WO2015153001A1

WO2015153001A1 - Tire bead fitter for tire mounting machine

Info

Publication number: WO2015153001A1
Application number: PCT/US2015/015784
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew V. HAIDET; William C. AULT
Original assignee: Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, Llc
Priority date: 2014-04-03
Filing date: 2015-02-13
Publication date: 2015-10-08

Abstract

Various embodiments of a tire bead fitter attachment, and methods for its use in attaining proper bead seating of a tire mounted on a wheel, are disclosed.

Description

TIRE BEAD FITTER FOR TIRE MOUNTING MACHINE

BACKGROUND

[0001] Before use, vehicle tires are typically mounted upon wheels, which are then mounted on a vehicle. Vehicle tires typically include a bead region, which is configured to engage a flange of a wheel rim. Improper engagement between the tire bead region and the flange, which is referred to as bead seating, may result in a number of undesired effects in performance and ride comfort, including vibration in the vehicle tire and wheel assembly during operation.

[0002] What is needed is a tire bead fitter for application to a tire during or after installation on a wheel, which assists in attaining proper bead seating.

SUMMARY

[0003] In one embodiment, a tire mounting machine including a tire bead fitter attachment is provided, the tire mounting machine comprising: a tire bead fitter attachment having: a side portion; a proximal end; a distal end; and a tire engagement portion oriented at a junction between the side portion and the distal end; and a tire and wheel assembly including a tire mounted on a wheel, wherein the tire is inflated to a desired pressure; wherein the tire bead fitter attachment is in contact with, and rotates relative to, a sidewall of the tire.

[0004] In one embodiment, a system for mounting a tire on a wheel is provided, the system comprising: a tire having a sidewall and a heel; a wheel having a flange including a radially outer flange edge, and a bead seat; and a tire mounting machine having a tire bead fitter attachment; wherein the tire is mounted upon the wheel and inflated to a desired pressure; wherein the radially outer flange edge engages the sidewall; wherein the bead seat engages the heel; and wherein the tire bead fitter attachment is in contact with, and rotates relative to, the sidewall.

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for using a tire bead fitter attachment to achieve proper bead seating of a tire mounted on a wheel is provided, the method comprising: providing a wheel having a flange including a radially outer flange edge, and a bead seat; providing a tire having a sidewall and a heel, wherein the tire is mounted on the wheel to create a tire and wheel assembly; providing a tire mounting machine having a tire bead fitter attachment, and mounting the tire and wheel assembly on the tire mounting machine; contacting the tire bead fitter attachment to the sidewall with a desired force to deflect the sidewall away from the radially outer flange edge; rotating at least one of the tire bead fitter attachment, and the tire and wheel assembly, relative to the other; and purging an air trapped in a cavity oriented radially between the bead seat and the radially outer flange edge, and axially between the flange and the sidewall.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate various example configurations and methods, and are used merely to illustrate various example embodiments. In the figures, like elements bear like reference numerals.

[0007] FIG. 1A illustrates a side elevational view of an example embodiment of a tire bead fitter attachment 100.

[0008] FIG. IB illustrates a bottom elevational view of an example embodiment of tire bead fitter attachment 100.

[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a tire bead fitter attachment 200 applied to a tire in a tire and wheel assembly 220.

[0010] FIG. 3A illustrates a sectional view of a tire engagement with a rim flange and a bead seat in a tire and wheel assembly 320.

[0011] FIG. 3B illustrates a partial sectional view of a tire engagement with a rim flange and a bead seat in tire and wheel assembly 320.

[0012] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial sectional view of a tire bead fitter attachment 400 applied to a tire near a tire engagement with a rim flange and a bead seat in tire and wheel assembly 320.

[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevational view of an example embodiment of a tire bead fitter attachment 500.

[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevational view of an example embodiment of a tire bead fitter attachment 600.

[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an example method for using a tire bead fitter attachment to achieve proper bead seating of a tire mounted on a wheel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0016] FIG. 1A illustrates a side elevational view of an example embodiment of a tire bead fitter attachment 100. Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include side portion 102, a proximal end 104, and a distal end 106. Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include a tire engagement portion 108 oriented at a junction between side portion 102 and distal end 106. Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include a bearing housing (not shown).

