Abstract:
A take apart vehicle wheel assembly includes at least a first, a second and a third wheel part operatively connected together to form the take apart vehicle wheel assembly. A first one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of first stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in a first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern such that each of the first stud receiving holes is spaced apart from a next adjacent first stud receiving hole by a different angular spacing. A second one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of second stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in unevenly spaced circumferential pattern which corresponds to the first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern of the first stud receiving holes to enable stud bolts and nuts to be used to releasably connect the first one and the second one of the first, second and third wheel parts together.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    This invention relates in general to vehicle wheel assemblies and in particular to an improved take apart vehicle wheel assembly. 
         [0002]    U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,366 to Post et al. discloses a prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly. As shown in FIG. 1 of the Post et al. patent, the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly includes an inner rim, an outer rim-clamp ring, and a wheel mounting disc. The wheel mounting disc is welded to the inner rim, and threaded stud bolts extend through apertures formed through the wheel mounting disc and the outer rim-clamp ring. Nuts are installed on and tightened on the stud bolts to secure the wheel mounting disc, and therefore the inner rim, to the outer rim-clamp. 
         [0003]    As further shown in FIG. 1 of the Post et al. patent, cooperating surfaces of the inner rim, the outer rim-clamp ring, and the wheel mounting disc define a generally triangular shaped cavity. An elastomeric seal is disposed in the triangular shaped cavity and is compressed between the opposing surfaces of the respective components of the wheel assembly to prevent air leakage. When the nuts on the threaded stud bolts are loosened, air leakage past the elastomeric seal occurs prior to the nuts being removed from the studs. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    This invention relates to an improved take apart vehicle wheel assembly. The take apart vehicle wheel assembly comprises at least a first, a second and a third wheel part operatively connected together to form the take apart vehicle wheel assembly. A first one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of first stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in a first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern such that each of the first stud receiving holes is spaced apart from a next adjacent first stud receiving hole by a different angular spacing. A second one of the first, second and third wheel parts is provided with a plurality of second stud receiving holes spaced circumferentially therearound in unevenly spaced circumferential pattern which corresponds to the first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern of the first stud receiving holes to enable stud bolts and nuts to be used to releasably connect the first one and the second one of the first, second and third wheel parts together. 
         [0005]    According to one embodiment, the first stud receiving holes includes twelve tandem groupings of stud receiving holes and the second stud receiving holes includes twelve tandem groupings of stud receiving holes. The first and second stud receiving holes of each of the tandem groupings are spaced apart from each other by a first angle and adjacent ones of the first and second stud receiving holes of adjacent tandem groupings are spaced apart from each other by a second angle which is greater than the first angle. 
         [0006]    According to another embodiment, the first stud receiving holes includes six tandem groupings of stud receiving holes and the second stud receiving holes includes six tandem groupings of stud receiving holes. The first and second stud receiving holes of each of the tandem groupings are spaced apart from each other by a first angle and adjacent ones of the first and second stud receiving holes of adjacent tandem groupings are spaced apart from each other by a second angle which is less than the first angle. 
         [0007]    According to another embodiment, the first wheel part is an inner rim, the second wheel part is an outer rim-wheel mounting disc, and the third wheel part is a clamp ring. The first stud receiving holes are provided in the outer rim-wheel mounting disc and the second stud receiving holes are provided in the clamp ring. 
         [0008]    According to another embodiment, the first wheel part is an inner rim, the second wheel part is a wheel mounting disc, and the third wheel part is an outer rim-clamp ring. The first stud receiving holes are provided in the outer rim-clamp ring and the second stud receiving holes are provided in the wheel mounting disc. 
         [0009]    According to another embodiment, the take apart vehicle wheel assembly includes four wheel parts. The first wheel part is an inner rim, the second wheel part is an outer rim, the third wheel part is a wheel mounting disc, and the fourth wheel part is an outer clamp ring. First stud receiving holes are provided in the outer clamp ring and the second stud receiving holes are provided in the wheel mounting disc. 
