AU2016204996A1

AU2016204996A1 - Securing and Removing a Wheel Lock Ring

Info

Publication number: AU2016204996A1
Application number: AU2016204996A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Brenton Marc Baxter
Original assignee: ACME WHEEL CO Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ACME WHEEL CO Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2011-01-24
Filing date: 2016-07-15
Publication date: 2016-08-04

Abstract

Abstract An apparatus 32 for securing a wheel lock ring 31 to and removing the wheel lock ring 31 from a wheel rim comprises a first support 40, a second support 41, a first nut 44 including a first internal thread having a first orientation, the first nut 5 44 being secured relative to the first support 40 such that the first nut 44 is able to pivot relative to the first support 40, a second nut 45 including a second internal thread having a second orientation opposite to the first orientation, the second nut 45 being secured relative to the second support 41 such that the second nut 45 is able to pivot relative to the second support 41, and a threaded 10 shaft 50 including a first shaft thread 52 having the first orientation and a second shaft thread 53 having the second orientation. The first support 40 and the second support 41 are securable relative to the lock ring 31 such that the first support 40 and the second support 41 are located on opposite sides of an opening 33 in the lock ring 31. The first shaft thread 52 is engageable with the 15 first internal thread and the second shaft thread 53 is engageable with the second internal thread such that the diameter of the lock ring 31 is able to be decreased by rotating the shaft 50 in a first direction relative to the first nut 44 and the second nut 45, and such that the diameter of the lock ring 31 is able to be increased by rotating the shaft 50 in a second direction relative to the first nut 20 44 and the second nut 45. - I I , : i i.. xx ,,:,,. . . , ::,..y :;, 4 0 . I ; I i. 11 7. r .. . . I - ;/ \ 42 ,,.,, / " . 1 5 "') I - "I "I 42 1, ' , 37 " ' ' .iM EN, -- - 1111W k

Description

SECURING AND REMOVING A WHEEL LOCK RING Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to wheels and, in particular, to wheels that include wheel lock rings.

Although the present invention will be described with particular reference to earthmoving machine wheels, it will be appreciated that the invention is not necessarily limited to being used with such wheels.

The present application is divided from Australian Patent Application 2012200379, the content of which is incorporated herein in its entirety.

Background Art

Each document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is expressly incorporated herein in their entirety by reference, which means that it should be read and considered by the reader as part of this text. That the document, reference, patent application or patent cited in this text is not repeated in this text is merely for reasons of conciseness.

Discussion of the background to the invention is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was published, known or part of the common general knowledge of the person skilled in the art in any jurisdiction as at the priority date of the invention.

The wheels of some earthmoving machines are in the form of wheel assemblies that include a wheel rim, a pneumatic tyre mounted on the wheel rim, at least one removable bead seat band (BSB) or bead band mounted on the rim, a pair of flanges or side rings mounted on the bead seat band, and at least one wheel Sock ring that is mounted on the rim, wherein each bead seat band is retained on the rim by a respective wheel lock ring. The flange which, as mentioned above, is located on the bead seat band, functions to support the tyre.

The wheel lock ring includes an inner flange that is received by a corresponding lock ring groove that extends around the circumference of the rim. In this way the lock ring is able to be locked or positively located relative to the wheel rim.

The whee! iock ring is made from a resiliency flexible material such as steel and includes an opening so that that the internal diameter of the lock ring is able to be varied by suitably bending or flexing the Sock ring. Increasing the internal diameter of the lock ring increases the width of the opening. Decreasing the internal diameter of the iock ring decreases the width of the opening.

The wheel lock ring is able to be mounted on the wheel rim by using one or more pry bars or tyre levers to progressively work the lock ring on to the rim so that the inner diameter of the lock ring increases and so that the lock ring flange is received by its associated lock ring groove on the rim.

Once the lock ring of the wheel assembly has been mounted on the wheel rim in this way, the lock ring cannot in general be removed from the rim without applying sufficient force to the lock ring to remove the lock ring inner flange from the lock ring groove and to allow removal of the lock ring from the rim.

The mounted lock ring can be difficult to remove from the wheel rim. A tyre fitter, for example, when replacing the tyre, will usually need to utilise one or more pry bars or tyre levers in order to lift the iock ring from the iock ring groove and remove the lock rim from the rim by progressively working it off the rim.

Also, the mounted lock ring can be susceptible to popping out of the lock ring groove when the vehicle on which the lock ring is mounted is moving and the tyre that is mounted on the same wheel as the lock ring is underinflated.