[0017] Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may have a substantially truncated conical shape. Alternatively, tire bead fitter attachment 100 may have a shape similar to a cylinder. Alternatively, tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include any of a variety of rounded shapes, including a generally spherical shape, a generally conical shape, and the like. Alternatively, tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include a wheel or disk configured to contact a tire's sidewall (not shown). Alternatively, tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include any shape. Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include a substantially circular cross section. Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may be configured to roll along a tire's sidewall in a tire and wheel assembly (not shown). Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may be configured to rotate about a central longitudinal axis.

[0018] Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may comprise any of a variety of materials. Materials used in tire bead fitter attachment 100 may be selected based on a strength and hardness to allow application of a desired force to a tire sidewall in a tire and wheel assembly (not shown). Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include materials such as a metal, alloy, polymer, glass, wood, composite, and the like. Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include a stainless steel.

[0019] Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may a side portion extending between proximal end 104 and distal end 106. Proximal end 104 may be oriented generally toward a tire mounting machine (not shown), while distal end 106 may be oriented generally away from a tire mounting machine (not shown). In one embodiment, tire bead fitter attachment 100 may attach to a tire mounting machine (not shown) at or near its proximal end 104. In another embodiment, tire bead fitter attachment 100 may be at least partially hollow, and tire bead fitter attachment 100 may attach to a tire mounting machine (not shown) at or near its distal end, for example via a shaft extending through the body of tire bead fitter attachment 100. Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may be at least partially hollow, substantially hollow, at least partially solid, or substantially solid. [0020] Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include a tire engagement portion 108. Tire engagement portion 108 may be a substantially radiused, so as to have a rounded edge. Tire engagement portion 108 may be radiused with a radius of between about 1.0 mm and about 100.0 mm. Tire engagement portion 108 may be radiused with a radius of between about 5.0 mm and about 100.0 mm. Tire engagement portion 108 may be radiused with a radius of between about 3.0 mm and about 50.0 mm. Tire engagement portion 108 may be radiused with a radius of between about 5.0 mm and about 20.0 mm. Tire engagement portion 108 may be radiused with a radius of between about 5.0 mm and about 10.0 mm. It is contemplated that tire engagement portion 108 may be radiused with any radius large enough to prevent damage to a tire. Tire engagement portion 108 may have any radius within the recited ranges. Tire engagement portion 108 may be within any range of radii having any of the upper and lower limits provided herein.

[0021] Tire engagement portion 108 may be generally convex. Tire engagement portion 108 may be filleted. Tire engagement portion 108 may be chamfered. Tire engagement portion 108 may include any of a variety of cross-sections configured to contact a tire sidewall (not shown) with a desired force without damaging the tire sidewall.

[0022] FIG. IB illustrates a bottom elevational view of tire bead fitter attachment 100. Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include a bearing housing 110. Bearing housing 110 may include a central bore 112. Bearing housing 110 may include a bearing 114. Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may include a hollow section 116 extending at least partially along the length of tire bead fitter attachment 100 from distal end 106 toward proximal end 104.

[0023] Tire bead fitter attachment 100 may comprise a bearing housing 110. Bearing housing 110 may include an attachment point for attaching tire bead fitter attachment 100 to a tire mounting machine (not shown). Bearing housing 110 may include bearing 114 configured to allow tire bead fitter attachment 100 to rotate about its central longitudinal axis. Bearing housing 110 may include central bore 112 configured to allow a bolt, pin, shaft, or any other fastening member to extend through or connect with bearing housing 110. Bearing housing 110 may include central bore 112 that is substantially concentric with the central longitudinal axis of tire bead fitter attachment 100. [0024] Central bore 112 may be configured to allow a bolt, pin, shaft, or any other fastening member to extend therethrough. In one embodiment, central bore 112 comprises threads.

