Patent Publication Number: US-9884511-B2

Title: Wheel assembly

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/613,736, filed Feb. 4, 2015, entitled, Wheel Assembly, which claimed the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/935,656, filed Feb. 4, 2014, entitled Wheel Assembly, which applications are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present invention relates to wheels, and more particularly, to wheels for vehicles, such as automobiles and trucks that receive a pneumatic tire and/or tube. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Various types of wheels are known, such as stamped steel wheels made in multiple pieces that allow disassembly to facilitate removal of a pneumatic tire and/or tube. Monolithically formed wheels made from aluminum alloy are also known and in common use due to their attributes of strength and light weight, which translate into functional and economic advantages, such as fuel economy and extended service life for various parts of the vehicle on which they are installed. Typically, monolithically formed wheels require specialized equipment to mount and demount the tire to/from the wheel. This is particularly true of wheels used for heavy duty vehicles, such as trucks. Notwithstanding known wheels, improved and/or alternative wheels remain desirable. 
     SUMMARY 
     The disclosed subject matter relates to a wheel for supporting a pneumatic tire having a generally cylindrical rim with a first bead seat peripherally disposed thereon proximate one end, the rim having a first groove in an outer peripheral surface thereof distal to the first bead seat, the first groove having a canted wall distal to the first bead seat and canted towards the first bead seat; a removable bead seat capable of engaging the first groove, retaining the removable bead seat and the tire on the rim, the removable bead seat embracing the rim proximate the first groove and having an inwardly directed lip extending from an inner surface thereof, the lip capable of being received in the first groove when the bead seat is positioned on the rim embracing the rim, the lip having a canted surface canted at an angle relative to the inner surface of the bead seat portion such that the canted surface is capable of abutting the canted wall of the first groove. 
     In another embodiment, a wheel for supporting a pneumatic tire has a generally cylindrical rim with a first bead seat peripherally disposed thereon proximate one end, the rim having a first groove in an outer peripheral surface thereof distal to the first bead seat; a removable bead seat capable of engaging the first groove, retaining the removable bead seat and the tire on the rim. 
     In another embodiment, the wheel is made of aluminum alloy. 
     In another embodiment, the first bead seat is monolithic with the rim. 
     In another embodiment, the removable bead seat has a plurality of sub-parts. 
     In another embodiment, the plurality of sub-parts includes semi-circular bead seat portions, each of which approximates a mirror image of the other and when assembled together at an axis of symmetry, approximate a solid of rotation capable of embracing the rim proximate the first groove, the solid of rotation having a generally L-shaped cross-section with a lead-in portion forming the long part of the L and an upstanding bead extending in a direction perpendicular to the lead-in portion and forming the short portion of the L-shape, the lead-in portion extending generally parallel to the rim when embracing it, each of the two bead seat portions having an inwardly directed lip extending from an inner surface on the long part of the L shape extending in a direction opposite to the upstanding bead, the lip capable of being received in the first groove when the bead seat portions are positioned on the rim embracing the rim. 
     In another embodiment, the inwardly directed lip is a first lip and wherein the rim has a second groove in the outer peripheral surface thereof distal to the first groove and the first bead seat and each of the bead seat portions has a second inwardly extending lip extending therefrom in a direction parallel to the direction of extension of the first lip, the second lip capable of being received in the second groove when the bead seat portions are positioned on the rim embracing the rim. 
     In another embodiment, the second lip is monolithically formed with the bead seat portion from which it extends. 
     In another embodiment, the second groove defines a flange on the rim. 
     In another embodiment, a plurality of apertures extend through the flange, the second lip and the rim, and further including a plurality of pins capable of passing through the apertures in the flange, the second lip and the rim, bridging the second groove and retaining each of the bead seat portions in association with the rim. 
     In another embodiment, the rim proximate the first groove has a reduced diameter relative to an adjacent portion proximate the bead seat, the reduced diameter portion having a diameter reduced by an amount approximating the thickness of the lead-in portions of the bead seat portions. 
     In another embodiment, the wheel has a mounting flange with a plurality of lug apertures at one end capable of mounting the wheel to a wheel hub. 
     In another embodiment, the mounting flange of a first wheel may be juxtaposed next to the mounting flange of a second wheel to form a dually that is capable of mounting to a wheel hub. 
