Wheel assembly, lock ring for a wheel assembly, handle engageable with the lock ring, and related methods

Abstract

A lock ring system can include one or more lock ring segments configured to at least partially define an annular lock ring; and one or more coupler plates configured to couple a first ring segment end of a first lock ring segment to a second ring segment end of the first lock ring segment or to a ring segment end of a second lock ring segment. The one or more coupler plates can be configured to be received in a ring recess of the one or more lock ring segments. The one or more coupler plates can be coupled to the one or more ring segment ends by fasteners and can be configured to slide relative to the ring recess when the fasteners are loosened, such that the lock ring formed by the one or more lock ring segments can be installed on or removed from a wheel assembly. A handle can be used to help maintain separation of the lock ring segments during handling and to help handle the lock ring during removal of the lock ring from a wheel assembly and installation of the lock ring on a wheel assembly.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 62 / 928,915, filed October 31, 2019, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to wheel assemblies, locking rings for wheel assemblies, handles that can engage with locking rings, and related methods. Background Technology

[0004] Some wheel assemblies for vehicles include retaining rings to help hold the tire on the wheel assembly. For example, wheel assemblies for mounting particularly large tires may include retaining rings to help hold the tire on the wheel assembly. However, at least some of these retaining rings have been found to be difficult to remove. Furthermore, some such retaining rings may be relatively large and heavy, and may be cumbersome for individual handling, for example, during removal from or installation onto the wheel assembly. The wheel assemblies, locking rings, handles, and / or related methods described herein may address one or more of these potential drawbacks. Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to a first aspect, the locking ring system may include a locking ring section configured to at least partially define an annular locking ring and a curved longitudinal axis extending along the length of the locking ring section between an end of a first ring section and an end of a second ring section. The locking ring section may define a ring cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the ring cross-section may include an outer ring surface and an inner ring surface opposite to the outer ring surface. One of the inner or outer ring surfaces may define a ring recess configured to at least partially receive a connector plate. The ring cross-section may also define a first ring sidewall and a second ring sidewall opposite to the first ring sidewall. The locking ring section may include a first ring hole defined adjacent to an end of the first ring section and extending between: (1) the first and second ring sidewalls; or (2) the outer and inner ring surfaces. The locking ring section may also include a second ring hole defined adjacent to an end of the second ring section and extending between: (1) the first and second ring sidewalls; or (2) the outer and inner ring surfaces.

[0006] The locking ring system may further include a connector plate configured to connect one of the first ring segment end to a second ring segment end or a ring segment end of a second locking ring segment. The connector plate may include an outer surface, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. The connector plate may define a connector groove extending between: (1) the first and second sidewalls; or (2) the outer and inner surfaces. The connector plate may be configured to be received in a ring recess of the locking ring segment.

[0007] According to another aspect, the locking ring section can be configured to at least partially form an annular locking ring. The locking ring section can define a curved longitudinal axis extending along the length of the locking ring section between the ends of a first and second ring section. The locking ring section can also define an annular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The annular cross-section can include an outer ring surface and an inner ring surface opposite to the outer ring surface. One of the inner or outer ring surfaces can define an annular recess configured to at least partially receive a connector plate. The annular cross-section can also include a first annular sidewall and a second annular sidewall opposite to the first annular sidewall. The locking ring section can include a first annular hole defined adjacent to the end of the first ring section and extending between one of: (1) the first and second annular sidewalls; or (2) the outer and inner ring surfaces. The locking ring section can also include a second annular hole defined adjacent to the end of the second ring section and extending between one of: (1) the first and second annular sidewalls; or (2) the outer and inner ring surfaces.

[0008] According to another aspect, the connector plate can be configured to connect a first ring segment end of a locking ring section to one of a second ring segment end of a locking ring section or a ring segment end of a second locking ring section. The connector plate may include an outer surface, an inner surface opposite to the outer surface, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall opposite to the first sidewall. The connector plate may define a connector groove extending between one of: (1) the first sidewall and the second sidewall; or (2) the outer surface and the inner surface. The connector plate may be configured to receive in at least one of a first ring recess in a first ring end section or a second ring recess in one of a second ring segment or a ring end section of a second locking ring section.

[0009] According to another aspect, a method for separating opposite locking ring ends from each other may include loosening a first fastener connecting a first end of a connector plate to a first opposite locking ring end, sliding the first end of the connector plate relative to the first opposite locking ring end to separate the first opposite locking ring end from the second opposite locking ring end, and engaging a handle including a handle body with the connector plate such that the connector plate maintains the separation of the first opposite locking ring end from the second opposite locking ring end. Attached Figure Description

[0010] The accompanying drawings are provided for detailed description. In the drawings, the same reference numerals in different drawings indicate similar or identical items.

[0011] Figure 1 It is a schematic exploded perspective view showing example tires and wheel assemblies used for the machine.

[0012] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The diagram shows a schematic quarter-section view of an example tire and wheel assembly.

[0013] Figure 3 This is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of an example tire and wheel assembly.

[0014] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The schematic detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the example tire and wheel assembly shown illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the example locking ring section.

[0015] Figure 5 It is a schematic side view of an example lock ring system including an example lock ring section and an example connector plate, including a detailed perspective partial cross-sectional view of the example connector plate.

[0016] Figure 6 This is a schematic partial side sectional view of an example connector plate.

[0017] Figure 7A This is a schematic partial side view of the end of an example ring segment.

[0018] Figure 7B yes Figure 7A The schematic partial side cross-sectional view of the example ring segment end shown illustrates an example ring recess configured to at least partially receive the connector plate.

[0019] Figure 8A This is a schematic partial perspective view of a portion of the example locking ring that engages with the example rim, showing from the outside that the example connector plate uses four example fasteners to connect the example first ring segment end and the example second ring segment end to each other.

[0020] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A The diagram shows a schematic partial perspective view of the exterior of the example connector plate and the first and second ring segment ends, wherein the first and second ring segment ends are separated from each other using two of the example fasteners and the connector plate portion.

[0021] Figure 9A This is a schematic partial perspective view of another example locking ring, showing two of the four example fasteners separated from the connector plate and the ring section end.

[0022] Figure 9B yes Figure 9A The diagram shows a schematic partial perspective view of the exterior of the example connector plate and the first and second ring segment ends, wherein the first and second ring segment ends are separated from each other using two example fasteners and the connector plate.

[0023] Figure 10A This is a schematic perspective view of an example handle used to keep the ends of opposite loop segments separated before engaging with the ends of opposite loop segments.

[0024] Figure 10B yes Figure 10A The example handle shown is a schematic perspective view from different angles.

[0025] Figure 10C yes Figure 10A and 10B The diagram shows a schematic perspective view of an example handle, with a portion of the example handle engaging an example connector plate.

[0026] Figure 10D yes Figures 10A-10C The schematic perspective view of the example handle shown shows example first and second engagement fasteners of the handle engaging with example connector plates.

