Patent Publication Number: US-2023158828-A1

Title: Clamp Ring Assembly Including Removable Insert Rings For Use In Tire Fabrication

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
     This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/281,883, filed Nov. 22, 2021, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates to tire fabrication (manufacture) and, more specifically, to a clamp ring assembly that is configured for use during the fabrication of vehicle tires. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Clamp ring assemblies are commonly used during tire fabrication (e.g., to secure the tire) and typically include upper and lower clamp rings. The upper and lower clamp rings include threaded openings that are configured to receive bolts (e.g., to secure the tire and the clamp rings together), which are arranged into one or more bolt patterns. Over time, as a result of the repeated insertion and removal of the bolts (e.g., during connection and disconnection of the tire), the threading on the openings experiences wear (e.g., stripping or other such deterioration), which results in failure of the clamp rings and, ultimately, disposal of the clamp ring assembly, thereby adding significantly to the overall cost of tire fabrication. In an effort to increase the usable life of clamp ring assemblies, attempts have been made to create new threaded openings by welding additional material(s) and re-tapping the clamp rings. Such efforts, however, have proved futile in that welding increases the hardness of the clamp rings, thereby inhibiting (if not entirely preventing) proper tapping. 
     The present disclosure addresses these deficiencies and provides for an improved clamp ring assembly that includes removable and replaceable insert rings for the upper and lower clamp rings, which eliminates any need to re-tap the clamp rings and improves the usable life of the clamp ring assembly. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp ring assembly is disclosed for use during tire fabrication. The clamp ring assembly includes: a first clamp ring that defines a first channel and which includes a plurality of first openings that are located within the first channel; a first insert ring that is configured for removable positioning within the first channel and which includes a plurality of second openings; a second clamp ring that defines a second channel and which includes a plurality of third openings that are located within the second channel; and a second insert ring that is configured for removable positioning within the second channel and which includes a plurality of fourth openings. 
     In certain embodiments, the second openings may be configured in correspondence with the first openings such that the first openings and the second openings are rotationally alignable. 
     In certain embodiments, the fourth openings may be configured in correspondence with the third openings such that the third openings and the fourth openings are rotationally alignable. 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of first openings may be arranged so to define a first bolt pattern; a second bolt pattern; and a third bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the second bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the first bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the third bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the second bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of second openings may be arranged so to define a fourth bolt pattern; a fifth bolt pattern; and a sixth bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the fifth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the fourth bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the sixth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the fifth bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of third openings may be arranged so to define a seventh bolt pattern; an eighth bolt pattern; and a ninth bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the eighth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the seventh bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the ninth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the eighth bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the plurality of fourth openings may be arranged so to define a tenth bolt pattern; an eleventh bolt pattern; and a twelfth bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the eleventh bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the tenth bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the twelfth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the eleventh bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the first clamp ring may include twenty-four of the first openings. 
     In certain embodiments, the first bolt pattern, the second bolt pattern, and the third bolt pattern may each include eight of the first openings. 
     In certain embodiments, the first insert ring may include twenty-four of the second openings. 
     In certain embodiments, the fourth bolt pattern, the fifth bolt pattern, and the sixth bolt pattern may each include eight of the second openings. 
     In certain embodiments, the second clamp ring may include twenty-four of the third openings. 
     In certain embodiments, the eighth bolt pattern, the ninth bolt pattern, and the tenth bolt pattern may each include eight of the third openings. 
     In certain embodiments, the second insert ring may include twenty-four of the fourth openings. 
     In certain embodiments, the tenth bolt pattern, the eleventh bolt pattern, and the twelfth bolt pattern may each include eight of the fourth openings. 
     In certain embodiments, the first openings may be both threaded and non-threaded. 
     In certain embodiments, the third openings may both threaded and non-threaded. 
     In certain embodiments, the second openings may be both threaded and non-threaded. 
     In certain embodiments, the fourth openings may be both threaded and non-threaded. 
     In certain embodiments, the first openings in the first bolt pattern may be threaded. 
     In certain embodiments, the first openings in the second bolt pattern and the third bolt pattern may be non-threaded. 
     In certain embodiments, the third openings in the seventh bolt pattern may be threaded. 
     In certain embodiments, the third openings in the eighth bolt pattern and the ninth bolt pattern may be non-threaded. 
     In certain embodiments, the first clamp ring and the first insert ring may be removably connectable via the insertion of a first set of bolts through the fourth bolt pattern and into the first bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the second clamp ring and the second insert ring may be removably connectable via the insertion of a second set of bolts through the tenth bolt pattern and into the seventh bolt pattern. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a clamp ring assembly is disclosed for use during tire fabrication. The clamp ring assembly includes: a first clamp ring; a first insert ring; a second clamp ring; and a second insert ring. 
     The first clamp ring includes: a first bolt pattern with threaded openings; a second bolt pattern with non-threaded openings; and a third bolt pattern with non-threaded openings. 
