Abstract: A wheel rim assembly and components, systems, and methods thereof can have a rim base with at least one slot at an outer end portion thereof, a bead seat band radially outward of the outer end portion of the rim base, and at least one lock provided in the at least one slot. The bead seat band may be in direct contact with the outer end portion of the rim base. The lock can have a first portion that is provided in the slot of the rim base and a second portion that is outside of the slot. The second portion may be adjacent to the bead seat band. The wheel rim assembly may be free of or without a lock ring at the outer end portion of the rim base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel design for quick tyre change in rear dual wheel assembly in a heavy transport vehicle. The invention provides a safe design that comprises a two-piece segmented saddle lock ring retained in position by an endless ring. A self-locking taper provided on the inside of endless ring can be pressed against the taper provided on the two-piece segmented saddle lock ring. The endless ring retaining the two-piece segmented saddle lock rings due to wedge action of self-locking taper cannot move from its position until an external force is applied on the endless ring towards the direction of the tyre position. The endless ring acts as a hood over the two-piece segmented saddle lock rings and prevents any loose parts flying off the rim during the tyre burst. Further in this safe design both inboard and outboard rim tyre support components are identical as both rims are of same diameter.

Abstract: A rim for a tire for means of displacement preferably for heavy loads at low-speed. The rim may include a main tubular body having a cylindrical surface extending between two lateral edges, a bead-seat having a greater diameter than the cylindrical surface of the tubular body and overlapped to it and at least a side-ring being overlapped to one of the lateral edges for the lateral containment of the tire. The rim may include compensating means interposed between the cylindrical surface of the tubular body and the bead-seat and in contact with them to realise a compensation in thickness.

Abstract: An inflator disposed within a tubeless tire for inflating the tubeless tire. A rechargeable electric storage disposed within a tubeless for providing electricity. An electric air compressor is mounted on an inside surface of the rim of the tubeless tire within the pressure cavity of the tubeless tire. The electric air compressor and an air pressure sensor disposed within the tubeless tire runs by a controller. The electric air compressor has a compressed air inlet vented to atmosphere in a custom valve stem through a conventional hole of a valve stem in the rim of the tubeless tire. A motion activated power generator recharges the rechargeable electric storage. A short-range radio transmits measured pressure data for each tire to a central OBD module plugged into in the vehicle. The central OBD module connects through a smartphone indirectly or directly to a central server via a networked cellular radio tower.

Abstract: A multi-piece rim structure for a wheel includes a rim base 10, a bead seat ring 20 (ring member) and a lock ring 30. The bead seat ring 20 receives a load in a radial direction and an axial direction from a bead portion of a tire. An annular ridge 35 of the lock ring 30 can be received in an annular lock ring groove 15 of the rim base 10. A receiving groove 15a is formed in an inner surface of the lock ring groove 15 of the rim base 10. A sacrificial anticorrosion material 80 is embedded in the receiving groove 15a. The sacrificial anticorrosion material 80 includes metal such as zinc and aluminum that has a greater ionization tendency than iron that is a base material of the rim base 10 and the lock ring 30. Corrosion of the rim base 10 and the lock ring 30 can be suppressed by ionization of the sacrificial anticorrosion material 80.

Abstract: In a multi-piece wheel rim assembly for ATV, RTV AND UTV industrial vehicle, the wheel assembly includes a rim base, removable flange and a lock ring. In various embodiments, the rim base and removable flange may be made from aluminum and the lock ring from steel. The lock ring may be made from a one or two piece construction. When the lock ring is made from two pieces, such as two pieces of steel, the lock ring may incorporate removable locking tabs to retain the lock ring within a recess formed in the rim base.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a wheel assembly. In this regard a wheel assembly may comprise a wheel base with a center axis, a side rim disposed about a circumference of the wheel base, wherein the side rim includes a frustoconical radially inward surface, and a lock ring comprising a single unitary member. The lock ring may secure the side rim onto the wheel base, the lock ring preventing the side rim from sliding axially with respect to the wheel base, wherein a frustoconical radially outward surface of the lock ring comprises a first angle with respect to the frustoconical radially inward surface of the side rim.

Abstract: A method of coupling a tire to a wheel is disclosed. A bead of the tire is placed against a side rim that is movable with respect to the wheel base. The side rim is moved along the axis of the wheel base and against the tire bead to couple the tire to the wheel.

