FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a grip system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a grip system for a wheel balancing clamping tool that can adjust to different bolt patterns.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Existing adjustable wheel balancing clamping tools that can adjust to different bolt patterns require two hands to operate, with one hand holding the tool and the other hand adjusting the bolt pattern of the tool with respect to the wheel. More specifically, the tool is adjusted to fit the specific bolt pattern of the wheel, by rotating one of the gears. Since the adjustable wheel balancing clamping tools require both hands to adjust for a new bolt pattern, the user does not have a free hand to stabilize the tool and/or the wheel, to be balanced, during the mounting process of the wheel to the balancing machine. Therefore, two steps are generally required for balancing a wheel with a new bolt pattern. First, the user must use both hands to hold and adjust the adjustable wheel balancing clamping tool to the correct bolt pattern according to the wheel. Generally, the wheel is flipped and the adjustable wheel balancing clamping tool is positioned against the back of the center bore wheel hub to correctly adjust the adjustable wheel balancing clamping tool according to the bolt pattern of the wheel. Then, the user uses one hand to mount the wheel on a wheel balancing machine, and the other hand to hold the adjustable wheel balancing clamping tool.

Clearly, there is a need for an improvement to adjustable wheel balancing clamping tools that allow individuals to hold and adjust the tool with one hand. Such improvement can combine the aforementioned two-step process into a one-step process thus saving time and money. The present invention addresses this issue by providing a gripping tool for the adjustable wheel balancing clamping tool. The present invention provides additional gripping surface area to the adjustable wheel balancing clamping tool that allows an individual to simultaneously adjust and hold the tool with one hand.