[0027] Figure 10E yes Figure 10A-10D The schematic perspective view of the example handle shown indicates that the first and second engaging fasteners of the handle engage with the connector plate and the example fasteners connect the handle to the connector plate, such that the example opposite ring segment ends of the locking ring remain separated from each other.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic perspective view of another example handle.

[0029] Figure 12A yes Figure 11 The schematic partial perspective view of the example handle shown shows example first and second engagement fasteners of the handle engaging with example opposite ring segment ends of an example locking ring, which is connected to an example rim of the example wheel assembly.

[0030] Figure 12B yes Figure 12A The schematic side cross-sectional view of the example handle shown is engaged with the end of the example ring segment.

[0031] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of another example handle with two grips.

[0032] Figure 14 yes Figure 13 The example handle shown is a schematic partial perspective view, which is joined in the opposite loop segment end.

[0033] Figure 15 This is a schematic perspective view of an example tire and wheel assembly, including two example handles that engage with the opposite ring section ends of two example locking ring sections. Detailed Implementation

[0034] This disclosure generally relates to wheel assemblies, locking rings for wheel assemblies, handles that engage with the locking rings, and related methods. As described earlier herein, it has been found that at least some retaining rings used to help hold a tire on a wheel assembly can be difficult to remove. Furthermore, some such retaining rings can be relatively large, heavy, and cumbersome to handle individually, for example, during removal from or installation onto the wheel assembly.

[0035] In some examples described herein, the locking ring may include ring segment ends configured to connect to each other via a connector plate. The locking ring and / or connector plate may be configured such that one or more fasteners connecting the locking ring plate and the opposing ring segment ends to each other are relatively more protected from damage and / or contamination compared to other configurations. The locking ring and / or connector plate may provide a relatively lower profile, which may be relatively less likely to jam the wheel assembly and / or other parts of the tire compared to other configurations.

[0036] In some examples described herein, the locking ring, coupling plate, and / or handle facilitate single-person maintenance and / or removal of the locking ring and / or improve the convenience of maintenance and / or removal by multiple people. When removing the locking ring from the wheel assembly, the locking ring and / or coupling plate can reduce and / or eliminate the need to separate the coupling plate from the locking ring. In particular, the handle can provide the ability to keep the two opposing ring segment ends of the locking ring separated. Furthermore, the coupling plate and / or handle can provide the ability to maintain the position of one or more fasteners used to connect the opposing ring segment ends, for example, to prevent accidental misalignment of the fasteners when the locking ring is loosened from around the rim and / or separated from the wheel assembly. During loosening and / or separation from the wheel assembly, the handle can provide relatively safe handling of the locking ring.

[0037] Figure 1This is a schematic exploded perspective view showing an example tire 10 and wheel assembly 12 for machine 14, wherein the tire 10 is mounted to the wheel assembly 12, which in turn may be mounted to the machine 14, for example, to the chassis of the machine 14. The tire 10, wheel assembly 12, and / or machine 14 may be specifically designed for off-road use, for both off-road and on-road use, and / or specifically for on-road use. For example, machine 14 may include any type of ground machinery or vehicle configured to traverse terrain, such as construction machinery, mining machinery, trucks, agricultural vehicles, motor vehicles, highway trucks, off-road trucks, and / or any other machinery known to those skilled in the art. The tire 10 may be a pneumatic tire, a non-pneumatic tire, and / or a tire at least partially filled with one or more materials other than a fluid or gas.

[0038] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figure 3, the example tire 10 and wheel assembly 12 may define an inner side 16, which is configured to be adjacent to the chassis of the machine 14 and / or adjacent to another tire and wheel assembly located inside the tire 10 and wheel assembly 12 (e.g., in a dual-tire / dual-wheel configuration), and an outer side 18, which is configured to face outward relative to the machine 14 and / or face outward relative to another tire and wheel assembly located outside the tire 10 and wheel assembly 12. In the illustrated example, the wheel assembly 12 includes a rim base 20 around which the inner circumference of the tire 10 can be mounted. The example wheel assembly 12 also includes an inner ring 22 and an outer ring 24 disposed on opposite sides of the wheel assembly 12.

[0039] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic quarter-section view of the example tire 10 and example wheel assembly 12 shown. Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A schematic partial cross-sectional view of the tire 10 and wheel assembly 12 is shown. Figure 2 and 3 As shown, when the tire 10 is mounted on the wheel assembly 12, the inner sidewall 26 and the opposite outer sidewall 27 of the tire 10 are held on the rim base 20 between the inner ring 22 and the outer ring 24. In some examples, the tire 10 may be a pneumatic tire, and when air and / or another fluid or gas is supplied to the tire 10, the pressure inside the tire 10 causes the inner sidewall 26 and the outer sidewall 27 to press against the inner ring 22 and the outer ring 24, respectively.

[0040] In the example shown, the inner side of the rim base includes an annular bead flange 28, which is configured to retain an inner ring 22 such that the inner ring 22 is held between the bead flange 28 and the inner wall 26 of the tire 10. Figure 2 and 3As shown, the example wheel assembly 12 also includes a bead seat belt 30 configured to hold the outer ring 24 against the outer sidewall 27 of the tire 10; and a locking ring 32 configured to secure the bead seat belt 30 at a suitable position on the rim base 20, such that the outer ring 24 prevents the outer sidewall 27 of the tire 10 from moving outward. Figure 1-3 As shown, the wheel assembly 12 may also include an O-ring seal 34, which is received in a complementary annular groove 36 in the opposing surfaces of the bead seat belt 30 and the locking ring 32.

[0041] During the mounting of the example tire 10 onto the example wheel assembly 12, in some examples, the locking ring 32, bead seat band 30, and inner ring 22 are separated from the rim base 20. The inner ring 22 slides onto the outer side of the wheel assembly 12, across the rim base 20, and toward the bead flange 28 until the inner ring 22 is abutted against the bead flange 28. Subsequently, in some examples, the tire 10 can slide onto the outer side 18 of the wheel assembly 12 such that the inner circumference of the tire 10 is mounted around the rim base 20 and the inner sidewall 26 approaches and / or abuts the inner ring 22. In the absence of pressure in the tire, for example when the tire 10 is a pneumatic tire, the outer sidewall 27 can be pressed against the inner sidewall 26. Subsequently, the outer ring 24 can be positioned around the rim base 20, and the bead seat band 30 can be inserted into the inner circumference of the outer ring 24, located between the outer ring 24 and the rim base 20. The outer side of the rim base 20 may define an annular rim base groove 38, which is configured to receive a complementary protrusion 40 of the locking ring 32. As described herein, the protrusion 40 may be configured to facilitate the positioning of the locking ring 32 such that the protrusion 40 is received in the rim base groove 38, thereby preventing the tire 10 from sliding outward toward the wheel assembly 12 without first separating the locking ring 32 from the rim base 20.