Abstract: A system. The system includes a wheel, a tire and a bead lock assembly. The wheel defines an axis of rotation and includes an outboard wheel flange and an inboard wheel flange. The tire is mounted on the wheel, and the tire and the wheel cooperate to define a tire cavity. The bead lock assembly is within the tire cavity, and has a radially outermost surface which is a first distance from the axis of rotation. At least one of the outboard and inboard wheel flanges has a radially outermost surface which is a second distance from the axis of rotation. The first distance is greater than the second distance.

Abstract: A wheel for a vehicle, including a rim (10) having axially-spaced support portions (12, 14) on which respective annular tire—supporting elements (34,36) are engageable; wherein one of the support portions is of larger diameter than the other.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering air through a powered axle assembly for use in automatic tire inflation systems. The apparatus comprises a base attachable to a non-rotating structure within the axle assembly and having the drive axle extend therethrough. A rotor is mountable in the axle assembly for rotation with the drive axle and for forming an air chamber between the rotor and the base and extending about the drive axle. An annular sealing member in sealing engagement with the rotor and the base is disposed within the air chamber and is rotatable with the rotor and with respect to the base. The base includes at least one air inlet for delivering air in a radial direction into the air chamber and the rotor includes at least one air outlet for air flow out of the chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods disclosed herein may be useful for use in a wheel assembly. In this regard, a wheel assembly is provided comprising a wheel base having a side rim disposed about a circumference of the wheel base, and a lock ring disposed within a cavity between the wheel base and the side rim. An air seal may be disposed between the wheel base and the inside surface of the side rim. Lock ring has two non-contiguous surface contacts with the wheel base and two non-contiguous surface contacts with the side rim each enabling various torque paths of lock ring.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a multi-piece rim which does not need much labor for supporting, and does not increase the number of components to be managed and the number of needed tasks. The present invention constructs a lock ring (40) to be fitted in the groove (11a) of a gutter band (11), which ring is divided in a plurality of portions (41, 42) being coupled at each end (41a, 42a) thereof by a flexible coupling member (43). Alternatively, a lock ring (140) is formed into a substantially C-shape being manufactured by cutting a part of a circular ring, and comprises a first portion (141) wherein a length of a chord at the cut portion is substantially equal to the diametral of a hub, and a second portion (142) having a shape corresponding to the cut portion of a circular ring in the first portion.

Abstract: A locking system for a ring for mounting on a hub of a vehicle, the mounting ring being intended to receive a bead of a tire in an assembly for mounting the tire on the hub of a vehicle. The locking system comprises a locking ring and a polymeric insert.

Abstract: A locking ring for a ring for mounting on a hub of a vehicle, the mounting ring being intended to receive a bead of a tire in an assembly for mounting the tire on the hub of a vehicle. The locking ring comprises a polymeric envelope and an incompressible reinforcing element, the two elements being separable.

Abstract: A locking ring assembly for a wheel rim assembly is disclosed. The locking rim assembly includes a locking ring, a retaining key and a clip. The locking ring assembly has a transverse split defining circumferentially opposing terminal ends, and the terminal ends include respective radially outwardly opening recesses. The retaining key has opposite end portions respectively received and circumferentially retained within the radially outwardly opening recesses in the respective terminal ends of the locking ring for holding the terminal ends of the locking ring adjacent one another. The clip engages and restrains the retaining key from radially outward movement from the recesses.

Abstract: A multi-piece rim includes a rim base including a first flange and a gutter band, a bead seat band including a second flange, a lock ring, and a first side ring located on a side of the first flange and a second side ring located on a side of the second flange. A circumferentially extending surface of the first flange and a tapered surface of a circumferentially extending inner surface of the first side ring and/or a circumferentially extending surface of the second flange and a tapered surface of a circumferentially extending inner surface of the second side ring are inclined radially outwardly in an axially outboard direction of the multi-piece rim, so that circumferential and radial slippage between rim members is prevented to suppress a fretting fatigue.

