A lock-ring assembly for a multi-piece wheel rim

Abstract

The present disclosure provides embodiments of a lock ring assembly for a multi-piece wheel rim. The multi-piece wheel rim includes a rim (301,501), a bead seat band (303,503), a tire flange (305,505), an O-ring (313,513), and a groove (311,511). The lock ring assembly includes an endless ring (307,507) and a two-piece segmented saddle lock-ring (309,409,509). The two-piece segmented saddle lock-ring (309,409,509) engages with the groove (311,511) facilitating retro-fit. An endless ring (307,507) is placed on the saddle lock-ring (309,409,509). A taper on a radially inner surface of the endless ring (307,507) matches with a taper on a radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock-ring (307,507), wherein the taper impart self-locking. The radially inner surface is placed on the radially outer surface of the two-piece saddle saddle lock-ring (309,409), and the self-locking taper prevents movement of the endless ring (307).

Description

A LOCK-RING ASSEMBLY FOR A MULTI-PIECE WHEEL RIMFIELD

[0001] The embodiment herein generally relates to a lock-ring assembly for a multi-piece wheel rim. Specifically, the disclosure relates to an improved lock ring for the multi-piece wheel rim.BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART

[0002] A multi-piece wheel rim employs a lock ring which has got a split on its circumference. These lock rings provide effective locking as long as the lock ring retains its shape and spring properties. During tire maintenance and re-assembly of the wheel rims, the lock ring has to be carefully examined to determine the decision for continuity of usage. The shape of the lock ring is a main precursor for determining the usability of the lock ring. As illustrated in Fig. lb, the shape of the lock ring should be such that the ends of the lock ring in its free state shall overlap each other. The ends which have gap in between are called open lock ring as illustrated in the Fig. la should not be used. If open ended lock rings are used, they can cause fatal accidents especially during tire maintenance and tire inflation.

[0003] In case of dual wheels applications, the hazard risk is more as condition of the lock ring of the inner dual wheel is obscured from the normal line of sight. If the lock ring of the inner wheel is partly dislodged from the rim groove, it will not be sufficient to hold the inflated inner tire safely. Any slight disturbance can cause the inner tire to explode and result in loose parts from the inner and outer tire being thrown as projectile and hitting unaware tire mechanic working on the outer tire.

[0004] The existing lock rings in multi-piece rims are illustrated in Figure 2a andFigure 2b.

[0005] Fig.2a and Fig. 2b illustrate a magnified view of a lock ring assembly in multi-piece rim, according to prior art. The multi -piece rim includes a rim 201, a bead seat band 203, a tire flange 205, a lock ring 207 and an O-ring 209. The lock ring 207 is a single piece with a split on its circumference.

[0006] However, the existing lock rings in multi-piece wheel rims include a split on its circumference. As explained earlier, the lock ring as described in the prior arts rely on the shape and spring properties for safely holding the inflated tire.

[0007] Therefore, there is a need for an improved lock ring for a multi-piece wheel rim that is effective independent of the shape and spring properties. Moreover, there is a need for an improved lock ring for multi-piece wheel rims capable of being retro-fitted in the existing wheel rims in order to prevent accidents.OBJECTS

[0008] Some of the objects of the present disclosure are described herein below:

[0009] A main object of the present disclosure is to provide a lock-ring assembly for a multi-piece rim.

[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved lock ring assembly for multi-piece rims independent of fasteners and for preventing accidents.

[0011] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved lock ring assembly for multi-piece rims capable of being retrofitted in existing wheel rims.

[0012] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide a lock ring assembly capable of being independent of shape and spring properties for effectiveness.

[0013] The other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated for illustration of preferred embodiments of the present disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope thereof.SUMMARY

[0014] In view of the foregoing, embodiments herein provide a lock ring assembly for a multi-piece wheel rim.