[0042] For example, Figure 4 yes Figure 3 The schematic detailed cross-sectional view of a portion of the example tire 10 and wheel assembly 12 shown illustrates a detailed cross-sectional view of the example locking ring section 42. Figure 4 As shown, in some examples, the rim base groove 38 includes a radial groove portion 39, and the protrusion 40 includes a corresponding radial protrusion portion 41. The radial groove portion 39 and the radial protrusion portion 41 provide a contact surface between the rim base groove 38 and the protrusion 40 of the locking ring 32.

[0043] During the removal of tire 10 from wheel assembly 12, pressure is released from tire 10 (e.g., if it is a pneumatic tire), and locking ring 32 can be separated from rim base 20, for example, as described herein, thereby facilitating the removal of bead seat belt 30 and outer ring 24 from rim base 20. Tire 10 can then slide outward across the width of rim base 20 and separate from wheel assembly 12. In some examples, if tire 10 and wheel assembly 12 are located outward relative to the inner tire and wheel assembly, inner ring 22 can be removed from rim base 20 by sliding it outward toward the outer side of rim base 20 and separating it from rim base 20. Subsequently, in some examples, the inner tire and wheel assembly can be separated from the inner wheel assembly by removing the associated locking ring, bead seat belt, and outer ring from the inner rim base, allowing the inner tire to slide away from the inner rim base, across the outer rim base 20, and separate from the outer wheel assembly 12.

[0044] Figure 5 This is a schematic side view of an example locking ring system 44, which includes two example locking ring segments 42 and two example connector plates 46, and includes a detailed perspective partial cross-sectional view of one of the two example connector plates 46 that connects the two locking ring segments 42 to each other. Other numbers of locking ring segments 42 and connector plates 46 can be envisioned, including, for example, one locking ring segment 42 and one connector plate 46 connecting opposing ring segment ends 48 to each other, more than two locking ring segments 42, and more than two connector plates 46 connecting multiple opposing ring segment ends 48 to each other to form a single locking ring 32.

[0045] refer to Figure 4 and 5 The illustrated example locking ring 32 includes an example locking ring system 44. The illustrated example locking ring system 44 includes two locking ring segments 42. One or more of the locking ring segments 42 may be configured to at least partially define an annular locking ring 32 and a curved longitudinal axis R, extending along the length of the locking ring segment 42 between a first ring segment end 48a and a second ring segment end 48b. In some examples, one or more of the locking ring segments 42 may define an annular cross-section 50 perpendicular to the longitudinal axis R. The annular cross-section 50 may include an outer annular surface 52 and an inner annular surface 54 opposite to the outer annular surface 52. The inner annular surface 52 or the outer annular surface 54 may define an annular recess 56 configured to at least partially receive a connector plate 46. In some examples, the annular cross-section 50 may also define a first annular sidewall 58 and a second annular sidewall 60 opposite to the first annular sidewall 58.

[0046] like Figure 4 and 5 As shown, the inner surface 54 of the example ring defines a protrusion 40 configured to engage the groove 38 of the rim base (see example...). Figure 2 and 3 For example, the protrusion 40 may extend substantially continuously and / or discontinuously along the length of the corresponding locking ring segment 42. In some examples, the ring recess 56 may be defined between the first ring sidewall 58 and the second ring sidewall 60. In some examples, the ring recess 56 may be defined at least partially by the inner ring surface 54. In some examples, the ring recess 56 may be substantially closed, for example, such that at least a portion of the length of the locking ring segment 42 is substantially tubular.

[0047] exist Figure 5 In this diagram, a portion of the first ring end section 48a (i.e., the first ring sidewall 58) has been omitted to show the interior of an example ring recess 56 of the first ring end section 48a. In some examples, one or more of the locking ring sections 42 may include a first ring hole 62 defined adjacent to the first ring section end 48a and extending between the first ring sidewall 58 and the second ring sidewall 60, or between the outer ring surface 52 and the inner ring surface 54. One or more of the locking ring sections 42 may also include a second ring hole 64 defined adjacent to the second ring section end 48b and extending between the first ring sidewall 58 and the second ring sidewall 60, or between the outer ring surface 52 and the inner ring surface 54.

[0048] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, in some examples, the locking ring system 44 may also include one or more connector plates 46 (e.g., two connector plates 46) configured to abut the first ring segment end 48a to the second ring segment end 48b or the ring segment end 48 of the second locking ring segment 42. Figure 5 and 6 As shown, one or more of the connector plates 46 may include an outer plate surface 66, an inner plate surface 68 opposite to the outer plate surface 66, a first plate sidewall 70, and a second plate sidewall 72 opposite to the first plate sidewall 70. In some examples, one or more connector plates 46 may define a connector groove 74 extending between the first plate sidewall 70 and the second plate sidewall 72 or between the outer plate surface 66 and the inner plate surface 68.

[0049] For example, such as Figure 6 As shown, the connector plate 46 may define a curved connector longitudinal axis C that extends along the length of the connector plate 46 between a first connector end 75 and a second connector end 77. In the example shown, the connector groove 74 extends along the connector longitudinal axis C. In some examples, the connector longitudinal axis C has a connector radius of curvature that substantially corresponds to the radius of curvature of the curved longitudinal axis R of one or more locking ring segments 42. In some examples, for example, as... Figure 5 and Figure 6As shown, the connector plate 46 may define a first connector groove 74a and a second connector groove 74b, both extending between the first plate sidewall 70 and the second plate sidewall 72 or between the outer surface 66 and the inner surface 68 of the plate. For example, as Figure 6 As shown, the first connector groove 74a and the second connector groove 74b extend between the first plate sidewall 70 and the second plate sidewall 72. In some examples, the connector plate 46 may be configured to be received in the annular recess 56 of one or more locking ring sections 42, such that the connector plate 46 is substantially enclosed within one or more locking ring sections 42 and protected from the external working environment or potential damage to the external working environment.

[0050] Such as about Figure 6 , 8B As explained in more detail in 9B, some examples of the connector plate 46 may also include a first connector hole 92 and a second connector hole 94, each configured to receive a fastener 84. For example, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the first and second connector holes 92 and 94 may each include a first portion passing through the outer surface 66 of the plate and a second portion passing through the inner surface 68 of the plate. In some examples, the second portions of the first and second connector holes 92 and 94 may have internal threads to engage with threads on the fastener 84. This exemplary configuration can provide a position for holding two of the fasteners 84 in place once the second annular hole 64 is removed from the annular segment end 48, for example, when the annular segment ends 48 are separated from each other to remove the locking ring 32 from the rim base 20. With the fasteners 84 located in the first and second connector holes 92 and 94, the fasteners 84 can be used to maintain a spacing between the annular segment ends 48a and 48b sufficient to provide clearance for removing the locking ring 32 from the rim base 20.