It is against this background that the present invention has been developed.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus for securing a wheel lock ring to and removing the wheel lock ring from a wheel rim, the apparatus comprising a first support, a second support, a first nut including a first internal thread having a first orientation, the first nut being secured relative to the first support such that the first nut is able to pivot relative to the first support, a second nut including a second internal thread having a second orientation opposite to the first orientation, the second nut being secured relative to the second support such that the second nut is able to pivot relative to the second support, and a threaded shaft including a first shaft thread having the first orientation and a second shaft thread having the second orientation, the first support and the second support being securable relative to the lock ring such that the first support and the second support are located on opposite sides of an opening in the lock ring, the first shaft thread being engageable with the first internal thread and the second shaft thread being engageable with the second internal thread such that the diameter of the lock ring is able to be decreased by rotating the shaft in a first direction relative to the first nut and the second nut, and such that the diameter of the lock ring is able to be increased by rotating the shaft in a second direction relative to the first nut and the second nut.

Preferably, the first support and the second support each include a respect hole, and the first nut and the second nut each include a respective shaft, the shaft of the first nut being received by the hole in the first support such that the shaft of the first nut rotates about its longitudinal axis when the first nut is pivoted relative to the first support, and the shaft of the second nut being received by the hole in the second support such that the shaft of the second nut rotates about its longitudinal axis when the second nut is pivoted relative to the second support. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a pair of collars that receive the shafts of the first nut and the second nut such that the collars are able to prevent the shafts from being unintentionally withdrawn from the holes. Preferably, the collars are permanently attached to the shafts of the first nut and the second nut. In a particular preferred form, the collars are welded to the shafts of the first nut and the second nut. Preferably, the holes are countersunk holes and the collars are inserted into the holes.

Preferably, the apparatus also includes a locking nut that is screwed on to the threaded shaft.

Preferably, the first support and the second support are adapted to be secured to the lock ring with a plurality of bolts. In a particular preferred form, the first support and the second support include a plurality of holes for receiving the bolts. It is preferred that the holes are countersunk holes.

Preferably, the first support and the second support are adapted to be secured to the lock ring such that the first support and the second support abut against an outer face of the lock ring.

Preferably, the first orientation is a right hand orientation, and the second orientation is a left hand orientation so that the first internal thread and the first shaft thread are right hand threads, and so that the second internal thread and the second shaft thread are left hand threads.

Alternatively, the first orientation is a left hand orientation, and the second orientation is a right hand orientation so that the first internal thread and the first shaft thread are left hand threads, and so that the second internal thread and the second shaft thread are right hand threads.

It is preferred that the first direction in which the shaft is able to be rotated is a clockwise direction, and the second direction in which the shaft is able to be rotated is a counterclockwise direction. Alternatively, the first direction in which the shaft is able to be rotated is a counterclockwise direction, and the second direction in which the shaft is able to be rotated is a clockwise direction.

Preferably, the wheel lock ring is for an earthmoving machine wheel assembly.

According to a second broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wheel lock ring assembly comprising a wheel lock ring for a wheel rim, and an apparatus according to the first broad aspect of the present invention, the first support and the second support being secured relative to the lock ring such that the first support and the second support are located on opposite sides of an opening in the lock ring, the first shaft thread being engaged with the first internal thread and the second shaft thread being engaged with the second internal thread such that the diameter of the lock ring is able to be decreased by rotating the shaft in the first direction relative to the first nut and the second nut, and such that the diameter of the lock ring is able to be increased by rotating the shaft in the second direction relative to the first nut and the second nut.

Preferably, the wheel lock ring is adapted so that the first support and the second support are able to be secured to the lock ring with a plurality of bolts. In a particular preferred form, the lock ring includes a plurality of internally threaded holes. It is preferred that the internally threaded holes are blind holes.

Preferably, the wheel lock ring is adapted so that the first support and the second support are able to be secured to the lock ring such that they abut against an outer face of the lock ring.

Preferably, the wheel lock ring assembly is for an earthmoving machine wheel assembly.

According to a third broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a wheel assembly comprising a wheel rim, a bead seat band mounted on the rim, a side ring mounted on the bead seat band, and a wheel lock ring assembly according to the second broad aspect of the present invention mounted on the rim such that the lock ring is able to retain the bead seat band on the rim.

Preferably, the wheel assembly is a double gutter wheel assembly that includes an additional bead seat band mounted on the rim, an additional side ring mounted on the additional bead seat band, and an additional wheel lock ring assembly according to the second broad aspect of the present invention mounted on the rim such that the additional lock ring is able to retain the additional bead seat band on the rim.

Preferably, the wheel assembly is an earthmoving machine wheel assembly.

According to a fourth broad aspect of the present Invention, there is provide a dual wheel including a pair of wheel assemblies according to the third broad aspect of the present invention.