     The first insert ring includes: a fourth bolt pattern with non-threaded openings; a fifth bolt pattern with threaded openings; and a sixth bolt pattern with threaded openings. The first insert ring is configured for removable connection to the first clamp ring via the insertion of a first set of bolts through the fourth bolt pattern and into the first bolt pattern. 
     The second clamp ring includes: a seventh bolt pattern with threaded openings; an eighth bolt pattern with non-threaded openings; and a ninth bolt pattern with non-threaded openings. 
     The second insert ring includes: a tenth bolt pattern with non-threaded openings; an eleventh bolt pattern with threaded openings; and a twelfth bolt pattern with threaded openings. The second insert ring is configured for removable connection to the second clamp ring via the insertion of a second set of bolts through the tenth bolt pattern and into the seventh bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the openings in the first insert ring may be configured in correspondence with the openings in the first clamp ring and the openings in the second insert ring may be configured in correspondence with the openings in the second clamp ring. 
     In certain embodiments, the first insert ring and the second insert ring may be identical. 
     In certain embodiments, the second bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the first bolt pattern and the third bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the second bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the fifth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the fourth bolt pattern and the sixth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the fifth bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the eighth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the seventh bolt pattern and the ninth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the eighth bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, the eleventh bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the tenth bolt pattern and the twelfth bolt pattern may be rotationally offset from the eleventh bolt pattern. 
     In certain embodiments, each of the first bolt pattern, the second bolt pattern, the third bolt pattern, the fourth bolt pattern, the fifth bolt pattern, the sixth bolt pattern, the seventh bolt pattern, the eighth bolt pattern, the ninth bolt pattern, the tenth bolt pattern, the eleventh bolt pattern, and the twelfth bolt pattern may include eight openings. 
     In another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of assembling a clamp ring assembly is disclosed that includes removably connecting a first insert ring to a first clamp ring and removably connecting a second insert ring to a second clamp ring. 
     In certain embodiments, removably connecting the first insert ring to the first clamp ring may include positioning the first insert ring within a first channel defined by the first clamp ring. 
     In certain embodiments, removably connecting the second insert ring to the second clamp ring may include positioning the second insert ring within a second channel defined by the second clamp ring. 
     In certain embodiments, removably connecting the first insert ring to the first clamp ring may include inserting a first set of bolts into non-threaded openings defined by the first insert ring and into threaded openings defined by the first clamp ring. 
     In certain embodiments, removably connecting the second insert ring to the second clamp ring may include inserting a second set of bolts into non-threaded openings defined by the second insert ring and into threaded openings defined by the second clamp ring. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       According to common practice, the various features of the drawings may not be to scale and may be arbitrarily expanded or reduced for clarity. 
         FIG.  1 A  is a perspective view of an upper clamp ring in a known (prior art) clamp ring assembly. 
         FIG.  1 B  is a perspective view of a lower clamp ring in the known (prior art) clamp ring assembly. 
         FIG.  2    is an enlargement of the area of detail identified in  FIG.  1 B . 
         FIG.  3    is a partial, axial (vertical) cross-sectional view of the lower clamp ring seen in  FIG.  1 B . 
         FIG.  4 A  is a perspective view of an upper clamp ring in a clamp ring assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  4 B  is a perspective view of a lower clamp ring in the clamp ring assembly according to the principles of the present disclosure. 
         FIG.  5    is a partial, perspective view of the lower clamp ring seen in  FIG.  4 B . 
         FIG.  6    is a partial, axial (vertical) cross-sectional view of the lower clamp ring seen in  FIG.  4 B . 
         FIG.  7 A  is a perspective view of a lower insert ring for use with the lower clamp ring seen in  FIG.  4 B . 
         FIG.  7 B  is a perspective view of an upper insert ring for use with the upper clamp ring seen in  FIG.  4 A . 
         FIG.  8    is a partial, perspective view of the lower clamp ring seen in  FIG.  4 B  shown with the lower insert ring seen in  FIG.  7 A . 
         FIG.  9    is a top, perspective view illustrating the connection of a tire to the clamp ring assembly. 
         FIG.  10    is a bottom, perspective view illustrating the connection of a tire to the clamp ring assembly. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present disclosure describes an improved clamp ring assembly for use in the fabrication of vehicle tires. The clamp ring assembly described herein includes: an upper clamp ring, an upper insert ring; a lower clamp ring; and a lower insert ring. The upper and lower insert rings are configured for removable connection to (engagement with) the upper and lower clamp rings, respectively, and increase the usable life of the clamp ring assembly by eliminating the need to replace the upper and/or lower clamp rings that would otherwise result as a result of wear. 
     With reference to  FIGS.  1 A- 3   , a known clamp ring assembly  10  is illustrated, which includes a lower (first) clamp ring  12  and an upper (second) clamp ring  14 . 
