A retention assembly and method of use thereof

Abstract

A retention assembly and method of use thereof for remotely retaining wheel rims is provided. The retention assembly includes: a body including a rotary actuator; at least two clamping members arranged within the body to engage with at least one wheel stud received therein, the clamping members being moveable between a clamping position and a release position; at least one guide plate fixedly fitted within the body behind the at least two clamping members for guiding movement of the at least two clamping members between the clamping position and the release position; and at least one rotary plate operatively coupled to the rotary actuator for rotation about a central axis relative to the at least one guide plate for driving movement of the clamping members between the clamping position and the release position.

Description

A RETENTION ASSEMBLY AND METHOD OF USE THEREOFTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a retention assembly and method of use thereof for remotely retaining wheel rims, particularly during removal of heavy equipment machinery tyre assemblies.BACKGROUND

[0002] Retention devices are commonly used when securing and removing tyre assemblies relative to wheel rotors.

[0003] Typically, removal of a tyre assembly from a wheel hub will require removal of the wheel nuts fastening a wheel rim of the tyre assembly to the wheel hub. Numerous wheel nuts may need to be individually removed from threaded elements extending from the wheel hub. Indeed, tyre assemblies of heavy equipment machinery may require the removal of upwards of 60 or more wheel nuts on wheel rims as large as 1 ,701mm in diameter.

[0004] Additionally, the tyre assemblies of heavy equipment machinery usually weigh a significant amount, even more so if using water ballast or a solid medium. Accordingly, tyre handling equipment mounted to mobile machinery is commonly used during the removal process to minimise the potential for crush injuries to tyre fitters or machine operators during the handling of the tyre assembly. Such tyre handling equipment typically includes a pair of clamping arms for clamping about a tyre tread of the assembly when handling the tyre assembly.

[0005] Despite the use of tyre handling equipment, tyre fitters or machine operators removing the tyre assemblies of heavy equipment machinery are still exposed to safety risks in the crush zone, particularly when manually removing the wheel nuts fastening a tyre assembly to the wheel hub. Indeed, operators have been crushed and even killed when a tyre assembly inadvertently slips free from the wheel hub when the last wheel nut or a conventional retention device is manually removed.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a retention assembly and method ofuse thereof for remotely retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub when removing a tyre assembly, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retention assembly for remotely retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub having at least one wheel stud extending therefrom, said assembly including: a body including a rotary actuator, said body having a mounting end and an opposed outer end and defining a receiving opening extending from the mounting end to the outer end, said receiving opening configured to at least partially receive the at least one wheel stud therein; at least two clamping members arranged within the body near the mounting end to engage with the at least one wheel stud, each clamping member having a clamping head for clamping about the at least one wheel stud, an opposed pin and a neck portion positioned therebetween, said clamping members moveable between a clamping position in which the clamping heads move towards each other and a release position in which the clamping heads move away from each other; at least one guide plate fixedly fitted within the body behind the at least two clamping members, said guide plate including at least two guide channels defined therein, each for receiving the neck portion of one of the clamping members therethrough for guiding movement of the at least two clamping members between the clamping position and the release position; and at least one rotary plate operatively coupled to the rotary actuator for rotation about a central axis relative to the at least one guide plate, said at least one rotary plate having at least two arcuate slots defined therein and extending from near the plate centre to near the plate outer edge, each arcuate slot configured to receive the pin of one of the clamping members at least partially therein for driving movement of the clamping members between the clamping position and the release position when the at least one rotary plate is rotated relative to the at least one guide plate.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remotely controllable retention assembly for remotely retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub having at least one wheel stud extending therefrom, said assembly including: a body including a rotary actuator, said body having a mounting end and an opposed outer end and defining a receiving opening extending from the mounting end to the outer end, said receiving opening configured to at least partially receive the at least one wheel stud therein; at least two clamping members arranged within the body near the mounting end to engage with the at least one wheel stud, each clamping member having a clamping head forclamping about the at least one wheel stud, an opposed pin and a neck portion positioned therebetween, said clamping members moveable between a clamping position in which the clamping heads move towards each other and a release position in which the clamping heads move away from each other; at least one guide plate fixedly fitted within the body behind the at least two clamping members, said guide plate including at least two guide channels defined therein, each for receiving the neck portion of one of the clamping members therethrough for guiding movement of the at least two clamping members between the clamping position and the release position; at least one rotary plate operatively coupled to the rotary actuator for rotation about a central axis relative to the at least one guide plate, said at least one rotary plate having at least two arcuate slots defined therein and extending from near the plate centre to near the plate outer edge, each arcuate slot configured to receive the pin of one of the clamping members at least partially therein for driving movement of the clamping members between the clamping position and the release position when the at least one rotary plate is rotated relative to the at least one guide plate; and a controller operatively associated with the rotary actuator and configured to at least control operation of the rotary actuator upon receiving a remote manual command from an operator.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a remotely controllable retention system for remotely retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub having at least one wheel stud extending therefrom, said system including: a body including a rotary actuator, said body having a mounting end and an opposed outer end and defining a receiving opening extending from the mounting end to the outer end, said receiving opening configured to at least partially receive the at least one wheel stud therein; a moveable mount operatively connected to the body for moving the body relative to the at least one wheel stud; at least two clamping members arranged within the body near the mounting end to engage with the at least one wheel stud, each clamping member having a clamping head for clamping about the at least one wheel stud, an opposed pin and a neck portion positioned therebetween, said clamping members moveable between a clamping position in which the clamping heads move towards each other and a release position in which the clamping heads move away from each other; at least one guide plate fixedly fitted within the body behind the at least two clamping members, said guide plate including at least two guide channels defined therein, each for receiving the neck portion of one of the clamping members therethrough for guiding movement of the at least two clamping members between the clamping position and the release position;at least one rotary plate operatively coupled to the rotary actuator for rotation about a central axis relative to the at least one guide plate, said at least one rotary plate having at least two arcuate slots defined therein and extending from near the plate centre to near the plate outer edge, each arcuate slot configured to receive the pin of one of the clamping members at least partially therein for driving movement of the clamping members between the clamping position and the release position when the at least one rotary plate is rotated relative to the at least one guide plate; and a controller operatively associated with the rotary actuator and the moveable mount and configured to control operation of the rotary actuator and the moveable mount upon receiving a remote manual command from an operator.

[0011] Advantageously, the retention assembly of the present invention provides means for remotely and temporarily retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub while a remainder of the wheel lugs are safely removed. Once all the wheel lugs have been removed, the retention assembly can be remotely released thereby allowing the wheel assembly to be handled by tyre handling equipment without fear of a tyre fitter or machine operator being injured in the crush zone when the wheel assembly is released from the wheel hub.

[0012] As indicated above, the retention assembly of the present invention is configured to be remotely controlled for engaging with a wheel stud and retaining a wheel rim relative to the wheel hub during a tyre assembly removal process for heavy equipment machinery. It will therefore be convenient to hereinafter describe the assembly with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the retention assembly is capable of broader applications and may equally be used for tyre assembly fitting as well as any application involving remotely and temporarily securing a load relative to a threaded projection.

