FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
(See section 10, rule 13)
1. Title of the invention: TYRE SPREADER APPARATUS
2. Applicant(s)
NAME NATIONALITY ADDRESS
CEAT LIMITED Indian RPG HOUSE, 463, Dr. Annie
Besant Road, Worli, Mumbai -
Maharashtra 400 030, India
3. Preamble to the description
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it
is to be performed.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates, in general, to techniques for tyre
manufacturing, inspection and repair and, particularly but not exclusively, to tyre
spreader apparatus.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A tyre has a crown region, a shoulder region and beads on either side of the
crown region. In an example, the crown region may be understood as outer region of
the tyre formed along complete circumference of the tyre and spreads along width of
the tyre. Further, the crown region contacts with surface during rotation. In an
example, beads may be understood as edges of the tyre. The beads contact with wheel
during mounting of the tyre. The shoulder region is portion of the tyre joining the
crown region and the beads of the tyre.
[0003] The beads of the tyre needs to be spread using a spreader apparatus for
performing different operations on interior region of the tyre. For example, application
of puncture sealant to interior region of the tyre, application of additional rubber layer
to the interior region of the tyre, or while repairing the interior region of the tyre, which
may need the beads of the tyre to be spread.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying
figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure
in which the reference number first appears. The same numbers are used throughout
the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a tyre spreader apparatus, in accordance with an
implementation of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2(a) illustrates a front view of a tyre stabilizing unit of the tyre spreader
apparatus, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.

[0007] Fig. 2(b) illustrates a side view of the tyre stabilizing unit, in accordance
with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 2(c) illustrates another side view of the tyre stabilizing unit, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a roller of a roller unit of the tyre spreader apparatus, in
accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
[0010] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of a spreading unit of the tyre spreader
apparatus, in accordance with an implementation of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] The present subject matter relates to a tyre spreader apparatus to support,
rotate, and spread a tyre.
[0012] As elaborated above, a tyre may be spread to access interior region of the
tyre. The interior region of the tyre may be accessed for diverse applications, such as
for applying a puncture sealant across the circumference of the tyre, repairing of the
tyre, and for application of additional layer of rubber on the interior region of the tyre.
The puncture sealant is a viscous material that is applied to inner lining of the tyre. In
case of a puncture, the puncture sealant is pushed to location of the puncture due to
internal pressure of the tyre. The puncture sealant solidifies on the puncture and forms
a plug that prevents loss of air from the tyre.
[0013] For spreading the is rotated, while a spreader mechanism spreads beads of
the tyre and the interior of the tyre is made accessible for various applications. In
generally known mechanism for spreading the tyre, the tyre is rotated manually over
a rolling mechanism, such as cylindrical rollers. Such manual rotation is time
consuming and requires efforts of skilled labor. Also, the tyres in the generally known
mechanism may dismount from the rolling mechanism while rotating, amounting to
additional delay in spreading of the tyre.

[0014] Further, the generally known rolling mechanisms have cylindrical profile,
such that curved surface of the rolling mechanism, in contact with convex profile of
the tyre, flattens the crown region of the tyre. For example, interior region of the crown
region is a portion of the tyre on which a puncture sealant is applied. Due to flattening
of the crown region, profile of the puncture sealant applied to the tyre is also flat. When
the tyre rotates away from the roller, the crown of the tyre tends to come back to
convex profile, while the puncture sealant remains in the flat profile. Hence, the
puncture sealant applied using the generally known mechanism may have undesirable
profile on some portions of the tyre, amounting to inefficient repair of puncture on
such portions.
[0015] The present subject matter relates to a tyre spreader apparatus. Example
configuration and structure of the tyre spreader apparatus described herein, supports,
rotates, and spreads a tyre to allow access to interior region of the tyre. The modified
configuration and structure of the tyre spreader mechanism and its components,
overcome the above-described problems associated with spreading of tyre and use of
the tyre after spreading for various applications.
[0016] In accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the tyre
spreader apparatus includes a body, a tyre stabilizing unit, a roller unit and a spreading
unit.
[0017] The body of the tyre spreader apparatus includes a vertical frame and a base
frame. The vertical frame constitutes vertical arm of the body. Further, the base frame
constituting horizontal arm of the body. The vertical frame and the base frame may be
coupled to each other, such that the vertical frame may be mounted on the base frame.
[0018] In an implementation, the tyre stabilizing unit may be coupled to the
vertical frame, such that the tyre stabilizing unit is positioned at an end of the vertical
frame other than the end coupled to the base frame. Further, the tyre stabilizing unit
may be positioned perpendicular to direction of rotation of the tyre. The tyre stabilizing