[0025] Bearing 114 may be any of a variety of bearings or bearing surfaces configured to reduce friction and allow rotational movement of tire bead fitter attachment 100. In one embodiment, bearing 114 may include at least one of a ball bearing, a roller bearing, and a pin bearing. Bearing 114 may be substantially concentric with central bore 112.

[0026] Hollow section 116 may be substantially concentric with at least one of side portion 102, central bore 112, and bearing 114. Hollow section 116 may be configured to reduce weight and/or material of tire bead fitter attachment 100. Bearing housing 110 may attach to the body of tire bead fitter attachment 100 at or near proximal end 104.

[0027] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a tire bead fitter attachment 200 applied to a tire in a tire and wheel assembly 220. Tire bad fitter attachment 200 may include a side portion 202, a distal end 206, a tire engagement portion 208, a bearing housing 210, a bearing 214, and a hollow section 216.

[0028] Tire and wheel assembly 220 may include a tire 222 mounted on a wheel 224.

[0029] Tire bead fitter attachment 200 may be contacted to, and apply a force to, a sidewall 226 of tire 222. Tire bead fitter attachment 200 may be used to provide any desired force to sidewall 226. Tire bead fitter attachment 200 may be used to provide enough force to sidewall 226 to cause at least a portion of sidewall 226 to separate from a radially outer flange edge of wheel 224.

[0030] FIG. 3A illustrates a sectional view of a tire 322' s engagement with a rim flange 328 and a bead seat 330 in a tire and wheel assembly 320. Tire 322 may include a sidewall 326, and a heel 332. Tire and wheel assembly 320 may include a wheel 324 having flange 328 and beat seat 330. Wheel 324 may include a radially outer flange edge 334.

[0031] Tire 322 may comprise any of a variety of tire types, including a pneumatic tire, a non-pneumatic tire, a passenger tire, a truck tire, a bus tire, an off-the-road tire, an agricultural tire, an equipment tire, an airplane tire, a motorcycle tire, an ATV tire, and the like.

[0032] Tire 322 may be mounted on a wheel 324 to form tire and wheel assembly 320. Heel 332 may at least partially engage bead seat 330. Bead seat 330 may include a "shelf formed in flange 328, upon which heel 332 may be radially supported, so as to at least partially prevent heel 332 from moving radially inwardly. Heel 332 may be axially supported by flange 328, so as to prevent heel 332 from extending axially outside flange 328.

[0033] In practice, tire 322 may be a pneumatic tire that is mounted on wheel 324, and heel 332' s engagement with bead seat 330 creates a first seal that is at least partially impervious to air. Alternatively, the first seal may be substantially impervious to air. Alternatively, the first seal may be impervious to air. Additionally, radially outer flange edge 334 may engage at least a portion of sidewall 326, creating a second seal that is at least partially impervious to air. Alternatively, the second seal may be substantially impervious to air. Alternatively, the second seal may be impervious to air.

[0034] A cavity 336 may exist radially between the first seal and the second seal. Cavity 336 may contain air, which may be undesirable. Cavity 336' s retention of air may cause heel 332 to not properly engage bead seat 330, thus resulting in improper bead seating. Cavity 336' s retention of air may cause heel 332 to not properly contact flange 328, thus resulting in improper bead seating. Cavity 336 's retention of air may cause sidewall 326 to not properly engage flange 328, thus resulting in improper bead seating. Cavity 336' s retention of air may cause a vibration tire and wheel assembly 320 during operation thereof on a vehicle.

[0035] FIG. 3B illustrates a partial sectional view of tire 322' s engagement with rim flange 328 and bead seat 330 in tire and wheel assembly 320. As illustrated, cavity 336 may exist radially between the first seal and the second seal, thus preventing proper engagement of tire 322 to wheel 324. Improper engagement of tire 322 to wheel 324 may also be referred to as improper bead seating.

[0036] FIG. 4 illustrates a partial sectional view of a tire bead fitter attachment 400 applied to tire 322 near tire 322' s engagement with rim flange 328 in tire and wheel assembly 320.

[0037] Tire bead fitter attachment 400 may include a side portion 402, a proximal end 404, a distal end 406, and a tire engagement portion 408.