Abstract: A multi-piece rim assembly for a pneumatic tire comprises a substantially cylindrical rim base with opposite annular ends and a pair of side flanges at the opposite annular ends. At least one of the flanges is shrink-fitted in position, thereby to counteract relative rotation between the flange and the rim base. Preferably both of the side flanges are shrink-fitted in position. A method of manufacturing a multi-piece rim assembly is also provided which comprises the step of shrink-fitting one or both of the flanges in position.

Abstract: An assembly for mounting a tire without independent inner tube including two conical metal mounting rings intended to receive the tire beads, positioned and locked on the hub of the vehicle by means of two circular lateral locking rings recessed in a hub, each locking ring being composed of a vulcanized rubber mix reinforced by and coating a reinforcement ring which is circumferentially elastic and radially resistant to compression.

Abstract: A locking ring assembly for a wheel rim assembly is disclosed. The locking rim assembly includes a locking ring, a retaining key and a clip. The locking ring assembly has a transverse split defining circumferentially opposing terminal ends, and the terminal ends include respective radially outwardly opening recesses. The retaining key has opposite end portions respectively received and circumferentially retained within the radially outwardly opening recesses in the respective terminal ends of the locking ring for holding the terminal ends of the locking ring adjacent one another. The clip engages and restrains the retaining key from radially outward movement from the recesses.

Abstract: A multi-piece rim includes a rim base including a first flange and a gutter band, a bead seat band including a second flange, a lock ring, and a first side ring located on a side of the first flange and a second side ring located on a side of the second flange. A circumferentially extending surface of the first flange and a tapered surface of a circumferentially extending inner surface of the first side ring and/or a circumferentially extending surface of the second flange and a tapered surface of a circumferentially extending inner surface of the second side ring are inclined radially outwardly in an axially outboard direction of the multi-piece rim, so that circumferential and radial slippage between rim members is prevented to suppress a fretting fatigue.

Abstract: A dual wheel assembly is formed by an inner wheel (10) and an outer wheel (30) coaxially mounted on a common hub (11). The inner wheel (10) has an inner tire (13) mounted on an inner wheel rim (12). The outer wheel (30) has an outer tire (13A) mounted on an outer wheel rim (32). The wheels (13, 13A) are of the same size, but the diameter of the outer wheel rim (32) is smaller than the inner wheel rim (12), to permit the inner tire (13) to pass over the outer wheel rim (32), thereby enabling the inner tire (13) to be removed without first removing the outer wheel rim (32). Removable bead seats (37, 40) are provided between the outer wheel rim (32) and its tire (13A). These bead seats are thicker than the corresponding bead seat(s) on the inner wheel (10) to compensate for the reduced diameter of the outer wheel rim.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the likelihood of fatigue damage to a wheel rim assembly (11) of the type having an annular wheel rim (13) with a first bead flange (19), a second separable bead flange (15, 21), and a retaining ring (17) disposable within a groove (35) in the wheel rim to secure the separable bead flange to the wheel rim includes forming the retaining ring to have an annular bead (41), a portion of which has an arcuate cross-sectional configuration by shaping the annular bead, in cross-section, as at least two tangentially joined circular segments (43, 45) of unequal radii (27, 29). Contact between the retaining ring and the wheel rim is limited to the arcuate portion as the sole contact region between retaining ring and wheel rim.

Abstract: A technique for reducing the likelihood of fatigue damage to a wheel rim assembly (11) of the type having an annular wheel rim (13) with a first bead flange (19), a second separable bead flange (15, 21), and a retaining ring (17) disposable within a groove (35) in the wheel rim to secure the separable bead flange to the wheel rim includes forming the retaining ring to have an annular bead (41), a portion of which has an arcuate cross-sectional configuration by shaping the annular bead, in cross-section, as at least two tangentially joined circular segments (43, 45) of unequal radii (27, 29). Contact between the retaining ring and the wheel rim is limited to the arcuate portion as the sole contact region between retaining ring and wheel rim.