[0013] As used herein, the term “heavy equipment machinery” may refer to any wheeled vehicle having a wheel rim diameter of 457mm or greater. Generally, the heavy equipment machinery may include trucks, mining and excavation vehicles, haul or rigid dump trucks, excavators, bulldozers and front end loaders.

[0014] A wheel rim is a cylindrical part of a vehicle wheel assembly on which a tyre is mounted. Usually, the wheel rim may be mounted to a wheel hub of a vehicle. As used herein, the term “tyre assembly” may refer to the wheel rim with the tyre mounted thereon.

[0015] The wheel rim generally includes flanged outer rims between which a tyre is positioned and mounted and a central disc or nave plate having a plurality of wheel stud openings defined therein for mounting to the wheel hub.

[0016] The openings are typically arranged in a spaced arrangement about a periphery of the central disc or nave plate and are each configured to receive a wheel stud of the wheel hub therethrough.

[0017] In use, the wheel rim is mounted on the wheel hub such that each wheel stud is received through a corresponding wheel stud opening in the wheel rim.

[0018] The wheel rim is generally secured to the wheel hub by a plurality of wheel lugs or nuts each fastened to a portion of a respective wheel stud extending through a corresponding wheel stud opening defined in the wheel rim.

[0019] The retention assembly of the present invention may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials for temporarily engaging with a wheel stud and retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub.

[0020] As indicated, the assembly includes a body having a receiving opening for at least partially receiving a wheel stud therein.

[0021] The body may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more body pieces, preferably the latter.

[0022] The body may include a mounting end, an opposed outer end and at least one sidewall extending therebetween, preferably longitudinally.

[0023] The at least one sidewall may be curved or rounded.

[0024] The receiving opening may be defined in the mounting end, preferably centrally defined.

[0025] The body may include any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the body may have a circular, oval-shaped, triangular or rectangular cross-sectional shape, preferably substantially circular.

[0026] The receiving opening may be of any suitable size and shape for receiving a wheel stud therein.

[0027] As indicated, the receiving opening may preferably extend from the mounting end to the opposed outer end.

[0028] In some embodiments, the receiving opening may have a constant diameter.

[0029] In other embodiments, the receiving opening may taper in diameter.

[0030] In preferred embodiments, the body may be in the form of a barrel. In such embodiments, the body may include the receiving opening defined in the mounting end, a rotary actuator access port defined in the opposed outer end for at least partially receiving the rotary actuator therein and an internal bore in fluid communication with both the receiving opening and the rotary actuator access port and extending longitudinally therebetween. The receiving opening may taper in diameter at least at the mounting end.

[0031] In some embodiments, the opposed outer end may be connectable to the moveable mount for movement of the retention assembly relative to a wheel assembly, typically via the rotary actuator at least partially received in the outer end of the body. The moveable mount may include mobile machinery, such as, e.g., a tracked or wheeled vehicle, preferably a remotely controllable tracked or wheeled vehicle. The mobile machinery may include a forklift, telehandler, loader or other like vehicle, for example. The body may be directly or indirectly connectable to the moveable mount via the opposed outer end.

[0032] In some embodiments, the retention assembly may be connectable to the moveable mount via one or more linear actuators for movement of the body towards and away from the moveable mount. For example, it is envisaged that the one or more linear actuators may be remotely controlled to press the mounting end of the body towards an exposed at least one wheel stud for engagement.

[0033] In other embodiments, the retention assembly may be connectable to the moveable mount via a positioning system or an articulated arm for horizontal, vertical and translational movement of the body relative to the wheel stud.

[0034] In yet other embodiments, the retention assembly may be connectable to the moveable mount via a bracket system.

[0035] As indicated, the body may include a rotary actuator, typically at least partially received via the rotary actuator access port defined in the opposed outer end of the body. Any suitable rotary actuator may be used that may be capable of producing rotary motion or torque.

[0036] In some embodiments, the rotary actuator may include a drive shaft operatively associated with a drive motor, such as, e.g., an electric motor, a hydraulic motor, a pneumatic motor or a combustion engine, for rotating or applying torque to the drive shaft. The drive shaft may extend from the rotary actuator at least partially towards the mounting end of the body for engagement with the at least one rotary plate.

[0037] In other embodiments, the rotary actuator may include a drive shaft operativelyassociated with a servomotor or stepper motor configured to rotate or apply torque to a drive shaft. Again, the drive shaft may extend from the rotary actuator at least partially towards the mounting end of the body for engagement with the at least one rotary plate.

[0038] In preferred embodiments, the rotary actuator may be connectable to the outer end of the body such that at least the drive shaft of the rotary actuator is at least partially received in the body via the rotary actuator access port.

[0039] The rotary actuator and an outer end portion of the body may threadingly connect. Specifically, the outer end portion of the body may include an internal thread configured to threadingly engage with an external thread defined on the rotary actuator.

[0040] In some embodiments, the at least one rotary actuator may include one or more gears for controlling a rate of rotary movement or torque applied to the at least one rotary plate.

[0041] As indicated, the assembly includes at least two clamping members arranged within the body at the mounting end for engaging with a wheel stud at least received therein, typically via the receiving opening.

[0042] Each clamping member may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials, typically metal material or materials. Each clamping member may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more clamping member pieces joined together, typically the latter.

[0043] Generally, each clamping member may include a clamping head, a pin and a neck portion positioned therebetween.

[0044] The clamping head may include a distal outer end, an opposed inner end extending from the neck portion and an elongate body extending therebetween.

[0045] In some embodiments, the elongate body may include an inner wall, an opposed outer wall and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending longitudinally between the inner and outer ends. The inner wall may preferably include a concave surface defined thereon. The outer wall may include a chamfered outer edge adjacent with the distal outer end.

[0046] In other embodiments, the elongate body may be arcuate shaped with the inner wall and opposed outer wall having concave and convex surfaces defined thereon, respectively, and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending longitudinally between the inner and outer ends. Again, the elongate body may have chamfered outer edge.

[0047] In yet other embodiments, the clamping member may further include a pin protruding outward from the neck portion and an elongate body configured to be mounted on the pin, said elongate body including an inner wall, an opposed outer wall, and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending longitudinally between the inner and outer ends. The inner wall may have a concave surface defined thereon. The inner end of the body may include a bore defined therein for receiving the pin therethrough.

[0048] In some such embodiments, the elongate body once mounted atop the pin may be secured in place with a retaining clip, mechanism or the like.

[0049] In some embodiments, the inner wall of each clamping head may further include a plurality of grooves defined thereon. The plurality of grooves may extend across the concave surface of the inner wall in a lateral direction extending at least partially between the opposed sidewalls. Advantageously, the grooves may be adapted to match and intermesh with an external thread defined on the wheel stud.

[0050] In some embodiments, the inner wall may include a liner or coating applied thereon to grip the wheel stud when in the clamping position. The liner or coating may be formed from a resiliently deformable material or materials, such as, e.g., rubber or soft plastic.