         [0010]    According to another embodiment, the take apart vehicle wheel assembly comprises a first wheel part which defines at least a portion of an inner rim of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly; a second wheel part joined to the first wheel part by a weld, the second wheel part provided with a plurality of first stud receiving holes formed therein; and a third wheel part at least operatively connected to the second wheel part by a plurality of stud bolts and nuts. The third wheel part is provided with a plurality of second stud receiving holes formed therein. The first stud receiving holes are spaced circumferentially around the second wheel part in a first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern such that each of the first stud receiving holes is spaced apart from a next adjacent first stud receiving hole by a different angular spacing. The second stud receiving holes are spaced circumferentially around the third wheel part in unevenly spaced circumferential pattern which corresponds to the first unevenly spaced circumferential pattern of the first stud receiving holes of the second wheel part to enable the stud bolts and nuts to be used to releasably connect the second wheel part and the third wheel part together. 
         [0011]    Other advantages of this invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, when read in light of the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a plan view of a portion of a first embodiment of a prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a sectional view of the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of a first embodiment of a take apart vehicle wheel assembly in accordance with this invention. 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a sectional view of the first embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly taken along line  4 - 4  of  FIG. 3 . 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a plan view of a portion of a second embodiment of a prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly. 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is a sectional view of the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly taken along line  6 - 6  of  FIG. 5 . 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a plan view of a second embodiment of a take apart vehicle wheel assembly in accordance with this invention. 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a sectional view of the second embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly taken along line  8 - 8  of  FIG. 7 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a sectional view of a portion of a third embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly in accordance with this invention. 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a sectional view of a portion of a fourth embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly in accordance with this invention. 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a sectional view of a portion of a fifth embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly in accordance with this invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0023]    Referring now to the drawings, there is illustrated in prior art  FIGS. 1-2  a portion of a first embodiment of a prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly, indicated generally at  10 . The prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  10  includes an inner rim or first wheel part  12 , a combination outer rim-wheel mounting disc or second wheel part  14 , and a clamp ring or third wheel part  16 . The inner rim  12  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, or other alloy materials and includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange  20 , an inboard tire bead seat  22 , and a generally axially extending well  24 . 
         [0024]    The outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials and includes an outer annular flange  30 , an inner mounting surface  32 , and defines an axis A. The outer annular flange  30  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14  defines an outboard tire bead seat  26  and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  28  of the wheel assembly  10 . 
         [0025]    The outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14  includes a plurality of stud receiving holes  36  formed therein. In particular, in the prior art vehicle wheel assembly  10 , twenty-four stud receiving holes  36  are formed in the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14 . In the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly, the stud receiving holes  36  are evenly spaced circumferentially around the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14  at fifteen degrees apart from one another. 
         [0026]    The inner mounting surface  32  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14  includes a plurality of wheel mounting stud receiving holes  38  formed therethrough. In particular, eight wheel mounting stud receiving holes  38  are formed in the inner mounting surface  32  (only five of such wheel mounting stud receiving holes  38  being shown in prior art  FIG. 1 ). The wheel mounting stud receiving holes  38  are adapted to receive lug bolts and nuts (not shown) for securing the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  10  on an axle (not shown) of a vehicle. A conventional inflation valve  40  (shown in  FIG. 1 ), extends through and is mounted to the outer annular flange  30  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14 . The valve  40  has an associated valve insert  40 A for inflation of the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  10 . 
         [0027]    The clamp ring  16  is forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise formed from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials. The clamp ring  16  includes a generally axially extending first portion  42  and a generally radially extending second portion  44 . The first portion  42  defines an outer cylindrical surface which is connected to the well  24  of the inner rim  12  by a weld  46 . 
         [0028]    The second portion  44  is provided with a plurality of stud receiving holes  48  formed therein. The number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  48  provided in the second portion  44  of the clamp ring  16  corresponds to the number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  36  provided in the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14 . Thus, there are twenty four stud receiving holes  48  evenly spaced circumferentially around the second portion  44  at fifteen degrees apart from one another. The stud receiving holes  36  and  48  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14  and the clamp ring  16 , respectively, receive stud bolts  50  and nuts  52  (both shown in phantom), to secure the clamp ring  16 , and therefore the inner rim  12 , to the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14 . 
         [0029]    When the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  10  is assembled, a generally triangular shaped cavity, indicated generally at  54 , is defined between adjacent surfaces of the inner rim  12 , the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14 , and the clamp ring  16 . As shown in  FIG. 2 , an elastomeric seal  56  is disposed in the cavity  54  for providing an air-tight seal between these adjacent surfaces when the nuts  52  are tightened on the bolts  50  so as to compress the seal  56  within the cavity  54 . The construction and operation of the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  10  thus far described in conventional in the art. 