     In another embodiment, the rim has a second groove in the outer peripheral surface thereof distal to the first groove and the first bead seat and further comprising a retainer selectively attachable to at least one of the bead seat portions by threaded fasteners, a second lip extending from the retainer, the second lip capable of being received in the second groove when the bead seat portion is positioned on and embracing the rim. 
     In another embodiment, a plurality of retainers are coupled to a plurality of bead seat portions. 
     In another embodiment, the retainers are arcuate in shape. 
     In another embodiment, the threaded fasteners extend through apertures in the retainers and are received in threaded apertures in the bead seat portions. 
     In another embodiment, the bead seat portions have a recess complementary in shape to the retainers for receiving the retainers when selectively coupled thereto. 
     In another embodiment, at least one retainer bridges and couples to a plurality of bead seat portions. 
     In another embodiment, the retainers have a peripheral ledge that bears against an edge of the second groove and is capable of constraining rotation of the retainers and a conjoined bead seat portion in a direction perpendicular to an axis of the wheel under the influence of pressure from a tire mounted on the wheel. 
     In another embodiment, the threaded apertures have a threaded insert therein. 
     In another embodiment, the threaded insert is a coil. 
     In another embodiment, the lead-in portion of each of the semi-circular members exhibits a gradually increased thickness from an edge thereof to the bead seat. 
     In another embodiment, the pins prevent rotation of the removable bead sesat relative to the rim. 
     In another embodiment, the pins retain the removable bead seat on the rim when the tire is deflated. 
     In another embodiment, the lead-in portion is capable of preventing tire inflation load from displacing an associated bead seat portion. 
     In another embodiment, the lead-in portion is capable of directing tire inflation pressure force radially towards an axis of the wheel. 
     In another embodiment, the removable bead seat encircles the rim, preventing removal of the bead seat from the rim without disassembling the removable bead seat. 
     In another embodiment, the removable bead seat is capable of being retained on the rim when the tire is deflated, preventing removal without diassembling the removable bead seat. 
     In another embodiment, each recess defines a boundary preventing withdrawal of the retainer received therein when the tire is inflated and irrespective of the presence of threaded fasteners. 
     In another embodiment, the retainer is a ring and the second lip is castellated to define a plurality of tabs and intermittent spaces and the rim has a plurality of slots communicating with the second groove, the tabs capable of inserting through the slots in a first rotational orientation coaxial with the wheel to enter the second groove and capable of being rotated on the rim to a second position where the slots and tabs are not aligned. 
     In another embodiment, a wheel for supporting a pneumatic tire has a rim with a first bead seat peripherally disposed thereon proximate one end, the rim having a pair of spaced circumferential grooves in an outer peripheral surface thereof distal to the first bead seat; and a plurality of removable bead seat portions each having an arcuate shape complementary to an outer surface of the rim, each of the removable bead seat portions having a pair of inwardly directed annular lips extending from an inner surface of each bead seat portion capable of engaging the pair of spaced grooves when the removable bead seat portions are arranged circumferentially about the rim holding the tire between the first bead seat and an ensemble of the plurality of removable bead seat portions. 
     In another embodiment, each of the bead seats has a first portion having a first of the pair of annular lips and a second portion having a second of the pair of annular lips, the first portion having an annular recess to receive the second portion, which is received within the recess and further including a plurality of fasteners extending through the second portion and received in the first portion, the fasteners capable of securing the first portion to the second portion and holding the removable bead seat portion to the rim. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a more complete understanding of the present disclosure, reference is made to the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
         FIG. 1  is perspective view of a wheel in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the wheel of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view of the wheel of  FIG. 1 , taken along section line  3 - 3  and looking in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 4  is an enlarged view of a portion of the wheel of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of a pair of wheels like the wheel of  FIG. 1  positioned adjacent one another. 
         FIG. 6  is an enlarged view of a portion of the wheels of  FIG. 5 . 
         FIG. 7  is perspective view of a wheel in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure. 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded view of the wheel of  FIG. 7 . 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of the wheel of  FIG. 7 , taken along section line  9 - 9  and looking in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 10  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the wheel of  FIG. 7  taken along section line  10 - 10  and looking in the direction of the arrows. 
         FIG. 11  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the wheels of  FIGS. 7 and 10  with a valve stem inserted therein. 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of a pair of wheels like the wheel of  FIG. 7  positioned adjacent one another. 
         FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of a portion of the wheels of  FIG. 12 . 
