A retention device and a method of use thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a retention device and method of use thereof for fitting wheel rims. In one form, there is provided a retention device including: a body having a mounting end and an opposed outer end and defining a receiving opening extending from the mounting end at least partially towards the outer end, said receiving opening configured to at least partially receive the wheel stud therein; a plurality of wedge elements aligned and arranged within the body to engage with the wheel stud; and a magnetic member positioned at the mounting end of the body, said magnetic member configured to magnetically mount the retention device to a nave plate of a wheel rim.

Description

WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 A RETENTION DEVICE AND A METHOD OF USE THEREOF TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a retention device and method of use thereof for fitting wheel rims. BACKGROUND

[0002] Retention devices are commonly used when securing wheel rims to wheel rotors. Typically, a wheel rim positioned on a wheel hub will ultimately need to be securely fastened by wheel nuts. Numerous wheel nuts may be required to fasten the wheel rim by securely locking each threaded element extending from the wheel hub. A typical mid-size automobile may require the use of five or six wheel nuts on a 14 to 19 inch wheel. However, large mining machinery may require the use of upwards of 60 or more wheel nuts on wheels rims as large as 63 inches.

[0003] While smaller automobile wheels may be easily lifted and fitted by a single person, fitting larger wheels for trucks or mining equipment requires multiple persons or even the use of heavy machinery. These operations risk injury to personnel if the wheel is not safely retained during all phases of installation. A particular point of risk is when the wheel rim is seated onto the wheel hub but not yet secured by wheel nuts.

[0004] US Patent No. 3,790,217 discloses the use of key hole slots on a rim assembly which attaches to threaded fasteners with wheel nuts already applied. This reduces the likelihood of the rim assembly inadvertently falling off the wheel. However, US Patent No. 3,790,217 requires each rim to have custom cut-outs that match each wheel. This is limiting on the modularity of the invention and also weakens the wheel rim as material is removed. Furthermore, such slotted features would not be suitable for locations such as the wheel rim and rotor contact point where high torque and start stop forces are experienced.

[0005] US Patent No. 7,856,774 discloses a tendon retention device using two split halves of a frustoconical retainer which clamps down when an external sheath is moved in one direction. This principal of cable retention has been applied in various areas of practice when a cable needs to be tensioned or anchored. However, this device is typically used on long lengths of cable and is designed to clamp down and bite into the material surface. This would not be suitable for short lengths of threaded fasteners such as wheel studs typically projecting from wheel hubs. Further, the indiscriminate clamping effect risks damaging the wheel studs.

[0006] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 2 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. SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention provide a retention device and method of use thereof, which may at least partially address one or more of the problems or deficiencies mentioned above or which may provide the public with a useful or commercial choice.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a retention device for retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub having at least one wheel stud extending therefrom, said device including: a body having a mounting end and an opposed outer end and defining a receiving opening extending from the mounting end at least partially towards the outer end, said receiving opening configured to at least partially receive the wheel stud therein; a plurality of wedge elements aligned and arranged within the body to engage with the wheel stud; and at least one magnetic member positioned at the mounting end of the body, said magnetic member configured to magnetically mount the retention device to a nave plate of a wheel rim.

[0009] Advantageously, the retaining device of the present invention provides a safe and reliable device for retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub while the wheel rim is secured in place with individual wheel lugs. Embodiments of the present invention provide a device that can be readily pressed over an externally threaded wheel stud when axially pressed together and yet constricts about the wheel stud when axially pulled away. In summary, the present invention provides an improvement to safety when fitting a wheel to a wheel hub, ensuring that the wheel, tyre, and rim assembly cannot fall off the hub once seated on the wheel studs of the hub. [001 0] As indicated above, the retention device of the present invention is configured to engage with a wheel stud and retain a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub. It will therefore be convenient to describe the device with reference to this example application. However, a person skilled in the art will appreciate that the device is capable of broader applications and may be used to engage with any threaded fastener for retaining an object relative to the threaded fastener.