         [0030]    Turning now to  FIGS. 3-4 , there is illustrated a first embodiment of a take apart vehicle wheel assembly, indicated generally at  110 , in accordance with this invention. Although the following embodiments of the invention will be described and illustrated in conjunction with the particular take apart vehicle wheel constructions disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that the embodiments of the invention can be used in conjunction with other types of take apart vehicle wheel constructions. For example, the invention can be used in connection with other types of take apart vehicle wheel constructions, including three or more wheel component parts, such as for example as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,261 to Weeks et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,366 Post et al., the disclosures of each of these patents incorporated by reference in entirety herein. 
         [0031]    As shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  includes an inner rim or first wheel part  112 , a combination outer rim-wheel mounting disc or second wheel part  114 , and a clamp ring or third wheel part  116 . The inner rim  112  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, or other alloy materials and includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange  120 , an inboard tire bead seat  122 , and a generally axially extending well  124 . 
         [0032]    The outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials and includes an outer annular flange  130 , an inner mounting surface  132 , and defines an axis A 1 . The outer annular flange  130  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114  defines an outboard tire bead seat  126  and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  128  of the wheel assembly  110 . The outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114  includes a plurality of stud receiving holes  136  formed therein. In particular, in the vehicle wheel assembly  110 , twenty-four stud receiving holes  136  are formed in the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114 . 
         [0033]    In the illustrated embodiment, the stud receiving holes  136  are spaced circumferentially around the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114  in a unique unevenly spaced circumferential pattern or arrangement (i.e., not the same spacing between each adjacent stud receiving hole  136 ), for a purpose to be discussed below. The circumferential pattern includes twelve pairs or tandem groupings of stud receiving holes  136 , indicated generally at G in  FIG. 4  (only six complete of such twelve tandem groupings G being illustrated in  FIG. 3  and such six complete tandem groupings denoted by reference characters G 1  to G 6 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the stud receiving holes  136  of each tandem grouping G are preferably the same and are spaced apart from each other by a first angle A 1  and adjacent stud receiving holes  136  of adjacent tandem groupings G are spaced apart from each other by a second angle A 2 . 
         [0034]    In the illustrated embodiment, the angle A 1  is preferably less than the angle A 2 . Preferably, the angle A 1  is in the range from about ten degrees to about fourteen degrees and the angle A 2  is in the range from about twenty degrees to about sixteen degrees. More preferably, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the angle A 1  is preferably approximately twelve and one-half degrees and the angle A 2  is preferably approximately seventeen and one-half degrees. Alternatively, the spacing of the stud receiving holes  136  and associated tandem groupings G can be other than illustrated if so desired. For example, the spacing defined by the angle A 1  between the stud receiving holes  136  of one or more of the twelve tandem groupings G can be different from that of another tandem grouping G and/or the spacing defined by the angle A 2  between adjacent stud receiving holes  136  of adjacent tandem groupings G can be different from that of another adjacent tandem grouping G if so desired. 
         [0035]    The inner mounting surface  132  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114  includes a plurality of wheel mounting stud receiving holes  138  formed therethrough. In particular, eight wheel mounting stud receiving holes  138  are formed in the inner mounting surface  132 . The wheel mounting stud receiving holes  138  are adapted to receive lug bolts and nuts (not shown) for securing the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  on an axle (not shown) of a vehicle. A conventional inflation valve  140  (shown in  FIG. 3 ), extends through and is mounted to the outer annular flange  130  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114  and has an associated valve insert  140 A for inflation of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110 . Alternatively, the number and/or spacing of the wheel mounting stud receiving holes  138  may be other than illustrated if so desired. 
         [0036]    The clamp ring  116  is forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise formed from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials. The clamp ring  116  includes a generally axially extending first portion  142  and a generally radially extending second portion  144 . The first portion  142  defines an outer cylindrical surface which is connected to the well  124  of the inner rim  112  by a weld  146 . 