[0051] In some embodiments, an outer edge of the elongate body defined between the outer wall and the distal outer end may have a chamfer defined thereon, said chamfer configured to complement a taper in the receiving opening of the body at or near the mounting end to assist in concentrically constricting the clamping members about the at least one wheel stud, when moved towards the clamping position.

[0052] The neck portion may include a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing walls.

[0053] The opposed surfaces may include an inner surface and an opposed outer surface.

[0054] The opposing walls may include an inner end wall, an opposed outer end wall and opposed side walls extending longitudinally between the inner and outer end walls.

[0055] The neck portion may include rounded corners between the end walls and the side walls.

[0056] Likewise, the neck portion may include rounded or chamfered edges between the walls and the opposed surfaces.

[0057] The neck portion may have any suitable profile shape adapted to be received in the guide channels of the at least one guide plate for guiding movement of the clamping members between the clamping and release positions. For example, the neck portion may have a square, rectangular or trapezoidal profile shape.

[0058] In use, the neck portion may be guided in movement in a radial direction relative to the at least one guide plate by the guide channels defined in the plate. The neck portion may be guided in movement along one of the at least two guide channels between a radially inward said clamping position and a radially outward said release position.

[0059] In some embodiments, the neck portion may additionally allow translational movement of the at least two clamping members relative to the at least one guide plate and the at least one rotary plate. Put another way, the neck portion may be sized and shaped to facilitate radial movement of the clamping members along the guide channels but still allow some translational movement of the clamping members. The translational movement may include the at least two clamping members moving partially forward relative to the body when in the clamping position.

[0060] The clamping head may protrude outwardly from the outer surface of the neck portion, preferably at or near the outer end, more preferably in an orthogonal direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the neck portion.

[0061] The pin may extend inwardly from the inner surface of the neck portion, preferably at or near the inner end, more preferably in an orthogonal direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the neck portion.

[0062] As indicated, the pin extends inwards from the neck portion for being at least partially received in one of the at least two arcuate slots defined in the at least one rotary plate.

[0063] The pin may include a proximal inner end extending from the neck portion, an opposed outer distal end and an elongate body extending therebetween. The elongate body may be defined by at least one sidewall, preferably a curved at least one sidewall. The pin may have a substantially circular profile shape.

[0064] In some embodiments, the clamping member may include two pins, a first pin extending inwardly from the inner surface of the neck portion for being at least partially received in one of the at least two acuate slots, and a second pin extending outwardly from the outer surface of the neck portion, at or near the outer end, for having the clamping head mounted thereon.

[0065] In embodiments in which the assembly includes two clamping members, the elongate body of each clamping head may have a semicircular arc shape such that when the clamping members move to the clamping position, the semicircular arcs move together to form a circular clamp about the wheel stud.

[0066] In other embodiments, the assembly may include a plurality of clamping members. For example, the assembly may include three, four or even five clamping members.

[0067] For example, in some such embodiments, the assembly may include three clamping members. In such embodiments, the elongate body of the clamping head of each clamping member may have an arcuate shape spanning a third of a circle again such that when the clamping members move together to the clamping position the arcuate elongate bodies together form a circular clamp about the wheel stud.

[0068] In preferred such embodiments, the assembly may include four clamping members, each clamping member having an elongate body having a quadrant arc shape such that when the clamping members move to the clamping position, the quadrant arc shaped elongate bodies together form a circular clamp about the wheel stud.

[0069] Preferably in all embodiments in which the elongate bodies of the clamping heads form a circular clamp about the wheel stud, the plurality of grooves defined on the inner wall of each clamping head may combine to form an internal thread adapted to engage with the external thread of the wheel stud. As indicated, the assembly includes at least one guide plate fixedly fitted within the body behind the at least two clamping members and having at least two guide channels defined therein for guiding movement of the clamping members between the clamping and release positions, preferably in a radial direction.

[0070] The guide plate may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials, typically metal.

[0071] The guide plate may include a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing edges.

[0072] The pair of opposed surfaces may include an inner surface and an opposed outer surface.

[0073] The opposing edges may include at least one edge.

[0074] In preferred embodiments, the at least one guide plate may be a guide disc shaped to be fixedly fitted within the receiving opening of the body, preferably immediately behind the atleast two clamping members.

[0075] The guide disc may include an inner surface, an opposed outer surface and at least one curved edge extending between the inner and outer surfaces and extending circumferentially around the disc.

[0076] The at least one guide plate may be fixedly fitted within the body in any suitable way.

[0077] For example, in some embodiments, the at least one guide plate and the body may be connectable by a connecting mechanism or parts thereof. The connecting mechanism or parts thereof may or may not be of integral formation with each of the at least one guide plate and the body.

[0078] In some such embodiments, the connecting mechanism may include a first part associated with the edge of the at least one plate and a second part connectable to the first part associated with an inner surface of the sidewall of the body.

[0079] The connecting mechanism may include mateable male and female portions that couple together, such as, e.g., by a threaded connection, an interference (snap-fit) connection, a friction fit-type connection or a bayonet-type connection.

[0080] In some such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism associated with, or forming part of, the edge of the at least one guide plate may include a male formation configured to be inserted into, or coupled with, a female formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism associated with, or forming part of, the sidewall of the body.

[0081] Conversely, in other such embodiments, the first part of the connecting mechanism may include a female formation configured to at least partially receive, or be coupled with, a male formation of the second part of the connecting mechanism.

[0082] In some embodiments, the at least one guide plate may threadingly engage with the body for fastening the guide plate relative to the receiving opening. In such embodiments, the at least one curved edge may include an external thread defined thereon configured to threadingly engage with an internal thread defined on an inner surface of the sidewall of the body.

[0083] In other embodiments, the at least one curved edge may include one or more holes defined about the edge in a spaced arrangement for receiving a mechanical fastener through a sidewall of the body and therein for fastening the guide disc in the receiving opening of the body.

[0084] The at least two guide channels may each extend radially outwards from a location near a centre of the guide disc to and through the at least one curved edge of the disc. In some embodiments, the guide channels may be located on opposing sides of the guide disc.

[0085] Each guide channel may be a shaped channel adapted to complementarily receive a neck portion of a clamping member and allow axial movement back-and-forth along the channel. Advantageously, the guide channels are shaped to prevent lateral separation of the neck portion from the guide channel and therefore prevent separation of the clamping members from the body of the assembly.

[0086] Each guide channel may be defined by an inner end wall near a centre of the disc, an opposed open outer end at the circumferential edge of the disc and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending between the inner end wall and the open outer end. Each guide channel may be open on both the inner and outer surfaces of the disc, preferably with a narrower width than a mid-point along a height of the channel to prevent lateral separation of a neck body from the channel.

[0087] In some embodiments, each guide channel may have a square profile shape with inwardly extending lips on the upper and lower surfaces to prevent lateral separation of a corresponding neck body having a square profile shape.