[0011] A wheel rim is a cylindrical part of a vehicle wheel assembly on which the tyre is mounted. Usually, the wheel rim may be mounted to a wheel hub of a vehicle. CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 3

[0012] The wheel rim generally includes flanged outer rims between which a tyre is positioned and mounted and a central disc or nave plate having a plurality of wheel stud openings defined therein for mounting to the wheel hub.

[0013] The openings are typically arranged in a spaced arrangement about a periphery of the central disc or nave plate and are each configured to receive a wheel stud of the wheel hub therethrough.

[0014] In use, the wheel rim is mounted on the wheel hub such that each wheel stud is received through a corresponding wheel stud opening in the wheel rim.

[0015] Once mounted, the wheel rim may be secured to the wheel hub by a plurality of wheel lugs or nuts each fastened to a portion of a respective wheel stud extending through a corresponding wheel stud opening defined in the wheel rim .

[0016] The retention device of the present invention may be of any suitable size, shape and construction and may be formed from any suitable material or materials for temporarily engaging with a wheel stud and retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub.

[0017] As indicated, the device includes a body having a receiving opening for at least partially receiving a wheel stud therein.

[0018] The body may be of unitary construction or may be formed from two or more body pieces, preferably the latter.

[0019] The body may include a mounting end, an opposed outer end and at least one sidewall extending therebetween, preferably longitudinally.

[0020]

[0021] defined.

[0022] The at least one sidewall may be curved or rounded. The receiving opening may be defined in the mounting end, preferably centrally The body may include any suitable cross-sectional shape. For example, the body may have a circular, oval-shaped, triangular or rectangular cross-sectional shape, preferably substantially circular.

[0023] The receiving opening may be of any suitable size and shape for receiving a wheel stud therein.

[0024] The receiving opening may extend from the mounting end at least partially towards CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 4 the opposed outer end.

[0025] In some embodiments, the receiving opening may have a constant diameter.

[0026] In other embodiments, the receiving opening may taper in diameter from the opposed outer end at least partially towards the mounting end, preferably gradually. In such embodiments, the receiving opening may have a smaller diameter at or near the mounting end than a diameter at or near the opposed outer end.

[0027] In preferred embodiments, the body may be in the form of a barrel and the receiving opening may extend between and entirely through the mounting end and the opposed outer end. In such embodiments, the body may include the receiving opening defined in the mounting end, an access port defined in the opposed outer end and an internal bore in fluid communication with both the receiving opening and the access port and extending longitudinally therebetween. The access port may have a greater diameter than the receiving opening and the internal bore may taper in diameter from the access port to the receiving opening, preferably gradually.

[0028] As indicated, the device further includes a plurality of wedge elements configured to be aligned and arranged within the body for engaging with a wheel stud received therein.

[0029] Each wedge element may be of any suitable size, shape and construction to be located in the body, preferably about a periphery of the internal bore defined therein.

[0030] Generally, each wedge element may include a tip, an opposed base and a wedge body extending therebetween.

[0031] The tip may be configured to be arranged at or near the mounting end of the body. Likewise, the opposed base may be configured to be arranged at or near the opposed outer end of the body.

[0032] The wedge body may include an inner wall, an opposed outer wall and a pair of opposed sidewalls extending longitudinally between the tip and the base. The inner wall may preferably include a concave surface defined thereon.

[0033] In embodiments in which the receiving opening or internal bore tapers, each wedge element may likewise taper in width from the base to the tip so as to enable the wedge elements to be arranged about a periphery of the receiving opening or internal bore in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0034] The plurality of wedge elements may include any suitable number of wedge CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 5 elements configured to be arranged about a periphery of the internal bore. For example, the plurality of wedge elements may include three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine or even 1 0 wedge elements, preferably three wedge elements.

[0035] In some embodiments, the inner wall of each wedge element may further include a plurality of grooves defined thereon. The plurality of grooves may preferably extend across the concave surface of the wedge elements in a lateral direction extending at least partially between the opposed sidewalls.

[0036] Typically, the plurality of grooves may be adapted to match an external thread on the wheel stud.