         [0037]    The second portion  144  is provided with a plurality of stud receiving holes  148  formed therein. The number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  148  provided in the second portion  144  of the clamp ring  116  corresponds to the number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  136  provided in the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114 . Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, there are twelve groupings of stud receiving holes  148  spaced in the same manner as that described above in connection with the stud receiving holes  136  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114 . The stud receiving holes  136  and  148  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114  and the clamp ring  116 , respectively, receive stud bolts  150  and nuts  152  (both shown in phantom), to secure the clamp ring  116 , and therefore the inner rim  112 , to the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114 . 
         [0038]    Turning now to  FIGS. 5-6 , there is illustrated a portion of a second embodiment of a prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly, indicated generally at  210 . The prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  210  includes an inner rim or first wheel part  212 , a combination outer rim-wheel mounting disc or second wheel part  214 , and a clamp ring or third wheel part  216 . The inner rim  212  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, or other alloy materials and includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange  220 , an inboard tire bead seat  222 , and a generally axially extending well  224 . 
         [0039]    The outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials and includes an outer annular flange  230 , an inner mounting surface  232 , and defines an axis A 2 . The outer annular flange  230  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214  defines an outboard tire bead seat  226  and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  228  of the wheel assembly  210 . 
         [0040]    The outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214  includes a plurality of stud receiving holes  236  formed therein. In particular, in the prior art vehicle wheel assembly  210 , twelve stud receiving holes  236  are formed in the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214 . In the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly, the stud receiving holes  236  are evenly spaced circumferentially around the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214  at thirty degrees apart from one another. 
         [0041]    The inner mounting surface  232  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214  includes a plurality of wheel mounting stud receiving holes  238  formed therethrough. In particular, eight wheel mounting stud receiving holes  238  are formed in the inner mounting surface  232  (only five of such wheel mounting stud receiving holes  238  being shown in prior art  FIG. 5 ). The wheel mounting stud receiving holes  238  are adapted to receive lug bolts and nuts (not shown) for securing the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  210  on an axle (not shown) of a vehicle. A conventional inflation valve  240  (shown in  FIG. 5 ), extends through and is mounted to the outer annular flange  230  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214 . The valve  240  has an associated valve insert  240 A for inflation of the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  210 . 
         [0042]    The clamp ring  216  is forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise formed from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials. The clamp ring  216  includes a generally axially extending first portion  242  and a generally radially extending second portion  244 . The first portion  242  defines an outer cylindrical surface which is connected to the well  224  of the inner rim  212  by a weld  246 . 
         [0043]    The second portion  244  is provided with a plurality of stud receiving holes  248  formed therein. The number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  248  provided in the second portion  244  of the clamp ring  216  corresponds to the number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  236  provided in the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214 . Thus, there are twelve stud receiving holes  248  evenly spaced circumferentially around the second portion  244  at thirty degrees apart from one another. The stud receiving holes  236  and  248  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214  and the clamp ring  216 , respectively, receive stud bolts  250  and nuts  252  (both shown in phantom), to secure the clamp ring  216 , and therefore the inner rim  212 , to the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214 . 
         [0044]    When the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  210  is assembled, a generally triangular shaped cavity, indicated generally at  254 , is defined between adjacent surfaces of the inner rim  212 , the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  214 , and the clamp ring  216 . As shown in prior art  FIG. 6 , an elastomeric seal  256  is disposed in the cavity  254  for providing an air-tight seal between these adjacent surfaces when the nuts  252  are tightened on the bolts  250  so as to compress the seal  256  within the cavity  254 . The construction and operation of the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  210  thus far described in conventional in the art. 
         [0045]    Turning now to  FIGS. 7-8 , there is illustrated a second embodiment of a take apart vehicle wheel assembly, indicated generally at  310 , in accordance with this invention. Although this invention will be described and illustrated in conjunction with the particular take apart vehicle wheel constructions disclosed herein, it will be appreciated that the invention can be used in conjunction with other types of take apart vehicle wheel constructions. 
         [0046]    As shown in  FIGS. 7-8 , the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  310  includes an inner rim or first wheel part  312 , a combination outer rim-wheel mounting disc or second wheel part  314 , and a clamp ring or third wheel part  316 . The inner rim  312  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, or other alloy materials and includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange  320 , an inboard tire bead seat  322 , and a generally axially extending well  324 . 