[0088] In other embodiments, each guide channel may have a trapezoidal profile shape for receiving and preventing lateral separation of a corresponding neck body having a trapezoidal shape.

[0089] In preferred embodiments, each guide channel may have a rectangular profile shape with inwardly extending lips on the upper and lower surfaces to prevent lateral separation of a corresponding neck body having a rectangular profile shape.

[0090] In some embodiments, the at least one guide plate may include a plurality of guide channels defined therein and radially arranged about the plate. For example, the plate may include three, four or five guide channels radially arranged about the plate.

[0091] Generally, the number of guide channels in the guide plate may match the number of clamping members.

[0092] In preferred embodiments, the guide plate may include four guide channels radially arranged about the plate in an evenly spaced arrangement each for receiving and guiding movement of a clamping member therealong.

[0093] In some embodiments, the at least one guide plate may further include one or more ramp portions radially aligned and protruding from the outer surface, said one or more ramp portions configured to extend the at least two clamping members forward at least partially towards the mounting end of the body, when moved to the clamping position.

[0094] In use, the one or more ramp portions may engage with the inner end of the clamping head of the at least two clamping members and raise or lift the clamping members towards the mounting end. The raising or lifting of the clamping members may cause the clamping members to interact with the tapered receiving opening at or near the mounting end and concentrically constrict about the at least one wheel stud.

[0095] In some embodiments, at least a central portion of the clamping head may extend together with the neck portion at least partially into one of the at least two guide channels to prevent any rotation of the clamping head relative to the neck portion and pin.

[0096] In some embodiments, each of the clamping members may further include one or more biasing members or mechanisms for biasing the clamping head of the clamping member rearward relative to the outer end of the body, when the clamping members are in the release position. The one or more biasing members or mechanisms may advantageously assist in disengaging the clamping heads from the at least one wheel stud by biasing the clamping head down the one or more ramp portions and radially outward.

[0097] The one or more biasing members or mechanisms may include one or more springs, such as, e.g., a coil springs, typically mounted over the pin.

[0098] As indicated, the assembly includes at least one rotary plate operatively coupled to the rotary actuator for rotation about a central axis relative to the at least one guide plate and for driving movement of the clamping members between the clamping position and the release position with the rotation of the plate.

[0099] Like the guide plate, the at least one rotary plate may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials, typically metal.

[0100] Typically, the at least one rotary plate may include a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing edging.

[0101] The opposed surfaces may include an inner surface and an opposed outer surface.

[0102] The opposing edging may include at least one edge.

[0103] In preferred embodiments, the at least one rotary plate may be a rotary disc positioned immediately behind the at least one guide plate for rotational movement relative thereto. The rotary disc may be rotationally coupled to the guide disc such that the rotary disc may rotate independently of the guide disc.

[0104] The rotary disc may include an inner surface, an opposed outer surface and at least one curved edge extending between the inner and outer surfaces and defining a circumference of the disc.

[0105] The rotary disc may include a central portion rotationally coupled to the rotary actuator and defining a central axis of rotation. The rotary disc may be directly or indirectly coupled to the rotary actuator.

[0106] The rotary disc may typically be of the same size as the guide disc.

[0107] As indicated, the rotary disc may include at least two arcuate slots defined therein and extending from near a centre of the disc to near the at least one curved edge.

[0108] Each arcuate slot may be configured to receive the pin of one of the clamping members therein for driving movement of the clamping members between the clamping position and the release position when the rotary disc is rotated relative to the at least one guide plate, preferably depending on a direction of rotation of the rotary disc relative to the at least one guide plate immediately positioned outwards of the rotary disc.

[0109] In some embodiments, each arcuate slot may be defined in the outer surface and may extend at least partially to the inner surface for receiving the pin of a clamping member therein.

[0110] In preferred embodiments, each arcuate slot may extend entirely through the inner and outer surfaces of the rotary disc for receiving the pin of a clamping member therethrough.

[0111] Each arcuate slot may be defined by an inner end wall near the central axis of the rotary disc, an opposed outer end wall near the at least one curved edge and an inner arc sidewall and an opposed outer arc sidewall extending longitudinally between the inner and outer end walls. The inner arc sidewall may have a shorter length than the outer arc sidewall.

[0112] The at least two arcuate slots may be arranged on the rotary disc in circular direction around the central axis wherein the inner end wall is located near the central axis and the opposed outer end wall spirals outwards near the at least one curved edge with the inner arc sidewall of each arcuate slot being inward facing.

[0113] Each arcuate slot may be of any suitable length as defined between the inner end wall and the outer end wall to drive movement of the at least two clamping members between the clamping position and the release position.

[0114] Generally speaking, rotation of the rotary disc in a first direction may drive movement of the pins of the clamping members towards the inner end walls of the arcuate slots and therefore the clamping position.

[0115] Conversely, rotation of the rotary disc in an opposed second direction may drive movement of the pins of the clamping members towards the outer end wall of the arcuate slots and therefore the release position.

[0116] In some embodiments, the at least one rotary plate may include a plurality of arcuate slots defined therein and arranged about the plate. For example, the plate may include three, four or five arcuate slots arranged about the plate.

[0117] Generally, the number of arcuate slots in the rotary plate may match the number of clamping members.

[0118] In preferred embodiments, the rotary plate may include four arcuate slots evenly arranged around the central axis in a circular direction, the inner end wall of each arcuate slot being located near the central axis and the opposed outer end wall spiralling outwards near the at least one curved edge, the inner arc sidewall of each arcuate slot being inward facing.

[0119] In some embodiments, the body may further include at least one magnetic member positioned at the mounting end and configured to magnetically mount the body relative to a nave plate or central disc of a wheel rim.

[0120] Any suitable magnetic member capable of producing a substantially uniform magnetic field may be used.

[0121] In some embodiments, the at least one magnetic member may be a permanent magnet.

[0122] The magnetic member may be of any suitable size and shape and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. For example, the magnetic member may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, a composite material with magnetic powder, a ceramic or ferrite magnet, an alnico magnet or a rare-earth magnet (e.g., a samarium-cobalt or neodymium-iron- boron magnet). In some embodiments, the magnetic member may be formed from a neodymium alloy.

[0123] In other embodiments, the at least one magnetic member may be an electromagnet. For example, the at least one magnetic member may include a solenoid or coil of conductive material. The solenoid or coil of conductive material may surround or wrap about a soft ferromagnetic material and may be capable of generating a magnetic field when an electric current is applied to the solenoid or coil. In such embodiments, the solenoid or coil may be electrically connected to a power supply and may be controllable to switch on and off the magnetic field.

[0124] The at least one magnetic member may preferably be positioned about a periphery of the receiving opening.

[0125] In some such embodiments, the at least one magnetic member may include a plurality of magnetic members arranged about the periphery of the receiving opening.

[0126] In other such embodiments, the at least one magnetic member may be substantially ring-shaped and located about the periphery of the receiving opening.

[0127] In some embodiments, the assembly may further include a controller for controlling operation of at least the rotary actuator and thus movement of the at least two clamping members between the clamping and release positions. The controller may further control the moveable mount and / or the electromagnet, if present.