[0051] like Figure 6 As shown, the connector plate 46 may have a length dimension sufficient to separate the opposing ring segment ends 48a and 48b from each other, for example, such that the locking ring 32 can be removed from the rim base 20 when the fasteners 84 are retained in the respective first ring holes 62 (but not in the respective second ring holes 64). For example, the ring segment ends 48a and 48b may be separated enough to allow the protrusions 40 of the locking ring segments 42 to exit the rim base recesses 38 of the rim base 20. Additionally, in some examples, connector grooves 74a and 74b may be sized and positioned in the connector plate 46 to provide sufficient separation between the first and second ring segment ends 48a and 48b when the two fasteners 84 are retained in the respective first ring holes 62.

[0052] like Figure 5As shown, in some examples, the locking ring 32 may include two locking ring segments 42 adjacent to each other via two connector plates 46. In such an example, the fastener 84 in the corresponding second ring hole 64 can be removed, and the fastener 84 in the first ring hole 62 can be loosened to allow the corresponding first and second ring segment ends 48a and 48b to slide outward relative to the connector plate 46 when the fastener 84 in the first ring hole 62 slides along the corresponding connector grooves 74a and 74b, thereby separating the first and second ring segment ends 48a and 48b from each other (see example...). Figure 8A , 8B (9A and 9B). For example, as described above, the fastener 84 received in the second ring hole 64 can be placed in the first and second connector holes 92 and 94, such that separation between the first and second ring segment ends 48a and 48b is maintained during the processing of the locking ring 32 (see, for example...). Figure 8B and 9B ).

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, the example connector plate 46 can be configured to have a length extending from the first connector end 75 to the second connector end 77, such that the opposing ring segment ends 48a and 48b can be separated from each other by an amount sufficient to remove the locking ring 32 from the rim base 20, for example, without removing the connector plate 46 from the annular recesses 56 of the opposing ring segment ends 48a and 48b. For example, the connector plate 46 can have a length corresponding to a portion of the circumference of the locking ring 32, which can be expressed, for example, as having a radial angle CL at the apex located at the center of the locking ring 32. For example, for a locking ring 32 for a wheel assembly 12 having a diameter of 57 inches, the angle CL can be approximately 15 degrees, although other angles are conceivable and can depend on, for example, the diameter of the wheel assembly 12. In some examples, the angle CL can range from approximately 10 degrees to approximately 20 degrees, from approximately 11 degrees to approximately 19 degrees, from approximately 12 degrees to approximately 17 degrees, from approximately 13 degrees to approximately 17 degrees, from approximately 14 degrees to approximately 17 degrees, or from approximately 15 degrees to approximately 17 degrees.

[0054] Figure 7A and 7BThese are schematic partial side views and partial side cross-sectional views of an example ring segment end 48. In the illustrated example, the ring segment end 48 includes a first annular hole 62 and a second annular hole 64 extending between a first annular sidewall 58 and a second annular sidewall 60. In some examples, the first annular hole 62 may include a first hole segment 76 extending through the first annular sidewall 58 or the outer surface 52 of the ring (e.g., through the first annular sidewall 58, as shown). In some examples, the first annular hole 62 may also include a second hole segment extending into the second annular sidewall 60 or the inner surface 54 of the ring (e.g., through the second annular sidewall 60, as shown). In some examples, the first hole segment 76 defines a first orifice 80 configured to receive the head 82 of a fastener 84 (e.g., the cap portion of a cap screw, see example...). Figure 5 Or pin 132, see example Figure 14 The second hole section 78 defines a second opening 86, which defines an internal thread configured to engage the fastener 84. Figure 5 , 6 As shown in A and 6B and as described above, some examples of the annular segment end 48 may include two or more annular holes, for example, each having at least similar hole segments.

[0055] like Figure 5 As shown, the connector plate 46 can be received in the corresponding annular recess 56 of the opposing annular segment end 48. A fastener 84 can pass through the first hole section 76 of the annular segment end 48, through the connector groove 74, and into the second hole section 78, and, if threaded, tighten to secure the annular segment end 48 and the connector plate 46 to each other. For example, the opposing end faces of the opposing annular segment ends 48 will be closely abutted to each other, such that the resulting locking ring 32 is tightly secured around the rim base 20, wherein the protrusion 40 of the locking ring 32 is received in the annular rim base groove 38 (see example...). Figure 3 and Figure 4 ).

[0056] Figure 8A This is a schematic partial perspective view of an example locking ring 32 that engages with the example rim base 20, showing from the outside that the example connector plate 46 uses four example fasteners 84 to connect the example first ring segment end 48a and the example second ring segment end 48b to each other. As shown, in some examples, the head 82 of the fastener 84 may be received in a corresponding orifice 80, such that the head 82 does not protrude relative to the first plate sidewall 70, thus protecting the fastener 84 from potential damage from the external working environment. This example construction prevents the locking ring 32 from unintentionally getting stuck in the tire 10, other parts of the wheel assembly 12, and / or the clothing, hands, or gloves of the person handling the locking ring 32 in the area near the connector plate 46.

[0057] Figure 8B yes Figure 8A The diagram shows a schematic partial perspective view of the exterior of the example connector plate 46 and the first and second ring segment ends 48a and 48b, wherein the first and second ring segment ends 48a and 48b are separated from each other. Figure 9A and 9B This is a schematic partial perspective view of another example locking ring 32, showing two of the four example fasteners 84 that are separated from the connector plate 46 and the ring section ends 48a and 48b. Figure 9A The first and second ring segment ends 48a and 48b are separated from each other and held in place using two removed fasteners 84 and a coupling plate 46. For example, to loosen the locking ring 32 and separate it from the rim base 20, the fasteners 84 can be loosened so that the coupling plate 46 can slide within one or more of the annular recesses 56 of the first and second ring segment ends 48a and 48b. The two fasteners 84 furthest from the distal ends 88 of the first and second ring segment ends 48a and 48b can be removed from the second annular hole 64 so that the separation 90 between the distal ends 88 can be increased sufficiently to allow the locking ring 32 to slide out of and separate from the rim base 20.

[0058] In some examples, two removed fasteners 84 can be used to maintain separation 90, for example, as... Figure 8B , 9A As shown in 9B. For example, as Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the connector plate 46 may include a first connector hole 92 extending perpendicularly to the first connector slot 74a and configured to receive a first fastener in the fastener 84. The first connector hole 92 may extend between the first plate sidewall 70 and the second plate sidewall 72 or between the outer surface 66 and the inner surface 68 of the plate. Furthermore, some examples of the connector plate 46 may also include a second connector hole 94 extending perpendicularly to the second connector slot 74b and configured to receive a second fastener in the fastener 84. The second connector hole 94 may extend between the first plate sidewall 70 and the second plate sidewall 72 or between the outer surface 66 and the inner surface 68 of the plate.

[0059] exist Figure 6 , 8B In the examples shown in 9A and 9B, the first and second connector holes 92 and 94 extend between the outer surface 66 and the inner surface 68 of the plate. Figure 8B , 9A As shown in Figure 9B, as described above, the two removed fasteners 84 can be used to maintain the separation 90 between the distal ends 88 of the locking ring section 42 by an amount sufficient to allow the locking ring 32 to slide out of and separate from the rim base 20.