unit may include a guide cavity to correspond to profile of the tyre to hold the tyre in
a pre-defined orientation. Further, the roller unit may be coupled to the base frame. In
an implementation, the roller unit may be positioned parallel to direction of rotation
of the tyre and perpendicular to the tyre stabilizing unit. Additionally, the roller unit
may include a first roller and a second roller positioned on opposite ends of the roller
unit. The first roller and the second roller may rotate the tyre held by the tyre stabilizing
unit. The roller unit may further include a third roller positioned between the first roller
and the second roller. The third roller may assist the first roller and the second roller
in rotation of the tyre.
[0019] In another implementation, the spreading unit may be coupled to the base
frame and be positioned perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the tyre. The
spreading unit may include a first jaw device and a second jaw device to engage with
the tyre during rotation of the tyre for spreading the tyre. The first jaw device and the
second jaw device are positioned facing each other.
[0020] In an example, the roller unit may be operated automatically.
[0021] The present subject matter discloses a tyre spreader apparatus for providing
automated rotation of a tyre for various applications, such as application of puncture
sealant to interior region of the tyre, by way of the roller unit. The automated rotation
by the roller unit reduces time and effort of skilled labor for executing various
processes, such as application of the puncture sealant, as the labor does not need to
manually rotate the tyre, unlike generally known mechanism. Further, the tyre is held
firmly in the tyre spreader apparatus as the tyre is provided vertical support by the tyre
stabilizing unit, which is absent in the generally known mechanism. The tyre
stabilizing unit prevents toppling of tyre during rotation of the tyre by the roller unit.
Further, the third roller provides additional support to the tyre to prevent misalignment
of the tyre during the process. Thus, the present subject matter provides an accurate,
fast, simple, easy, and stable apparatus for tyre spreading.
6
[0022] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be
described in greater detail in conjunction with the following figures. While aspects of
tyre bead spreading can be implemented in any number of different configurations, the
embodiments are described in the context of the following device(s) and method(s).
[0023] Fig. 1 illustrates a tyre spreader apparatus 100, in accordance with an
embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0024] In an implementation, the tyre spreader apparatus 100, includes a body.
Further, the body may be formed by vertical frame 102 and a base frame. The vertical
frame 102 may constitute a vertical arm of the body. Also, the base frame may
constitute a horizontal arm of the body. The vertical frame 102 of the body of the tyre
spreader apparatus 100 may be connected to the base frame. In an example, an end of
the vertical frame 102 is mounted on the base frame.
[0025] In an example, the base frame may be formed by an upper base frame 104
and a lower base frame 106. The upper base frame 104 and the lower base frame 106
may be connected to each by a vertical elevating element 108. The upper base frame
104 may be positioned above the lower base frame 106. In an example, the lower base
frame 106 may be fixed. In another example, the upper base frame 104 may be
moveable. Further, the vertical elevating element 108 may be a reciprocating element,
such that upon adjustment of height of the vertical reciprocating element, gap between
the upper base frame 104 and the lower base frame 106 may be varied. For example,
upon reduction in height of the vertical elevating element 108, the upper base frame
104 may move towards the lower base frame 106. Similarly, upon increase in height
of the vertical elevating element 108, the upper base frame 104 may move away from
the lower base frame 106. In an example, the gap between the upper base frame 104
and the lower base frame 106 may be varied in accordance with size of the tyre. In an
example, the vertical frame 102 may be connected to the upper base frame 104.
[0026] The tyre spreader apparatus 100 also includes a tyre stabilizing unit 110. In
an example, the tyre stabilizing unit 110 may be coupled to the vertical frame 102. In
another example, the tyre stabilizing unit 110 may be positioned at an end of the
vertical frame 102 other than the end coupled to the base frame. The tyre stabilizing
unit 110 may provide support to the tyre mounted in the tyre spreader apparatus 100.
In an example, the tyre stabilizing unit 110 may contact shoulder region of the tyre to
support the tyre.
[0027] In an exemplary implementation, the tyre spreader apparatus 100 may also
have a roller unit 112. The roller unit 112 may be mounted on the lower base frame
106. In an example, the roller unit 112 may be mounted on the lower base frame 106
by way of support members 114. The support members 114 may be understood as
vertical pillars passing through cavities (not shown) in the upper base plate to reach
the lower base frame 106 for mounting. In an example, the roller unit 112 may be
positioned perpendicular to the tyre stabilizing unit 110. The roller unit 112 may be
configured to rotate the tyre mounted on the tyre spreader apparatus 100 and supported
by the tyre stabilizing unit 110. In an example, the roller unit 112 may contact crown
region of the tyre to rotate the tyre.
[0028] In an example of the present subject matter, the tyre spreader apparatus 100
may include a spreading unit 116. The spreading unit 116 may be coupled to the base
frame. In an example, the spreading unit 116 may be coupled to the upper base frame
104. The spreading unit 116 may be configured to engage with beads of the tyre to
spread the tyre. In an example, the spreading unit 116 may contact the beads of the
tyre to spread the tyre.
[0029] In an implementation, the tyre spreader apparatus 100 may be controlled
by an automated controller (not shown). In an example, the controller may be a
programmable logic controller (PLC). The automated controller may control
movement of the vertical elevating element 108, tyre stabilizing unit 110, roller unit