[0037] In preferred such embodiments, the plurality of grooves on the wedge elements may combine to form an internal thread adapted to engage with an external thread of a wheel stud.

[0038] In some embodiments, each wedge element may include a chamfer at or near the tip to guide an external thread of a wheel stud during engagement. The chamfer may preferably be configured to guide and align a wheel stud as it is received in the receiving opening or internal bore relative to the wedge elements.

[0039] As indicated, the plurality of wedge elements may be arranged within the body for engaging with a wheel stud received therein. Typically, the wedges may be arranged in a sideby- side arrangement about a periphery of the receiving opening or internal bore.

[0040] In some embodiments, the wedge elements may be axially movable relative to the body and the receiving opening or internal bore to expand and fit about a wheel stud, when the retaining device is pressed towards the wheel hub, preferably over a wheel stud.

[0041] In such embodiments, the wedge elements may preferably be axially moveable relative to the body and the receiving opening or internal bore to constrict about a wheel stud received therein when the device is moved away from the wheel hub to advantageously prevent disengagement from the wheel stud.

[0042] In some embodiments, the device may further include one or more biasing members or mechanisms for biasing the plurality of wedge elements towards the mounting end of the device.

[0043] Any suitable biasing member or mechanism may be used. For example, the one or more biasing members or mechanisms may include one or more springs, such as, e.g., coil springs. CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 6

[0044] In some such embodiments, the one or more biasing members or mechanisms may include a spring located between the wedge elements and the outer end of the body, so that axial movement of the wedge elements towards the outer end acts against a biasing force of the one or more biasing members or mechanisms, and movement of the wedge elements towards the mounting end acts under the force of the one or more biasing members or mechanisms.

[0045] In some embodiments, the device may further include an alignment member or mechanism for aligning the wedge elements relative to each other in the body, preferably in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0046] Any suitable alignment member or mechanism may be used that is known in the art. For example, in some embodiments the alignment member or mechanism may include an Oring or clip configured to substantially align the wedge elements relative to each other yet allow expansion when fitting about a wheel stud.

[0047] In some such embodiments, each wedge element may include a retaining groove for at least partially receiving the O-ring or clip and aligning the wedge elements relative to each other. The retaining groove may be defined in the outer wall at or near the base. The grooves may substantially align in each of the wedge elements.

[0048] In some embodiments, the device may further include a disengagement member for disengaging the plurality of wedge elements from a wheel stud, preferably for fixing the wedge elements against rotational movement relative to the body to thereby enable the device to be threaded free of the of the wheel stud.

[0049] The disengagement member may be of any suitable size, shape and form to disrupt the engagement between the wedge elements and the wheel stud.

[0050] In some embodiments, the disengagement member may be a fastener configured to be received through an opening defined in a side of the body or the outer end for fixing the wedge elements against rotational movement relative to the body and thereby enabling the device to be threaded free of the wheel stud. The disengagement member may be in the form of a grub screw or the like.

[0051] In other embodiments, the outer end of the body may define an external socket formation for engaging with a torque applying tool and may include an opening for receiving a disengagement member therethrough for fixing the wedge elements against rotational movement relative to the body and thereby enabling the device to be threaded free of the wheel stud with the torque applying tool. CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 7 [00 52] In such embodiments, the disengagement member may be at least partially received in an o pening defined in the rear wall of one of the plurality of wedge elements to thereby fix the wedge elements against rotational movement relative to the body.

[0053] In other such embodiments, the disengagement member may be at least partially received between adjacent wedge elements to thereby fix the wedge elements against rotational movement relative to the body.

[0054] As indicated, in some embodiments the outer end of the body may define an external socket formation for engaging with a torque applying tool. [00 55] In some such embodiments in which the o u ter end i ncludes an access port, the device may further include a socket end member co n nectable to the opposed outer end of the body for covering the access port defined therein. The socket end member and the outer end of the body may connect in any suitable way, typically via a threaded engagement.

