Abstract text

In this invention a tire protection attachment system utilizes adherent materials or mechanical attachments to the wheel rim to hold a covering of protective material adjacent the sidewall of a tubeless tire mounted on a circular wheel rim. The mechanical attachments are made to the outwardly flaring circumferential flange section adjacent the sidewall and/or to the transverse wall section of the wheel rim. Attachments to the flange section are characterized by the use of a clamping ring, a specially designed clip, and/or a circumferential retaining device with a variable circumference. The various embodiments described include embodiments where an intermediate body for use with a clamping ring is affixed to the flange, a clamping ring is bolted directly onto the flange section, a clamping ring is screwed onto the flange section (with the flange section and clamping ring being provided with interfacing circumferentially arranged screw threaded portions), and/or a clamping ring that is snapped onto the flange via interfacing circumferentially arranged interlocking portions on the ring and flange. Attachments to the transverse wall section are typically based on attachments to a stud fastening a two piece wheel together or a lug stud. A wheel cover can also be included and held in position via these same mechanical attachments. Finally, the embodiments are intended to avoid attachment via members inserted intermediate the flange and the bead. Thus, the preferred embodiments do not include such elements.