Abstract: Wheel rim assembly (10) is formed in three parts, the cylindrical rim base (20), inner side flange (22) and reinforcing rim (34) all as one part, and the combination bead seat (50), annular outer side flange (52) and reinforcing rim (60) as a second part, and lock ring (76) as the third part. The flanges (22, 52) are unitarily connected to their respective rim base (20) and bead seat (50), both having reinforcing rims (34, 60), respectively, which are located in axial alignment with the cylindrical surfaces of the rim base and bead seat, respectively, lending additional strength to the flanges (22, 52). The sloped lock ring engagement surface (64) of the reinforcing rim 52 opposes a similarly sloped bearing surface (76) of the lock ring (72). The structures are fabricated by a forging process which, though expensive, significantly increases the strength of the structure.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel rim has a rim base (1) carrying a pair of bead-retaining flanges (2, 4), one of which is on a bead seat ring (5) releasably retained, in use, on the rim base (1) by a locking ring (6) engaging in a groove (7) formed in a gutter section (3) of the rim base. The locking ring is shaped so as to cooperate with formations (5A, 9), respectively in the bead ring (5) and rim base (1) to provide a positive lock limiting relative rotation between the bead seat ring and rim base.

Abstract: A tire has a carcass reinforcement (1) which, when viewed in meridian secn, is wound in each bead B about a bead wire (2) coated with a rubber mix, passing from the heel to the toe of the bead B, the upturn (10) being located in a profile (3) of rubber mix in the form of a wedge defined by two sides (31 and 32) coming from an apex A located beneath the section of the coated bead wire (2). Advantageously the upturn (10) surrounds in its entirety the contour of the profile (3), forming either a first radially inner side (32), a lateral side (30), and a final radially outer side (31) or a first radially outer side (31), a lateral side (30), and a final radially inner side (32). The tire may form with different rims J high-performance assemblies in the event of travel at low or zero pressure, permitting simple mounting of the tires and optionally of bearing supports S for the tire tread on the rims J.

Abstract: A multi-piece rim includes a lock ring and a gutter band having a lock ring groove. The lock ring groove includes a bottom surface, axially inboard and outboard curved surfaces connected to opposite ends of the bottom surface, and axially inboard and outboard side surfaces connected to the axially inboard and outboard curved surfaces. A lock ring escaping groove is formed at a transition point from the axially outboard curved surface to the axially outboard side surface and a surface portion adjacent to the transition point. The lock ring escaping groove is recessed in a direction away from the lock ring.

Abstract: An elongated driver block having a radially extending crown and a radially extending toe is insertable between the confronting end surfaces of a split lock ring.

Abstract: A continuous forged annular flange (10) is provided for use in a wheel assembly (12) to support the side wall of a tire (14). The continuous forged flange eliminates butt welds used in prior designs which formed points for stress concentration. Further, the flange need not be cold worked and therefore has no induced stresses as present in prior designs which can lead to fatigue failure. In addition, the flange can be of a metal different than other parts of the wheel assembly to reduce electrolytic corrosion.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved aircraft wheel rim wherein a demountable tire bead flange has an annular chamfer within the outboard end of the flange bore, and a split lockring which cooperates to maintain the flange on the wheel rim body has an outer surface chamfer which matches the flange bore chamfer, the angle of the flange bore and lockring surface chamfers being determined by the coefficient of friction of the material comprising the wheel rim assembly such that a compressive wedge-locking load force exists at the chamfer joint as may be imposed by inflation of a rim-mounted tire.

Abstract: An off-highway wheel rim has a flange formed with a frustroconical outwardly directed band at its radially inner surface. The band abuts an inwardly directed surface on an upturned edge of the rim so that in the free body state the opposed surfaces diverge. Upon inflation of the tire, the faces are brought into engagement by the pressure forces within the tire to produce face-to-face contact between flange and rim.

Abstract: An annular locking ring for use on an aircraft wheel that has a pair of separable wheel sections wherein the locking ring has a lobe section and a leg section. The cross-sectional shape of the leg section has a pair of spaced linear portions that are interconnected at their one ends while the cross-sectional shape of the lobe section has a curvilinear portion and a linearly extending portion that intersects one of the linear portions of the leg section. The curvilinear portion of the lobe section has one end that merges with the other one of the spaced linear portions. The extension of the one linear portion of the leg section makes an acute angle with the linear portion of the lobe portion. Alternatively, the lobe section may have two spaced linear portions separated by the curvilinear portion with one of such linear portions merging with one linear portion of the leg section and with the other one of such linear portions of the lobe section intersecting the other linear portion of the leg section.