         FIGS. 14A-14G  is a series of schematic views of the wheel of  FIG. 7 , showing assembly of the wheel. 
         FIGS. 15A-15F  is a series of schematic views of an alternative embodiment of a wheel, showing assembly of the wheel. 
         FIG. 16  is an enlarged view of a portion of the wheel shown in  FIG. 15 . 
         FIG. 17  is a cross-section of the wheel shown in  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is a diagrammatic view of an alternative embodiment of a bead seat to rim engagement. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
       FIGS. 1, 2 and 3  show a wheel  10  on which a pneumatic tire/tube T (shown diagrammatically in dashed lines), may be mounted. The wheel  10  has a monolithic rim  12  with a cylindrically shaped portion  14 , a bead seat  16  and a mounting flange  18  with lug bolt apertures  20 . A removable bead seat  22  having semi-circular bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B (which, in the case of two bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B, can be denominated, “bead seat halves”) embraces the rim  12  proximate the conjunction of the cylindrical portion  14  and the mounting flange  18 . The bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B may be removably retained to the rim  12  and removed from the rim  12  by a plurality of pins  24 . The pins  24  prevent rotation of the bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B on the rim  12  and, in the case of air loss, prevent detachment of the bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B from the rim  12 . A valve aperture  26  provides access to an air valve  28  ( FIG. 4 ) for inflating the tube/tire T mounted on the wheel  10 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , the cylindrical portion  14  of the rim  12  has a portion  30  with a reduced diameter relative to an adjacent portion  32 . Portion  30 , when viewed in cross section, had a width  30 W and a depth  30 D. The reduced diameter portion  30  has a first peripheral groove  34  proximate the mounting flange  18 , defining an annular retainer flange  38 . A second peripheral groove  36  in the reduced diameter portion  30  is positioned intermediate the first peripheral groove  34  and the adjacent portion  32 . The removable bead seat semi-circular portions  22 A,  22 B have a generally semi-cylindrical inner surface  40  from which an inwardly directed semi-annular ring  42  and an inwardly directed semi-annular lip  44  extend. In the use of the terms “semi-cylindrical”, “semi-annular”, “semi-ring”, in reference to the bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B, it is understood that these terms are applied when the pair of bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B are considered separately. When juxtaposed in an annular fashion (assembled together at an axis of symmetry), e.g., in the assembled wheel  10 , these structures approximate a structure of rotation, i.e., a cylinder, a ring, an annulus, etc. and the removable bead seat  22  approximates a solid of rotation. When the removable bead seat  22  is in place on the rim  12 , the inwardly directed semi-annular ring  42  of each bead seat portion  22 A,  22 B is received in the first peripheral groove  34  and the inwardly directed semi-annular lip  44  is received in the second peripheral groove  36 . A lead-in portion  46  of the removable bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B has an upper surface  46 U that has a slope of, e.g., 5 degrees relative to interior cylindrical surface  40 , and that transitions to the curved surface  48 C of the upstanding bead portion  48  of the bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B. When a tire T and/or an enclosed tube is mounted on the wheel  10 , the tire may be compressed against the monolithic bead seat  16  such that one tire wall is pushed proximate the monolithic bead seat  16  and the other tire wall occupies a position approximating position T 1  (a diagrammatic depiction of a tire wall proximate the tire bead, expressed in dotted lines). The bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B may then be positioned about the rim  12 , embracing the rim  12 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . The pins  24  may be inserted through apertures  38 A in the annular retainer flange  38 , through apertures  42 A in the inwardly directed annular ring  42  and into blind apertures  13  in the rim  12  to retain the bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B on the rim  12 . The pins  24  may feature a spring-urged detent  24 D to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the pins  24  and a ring  24 R that can be grasped and pulled to purposely withdraw the pins  24 . 
