Abstract:
A tire inflation cage includes a plurality of retention members that include spaced, substantially vertical upstanding members. The upstanding members are attached at their ends to a base and at a point along their outer surface to support members that extend at a substantially right angle from the base. The spaced retention members allow a tire assembly to be received therein and to be retained between a pair of tire stops for servicing of the tire. The substantially perpendicularly extending support members serve to increase the shear strength of the attachment of retention members to the base, thus preventing the retention member from separating from the base in the event that the tire assembly separates as it is being serviced in the inflation cage.

Description:
TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention generally relates to tire-changing and related devices. More specifically, the present invention relates to cages in which tire assemblies are maintained, repaired, or changed. In particular, the present invention relates to a tire inflation cage having retention members that are attached to a base with increased shear strength, so as to prevent the detachment of the retention members from the base when a tire and wheel retained therein separates during inflation. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Servicing tire assemblies used on large vehicles such as trucks, tractors, trailers, buses and off-road machines is generally regarded as dangerous work. Tire assemblies, whether multi-piece or single-piece, include a tire mounted on a rim or wheel, as well as various other wheel components, which are inflated to great pressure for use. However, during inflation, an improperly assembled or damaged tire and wheel may separate from each other with violent force, which may cause substantial injury to those that are nearby. As a result, retention devices have been developed that provide a barrier between the tire and wheel of a tire assembly and the service technician and other individuals who are nearby. Such retention devices typically include a cage formed as an assembly of bars that are attached to a base, as well as various other components that are configured to retain the tire assembly in the event of an explosive separation of the tire and wheel or sudden release of air from the tire assembly. Thus, due to the necessity of inflating tires, such retention devices or tire inflation cages are in widespread use. 
     In order to position a tire assembly within a tire inflation cage, a technician rolls an upstanding tire assembly into a space defined within the bars or retention members of the cage. Tire inflation cages also include tire stops upon their base that prevent the tire assembly from rolling out of the cage once the tire assembly is positioned, so that a portion of the tire assembly rests on the base of the cage between the tire stops. Furthermore, the tire stops are of such a dimension to allow a technician to roll a tire assembly over them as he or she positions the tire assembly within the tire inflation cage, while preventing the tire assembly from rolling out of the cage. 
     Once the tire assembly is positioned in the tire inflation cage, it may be repositioned in order for the components of the tire assembly to be accessible to the service technician. For example, in some instances access to the valve stem of the tire assembly may be blocked by various portions of the tire inflation cage, including by its retention members or bars. In such instances, the tire assembly is typically rolled out of the tire inflation cage, moved around, and rolled back into the tire inflation cage with the intent that the valve stem or other component will then be accessible and not blocked by the cage. Once in position, an inflation device is attached to the valve stem to inflate the tire assembly to the desired pressure and then removed from the tire inflation cage for mounting to a vehicle. However, during this tire inflation process, the tire can explode, causing it to break up into fragments, and/or the wheel may become separated from the tire and propelled with great force therefrom. That is, the tire provided by the tire assembly may separate into multiple pieces and be ejected from the tire assembly under extremely high force, which poses a serious safety hazard to those individuals in and around the tire inflation cage. As such, the cage serves to retain fragments of the exploding tire, as well as to retain the rim or wheel as it separates from the tire within the cage so that they do not come into contact with any individuals who are nearby. 
     Unfortunately, while current tire inflation cages, such as that shown in  FIG. 1 , referred to by reference numeral  2 , are designed to retain a tire assembly  3  that includes a tire  4  mounted on a wheel  5 , such tire inflation cages  2  typically absorb the force imparted by the separation of the wheel  5  from the tire  4  by the tearing of retention members  6  or bars that form the cage  2  from the base  7  to which they are attached. Such occurrence is unsafe, as the openings  8  formed by the detachment of the bars from the base may allow the rim or wheel, or portions thereof, as well as portions of the tire, to be ejected completely from the cage. Furthermore, fragments of tearing metal could be released from the tire inflation cage itself, due to the tearing of the bars from the base, which could lead to injury to the eyes or other body part of the service technician or other nearby individual, which is unwanted. 