[0038] Tire engagement portion 408 may be applied to sidewall 326 radially outwardly of a second seal, created by the engagement of a radially outer flange edge 334 with a portion of sidewall 326. Tire engagement portion 408 may be applied to sidewall 326 near radially outer flange edge 334. In one embodiment, tire engagement portion 408 may be applied to sidewall 326 between about 1.0 mm and about 50.0 mm from radially outer flange edge 334. In another embodiment, tire engagement portion 408 may be applied to sidewall 326 between about 5.0 mm and about 30.0 mm from radially outer flange edge 334. In another embodiment, tire engagement portion 408 may be applied to sidewall 326 between about 10.0 mm and about 40.0 mm from radially outer flange edge 334. It is contemplated that tire engagement portion 408 may be applied to sidewall 326 at any position between radially outer flange edge 334 and a shoulder of tire 322. Tire engagement portion 408 may be applied to sidewall 326 at any distance included within the cited ranges. Tire engagement portion 408 may be applied to sidewall 326 within a range of distances utilizing any of the upper and lower limits provided herein.

[0039] Tire engagement portion 408 may impart a force F against sidewall 326. Force F may be a force that is great enough to deflect sidewall 326 out of contact with radially outer flange edge 334, so as to break the second seal while tire 322 is inflated. In this manner, air trapped within cavity 336 may be purged and sidewall 326 may properly engage flange 328, thus resulting in proper bead seating. In one embodiment, force F is between about 100 N and about 25,000 N. In another embodiment, force F is between about 200 N and about 18,500 N. In another embodiment, force F is between about 500 N and about 10,000 N. It is contemplated that any amount of force F within the given ranges above could be used, as long as the force does not cause unseating of the bead. It is contemplated that any force F between 100 N and 25,000 N, in 100 N intervals (e.g., 100 N, 200 N, 300 N, etc.), could be used. It is contemplated that any range of force F utilizing any of the upper and lower range limits disclosed herein may be used. The amount of force F necessary may depend upon any of a variety of factors, including for example the type of tire 322 (e.g., an 85 series tire versus a runflat tire), the region of tire 322 where force is to be applied (e.g., closer to radially outer flange edge 334 or further from radially outer flange edge 334), the angle A of approach of tire engagement portion 408 relative to sidewall 326, inflation pressure of tire 322, and the like.

[0040] In one embodiment, tire and wheel assembly 320 is mounted on a tire mounting machine (not shown), and tire bead fitter attachment 400 is attached to the tire mounting machine (not shown). Tire engagement portion 408 may be contacted to sidewall 326 with a desired force F. Tire 322 may be rotated on the tire mounting machine (not shown) about its rotational axis, such that tire bead fitter attachment 400 applies force F to sidewall 326 about at least a portion of sidewall 326. In one embodiment, tire 322 may be rotated less than about 360 degrees. In another embodiment, tire 322 may be rotated about 360 degrees. In another embodiment, tire 322 may be rotated more than about 360 degrees. Tire bead fitter attachment 400 may roll along sidewall 326 during rotation of tire 322.

[0041] In one embodiment, tire and wheel assembly 320 is mounted on a tire mounting machine (not shown), and a plurality of tire bead fitter attachments 400 are attached to the tire mounting machine (not shown). Tire 322 may comprise a first sidewall 326 and a second sidewall (not shown) oriented on the opposite side of tire 322. Tire engagement portion 408 of a first tire bead fitter attachment 400 may be contacted to a first sidewall 326, while tire engagement portion of a second tire bead fitter attachment (not shown) may be contacted to a second sidewall (not shown). Tire 322 may be rotated on the tire mounting machine less than, more than, or about, 360 degrees.

[0042] As a result of application of tire engagement portion 408 to tire sidewall 326, air trapped within cavity 336 may be purged. Tire engagement portion 408 may be removed from tire sidewall 326, such that tire sidewall 326 may properly engage flange 328. Proper engagement between sidewall 326 and flange 328 may be referred to as proper bead seating.