     After the bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B are installed on the rim  12 , the tire/tube T may be inflated, pushing the tire wall and bead area into the position shown as T 2  in  FIG. 3 . As the tire inflates under the influence of pressure force P, it slips over the lead-in portion  46  and into firm contact with the curved surface  48 C of the upstanding bead portion  48 . The sloped, upper surface  46 U converts the outwardly directed pressure force P into a radially, inwardly-directed force PD due to the limited radial dimension of the tire in the bead area, which is stretched by the increasing diameter defined by lead-in portion  46  as it approaches the upstanding bead portion  48 . The radially, inwardly directed force PD firmly engages the removable bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B against the rim  12 , such the interior surfaces  40  of the bead seats  22 A,  22 B are pressed against the exterior surfaces of the reduced diameter portion  30 . Surfaces  40 A,  40 B ( FIG. 3 ) are pressed against surfaces  30 A,  30 B, forcing the inwardly directed semi-annular ring  42  and inwardly directed semi-annular lip  44  into engagement with the first and second peripheral grooves  34 ,  36 , respectively. At the same time, the force directed along vector P presses the surface  44 F of the inwardly directed semi-annular lip  44  into engagement with surface  36 F of the second peripheral groove  36 . The lead-in portion  46  functions as an elongated flange which prevents the tire inflation load from rotating or detaching the bead seat halves  22   a ,  22 B, directing the tire inflation pressure force radially (hoop loading) towards the center of the wheel  10 . In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 3 , the surfaces  36 F,  44 F are parallel to each other. In an alternative embodiment, the surfaces  36 F,  44 F may remain parallel, but be canted clockwise to a selected degree to establish a pawl-type engagement, as shown in  FIG. 18 , wherein the surfaces are renumbered  336 F,  344 F. 
     Once the first removable bead seat portion  22 A is installed on the rim  12 , the pins  24  may be inserted to retain it at a desired position while the second removable bead seat portion  22 B is installed. The pins  24  may also be used as a device for assuring that the removable bead seats remain in their proper position as the tire is inflated. The removable bead seat  22  is retained on the rim  12  by the tire T when the tire T is inflated, but is not dependent on the pins  24  for retention to the rim  12 . For example, in the case of a loss of inflation air in the tire, the pins  24  prevent the bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B from detaching from the rim  12 . The pins  24  may also be used to facilitate retaining a selected alignment of the apertures in the rim and bead seat for access to a tire valve  28  prior to inflation, as shall be described below. The pins  24  may be made of steel, stainless steel or another material and may optionally be coated or plated with a coating, such as zinc, that resists corrosion and galvanic interaction with the rim  12  and removable bead seat  22  due to dissimilarity of metals. 
     The transition of surfaces defining the grooves  34 ,  36 , the surfaces  30 A,  30 B of the reduced diameter portion, the inwardly directed annular ring  42  and the annular lip  44  and surfaces  40 A,  40 B of the semi-cylindrical inner surface  40  may be radiused to reduce stress concentration. The first and second peripheral grooves  34 ,  36  may define a greater volumetric space than the semi-annular ring  42  and semi-annular lip  44  which are received therein, respectively. This excess space, with respect to the first peripheral groove  34 , may facilitate consistent initial assembly and installation and may also facilitate the disengagement of the removable bead seat  22  for dismounting a tire, e.g., after a substantial period of use and exposure to mud, dried grease, brake powder, hub rust, other contaminants and/or corrosion, that would otherwise cause the bead seat  22  to be difficult to remove or re-assemble. For example, for demounting a tire T, after the tire T is deflated and the bead thereof proximate the removable bead seat  22  pushed toward the monolithic bead seat  16 , the removable bead seat  22  may be manually moved or struck with a tool, such as a rubber mallet, to loosen it. The clearance between the removable bead seat  22  and the rim  12  may facilitate dislodging the removable bead seat  22  from the rim  12 . The rim  12  and removable bead seat  22  of the wheel  10  described above may be made of aluminum alloy, e.g., of the type known in the industry as in the  6   xxx  family. The rim  12 , bead seat  22 , etc. may also be made of other materials, such as steel or polymers, depending on the application. 
       FIG. 2  shows that the inwardly directed semi-annular ring  42  of each bead seat portion  22 A,  22 B features a plurality of apertures  42 A for accommodating the passage of pins  24  to retain the removable bead seat portions  22 A,  22 B to the rim  12 . The apertures  42 A align with corresponding apertures  38 A and  13  in the annular retainer flange  38  and the rim  12 , respectively. The semi-annular ring  42  of each removable bead seat portion  22 A,  22 B also features a recess  42 R, which may be aligned with valve aperture  26  on the rim  12  to allow access to an air valve  28  ( FIG. 4 ) for filling a mounted tire/tube T with air. A port  12 P in the rim  12  may also be provided to allow air fill when the wheel  10  is assembled to a like wheel  10  in a dual wheel configuration, as will be described below relative to  FIGS. 5 and 6 . 