[0060] Refer again Figure 6The distance between the first connector hole 92 and the second connector hole 94 can be configured such that when the corresponding fasteners 84 are received in the first and second connector holes 92 and 94, the distance between the corresponding fasteners 84 is sufficient to separate the opposing ring segment ends 48a and 48b of the locking ring 32 from each other by an amount sufficient to remove the locking ring 32 from the rim base 20, for example, without removing the connector plate 46 from the ring recess 56. For example, the distance between the first and second connector holes corresponds to a portion of the circumference of the locking ring 32, which can be expressed, for example, as having a radial angle CA at a vertex located at the center of the locking ring 32. For example, for the locking ring 32 of a wheel assembly 12 with a diameter of 57 inches, the angle CA could be approximately 10 degrees, although other angles are possible and can depend, for example, on the diameter of the wheel assembly 12. In some examples, the angle CA can range from approximately 7 degrees to approximately 13 degrees, from approximately 8 degrees to approximately 12 degrees, or from approximately 9 degrees to approximately 11 degrees.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, in some examples, the inner surface 68 of the connector plate 46 may include a chamfered end 96 located at one or more of the first and second connector ends 75 and 77 of some examples of the connector plate 46. One or more chamfered ends 96 may provide a clearance in the connector plate 46 to receive in an annular recess 56 of the opposing annular segment ends 48, and / or to allow the opposing annular segment ends 48a and 48b to separate from each other as described herein without separating the connector plate 46 from the annular recess 56. For example, the chamfered end 96 of the connector plate 46 may have an angle CB measured relative to the connector plate 46, parallel to a radial line extending through the center of the locking ring 32. For example, for a locking ring 32 for a wheel assembly 12 having a diameter of 57 inches, the angle CB may be approximately 80 degrees, although other angles may be considered and may depend on, for example, the diameter of the wheel assembly 12. In some examples, the angle CB can be in the range of approximately 70 degrees to approximately 85 degrees, approximately 77 degrees to approximately 83 degrees, approximately 78 degrees to approximately 82 degrees, or approximately 79 degrees to approximately 81 degrees.

[0062] In some examples, such as Figure 7A , 7B As shown in 9A and 9B, the inner surface 54 of one or more of the ring segment ends 48a or 48b may include a chamfered end 98. In some examples, for example, such as... Figure 9A and 9BAs shown, this can provide clearance for the locking ring segment 42 to slide relative to the rim base 20 while still being held together by the coupling plate 46. For example, the chamfered end 98 of the ring segment end 48 can have an angle RB measured relative to a corresponding face of the distal end 88 of the ring segment end 48, which is parallel to a radial line extending through the center of the locking ring 32. For example, for a locking ring 32 for a wheel assembly 12 with a diameter of 57 inches, the angle RB could be approximately 65 degrees, but other angles can also be considered and can depend on, for example, the diameter of the wheel assembly 12. In some examples, the angle RB can be in the range of approximately 55 degrees to approximately 75 degrees, approximately 60 degrees to approximately 70 degrees, or approximately 65 degrees to approximately 70 degrees. In some examples, such as Figure 7A As shown, the leading edge of the beveled end 98 can originate from a distance D from the outer surface 52 of the ring, providing a gap for the locking ring section 42 to slide relative to the rim base 20 while still being held together by the coupling plate 46. In other examples, the distance D can extend further to increase the contact area between the protrusion 40 of the locking ring 32 and the rim base recess 38. For example, for a locking ring 32 for a wheel assembly 12 with a diameter of 57 inches, the distance D could be approximately 38 millimeters (mm), although other sizes can also be considered and can depend on, for example, the diameter of the wheel assembly 12. In some examples, the distance D can range from approximately 30 mm to approximately 45 mm, from approximately 33 mm to approximately 43 mm, or from approximately 35 mm to approximately 40 mm.

[0063] In some examples, the beveled end 98 can be configured such that at least a portion of the radially projecting portion 41 of the protrusion 40 remains substantially over the entire circumference of the locking ring 32 in contact with the radially recessed portion 39 of the rim base groove 38 (see, for example...). Figure 4 For example, even at the location provided at the beveled end 98 at each ring segment end 48a and 48b.

[0064] like Figure 7BAs shown, some examples of the ring segment end 48 may include a chamfered edge 99 located at a radially inward surface 101 adjacent to the distal end 88 of the ring segment end 88 in the ring recess 56. In some examples, such as during the assembly of the connector plate 46 to the ring segment ends 48a and 48b and / or during the separation of the ring segment ends 48a and 48b from each other, this may facilitate angular movement of the connector plate 46 relative to the respective ring recesses 56 of the opposing ring segment ends 48a and 48b, for example, as explained herein. For example, the chamfered edge 99 may have an angle RR measured relative to the corresponding face of the distal end 88 of the ring segment end 48, which is parallel to a radial line extending through the center of the locking ring 32. For example, for a locking ring 32 for a wheel assembly 12 having a diameter of 57 inches, the angle RR may be approximately 75 degrees, but other angles may also be considered and may depend on, for example, the diameter of the wheel assembly 12. In some examples, the angle RR can be in the range of approximately 65 degrees to approximately 85 degrees, approximately 70 degrees to approximately 80 degrees, or approximately 72 degrees to approximately 78 degrees.

[0065] In some examples, such as Figure 7A , 7B As shown in 9A and 9B, the connector plate 46 also includes a web 100 located between the first connector slot 74a and the second connector slot 74b, thereby separating the first and second connector slots 74a and 74b from each other.

[0066] Figure 10A , 10B Images 10C, 10D, and 10E show an example view sequence depicting an example method for separating opposing ring segment ends 48 from each other and an example handle 102 for aiding in the separation. Figures 10A to 10E As shown, the example handle 102 includes a handle body 104 extending between a first end 106 and a second end 108. The example handle 102 also includes a first engagement fastener 110 adjacent to the first end 106 and a second engagement fastener 112 adjacent to the second end 108. The first engagement fastener 110 and the second engagement fastener 112 may be configured to engage at least a portion of the opposing ring segment ends 48 of the coupling plate 46 and / or the locking ring 32. The example handle 102 also includes a grip portion coupled to the handle body 104 and configured to facilitate gripping of the handle 102. In some examples, the grip portion 114 may have a surface configured to enhance a person's grip on the handle 102. In some examples, the handle 102 may include more than one grip portion 114, such as two or three grip portions 114, as described below. Figure 13 and 14 The above are examples that can improve the ease of handling locking ring 32 and / or locking ring segment 42.

[0067] In the examples shown, at least one of the first engaging fastener 110 or the second engaging fastener 112 may include a groove 116 configured to engage a connector plate 46 configured to connect opposing ring segment ends 48a and 48b to each other. For example, as Figures 10A to 10E As shown, each of the first engaging fastener 110 and the second engaging fastener 112 includes grooves 116a and 116b, respectively. For example, grooves 116a and 116b may be configured to engage first and second connector grooves 74a and 74b of the connector plate 46, respectively. In some examples, such as those shown, the first engaging fastener 110 includes a first groove 116a defining a first open end 118a facing a first direction, and the second engaging fastener 112 includes a second groove 116b defining a second open end 118b facing a second direction. In the illustrated example, the first and second directions are opposite to each other. In some examples, the first and second directions may be substantially the same or inclined relative to each other.

