Power actuated wheel clamp
US9228819B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 25, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 5, 2016 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 20, 2034 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG01B5/255
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A wheel clamp attaches to a vehicle wheel for performing a wheel alignment on the vehicle. The wheel clamp has a body for supporting a target or measuring head, and three elongated arms mounted to the body. Each arm has a gripping portion for gripping the tire's tread surface. A self-centering linkage has enmeshed gears that, when rotated, cause the elongated arms to simultaneously proportionally move relative to the clamp body. An attachment interface mechanically connected to the self-centering linkage is configured to engage with a rotational actuator. Alternatively, the wheel clamp includes an actuator mechanically coupled to the self-centering mechanism. Activation of the actuator causes the gripping portions of the arms to engage and grip the tire tread surface and tighten the clamp onto the tire.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.