Multi-piece aluminum wheel and associated method
First Claim
1. A wheel, comprising:
- an inner rim portion having an inner bead retaining flange and a disk portion having a plurality of circumferentially spaced safety bosses extending radially outward therefrom; and
an outer rim portion structured for securing to the inner rim portion, the outer rim portion having a plurality of circumferentially spaced safety tabs extending radially inward therefrom, each safety tab being structured to engage one of the safety bosses;
whereby disassembly of the wheel with an inflated tire mounted thereon will cause the outer rim portion to move outward with respect to the inner rim portion a sufficient distance to vent air from the tire, with the engagement of the inner and outer safety bosses and safety tabs resisting additional outward movement of the outer rim portion.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A multi-piece safety wheel includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced, interlocking bosses and tabs on the inner rim portion and outer rim portion. In the event of improper disassembly of the wheel with an inflated tire mounted thereon, any failure of the wheel assembly fasteners will result in the outer rim portion separating from the inner rim portion a sufficient distance to vent air pressure from within the tire, at which point the interlocking bosses and tabs resist further movement of the outer rim portion. The outer rim portion is thereby resisted from becoming a potentially dangerous projectile. A method of safely deflating the tire upon improper disassembly of the multi-piece safety wheel is also provided.
32 Citations
18 Claims
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1. A wheel, comprising:
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an inner rim portion having an inner bead retaining flange and a disk portion having a plurality of circumferentially spaced safety bosses extending radially outward therefrom; and
an outer rim portion structured for securing to the inner rim portion, the outer rim portion having a plurality of circumferentially spaced safety tabs extending radially inward therefrom, each safety tab being structured to engage one of the safety bosses;
whereby disassembly of the wheel with an inflated tire mounted thereon will cause the outer rim portion to move outward with respect to the inner rim portion a sufficient distance to vent air from the tire, with the engagement of the inner and outer safety bosses and safety tabs resisting additional outward movement of the outer rim portion. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of resisting undesired movement of an outer rim portion from an inner rim portion of a wheel when the wheel is disassembled while an inflated tire is mounted thereon, the method comprising:
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providing an inner rim portion having an inner bead retaining flange and a disk portion having a plurality of circumferentially spaced safety bosses extending radially outward therefrom;
providing an outer rim portion structured for securing to the inner rim portion, the outer rim portion having a plurality of circumferentially spaced safety tabs extending radially inward therefrom, each safety tab being structured to engage one of the safety bosses; and
upon disassembly of the wheel while an inflated tire is installed on the wheel, permitting the outer rim portion to separate from the inner rim portion a sufficient distance to vent air from the tire, and resisting farther travel of the outer rim portion through the interaction of the safety bosses and safety tabs. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18)
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Specification