[0056] The socket end member by sealing the access port may retain the plurality of wedge elements in the body. [00 57] The socket end member may preferably define an external socket formation for engagin g with a torque applying tool. Further, the socket end member may preferably include a locating hole defined therein and positioned to align a disengagement member received therethrough relative to the wedge elements for fixing the wedge elements as previously described. [00 58] In some embodiments, the device may further include a custom removal tool configured to engage with the socket end member for disengagement of the device from a wheel stud. [00 59] The custom removal tool may preferably include a socket engagement member sized and shaped to complementarily engage with the external socket formation.

[0060] Further, the custom removal tool may preferably include a disengagement member configured to be received th rough the locating hole defined in the socket end member when the custom removal tool is aligned relative to and en gages with the socket end member. The disengagement member may include a tapered point for insertion through the locating hole. [00 61] As indicated, the device includes at least one magnetic member positioned at the mounting end of the body and configured to magnetically mount the retention device relative to a nave plate or central d isc o f a wheel rim. CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 8

[0062] Any suitable magnetic member capable of producing a substantially uniform magnetic field may be used.

[0063] magnet.

[0064] In some embodiments, the at least one magn etic member may be a permanent The magnetic mem ber may be of any suitable size and shape and may be formed from any suitable material or materials. For example, the magnetic mem ber may be formed from a ferromagnetic material, a composite m aterial with magnetic powder , a ceramic or ferrite magnet, an alnico magnet or a rare-earth magnet (e.g., a samarium-cobalt or neodymium-ironboron magnet). In some em bodiments, the magnetic member may be formed from a n eodymium alloy.

[0065] The at least one magnetic member may preferably be positioned about a periphery of the receiving opening.

[0066] In some such embodim ents, the at least one magn etic member may include a plurality of magnetic members arranged about the periphery of the receiving opening.

[0067] In other such embodiments, the at least one magnetic mem ber may be substantially ring-shaped and located about the periphery of the receiving opening.

[0068] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of retaining a wheel rim during fitting, said method including: mounting a plurality of retention devices according to the first aspect to a nave plate of the wheel rim ; and pressing the w h eel rim onto a wheel hub such that each of the plurality of retention devices aligns and engages with a respective wheel stud extending from the wheel hub and retains the wheel rim relative to the wheel hub.

[0069] The method may include one or more features or characteristics of the ret ention device as hereinbefore described.

[0070] The mounting m ay include individually aligning and mounting the plurality of retention devices to at least a selection of wheel stud openings defined in the nave plate of the wheel rim.

[0071] The pressing may include placing the wheel rim onto the wheel hub and pressing the wheel rim onto the wheel hub such that the wheel studs protrude through at least the selection of corresponding wheel stud openings defined in the wheel rim and are engaged by CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 9 the associated retention devices.

[0072] In some embodiments, the method may further include fastening wheel lugs on the protruding wheel studs not associated with retention devices to securely fasten the w heel rim relative to the wheel hub.

[0073] In some embodiments, the method may further include in divid ually removing and replacing each retention device with a wheel lug.

[0074] Each reten tion device may be individually removed using a disengagement member or custom removal tool as previously described.

[0075] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.

[0076] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion t hat the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BR IEF DES C R IPTION OF DRAW I N G S

[0077] Preferred features, em bodiments and variatio ns of the invention may be discern ed from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows :

[0078] Figure 1 is an exploded view of a reten tion device according to an embodiment of the present invention ;

[0079] Figure 2 is a sectional view of the retention device as sh own in Figure 1 ; [00 80] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the retention device as shown in Figures 1 and 2 together with a custom removal tool according to an embod iment of the present invention ; [00 81] Figures 4A and 4B respectively show parts of a retention device according to another embodiment of the present invention ;

[0082] Figure 5 is a perspective view of a plurality of retention devices each as shown in Figure 1 attached to a wheel rim during fitting ; and

[0083] Figure 6 is a sectional view of retention devices each as shown in Figure 1 when CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 1 0 located on a wheel rim attached to a wheel h u b. DETA I L E D DESCR IPT ION

[0084] Fig u res 1 to 6 show a retention device (1 00) according to embodiments of the present invention for retaining a wheel rim (800; shown only in Figures 5 and 6) relative to a wheel h u b (900; shown only in Figure 6) having wheel studs (91 O ; shown only in Figure 6) extending therefrom.

