Multi-piece rim and its attaching/removing method

A multi-piece rim comprising:

• a rim base being provided with gutter bands at ends thereof;
• lock rings to be fitted in grooves formed in the respective gutter bands;
• bead seat bands positioned at the ends;
• and
• side rings positioned at an inner end and an outer end,
• wherein:
• the lock ring is divided into a first portion and a second portion in a circumferential direction, which portions are different in length;
• the first portion is formed into a substantially C shape being like as a circular ring with a cut portion;
• the second portion has a shape corresponding to the cut portion of the circular ring of the first portion;
• and
• ends of the first portion are coupled with ends of the second portion respectively, by coupling members.

A method for assembling a multi-piece rim comprising steps for:

• fitting an uncoupled end of a lock ring into a gutter band groove, which ring is divided to a plurality of portions and the portions are coupled at each end thereof by a flexible coupling member;
• moving the lock ring along the gutter band groove so that a joint of the portions of the lock ring being divided to a plurality of portions, in which joint the portions are coupled by a coupling member, is positioned at an upper position in a vertical direction, and that uncoupled ends of the portions are positioned at a lower position in a vertical direction;
• and
• coupling the uncoupled ends of the portions of the lock ring being divided to a plurality of portions.

A method for assembling a multi-piece rim including a lock ring having a first portion formed into a substantially C shape being like as a circular ring with a cut portion, a chord length of which is substantially equal to the diameter of a hub, and having a second portion with a shape corresponding to the cut portion of the circular ring of the first portion, comprising steps for:

• moving the first portion so as to pass the cut portion beyond the hub so that the first portion positions on an outer periphery of the hub;
• expanding the first portion positioned on the outer periphery of the hub, so that the first portion passes beyond a gutter band and fits in a groove of the gutter band;
• placing the second portion to the cut portion of the first portion;
• and
• coupling ends of the first portion with ends of the second portion by coupling members.