[0068] like Figures 10A to 10E As shown, for some examples of handle 102, a first end 106 may define a first stop portion 120, and a second end 108 may define a second stop portion 122. Once handle 102 is engaged with connector plate 46 and / or opposing ring segment ends 48a and 48b, the first stop portion 120 and the second stop portion 122 may be configured to substantially maintain a gap or separation 90 between the opposing ring segment ends 48a and 48b, for example, as Figure 10D and 10E As shown. Figure 10A and 10B As shown, some examples of the handle 102 may include a pin 124 that is coupled to the handle body 104 and configured to engage with an aperture 126 in the outer surface 66 of the connector plate 46. For example, the pin 124 may be located on one side of the handle body 104 that is configured to abut the outer surface 66 of the connector plate 46. As described herein, the pin 124 and the aperture 126 may facilitate engagement of the first and second engagement fasteners 110 and 112 of the handle 102 with the connector plate 46.

[0069] like Figures 10A to 10E As shown, the handle body 104 defines the handle body axis H and the grip portion 114 defines the grip axis G. In some examples of the handle 102, the handle body axis H and the grip axis G are substantially parallel to each other, for example, as shown in... Figures 10A to 10E As shown. In some examples, the handle body axis H and the grip axis G are substantially orthogonal to each other, for example, as... Figure 11 , 12AAs shown in 12B. In some examples, the handle body axis H and the grip axis G are inclined relative to each other. For example, during maintenance of wheel assembly 12, the relative orientation of the handle body axis H and the grip axis G can be selected to provide ease of handling the locking ring 32 and / or the locking ring section 42. In examples including more than one grip portion 114, one or more of the corresponding grip axes G can be any combination of substantially orthogonal, substantially parallel, and inclined relative to the handle body axis H. The relative orientation can be selected to enhance the ease of operating the locking ring 32 and / or the locking ring section 42.

[0070] As mentioned above, Figures 10A to 10E An example sequence of views is shown, depicting an example method for separating opposing loop segment ends 48a and 48b from each other, and an example handle 102 for facilitating the separation. For example, the method may include releasing a first fastener 84 that engages a first connector end 75 of a connector plate 46 to a first opposing loop segment end 48a, and sliding the first connector end 75 of the connector plate 46 relative to the first opposing loop segment end 48a, thereby separating the first opposing loop segment end 48a from the second opposing loop segment end 48b.

[0071] In some examples, depending on the number of fasteners 84 securing the connector plate 46 to the first opposing loop segment end 48a, two or more fasteners 84 connecting the connector plate 46 to the first opposing loop segment end 48a can be loosened. In some examples, the method may further include loosening the second fastener 84 connecting the second connector end 77 of the connector plate 46 to the second opposing loop segment end 48b. Thereafter, the method may include sliding the second connector end 77 of the connector plate 46 relative to the second opposing loop segment end 48b, thereby increasing the separation 90 between the first opposing loop segment end 48a and the second opposing loop segment end 48b. In some examples, depending on the number of fasteners 84 securing the connector plate 46 to the second opposing loop segment end 48b, two or more fasteners 84 connecting the connector plate 46 to the second opposing loop segment end 48b can be loosened.

[0072] In some examples, the method may further include engaging the handle 102 with the connector plate 46 such that the handle 102 (e.g., the handle body 104) maintains a separation 90 between the first opposing loop segment end 48a and the second opposing loop segment end 48b, for example, as Figures 10A to 10DAs shown. Engaging the handle 102 to the connector plate 46 may include engaging a first end 106 of the handle body 104 to a first portion of the connector plate 46 and engaging a second end 108 of the handle body 104 to a second portion of the connector plate 46. For example, a first engagement retainer 110 may engage with a first connector slot 74a, and a second engagement retainer 112 may engage with a second connector slot 74b. As described above, some examples of the handle body 104 define a first stop portion 120 and a second stop portion 122, and engaging the handle 102 to the connector plate 46 may include engaging the handle 102 such that the first stop portion 120 and the second stop portion 122 are configured to substantially maintain a separation 90 between the first opposing ring segment end 48a and the second opposing ring segment end 48b.

[0073] like Figure 10C and 10D As shown, some examples of the method may include rotating the handle 102 about an axis A that extends radially relative to a locking ring 32, which includes a first opposing ring segment end 48a and a second opposing ring segment end 48b. As described above, some examples of the handle 102 may include a pin 124 associated with a handle body 104 (e.g., located on the underside of the handle body 104), and a connector plate 46 may define an aperture 126 on an outer surface 66 of the connector plate 46. For some such examples, engaging the handle 102 with the connector plate 46 may include engaging the pin 124 with the aperture 126 and rotating the handle 102 about axis A such that a first end 106 of the handle body 104 engages with the connector plate 46, and a second end 108 of the handle body 104 engages with the connector plate 46. For example, a first groove 116a of a first engaging member 110 may engage a first connector groove 74a, and a second groove 116b of a second engaging member 112 may engage a second connector groove 74b.

[0074] like Figure 10E As shown, according to some examples, engaging the handle 102 with the connector plate 46 may also include attaching the handle 102 to the connector plate 46 via at least one fastener 84. For example, at least one fastener 84 may include at least one fastener 84 that pre-connects the connector plate 46 and the first opposing ring segment end 48a or the second opposing ring segment end 48b to each other, as described above.

[0075] Figure 11 , 12A Figures 12B, 13, and 14 show further examples of a detachable handle 102 for engaging and manipulating the locking ring 32. Figure 11 and 12AAs shown, the handle 102 may have a handle body axis H that is inclined to and substantially orthogonal to the grip axis G. In this arrangement, the grip 114 provides a different lever action for operating the locking ring 32 compared to a configuration with a handle body axis H that is substantially parallel to the grip axis G. Figure 11 and 12A The grip 114 shown may include rubber or a similar flexible material to improve friction and comfort for the user's palm. Figure 11 and 12A In the middle, the separation of the relative ring section ends 48a and 48b from each other and the engagement of the handle 102 can be in accordance with the above-mentioned... Figures 10A to 10E The handle 102 is handled in essentially the same manner.

[0076] Figure 12B The image depicts the engagement within the retracted locking ring 32. Figure 12A The example handle 102 is shown in a side cross-sectional view. When engaged, the vertical portion of the handle 102 is centered above and substantially orthogonal to the locking ring 32. As a result, the handle 102 is positioned to provide stable balance and control over the mass of the locking ring 32 when it can be lifted or otherwise manipulated.