     Therefore, there is a need for a tire inflation cage that provides retention members that are attached to a base with support members, so as to increase the shear strength of the cage, so as to prevent the detachment of the retention members from the base when a tire assembly explodes during inflation. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In light of the foregoing, it is a first aspect of the present invention to provide a tire inflation cage for protecting a user when inflating a tire on a wheel. The tire inflation cage includes a plurality of spaced retention members. Each retention member includes a first upstanding member having a top end and a bottom end, and a second upstanding member spaced apart from the first upstanding member and having a top and a bottom end. Connecting the top ends of the first and second upstanding member is a cross-member connecting the top ends of the first and second upstanding member, such that the each retention member forms a space for receiving the tire and wheel therein. The tire cage also includes a first support member that is attached outside the space to at least two first upstanding members of at least two retention members proximate to the bottom ends of each first upstanding member. In addition, a second support member is also attached outside the space to at least two second upstanding members of at least two retention members that are proximate to the bottom ends of each second upstanding member. Finally, a base connects at least the first support member to at least the second support member. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides that the first and second upstanding members and the cross-member are formed from a U-shaped tube. 
     In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides that each of the first and second support members comprise a strip of metal that includes a top and bottom edge and an inner and outer surface. 
     Still another embodiment of the present invention provides that wherein the inner surface of each strip of metal is attached to respective first and second upstanding members by a weld. In addition, the welds may extend between the top and bottom edges of each of the first and second support member. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides that the first and second support members have a lengthwise dimension, such that the first and second support members are attached along the lengthwise dimension to the base. 
     Yet another aspect, the present invention provides that the first and second support members are attached to each retention member. 
     In another aspect, the present invention provides that the base further connects the first and second upstanding members. 
     Sill in a further aspect, the present invention provides that the base further connects the first and second upstanding members. 
     In yet another aspect, the present invention provides that a first brace is attached to at least two of the first upstanding members and a second brace is attached to at least two of the second upstanding members. 
     Another aspect of the present invention is that the first and second support members each include a substantially vertical support section and a substantially horizontal base section, wherein the substantially vertical support sections of both the first and second support members are attached outside the space to the at least two first and second upstanding members, respectively. 
     Yet another aspect of the present invention is that the base includes a flat sheet of metal attached to each substantially horizontal base section of the first and second support members. 
     Still in another embodiment, the present invention provides that the substantially vertical support section includes a top and bottom edge and an inner and outer surface, wherein the inner surface of each substantially vertical support section is attached to respective first and second upstanding members by a weld. 
     In an additional embodiment, the present invention provides that each weld extends between the top and bottom edges of each substantially vertical support section. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention provides that the flat sheet of metal includes an upper surface and a lower surface, such that the substantially horizontal base section of the first and second support members are attached to the upper surface of the flat sheet of metal. 
     Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides that the first and second support members are attached to the upper surface of the flat sheet of metal by a plurality of welds that alternate between each side of each substantially horizontal base section. 
     In an additional embodiment, the present invention provides that the first and second support members are attached to the upper surface of the flat sheet by at least one weld that extends along a lengthwise dimension of each substantially horizontal base section of the first and second support members. 
     Another aspect of the present invention provides that the flat sheet of metal includes an upper surface and a lower surface, such that the substantially horizontal base section of the first and second support members are attached to the lower surface of the flat sheet of metal. 
     Still, in another embodiment, the present invention provides that the first and second support members are attached to the lower surface of the flat sheet of metal by at least one weld that extends along a lengthwise dimension of each substantially horizontal base section of the first and second support members. 
     In another embodiment, the present invention provides that the base and the first and second support members are formed integrally as one piece without a weld between the base and the first or second support members. 
     Yet in another embodiment, the present invention provides that the first and second support members are each substantially vertical upturned sections of the base, and includes a top and bottom edge and an inner and outer surface, wherein the inner surface of each substantially vertical upturned section is attached to the respective first and second upstanding members by a weld. 
     Still in another embodiment, the present invention provides that each weld extends between the top and bottom edges of each substantially vertical upturned section. 