[0043] Tire bead fitter attachment 400 may be attached to a tire mounting machine via a mechanical arm (not shown). The mechanical arm may be configured to translate so as to place tire bead fitter attachment 400 into contact with sidewall 326, and apply a desired force F. The mechanical arm (not shown), may be configured to change angle A of tire bead fitter attachment 400 relative to sidewall 326. For example, the mechanical arm may be configured to change angle A between tire bead fitter attachment 400 's central longitudinal axis relative to a rotational axis of tire 322. In one embodiment, the mechanical arm (not shown) may control rotation of tire bead fitter attachment 400 about tire bead fitter attachment 400' s central longitudinal axis.

[0044] Tire bead fitter attachment 400 may be oriented at an angle A relative to tire 322. Angle A may be measured relative to an axis of rotation of tire 322. Angle A of tire bead fitter attachment 400 may be measured based upon a line substantially parallel to distal end 406. Stated differently, angle A of tire bead fitter attachment 400 may be measured based upon a line substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of tire bead fitter attachment 400. Angle A may be any of a variety of possible angles, and is limited only by geometry of tire bead fitter attachment 400, tire 322, and sidewall 326. Angle A may be between about -75 degrees and about 75 degrees. Angle A may be between about -60 degrees and about 60 degrees. Angle A may be between about -45 degrees and about 45 degrees. Angle A may be between about -30 degrees and about 30 degrees. It is contemplated that angle A may be any angle. Angle A may be any angle within the ranges given. Angle A may be within a range utilizing any of the upper and lower limits of ranges provided herein.

[0045] FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevational view of an example embodiment of a tire bead fitter attachment 500. Tire bead fitter attachment 500 may include side portion 502, a proximal end 504, and a distal end 506. Tire bead fitter attachment 500 may include a tire engagement portion 508 oriented at a junction between side portion 502 and distal end 506. Tire bead fitter attachment 500 may include a bearing housing (not shown).

[0046] FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevational view of an example embodiment of a tire bead fitter attachment 600. Tire bead fitter attachment 600 may include side portion 602, a proximal end 604, and a distal end 606. Tire bead fitter attachment 600 may include a tire engagement portion 608 oriented at a junction between side portion 602 and distal end 606. Tire bead fitter attachment 600 may include a bearing housing (not shown).

[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates an example method 700 for using a tire bead fitter attachment to achieve proper bead seating of a tire mounted on a wheel. Method 700 includes mounting a pneumatic vehicle tire on a wheel (creating a tire and wheel assembly) and inflating the pneumatic vehicle tire to desired pressure. (Step 702). With the tire and wheel assembly mounted on the tire mounting machine, a first tire bead fitter attachment is applied to a first tire sidewall, with a desired force. (Step 704). With the tire and wheel assembly mounted on tire mounting machine, a second tire bead fitter attachment is applied to a second tire sidewall, with a desired force. (Step 706). The tire and wheel assembly may be rotated on the tire mounting machine, about its rotational axis, about 360 degrees. (Step 708). The first tire bead fitter attachment and the second tire bead fitter attachment are removed from the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. (Step 710). The tire and wheel assembly may be removed from tire mounting machine. (Step 712). The tire and wheel assembly may be purged of air within cavity 336 illustrated in FIG. 4, thus ensuring proper engagement of tire 322 with wheel 324. [0048] Steps 704 and 706 may be performed in any order. Step 708 may involve rotating the tire bead fitter attachments relative to and around the tire, rather than rotating the tire and wheel assembly relative to the tire bead fitter attachments.

[0049] In one embodiment, method 700 does not include step 706, and only a single tire bead fitter attachment is used to contact each sidewall of the tire. For example, a tire bead fitter attachment may be run along a first sidewall of the tire, after which the tire and wheel assembly may be turned over (such that the first sidewall is now in the position where the second sidewall was, and vice versa), and the steps repeated to run the tire bead fitter attachment along a second sidewall of the tire. Alternatively, a tire bead fitter attachment may be run along a first sidewall of the tire, after which the tire bead fitter attachment is removed from the first sidewall and applied to a second sidewall, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment is run along the second sidewall.