[0128] In some embodiments, the controller may be an onboard controller.

[0129] The controller may preferably be a microcomputer, including one or more processors and a memory. The processor may include multiple inputs and outputs coupled to components of the assembly / system, such as, e.g., the rotary actuator, the moveable mount and the electro magnet.

[0130] In some embodiments, the controller may further include a remote controller enabling an operator to remotely control operation of the assembly / system.

[0131] In some embodiments, the assembly / system may further include at least one modem configured to be in communication with the onboard controller and the remote controller. In some such embodiments, the at least one modem may be a cellular modem. In other such embodiments, the at least one modem may be a radio modem.

[0132] The onboard controller may preferably be in communication with the remote controller over a communications network, preferably a wireless communications network. The network may include, among others, the internet, LANs, Wi-Fi (WLAN) communication, WANs,GPRS network, a mobile communications network, a satellite communications network, a radio network, an RF communication network, an infrared communication network, Bluetooth™ or the like, and may include wireless communications links.

[0133] In some embodiments, the remote controller may be an external processing device, such as, e.g., a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or a desktop.

[0134] In other embodiments, the remote controller may be a device configured to be held or accessed by an operator. The remote controller may include a body with one or more keys, buttons, switches or dials for controlling various aspects of functionality of the assembly / system, including the rotary actuator and / or the moveable mount. In some such embodiments, the device may further include a display for displaying operating information of the assembly / system, such as, e.g., a current position of the clamping members or a measurement of the clamping force of the clamping members.

[0135] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of remotely retaining and releasing a wheel rim during a wheel removal process, said method including: removing at least one of a plurality of wheel lugs retaining the wheel rim relative to a wheel hub to expose at least one wheel stud protruding from the wheel hub; mounting a retention assembly according to first or second aspects of the present invention or the retention system according to a third aspect of the present invention on the at least one wheel lug exposed; remotely moving the at least two clamping members of the assembly or system to the clamping position to engage with the at least one wheel stud exposed and temporarily retain the wheel rim relative to the wheel hub; individually removing a remainder of the plurality of wheel lugs; and remotely moving the at least two clamping members of the assembly or system to the release position to disengage the at least one wheel stud exposed and enable the wheel rim to be removed.

[0136] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of remotely retaining and releasing a wheel rim during a wheel removal process, said method including: removing at least one of a plurality of wheel lugs retaining the wheel rim relative to a wheel hub to expose at least one wheel stud protruding from the wheel hub; remotely extending a retention assembly according to the first or second aspects of the present invention or the retention system according to a third aspect of the present inventiontowards the at least one wheel lug exposed; remotely moving the at least two clamping members of the assembly or system to the clamping position to engage with the at least one wheel stud exposed and temporarily retain the wheel rim relative to the wheel hub; individually removing a remainder of the plurality of wheel lugs; and remotely moving the at least two clamping members of the assembly or system to the release position to disengage the at least one wheel stud exposed and enable the wheel rim to be removed.

[0137] The methods may include one or more features or characteristics of the retention assembly or system as hereinbefore described.

[0138] The mounting may manually include aligning and mounting the assembly to the at least one wheel stud and engaging the at least one magnetic member with the nave plate of the wheel rim for retaining the assembly in place.

[0139] The remotely extending may initially include aligning the receiving opening of the body relative to the exposed at least one wheel stud.

[0140] The extending may include translationally moving the body of the assembly or system relative to the at least one wheel stud such that the stud is at least partially received in the receiving opening defined at the mounting end of the body.

[0141] The remotely moving of the at least two clamping members to the clamping position may include activating the rotary actuator to rotate the at least one rotary plate in a first direction to drive movement of the pins of the clamping members towards the inner end walls of the arcuate slots and therefore the clamping position.

[0142] Conversely, the remotely moving the at least two clamping members to the release position may include activating the rotary actuator to rotate the at least one rotary plate in an opposed second direction to drive movement of the pins of the clamping members towards the outer end wall of the arcuate slots and therefore the release position.

[0143] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0144] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0145] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows:

[0146] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a retention assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0147] Figure 2 is perspective view of part of the retention assembly shown in Figure 1 with the body removed;

[0148] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a rotary actuator part of the retention assembly shown in Figures 1 and 2;

[0149] Figure 4 is a front end view of part of the retention assembly shown in Figure 1 showing the clamping members in the clamping position;

[0150] Figure 5 is a front end view of part of the retention assembly shown in Figure 1 showing the clamping members in the release position;

[0151] Figure 6 is a side view of a clamping member of the retention assembly as shown in Figure 1;

[0152] Figure 7 is a partially exploded side view of the clamping member shown in Figure 6 together with at least one guide plate and at least one rotary plate of the assembly as shown in Figure 1;

[0153] Figure 8 is a top view or end view of the clamping member, the at least one guide plate and the at least one rotary plate shown in Figure 7 save in an assembled state;

[0154] Figure 9 is a top view or end view of the at least one rotary plate as shown in Figure 7 and 8;

[0155] Figure 10 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of remotely retaining and releasing a wheel rim during a wheel removal process according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0156] Figure 11 is a flow chart showing steps in a method of remotely retaining andreleasing a wheel rim during a wheel removal process according to another embodiment of the present invention.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0157] Figures 1 to 9 show a retention assembly (100) or parts thereof for remotely and temporarily retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub during a wheel removal process according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0158] Figure 1 shows the retention assembly (100) in a fully assembled state. Figures 2 and 3 show parts of the retention assembly (100) with parts / components removed for visibility.

[0159] Referring to Figure 1 , the retention assembly (100) includes a body (110), including a rotary actuator (120).

[0160] The body (110) has a mounting end (112) and an opposed outer end (114) connectable to the rotary actuator (120). The body (110) defines a receiving opening (115) extending from the mounting end (112) to the outer end (114). The receiving opening (115) is configured to at least partially receive a wheel stud therein.

[0161] Referring to Figure 2, four clamping members (210) are arranged within the body (110; not shown) near the mounting end (112; not shown) to engage with a wheel stud received in the receiving opening (115; not shown).

[0162] Referring briefly to Figure 6, each clamping member (210) has neck portion (630), a pair of opposed pins (620) extending from opposing ends and sides of the neck portion (630) and a clamping head (610) mounted on one of the opposed pins (620).

[0163] Referring back to Figure 2, the clamping members (210) are movable between a clamping position, as shown, in which the clamping heads (610) move towards each other and a release position in which the clamping heads (610) move away from each other.

[0164] The assembly (100) includes a guide disc (220; i.e. , at least one guide plate) fixedly fitted within the body (110; not shown) behind the clamping members (210). The guide disc (220) includes four guide channels (222) defined therein for receiving the neck portion (630) of the clamping members (210) therethrough for guiding movement of the clamping members (210) between the clamping and release positions.