         [0047]    The outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials and includes an outer annular flange  330 , an inner mounting surface  332 , and defines an axis A 3 . The outer annular flange  330  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314  defines an outboard tire bead seat  326  and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  328  of the wheel assembly  310 . The outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314  includes a plurality of stud receiving holes  336  formed therein. In particular, in the vehicle wheel assembly  310 , twelve stud receiving holes  336  are formed in the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314 . 
         [0048]    In the illustrated embodiment, the stud receiving holes  336  are spaced circumferentially around the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314  in a unique unevenly spaced circumferential pattern or arrangement (i.e., not the same spacing between each adjacent stud receiving hole  336 ), for a purpose to be discussed below. The circumferential pattern includes six pairs or tandem groupings of stud receiving holes  336 , indicated generally at GG in  FIG. 8  (only three complete of such six tandem groupings GG being illustrated in  FIG. 7  and such three complete tandem groupings denoted by reference characters GG 1  to GG 3 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the stud receiving holes  336  of each tandem grouping GG are preferably the same and are spaced apart from each other by a first angle A 3  and adjacent stud receiving holes  336  of adjacent tandem groupings GG are spaced apart from each other by a second angle A 4 . 
         [0049]    In the illustrated embodiment, the angle A 4  is preferably less than the angle A 3 . Preferably, the angle A 4  is in the range from about twenty degrees to about thirty degrees and the angle A 3  is in the range from about thirty degrees to about forty degrees. More preferably, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, the angle A 4  is preferably approximately twenty five degrees and the angle A 3  is preferably approximately thirty five degrees. Alternatively, the spacing of the stud receiving holes  336  and associated tandem groupings GG can be other than illustrated if so desired. For example, the spacing defined by the angle A 3  between the stud receiving holes  336  of one or more of the six tandem groupings GG can be different from that of another tandem grouping GG and/or the spacing defined by the angle A 4  between adjacent stud receiving holes  336  of adjacent tandem groupings GG can be different from that of another adjacent tandem grouping GG if so desired. 
         [0050]    The inner mounting surface  332  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314  includes a plurality of wheel mounting stud receiving holes  338  formed therethrough. In particular, eight wheel mounting stud receiving holes  338  are formed in the inner mounting surface  332 . The wheel mounting stud receiving holes  338  are adapted to receive lug bolts and nuts (not shown) for securing the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  310  on an axle (not shown) of a vehicle. A conventional inflation valve  340  extends through and is mounted to the outer annular flange  330  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314  and has an associated valve insert  340 A for inflation of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  310 . Alternatively, the number and/or spacing of the wheel mounting stud receiving holes  338  may be other than illustrated if so desired. 
         [0051]    The clamp ring  316  is forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise formed from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials. The clamp ring  316  includes a generally axially extending first portion  342  and a generally radially extending second portion  344 . The first portion  342  defines an outer cylindrical surface which is connected to the well  324  of the inner rim  312  by a weld  346 . 
         [0052]    The second portion  344  is provided with a plurality of stud receiving holes  348  formed therein. The number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  348  provided in the second portion  344  of the clamp ring  316  corresponds to the number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  336  provided in the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314 . Thus, in the illustrated embodiment there are twelve groupings of stud receiving holes  348  spaced in the same manner as that described above in connection with the stud receiving holes  336  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314 . The stud receiving holes  336  and  348  of the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314  and the clamp ring  316 , respectively, receive stud bolts  350  and nuts  352  (both shown in phantom), to secure the clamp ring  316 , and therefore the inner rim  312 , to the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  314 . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIG. 9 , there is illustrated a sectional view of a portion of a third embodiment of a take apart vehicle wheel assembly, indicated generally at  410 , in accordance with this invention.  FIG. 9  generally corresponds to FIG. 1 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,366 to Post et al. and only those portions of the vehicle wheel assembly necessary for understanding the present invention will be discussed in detail herein. 
         [0054]    As shown therein, in this embodiment the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  410  includes an inner rim or first wheel part  412 , a wheel mounting disc or second wheel part  414 , and a combination outer rim-clamp ring or third wheel part  416 . The inner rim  412  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, or other alloy materials and includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange  420 , an inboard tire bead seat  422 , a generally axially extending well  424 , and an outboard tire bead seat  426 . 