Abstract: A dual rim assembly structure adapted to reduce cracking of gutter bands. An annular support wedge is disposed against an inclined surface to provide support under the lock-ring groove and reduce bending forces in the gutter band of each rim. A cylindrical spacer having annular tapered edges defines the support wedges. The spacer is disposed between the dual rim assemblies so that when the outer rim assembly is fixed to the hub, a lateral force is applied which forces the wedges of the spacer into engagement with the respective inclined surfaces of the gutter bands, thereby supporting both the inner and outer rim assemblies.

Abstract: The wheel of the invention comprises a rim and side walls made of composite material and removable beading on at least one side and preferably likewise made of composite material. The beading is mounted on the rim via a metal mounting belt which is fixed to the rim.

Abstract: A composite wheel for a vehicle including a disk, a rim having a rim base portion, a bead seat band mounted about the rim base portion, a side ring mounted on the bead seat band, and a lock ring provided between the rim base portion and the bead seat band for locking the bead seat band on the rim. An angle of a contact surface formed between the bead seat band and the lock ring is between 30.degree. and 40.degree. relative to an axis of the wheel so that slip at the contact surface between the bead seat band and the lock ring due to a load from a tire can be effectively prevented, while the sufficiency of the strength of each member in the wheel can be ensured.

Abstract: A wheel rim assembly (10) includes a first bead flange and a separable second bead flange (16), the separable second bead flange (16) being maintained on the rim assembly (10) by a separated retaining ring assembly (20). Each terminal end (22) of the retaining ring assembly (20) has an arcuately shaped bore (24) extending circumferentially, the bore (24) having an enlarged opening area (30) communicating with an axial opening (28) located at the outboard axial surface (23) of the retaining ring assembly (20). Located within the bores (24) is a flexible locking member (40) comprising a stranded wire cable (42) having balls (44) affixed securely thereto, the balls (44) being captured within the enlarged opening areas (30) and the flexible cable (42) being maintained within the arcuately shaped bores (24) by means of retaining connections (36) received in radial openings (34) passing through the terminal ends (22) and bores (24 ) of the retaining ring assembly (20).

Abstract: A rim construction for mounting a tire which has a base member in which a groove or gutter has been machined to a fine tolerance. A lock ring with a semicircular projection is formed by cold extruding steel to a matching fine tolerance of the gutter so that when the lock ring semicircular portion or projection is place in the gutter, uniform maximum engagement occurs between the gutter surface and the semicircular lock ring projection surface.

Abstract: An improved rim for use on a heavy, off-road vehicle formed of a tubular rim base member having a circumferential groove in the outer cylindrical surface adjacent one end thereof, the groove being of semi-circular cross-sectional configuration, a first bead flange secured at one end of the rim base member, a second bead flange slidably mounted on the other end of the rim base providing a contour substantially the same as the inner contour of the first bead flange, the second bead flange having a circumferential recess in the inside surface at the outer end thereof, and a split circular cross-sectioned locking ring removably received within the base member circumferential groove so that when the second bead flange is slidably positioned on the rim base, the locking ring can be placed in the groove and when the second flange slides outwardly the recess therein retains the locking ring within the groove and the locking ring serves to retain the second bead flange on the rim.

Abstract: A split retaining ring for locking a separable tire bead flange on a wheel rim has inboard and outboard facing portions and two circumferentially aligned terminal ends, each terminal end characterized by an outboard facing tab having a drilled-through bore. A buckle member having a pair of apertures is mounted on the retaining ring such that each tab passes through a respective aperture and the buckle functions to maintain the terminal ends of the retaining ring in a specific orientation when it is mounted on a wheel rim. A wire fastener is positioned through each drilled bore in a tab to retain the buckle member on the split retaining ring.

Abstract: A vehicle is supported by wheel and tire assemblies. The assemblies each have a tire mounted around a cylindrical wheel rim and retained in place by an annular retaining ring that abuts the wheel rim and the tire. A lock ring is located in an annular groove in the wheel rim and abuts the retaining ring to hold the retaining ring in place against the tire. A tension plate is connected to the retaining ring through a set of tap screws to hold the tension plate against the end of the wheel rim and thereby retain the annular ring and the tire against rotation around the rim.