[0077] Figure 13 and 14 Another example of a detachable handle 102 for engaging and manipulating the locking ring 32 is shown. In this embodiment, the handle 102 includes a plurality of grips, in Figure 13 The image depicts two gripping elements 114a and 114b. Gripping elements 114a and 114b are substantially aligned along a common gripping axis G, although they may be positioned at an angle relative to each other or substantially parallel. In some examples, either or both of the gripping elements 114a and 114b may be angled radially downward to provide improved clearance with the surrounding structure.

[0078] The two grips 114a and 114b provide the user with additional leverage to operate the locking ring 32, particularly in applications where the wheel has a considerable diameter and mass relative to the user's size and strength, such as for a wheel assembly 12 with a diameter of 63 inches. To assist this leverage, the common grip axis G and the handle body axis H can be substantially coplanar, as shown below. Figure 14 As shown. In this configuration, the handle 102 and the grips 114a and 114b are substantially centered along the center line of mass of the locking ring 32, thereby providing stable and balanced manipulation of the locking ring 32.

[0079] The tie beam support 130 can extend between the grips 114a and 114b. The tie beam support 130 provides stability and strength to the handle 102 to help withstand the forces applied when a user lifts the locking ring 32 using both grips 114a and 114b. The tie beam support 130 is depicted with a rectangular cross-section, although circular, elliptical, or other shaped cross-sections are equally acceptable. The tie beam support 130 also provides an alternative structure for the grips 114a and 114b for the user to grasp and hold the handle 102.

[0080] Installing the handle 102 onto the locking ring 32 allows for compatibility with the above-mentioned... Figure 10A , 10B The process occurs in the same manner as described in 10C, 10D, and 10E regarding the separation of the relative ring ends 48. As stated above, as... Figure 5 As shown, fasteners 84 secure the relative ring sections to the connector plate 46 before the first relative ring section end 48a and the second relative ring section end 48b retract. The first step in the disengagement process involves removing one or more fasteners 84. Although in Figure 5 The fasteners 84 shown are capped screws, but fasteners 84 on each end of the connector plate 46, such as fasteners 84 passing through the first annular holes 62 in the first annular sidewall 58, can alternatively be pins or similar structures, which in Figure 14 The pin is depicted as pin 132. Pin 132, which is not easily removed from handle 102, makes it clear to the user which fasteners will be removed during the process.

[0081] In some examples, where pin 132 serves as fastener 84, a cotter pin joint is formed, which is held in place and slidably retains the respective opposing ring segments 48a or 48b to the connector plate 46, while providing increased retention movement between the components. Furthermore, the separation of the first opposing ring segment end 48a and the second opposing ring segment end 48b can be achieved by loosening and removing fewer capped screws (or similar fasteners) on each end of the connector plate 46 compared to if all fasteners were capped screws. After fastener 84 is removed from hole 86 and optional pin 132 is held in place, the first ring segment end 48a and the second ring segment end 48b can be slidably separated from each other, thereby exposing at least the central portion of the connector plate 46, as described above. Pin 132 will at least maintain a loose connection between each ring segment end 48 and the connector plate 46. In other examples, a capped screw or a similar device that requires tightening and loosening can be used instead of pin 132 to achieve a similar result, with the goal of minimizing the number of fasteners and other parts to be removed when separating the lock ring section ends 48a and 48b and then engaging the handle 102.

[0082] After removing fastener 84 Figure 14The handle 102 can be mounted onto the exposed connector plate 46 in a manner similar to that described above for a handle 102 with a single grip. Specifically, the handle 102 can be axially tilted and radially lowered onto the connector plate 46. The handle 102 can then be rotated about an axis A extending radially relative to the locking ring 32. By aligning the first engaging fastener 110 and the second engaging fastener 112 with corresponding slots 116a and 116b, the handle 102 can be rotated such that slots 116a and 116b engage with the first and second connector slots 74a and 74b of the connector plate 46, respectively. In some examples, fasteners 84 removed from each opposite ring segment end 48a and 48b to initiate the separation process can be radially mounted into the handle 102 and aligned with the first and second connector holes 92 and 94. Figure 14 As shown, tightening fastener 48 secures handle 102 in place between connector 46 and the corresponding end 48 of locking ring 32. A slidable connection between connector plate 46 and the corresponding ring segment ends 48a and 48b is maintained by using pin 132 or a similar connector, and in some examples, handle 102 is secured in place by using fastener 84 from orifice 86. Additional or removed fasteners during and after this process can be minimized or eliminated.

[0083] The example methods described above for separating the opposite loop segment ends 48 from each other can be incorporated into methods for processing a locking ring system 44 comprising one or more locking ring segments 42. For example, according to at least some examples of the methods described above, the method may include separating the opposite loop segment ends 48 of one or more locking ring segments 42. The method for processing the locking ring system 44 may also include, for example, gripping the handle 102 via one or more grip portions 114, and repositioning the locking ring system 44 relative to the wheel assembly 12. In some examples, the locking ring system 44 may include a plurality of locking ring segments 42 connected to each other, and the method may also include, for example, connecting a plurality of handles 102 to a plurality of locking ring segments 42, such that the number of locking ring segments 42 is equal to the number of handles 102. For example, the locking ring system 44 may include two locking ring segments 42 connected to each other, and the method may include connecting each of the two handles 102 to each of the two locking ring segments 42.

[0084] In some examples of this method, repositioning the locking ring system 44 may include sliding the locking ring system 44 away from the wheel assembly 12. For example, a person may grasp both handles 102 and slide the locking ring system 44 away from the wheel assembly 12. In some examples of this method, a first person may grasp the first handle of the two handles 102 and another person may grasp the second handle of the two handles 102. This example may be useful for removing a relatively large locking ring system 44 (e.g., for wheel assemblies 12 with a diameter of 57 inches to 63 inches (or larger)). Other numbers of handles 102, locking ring segments 42, and / or persons are also considered, for example, for wheel assemblies with larger diameters.

[0085] The example methods described above for separating the ends 48 of the relative ring segments from each other can be incorporated into methods for removing the tire 10 from the wheel assembly 12. For example, any of the methods described above can be performed, and then the tire 10 can be slid off the wheel assembly 12. In some examples, the methods described above for disassembling the wheel assembly 12 can be incorporated into the method for removing the tire 10 from the wheel assembly 12.

[0086] Figure 13 This is a schematic perspective view of an example tire 10 and wheel assembly 12, including two example handles 102 that engage with opposite loop section ends 48 of two example locking ring sections 42. Figure 13 In the example, tire 10 and wheel assembly 12 are shown resting on the sidewall of tire 10. In some examples, tire 10 can be mounted to and / or removed from wheel assembly 12, wherein tire 10 and wheel assembly are in an upright orientation. For example, a portion of the machine in which tire 10 and wheel assembly 12 are mounted can be raised such that the bottom of tire 10 is spaced above the ground. Thereafter, one or more of the methods described above can be performed to mount tire 10 and / or remove tire 10 from wheel assembly 12.