[0165] The assembly (100) further includes a rotary disc (230; i.e., at least one rotary plate) operatively coupled to the rotary actuator (120) for rotation about a central axis relative to theguide disc (220). The rotary disc (230) has four arcuate slots (232; not visible) defined therein and extending from near the centre to near the outer edge. Each arcuate slot (232; not visible) is configured to receive a pin (620; not visible) of a clamping member (210) therethrough for driving movement of the clamping member (210) between the clamping and release positions when the rotary disc (230) is rotated relative to the guide disc (220).

[0166] Referring back to Figure 1 , the body (110) includes the mounting end (112), the opposed outer end (114) and at least one curved sidewall (116) extending longitudinally therebetween.

[0167] The receiving opening (115) is centrally defined in the mounting end (112).

[0168] The body (110) has a circular cross-sectional shape and is in the form of a barrel including the receiving opening (115) defined in the mounting end (112), a rotary actuator access port (117) defined in the opposed outer end (114) for receiving a drive shaft of the rotary actuator (120) therethrough and an internal bore in fluid communication with both the receiving opening (115) and the rotary actuator access port (117) and extending longitudinally therebetween. The receiving opening (115) tapers in diameter at the mounting end (112).

[0169] The opposed outer end (114) is connectable to a moveable mount for movement of the retention assembly (100) relative to a wheel assembly via the rotary actuator (120). The moveable mount enables horizontal, vertical and translational movement of the body (110) relative to the wheel stud.

[0170] Referring to Figure 3, the rotary actuator (120) includes a drive shaft (122) configured to be received through the rotary actuator access port (117; not shown) defined in the opposed outer end (114; not shown) of the body (110; not shown).

[0171] The rotary actuator (120) is an electric motor with the drive shaft (122).

[0172] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the four clamping members (210) are arranged within the body (110; not shown) at the mounting end (112; not shown) for engaging with a wheel stud received therein via the receiving opening (115; not shown).

[0173] Each clamping member (210) is formed of metal.

[0174] Referring again to Figure 6, and as previously indicated, each clamping member (210) has neck portion (630), a pair of opposed pins (620) extending from opposing ends and sides of the neck portion (630) and a clamping head (610) mounted on one of the opposed pins

[0175] The clamping head (610) includes a distal outer end (612), an opposed inner end (614) extending from the neck portion (630) and an elongate body (615) extending therebetween.

[0176] The elongate body (615) includes an inner wall (616), an opposed outer wall (617) and a pair of opposed sidewalls (618) extending longitudinally between the inner end (614) and the outer end (612).

[0177] An outer edge of the elongate body (615) defined between the outer wall (617) and the distal outer end (612) has a chamfer (609) defined thereon. The chamfer (609) is configured to complement a taper in the receiving opening (115; not shown) of the body (110; not shown) at or near the mounting end (112; not shown) to assist in concentrically constricting the clamping members (210) about a wheel stud, when moved to the clamping position.

[0178] Referring briefly to Figure 4, each elongate body has a quadrant arc shape having a concave and convex surfaces defined on the inner wall (616) and outer wall (617), respectively.

[0179] Referring again to Figure 6, the inner wall (616) of each clamping head (610) further includes a plurality of grooves (619) defined thereon. The grooves (619) extend across the concave surface of the inner wall (616) in a lateral direction extending at least partially between the opposed sidewalls (618).

[0180] In use, the elongate bodies (615) of the clamping heads (610) form a circular clamp about a wheel stud received in the receiving opening (115; not shown), the plurality of grooves (619) defined on the inner wall (616) of each clamping head (610) combine to form an internal thread adapted to engage with the external thread of the wheel stud.

[0181] The neck portion (630) includes a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by opposing walls. The opposed surfaces include an inner surface (632) and an opposed outer surface (634). The opposing walls include an inner end wall (636), an opposed outer end wall (638) and opposed side walls (637) extending longitudinally between the inner and outer end walls (636, 638).

[0182] Referring briefly to Figure 7, the neck portion (630; not visible) has a rectangular profile shape adapted to complementarily fit the guide channels (222) in the guide disc (220)

[0183] Referring back to Figure 6, the clamping head (610) protrudes outwardly from the outer surface (634) of the neck portion (630) at or near the outer end wall (638) in an orthogonal direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the neck portion (630).

[0184] The pins (620) include a first pin (620A) extending inwardly from the inner surface (632) of the neck portion (630) at or near the inner end wall (636) in an orthogonal direction relative to a longitudinal axis of the neck portion (630), and a second pin (620B; not shown) extending outwardly from the outer surface (634) of the neck portion (630) at or near the outer end wall (638) for having the clamping head (610) mounted thereon.

[0185] Referring again briefly to Figure 7, and as indicated, the first pin (620A) extends inwards from the neck portion (630; not visible) for being received through one of the four arcuate slots (232; not shown) defined in the rotary disc (230).

[0186] Referring back to Figure 6, the pins (620) include a proximal inner end (622) extending from the neck portion (630), an opposed outer distal end (624) and an elongate body (626) extending therebetween. The elongate body (626) is defined by a curved sidewall (628) giving the pin (620) a substantially circular profile shape.

[0187] Referring to Figure 8, the guide disc (220) is configured to be threadingly fitted within the body (110; not shown) behind the clamping members (210). The guide disc (220) has four guide channels (222) defined therein for guiding radial movement of the clamping members (210) between the clamping and release positions.

[0188] The guide disc (220) is formed from metal.

[0189] Referring to Figure 7, the guide disc (220) includes a pair of opposed surfaces interconnected by at least one curved edge (225). The opposed surfaces include an inner surface (223) and an opposed outer surface (224). The at least one curved edge (225) extends between the inner and outer surfaces (223, 224) and extends circumferentially around the disc (220). The at least one curved edge (225) includes an external thread (226) defined thereon for threadingly engaging with an internal thread defined on an inner surface of the sidewall (116; not shown) of the body (110; not shown).

[0190] The guide channels (222) extend radially outwards from a location near a centre of the guide disc (220) to and through the curved edge (225). The four guide channels (222) are arranged in two diametrically opposed pairs.

[0191] Each guide channel (222) is a shaped channel adapted to complementarily receive a neck portion (630; not visible) of a clamping member (210) and allow axial movement back- and-forth along the channel (222). Advantageously, the guide channels (222) are shaped to prevent lateral separation of the neck portion (630; not visible) from the guide channel (222) and therefore prevent separation of the clamping members (210) from the body (110; not shown) ofthe assembly (100).

[0192] Referring to Figure 8, each guide channel (222) is defined by an inner end wall (810) near a centre of the disc (220), an opposed open outer end (812) at the circumferential edge (225) of the disc (220) and a pair of opposed sidewalls (814) extending between the inner end wall (810) and the open outer end (812). As shown, each guide channel (222) is open on both the inner and outer surfaces (223, 224) of the disc (220).

[0193] As shown in Figure 7, each guide channel (222) has a rectangular shape for receiving and preventing lateral separation of a corresponding neck body (630; not visible) having a rectangular shape.

[0194] The guide disc (220) further includes four ramp portions (229) radially aligned and protruding from the outer surface (224), the four ramp portions (229) configured to extend the clamping members (210) forward at least partially towards the mounting end (112; not shown) of the body (110; not shown), when moving to the clamping position.

