decreases any inhibition of the flow of air. As shown, the discharge is smoother and safer than other valves in the prior art and therefore much more instantaneous and efficient. 
     FIG. 7  is a view along line  7 — 7  in  FIG. 6  of the exhaust valve  30  and illustrates the arrangement of elements within housing  80  of the preferred embodiment. As shown, the sleeve  82  surrounds the stopper  84 , nozzle  88  and nozzle  89 . Because of the elasticity of the sleeve  82 , the sleeve  82  takes the shape of the stopper  84 , nozzle  88  and nozzle  89  forming a space between the sleeve  82  and housing  80 . 
   When the air tank  16  is charged with pressurized air and the release valve  32  is in a closed state, the exhaust valve  30  allows pressurized air to enter from the air tank  16  into the intank port  85 . Pressurized air is allowed to pass through the slits of nozzle  88  and through the sleeve orifice  83  where the pressurized air enters the area between sleeve  82  and housing  80 . Pressurized air also passes through the housing orifice (not shown) through the release port  86  through the hose  24  and finally into the closed release valve  32 . For discussion purposes, this pressurized air shall be referred to as the air tank pressure. The air tank pressure is preferably preloaded at 120 lbs/in 2 . 
   In contrast, the air pressure within barrel  20 , hose  22 , exhaust port  87  and second nozzle  89  are substantially equal to the external air pressure because of their exposure to the atmosphere, which is approximately 14.7 lbs/in 2  at sea level. For discussion purposes, this pressure shall be referred to as atmospheric pressure. Since the air tank pressure is higher than the atmospheric pressure, the air tank pressure causes the sleeve  82  to restrict around the nozzle  89  and stopper  84  creating a seal and closing the conduit within the exhaust valve  30 . 
   However, once the release valve  32  is opened, the air pressure within the area between the sleeve  82  and housing  80  decreases substantially and approaches the atmospheric air pressure. As this happens, the air pressure within nozzle  88  is substantially greater than the pressure of the area between the sleeve  82  and housing  80 . This causes the sleeve  82  to expand and take the shape of the housing  80 . Thus an open conduit between the sleeve  82  and nozzles  88  and  89  is created, allowing pressurized air to enter from the air tank  16  through the intank port  85 , through slits in nozzle  88 , through the area between the nozzles  88  and  89  through the slits in nozzle  89  and finally through the exhaust port  87 . This creates the instantaneous blast of air to set the second bead  97 . The pressurized air is then directed through the hose  22  into the barrel  20 . As shown, the barrel  20  is preferably fan shaped and directs the pressurized air into the tire  11  for an even bead seat. 
     FIG. 10  illustrates a bracket  40  of an alternative embodiment of the invention showing the engagement of the tire  11  when the tire  11  is rested thereupon. In operation, the bracket  40  of the preferred embodiment creates a surface that supports the tire  11  when rested on the bracket  40  and the weight of the rim  15  automatically substantially seats the first bead  96  of the tire  11  onto the rim  15  prior to seating of the second bead  97  of the tire  11  onto the rim  15 . The stripping  95  protect the bracket  40  and tire  11  from scratching and damage when the bracket  40  contacts the tire  11 . 
   The bracket  40  of the alterative embodiment is designed to support the tire  11  and rim  15 , such that two points of the tire  11  contact and rest upon one point of each bracket member  43 ,  45 . Thus, only the second bead  97  needs to be lifted to inflate. As shown in  FIG. 10 , in the preferred embodiment, the bracket  40  is shown engaging the tire  11  when the tire  11  is rested thereupon. Otherwise, it should be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the alternative embodiment operates the same as the preferred embodiment. 
     FIG. 11  is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the invention showing the device  10  and a positioning member  100 .  FIG. 12  is a side view of the other alternative embodiment of the invention showing the device  10  and the positioning member  100  rotated for storage. The positioning member  100  is preferably constructed of 1 inch round tubing which generally forms a J shape having a first positioning member end  101  and a second positioning member end  102 . Retention members  110  are affixed to the positioning member  100  proximate the second positioning member end  102  by welding, adhesives, banding, bolts, screws or other suitable affixing means. The preferred retention members  110  are four generally semi-circular bendable tubes positioned to cooperatively receive therebetween and frictionally retain the hose  22  for selective storage of the hose  22  or engagement of the barrel  20  with the tire  11  and rim  15  assemblies, as shown in  FIG. 13 . The positioning member  100  is coupled to the bracket  40  of the device  10  by a coupling means  105  located proximate the first positioning member end  101 . The coupling means  105  preferably allows for rotation, pivoting or translation of the positioning member  100 . The preferred coupling means  105  is a generally cup-shaped member aligned substantially vertically and sized and adapted to receive the first positioning member end  101  therein in frictional and rotational supporting engagement. The coupling means  105  may be affixed to the positioning member  100  and bracket  40  by welding, adhesives, banding, bolts, screws or other suitable affixing means. Although these are the preferred dimensions, shapes, coupling means and retention members, it should readily be understood by those skilled in the art that any suitable dimensions, shape, coupling means and retention members can be utilized so that the hose  22  and barrel  20  being retained in the positioning member  100  are adapted to selectively store the hose  22  and barrel  20  or position the barrel  20  in cooperative engagement with the tire  11  and rim  15  assemblies of varied sizes while the tire  11  and rim  15  assemblies rest upon the bracket  40 . 
   In operation, the positioning member  100  may be positioned to selectively store the hose  22  and barrel  20  or position the barrel  20  in cooperative engagement with the tire  11  and rim  15  assemblies during seating. Otherwise, it should be readily understood by those skilled in the art that this alternative embodiment operates the same as the preferred embodiment and other alternative embodiment. 
   In operation, the positioning member  100  reduces kickback of the hose  22  and barrel  20  and allows the operator to use one or possibly no hands on the hose  22  and barrel  20  during seating. 
   Hence, while the invention has been described in connection with a preferred embodiment and alternative embodiments, it will be understood that it is not intended that the invention be limited to those embodiments. On the contrary, it is intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as disclosed. 
   As to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention, same should be apparent from the above disclosure, and accordingly no further discussion relevant to the manner of usage and operation of the instant invention shall be provided. 
   With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum proportions for the elements of the invention, and variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. 
   Therefore, the foregoing is considered illustrative of only the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact method, construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention.