Patent ID: 7836569

Claim:
A tire pressure monitor (TPM) installation tool adapted for use by an operator, with a TPM having a valve stem and a circuitry housing connected to a distal end of the stem, and with a wheel defining a valve stem hole configured to receive a portion of the stem, wherein the tool is configured to install the TPM, so as to assemble the TPM and wheel and provide mechanical advantage, said tool comprising: an elongated member presenting first and second distal ends and having a manual grip section adjacent the first distal end and a nesting fixture connected to the second end; a wheel engaging member coupled to the elongated member and configured to secure at least a portion of the tool to the wheel; and a mechanical advantage element configured to receive an applied force from the operator, multiply the applied force by a factor to generate a resultant force, and transmit the resultant force to the TPM during installation, said nesting fixture being adjustably connected to the elongated member, so as to present one of a plurality of tool configurations, and configured to engage the housing and retain the TPM in a fixed position relative to the fixture during installation, said nesting fixture, elongated member, and wheel engaging members being cooperatively configured such that during installation the stem is inserted in the hole by the resultant force, said valve stem and circuitry housing being connected by a fastener, said nesting fixture and TPM being cooperatively configured so as to transmit the resultant force solely through the fastener during assembly.