[0195] In use, the ramp portions (229) engage with the inner end (614) of the clamping head (610) and raises or lifts the clamping members (210) towards the mounting end (112; not shown). The raising or lifting of the clamping members (210) causes the clamping members (210) to interact with the tapered receiving opening (115) at or near the mounting end (112; not shown) and concentrically constrict about a wheel stud received therein.

[0196] As indicated, the assembly (100) includes a rotary disc (230) operatively coupled to the rotary actuator (120; not shown) for rotation about a central axis relative to the guide disc (220) and for driving movement of the clamping members (210) between the clamping position and the release position with the rotation of the plate (230).

[0197] Referring to Figure 9, the rotary disc (230) is formed of metal and includes an inner surface (231), an opposed outer surface (233) and at least one curved edge (235) extending between the inner and outer surfaces (231 , 233) and defining a circumference of the disc (230).

[0198] The rotary disc (230) includes a central portion (234) rotationally coupled to the rotary actuator (120; not shown) and defining a central axis of rotation.

[0199] The rotary disc (230) includes four arcuate slots (232) defined therein and extending from near a centre of the disc (230) to near the at least one curved edge (235).

[0200] Each arcuate slot (232) is configured to receive the pin (620; not shown) of one of the clamping members (210; not shown) therethrough for driving movement of the clampingmembers (210; not shown) between the clamping position and the release position when the rotary disc (230) is rotated relative to the guide disc (220), depending on a direction of rotation of the rotary disc (230).

[0201] Each arcuate slot (232) extends entirely through the inner and outer surfaces (231 , 233) of the rotary disc (230) for receiving the pin (620; not shown) of a clamping member (210; not shown) therethrough.

[0202] Each arcuate slot (232) is defined by an inner end wall (910) near the central axis of the rotary disc (230), an opposed outer end wall (912) near the at least one curved edge (235) and an inner arc sidewall (914) and an opposed outer arc sidewall (916) extending longitudinally between the inner and outer end walls (910, 912). The inner arc sidewall (914) has a shorter length than the outer arc sidewall (916).

[0203] The four arcuate slots (232) are arranged on the rotary disc (230) in circular direction around the central axis with the inner end wall (910) located near the central axis, the opposed outer end wall (912) spiralling outwards near the curved edge (235) and the inner arc sidewall (914) of each arcuate slot (232) facing inwards.

[0204] Each arcuate slot (232) is of a suitable length as defined between the inner end wall (910) and the outer end wall (912) to drive movement of the clamping members (210; not shown) between the clamping position and the release position.

[0205] Referring to Figures 4 and 5, rotation of the rotary disc (230; not visible) in a first direction drives movement of the pins (620; not visible) of the clamping members (210) towards the inner end walls (910; not visible) of the arcuate slots (232; not visible) and therefore the clamping position as shown in Figure 4.

[0206] Conversely, rotation of the rotary disc (230; not visible) in an opposed second direction drives movement of the pins (620; not visible) of the clamping members (210) towards the outer end wall (912; not visible) of the arcuate slots (232; not visible) and therefore the release position as shown in Figure 5.

[0207] Referring to Figure 1 , the body (110) further includes a ring-shaped magnetic member (130) positioned at the mounting end (112) and configured to magnetically mount the body (110) relative to a nave plate or central disc of a wheel rim.

[0208] The assembly (100) further includes an onboard controller for controlling operation of the rotary actuator (120) and thus movement of the clamping members (210) between the clamping and release positions. The controller may further control a moveable mount forpositioning the assembly (100) relative to a wheel stud.

[0209] The assembly (100) further includes a remote controller enabling an operator to remotely interact with the onboard controller and control operation of the assembly (100).

[0210] Referring to Figure 10, a method (1000) of remotely and temporarily retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub during a wheel removal process according to a first embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0211] At step 1010, a single wheel lug retaining the wheel rim relative to a wheel hub is removed to expose a wheel stud.

[0212] At step 1020, the retention assembly (100) is manually mounted to the exposed wheel stud.

[0213] The mounting includes manually aligning and mounting the assembly (100) to the wheel stud and engaging the magnetic member (130) positioned at the mounting end (112) to magnetically mount the body (110) relative to a nave plate or central disc of the wheel rim.

[0214] At step 1030, the rotary actuator (120) is remotely activated to rotate the rotary disc (230) in a first direction and cause the clamping members (210) to move to the clamping position and clamp about the wheel stud in the receiving opening (115).

[0215] At step 1040, the remainder of the wheel lugs can now be safely removed without fear of the wheel rim slipping and potentially crushing an operator.

[0216] At step 1050, and once all the wheel lugs have been removed, the rotary actuator (120) is again remotely activated to rotate the rotary disc (230) in an opposed second direction and cause the clamping members (210) to move to the release position and release their engagement of the wheel stud in the receiving opening (115).

[0217] The unfastened wheel together with the mounted retention assembly (100) can be safely removed utilising tyre handling equipment.

[0218] Referring to Figure 11 , a method (1100) of remotely and temporarily retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub during a wheel removal process according to a second embodiment will now be described in detail.

[0219] At step 1110, a single wheel lug retaining the wheel rim relative to a wheel hub is removed to expose a wheel stud.

[0220] At step 1120, the retention assembly (100) is remotely extended towards the exposed wheel stud.

[0221] When extending the retention assembly (100) towards the wheel stud, the retention assembly is remotely aligned relative to the wheel stud so that the wheel stud is received within the receiving opening (115) of the body (110) of the assembly (100).

[0222] At step 1130, the rotary actuator (120) is remotely activated to rotate the rotary disc (230) in a first direction and cause the clamping members (210) to move to the clamping position and clamp about the wheel stud in the receiving opening (115).

[0223] At step 1140, the remainder of the wheel lugs can now be safely removed without fear of the wheel rim slipping and potentially crushing an operator.

[0224] At step 1150, and once all the wheel lugs have been removed, the rotary actuator (120) is again remotely activated to rotate the rotary disc (230) in an opposed second direction and cause the clamping members (210) to move to the release position and release their engagement of the wheel stud in the receiving opening (115).

[0225] The apparatus (100) can now be cleared out of the way and the unfastened wheel can be safely removed utilising tyre handling equipment.