       FIG. 4  shows an air valve  28  visible and accessible through the aligned valve aperture  26  and the recess  42 R. The valve aperture  26  may be in the form of a V-shaped notch in the annular retainer flange  38  to allow access to the air valve  28  for inflation of the tire/tube T that is mounted on the wheel  10 . 
       FIGS. 5 and 6  show a cross-section of a pair of wheels  10 A,  10 B with the mounting flanges  18 A,  18 B abutted together to illustrate a “dually”  11  configuration. The dually  11  may be mounted to a hub, e.g., of a rear axle of a vehicle (not shown) in a conventional manner. Valve stems  28 A,  28 B extend through apertures  52 A,  52 B in the rims  12 A,  12 B and through aperture  26  and recess  42 R to allow inflation of a tire/inner tube (not shown) mounted on the wheels  10 A,  10 B. An extension aperture  54 A,  54 B is drilled through each of the wheels  10 A,  10 B radially opposite to the valve aperture  26 , allowing the extension aperture  54 A,  54 B to be aligned with the valve stem  28 B,  28 A, respectively, of the adjacent wheel  10 B,  10 A when the wheels  10 A,  10 B are placed in a dually  11  configuration. An extension tube/auxiliary valve stem (not shown) leading to a source of compressed air may be extended through the extension aperture  54 A,  54 B to seal against the valves stems  28 A,  28 B and inflate the tire/tube T installed on the respective wheel  10 A,  10 B. As shown in  FIG. 6 , the pins  24 A,  24 B are preferably dimensioned to allow positioning the wheels  10 A,  10 B in a dually  11  configuration without interfering with one another. The foregoing features enable two identical wheels  10 A,  10 B to be positioned next to one another in a dually  11  configuration or, alternatively, to be used as single wheels. 
       FIGS. 7, 8 and 9  show a wheel  110  with a rim  112  having a cylindrically shaped portion  114 , a bead seat  116  and a mounting flange  118  with lug bolt apertures  120 . A removable bead seat  162  has two semi-circular bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B, which embrace the rim  112  proximate the conjunction of the cylindrical portion  114  and the mounting flange  118 . The removable bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B each have a lead-in portion  146  and an upstanding bead portion  148 . The bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B may be retained to or removed from the rim  112  by a plurality of arcuate retainers  164 A,  164 B,  164 C, which are secured coaxially in a facial annular recess  163  of the removable bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B by a plurality of bolts  166  which pass through the arcuate retainers  164 A,  164 B,  164 C and mechanically fasten, e.g., by threaded fasteners, to the removable bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B. More particularly, the bolts may be received in threaded apertures  167  which may be provided with a threaded insert  168 . The threaded inserts  168  may be in the form of a coil  168 C (see  FIG. 14A ) or may be monolithic inserts with exterior and internal threading. In either case, the inserts  168  may be made from stainless steel or another metal that is compatible with the aluminum alloy from which the wheel  110  is formed. When secured to the bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B, the retainers  164 A,  164 B,  164 C bridge and connect the bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B to form the annular removable bead seat  162  and define an inwardly-directed annular ring  142 . The retainers  164 A,  164 B,  164 C may also feature a support ledge  165  ( FIG. 9 ) that abuts an upper surface  138 U of annular retainer flange  138  to resist twisting forces exerted on the removable bead seat  162 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8 and 9 , the cylindrical portion  114  of the rim  112  has a portion  130  with a reduced diameter relative to an adjacent portion  132 . The reduced diameter portion  130  has a first peripheral groove  134  proximate the mounting flange  118 , defining an annular retainer flange  138 . A second peripheral groove  136  in the reduced diameter portion  130  is positioned intermediate the first peripheral groove  134  and the adjacent portion  132 . The removable bead seat portions  162 A  162 B have a generally cylindrical inner surface  140  from which an inwardly directed annular lip  144  extends. When the removable bead seat  162  is in place on the rim  112  with the retainers  164 A- 164 C secured in place, the inwardly directed annular ring  142  is received in the first peripheral groove  134  and the inwardly directed annular lip  144  is received in the second peripheral groove  136 . The lead-in portion  146  of the bead seat portions  162 A and  162 B have an upper surface  146 U that has a slope of, e.g., 5 degrees relative to interior cylindrical surface  140 , and which transitions to the curved surface  148 C of the upstanding bead portion  148 . The transition of surfaces of the grooves  134 ,  136 , the inwardly directed annular ring  142  and the annular lip  144  may be radiused to the adjoining surfaces of the rim  112 , removable bead seat  162  and retainers  164 A- 164 C, to reduce stress concentration. The first and second peripheral grooves  134 ,  136  may define a greater volumetric space than the annular ring  142  and annular lip  144  which are received therein, respectively, to facilitate the disengagement and reassembly of the removable bead seat  122  from the rim  112 . 