[0015] In accordance with an embodiment, the multi-piece wheel rim includes a rim, a removable bead seat band provided on the rim, a tire flange on the removable bead seat band, an O-ring provided on the rim below the removable bead seat band, a groove provided at an axially outer portion of the rim, and a lock ring assembly. The lock ring assembly can include an endless ring and a two- piece segmented saddle lock ring. The two-piece segmented saddle lock ring is provided at the axially outer portion of the rim, wherein the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring includes a first axial end, a profile portion and a second axial end. The endless ring is placed on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring for retaining the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring independent of fasteners. The profile portion extends from the radially inner surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring and engages with the groove. The first axial end and the second axial end engage with the rim, wherein the first axial end extends towards the axially inner portion and the second axial end extends towards the axially outer portion. A taper is provided on a radially inner surface of the endless ringmatching with a taper provided on a radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring. The taper is a self-locking taper that imparts selflocking on the surface of the endless ring and the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring. The radially inner surface of the endless ring is placed on the radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring, and the self-locking taper retains the endless ring on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring by preventing movement of the endless ring on to the rim.

[0016] In accordance with an embodiment, a shape of the profile portion is based on a shape of the groove of the rim, thereby facilitating retro-fit of the two- piece segmented saddle lock ring on the groove of the rim.

[0017] In an embodiment, a taper is provided on the radially inward surface of the bead seat band matching with a taper provided on the radially outward surface of the endless ring.

[0018] In an embodiment, the two-piece saddle ring includes a lip provided on the first axial end for preventing movement of the endless ring onto the bead seat band during a remote chance of loss of the self-locking.

[0019] In an embodiment, a relief is provided on the endless ring for facilitating the endless ring to be retained on the radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring, to prevent unlocking of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring during a remote chance of loss of the self-locking.

[0020] In an embodiment, the second axial end is provided as a shoulder on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring for supporting the endless ring.

[0021] In accordance with another embodiment, a multi-piece wheel rim having a lock ring assembly, comprises a removable bead seat band provided on the rim, a tire flange on the removable bead seat band, an O-ring provided on the rim below the removable bead seat band, a groove provided at an axially outer portionof the rim, and the lock ring assembly including a two-piece segmented saddle lock ring and an endless ring. The two-piece segmented saddle lock ring is provided at the axially outer portion of the rim, wherein the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring includes a profile portion and a shoulder portion. The profile portion extends from the radially inner surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring for engaging with the groove. The shoulder portion engages with the rim, and extends towards the axially outer portion. The endless ring is placed on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring for retaining the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring independent of fasteners. A taper is provided on a radially inner surface of the endless ring matching with a taper provided on a radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring. The taper imparts selflocking on the surface of the endless ring and the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring. The radially inner surface of the endless ring is placed on the radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring, and the self-locking taper retains the endless ring on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring by preventing movement of the endless ring on to the rim.

[0022] In an embodiment, a shape of the profile portion is based on a shape of the groove of the rim, thereby facilitating retro-fit of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring on the groove of the rim.

[0023] In an embodiment, a taper provided on the radially inward surface of the bead seat band matching with a taper provided on the radially outward surface of the endless ring.

[0024] In an embodiment, the shoulder portion on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring supporting the endless ring.

[0025] These and other aspects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the followingdescription and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating preferred embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0026] The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. The use of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similar or identical items.

[0027] Fig. la and Fig. lb illustrate a lock ring of a multi -piece rim, according to prior art;

[0028] Fig.2a illustrates a magnified view of a lock ring assembly in a multipiece rim of heavy duty vehicles, according to prior art;

[0029] Fig.2b illustrates a magnified view of a lock ring assembly in a multipiece rim of light duty vehicles, according to prior art;

[0030] Fig.3 illustrates a magnified view of a lock ring assembly in a multipiece rim, according to an embodiment herein;

[0031] Fig.4 illustrates a magnified view of a lock ring assembly in a multipiece rim, according to another embodiment herein;

[0032] Fig. 5 illustrates a magnified view of a lock ring assembly in a multipiece rim, according to an embodiment herein;

[0033] Fig.6 illustrates a plan view of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309, according to an embodiment herein; and

[0034] Fig.7 illustrates a plan view of the endless ring, according to an embodiment herein.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well- known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.

[0036] As mentioned above, there is a need for an improved lock ring for a multi-piece wheel rim that is effective independent of the shape and spring properties. In particular, there is a need for an improved lock ring for multi-piece wheel rims capable of being retro-fitted in the existing wheel rims in order to prevent accidents. The embodiments herein achieve this by providing a “A Lock Ring Assembly for a Multi -Piece Wheel Rim”. Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 3 through 7, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown preferred embodiments.