[0085] Referring to Fig ure 1 , the retention device ( 1 00) incl udes a body ( 1 1 0) having a mounting end ( 1 1 2), an opposed outer end ( 1 1 4) and a receiving opening ( 1 20) between and through the mou nting end ( 1 1 2) and the outer end ( 1 1 4), said receiving o pening ( 1 20) configured to at least partially receive a wheel stud (9 1 O; not shown) therein.

[0086] The device ( 1 00) further includes a plurality of wedge elements ( 1 30) aligned and arranged within the body ( 1 1 0) to engage with the wheel stud ( 9 1 0 ; not shown) ; and a socket end member ( 1 40) connectable to the ou ter end ( 1 1 4) for enclosing the wedge elements ( 1 30) within the body ( 1 1 0) .

[0087] Lastly, the device ( 1 00) includes a magnetic member ( 1 50) positioned at the mounting end ( 1 1 2) for magnetically mou nting the device ( 1 00) to a nave plate of a wheel rim (800; not shown) over a wheel stud opening ( 8 1 O; not shown).

[0088] As shown, the body ( 1 1 0) has a circular cross-sectional shape defined by a single curved sidewall ( 1 1 6) extending between the mounting end ( 1 1 2) and the outer end ( 1 1 4).

[0089] Referring briefly to Figure 2, the receiving opening ( 1 20) tapers in diameter from the outer end ( 1 1 4) to the mounting end ( 1 1 2).

[0090] Referring back to Figure 1 , the plurality of wedge elements ( 1 30) are configured to be align ed and arranged within the receiving opening ( 1 20) of the body ( 1 1 0) for engaging with a wheel stud ( 9 1 O ; not shown) received therein. [009 1 ] Each wedge element ( 1 30) includes a tip ( 1 32) , an opposed base ( 1 34) and a wedge body ( 1 3 6) extending therebetween.

[0092] As shown, the tip ( 1 32) is configured to be arranged at or near the mou nting end ( 1 1 2) of the body ( 1 1 0). Likewise, the base ( 1 34) is configured to be arranged at or n ear the o u ter end ( 1 1 4) of the body ( 1 1 0).

[0093] The wedge body ( 1 36) includes an inner wall, an opposed outer wall and a pair of CA 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 1 1 opposed sidewalls extendin g longitu dinally between the tip ( 1 32) and the base ( 1 34) . The inn er wall i n cludes a concave surface ( 1 38) defined thereon.

[0094] Each wedge element (130) tapers in width from the base ( 1 34) to the tip ( 1 32) so as to e nable the wedge elements ( 1 30) to be arranged about a periphery of the receiving opening ( 1 20) in a side-by-side arrangement.

[0095] Each wedge element ( 1 30) f u rther include a plu rality of grooves defined on the concave surface ( 1 3 8).

[0096] The grooves extend across the concave surface ( 1 3 8) of t h e wedge elements ( 1 30) in a lateral direction extending at least partially between the opposed sidewalls. The grooves are adapted to match an external thread on a wheel stud ( 9 1 O ; not shown) .

[0097] When aligned relative to each other, the grooves on the wedge elements ( 1 30) combine to form an inter n al thread adapted to threadingly e ngage with an external thread of a wheel stud (9 1 O ; not shown).

[0098] Each wedge element (130) f u rther includes a chamfer ( 1 39) at the tip ( 1 32) to guide an external thread of a wheel stud ( 9 1 O; not shown) du ring engagement. The chamfer ( 1 39) is configured to gu ide and align the wheel stud (9 1 O; not shown) as it is received in the receiving opening ( 1 20) relative to the wedge elements ( 1 30).