112, and spreading unit 116 to support, rotate, and spread beads of the tyre held by the
tyre spreader apparatus 100. The automated controller may be communicatively
coupled to the tyre spreader apparatus 100, the vertical elevating element 108, the tyre
stabilizing unit 110, the roller unit 112, and the spreading unit 116. In an example, the
automated controller may include a digital panel meter 118. The digital panel meter
118 may be communicatively coupled to the tyre spreader apparatus 100. Further, the
digital panel meter 118 may be understood as user interface of the automated controller
and the digital panel meter 118 may include a digital display 120 and buttons 122. In
an example, the buttons 122 may be used for control and adjustment of the tyre
spreader apparatus 100 by an operator. In another example, the digital display 120 may
display value of various parameters associated with the tyre spreader apparatus 100,
such as speed of rotation of the roller unit 112. In yet another example, the buttons 122
may be used for starting and stopping process of tyre spreading by the tyre spreader
apparatus 100.
[0030] In operation, the operator may place the tyre on the roller unit 112. In an
example, before placing the tyre on the roller unit 112, the operator may adjust height
of the vertical elevating element 108 based on size of the tyre. The tyre may be placed
in the tyre spreader apparatus 100, such that the tyre is positioned with the roller unit
112 at base of the tyre and the tyre stabilizing unit 110 is along a vertical side of the
tyre. In an example, the operator may input a command through the digital panel meter
118 for initiation of rotation of the roller unit 112. Based on the command, the
automated controller communicates with actuator controlling movement of the roller
unit 112 to initiate the rotation of the roller unit 112. Upon rotation of the roller unit
112 at the base of the tyre, the tyre may start rotating in opposite direction of rotation
of the roller unit 112. Further, the tyre stabilizing unit 110 may be positioned vertically
around the tyre, such that the tyre stabilizing unit 110 supports the tyre during rotation,
to prevent the tyre from misaligning and demounting from the tyre spreader apparatus
100.

[0031] In an implementation, the automated controller may communicate with
actuator controlling movement of the spreading unit 116 to actuate the spreading unit
116 in order to engage the spreading unit 116 with the beads of the tyre for spreading
the tyre. In an example, the spreading unit 116 may engage with the beads after
placement of the tyre on the roller unit 112 and before initiation of rotation of the tyre.
In another example, the spreading unit 116 may engage with the beads after initiation
of rotation of the tyre. Upon successful engagement of the spreading unit 116 with the
beads of the tyre, the automated controller may communicate with the actuator
controlling movement of the spreading unit 116 to actuate the engaged spreading unit
116, to increase gap between the beads of the tyre, to spread the tyre. In an example,
after spreading the tyre the automated controller may instruct an applicator to apply
additional layers of components inside the tyre.
[0032] Fig. 2(a) illustrates a front view of the tyre stabilizing unit 110, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 2(b) illustrates a
side view of the tyre stabilizing unit 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the
present subject matter. Fig. 2(c) illustrates another side view of the tyre stabilizing unit
110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. For sake of
brevity, Fig. 2(a), Fig. 2(b), and Fig. 2(c) have been discussed together in following
paragraphs.
[0033] In an implementation of the tyre spreader apparatus 100, the tyre stabilizing
unit 110 may be coupled to the vertical frame 102 of the tyre spreader apparatus 100.
In another example, the tyre stabilizing unit 110 may be positioned at an end of the
vertical frame 102 other than the end coupled to the base frame. The tyre stabilizing
unit 110 may provide support to the tyre mounted in the tyre spreader apparatus 100.
In an example, the tyre stabilizing unit 110 may contact the shoulder region of the tyre
to support the tyre.