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  show the removable beat seat portion  162 B in place on the rim  112  and coupled to the retainer  164 B by bolt  166 . A valve aperture  170  extends through the rim  112  proximate the mounting flange  118  to provide access to a source of pressurized air for inflating a tire/tube installed on the wheel  110  through valve  128 . The valve  128  extends through the rim portion  114  to reach the tire/tube via aperture  152 . Optional spacer tabs  172  extending from the annular retainer flange  138  may have a circumferential width W approximating the spacing between adjacent retainers  164 A- 164 C and establishing a given relative orientation of the retainers  164 A- 164 C relative to the rim  112  and consequently, a selected orientation of the bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B relative to the rim  112  and to themselves. In an alternative embodiment, the tabs  172  are omitted. The rim  112  and removable bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B and retainers  164 A- 164 C of the wheel  110  described above may be made of aluminum alloy, e.g., of the type known in the industry as in the  6   xxx  family. Alternatively, the rim  112 , removable bead seat  122 , etc. may be made from other materials, such as steel or polymer. 
       FIGS. 12 and 13  show a cross-section of a pair of wheels  110 A,  110 B with the mounting flanges  118 A,  118 B abutted together to illustrate a “dually”  111  configuration. The dually  111  may be mounted to the hub, e.g., of a rear axle of a vehicle (not shown) in a conventional manner. A valve stem  128 B extends through aperture  152 B in the rims  112 B to allow inflation of an inner tube (not shown) captured within a tire (not shown) mounted on the wheel  110 B. A similar valve  128 A may be installed on rim  112 A. The valve stem  128 B extends through aperture  152 B and is accessible through aperture  170 . An extension aperture  174 A,  174 B is drilled through each of the wheels  110 A,  110 B radially opposite to the apertures  170 A,  170 B, respectively, and may be aligned with the aperture  170 B,  170 A, respectively, of the adjacent wheel  110 B,  110 A, when the wheels  110 A,  110 B are placed in a dually  111  configuration. An extension tube/auxiliary valve stem (not shown) leading to a source of compressed air may be extended through the extension apertures  174 A,  174 B to inflate the tire/tube installed on the respective wheel  110 A,  110 B. As shown in  FIG. 13 , the bolts  166 A,  166 B are dimensioned and located to allow positioning the wheels  110 A,  110 B in a dually  111  configuration without interfering with one another. The foregoing features enable two identical wheels  110 A,  110 B to be positioned next to one another in a dually  111  configuration or, alternatively, to be used as single wheels. 
       FIGS. 14A-14G  show an assembly sequence for installing the removable bead seat  162  on a rim  112 . As a preliminary step ( FIG. 14A ), the threaded inserts  168  are inserted into the threaded apertures  167  of the removable bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B ( 162 A shown). As explained above, e.g., in reference to  FIG. 3 , when a tire and/or tube is mounted on the wheel  110 , the tire may be compressed/pushed against the monolithic bead seat  116 . As shown in  FIG. 14B , when the tire is compressed, a pair of retainers  164 A,  164 C may be held against the rim  112  with the annular ring members  142  thereof inserted into the first peripheral groove  134 . As shown in  14 C and  14 D, a first of the bead seat portions  162 A may then be slipped between the compressed tire/tube (not shown) bridging the pair of retainers  164 A,  164 C. The retainers  163 A and  164 C are received within recess  163  and annular lip  144  is received in peripheral groove  136 . The support  165  rests on the annular retainer flange  138 . As shown in  FIG. 14E , bolts  166  may then be inserted through the retainers  164 A,  164 C and into the threaded inserts  168  in the bead seat portion  162 A to couple the retainers  164 A,  164 C to the bead seat portion  162 A. The third retainer  164 B may then be placed with the annular ring  134  thereof inserted into the first peripheral groove  134 . As shown in  FIG. 14F , the second bead seat portion  162 B may then be slipped between the compressed tire/tube (not shown), and the retainer  164 B, bridging the retainers  164 A,  164 B,  164 C. As shown in  FIG. 14G , bolts  166  may then be inserted through the retainers  164 A,  164 B,  164 C and into the threaded inserts  168  in the bead seat portion  162 B to achieve the assembled wheel  110 , allowing inflation of the mounted tire/inner tube (not shown). 