     The lower clamp ring  12  includes: an inner section  16  with a (first) receiver  18  that defines a (first) receptacle (e.g., a conduit)  20  extending along a longitudinal (vertical) axis Y 1  of the lower clamp ring  12 ; an intermediate section  22 , which includes a plurality of (first) openings  24  and is spaced radially outward from the inner section  16 ; and outer section (e.g., a rim)  26 , which is spaced radially outward from the intermediate section  22 . The lower clamp ring  12  further includes; a (first) groove  28  ( FIG.  3   ), which is annular (or generally annular) in configuration and is located at the interface between the inner section  16  and the intermediate section  22 ; a (second) groove  30 , which is annular (or generally annular) in configuration and is formed in an outer wall  32  of the intermediate section  22 ; and a well  34 , which is annular (or generally annular) in configuration and is located between the intermediate section  22  and the outer section  26  such that the well  34  extends radially outward from the outer wall  32  of the intermediate section  22 . As seen in  FIG.  3   , the groove  28  extends in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the longitudinal axis Y 1  and the groove  30  extends in orthogonal (or generally orthogonal) relation to the longitudinal axis Y 1  (and the groove  28 ). 
     The upper clamp ring  14  includes an inner section  36  with a (second) receiver  38  that defines a receptacle (conduit)  40  extending along a longitudinal (vertical) axis Y 2  of the upper clamp ring  14 ; an intermediate section  42 , which includes a plurality of (second) openings  44  and is spaced radially outward from the inner section  36 ; and outer section (rim)  46 , which is spaced radially outward from the intermediate section  42 . 
     Each of the openings  24 ,  44  defines a radial dimension (e.g., a diameter) R 1  ( FIGS.  1 A,  2   ) and is threaded (tapped), which allows for the removable insertion of (threaded) bolts  48  ( FIG.  8   ). As described in further detail below, the openings  24 ,  44  are arranged into a plurality of respective bolt patterns  50 ,  52  that are (rotationally) offset from each other by an equivalent (or approximately equivalent) angular distance. For example, in the particular embodiment illustrated, the lower clamp ring  12  includes twenty four openings  24   i - 24   xxiv  that are arranged into three (e.g., respective first, second, and third) bolt patterns  50   i - 50   iii , each of which includes eight of the openings  24 , and the upper clamp ring  14  includes twenty four openings  44   i - 44   xxiv  that are arranged into three (e.g., respective fourth, fifth, and sixth) bolt patterns  52   i - 52   iii , each of which includes eight of the openings  44 . More specifically, the (first) bolt pattern  50   i  is comprised of the openings  24   i,    24   iv ,  24   vii ,  24   x,    24   xiii ,  24   xvi ,  24   xii , and  24   xxii , the (second) bolt pattern  50   ii  is comprised of the openings  24   ii ,  24   v,    24   viii ,  24   xi ,  24   xiv ,  24   xvii ,  24   xx , and  24   xxiii , and the (third) bolt pattern  50   iii  is comprised of the openings  24   iii ,  24   vi ,  24   vii ,  24   xii ,  24   xv ,  24   xviii ,  24   xii , and  24   xxiv , and the (fourth) bolt pattern  52   i  is comprised of the openings  44   i,    44   iv ,  44   vii ,  44   x,    44   xiii ,  44   xvi ,  44   xix ,  44   xxii , the (fifth) bolt pattern  52   ii  is comprised of the openings  44   ii ,  44   v,    44   viii ,  44   xi ,  44   xiv ,  44   xvii ,  44   xx , and  44   xxiii , and the (sixth) bolt pattern  52   iii  is comprised of the openings  44   iii ,  44   vi ,  44   vii ,  44   xii ,  44   xv ,  44   xviii ,  44   xxi , and  44   xxiv . As a result, the bolt patterns  50   i,    50   ii ,  50   iii  and the bolt patterns  52   i,    52   ii ,  52   iii  are (rotationally) offset from each other by an angular distance of (approximately) 45° (i.e., 360° divided by the number openings  24 ,  44  times the number of bolt patterns  50 ,  52 ) and the openings  24   i - 24   xxiv  and the openings  44   i - 44   xxiv  are (rotationally) offset from each other by an angular distance of (approximately) 15° (i.e., 360° divided by the number of openings  24 ,  44 ). It should be appreciated, however, that the particular number of bolt patterns  50 ,  52  and/or openings  24 ,  44  respectively included on the clamp rings  12 ,  14  may be varied in alternate embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, embodiments are envisioned herein in which the number of bolt patterns  50 ,  52  and/or the number of openings  24 ,  44  may be increased or decreased. Additionally, while the clamp rings  12 ,  14  are illustrated as including identical numbers of openings  24 ,  44  and bolt patterns  50 ,  52 , respectively, embodiments are also envisioned herein in which the clamp rings  12 ,  14  may include non-identical number of openings  24 ,  44  and bolt patterns  50 ,  52 , respectively. For example, in various embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the number of openings  24  and/or bolt patterns  50  on the clamp ring  12  may exceed the number of openings  44  and/or bolt patterns  52  on the clamp ring  14  or that the number of openings  44  and/or bolt patterns  52  on the clamp ring  14  may exceed the number of openings  24  and/or bolt patterns  50  on the clamp ring  12 . 