According to a fifth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for securing a wheel lock ring to a wheel rim, the method comprising the steps of: securing the first support and the second support of the apparatus according to the first broad aspect of the present invention to the lock ring such that the first support and the second support are located on opposite sides of an opening in the lock ring; engaging the first shaft thread of the apparatus with the first internal thread of the apparatus and the second shaft thread of the apparatus with the second internal thread of the apparatus; mounting the lock ring on the rim; and rotating the shaft in the first direction such that the diameter of the lock ring is decreased.

In one preferred embodiment, the step of rotating the shaft includes rotating the shaft in a clockwise direction. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the step of rotating the shaft includes rotating the shaft in a counterclockwise direction.

According to a sixth broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for removing a wheel lock ring from a wheel rim, the method comprising the steps of: rotating the shaft of the apparatus in the second direction such that the diameter of the lock ring is increased; and removing the lock ring from the rim.

In one preferred embodiment, the step of rotating the shaft includes rotating the shaft in a counterclockwise direction. In an alternative preferred embodiment, the step of rotating the shaft includes rotating the shaft in a clockwise direction.

Preferably, the method also includes the step of moving the lock rim over an adjacent wheel rim.

Embodiments of the present invention may serve to overcome, or at least ameliorate, one or more of the deficiencies of the prior art mentioned above, or to provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

Other advantages may become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

Brief Description of the Drawings

In order that the invention may be more fully understood and put into practice, a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a wheel lock ring assembly that includes a wheel lock ring and an apparatus for securing and removing the wheel lock ring;

Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the wheel lock ring assembly;

Figure 3 is a front elevation of the wheel lock ring assembly;

Figure 4 is a left side elevation of the wheel lock ring assembly;

Figure 5 is a cross-sectional right side elevation of the wheel lock ring assembly;

Figure 6 is a front perspective view of part of a wheel assembly that includes the wheel lock ring assembly;

Figure 7 is a side elevation of a double gutter wheel assembly;

Figure 8 is a side elevation of the double gutter wheel assembly with one of the bead seat bands and one of the flanges removed from the wheel rim of the assembly;

Figure 9 is a side elevation of the double gutter wheel assembly with one of each of the wheel lock ring assemblies, bead seat bands, and flanges removed from the wheel rim of the assembly;

Figure 10 is a side elevation of the double gutter wheel assembly with only one of the wheel lock ring assemblies mounted on the wheel rim of the assembly; and

Figure 11 is a side elevation of the wheel rim of the double gutter wheel assembly with all other components of the assembly removed from the rim;

Figure 12 is an exploded perspective view of the double gutter wheel assembly;

Figure 13 is an exploded side elevation of the double gutter wheel assembly;

Figure 14 is a partially exploded perspective view of a conventional wheel assembly;

Figure 15 is a cross-sectional side elevation of a dual wheel which includes the double gutter wheel assembly and the conventional wheel assembly;

Figure 18 is a perspective view of the dual wheel with all of the components removed from the wheel rim of the double gutter wheel assembly except for one of the wheel lock ring assemblies;

Figure 17 is a partially exploded perspective view of the dual wheel after the remaining wheel lock ring assembly has been removed from the wheel rim of the double gutter wheel assembly; and

Figure 18 is a cross-sectional side elevation of another dual wheel.

Detailed description

In the drawings, like features have been referenced with like reference numbers.

Referring to figures 1 to 5, there is depicted a wheei lock ring assembly 30 that includes a wheel lock ring 31 and an apparatus 32 for securing the wheel lock ring 31 to and removing the wheei lock ring 31 from a wheel rim.

The wheel lock ring 31 is a conventional wheel lock ring for retaining a bead seat band on the wheei rim. Only a small portion or section of the lock ring 31 is depicted in figures 1 to 5,

Lock ring 31 has a circular configuration. An opening 33 is located between a first end 34 and a second end 35 of the lock ring 31.

Lock ring 31 includes six internally threaded blind holes 36 that extend into the lock ring 31. All six holes 36 are located in an outer face 37 of the lock ring 31. Three of the holes 36 are located adjacent to the first end 34, and the other three holes 36 are located adjacent to the second end 35.

The lock ring 31 is made by suitably bending a bar of resiliently flexible material such as steel into the circular shape of the lock ring 31.

The lock ring 31 also includes a circumferentially extending flange 38.

Apparatus 32 includes a first support 40 and a second support 41. Both the first support 40 and the second support 41 include a plurality of countersunk holes 42 and a countersunk hole 43 (see figure 5). A first nut 44 is secured relative to the first support 40 such that the first nut 44 is able to pivot relative to the first support 40. Similarly, a second nut 45 is secured relative to the second support 41 such that the second nut 45 is able to pivot relative to the second support 41.