     Furthermore, in yet another embodiment, the present invention provides that each weld extends around the first or second upstanding member. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       This and other features and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a prior art tire inflation cage showing a plurality of retention members torn from a base; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a tire inflation cage in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a plurality of retention members attached to an angle member of the tire inflation cage in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is another perspective view of a plurality of the retention members attached to another angle member of the tire inflation cage in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5A  is a top plan view of a base of the tire inflation cage, showing the angle members attached thereto with alternating stitch welds in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5B  is a top plan view of the base of the tire inflation cage, showing the angle members attached thereto with continuous welds in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the tire inflation cage supporting a tire assembly therein in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of the tire inflation cage after a tire has exploded and/or rim has separated, showing the continued attachment of the retention members to the base in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternative tire inflation cage in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is an elevational view showing the attachment of a retention member to a base of the alternative tire inflation cage in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of another alternative tire inflation cage in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is another perspective view of the alternative tire inflation cage in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of a plurality of retention members attached to an angle member of the alternative tire inflation cage in accordance with the concepts of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is another perspective view of a plurality of other retention members attached to another angle member of the alternate tire inflation cage in accordance with the concepts of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     A tire inflation cage is generally referred to by the numeral  10 , as shown in  FIGS. 2-6  of the drawings. The tire inflation cage  10  includes a base  20  having opposed upper and lower surfaces  22  and  24  that are bounded by opposed front and rear passage edges  30  and  34  and by opposed lateral edges  40  and  44 . It should be appreciated that the base  20  is formed as a substantially planar section of steel or aluminum, for example, although it may have any suitable shape and may be formed from any suitable material. 
     In one aspect, the support members  47  and  49  may comprise respective angle members  50  and  52 , as shown clearly in  FIGS. 3-5 , that are each comprised of an elongated section having a substantially horizontal base section  60  that is joined at a substantially right angle to a substantially vertical support section  64  at a transition edge  70 . In addition, the base section  60  includes opposed inner and outer surfaces  72  and  74 , while the support section includes opposed inner and outer surfaces  76  and  78 . Although the base section  60  and the support section  64  are discussed herein as being oriented at a substantially right angle to each other, they may be arranged so as to be at any suitable angle relative to one another. As such, the base section  60  of the angle members  50 , 52  is bounded by a base edge  80  and the transition edge  70 , while the support section  64  of the angle members  50 , 52  is bounded by a support edge  84  and the transition edge  70 . In addition, each of the angle members  50 , 52  are terminated at opposed ends  90  and  92 . Moreover, one or both of the continuous angle members  50 , 52  may be configured as separate sections that are attached to one or more of the upstanding members to be discussed. 
     Continuing, the angle members  50 , 52  are attached to the upper surface  22  of the base  20 , such that the outer surface  74  of the base section  60  of each angle member  50 , 52  is adjacent to the upper surface  22  of the base  20 , while the support section  64  of each angle member  50 , 52  is oriented so as to be proximate to respective lateral edges  40 , 44  of the base  20 . Specifically, the angle members  50 , 52  are attached to the upper surface  22  of the base  20  by a first plurality or series of welds  100  that attach the base edge  80  to the upper surface  22  of the base  20  and by a second plurality or series of welds  110  that attach the transition edge  70  and/or support section  64  to the upper surface  22  of the base  20 . In addition, the first and second plurality of welds  100 , 110  may each be spaced apart by respective first and second gaps  120  and  130 , such that the first plurality of welds  100  are arranged in an alternating pattern with the second plurality of welds  110 , as shown in  FIG. 5A . That is, the first plurality of welds  100  are arranged so as to be substantially opposite gaps  130 , while the second plurality of welds  110  are arranged so as to be substantially opposite gaps  120 , thus forming a pattern of welds that alternate between the base edge  80  and the transition edge  70  of the base section  60  of each angle member  50 , 52 . It is also contemplated that the tire inflation cage  10  may be configured, such that the first and/or second plurality of welds  100 , 110  are each replaced with a single continuous weld as well, as shown in  FIG. 5B . 
     The tire inflation cage  10  also includes a plurality of retention members  150 A-J, as shown in  FIG. 2 , in which each retention member  150 A-J includes a pair of spaced, substantially vertical upstanding members  160 A-B that have an outer surface  162  and opposed ends  164  and  166 . The end  164  of the upstanding members  160 A-B of each retention member  150 A-J is attached to the base section  60  of respective angle members  50 , 52  while the end  166  of the upstanding members  160 A-B are joined together by a cross-member  170 , such as an at least partially arcuate member. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the cross-member  170  and upstanding members  160 A-B may be formed from a single continuous U-shaped tube, which has not been welded. Specifically, the end  164  of upstanding members  160 A and  160 B is attached to respective angle members  50  and  52 , such that the perimeter of the end  164  of the upstanding members  160 A-B is attached by a weld  171 A to the inner surface  72  of the base section  60  of respective angle members  50  and  52 . In addition, the outer surface  162  of the upstanding members  160 A-B that is proximate to the end  164  is attached by a weld  171 B to the inner surface  76  of the support section  64  of respective angle members  50  and  52 . As such, the plurality of spaced retention members  150 A-J extending from the base  20  form a cage  172  that defines a cavity or space  174  therein. Furthermore, while the discussion presented herein sets forth the use of 10 retention members  150 A-J, it should be appreciated that the cage  172  may be formed from any suitable number of retention members  150 . 