     During use of the clamp ring assembly  10 , the aforementioned bolts  48  are threaded into the openings  24 ,  44 . To increase the usable life of the clamp ring assembly  10 , the bolts  48  are initially connected to clamp rings  12 ,  14  via insertion into the openings  24 ,  44  comprising the bolt patterns  50   i,    52   i,  respectively. Upon appropriate wear of the openings  24 ,  44  (e.g., via repeated insertion and removal of the bolts  48 ), the bolt patterns  50   i,    52   i  are abandoned and the bolts  48  are subsequently connected to clamp rings  12 ,  14  via the openings  24 ,  44  comprising the bolt patterns  50   ii ,  52   ii , respectively. Thereafter, upon appropriate wear, the bolt patterns  50   ii ,  52   ii  are abandoned and the bolts  48  are subsequently connected to clamp rings  12 ,  14  via the openings  24 ,  44  comprising the bolt patterns  50   iii ,  52   iii , respectively. Thereafter, upon appropriate wear, the clamp ring assembly  10  must be discarded and replaced, which results in increased costs of use. The present disclosure addresses this deficiency, however, and describes an improved clamp ring assembly  100 , which will now be discussed with reference to  FIGS.  4 A- 8   . 
     The clamp ring assembly  100  is substantially similar in both structure and function to the clamp ring assembly  10  ( FIGS.  1 A- 3   ) discussed above and, accordingly, in the interest of brevity, will only be discussed with respect to any differences therefrom. As such, identical reference characters will be utilized to refer to elements, structures, features, etc., common to the clamp ring assemblies  10 ,  100 . 
     The clamp ring assembly  100  includes: a lower (first) clamp ring  102  ( FIG.  4 B ); a lower (first) insert ring  104  ( FIG.  7 A ), which is configured for removable (releasable) connection to the lower clamp ring  102 ; an upper (second) clamp ring  106  ( FIG.  4 A ); and an upper (second) insert ring  108  ( FIG.  7 B ), which is configured for removable (releasable) connection to the upper clamp ring  106 . 
     To support use with a variety of tires, it is envisioned that the clamp rings  102 ,  106  may be provided in a variety of sizes. For example, it is envisioned that the clamp rings  102 ,  106  may define respective transverse cross-sectional dimensions (e.g., diameters) D 1 , D 2  that lie substantially within the range of (approximately) 10 inches to (approximately) 24 inches, which may be either equal or unequal. For example, in various embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the clamp rings  102 ,  106  may be configured such that the transverse cross-sectional dimension D 1  exceeds the transverse cross-sectional dimension D 2 , such that the transverse cross-sectional dimension D 2  exceeds the transverse cross-sectional dimension D 1 , or such that the transverse cross-sectional dimensions D 1 , D 2  are equal (or approximately equal). 
     The lower clamp ring  102  includes (defines) a plurality of openings  110  and a lower (first) channel  112 , which is annular (or generally annular) in configuration and is configured to receive the lower insert ring  104  ( FIGS.  7 A,  8   ) such that the lower insert ring  104  is removably positionable within the lower channel  112 . As seen in  FIGS.  4 B- 6   , the lower channel  112  is formed in the intermediate section  22  of the lower clamp ring  102  and is located between the grooves  28 ,  30  ( FIG.  6   ). More specifically, the lower channel  112  defines an inner radial edge  114 , which is located adjacent (or generally adjacent) to the groove  28  (e.g., at the interface between the inner section  16  and the intermediate section  22 ), and an outer radial edge  116 , which is located adjacent (or generally adjacent) to the groove  30  (e.g., at the interface between intermediate section  22  and the outer section  26 ). The lower channel  112  is formed (configured) such that the openings  110  are located therein. More specifically, the lower channel  112  defines a radial dimension (width) R 2 , which extends in orthogonal (or generally orthogonal) relation to the longitudinal axis Y 1  ( FIG.  1 B ) and exceeds the radial dimension R 1  defined by the openings  110  (e.g., such that the lower channel  112  entirely spans the openings  110 ), and an axial dimension (depth) X 1 , which extends in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the longitudinal axis Y 1  and extends from an outer surface  118  defined by the inner section  16  to the groove  30 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, the lower channel  112  is configured such that the axial dimension X 1  lies substantially within the range of (approximately) ¼ inch to (approximately) ½ inch (e.g., (approximately) 0.375 inches). It should be appreciated, however, that the particular dimensions of the lower channel  112  may be varied in alternate embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such embodiments in which the axial dimension X 1  of the lower channel  112  may lie outside of the disclosed range are also envisioned herein. 