[0034] As illustrated in Fig. 2(a), the tyre stabilizing unit 110 may be formed by
two vertical beams 202a, 202b. In an example, the two vertical beams 202a, 202b may
be symmetrical, as shown in Fig. 2(b) and Fig. 2(c). The two vertical beams 202a,
202b may be connected to each other by way of an extendable connecting member
204. Extension and contraction of the connecting member 204 may vary gap between
the two vertical beams 202a,202b. In an example, the extension and contraction of the
connecting member 204 may be controlled by the automated controller. In another
example, the extension and contraction of the connecting member 204 may be
controlled manually by the operator. Manual actuator 206 shown in Fig. 2(a) and Fig.
2(c) may be used by the operator for manual adjustment of the connecting member
204.
[0035] In an implementation, two set of support rollers 208 may be mounted on
the two vertical beams 202a,202b, such that axis of rotation of the support rollers 208
may be perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the tyre. In an example, the support
rollers 208 may be arranged on an arc formed by the vertical beams 202a, 202b. The
arc shape of the vertical beams 202a, 202b is formed to correspond to profile of the
tyre. In another example, each set of support roller from amongst the two set of support
rollers 208 may include three rollers 210a,210b,210c.
[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter, the vertical
beams 202a, 202b along with the two set of support rollers 208 may form a guide
cavity 212, such that each set of support rollers 208 along with its respective vertical
beam forms a side wall of the guide cavity 212. In an example, the two set of support
rollers 208 along with vertical beams 202a, 202b may form opposite walls of the guide
cavity 212. In operation, the tyre under rotation may pass through the guide cavity
212, such that support rollers 208 on either side of the tyre may contact shoulder region
of the tyre. Further, upon rotation of the tyre, the support rollers 208 may also rotate
along their own axis of rotation due to friction between shoulder region and the support
rollers 208. In an example, the support rollers 208 may rotate only under action of

friction between the support rollers 208 and the tyre. In another example, the support
rollers 208 may rotate under impact of an actuator controller by the automated
controller. The actuator may be a motor.
[0037] In an implementation, the connecting member 204 may vary width of the
guide cavity 212 in accordance with profile of the tyre. For example, *# upon contraction
of the connecting member 204 the width of the guide cavity 212 may reduce to
accommodate a tyre with low width. In another example, upon extension of the
connecting member 204 the width of the guide cavity 212 may increase to
accommodate a tyre with high width. Thus, width of the guide cavity 212 is adjustable
based on the profile of the tyre.
[0038] Movement of the tyre through the guide cavity 212 ensures that the tyre is
held in a pre-defined orientation by the tyre stabilizing unit 110. Further, the support
rollers 208 on either side of the tyre facilitate smooth rotation of the tyre, along with
prevention of misalignment of the tyre. Hence, the tyre spreader apparatus 100
disclosed by the present subject matter provides stable and seamless rotation of tyre
and reduces possibility of misalignment of the tyre during rotation of the tyre.
[0039] Fig. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a roller 302 of the roller unit 112, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The roller unit 112 may
be mounted on the lower base frame 106. In an example, the roller unit 112 may be
mounted on the lower base frame 106 by way of support members 114. The support
members 114 may be understood as vertical pillars passing through cavities (not
shown) in the upper base plate to reach the lower base frame 106 for mounting. In an
example, the roller unit 112 may be positioned perpendicular to the tyre stabilizing
unit 110. The roller unit 112 may be configured to rotate the tyre mounted on the tyre
spreader apparatus 100 and supported by the tyre stabilizing unit 110. In an example,
the roller unit 112 may contact crown region of the tyre to rotate the tyre.

[0040] In an implementation, the roller unit 112 may include a first roller (not
shown) and a second roller (not shown). The first roller and the second roller may be
positioned on opposite ends of the roller unit 112, to rotate the tyre held by the tyre
stabilizing unit 110. In an example, the first roller and the second roller may be actively
actuated by an actuator, such as a motor. In another example, *# the first roller and the
second roller may have a concave profile to accommodate convex profile of the tyre.
[0041] In another implementation, a third roller may be positioned between the
first roller and the second roller. The third roller may assist the first roller and the
second roller in rotation of the tyre by providing additional support to the tyre, as the
tyre travels from the first roller to the second roller. The third roller prevents slippage
and flipping of the tyre during rotation. In an example, the third roller may be passively
actuated under impact of the first roller and the second roller. In another example, the
third roller may have a concave profile to accommodate convex profile of the tyre.
[0042] In an embodiment, the first roller, the second roller and the third roller may
be placed along an arc, such that the first roller and the second roller may form extreme
opposite ends of the arc and the third roller may be placed along length of the arc.
[0043] Thus, presence of the third roller in the roller unit 112 provides additional
stability to the tyre during rotation of the tyre. Further, the convex profile of the first
roller, the second roller, and the third roller ensures that crown region of the tyre does
not flatten upon contact with the roller unit 112, amounting to elimination of
disadvantages associated with generally known rollers, such as flattening of additional
layers applied to the interior region of the tyre after spreading of the tyre.
[0044] Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the spreading unit 116, in accordance with
an embodiment of the present subject matter. The spreading unit 116 may be coupled
to the base frame. In an example, the spreading unit 116 may be coupled to the upper
base frame 104. The spreading unit 116 may be configured to engage with beads of