[0037] Fig.3 illustrates a magnified view of a lock ring assembly in a multipiece rim, according to an embodiment.

[0038] The multi -piece rim assembly 300 can include a rim 301, a removable bead seat band 303, a tire flange 305, an O-ring 313, an endless ring 307, and a two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309.

[0039] In an embodiment, the O-ring 313 provided on the rim 301. The O-ring 313 is located in an annular groove provided on the rim 301 to provide an air tight seal between the removable bead seat band 303 and the rim 301.

[0040] In an embodiment, the bead seat band 303 is provided on the rim 301. The bead seat band 303 is placed on the rim at an axially outer portion. A taper 303a is provided on a radially inner surface of the bead seat band 303.

[0041] In an embodiment, a groove 311 extends circumferentially on a surface of the rim 301 at the axially outer portion. In an embodiment, the rim 301 is a conventional rim, wherein the conventional rim includes the groove 311. A shape of the groove 311 of the conventional rim can include a semi-circular shape.

[0042] In an embodiment, the lock ring assembly can include the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 and the endless ring 307.

[0043] In an embodiment, the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 is provided on the rim 301. The two-piece segmented lock ring 309 can include a first piece and a second piece placed independent of fasteners. The two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 is positioned at the axially outer portion of the rim 301. The two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 can include a first axial end 310c, a second axial end 310d and a profile portion 310b. The profile portion 310b extends from a radially inner surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309. The profile portion 310b is engaged on the groove 311. In an embodiment, a shape of the profile portion is based on a shape of the groove of the rim. The profile portion facilitates retro-fit of the two-piece segmented saddlelock ring on an existing groove of the conventional rim. In an embodiment, the shape of the profile portion 310b is semi-circular shape.

[0044] In an embodiment, the first axial end 310c and the second axial end 3 lOd are placed on the rim 301. The first axial end 310c extends from the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 towards the axially inner portion of the rim 301. The second axial end 310d extends from the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 towards the axially outer portion of the rim 301. The profile portion 310b is provided between the first axial end 310c and the second axial end 3 lOd.

[0045] In an embodiment, the second axial end 310d is provided as a shoulder for supporting the endless ring 307 on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309.

[0046] In an embodiment, an endless ring 307 is placed on a radially outer surface 310a of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309. A radially inner surface 307b of the endless ring 307 is positioned on the radially outer surface 310a of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309. A radially outer surface 307a of the endless ring 307 is engaged with the taper 303a on the radially inner surface of the bead seat band 303. In an embodiment, the taper 303a provided on the bead seat band 303 matches with the taper provided on the radially outward surface 307a of the endless ring 307.

[0047] In an embodiment, the radially inner surface 307b of the endless ring 307 can include a taper matching with a taper provided on the radially outer surface 310aof the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309. In an embodiment, the taper provided on the endless ring 307 and the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring is a self-locking taper. The taper imparts self-locking on the surface of the endless ring and the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring. The self-locking taper facilitates retaining the endless ring 307 on the two-piece segmented saddlelock ring 309, by preventing movement of the endless ring 307 away from the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 onto the wheel rim 301. The selflocking taper enables the endless ring 307 in retaining and securing the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 during instances of tire burst, thereby preventing projectile ejecting from the wheel rim assembly.

[0048] During inflation tire expands, thereby pushing the tire flange 305, and the removable bead seat band 303 to abut against the endless ring 307. The endless ring 307 rides over the taper on the radially outer surface 310a of the saddle ring 309 and may abut against the shoulder 310d of the saddle ring 309. The taper between endless ring and saddle ring interface is a self-locking one. The half angle of conical spectrum with respect to wheel axis of the self-locking taper may vary depending on the wheel size, torque and other tribological conditions. The endless ring 307 retaining the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 due to the wedge action of self-locking taper cannot move from its position even after tire deflation or burst until an external force is applied. The endless ring 307 acts as a hood over the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309 and prevents projectile of any loose parts ejecting from the rim during tire burst.