     Thus, as shown in  FIGS. 2-4 , the space  174  is defined by the retention members  150 A-J and the base  20 , and as such, the support members  47  and  49  are positioned substantially outside of the space  174 . In other words, the substantially vertical support sections  64  of the support members  47 , 49  are attached to the upstanding members  160 A-B at a point distal to the space  174 , while the edge  80  of the substantially horizontal base sections  60  of the support members  47 , 49  that are attached to the end  164  of the upstanding members slightly protrudes into the space  174  defined by the base  20  and the upstanding members  160 A-B. Therefore, because only a small portion of the edge of the substantially horizontal base section  60  extends into the space  174 , it can be stated that the support members  47  and  49  are substantially outside of the space  174 . 
     It should be appreciated that the retention members  150 A-J may also be formed from any suitable material, such as steel or aluminum for example. Additionally, the retention members  150 A-J are configured to have any suitable cross-sectional shape or dimension, such as an annular or rectangular cross-section. For example, the retention members  150 A-J may be configured as tubes having a diameter of approximately 2¼ inches. 
     To further enhance the energy-absorbing capabilities of the tire cage  172 , one or more braces  180 A and  180 B are respectively attached to the outer surface  162  of the upstanding members  160 A and  160 B. In one aspect, braces  180 A and  180 B may be attached to the outer surface  162  of respective upstanding members  160 A and  160 B at a point that is proximate to the space  174  within the cage  172 , using any suitable means of attachment, such as welding for example. That is, braces  180 A join the upstanding members  160 A together, and braces  180 B join the upstanding members  160 B together. In one aspect, the braces  180 A-B may comprise any suitable material such as steel or aluminum for example, and may have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as an annular or rectangular cross-sectional shape for example. 
     Continuing, the space  174  defined by the retention members  150 A-J or cage  172  is configured for allowing the service of a tire assembly having a tire  184  that is carried upon a rim or wheel  185 , as shown in  FIG. 6 . To facilitate the retention of the tire  184  and wheel  185  within the cage  172 , spaced tire stops  200 A and  200 B are attached to the upper surface  22  of the base  20 . The tire stops  200 A-B are equally spaced apart and are centered between front and rear passage edges  30 , 34  and lateral edges  40 , 44  of the base  20 . Furthermore, the tire stops  200 A-B each comprise a leading member  202  that is attached at as substantially right angle to a trailing member  204  to form a contact edge  206 . In particular, each leading member  202  is bounded by lateral edges  208  and  209  and by a leading edge  210  and the contact edge  206 , and may comprise any suitable material, such as steel or aluminum and have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a rectangular cross-section for example. Similarly, the trailing member  204  is bounded by lateral edges  211  and  212  and by a trailing edge  214  and the contact edge  206 , and may comprise any suitable material, such as steel or aluminum and have any suitable cross-sectional shape, such as a rectangular cross-section for example. The leading and trailing edges  210  and  214  of each of the tire stops  200 A-B are attached by welding or any other suitable means of attachment to the upper surface  22  of the base  20 . In one aspect, the leading and trailing edges  210  and  214  are attached to the upper surface  22  of the base  20  by welds  216  that are centered on each of the leading and trailing edges  210 , 214 , and which do not extend the entirety of the length of such edges  210 , 214 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A-B . As such, the contact edge  206  of each tire stops  200 A-B extends upward from the upper surface  22  of the base  20 , and thus serves to retain the tire  184  between the tire stops  200 A-B when the tire  184  is rolled into the cage  172  for servicing by a technician. In one aspect, the tire stops  200 A-B may be constructed of 3 inch×3 inch×¼ inch angle iron, and can be 15 inches long and spaced approximately 24 inches apart. It should be appreciated that the components of the cage  10  may be formed from any suitable material, including iron, steel, or aluminum for example. 
     It should be appreciated that the attachment of the end  164  of the upstanding members  160 A-B to the inner surface  76  of the support section  64  increases the shear strength of the attachment of the retention members  150 A-J to the base  20 , thus preventing the retention members  150 A-J from tearing away from the base  20  when the cage  172  absorbs any impact imparted by the exploding tire  184  and/or wheel  185  as it separates from the tire  184 . 