the tyre to spread the tyre. In an example, the spreading unit 116 may contact the beads
of the tyre to spread the tyre.
[0045] In an implementation, the spreading unit 116 may include a first jaw device
402 and a second jaw device 404. The first jaw device 402 and the second jaw device
404 may engage with beads of the tyre for spreading the tyre. *# In an example, the first
jaw device 402 and the second jaw device 404 are positioned facing each other and
parallel to the axis of rotation of the tyre. In another example, the first jaw device 402
and the second jaw device 404 are actuated and positioned using one hydraulic
cylinder 406 each.
[0046] In another implementation, the first jaw device 402 and the second jaw
device 404 may each include four jaws (not shown) for engaging with the tyre. In an
example, the four jaws are arranged in an arc complementing inner circumference of
the tyre. In another example, each jaw from amongst the four jaws may be made of
silicone rollers 408.
[0047] Although implementations for configuration and structure of the tyre
spreader apparatus is described, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is
not necessarily limited to the specific features of the systems described herein. Rather,
the specific features are disclosed as implementations for configuration and structure
of the tyre spreader apparatus.

I/ We claim:
1. A tyre spreader apparatus (100) to support, rotate, and spread a tyre, the tyre
spreader apparatus (100) comprising:
a body including:
at least one vertical frame (102) constituting vertical arm of the body;
and
at least one base frame, coupled to the vertical frame (102), constituting
horizontal arm of the body, wherein at least one end of the at least one
vertical frame (102) is mounted on the at least one base frame;
a tyre stabilizing unit (110), coupled to the at least one vertical frame (102),
positioned at an end of the at least one vertical frame (102) other than the at least one
end coupled to the at least one base frame, wherein the tyre stabilizing unit (110) is
positioned perpendicular to direction of rotation of the tyre, the tyre stabilizing unit
(110) having a guide cavity (212) to correspond to profile of the tyre to hold the tyre
in a pre-defined orientation;
a roller unit (112), coupled to the at least one base frame, wherein the roller
unit (112) is positioned parallel to direction of rotation of the tyre and perpendicular
to the tyre stabilizing unit (110), the roller unit (112) comprising:
a first roller and a second roller positioned on opposite ends of the roller
unit (112), to rotate the tyre held by the tyre stabilizing unit (110); and
a third roller positioned between the first roller and the second roller,
to assist in rotation of the tyre by the first roller and the second roller; and
a spreading unit (116), coupled to the at least one base frame and
positioned perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the tyre, comprising a first jaw
device (402) and a second jaw device (404) to engage with the tyre during rotation of
the tyre for spreading the tyre, wherein the first jaw device (402) and the second jaw
15
device (404) are positioned facing each other so as to be disposed on either sides of
the tyre.
2. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tyre stabilizing
unit (110) includes two set of support rollers (208) forming opposite walls of the guide
cavity (212), wherein each set of support roller from amongst the two set of support
rollers (208) include three rollers (210a,210b,210c) placed in an arc around
circumference of the tyre held by the tyre stabilizing unit (110).
3. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein width of the guide
cavity (212) is adjustable based on the profile of the tyre.
4. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third roller has
a concave profile to maintain curved profile of circumference of the tyre during
rotation.
5. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first roller and
the second roller are actively actuated by a motor.
6. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third roller is
passively actuated under impact of the first roller and the second roller.
7. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first jaw device
(402) and the second jaw device (404) each include at least four jaws each for engaging
with the tyre and wherein the four jaws are arranged in an arc complementing
circumference of the tyre.
8. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein each jaw from
amongst the four jaws is made of silicone rollers (408).
9. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first jaw device
(402) and the second jaw device (404) are actuated and positioned using at least one
hydraulic cylinder (406) each.
10. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one
base frame is adjustable to support, rotate, and spread unmounted tyres of varying
dimension.
11. The tyre spreader apparatus (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tyre spreader
apparatus (100) is controlled by an automated controller.