[0226] In the present specification and claims (if any), the word ‘comprising’ and its derivatives including ‘comprises’ and ‘comprise’ include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

[0227] Reference throughout this specification to ‘one embodiment’ or ‘an embodiment’ means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases ‘in one embodiment’ or ‘in an embodiment’ in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

[0228] In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A retention assembly for remotely retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub having at least one wheel stud extending therefrom, said assembly including: a body including a rotary actuator, said body having a mounting end and an opposed outer end and defining a receiving opening extending from the mounting end to the outer end, said receiving opening configured to at least partially receive the at least one wheel stud therein; at least two clamping members arranged within the body near the mounting end to engage with the at least one wheel stud, each clamping member having a clamping head for clamping about the at least one wheel stud, an opposed pin and a neck portion positioned therebetween, said clamping members moveable between a clamping position in which the clamping heads move towards each other and a release position in which the clamping heads move away from each other; at least one guide plate fixedly fitted within the body behind the at least two clamping members, said guide plate including at least two guide channels defined therein, each for receiving the neck portion of one of the clamping members therethrough for guiding movement of the at least two clamping members between the clamping position and the release position; and at least one rotary plate operatively coupled to the rotary actuator for rotation about a central axis relative to the at least one guide plate, said at least one rotary plate having at least two arcuate slots defined therein and extending from near the plate centre to near the plate outer edge, each arcuate slot configured to receive the pin of one of the clamping members at least partially therein for driving movement of the clamping members between the clamping position and the release position when the at least one rotary plate is rotated relative to the at least one guide plate.

2. The retention assembly of claim 1 , wherein the receiving opening tapers in diameter at least at the mounting end.

3. The retention assembly of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the clamping head includes a distal outer end, an opposed inner end and an elongate body extending therebetween having an inner wall, an opposed outer wall and a pair of sidewalls extending longitudinally between the inner and outer ends.

4. The retention assembly of claim 3, wherein the at least two clamping members each further include a pin protruding outward from the neck portion, said elongate body having a bore defined on the inner end for mounting on the pin.

5. The retention assembly of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the clamping heads eachinclude a plurality of grooves defined thereon adapted to match and intermesh with an external thread on the at least one wheel stud.

6. The retention assembly of any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein an outer edge of each elongate body defined between the outer wall and the distal outer end has a chamfer defined thereon, said chamfer configured to complement a tapered said receiving opening at or near the mounting end to assist in concentrically constricting the clamping members about the at least one wheel stud, when moved towards the clamping position.

7. The retention assembly of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the at least one guide plate is a guide disc shaped to be fixedly fitted within the receiving opening of the body immediately behind the at least two clamping members.

8. The retention assembly of claim 7, wherein the at least two guide channels extend radially outward from a location at or near a centre of the guide disc to and through at least one curved edge of the disc.

9. The retention assembly of claim 8, wherein each of the at least two guide channels is adapted to complementarily receive the neck portion of one of the at least two clamping members and allow axial movement back-and-forth along the channel.

10. The retention assembly of claim 9, wherein each of the at least two guide channels has a rectangular profile shape with inwardly extending lips on upper and opposed lower surfaces to prevent lateral separation of the neck portion having a complementary rectangular profile shape.11 . The retention assembly of any one of the claims 1 to 10, wherein the at least one guide plate further includes one or more ramp portions radially aligned and protruding from an outer surface, said one or more ramp portions configured to extend the at least two clamping members forward at least partially towards the mounting end of the body, when the at least two clamping members are moved to the clamping position.

12. The retention assembly of any one of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the at least one rotary plate is a rotary disc positioned immediately behind the at least one guide plate for rotational movement relative thereto.

13. The retention assembly of claim 12 when dependent on claim 7, wherein the rotary disc is rotationally coupled to the guide disc such that the rotary disc rotates independently of the guide disc.

14. The retention assembly of claim 12, wherein the at least two arcuate slots are arrangedaround a central axis of the rotary disc in a circular direction, an inner end wall of each arcuate slot being located near the central axis and an opposed outer end wall spiralling outwards near at least one curved edge, the inner arc sidewall of each arcuate slot being inward facing.

15. The retention assembly of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein, in use, rotation of the at least one rotary plate in a first direction drives movement of the pins of the clamping members towards inner end walls of the arcuate slots and therefore the clamping position and rotation of the at least one rotary plate in an opposed second direction drives movement of the pins of the clamping members towards opposed outer end walls of the arcuate slots and therefore the release position.

16. The retention assembly of any one of claims 1 to 15, further including a controller operatively associated with the rotary actuator and configured to at least control operation of the rotary actuator upon receiving a remote manual command from an operator.

17. A remotely controllable retention system for remotely retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub having at least one wheel stud extending therefrom, said system including: a body including a rotary actuator, said body having a mounting end and an opposed outer end and defining a receiving opening extending from the mounting end to the outer end, said receiving opening configured to at least partially receive the at least one wheel stud therein; a moveable mount operatively connected to the body for moving the body relative to the at least one wheel stud; at least two clamping members arranged within the body near the mounting end to engage with the at least one wheel stud, each clamping member having a clamping head for clamping about the at least one wheel stud, an opposed pin and a neck portion positioned therebetween, said clamping members moveable between a clamping position in which the clamping heads move towards each other and a release position in which the clamping heads move away from each other; at least one guide plate fixedly fitted within the body behind the at least two clamping members, said guide plate including at least two guide channels defined therein, each for receiving the neck portion of one of the clamping members therethrough for guiding movement of the at least two clamping members between the clamping position and the release position; at least one rotary plate operatively coupled to the rotary actuator for rotation about a central axis relative to the at least one guide plate, said at least one rotary plate having at least two arcuate slots defined therein and extending from near the plate centre to near the plate outer edge, each arcuate slot configured to receive the pin of one of the clamping members at least partially therein for driving movement of the clamping members between the clamping position and the release position when the at least one rotary plate is rotated relative to the at least oneguide plate; and a controller operatively associated with the rotary actuator and the moveable mount and configured to control operation of the rotary actuator and the moveable mount upon receiving a remote manual command from an operator.

18. A method of remotely retaining and releasing a wheel rim during a wheel removal process, said method including: removing at least one of a plurality of wheel lugs retaining the wheel rim relative to a wheel hub to expose at least one wheel stud protruding from the wheel hub; mounting a retention assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or the retention system according to claim 17 on the at least one wheel lug exposed; remotely moving the at least two clamping members of the assembly or system to the clamping position to engage with the at least one wheel stud exposed and temporarily retain the wheel rim relative to the wheel hub; individually removing a remainder of the plurality of wheel lugs; and remotely moving the at least two clamping members of the assembly or system to the release position to disengage the at least one wheel stud exposed and enable the wheel rim to be removed.

19. A method of remotely retaining and releasing a wheel rim during a wheel removal process, said method including: removing at least one of a plurality of wheel lugs retaining the wheel rim relative to a wheel hub to expose at least one wheel stud protruding from the wheel hub; remotely extending a retention assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 16 or the retention system according to claim 17 towards the at least one wheel stud exposed; remotely moving the at least two clamping members of the assembly or system to the clamping position to engage with the at least one wheel stud exposed and temporarily retain the wheel rim relative to the wheel hub; individually removing a remainder of the plurality of wheel lugs; and remotely moving the at least two clamping members of the assembly or system to the release position to disengage the at least one wheel stud exposed and enable the wheel rim to be removed.

20. The method of claim 18 or claim 19, wherein the remotely moving includes activating the rotary actuator to rotate the at least one rotary plate in a first direction to drive movement of the pins of the clamping members towards inner end walls of the arcuate slots and therefore the clamping position.

Images