Runflat device for a motor vehicle, and a mounted assembly incorporating it

Abstract

The present invention concerns a runflat device for a tubeless mounted assembly for a motor vehicle and an assembly incorporating said device. A device in accordance with the invention for a unit comprises a wheel rim having a plurality of pieces and a tire cover comprising beads mounted against the flanges of the rim, the device comprising: a support ring for mounting around the rim to support the tire cover following a drop in inflation pressure and divided into at least two ring sectors; and means for locking said beads against the flanges to connect the sectors to the beads. The device is such that each ring sector comprises a rigid wall which defines at least one internal volume and which defines the lateral faces of the ring sector.

1 - 32 . (canceled)  
   
   
       34 . A wheel rim comprising a plurality of pieces and two axially inner and outer rim seats which are respectively designed to receive two beads of a tire cover and which terminate in axially inner and outer flanges, said inner and outer seats extending radially inwardly via respective axially inner and outer lateral walls defining a circumferential rim recess, wherein at least one of said lateral walls forms an undercut which is provided to cooperate in abutment with one side of a runflat device for mounting around said rim.  
   
   
       35 . A wheel rim according to  claim 34 , wherein said rim recess has a substantially flat base in axial cross-section which connects said lateral walls together.  
   
   
       36 . A wheel rim according to  claim 34 , wherein said lateral walls form respective undercuts which are symmetrical with respect to the circumferential medial plane of the rim and which are respectively provided to cooperate with two sides of said runflat device, to stop it from leaving said rim recess.  
   
   
       37 . A wheel rim according to  claim 35 , wherein said lateral walls form respective undercuts which are symmetrical with respect to the circumferential medial plane of the rim and which are respectively provided to cooperate with two sides of said runflat device, to stop it from leaving said rim recess.  
   
   
       38 . A wheel rim according to  claim 37 , wherein said lateral walls comprise an inner lateral wall which is axially and radially inwardly inclined, and an outer lateral wall which is axially outwardly and radially inwardly inclined.