Abstract: A pneumatic tire and wheel rim assembly is disclosed in which the rim bead seats are defined by grooves having radially directed side portions which retain the associated tire bead against movement in an axial direction and each rim bead seat includes means in engagement with the tire bead to restrict rotation of the tire bead relative to the bead seat. Preferably said means comprises a plurality of projections formed integrally with part or all of the grooves which engage the associated tire bead to restrict rotation. Each projection may comprise a circumferentially extending rib or a tooth.

Abstract: A pneumatic tire and wheel rim assembly is disclosed in which the rim bead seats are provided with retaining means for retaining the associated tire bead therein. Preferably the bead seats comprise grooves the side portions of which are provided with the retaining means comprising projections such as teeth which engage and retain the associated tire bead in the groove. Alternatively the retaining means comprises retaining members each of which extends across the width of the associated groove through the tire bead to retain the bead in the groove. Preferably the rim is multi-component to facilitate assembly.

Abstract: A safety tire and wheel rim assembly having a safety support member comprising a plurality of arcuate segments of rigid material coupled together at their ends and mounted in a channel-shaped bearing ring mounted on the wheel rim wherein the bearing ring is located against tire beads to retain them in position.