[0049] Fig.4 illustrates a magnified view of a lock ring assembly in a multipiece rim, according to another embodiment. The multi-piece rim includes the rim 301, the removable bead seat band 303, the tire flange 305, the endless ring 307, the O-ring 313, and a two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409.

[0050] In an embodiment, the lock ring assembly can include the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409 and the endless ring 307.

[0051] In an embodiment, the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409 is provided on the rim. The two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409 can includethe first axial end 310c, a profile portion 310b and a second axial end 310d. In an embodiment, the second axial end 310 is provided as a shoulder for supporting the endless ring 307 on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409.

[0052] In an embodiment, the first axial end 310c can include a lip 401. The lip 401 is provided for retaining the endless ring 307 on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409. In case of a remote chance of loss of self-locking of the endless ring 307 during instances of tire burst, the lip 401 can restrict movement of the endless ring 307 within the radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring, thereby preventing any projectile ejecting from the wheel rim assembly.

[0053] In an embodiment, a relief 402 is provided on the endless ring 307for facilitating the endless ring 307 to be retained on the radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409, to prevent unlocking of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (409) during a remote chance of loss of the selflocking. The relief 402 imparts a gap between the radially inner surface of the endless ring 307 and the radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 409.

[0054] Fig. 5 illustrates a magnified view of a lock ring assembly in a multipiece rim, according to an embodiment. In an embodiment, the multi-piece rim includes a rim 501, a removable bead seat band 503, a tire flange 505, a endless ring 503, a two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 509, and an O-ring 513.

[0055] In an embodiment, a groove 513 is provided on the rim 501 circumferentially. In an embodiment, the rim 501 is a conventional rim, wherein the conventional rim includes the groove 513. A shape of the groove 513 of the conventional rim can include a semi-circular shape.

[0056] In an embodiment, the lock ring assembly can include the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 509 and the endless ring 507.

[0057] In an embodiment, the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring509 can include a profile portion 510a and a shoulder portion 510b. The profile portion 510ais engaged with the groove 513provided on the rim. The shoulder portion 510b extends on the rim towards an axially outer portion of the rim.

[0058] In an embodiment, the profile portion 510a is engaged with the groove 513of the rim 501. A shape of the profile portion 510a is based on a shape of the groove 513 for facilitating retro-fitting of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring509 on an existing groove of a conventional rim.

[0059] In an embodiment, a radially inner surface of the endless ring 507 is positioned on a radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 509. A taper is provided on the radially inner surface of the endless ring 507 matching with a taper provided on the radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 509. The taper provided on the endless ring 507 and the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring is a self-locking taper. The taper imparts self-locking that restricts movement of the endless ring 507 relative to the two- piece segmented saddle lock ring 509 by retaining and securing the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 509, thereby preventing projectile ejecting from the wheel rim during instances of tire burst.

[0060] In an embodiment, the shoulder portion 510b supports the endless ring 507 on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 509.

[0061] During inflation tire expands, thereby pushing the tire flange 505, and the removable bead seat band 503 to abut against the endless ring 507. The endless ring 507 rides over the taper 515 on the radially outer surface of the saddle ring 509 and may abut against the shoulder 510b of the saddle ring 509.The taper between endless ring 507 and saddle ring 509 interface is a self-locking one. The half angle of conical spectrum with respect to wheel axis of the selflocking taper may vary depending on the wheel size, torque and other tribological conditions. The endless ring 507 retaining the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 509 due to the wedge action of self-locking taper cannot move from its position even after tire deflation or burst until an external force is applied. The endless ring 507 acts as a hood over the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 509 and prevents projectile of any loose parts ejecting from the rim during tire burst.

[0062] Fig.6 illustrates a plan view of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring 309.

[0063] Fig.7 illustrates a plan view of the endless ring 307.

[0064] A main advantage of the present disclosure is that the lock ring assembly of the multi-piece rim provides an improved lock ring.

[0065] Another advantage of the present disclosure is that the lock ring assembly of the multi-piece rim is capable of being retrofitted in existing conventional wheel rims without requiring additional modifications.

[0066] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the lock ring assembly of the multi-piece rim prevents accidents in cases of tire bursts.

[0067] Yet another advantage of the present disclosure is that the lock ring assembly of the multi-piece rim facilitates retaining of two-piece lock rings independent of fasteners.