[0099] As shown, the wedge elem ents ( 1 30) are arranged within the body ( 1 1 0) for engaging with a wheel stud ( 9 1 O ; not shown) in a side-by-side arrangement about a periphery of the receiving opening ( 1 20). [00 1 00] The wedge elements ( 1 30) are configu red to be axially movable relative to the body ( 1 1 0) and the receiving opening ( 1 20) to expand and fit about a wheel stu d (9 1 O ; not shown), when, e.g., the retaining device ( 1 00) is axially pressed towards a wheel hub (900; not shown) over the wheel stud ( 9 1 O ; not shown). Advantageously, t h is e n ables the device ( 1 00) to be readily fitted over a protruding wheel stud (9 1 O ; not shown) without the n eed to screw the device ( 1 00) ove r the exte rnal thread of the wheel stud ( 9 1 O ; not shown). [00 1 0 1 ] Due to the tapered receiving opening ( 1 20), the wedge elements ( 1 30) are conversely configured to constrict about a wheel stu d (9 1 0 ; not shown) when the device ( 1 00) is axially moved or pulled away from the wheel stud (91 O ; not show n ) to thereby advan tageou sly retain a wheel rim ( 800; not show n ) relative to a wheel hub (900; not shown). [00 1 02] The device ( 1 00) fu rther includes a biasing member in the form of a coil spring CA 03198752 2023-5-12 12 located between the wedge element (130) and the inner surface of the socket end member (140) for biasing the wedge elements (130) towards the mounting end (112) of the body (110). The biasing member provides a biasing force, so that axial movement of the wedge elements (130) towards the outer end (114) acts against the biasing force and movement of the wedge elements (130) towards the mounting end (112) acts under the force of the biasing member.

[00103] The device (100) further includes an alignment member in the form of an O-ring (151) for aligning the wedge elements (130) relative to each other in the body (110) in a side-by-side arrangement about a periphery of the receiving opening (120).

[00104] Best shown in Figure 2, each wedge element (130) includes a retaining groove (210) for at least partially receiving the O-ring (151; not shown) and aligning the wedge elements (130) relative to each other. The retaining groove (210) is defined in the outer wall at or near the base (134). The grooves (210) substantially align in the wedge elements (130).

[00105] Referring again to Figure 1, the socket end member (140) is connectable to the outer end (114) for enclosing the wedge elements (130) within the body (110).

[00106] The socket end member (140) defines an external socket formation (142) for engaging with a torque applying tool and includes one or more locating holes (144) defined therein.

[00107] The locating holes (144) are positioned to align a disengagement member received therethrough relative to the wedge elements (130) for fixing the wedge elements (130) against rotational movement relative to the body (110) and thereby enable the device (100) to be threaded free of a wheel stud (910; not shown) with the torque applying tool, for example.

[00108] Referring to Figure 3, in this embodiment, the figure shows the device (100) together with a custom removal tool (310) for removal of the device (100) from a wheel stud (910; not shown).

[00109] The custom removal tool (310) includes a socket engagement member (320) and a disengagement member (330) extending upwardly from the socket engagement member (320) and configured to be received in one of the locating holes (144; not visible) of the socket end member (140) of the device (100) when the socket engagement member (320) engages with the external socket formation (142).