Both the first nut 44 and the second nut 45 include a shaft 46. The shaft 46 of the first nut 44 is received by the countersunk hole 43 of the first support 40 such that the shaft 46 rotates about its longitudinal axis when the first nut 44 is pivoted relative to the first support 40. Similarly, the shaft 46 of the second nut 45 is received by the countersunk hole 43 of the second support 41 such that the shaft 46 rotates about its longitudinal axis when the second nut 45 is pivoted relative to the second support 41. A respective collar 47 is inserted into each countersunk hole 43 such that the collar 47 protrudes from the hole 43. Each collar 47 receives a respective shaft 46, and prevents the shaft 46 from being unintentionally withdrawn from the countersunk hole 43 that receives the shaft 46. The collars 47 are welded to the shafts 46 so that they are permanently attached to the shafts 46.

Both the first nut 44 and the second nut 45 also include a respective internally threaded hole 48 (see figure 5) that extends all of the way through the nut 44, 45. The internally threaded hole 48 of the first nut 44 includes a first internal thread (not depicted) which has a first orientation, and the internally threaded hole 48 of the second nut 45 includes a second internal thread (not depicted) which has a second orientation that is opposite to the first orientation.

In one form, the first orientation is a right hand orientation and the second orientation is a left hand orientation. Thus, the first internal thread of the first nut is a right hand thread, and the second internal thread of the second nut is a left hand thread.

In another form, the first orientation is a left hand orientation and the second orientation is a right hand orientation. Thus, the first internal thread of the first nut is a left hand thread, and the second internal thread of the second nut is a right hand thread.

Apparatus 32 also includes a bolt 49. The bolt 49 includes a threaded shaft 50 and a hexagonal bolt head 51 that is welded to the shaft 50 such that the bolt head 51 is permanently secured to one end of the shaft 50. The threaded shaft 50 includes a first thread 52 that extends along the shaft 50 from adjacent the bolt head 51 to half way along the shaft 50. A second thread 53 extends along the shaft 50 from adjacent the first thread 52 to an opposite end of the shaft 50 to the end that the bolt head 51 is secured to.

The first thread 52 has the first orientation, and the second thread 53 has the second orientation. Thus, if the first orientation is a right hand orientation, and the second orientation is a left hand orientation, the first thread 52 will be a right-hand thread, and the second thread 53 will be a left-hand thread. Conversely, if the first orientation is a left hand orientation, and the second orientation is a right hand orientation, the first thread 52 will be a left hand thread, and the second thread 53 will be a right hand thread.

Apparatus 32 also includes a hexagonal locking nut 54 that is screwed on to the portion of the threaded shaft 50 that includes the second thread 53.

The first support 40 and the second support 41 are both secured to the lock ring 31 such that the first support 40 and the second support 41 are located on opposite sides of the opening 33. The first support 40 is located adjacent to the first end 34, and the second support 41 is located adjacent to the second end 35, The first support 40 and the second support 41 are both secured to the Sock ring 31 by a plurality of Allen bolts 55. The Allen bolts 55 are inserted into the countersunk holes 42 in the supports 40, 41, and are screwed into the blind holes 38 in the wheel lock ring 31 so that the first support 40 and the second support 41 abut against the outer face 37.

The various components of the apparatus 32 are made from any suitable material or combination of materials. For example, the components of the apparatus 32 may all be made from suitable steel.

The hexagonal locking nut 54 is screwed on to the portion of the bolt shaft 50 that includes the second thread 53 such that the nut 54 is located closely adjacent to the middle section of the shaft 50 that forms the transition between the first thread 52 and the second thread 53.

The first thread 52 of the threaded shaft 50 is engaged with the first thread of the first nut 44 by screwing the first nut 44 on to the threaded shaft 50 such that the first thread 52 of the shaft 50 engages with the internal first thread of the first nut 44. Once the first nut 44 has been screwed on to the threaded shaft 50 by a sufficient extent so that the first nut 44 is clear of the end of the shaft 52 which the bolt head 51 is securable, the bolt head 51 is permanently secured to the shaft 50 by welding it to the shaft 50.

The second thread 53 of the threaded shaft 50 is engaged with the second thread of the second nut 45 by screwing the second nut 45 on to the threaded shaft 50 such that the second thread 53 of the shaft 50 engages with the internal second thread of the second nut 45.