     The upper clamp ring  106  includes (defines) a plurality of openings  120  and an upper (second) channel  122 , which is annular (or generally annular) in configuration and is configured to receive the upper insert ring  108  ( FIG.  7 B ) such that the upper insert ring  108  is removably positionable within the upper channel  122 . As seen in  FIG.  4 A , the upper channel  122  is formed in the intermediate section  42  of the upper clamp ring  106  and defines an inner radial edge  124 , which is located at the interface between the inner section  36  and the intermediate section  42 , and an outer radial edge  126 , which is located at the interface between the intermediate section  42  and the outer section  46 . The upper channel  122  is formed (configured) such that the openings  120  are located therein. More specifically, the upper channel  122  defines a radial dimension (width) R 3 , which extends in orthogonal (or generally orthogonal) relation to the longitudinal axis Y 2  ( FIG.  1 A ) and exceeds the radial dimension R 1  defined by the openings  120  (e.g., such that the upper channel  122  entirely spans the openings  120 ), and an axial dimension (depth) X 2 , which extends in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the longitudinal axis Y 2 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, the upper channel  122  is configured such that the axial dimension X 2  lies substantially within the range of (approximately) ¼ inch to (approximately)  1 / 2  inch (e.g., (approximately) 0.375 inches). It should be appreciated, however, that the particular dimensions of the upper channel  122  may be varied in alternate embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such embodiments in which the axial dimension X 2  of the upper channel  122  may lie outside of the disclosed range are also envisioned herein. 
     The channels  112 ,  122  may be formed through any suitable method of manufacture. For example, it is envisioned that the channels  112 ,  122  may be formed via the removal of material from the respective clamp rings  102 ,  106 , or, alternatively, that the channels  112 ,  122  may be formed during manufacture of the respective clamp rings  102 ,  106  (e.g., during machining, casting, etc.). 
     In contrast to the clamp ring assembly  10  discussed above with respect to  FIGS.  1 A- 3   , in which each of the openings  24 ,  44  is threaded, the clamp rings  102 ,  106  include both threaded and non-threaded openings  110 ,  120 , respectively. More specifically, in the particular embodiment illustrated, the bolt patterns  50   i,    52   i  ( FIG.  1 B ) include threaded openings  110   i ,  110   iv ,  110   vii ,  110   x,    110   xiii ,  110   xvi ,  110   xix ,  110   xxii ,  120   i,    120   iv ,  120   vii ,  120   x,    120   xiii ,  120   xvi ,  120   xix ,  120   xxii , and the bolt patterns  50   ii ,  50   iii  and  52   ii ,  52   iii  included non-threaded openings  110   ii ,  110   iii ,  110   v,    110   vi ,  110   viii ,  110   ix ,  110   xi ,  110   xii ,  110   xiv ,  110   vx ,  110   xvii ,  110   vxiii ,  110   xx ,  110   xxi ,  110   xxiii ,  110   xxiv  and  120   ii ,  120   iii ,  120   v,    120   vi ,  120   viii ,  120   ix ,  120   xi ,  120   xii ,  120   xiv ,  120   vx ,  120   xvii ,  120   vxiii ,  120   xx ,  120   xxi ,  120   xxiii ,  120   xxiv , respectively. The removal (absence) of threading on the openings  110   ii ,  110   iii ,  110   v,    110   vi ,  110   viii ,  110   ix ,  110   xi ,  110   xii ,  110   xiv ,  110   vx ,  110   xvii ,  110   vxiii ,  110   xx ,  110   xxi ,  110   xxiii ,  110   xxiv  and  120   ii ,  120   iii ,  120   v ,  120   vi ,  120   viii ,  120   ix ,  120   xi ,  120   xii ,  120   xiv ,  120   vx ,  120   xvii ,  120   vxiii ,  120   xx ,  120   xxi ,  120   xxiii , and  120   xxiv  inhibits (if not entirely prevents) interference with insertion of the bolts  48  ( FIG.  8   ), as described in further detail below. 
     With reference now to  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B, and  8    in particular, the respective lower and upper insert rings  104 ,  108  will be discussed. In the particular embodiment of the disclosure illustrated, the insert rings  104 ,  108  are identical (or substantially identical) in configuration and, as such, in the interest of brevity, certain details regarding the insert ring  108  may be eliminated. It should be appreciated, however, that the following discussion is equally applicable to both the lower insert ring  104  and the upper insert ring  108 . 
     The lower insert ring  104  is annular (or generally annular) in configuration and is configured for removable positioning within the lower channel  112  ( FIG.  4 B ) (the upper insert ring  108  is likewise annular (or generally annular) in configuration and is configured for removable positioning within the upper channel  122 ). The lower insert ring  104  defines an axial dimension (thickness) T 1 , which extends in parallel (or generally parallel) relation to the longitudinal axis Y 1  ( FIG.  1 B ) of the lower clamp ring  102 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, the lower insert ring  104  is configured such that the axial dimension Tl corresponds to (e.g., is equal (or approximately) equal to) the axial dimension X 1  ( FIG.  5   ) defined by the lower channel  112  and, as such, lies substantially within the range of (approximately) ¼ inch to (approximately) ½ inch (e.g., (approximately) 0.375 inches). It should be appreciated, however, that the particular dimensions of the lower insert ring  104  may be varied in alternate embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, embodiments in which the axial dimension T 1  may lie outside of the disclosed range are also envisioned herein. Embodiments are also envisioned in which the axial dimension T 1  may be less than or greater than the axial dimension X 1  defined by the lower channel  112 . 