     When assembled as shown in  FIG. 14G , the removable bead seat  162  cannot be withdrawn from the rim  112  without removing the bolts  166 , including when the tire (not shown) is deflated. The assembled bead seat  162  is a continuous ring structure that is locked on the rim  112 . When the tube/tire (not shown) is inflated to the position T 2  shown in  FIG. 9  and the tire bead under pressure P mounts the lead-in portion  146 , the sloping surface  146 U gives rise to the force vector PD, with the tire compressing the removable bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B radially inward against the rim  112 . The annular ring  142  of the retainers  164 A-C and the annular lip  144  of the removable bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B mate with and engage the surfaces of the grooves  134  and  136  to prevent the bead seat  162  from moving in the direction of the vector P. The support  165  bears against the annular retainer flange  138  preventing rotation of the removable bead seat  162  relative to the rim  112  (see  FIG. 9 ). The lead-in portion  146  is an elongated flange that prevents the tire inflation load from detaching the bead seat portions  162 A,  162 B, directing the inflation pressure force radially (causing hoop loading) toward the center of the wheel  110 . 
       FIGS. 15A-15F  show an assembly sequence for installing a removable bead seat  262  like bead seat  162  on a rim  212  using retainers  264 A- 264 C in accordance with an alternative embodiment. The rim  212  has a retainer flange  238  which is castellated by a plurality of slots  238 S that communicate with the first peripheral groove  234 , which is like grooves  34 ,  134  of the previous embodiments. The remainder portions  238 R of the retainer flange  238  are intermittently distributed with the slots  238 S around the periphery of the retainer flange  238 . In a similar way, the inwardly directed semi-annular ring  242  of retainers  264 A,  264 C ( 264 B not shown) is castellated by intermittent spaces  242 S and remainder portions  242 R, which could be called “tabs,” in a pattern matching that of the castellation of the retainer flange  238 . The retainers  264 A- 264 C may be positioned in a first orientation (an install/disassemble orientation) where the remainder portions (tabs)  242 R aligned with the spaces  238 S of the retainer flange  238  and pressed back into the recess  230  of the bead seat portions  262 A,  262 B. Once in position in the recess  230 , the retainers  264 A- 264 C may be rotated to a second (locked) orientation wherein the reminder portions (tabs)  242 R are aligned with the remainder portions  238 R of the retainer flange  238 , preventing the retainers  264 A- 264 C to be withdrawn from the rim  212  while in that second or locked orientation. The bead seat portions  262 A,  262 B may be prepositioned on the rim  212  such that the threaded apertures  267  align with the apertures  269  in the retainers  264 A- 264 C when the retainers are in the locked orientation. Alternatively, the bead seat portions  262 A,  262 B may be rotated relative to the rim  212  to align the apertures  267  with apertures  269  when the retainers  264 A- 264 C are in the locked orientation. When the apertures  267  and  269  align and the retainers  264 A- 264 C are in the locked orientation, threaded fasteners  266  may be inserted and tightened in the threaded apertures  267  to retain the retainers  264 A- 264 C in the locked position on the wheel  212 . 
     As noted above relative to  FIG. 14A , threaded inserts, like inserts  168  may be utilized in the threaded apertures  267 . As explained above, e.g., in reference to  FIG. 3 , when a tire and/or tube is mounted on the wheel  210 , the tire may be compressed/pushed against the monolithic bead seat  216 . As shown in  FIGS. 15A and 17 , when the tire is inflated, a pair of bead seat portions  262 A,  262 B may be held against the rim  212  with the semi-annular lip  244  thereof inserted into the peripheral groove  236 . The support  265  rests on the remainder portion  238 R of the castellated annular retainer flange  238 . As shown in  FIGS. 15B and 15C , the retainers  264 A,  264 B,  264 C (either individually or together) may be positioned with the remainder portions  242 R of the semi-annular ring  242  aligned with the spaces  238 S and then pushed back into the recess  230 . The same actions would be conducted with a third retainer (not shown), if used, as in the embodiment of the wheel  110 . As shown in  FIGS. 15D and 15E , the retainers  264 A,  264 B,  264 C may then be rotated to a position where the remainder  242 R of the semi-annular ring  242  is aligned with the remainder  238 R of the retainer flange  238  (the locked position).  FIG. 15F  shows the insertion of fasteners (bolts)  266  through the apertures  269  and into the threaded apertures  267  to fasten the retainers  264 C,  264 A to the bead seat portion  262 A. The same actions would be conducted with a third retainer  264 B (not shown), if used, as in the embodiment of the wheel  110 . As in the embodiment of the wheel  110 , the retainers  264 A,  264 B (not shown),  264 C bridge adjacent bead seat portions  262 A,  262 B to form a unified bead seat assembly  262 . 