[0068] Still another advantage of the present disclosure is that the lock ring provides effectiveness independent of features of the shape and spring properties.

[0069] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applyingcurrent knowledge, readily modify and / or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.

Claims

We claim:

1. A multi -piece wheel rim having a lock ring assembly, comprising: a rim(301); a removable bead seat band (303) provided on the rim (301); a tire flange (305) on the removable bead seat band (303); an O-ring (313) provided on the rim (301) below the removable bead seat band (303); a groove (311) provided at an axially outer portion of the rim; the lock ring assembly including an endless ring (307) and a two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (309); the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (309) provided at the axially outer portion of the rim (301), wherein the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (309) including a first axial end (310c), a profile portion (310b) and a second axial end (310d); wherein the profile portion (310b) extending from the radially inner surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (309, 409) engaging with the groove (3 H); the first axial end (310c) and the second axial end (310d) engaging with the rim, wherein the first axial end (310c) extending towards the axially inner portion and the second axial end (310d) extending towards the axially outer portion; the endless ring (307) placed on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring(309) for retaining the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring(309, 409) independent of fasteners; a taper provided on a radially inner surface (307a) of the endless ring (309) matching with a taper provided on a radially outer surface(310a) of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring, wherein the taper imparting self-locking; and wherein the radially inner surface (307a) of the endless ring placed on the radially outer surface (310a) of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring(309, 409), and the self-locking taper retains the endless ring (307) on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring.

2. The multi -piece wheel rim as claimed in claim 1, wherein a shape of the profile portion (310b) is based on a shape of the groove (311) of the rim (301), thereby facilitating retro-fit of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (309, 409) on the groove (311) of the rim (301).

3. The multi-piece wheel rim as claimed in claim 1, wherein a taper provided on the radially inward surface of the bead seat band (303) matching with a taper provided on the radially outward surface of the endless ring (307).

4. The multi-piece wheel rim as claimed in claim 1, wherein the two-piece saddle ring (409) including a lip (401) provided on the first axial end (310c) for preventing movement of the endless ring (307).

5. The multi -piece wheel rim as claimed in claim 1, wherein a relief (402) provided on the endless ring (307) imparting a gap between the radially inner surface of the endless ring (307) and the radially outer surface of the two- piece segmented saddle lock ring (409) for facilitating the endless ring (307) to be retained on the radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring(409), to prevent unlocking of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (409).

6. The multi -piece wheel rim as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second axial end (310d) is provided as a shoulder on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (309, 409) for supporting the endless ring (307).

7. A multi-piece wheel rim having a lock ring assembly, comprising:a rim (501); a removable bead seat band (503) provided on the rim (501); a tire flange (505) on the removable bead seat band (503); an O-ring (513) provided on the rim (501) below the removable bead seat band (503); a groove (511) provided at an axially outer portion of the rim; the lock ring assembly including an endless ring (507) and a two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (509); the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (509) provided at the axially outer portion of the rim (501), wherein the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (509) including a profile portion (510b) and a shoulder portion (510d); wherein the profile portion (510b) extending from the radially inner surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (509) for engaging with the groove (513); the shoulder portion (510d) engaging with the rim, wherein the shoulder portion (510d) extending towards the axially outer portion; the endless ring (507) placed on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring(509) for retaining the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring independent of fasteners; a taper provided on a radially inner surface of the endless ring (507) matching with a taper provided on a radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (509), wherein the taper imparting self-locking; and wherein the radially inner surface of the endless ring (507) placed on the radially outer surface of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (509), and the self-locking taper retains the endless ring (507) on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (509) by preventing movement of the endless ring (507).

8. The multi-piece wheel rim as claimed in claim 7, wherein a shape of the profile portion (510a) is based on a shape of the groove (511) of the rim (501), thereby facilitating retro-fit of the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (509) on the groove (511) of the rim (501).

9. The multi-piece wheel rim as claimed in claim 7, wherein a taper provided on the radially inward surface of the bead seat band (503) matching with a taper provided on the radially outward surface of the endless ring (507).

10. The multi-piece wheel rim as claimed in claim 7, wherein the shoulder portion (510b) on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring (509) supporting the endless ring (507).

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