     The lower insert ring  104  includes (defines) a plurality of (third) openings  128 , which are both threaded and non-threaded, as described in further detail below, and are configured in correspondence with (e.g., correspond in configuration and location to) the openings  110  ( FIG.  4 B ) in the lower clamp ring  102  such that the openings  110 ,  128  are (rotatably) alignable. The upper insert ring  108  likewise includes (defines) a plurality of (fourth) openings  130 , which are both threaded and non-threaded, as described in further detail below, and are configured in correspondence with (e.g., correspond in configuration and location to) the openings  120  in the upper clamp ring  106  such that the openings  120 ,  130  are (rotatably) alignable). 
     The openings  128  are arranged into a plurality of bolt patterns  132  that are (rotationally) offset from each other by an equivalent angular distance such that the bolt patterns  132  correspond to the bolt patterns  50  in the lower clamp ring  102 . The openings  130  are likewise arranged into a plurality of bolt patterns  134  such that the bolt patterns  134  correspond to the bolt patterns  52  in the upper clamp ring  106 . In the particular embodiment illustrated, the lower insert ring  104  includes twenty four openings  128   i - 128   xxiv  that are arranged into three (e.g., respective seventh, eighth, and ninth) bolt patterns  132   i - 132   iii , each of which includes eight of the openings  128 , and the upper insert ring  108  likewise includes twenty four openings  130   i - 130   xxiv  that are arranged into three (e.g., respective tenth, eleventh, and twelfth) bolt patterns  134   i - 134   iii , each of which includes eight of the openings  130 . More specifically, whereas the (seventh) bolt pattern  132   i  is comprised of non-threaded openings  128   i,    128   iv ,  128   vii ,  128   x,    128   xiii ,  128   xvi ,  128   xix , and  128   xxii , the (eighth) bolt pattern  132   ii  and the (ninth) bolt pattern  132   iii  are comprised of threaded openings  128   ii ,  128   v,    128   viii ,  128   xi ,  128   xiv ,  128   xvii ,  128   xx ,  128   xxiii  and threaded openings  128   iii ,  128   vi ,  128   vix ,  128   xii ,  128   xv ,  128   xviii ,  128   xxi , and  128   xxiv , respectively. Likewise, whereas the (tenth) bolt pattern  134   i  is comprised of non-threaded openings  130   i,    130   iv ,  130   vii ,  130   x,    130   xiii ,  130   xvi ,  130   xix , and  130   xxii , the (eleventh) bolt pattern  134   ii  and the (twelfth) bolt pattern  134   iii  are comprised of threaded openings  130   ii ,  130   v,    130   viii ,  130   xi ,  130   xiv ,  130   xvii ,  130   xx ,  130   xxiii  and threaded openings  130   iii ,  130   vi ,  130   vix ,  130   xii ,  130   xv ,  130   xviii ,  130   xxi , and  130   xxiv , respectively. As a result, the bolt patterns  132   i,    132   ii ,  132   iii  and the bolt patterns  134   i,    134   ii ,  134   iii  are (rotationally) offset from each other by an equivalent (or approximately equivalent) angular distance of (approximately) 45° (i.e., 360° divided by the number openings  128  ( 130 ) times the number of bolt patterns  132  ( 134 ), as discussed above with respect to the clamp rings  12 ,  14 . It should be appreciated, however, that the particular number of bolt patterns  132 ,  134  and/or openings  128 ,  130  respectively included on the lower insert ring  104  and the upper insert ring  108  may be varied in alternate embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. As such, embodiments are envisioned herein in which the number of bolt patterns  132 ,  134  and/or the number of openings  128 ,  130  may be increased or decreased. Additionally, while the insert rings  104 ,  108  are illustrated as including identical numbers of openings  128 ,  130  and bolt patterns  132 ,  134 , respectively, embodiments are also envisioned herein in which the insert rings  104 ,  108  may include non-identical number of openings  128 ,  130  and bolt patterns  132 ,  134 , respectively. For example, in various embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the number of openings  128  and/or bolt patterns  132  on the insert ring  104  may exceed the number of openings  130  and/or bolt patterns  134  on the insert ring  108  or that the number of openings  130  and/or bolt patterns  134  on the insert ring  108  may exceed the number of openings  128  and/or bolt patterns  132  on the insert ring  104 . 