Abstract: A split retaining ring 60 locking a separable tire bead flange 14 on a wheel rim 10 has inboard 60a and outboard 60b facing portions and circumferentially aligned terminal ends 40, 50, each terminal end characterized by a drilled-through bore 46, 56 extending in the axial direction of the ring from the inboard facing portion to the outboard facing portion. A lockwire 70 is positioned through each drilled bore 46, 56 to retain the terminal ends 40, 50 of the split ring in a predetermined circumferential spaced-apart relationship.

Abstract: A multi-piece rim assembly comprises a rim base, sealing member, lock ring and bead seat band. The sealing member and lock ring have specified positions such that each is at least partially disposed in an annular groove in the radially outer surface of the rim base, with the lock ring being nearer to an axial end of the rim base than the sealing member. The bead seat band is coaxial with and slidably mounted around the rim base. When all of the components of the rim assembly are in their specified positions, the bead seat band engages the sealing member to form an airtight seal. If the entire lock ring is not in its specified position, an axial end of the bead seat band contacts the lock ring and prevents the airtight seal from being formed.

Abstract: A wheel and tire assembly for a vehicle, including a solid rubber tire, and a wheel body, one or both edges of which are provided with a circumferential groove for receiving a retaining ring for the solid tire. In order to be able to repeatedly mount the solid tire with a sufficiently reliable seating, there is inventively proposed to provided the solid tire with a base having a width such that when the retaining ring is omitted, the tire extends slightly into the region which would otherwise be occupied by the retaining ring. Accordingly, when the retaining ring is inserted, the base of the tire must be slightly elastically deformed, thus assuring a secure seating of the tire on a wheel rim therewith.

Abstract: A bottom surface portion of a lockring groove defined by a rim base is formed to be an inclined surface on which a load in a radial direction acts through a lockring. A leg portion of the lockring having an annular body engaged thereto is formed to be an inclined surface so as to abut the inclined surface of the lockring groove defined by the rim base.

Abstract: A retaining ring (30) for use in combination with a wheel rim (10) having a separable bead flange (14) to secure the separable bead flange on the rim in the absence of a properly inflated tire is characterized by an inboard facing portion (30a) and an outboard facing portion (30b) and a split in the ring defining terminal ends, (32,33) each terminal end having a circumferentially oriented first bore (36,37) in the inboard facing portion (30a) and a second bore (38,39) in the outboard facing portion (30b) at an angular relationship with respect to the first bore.

Abstract: In a cylindrical surface of a gutter band of a wheel rim and a cylindrical surface of a spider hub opposed to one another, a conical surface is formed on one side of the cylindrical surface of the gutter band or that of the spider hub, or on both respectively. A wedge member is inserted between the formed conical surface and the cylindrical surface, or the formed conical surfaces, thereby forming a spider hub and wheel rim assembly.

Abstract: An indexing and locking assembly for a two or three piece truck tire rim and which rim presents at least a base and a locking ring which is attached to the base to complete the same for mounting of the tire upon the rim. Means are provided on the base for indexing the ring with respect to the base, there also being means on the base and cooperating with the indexing means for locking the ring on the base. The indexing and locking means correct for disparaties such as out of roundness of the base or ring; physical deformation of the ring; or a mismatch between the ring and the base to which it is being attached, all to the end that the ring is properly placed upon and attached to the base and will not unexpectedly detach from the base during handling of the truck tire and rim whereby to cause injury to persons or damage to property.

Abstract: A tire and rim assembly has a closed torus tire mounted upon a three-piece rim that may be adapted for use with a variety of wheels and vehicles. The rim consists of a rim base, a tapered base band and an expandable locking ring. An adapter may be attached to the rim base to facilitate the use of the tire and rim assembly with various wheels. In the preferred embodiment the rim base is a weldment.

Abstract: A tire rim assembly (16) permits inflation of a tire (10) mounted thereon only when the components constituting the structure are assembled in a locking configuration. The tire rim assembly (16) includes a rim base (18) having first and second grooves (32,34) defined on its outer periphery (30), an annular bead seat member (24) arranged around the rim base (18) and having an inner periphery (38) defining a load transferring surface (42), an inner surface (40), and an inclined ramp surface (44) located between the inner surface (40) and the load transferring surface (42), an elastomeric seal (26) is disposed in the second groove (34), and an annular split lock ring (28) is disposed in axially restraining engagement in the first groove (32) and adapted to contact the load transferring surface (42) of the bead seat member (24) with the structure completely assembled.