The threaded shaft 50 is engaged with the first thread of the first nut 44 and the second thread of the second nut 45 such that rotating the shaft 50 in a first direction relative to the first nut 44 and the second nut 45 is able to force the first end 34 and the second end 35 of the lock ring 31 towards each other so as to thereby narrow the opening 33 between the first end 34 and the second end 35. Moreover, the threaded shaft 50 is engaged with the first thread of the first nut 44 and the second thread of the second nut 45 such that rotating the shaft in a second direction relative to the first nut 44 and the second nut 45 is able to force the first end 34 and the second end 35 of the lock ring 31 away from each other so as to thereby widen the opening 33 between the first end 34 and the second end 35.

In one form, the first direction in which the threaded shaft 50 is rotated is the clockwise direction, and the second direction in which the threaded shaft 50 is rotated is the anti-clockwise direction. This will be the case if the first orientation is a right hand orientation so that the first internal thread of the first nut 44 and the first thread 52 of the threaded shaft 50 are right hand threads, and the second orientation is a left hand orientation so that the second internal thread of the second nut 45 and the second thread 53 of the threaded shaft 50 are left hand threads.

In another form, the first direction in which the threaded shaft 50 is rotated is the anticlockwise direction, and the second direction in which the threaded shaft 50 is rotated is the clockwise direction. This will be the case if the first orientation is a left hand orientation so that the first interna! thread of the first nut 44 and the first thread 52 of the threaded shaft 50 are left hand threads, and the second orientation is a right hand orientation so that the second internal thread of the second nut 45 and the second thread 53 of the threaded shaft 50 are right hand threads.

When the opening 33 between the first end 34 and the second end 35 of the lock ring 31 is widened, this increases the internal diameter of the lock ring 31. Conversely, when the opening 33 between the first end 34 and the second end 35 of the lock ring 31 is narrowed, this decreases the internal diameter of the lock ring 31.

The locking nut 54, when tightened against the second nut 45, is able to prevent or at least inhibit unintentional rotation of the bolt 49 relative to the first nut 44 and the second nut 45.

Referring to figure 6, a wheel assembly 60 includes a wheel rim 61, a bead seat band 62 mounted on the rim 61, a side ring 63 mounted on the bead seat band 62, and the wheel lock ring assembly 30 that is mounted on and secured to the rim 61 such that the lock ring 31 of the assembly 30 is able to retain the bead seat band 62 on the rim 61. The bead seat band 62, in turn, is then able to retain the side ring 63 on the rim 61.

The lock ring 31 of the lock ring assembly 30 is mounted on the wheel rim 61 such that the flange 38 of the lock ring 31 is received by a lock ring groove (not depicted) that extends around the circumference of the rim 61. The flange 38 is received by the lock ring groove such that the lock ring 31 is thereby locked or retained in position relative to the rim 61,

The lock ring 31 of the lock ring assembly 30 is secured to the rim 61 by rotating the threaded shaft 50 in the first direction so that the width of the opening 33 between the first end 34 and the second end 35 of the lock ring 31 is narrowed and so that the internal diameter of the lock ring 31 is reduced to such an extent that the lock ring 31 is securely clamped onto the wheel rim 61.

The wheel lock ring assembly 30, including the wheel lock ring 31, can be removed from the wheel rim 61 by rotating the threaded shaft 50 in the second direction so that the width of the opening 33 between the first end 34 and the second end 35 of the lock ring 31 is widened and so that the internal diameter of the lock ring 31 is increased to such an extent that the lock ring flange 38 is able to be removed from the lock ring groove. Once this has been achieved, the lock ring 31 can be slipped off/removed from the wheel rim 61.

Once the lock ring 31 has been removed from the wheel rim 61, the bead set band 62 is obviously no longer retained on the wheel rim 61 by the wheel lock ring assembly 30, and the bead seat band 62 can consequently also be slipped off or removed from the rim 61.

Removal of the wheel lock ring assembly 30 and the bead seat band 62 from the wheel rim 61 allows the side ring 63 to also be slipped off or removed from the wheel rim 61.

The wheel assembly 60 may for example be an earthmoving machine wheel assembly.

The provision of the apparatus 32 in the wheel lock ring assembly 30 makes it easier for a person such as a tyre fitter to remove/install the lock ring 31 of the assembly 30 from/onto the wheel rim 61. In addition, it enables the lock ring 31 to be better secured to the wheel rim 61 so that the lock ring 31 will not unintentionally pop out of the lock ring groove when the vehicle on which the lock ring is mounted is moving and the tyre that is mounted on the same wheel as the lock ring is underinfiated.

Referring to figures 7, 12, and 13, a double gutter wheel assembly 70 includes a wheel rim 61, a pair of bead seat bands 62 that are mounted on the rim 61, and a pair of side rings 63 that are mounted on the bead seat bands 62.

The double gutter wheel assembly 70 may for example be a wheel assembly for an earthmoving machine.