         [0055]    The outer rim-clamp ring  416  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials and includes an outer annular flange  430  and an inner mounting surface  432 . The outer annular flange  430  of the outer rim-clamp ring  416  defines an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  428  of the wheel assembly  410 . The inner mounting surface  432  includes a plurality of stud receiving holes  436  formed therein. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  410 , twenty four stud receiving holes  436  are preferably formed in the inner mounting surface  432  (only one of such stud receiving holes  436  being illustrated in  FIG. 9 ). 
         [0056]    In the illustrated embodiment, the stud receiving holes  436  are spaced circumferentially around the inner mounting surface  432  in a unique unevenly spaced circumferential pattern or arrangement (i.e., not the same spacing between each adjacent stud receiving holes  436 ), for a purpose to be discussed below. The circumferential pattern includes twelve pairs or tandem groupings of stud receiving holes  436  which are spaced apart in a manner similar to that of the stud receiving holes  136  disclosed in connection with the embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 . Alternatively, the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  410  can include twelve stud receiving holes  436  (i.e., six tandem groupings), arranged in a manner similar to that of the stud receiving holes  336  disclosed in connection with the embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  310  illustrated in  FIGS. 7-8 , if so desired. 
         [0057]    The wheel mounting disc  414  is forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise formed from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials. The wheel mounting disc  414  includes a generally axially extending first portion  442 , a generally radially extending second portion  444 , and defines an axis A 4 . The first portion  442  defines an outer cylindrical surface which is connected to the well  424  of the inner rim  412  by a weld  446 . 
         [0058]    The second portion  444  is provided with a plurality of stud receiving holes  448  formed therein. The number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  448  provided in the second portion  444  of the wheel mounting disc  416  corresponds to the number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  436  provided in the inner mounting surface  432  of the outer rim-clamp ring  416 . Thus, in the illustrated embodiment there are twelve groupings of stud receiving holes  448  (or alternatively six groupings of stud receiving holes  448 ), spaced in the same manner as that described above in connection with the stud receiving holes  436  of the outer rim-clamp ring  416 . The stud receiving holes  436  and  448  of the outer rim-clamp ring  416  and the wheel mounting disc  414 , respectively, receive stud bolts  450  and nuts  452  to secure the wheel mounting disc  414 , and therefore the inner rim  412 , to the outer rim-clamp ring  416 . 
         [0059]    The second portion  444  of the wheel mounting disc  414  further includes a plurality of wheel mounting stud receiving holes  438  formed therethrough. In particular, eight wheel mounting stud receiving holes  438  are formed in the second portion  444  (only one of such wheel mounting stud receiving holes  438  being illustrated in  FIG. 9 ). The wheel mounting stud receiving holes  438  are adapted to receive lug bolts and nuts (not shown) for securing the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  410  on an axle (not shown) of a vehicle. Alternatively, the number and/or spacing of the wheel mounting stud receiving holes  438  may be other than illustrated if so desired. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , there is illustrated a sectional view of a portion of a fourth embodiment of a take apart vehicle wheel assembly, indicated generally at  510 , in accordance with this invention.  FIG. 10  generally corresponds to FIG. 6 of U.S. Pat. No. 6,315,366 to Post et al. and only those portions of the vehicle wheel assembly necessary for understanding the present invention will be discussed in detail herein. 
         [0061]    As shown therein, in the illustrated embodiment the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  510  includes an inner rim or first wheel part  512 , an outer rim or second wheel part  518 , a wheel mounting disc or third wheel part  514 , and an outer clamp ring or fourth wheel part  516 . The inner rim  512  and the outer rim  518  are fabricated from steel, aluminum, or other alloy materials. The inner rim  512  includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange  520 , an inboard tire bead seat  522 , and defines a portion of a generally axially extending well  524 . The outer rim  518  also defines a portion of the well  524  and further includes an outboard tire bead seat  526  and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  528 . 
         [0062]    The clamp ring  516  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials and includes an outer annular flange  530  and an inner mounting surface  532 . The outer annular flange  530  of the clamp ring  516  is secured to the outer rim  518  by a weld  554 . The inner mounting surface  532  includes a plurality of stud receiving holes  536  formed therein. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  510 , preferably twenty four stud receiving holes  536  are formed in the inner mounting surface  532  (only one of such stud receiving holes  536  being illustrated in  FIG. 10 ). 