[00110] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, in another embodiment, the device (100; shown only in Figure 4A) includes a disengagement member in the form of a grub screw (410; shown in Figure 4A) received through an opening in a side of the body (110; shown only in Figure 4A) and CA 3198752 Date reçue / Received date 2025-10-17 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 1 3 an open ing (42 0 ; shown o n l y in Fig u re 4B) defined i n one of the wedge elements ( 1 30A; s hown only in Fig u re 4B) . [00 1 1 1 ] I n use, the g rub screw (41 0 ; shown in F i g u re 4A) is tig htened relative to the body ( 1 1 0; shown o n l y in Figure 4A) for fix i n g the wedg e element ( 1 3 0A; s h own o n ly in Fig ure 4 B) and thereby all t h e wedge elements ( 1 30) agai nst rotational movement relative to the body ( 1 1 0 ; shown o n ly i n Fig u re 4A) to e n abl e the device ( 1 00 ; s h own only i n Fig u re 4A) to b e th readed free of a wheel stu d ( 9 1 0; n ot shown ) . [00 1 1 2] When tig htened , the grub screw (4 1 O; sh own o n ly in Fi g u re 4A) protrudes into the receivi ng o pe n i n g ( 1 20 ; sh own o n l y in Fi g u re 4A) and i nto the opening (420 ; shown o n l y in Fig ure 4B) d efi n ed i n the wedge element ( 1 30A; shown only in Fig u re 4 B) to thereby fix all the wedge elem ents ( 1 30) against rotat i o n al m ovement relative to the body ( 1 1 0; shown o n ly i n Fig u re 4A) . [00 1 1 3] Referring back to Fig u re 1 , the magnetic member ( 1 50) is a ring-shaped magnet l ocated abo u t a periphery of the receiving open ing ( 1 20) defined on the m o u nt i n g end ( 1 1 2) and configu red to magnetically m o u nt the device ( 1 00) over a wheel stud receivi n g opening (8 1 0) defined in a wheel rim (800; not sh own) . [00 1 1 4] A method of using t h e device ( 1 00) as shown in Fig ures 1 , 2, 3 , 4A and 4 B for fixing a wheel rim (800) relative to a w h eel hub (900) is now described in detail with reference to Fig u res 5 and 6. [00 1 1 5] Referring to Fig u re 5, retenti o n devices (1 00) are mag n etical ly m o u n ted over a selection of wheel stud open ings (8 1 0) def i n ed i n the n ave plate of t h e wheel rim (800 ) . A perso n skil led in the art will appreciate that it may not be necessary to employ a retention device ( 1 00) on every wheel stud openi ng (8 1 0) . [00 1 1 6] Each retention device ( 1 00) is individually mou nted by aligning the mag netic member ( 1 50 ; n ot visible) relative to a selected wheel stud opening ( 8 1 0 ) . The device ( 1 00) is then pressed relative to the open ing (81 0 ) such that the magn etic member ( 1 50 ; n ot visib le) i s attracted t o t h e nave plate a n d holds t h e d evice ( 1 00) in p l ace. [00 1 1 7] Referring to Fi g u re 6, the wheel rim (800) is then al ig ned relative to the wheel h ub (900) and mou nted to the wheel h u b (900) such th at the wheel studs ( 9 1 0) extending from the wheel hub (900) protrude through the wheel stud open ings ( 8 1 0) defi n ed in the wheel rim (800) . [00 1 1 8] The wheel rim (800) is then pressed ag ai n st the wheel h ub (900) such that the wheel studs (9 1 0) protrud ing th rough the selection of co rrespo n d i n g wheel stud ope n i n gs (81 0) are engaged by the associated retention devices ( 1 00) to retain the wheel rim (800) relative to the C A 03198752 2023-5-12 WO 2022 / 099348 PCT / AU2021 / 051251 1 4 wheel h u b (900) . [00 1 1 9] The wheel ri m (800) can then be secured i n p lace by faste n i n g wheel lugs to the non-engag ed wheel studs (91 QA) and then individually removi n g and replacing each retention device ( 1 00) with a wh eel l u g . [00 1 2 0] I n the present specification and clai m s (if any) , the word 'comprising' and its derivatives i nclud i n g 'comprises' and 'comprise ' include each of the stated integ ers but does n ot excl ude the inclusion of o n e or m o re further i ntegers. [00 1 2 1 ] Reference throug hout this specification to 'one embodiment' o r 'an embodiment' mean s that a particular feature , structure, or characteristic described in co n n ecti o n with the embodim ent is i ncl uded in at least one embodi ment of the present inventi o n . Th u s , the appearance of the ph rases 'in one embodiment' o r 'in an embodiment' i n various p laces throug hout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embod i m ent. Furthermore, the particular featu res, structures, or ch aracteristics m ay be co m b i n ed in any suitable man ner in o n e or more com bi n ati ons. [00 1 22] In compliance with the statute, the i nventio n has been described in lan g u ag e m ore or less specific to structural or methodical features . It is to be u nderstood th at the i nvention is not l i m ited to specific features shown or described si nce the m eans h erei n described com prises preferred forms of putti ng the i nventi o n i nto effect. The i nvention is, therefore, clai m ed in any of its forms or modifications within the p roper scope of the appended clai m s (if any) appropriatel y i nterp reted b y those ski l l ed in the art. CA 03198752 2023-5-12

