Patent ID: 6311749
Filing Date: 2001-11-06
Classification: B60B

Abstract:
A multiple piece wheel rim for large wheels of industrial vehicles for mounting rubber tires on a vehicle comprising:a first unitary piece comprising:a annular rim base including:a cylindrical center section having opposed annular inner and outer edges;a cylindrical back section positioned on one side of said center section and having an annular inner edge, an annular outer edge and a radially outwardly facing circumferential surface for extending radially inside the bead of a tire when mounted on said wheel rim, said annular outer edge of said back section rigidly mounted to said annular inner edge of said center section;an annular inner side flange rigidly mounted to said inner edge of said back section and extending first radially from said inner edge of said back section and curving axially of said back section away from said center section and terminating in a laterally facing distal rim and forming an annular convex side seat for engaging the bead of a rubber tire, said inner side flange being thicker adjacent said back section than at said laterally facing distal rim and forming a rounded surface reinforcing rim free of sharp edges to avoid stress concentration in said reinforcing rim for strengthening said inner side flange;said rounded surface reinforcing rim located in axial alignment with said radially outwardly facing circumferential surface of said cylindrical back section; anda cylindrical gutter section positioned on the other side of said center section from said back section and having an annular inner edge rigidly mounted to said annular outer edge of said center section and defining an annular lock ring groove adjacent said annular outer edge for receiving therein a lock ring;a second unitary piece comprising:a unitary bead seat and outer side flange including:a cylindrical bead seat of larger diameter than said gutter section telescopically movable onto said gutter section and including a radially outwardly facing circumferential surface for extending radially inside the bead of a tire when mounted on said wheel rim, andan annular outer side flange rigidly mounted to said bead seat and extending first radially from said bead seat and curving axially of said bead seat away from said center section and terminating in a bead seat rim facing laterally away from said center section and forming an annular convex side seat facing said center section for engaging the bead of a rubber tire, said outer side flange being thicker adjacent said bead seat than at said laterally facing bead seat rim and forming a rounded surface second reinforcing rim free of sharp edges to avoid stress concentration in said second reinforcing rim for strengthening said outer side flange, said rounded surface second reinforcing rim located in axial alignment with said radially outwardly facing circumferential surface of said bead seat, and said reinforcing rim of said outer side flange defining a sloped lock ring bearing surface;a third piece comprising:a lock ring sized and shaped for fitting in said lock ring groove of said gutter section for engaging said sloped lock ring bearing surface of said reinforcing rim and locking said second piece on said first piece, said first and second unitary pieces having been forged.