Lightweight wheel clamp for vehicle wheel alignment system

Abstract

A lightweight wheel clamp assembly is provided for attaching to a vehicle wheel for performing a wheel alignment on the vehicle. The assembly comprises a first bracket for engaging the vehicle wheel; a second bracket for engaging the vehicle wheel; a handle rotatably mounted to the second bracket; and a rod having a threaded portion and an attachment portion near a first end of the rod. The first bracket is attachable to the attachment portion of the rod, and the handle is threaded to engage the threaded portion of the rod, such that when a user grasps and rotates the handle, a distance between the first and second brackets can be adjusted to rigidly attach the wheel clamp assembly to the vehicle wheel.

1 . A wheel clamp assembly for attaching to a vehicle wheel for performing a wheel alignment on the vehicle, the assembly comprising:
 a first bracket for engaging the vehicle wheel;   a second bracket for engaging the vehicle wheel;   a handle rotatably mounted to the second bracket; and   a rod having a threaded portion, and an attachment portion proximal a first end of the rod;   wherein the first bracket is attachable to the attachment portion of the rod; and   wherein the handle is threadingly engagable with the threaded portion of the rod, such that when a user grasps and rotates the handle, a distance between the first and second brackets can be adjusted to rigidly attach the wheel clamp assembly to the vehicle wheel.   
     
     
         2 - 45 . (canceled)