     In another aspect, the angle members  50 , 52  may each be replaced, such that the support members  47 , 49  comprise only the substantially vertically oriented section  64 , which may comprise a metal strip or section that is attached to the outside surface of two or more of the upstanding members  160 A-B at a point proximate to the end  164  of the upright members. 
     Thus, by attaching support members  47  and  49 , as previously discussed with regard to the various embodiments set forth above, to the outside surface  162  of the upstanding members  160 A and  160 B at a point proximate to the end  164 , allows the retention members  160 A-B to be attached to the base  20  with increased shear strength. Thus, during inflation when the wheel  185  separates from the tire  184  and/or the tire  184  explodes, the retention members  150  absorbs the energy, such that the upstanding members  160 A-B remain attached to the base  20 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . 
     Still another embodiment of the tire cage  10  is shown in  FIGS. 8-9  of the drawings and includes a base  20  that is modified such that the support members  47 , 49  or angle members  50 , 52  are replaced by upturning the lateral edges  40  and  42  of the base  20  at an edge  218  so that they are at a substantially right angle to the upper surface  22  of the base  20 . In other words, the lateral edges  40  and  42  of the base  20  are upturned at a substantially right angle to the upper surface  22  to form respective support walls or support members  220 A and  220 B having opposed inner and outer surfaces  230  and  232 . As such, the ends  164  of the upstanding members  160 A and  160 B are respectively attached to the upper surface  22  of the base  20  at a point adjacent to the inner surface  230  of the support walls  220 A and  220 B by weld  240 A. In addition, the outer surface  162  of the upstanding members  160 A and  160 B that is proximate to the end  164  is attached to the inner surface  230  of respective support walls  220 A and  220 B by weld  240 B. It should be appreciated that the manner for attachment of the upstanding members  160 A and  160 B to the base  20  and to respective support walls  220 A-B may be by welding or any other suitable manner of attachment. 
     Another embodiment of a tire inflation cage is referred to by numeral  300 , as shown in  FIGS. 10-13  of the drawings. Specifically, the tire inflation cage  300  includes the support members  47  and  49  that comprise respective spaced angle members  50  and  52 , as previously discussed. The ends  90  and  92  of each of the angle members  50  and  52  are joined together by a base, such as flat iron members, that comprise respective cross-connection members  310 A and  310 B. In one aspect, the cross-connection members  310 A-B are attached to the inner surface  72  of the base section  60  of the angle members  50  and  52  by welds  312  or any other suitable means of attachment. Also attached between the angle members  50  and  52  by any suitable means of attachment, including welding are tire stops  200 A and  200 B, which have been previously discussed. Specifically, the tire stops  200 A and  200 B are welded or attached to the inner surface  72  of the base section  60  and to the inner surface  76  of the support section  64  of the angle members  50  and  52 . In addition, the tire stops  200 A-B are spaced apart a suitable distance to enable the support of a tire therebetween. In one aspect, the tire stops  200 A-B may be each constructed of 1 inch×1 inch×⅛ inch inverted angle iron for example. 
     The tire inflation cage  300  also provides the retention members  150 A-E as previously discussed, such that the end  164  of each upstanding member  160 A and  160 B is attached by welds  330  or other suitable means of attachment to the inner surface  76  of the support section  64  of respective angle members  50  and  52 , as shown in  FIGS. 10 and 11 . Finally, a brace  340  is attached to the joining member  170 , to allow any impact forces from the tire  184  and rim or wheel  185  to be more evenly distributed among the retention members  150 A-E. It is also contemplated that the retention members  150 A-E, brace  340  and cross members  310  may be formed from material having any suitable cross-section, including a substantially rectangular cross-section for example. 
     Therefore, one advantage of the present invention is that technicians may situate the tire assembly within a tire inflation cage and then rotate the tire assembly to any desired position, saving time and effort, while increasing safety in the event that the tire explodes and/or the wheel separates into pieces. Another advantage of the present invention is that the tire inflation cage provides retention members that are attached to a base with increased shear strength, so as to prevent the tearing of the retention members away from the base to which they are attached, thus increasing the safety of individuals in and around the tire inflation cage in the event the tire explodes into fragments and/or the wheel separates from the tire. 
     Thus, it can be seen that the objects of the invention have been satisfied by the structure and its method for use presented above. While in accordance with the Patent Statutes, only the best mode and preferred embodiment has been presented and described in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto or thereby. Accordingly, for an appreciation of the true scope and breadth of the invention, reference should be made to the following claims.