         [0063]    In the illustrated embodiment, the stud receiving holes  536  are spaced circumferentially around the inner mounting surface  532  in a unique unevenly spaced circumferential pattern or arrangement (i.e., not the same spacing between each adjacent stud receiving holes  536 ), for a purpose to be discussed below. The circumferential pattern includes twelve pairs or tandem groupings of stud receiving holes  536  which are spaced apart in a manner similar to that of the stud receiving holes  136  disclosed in connection with the embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 . Alternatively, the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  510  can include twelve stud receiving holes  536  (i.e., six tandem groupings), arranged in a manner similar to that of the stud receiving holes  336  disclosed in connection with the embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  310  illustrated in  FIGS. 7-8 , if so desired. 
         [0064]    The wheel mounting disc  514  is forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise formed from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials. The wheel mounting disc  514  includes a generally axially extending first portion  542 , a generally radially extending second portion  544 , and defines an axis A 5 . The first portion  542  defines an outer cylindrical surface which is connected to the well  524  of the inner rim  512  by a weld  546 . 
         [0065]    The second portion  544  is provided with a plurality of stud receiving holes  548  formed therein. The number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  548  provided in the second portion  544  of the wheel mounting disc  516  corresponds to the number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  536  provided in the inner mounting surface  532  of the outer clamp ring  514 . Thus, there are twelve groupings of stud receiving holes  548  (or alternatively six groupings of stud receiving holes  548 ), spaced in the same manner as that described above in connection with the stud receiving holes  536  of the outer clamp ring  516 . The stud receiving holes  536  and  548  of the outer clamp ring  516  and the wheel mounting disc  514 , respectively, receive stud bolts  550  and nuts  552  to secure the wheel mounting disc  514 , and therefore the inner rim  512 , to the outer clamp ring  516 , and therefore the outer rim  518 . 
         [0066]    The second portion  544  of the wheel mounting disc  516  further includes a plurality of wheel mounting stud receiving holes  538  formed therethrough. In particular, eight wheel mounting stud receiving holes  538  are formed in the second portion  544  (only one of such wheel mounting stud receiving holes  538  being illustrated in  FIG. 10 ). The wheel mounting stud receiving holes  538  are adapted to receive lug bolts and nuts (not shown) for securing the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  510  on an axle (not shown) of a vehicle. Alternatively, the number and/or spacing of the wheel mounting stud receiving holes  538  may be other than illustrated if so desired. 
         [0067]    Referring now to  FIG. 11 , there is illustrated a sectional view of a portion of a fifth embodiment of a take apart vehicle wheel assembly, indicated generally at  610 , in accordance with this invention.  FIG. 11  generally corresponds to FIG. 2 of U.S. Pat. No. 4,836,261 to Weeks et al. and only those portions of the vehicle wheel assembly necessary for understanding the present invention will be discussed in detail herein. 
         [0068]    As shown therein, in the illustrated embodiment the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  610  includes an inner rim or first wheel part  612 , an outer rim or second wheel part  618 , a wheel mounting disc or third wheel part  614 , and an outer clamp ring or fourth wheel part  616 . The inner rim  612  and the outer rim  618  are fabricated from steel, aluminum, or other alloy materials. The inner rim  612  includes an inboard tire bead seat retaining flange  620 , an inboard tire bead seat  622 , and defines a portion of a generally axially extending well  624 . The outer rim  618  also defines a portion of the well  624  and further includes an outboard tire bead seat  626  and an outboard tire bead seat retaining flange  628 . 
         [0069]    The clamp ring  616  is fabricated from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials and includes an outer portion  630  and an inner mounting portion or surface  632 . The outer portion  630  of the clamp ring  614  is secured to the outer rim  618  by a pair of welds  654  and  656 . The inner mounting portion  632  includes a plurality of stud receiving holes  636  formed therein. In particular, in the illustrated embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  610 , preferably twenty four stud receiving holes  636  are formed in the inner mounting portion  632  (only one of such stud receiving holes  636  being illustrated in  FIG. 11 ). 