Referring to figure 8 which depicts the wheel assembly 70 without one of the bead seat bands 62 and one of the side rings 63, the bead seat bands 62 are securely retained on the rim 61 by a pair of wheel lock ring assemblies 30, only one of which is visible in figure 8,

Referring to figure 9, the wheel lock ring assembly 30 that was visible in figure 8 has been removed from the wheel rim 61.

In figure 10, only one of the wheel lock ring assemblies 30 remains mounted on the wheel rim 61,

Following removal of the wheel lock ring assemblies 30, bead seat bands 62, and side rings 63, the wheel rim 61 of the double gutter wheel assembly 70 appears as shown in figure 11.

The wheel rim 61 of the wheel assembly 70 includes a pair of circumferentially extending lock ring grooves 71 for receiving the flanges 38 of the wheel lock ring assembly lock rings 31 such that the lock rings 31 are thereby locked or retained in position relative to the rim 61.

In addition, the wheel rim 61 of the wheel assembly 70 includes a pair of G-ring grooves 72 for receiving O-rings that are mounted on the rim 61, The purpose of the O-rings that are located in the grooves 72 is to form an airtight seal between the rim 61 and the bead seat beads 72 to prevent air in the tyre that is mounted on the rim 61 from leaking out of the tyre between the rim 61 and the bead seat beads 72, The beads of the tyre form an airtight seal between the tyre and the bead seat beads 72 so that air in the tyre is prevented from leaking out between the tyre and the bead seat beads 72.

The wheel rim 61 is a three-piece wheel rim that is welded together. Consequently, the rim 61 includes a pair of weld grooves 73 where the three pieces of the rim 61 have been welded together, A tyre (not depicted) can be mounted on and secured to the wheel rim 61 of the double gutter wheel assembly 70 by firstly mounting one of the wheel lock ring assemblies 30 on the rim 61 such that the lock ring flange 38 of the assembly 30 is positively engaged with/is received by one of the lock ring grooves 71 in the rim 61. Then an O-ring (not depicted) is slipped on to the rim 61 and located in the O-ring groove 72 that is closest to the mounted wheel iock ring assembly 30. One of the bead seat bands 62 of the double gutter wheel assembly 70 is then mounted on the rim 61 such that the band 62 is positioned over the mounted O-ring and is adjacent to the mounted wheel lock ring assembly 30. One of the side rings 63 is then mounted on the rim 61 and is positioned adjacent to the mounted bead seat band 62. Next, the deflated tyre is slipped on to the rim 61 such that the rim 61 is located in the hollow centre region of the tyre, and such that one of the side walls of the tyre is located adjacent to the mounted side ring 63, The other side ring 63 is then mounted on the rim 61 and positioned adjacent to the other side wall of the tyre. This is followed by the other bead seat band 72, O-ring (not depicted) which is mounted in the other 0-ring groove 72, and the remaining wheel lock ring assembly 30 which is mounted on the rim 61 such that the lock ring flange 38 of the assembly 30 is positively engaged with/is received by the other lock ring groove 71 in the rim 61.

The lock ring assemblies 30 are secured to the wheel rim 61 of the wheel assembly 70 by rotating the bolts 49 of the assemblies 30 in the first direction so that the diameter of the lock ring 31 decreases to securely clamp each assembly 30 onto the wheel rim 61. The locking nuts 54 are tightened to prevent unintentional rotation of the bolts 49 relative to the first nuts 44 and the second nuts 45.

Once the lock ring assemblies 30 have been secured to the wheel rim 61 of the wheel assembly 70, the lock rings 31 of the assemblies 30 retain the bead seat bands 62 on the wheel rim 61, and the bead seat bands 62 in combination with the side rings 63 retain the tyre on the rim 61. The retained tyre can then be inflated.

The reverse of this procedure is performed to remove the tyre from the wheel rim 61 of the wheel assembly 70.

The lock ring assemblies 30 are able to be removed from the wheel rim 61 by firstly turning the bolts 49 of the assemblies 30 in the second direction so that the openings 33 in the lock rings 31 are widened and the diameters of the lock rings 31 are increased by a sufficient extent that the lock ring flanges 38 are able to be removed from the lock ring grooves 71. After this has been done, the assemblies 30 are able to be removed from the wheel rim 61.

The wheel lock ring assembly 30 can be used with a conventional wheel assembly that includes a single removable bead seat band and a single removable side ring. Alternatively, it may be used with double gutter wheels, such as the double gutter wheel depicted in figures 7 to 11, that include a pair of removable bead seat bands and a pair of removable side rings.

Referring to figure 14, there is depicted a conventional wheel assembly 80 that includes a wheel rim 61, a bead seat band 62, a pair of side rings 63, and a wheel lock ring assembly 30.

