Patent attributes
Described are an adjustable tire spreader and inspection apparatus 10 and method comprising a pallet 14 for supporting a tire 12 to be viewed for inspection, the pallet 14 having an aperture 26 aligned with the hole of the tire; a plurality of a pair of paws 40, 42, the paws vertically aligned and adapted to separate the beads 60, 62 of the tire to allow an optical inspection apparatus to inspect the tire; each pair of paws positioned about the aperture of the pallet and capable of rotating from a closed position 42 A to an open position of the tire beads; each pair of paws spaced about the beads of the tire and simultaneously moves to separate the beads of the tire for inspection of the tire. In the method, one operates the apparatus 10 by placing the tire 12 on the pallet 14; aligning the paws with the bead of the tire; simultaneously moving the paws 40, 42 to separate the beads 60, 62 of the tire; and inspecting the tire.