     During use of the clamp ring assembly  100 , the lower insert ring  104  is positioned within the lower channel  112  such that the openings  128  are aligned with the openings  110  ( FIG.  4 B ), and the upper insert ring  108  is likewise positioned within the upper channel  122  such that the openings  130  are aligned with the openings  120 . Thereafter, the bolts  48  ( FIG.  8   ) are inserted into the openings  128  (and the openings  130 ). More specifically, one of the bolt patterns  132  (e.g., the bolt pattern  132   i ) and one of the bolt patterns  50  (e.g., the bolt pattern  50   i ) is utilized to connect the lower insert ring  104  to the lower clamp ring  102  by inserting a (first) plurality of the bolts  48  through the non-threaded openings  128   i,    128   iv ,  128   vii ,  128   x,    128   xiii ,  128   xvi ,  128   xix ,  128   xxii  and into the threaded openings  110   i,    110   iv ,  110   vii ,  110   x,    110   xiii ,  110   xvi ,  110   xix ,  110   xxii . Likewise, one of the bolt patterns  134  (e.g., the bolt pattern  134   i ) and one of the bolt patterns  52  (e.g., the bolt pattern  52   i ) is utilized to connect the upper insert ring  108  to the upper clamp ring  106  by inserting a (second) plurality of the bolts  48  through the non-threaded openings  130   i,    130   iv ,  130   vii ,  130   x,    130   xiii ,  130   xvi ,  130   xix ,  130   xxii  and into the threaded openings  120   i,    120   iv ,  120   vii ,  120   x,    120   xiii ,  120   xvi ,  120   xix ,  120   xxii.    
     Following connection of the lower insert ring  104  to the lower clamp ring  102  and connection of the upper insert ring  108  to the upper clamp ring  106 , tire fabrication continues by connecting a tire  200  to the clamp ring assembly  100 , as illustrated in  FIGS.  9  and  10   . More specifically, another of the bolt patterns  132  (e.g., the bolt pattern  132   ii ) is utilized to receive a (third) plurality of the bolts  48 , which threadably engage the lower insert ring  104  (via the openings  128   ii ,  128   v,    128   viii ,  128   xi ,  128   xiv ,  128   xvii ,  128   xx ,  128   xxiii ) and extend into the (non-threaded) bolt pattern  50   ii  in the lower clamp ring  102  (e.g., the openings  110   ii ,  110   v,    110   viii ,  110   xi ,  110   xiv ,  110   xvii ,  110   xx ,  110   xxiii ), thereby directly connecting a lower end  202  of the tire  200  to the lower insert ring  104  and, thus, indirectly (operatively) connecting the lower end  202  of the tire  200  to the lower clamp ring  102 . Consequently, the bolts  48  extending through the tire  200  and into the lower insert ring  104  engage only the lower insert ring  104  and are disengaged from the lower clamp ring  102 . The remaining bolt pattern(s) in the lower insert ring  104  (e.g., the bolt pattern  132   iii ) remains open (available) for future use, as described in further detail below. 
     Likewise, another of the bolt patterns  134  (e.g., the bolt pattern  134   ii ) is utilized to receive a (fourth) plurality of the bolts  48 , which threadably engage the upper insert ring  108  (via the openings  130   ii ,  130   v,    130   viii ,  130   xi ,  130   xiv ,  130   xvii ,  130   xx , and  130   xxiii ) and extend into the (non-threaded) bolt pattern  52   ii  in the upper clamp ring  106  (e.g., the openings  120   ii ,  120   v ,  120   viii ,  120   xi ,  120   xiv ,  120   xvii ,  120   xx ,  120   xxiii , thereby directly connecting an upper end  204  of the tire  200  to the upper insert ring  108  and, thus, indirectly (operatively) connecting the upper end  204  of the tire  200  to the upper clamp ring  106 . Consequently, the bolts  48  extending through the tire  200  and into the upper insert ring  108  engage only the upper insert ring  108  and are disengaged from the upper clamp ring  106 . The remaining bolt pattern(s) in the upper insert ring  108  (e.g., the bolt pattern  134   iii ) remains open (available) for future use, as described in further detail below. 
     As indicated above, the absence (e.g., removal, elimination) of threading from the openings  128   i,    128   iv ,  128   vii ,  128   x,    128   xiii ,  128   xvi ,  128   xix , and  128   xxii  in the lower insert ring  104  and the openings  130   i,    130   iv ,  130   vii ,  130   x,    130   xiii ,  130   xvi ,  130   xix , and  130   xxii  in the upper insert ring  108  inhibits (if not entirely prevents) interference with insertion of the bolts  48  that may otherwise result (e.g., from axial misalignment of the thread patterns, mismatched, pitch, etc.) during connection of the insert rings  104 ,  108  to the clamp rings  102 ,  106 , respectively, thereby facilitating and simplifying assembly. Similarly, the removal (elimination) of threading from the openings  110   ii ,  110   iii ,  110   v,    110   vi ,  110   viii ,  110   ix ,  110   xi ,  110   xii ,  110   xiv ,  110   vx ,  110   xvii ,  110   vxiii ,  110   xx ,  110   xxi ,  110   xxiii , and  110   xxiv  in the lower clamp ring  102  and the openings  120   ii ,  120   iii ,  120   v,    120   vi ,  120   viii ,  120   ix ,  120   xi ,  120   xii ,  120   xiv ,  120   vx ,  120   xvii ,  120   vxiii ,  120   xx ,  120   xxi ,  120   xxiii  and  120   xxiv  in the upper clamp ring  106  inhibits (if not entirely prevents) interference with insertion of the bolts  48  that may otherwise result (e.g., from axial misalignment of the thread patterns, mismatched, pitch, etc.) during connection of the tire  200  to the insert rings  104 ,  108 , respectively, thereby facilitating and simplifying assembly. 