[0050] To the extent that the term "includes" or "including" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term "comprising" as that term is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extent that the term "or" is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean "A or B or both." When the applicants intend to indicate "only A or B but not both" then the term "only A or B but not both" will be employed. Thus, use of the term "or" herein is the inclusive, and not the exclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage 624 (2d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms "in" or "into" are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to additionally mean "on" or "onto." To the extent that the term "substantially" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to take into consideration the degree of precision available or prudent in manufacturing. To the extent that the term "selectively" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatus may activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component as is necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that the term "operatively connected" is used in the specification or the claims, it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in a way to perform a designated function. As used in the specification and the claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include the plural. Finally, where the term "about" is used in conjunction with a number, it is intended to include + 10% of the number. In other words, "about 10" may mean from 9 to 11. [0051] As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the present application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, or any apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details, examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept.

Claims

1. A tire mounting machine including a tire bead fitter attachment, comprising: a tire bead fitter attachment having:

a side portion;

a proximal end;

a distal end; and

a tire engagement portion oriented at a junction between the side portion and the distal end; and

a tire and wheel assembly including a tire mounted on a wheel, wherein the tire is inflated to a desired pressure;

wherein the tire bead fitter attachment is in contact with, and rotates relative to, a sidewall of the tire.

2. The tire mounting machine of claim 1, wherein the tire engagement portion comprises a convex radius.

3. The tire mounting machine of claim 1, wherein the tire engagement portion is filleted.

4. The tire mounting machine of claim 1, wherein the tire engagement portion is chamfered.

5. The tire mounting machine of claim 1, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment has a substantially truncated conical shape.

6. The tire mounting machine of claim 1, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment further comprises a bearing housing.

7. The tire mounting machine of claim 1, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment further comprises a bearing housing including a bearing.

8. The tire mounting machine of claim 1, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment rotates about its central longitudinal axis.

9. A system for mounting a tire on a wheel, comprising:

a tire having a sidewall and a heel;

a wheel having a flange including a radially outer flange edge, and a bead seat; and

a tire mounting machine having a tire bead fitter attachment; wherein the tire is mounted upon the wheel and inflated to a desired pressure; wherein the radially outer flange edge engages the sidewall;

wherein the bead seat engages the heel; and

wherein the tire bead fitter attachment is in contact with, and rotates relative to, the sidewall.

10. The system of claim 9, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment causes a deflection of the sidewall out of contact with the radially outer flange edge.

11. The system of claim 9, wherein a cavity is oriented radially between the bead seat and the radially outer flange edge, and axially between the flange and the sidewall.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the cavity traps an air.

13. The system of claim 9, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment has a substantially truncated conical shape.

14. A method for using a tire bead fitter attachment to achieve proper bead seating of a tire mounted on a wheel, the method comprising:

providing a wheel having a flange including a radially outer flange edge, and a bead seat;

providing a tire having a sidewall and a heel, wherein the tire is mounted on the wheel to create a tire and wheel assembly;

providing a tire mounting machine having a tire bead fitter attachment, and mounting the tire and wheel assembly on the tire mounting machine;

contacting the tire bead fitter attachment to the sidewall with a desired force to deflect the sidewall away from the radially outer flange edge;

rotating at least one of the tire bead fitter attachment, and the tire and wheel assembly, relative to the other; and

purging an air trapped in a cavity oriented radially between the bead seat and the radially outer flange edge, and axially between the flange and the sidewall.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein the tire is a pneumatic tire and is inflated to a desired pressure.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein a second tire bead fitter attachment is provided, and wherein a second sidewall is provided, and further comprising contacting the second tire bead fitter attachment to the second sidewall with a desired force to deflect the sidewall away from the radially outer flange edge.

17. The method of claim 14, wherein the tire and wheel assembly is rotated about 360 degrees about its rotational axis.

18. The method of claim 14, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment has a substantially truncated conical shape.

19. The method of claim 14, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment comprises a bearing housing.

20. The method of claim 14, wherein the tire bead fitter attachment rotates about its central longitudinal axis.