The wheel rim 61 of the wheel assembly 80 includes a back section or back flange 81. As a consequence, the rim 61 only has a single lock ring groove 71, and a single G-ring groove 72.

One of the side rings 63 is mounted on the back section 81 as shown in figure 14. The other side ring 63 is mounted on the bead seat band 62 which is in turn mounted on the wheel rim 61 on the opposite side of the rim 61 to the back section 81. The lock ring 31 of the wheel lock ring assembly 30 is mounted on the rim 61 such that the lock ring 31 retains or secures the bead seat band 62 relative to the rim 61. The lock ring 31 is mounted on the rim such that the lock ring flange 38 is received by the lock ring groove 71 which extends around the circumference of the wheel rim 61.

Figure 15 shows a dual wheel 90 that includes the double gutter wheel assembly 70 and the conventional wheel assembly 80. Sn use, the assembly 70 and the assembly 80 are mounted on a vehicle hub (not shown). When mounted on the hub, the wheel assembly 70 is the outermost wheel assembly of the dual wheel 90, and the wheel assembly 80 is the innermost wheel assembly of the dual wheel 90.

The wheel lock ring assembly 30 of the wheel assembly 80, as well as the bead seat band 62 and associated side ring 63 of the duai wheel’s assembly 80 can be removed from the wheel rim 61 of the assembly 80 after removing the outermost wheel lock ring assembly 30, bead seat band 62, and side ring 63 of the double gutter wheel assembly 70 from the wheel rim 61 of the assembly 70, and then removing the remaining wheel lock ring assembly 30, bead seat band 62, and side ring 63 of the assembly 70.

Figure 16 depicts the duai wheel 90 after one of the wheel lock ring assemblies 30, both of the bead seat bands 62, and both of the side rings 63 have been removed from the rim 61 of the assembly 70.

Figure 17 depicts the dual wheel 90 after the remaining wheel lock ring assembly 30 has been removed from the rim 61 of the assembly 70.

Next, the wheel lock ring assembly 30 of the conventional wheel assembly 80, as well as the bead seat band 62 of the assembly 80, and Its associated side ring 63 are removed from the wheel rim 61 of the assembly 80. The removed bead seat band 62, side ring 63, and iock ring assembly 30 can be completely removed from the dual wheel 90 by passing the expanded lock ring assembly 30 as well as the bead seat band 62 and side ring 63 of the assembly 80 over the rim 61 of the assembly 70. The wheel lock ring 31 of the lock ring assembly 30 is expanded by suitably operating the apparatus 32 of the assembly 30 in the manner previously described.

The use of the wheel lock ring assembly 30 in the dual wheel 90 is advantageous as it enables the wheel lock ring 31, bead seat band 62, and side ring 63 of the wheel assembly 80 to be completely remove from the dual wheel 90 without having to remove the wheel rim 61 of the wheel assembly 70 from the hub on which both the assembly 70 and the assembly 80 are mounted. This in turn enables a tyre to be mounted on and/or removed from the rim 61 of the assembly 80 without removing the wheel rim 61 of the assembly 70 from the hub.

Figure 18 shows a dual wheel 100 that includes two conventional wheel assemblies 80. In use, both assemblies 80 are mounted on a vehicle hub (not shown).

The wheel lock ring assembly 30, as well as the bead seat band 62 and associated side ring 63 of either assembly 80 of the dual wheel 90 can be removed from the wheel rim 61 of the assembly 80 after the outermost of the two assemblies 80 is removed from the hub.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that variations and modifications to the invention described herein will be apparent without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. The variations and modifications as would be apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of the invention as herein set forth.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the term "substantially" or "about" will be understood to not be limited to the value for the range qualified by the terms.

Throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise” or variations such as “comprises" or “comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Furthermore, throughout the specification and the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “include" or variations such as “includes” or “including”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, that reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. An apparatus for securing a wheel lock ring to and removing the wheel lock ring from a wheel rim, the apparatus comprising a first support, a second support, a first nut including a first internal thread having a first orientation, the first nut being secured relative to the first support such that the first nut is able to pivot relative to the first support, a second nut including a second internal thread having a second orientation opposite to the first orientation, the second nut being secured relative to the second support such that the second nut is able to pivot relative to the second support, and a threaded shaft including a first shaft thread having the first orientation and a second shaft thread having the second orientation, the first support and the second support being securable relative to the lock ring such that the first support and the second support are located on opposite sides of an opening in the iock ring, the first shaft thread being engageabie with the first internal thread and the second shaft thread being engageabie with the second internal thread such that the diameter of the lock ring is able to be decreased by rotating the shaft in a first direction relative to the first nut and the second nut, and such that the diameter of the iock ring is able to be increased by rotating the shaft in a second direction relative to the first nut and the second nut.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first support and the second support each include a respect hole, and the first nut and the second nut each include a respective shaft, the shaft of the first nut being received by the hole in the first support such that the shaft of the first nut rotates about its longitudinal axis when the first nut is pivoted relative to the first support, and the shaft of the second nut being received by the hole in the second support such that the shaft of the second nut rotates about its longitudinal axis when the second nut is pivoted relative to the second support.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the apparatus also includes a pair of collars that receive the shafts of the first nut and the second nut such that the collars are able to prevent the shafts from being unintentionally withdrawn from the holes.
4. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus also includes a locking nut that is screwed on to the threaded shaft.
5. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support and the second support are adapted to be secured to the lock ring with a plurality of bolts.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the first support and the second support include a plurality of holes for receiving the bolts.
7. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first support and the second support are adapted to be secured to the lock ring such that the first support and the second support abut against an outer face of the lock ring.
8. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first orientation is a right hand orientation, and the second orientation is a left hand orientation so that the first internal thread and the first shaft thread are right hand threads, and so that the second internal thread and the second shaft thread are left hand threads.
9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first orientation is a left hand orientation, and the second orientation is a right hand orientation so that the first internal thread and the first shaft thread are left hand threads, and so that the second internal thread and the second shaft thread are right hand threads.
10. The apparatus of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first direction in which the shaft is able to be rotated is a clockwise direction, and the second direction in which the shaft is able to be rotated is a counterclockwise direction. 11 The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first direction in which the shaft is abie to be rotated is a counterclockwise direction, and the second direction in which the shaft is able to be rotated is a clockwise direction.
12. A wheel iock ring assembly comprising a wheel lock ring for a wheel rim, and the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, the first support and the second support of the apparatus being secured relative to the lock ring such that the first support and the second support are located on opposite sides of an opening in the lock ring, the first shaft thread being engaged with the first internal thread and the second shaft thread being engaged with the second internal thread such that the diameter of the lock ring is able to decreased by rotating the shaft in the first direction relative to the first nut and the second nut, and such that the diameter of the iock ring is able to be increased by rotating the shaft in the second direction relative to the first nut and the second nut.
13. The wheel lock ring assembly of claim 12, wherein the wheel lock ring is adapted so that the first support and the second support are abie to be secured to the lock ring with a plurality of bolts.
14. The wheel iock ring assembly of claim 13, wherein the iock ring includes a plurality of internally threaded holes.
15. A wheel assembly comprising a wheel rim, a bead seat band mounted on the rim, a side ring mounted on the bead seat band, and the wheel lock ring assembly of any one of ciaims 12 to 14 mounted on the rim such that the lock ring is able to retain the bead seat band on the rim.
16. The wheel assembly of claim 15, wherein the wheel assembly is a double gutter wheel assembly that includes an additional bead seat band mounted on the rim, an additional side ring mounted on the additional bead seat band, and an additional wheel lock ring assembly according to any one of claims 12 to 14 mounted on the rim such that the additional lock ring is able to retain the additional bead seat band on the rim.
17. A dual wheel including a pair of the wheel assemblies of any one of claims 12 to 16.
18. A method for securing a wheel lock ring to a wheel rim, the method comprising the steps of: securing the first support and the second support of the apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11 to the lock ring such that the first support and the second support are located on opposite sides of an opening in the lock ring; engaging the first shaft thread of the apparatus with the first internal thread of the apparatus and the second shaft thread of the apparatus with the second internal thread of the apparatus; mounting the lock ring on the rim; and rotating the shaft in the first direction such that the diameter of the lock ring is decreased.
19. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of rotating the shaft includes rotating the shaft in a clockwise direction.
20. The method of claim 18, wherein the step of rotating the shaft includes rotating the shaft in a counterclockwise direction.
21. A method for removing a wheel lock ring from a wheel rim, the method comprising the steps of: rotating the shaft of the apparatus in the second direction such that the diameter of the lock ring is increased; and removing the lock ring from the rim.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of rotating the shaft includes rotating the shaft in a counterclockwise direction.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein the step of rotating the shaft includes rotating the shaft in a clockwise direction.
24. An apparatus for securing and removing a wheel lock ring, the apparatus being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6.
25. A wheel lock ring assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figures 1 to 6.
26. A wheel assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to: figure 6; figures 7 to 13; or figure 14.
27. A dual wheel substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 15 or figure 18.
28. A method for securing a wheel lock ring to a wheel rim, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 6 or figures 7 to 11.
29. A method for removing from a wheel rim a wheel lock ring from a wheel rim, the method being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to figure 6 or figures 7 to 11.