     In certain embodiments of the disclosure, it is envisioned that the openings  128 ,  130  in one of the bolt patterns  132 ,  134  (e.g., the bolt patterns  132   i,    134   i ) may include countersinks  136  (e.g., to enhance the connection between the insert rings  104 ,  108  and the clamp rings  102 ,  106 , respectively), as illustrated in  FIGS.  7 A,  7 B . As such, embodiments are envisioned herein in which the openings  128  in the lower insert ring  104  and the openings  130  included in the upper insert ring  108  may be non-identical. It should be appreciated, however, that the countersinks  136  may be eliminated in alternate embodiments of the disclosure (e.g., to reduce fabrication or other manufacturing costs), and that the present disclosure envisions embodiments in which the openings  128  in the lower insert ring  104  and the openings  130  included in the upper insert ring  108  may be identical (e.g., embodiments in which each of the openings  128 ,  130  may include, or may be devoid of, the countersinks  136 ). 
     To increase the usable life of the clamp ring assembly  100 , upon appropriate wear of the openings  128  in the bolt pattern  132   ii  and the openings  130  in the bolt pattern  134   ii  (e.g., via repeated insertion and removal of the bolts  48  during connection and disconnection of the tire  200  ( FIGS.  9 ,  10   )), the bolt patterns  132   ii ,  134   ii  are is abandoned, and the bolts  48  are subsequently inserted into the lower insert ring  104  via the openings  128  comprising the bolt pattern  132   iii  and into the upper insert ring  108  via the openings  130  comprising the bolt pattern  134   iii . Thereafter, upon appropriate wear of the openings  128  in the bolt pattern  132   iii  and the openings  130  in the bolt pattern  134   iii  (e.g., via repeated insertion and removal of the bolts  48  during connection and disconnection of the tire  200 ), the insert rings  104 ,  108  may be removed and replaced, which allows for continued use of the clamp rings  102 ,  106 , thereby extending the usable life of the clamp ring assembly  100 . 
     Persons skilled in the art will understand that the various embodiments of the disclosure described herein and shown in the accompanying figures constitute non-limiting examples, and that additional components and features may be added to any of the embodiments discussed hereinabove without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Additionally, persons skilled in the art will understand that the elements and features shown or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined with those of another embodiment without departing from the scope of the present disclosure and will appreciate further features and advantages of the presently disclosed subject matter based on the description provided. Variations, combinations, and/or modifications to any of the embodiments and/or features of the embodiments described herein that are within the abilities of a person having ordinary skill in the art are also within the scope of the disclosure, as are alternative embodiments that may result from combining, integrating, and/or omitting features from any of the disclosed embodiments. 
     Use of broader terms such as “comprises,” “includes,” and “having” should be understood to provide support for narrower terms such as “consisting of,” “consisting essentially of,” and “comprised substantially of.” Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the description set out above but is defined by any claims that follow and includes all equivalents of the subject matter of any claims. 
     In the preceding description, reference may be made to the spatial relationship between the various structures illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and to the spatial orientation of the structures. However, as will be recognized by those skilled in the art after a complete reading of this disclosure, the structures described herein may be positioned and oriented in any manner suitable for their intended purpose. Thus, the use of terms such as “above,” “below,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “outer,” “left,” “right,” “upward,” “downward,” “inward,” “outward,” etc., should be understood to describe a relative relationship between the structures and/or a spatial orientation of the structures. Those skilled in the art will also recognize that the use of such terms may be provided in the context of the illustrations provided by the corresponding figure(s). 
     Additionally, terms such as “approximately,” “generally,” “substantially,” and the like should be understood to allow for variations in any numerical range or concept with which they are associated. For example, it is intended that the use of terms such as “approximately” and “generally” should be understood to encompass variations on the order of 25%, or to allow for manufacturing tolerances and/or deviations in design. For example, the term “generally parallel” should be understood as referring to configurations in with the pertinent components are oriented so as to define an angle therebetween that is equal to 180°±25% (e.g., an angle that lies within the range of (approximately) 135° to (approximately) 225°) and the term “generally orthogonal” should be understood as referring to configurations in with the pertinent components are oriented so as to define an angle therebetween that is equal to 90°±25% (e.g., an angle that lies within the range of (approximately) 67.5° to (approximately) 112.5°). The term “generally parallel” should thus be understood as referring to encompass configurations in which the pertinent components are arranged in parallel relation, and the term “generally orthogonal” should thus be understood as referring to encompass configurations in which the pertinent components are arranged in orthogonal relation. 
     Any claim is incorporated as further disclosure into the specification and represents embodiments of the present disclosure. Also, the phrases “at least one of A, B, and C” and “A and/or B and/or C” should each be interpreted to include only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C.