     When assembled as shown in  FIGS. 16 and 17 , the removable bead seat assembly  262  cannot be withdrawn from the rim  212  without removing the bolts  266 . When the tube/tire is inflated to the position T 2  shown in  FIG. 9 , the tire bead under pressure P mounts the lead-in portion  246 , compressing the removable bead seat portions  262 A,  262 B radially inward against the rim  212 . The semi-annular ring  242  of the retainers  264 A- 264 C and the annular ring  244  of the removable bead seat portions  262 A,  262 B mate with and engage the surfaces of the grooves  234  and  236  to prevent the bead seat  262  from moving in the direction of the vector P (See  FIG. 9 ). The support  265  bears against the annular retainer flange  238  preventing movement of the removable bead seat  262  relative to the rim  212  (in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel  210 ). An elongated aperture  271  provides access to an air fill valve  228  by tool FT connected to a supply of compressed air. While the embodiment shown in  FIGS. 15-17  utilizes two or three retainers  264 A,  264 C ( 264  B not shown but having a similar arc length as retainer  164 B of wheel  110 ), a greater or lesser number may be used. For example, a single ring-shaped retainer  264  could be employed since it could be oriented in an install orientation and then moved parallel to the rotational axis of the wheel to pass through the slots  238 S and into groove  234  and then rotated to a locked orientation. 
       FIG. 18  shows an alternative interface  339  between the surfaces  336 F of a groove  336  comparable to grooves  36 ,  136 ,  236  of the previously disclosed embodiments of the wheels  10 ,  110 ,  210  and surface  344 F of semi-annular lip  344  comparable to semi-annular lips  44 ,  144 ,  244 . More particularly, the surfaces are canted from the radial (vertical) creating a pawl-type of engagement when subjected to forces having a component in the direction of vector F. This engagement may be obtained by inserting the semi-annular lip  344  into the groove  336  such that the edge  344 E clears edge  336 E when the bead seat portion  362 A or  362 B is lowered down on the rim  312  and then slid forward into engagement as shown. 
     While the wheels  10 ,  110 ,  210  described above have one monolithically formed bead seat  16 ,  116 ,  216  and one removable bead seat  22 ,  162 ,  262  the wheels  10 ,  110 ,  210  could incorporate two removable bead seats  22 ,  162 ,  262  with one removable bead seat replacing the monolithically formed bead seat  16 ,  116 ,  216  in a similar manner to how the removable bead seat  22 ,  162 ,  262  is held to the rim  12 ,  112 ,  212  as described above. In this manner, a tire could be mounted and demounted from either side, e.g., when the wheel is mounted to a hub of a vehicle in either a single or dual mount configuration, which may be useful in repairing a flat tire in the field. 
     When executed in aluminum alloy, the above-described embodiments exhibit the beneficial attributes of aluminum alloy wheels, such as light weight, durability and high load capacity which may result in fuel savings, greater service life for rim and tire and reduced mechanical stress and wear on drive line and brake components including engine, transmission, rear, and braking systems. In addition, the multi-piece construction of a wheel in accordance with the present disclosure allows the servicing of tire and tube by mounting/demounting the tire and tube via disassembly of the bead seat from the rim component. This process can be accomplished in the field without the specialized equipment like that required to mount and demount tires on a one-piece rim. 
     It will be understood that the embodiments described herein are merely exemplary and that a person skilled in the art may make many variations and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed subject matter. For example, while the present disclosure is directed primarily to a removable bead seat  22 ,  122  having two separate portions,  22 A,  22 B,  122 A,  122 B, more than two portions, e.g., three or four portions could be utilized in forming the removable bead seat  22 ,  122 . In such cases, the three or four portions would have a similar form to the two portions  22 A,  22 B,  122 A,  122 B, except that they would extend for a smaller arc length. All such variations and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the claims.