         [0070]    In the illustrated embodiment, the stud receiving holes  636  are spaced circumferentially around the inner mounting portion  632  in a unique unevenly spaced circumferential pattern or arrangement (i.e., not the same spacing between each adjacent stud receiving hole  636 ), for a purpose to be discussed below. The circumferential pattern includes twelve pairs or tandem groupings of stud receiving holes  636  which are spaced apart in a manner similar to that of the stud receiving holes  136  disclosed in connection with the embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  illustrated in  FIGS. 3-4 . Alternatively, the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  610  can include twelve stud receiving holes  636  (i.e., six tandem groupings), arranged in a manner similar to that of the stud receiving holes  336  disclosed in connection with the embodiment of the wheel assembly  310  illustrated in  FIGS. 7-8 , if so desired. 
         [0071]    The wheel mounting disc  614  is forged, cast, fabricated, or otherwise formed from steel, aluminum, magnesium, titanium, or other alloy materials. The wheel mounting disc  614  includes a generally axially extending first portion  642 , a generally radially extending second portion  644 , a generally axially extending third portion  646 , a generally radially extending fourth portion  658 , and defines an axis. The first portion  642  defines an outer cylindrical surface which is connected to the well  624  of the inner rim  612  by a weld  646 . 
         [0072]    The second portion  644  is provided with a plurality of stud receiving holes  648  formed therein. The number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  648  provided in the second portion  644  of the wheel mounting disc  616  corresponds to the number and spacing of the stud receiving holes  636  provided in the inner mounting portion  632  of the outer clamp ring  616 . Thus, there are twelve groupings of stud receiving holes  648  (or alternatively six groupings of stud receiving holes  648 ), spaced in the same manner as that described above in connection with the stud receiving holes  636  of the outer clamp ring  616 . The stud receiving holes  636  and  648  of the outer clamp ring  616  and the wheel mounting disc  614 , respectively, receive stud bolts  650  and nuts  652  to secure the wheel mounting disc  614 , and therefore the inner rim  612 , to the outer clamp ring  616 , and therefore the outer rim  618 . 
         [0073]    The fourth portion  658  of the wheel mounting disc  614  further includes a plurality of wheel mounting stud receiving holes  638  formed therethrough. In particular, eight wheel mounting stud receiving holes  638  are formed in the fourth portion  658  (only one of such wheel mounting stud receiving holes  638  being illustrated in  FIG. 11 ). The wheel mounting stud receiving holes  638  are adapted to receive lug bolts and nuts (not shown) for securing the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  610  on an axle (not shown) of a vehicle. Alternatively, the number and/or spacing of the wheel mounting stud receiving holes  638  may be other than illustrated if so desired. 
         [0074]    One advantage of the invention relates to interchangeability reasons due to the unique tandem spacing of the stud receiving holes  136  and  148 ,  436  and  448 ,  536  and  548 , and  636  and  648  provided in the associated components of the take apart vehicle wheel assemblies  110 ,  410 ,  510  and  610 , respectively, of the present invention. For example, with respect to the embodiment of the take apart wheel assembly shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , due to the unique tandem spacing of the stud receiving holes  136  and  148  of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110 , the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14  of the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  10  shown in prior art  FIGS. 1 and 2  cannot be secured to the clamp ring  116  and inner rim  112  of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  of the present invention. This is because none of the stud receiving holes  36  in the prior art outer rim-wheel mounting disc  14 , which are evenly spaced apart from each other by fifteen degrees, would be in alignment with the stud receiving holes  148  provided in the clamp ring  116 , which are spaced apart from each other in an unevenly spaced circumferential pattern, i.e., A 1  and A 2 . Such preventing of interchangeability would be important in the case where the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  of the present invention has a higher vehicle load rating than the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  10 . 
         [0075]    In addition, for example, with respect to the embodiment of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  shown in  FIGS. 3-4 , for interchangeability reasons, if necessary the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114  of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  of the present invention can be installed on the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  210  having the twelve evenly spaced stud receiving holes thirty degrees apart from one another. This is because the outer rim-wheel mounting disc  114  of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  would include twelve stud receiving holes spaced thirty degrees apart from one another. Such allowance of interchangeability would apply in the case where the vehicle load rating of the prior art take apart vehicle wheel assembly  10  is not greater than of the take apart vehicle wheel assembly  110  of the present invention. 
         [0076]    In accordance with the provisions of the patents statues, the principle and mode of operation of this invention have been described and illustrated in its preferred embodiments. However, it must be understood that the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from the scope or spirit of the attached claims.