Claims

15 CLAIMS 1. A retention device for retaining a wheel rim relative to a wheel hub having at least one wheel stud extending therefrom, said device comprising: a body having a mounting end and an opposed outer end and defining a receiving opening extending from the mounting end at lesast partially towards the outer end, said receiving opening configured to at least partially receive the wheel stud therein; a plurality of wedge elements aligned and arranged within the body to engage with the wheel stud; and at least one continuous ring-shaped magnetic member located about a periphery of the receiving opening, said continuous ring-shaped magnetic member configured to magnetically mount the retention device to a nave plate of a wheel rim and to align the receiving opening of the device relative to an opening defined in the nave plate for receiving the at least one wheel stud therethrough.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein each of the wedge elements are aligned relative to the body with a tip of the element located towards the mounting end and a base of the element located towards the outer end.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein each wedge element comprises an inner concave surface and a plurality of grooves defined thereon, said plurality of grooves adapted to match an external thread of the wheel stud.

4. The device of claim 3, wherein the plurality of grooves on the wedge elements combine to form an internal thread adapted to engage with the external thread of the wheel stud.

5. The device of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the wedge elements are axially moveable relative to the body and the receiving opening to expand and fit about the wheel stud when the device is pressed towards the wheel hub.

6. The device of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the wedge elements are axially moveable relative to the body and the receiving opening to constrict about the wheel stud when the device is moved away from the wheel hub to prevent disengagement from the wheel stud. CA 3198752 Date reçue / Received date 2025-10-17 16 7. The device of any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a biasing member or mechanism for biasing the plurality of wedge elements towards the mounting end.

8. The device of claim 7, wherein the biasing member or mechanism is a spring located between the wedge elements and the outer end so that axial movement of the wedge elements towards the outer end acts against a biasing force of the biasing member or mechanism.

9. The device of any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an alignment member for aligning the plurality of wedge elements relative to one another within the body.

10. The device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the wedge elements each comprise a chamfer at a tip for guiding and aligning the wheel stud when received in the receiving opening relative to the wedge elements.

11. The device of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a disengagement member for disengaging the plurality of wedge elements from the wheel stud.

12. The device of claim 11, wherein the disengagement member is a fastener configured to be received through an opening defined in a side of the body or the outer end for fixing the wedge elements relative to the body and enabling the device to be threaded free of the wheel stud.

13. The device of claim 11, wherein the outer end defines an external socket formation for engaging with a torque applying tool and comprises an opening for receiving the disengagement member therethrough for fixing the wedge elements relative to the body and enabling the device to threaded free of the wheel stud.

14. The device of claim 12, wherein the disengagement member is at least partially received in one of the plurality of wedge elements for fixing the wedge elements relative to the body.

15. The device of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the receiving opening extends entirely through the mounting end and the opposed outer end. CA 3198752 Date reçue / Received date 2025-10-17 17 16. The device of claim 15, further comprising a socket end member connectable to the outer end for retaining the plurality of wedge elements in the body, said socket end member comprising an external socket formation and at least one locating hole.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a custom removal tool configured to engage with the socket end member for disengagement of the device from the wheel stud.

18. The device of claim 17, wherein the custom removal tool comprises a locating pin configured to be received in the locating hole for fixing the wedge elements relative to the body.

19. A method of retaining a wheel rim during fitting, said method comprising: mounting a plurality of retention devices according to claim 1 to a nave plate of the wheel rim; and pressing the wheel rim onto a wheel hub such that each of the plurality of retention devices aligns and engages with a respective wheel stud extending from the wheel hub and retains the wheel rim relative to the wheel hub.

20. The method of claim 19, further comprising individually removing and replacing each retention device with a wheel lug. CA 3198752 Date reçue / Received date 2025-10-17