[0087] Although various aspects of this disclosure have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be conceived by modifying the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of this disclosure as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A locking ring system, comprising: A locking ring section is configured to at least partially define an annular locking ring and a curved longitudinal axis extending along the length of the locking ring section between an end of a first ring section and an end of a second ring section. The locking ring section defines a ring cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the ring cross-section comprising: outer surface of the ring; An inner surface of the ring, which is opposite to the outer surface of the ring, defines a ring recess; First ring sidewall; The second ring sidewall is opposite to the first ring sidewall, wherein the ring recess is substantially surrounded within the outer surface of the ring, the first ring sidewall, and the second ring sidewall; The locking ring section includes: The first annular hole is defined as being adjacent to the end of the first annular segment and extending between one of the following: The first ring sidewall and the second ring sidewall; or The outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the ring; The second annular hole is defined as being adjacent to the end of the second annular segment and extending between one of the following: The first ring sidewall and the second ring sidewall; or The outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the ring; and A connector plate configured to be received in the annular recess of the locking ring section and to connect the first ring section end to one of the second ring section end or the ring section end of the second locking ring section, the connector plate comprising: Outer surface of the board; The inner surface of the plate is opposite to the outer surface of the plate; The first plate sidewall; and The second plate sidewall is opposite to the first plate sidewall. The connector plate defines a connector slot that extends between one of the following: The sidewalls of the first plate and the sidewalls of the second plate; or The outer surface of the plate and the inner surface of the plate.

2. The locking ring system according to claim 1, wherein, The annular recess is defined between the first annular sidewall and the second annular sidewall.

3. The locking ring system according to claim 1, wherein, The ring recess is substantially closed, such that at least a portion of the length of the locking ring section is substantially tubular.

4. The locking ring system according to claim 1, further comprising: The third annular hole is defined as being adjacent to the first annular hole and extending between one of the following: The first ring sidewall and the second ring sidewall; or The outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the ring; and The fourth annular hole is defined as being adjacent to the end of the second annular hole and extending between one of the following: The first ring sidewall and the second ring sidewall; or The outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the ring.

5. The locking ring system according to claim 1, wherein, The connector plate defines a longitudinal axis of the connector, which extends along the length of the connector plate between a first connector end and a second connector end, and wherein the longitudinal axis of the connector is curved.

6. The locking ring system according to claim 1, wherein, The connector plate received in the ring recess is encapsulated by the locking ring section, and at least one fastener secures the locking ring section to the connector plate, with the head of the at least one fastener not protruding above the outer surface of the ring.

7. The locking ring system according to claim 1, wherein, The connector slot is constructed and positioned such that the locking ring can be removed from the rim base without separating the connector plate from the first ring section end.

8. The locking ring system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following: A first connector hole extends perpendicularly to a first connector slot and is configured to receive a first fastener and extends between one of the following: The sidewalls of the first plate and the sidewalls of the second plate; or The outer surface of the plate and the inner surface of the plate; or The second connector hole extends perpendicularly to the second connector slot and is configured to receive the second fastener and extends between one of the following: The sidewalls of the first plate and the sidewalls of the second plate; or The outer surface and the inner surface of the plate in, The first connector hole and the second connector hole are positioned such that, with fasteners in each of the first connector hole and the second connector hole, the first ring segment end and the second ring segment end remain sufficiently separated from each other to remove the locking ring from the rim base without separating the connector plate from the first ring segment end and the second ring segment end.

9. The locking ring system according to claim 1, further comprising: A detachable handle, configured to engage with the connector plate between one of the first ring segment end and the second ring segment end or the ring segment end of the second locking ring segment, the handle comprising: The handle body extends between the first end and the second end; A first connecting fastener is adjacent to the first end; A second engaging fastener, adjacent to the second end; and The grip portion is attached to the handle body and is configured to facilitate gripping the handle.

10. The locking ring system according to claim 9, wherein, The first engaging member includes a first groove defining a first open end facing a first direction; and the second engaging member includes a second groove defining a second open end facing a second direction, wherein the first direction and the second direction are opposite to each other.

11. The locking ring system according to claim 9, wherein, The first end defines a first stop portion and the second end defines a second stop portion, wherein the first stop portion and the second stop portion are configured to substantially maintain the interval between the ends of the relative loop segments.

12. The locking ring system of claim 9 further includes a pin, said pin being coupled to the handle body and configured to engage an orifice in a connector, said connector being configured to connect opposite ring segment ends to each other.

13. A locking ring section configured to at least partially form an annular locking ring, said locking ring section defining: A curved longitudinal axis extends along the length of the locking ring segment between the first ring segment end and the second ring segment end; as well as A ring-shaped cross-section, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the ring-shaped cross-section comprising: outer surface of the ring; An inner surface of the ring, opposite to the outer surface of the ring, defines a ring recess that is configured to at least partially receive a connector plate; First ring sidewall; The second ring sidewall is opposite to the first ring sidewall, wherein the ring recess is substantially surrounded within the outer surface of the ring, the first ring sidewall, and the second ring sidewall; The locking ring section includes: The first annular hole is defined as being adjacent to the end of the first annular segment and extending between one of the following: The first ring sidewall and the second ring sidewall; or The outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the ring; The second annular hole is defined as being adjacent to the end of the second annular segment and extending between one of the following: The first ring sidewall and the second ring sidewall; or The outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the ring.

14. The locking ring section according to claim 13, wherein, The annular recess is defined between the first annular sidewall and the second annular sidewall.

15. The locking ring section according to claim 13, wherein, The annular recess is substantially closed, such that at least a portion of the length of the annular segment is substantially tubular.

16. The locking ring section according to claim 13, further comprising: The third annular hole is defined as being adjacent to the first annular hole and extending between one of the following: The first ring sidewall and the second ring sidewall; or The outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the ring; and The fourth annular hole is defined as being adjacent to the end of the second annular hole and extending between one of the following: The first ring sidewall and the second ring sidewall; or The outer surface of the ring and the inner surface of the ring.

17. A method for separating the ends of opposing loop segments from each other, the method comprising: Loosen the first fastener connecting the first end of the connector plate to the first opposite ring section end, the opposite ring section end having an annular cross section comprising: outer surface of the ring; An inner surface of the ring, opposite to the outer surface of the ring, defines a ring recess that is configured to at least partially receive a connector plate; First ring sidewall; The second ring sidewall is opposite to the first ring sidewall, wherein the ring recess is substantially surrounded within the outer surface of the ring, the first ring sidewall, and the second ring sidewall; The first end of the connector plate slides within the annular recess relative to the first opposing annular segment end, thereby separating the first opposing annular segment end from the second opposing annular segment end; and The handle, including the handle body, is engaged with the connector plate such that the handle maintains the separation between the first opposite loop segment end and the second opposite loop segment end.

18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: Loosen the second fastener that connects the second end of the connector plate to the second opposite ring section end; as well as The second end of the connector plate is slid within the annular recess relative to the second opposite annular segment end, thereby increasing the separation between the first opposite annular segment end and the second opposite annular segment end.

Images