Emergency operation attachment for a vehicle wheel

Abstract

An attachment for a vehicle wheel allows operation when the tire is flat. The attachment may include a main body which is circular or substantially annular when seen in an axial direction, a positioning device for positioning the attachment on a rim of the vehicle wheel, and a fastening device for fastening the attachment to the rim of the vehicle wheel. The fastening device may be adapted to be actuated independently of the positioning device.

Claims

1. An attachment for a vehicle wheel for enabling driving operation with a flat tire, the attachment comprising: a base body which, when seen in an axial direction, is circular or annular in shape, a positioning device for positioning the attachment on a rim of the vehicle wheel, and a fastening device to fasten the attachment to the rim of the vehicle wheel, the fastening device configured to be actuated independently of the positioning device, wherein the positioning device comprises at least two contact elements distributed uniformly on the base body in a circumferential direction thereof, the at least two contact elements configured to be fixed in any of a plurality of fixing positions, each corresponding to a different diameter of a rim flange of the rim, in order to position the attachment in a centered manner on the rim with a corresponding rim flange diameter and wherein the contact elements are lockable in each of the plurality of fixing positions associated with a respective one of the different rim flange diameters, so that the attachment can then be mounted or clipped onto the rim.

2. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the fastening device comprises at least one pressure measuring device configured to detect a clamping of the fastening device against the rim.

3. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the fastening device comprises at least one detachable fastening member configured to be mounted so as to be movable in a radial direction relative to the rim.

4. The attachment of claim 3, wherein the at least one detachable fastening member comprises at least two fastening members, and wherein the fastening device further comprises a coupling mechanism which, on actuation, couples a movement of the at least two fastening members in at least one of the radial direction and the axial direction, and wherein the coupling mechanism is so configured that the movement of the at least two fastening members is uniform.

5. The attachment of claim 4, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a clamping ring movable in the axial direction in response to rotation of the clamping ring in a circumferential direction relative to the rim, wherein the fastening device is configured to be actuated by movement of the clamping ring in the axial direction.

6. The attachment of claim 4, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a clamping element configured to connect together the at least two fastening members, wherein the clamping element is configured to be shortened or lengthened in the radial direction such that the fastening device can thereby be actuated by shortening or lengthening the clamping element.

7. The attachment of claim 1, wherein at least one of the fastening device and the positioning device is pneumatically or hydraulically actuatable.

8. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the fastening device is so configured that the fastening device contacts the rim over at least a sixth of a circumferential extent of the fastening device when the attachment is fastened to the vehicle wheel.

9. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the fastening device is so configured that the attachment, when fastened and clamped to the rim of the vehicle wheel, is urged in the axial direction towards the rim.

10. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the fastening device comprises a clamping surface which, when seen in the axial direction, slopes radially inwards, wherein the fastening device is so configured that the clamping surface, on fastening and clamping of the attachment to the rim, moves radially inwards, and wherein the clamping surface is so configured that the attachment, on fastening and clamping to the rim of the vehicle wheel, is urged in the axial direction towards the rim.

11. An attachment for a vehicle wheel for enabling driving operation with a flat tire, the attachment comprising: a base body which, when seen in an axial direction, is circular or annular in shape, a positioning device for positioning the attachment on a rim of the vehicle wheel, and a fastening device to fasten the attachment to the rim of the vehicle wheel, the fastening device configured to be actuated independently of the positioning device, wherein the base body comprises a rim-side part and another part which faces away from the rim and which is detachable from the rim-side part.

12. The attachment of claim 1, wherein the base body comprises at least two circumferential segments.

13. The attachment of claim 12, wherein the circumferential segments are connected together in the circumferential direction with one of a detachable folding mechanism and an engagement structure.

14. The attachment of claim 11, wherein the rim-side part and the another part, in an assembled state thereof, form a receiving portion in which at least a segment of a tread body can be inserted in an interlocking manner on assembly into the assembled state.

15. A device for enabling driving operation of a vehicle wheel with a flat tire, the device comprising: a first support element configured to be mounted on a vehicle side of the vehicle wheel, and a second support element configured to be mounted on the vehicle wheel an on the outer side thereof opposite the vehicle side, wherein the first and second support elements are so configured that, in mounting positions thereof on the vehicle wheel, the first and second support elements apply pressure laterally to side walls of the tire in such a manner that a running surface of the tire is urged radially outwards.

16. The device of claim 15, wherein first support element and the second support element each have clamping arms to fasten the first and second support elements to a rim of the vehicle wheel, wherein the clamping arms are so configured to engage between a tire bead of the tire and a rim well of the rim so as to lift the tire bead from the rim bed.

17. The device of claim 16, further comprising a fastening member configured to fasten the device to the vehicle wheel, wherein the first and second support members are configured to be clamped against the rim, and wherein, on fastening of the device to the vehicle wheel with the fastening member, the first support element and the second support element are clamped against the rim in such a manner that the first and second support elements move towards the rim until the first and second support elements come into contact with the rim.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) In the drawings:

(2) FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of an attachment according to the invention;

(3) FIGS. 2A-2C show, schematically, a fastening means;

(4) FIG. 3 shows a circumferential segment of an alternative embodiment of the attachment;

(5) FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment;

(6) FIG. 5 shows a mounting process of an alternative attachment;

(7) FIG. 6 shows a further mounting process of an alternative attachment;

(8) FIG. 7 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment;

(9) FIGS. 8A and 8B show, schematically, an alternative fastening means;

(10) FIG. 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment;

(11) FIG. 10 shows a coupling mechanism;

(12) FIG. 11 shows an alternative embodiment of the attachment;

(13) FIGS. 12 to 18 show an alternative embodiment of the attachment;

(14) FIGS. 19 to 22 show an alternative embodiment of the attachment;

(15) FIGS. 23A and 23B show a device for enabling emergency operation properties of a vehicle wheel;

(16) FIG. 24 shows an emergency wheel;

(17) FIGS. 25A-25C showsan alternative embodiment of the attachment; and

(18) FIGS. 26A-26C show an alternative embodiment of the attachment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

(19) In the following figures, corresponding components and elements carry the same reference numerals. For the sake of clarity, not all reference numerals are repeated in all figures.

(20) FIG. 1 shows, in a schematic representation, an attachment 10 for a vehicle wheel 12, not shown in FIG. 1, for enabling driving operation with a flat tire 14.

(21) The attachment 10 comprises a tread body 18, a base body 20, a positioning device 22 and a fastening device 24.

(22) The tread body 18 serves for contacting the attachment 10 with the road when the attachment 10 is fastened to the vehicle wheel 12.

(23) The positioning device 22 serves to position the attachment 10 on a rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12.

(24) The fastening device 24 serves to fasten the attachment 10 to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12, wherein the fastening device 24 can be actuated independently of the positioning device 22.

(25) In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the positioning device 22 comprises at least two contact elements 32. Preferably, the contact elements 32 are distributed uniformly on the base body 20 in a circumferential direction 30.

(26) It is advantageous if the contact elements 32 can be fixed in the radial direction 34, as shown in FIG. 1, in a plurality of specified fixing positions FP1, FP2 and FP3, which correspond to a standardized rim flange diameter. The attachment 10 can thus be positioned in a centered manner via the positioning device 22, or the contact elements 32 thereof, on a corresponding rim 26 with a standardized rim flange diameter.

(27) The positioning device 22 can have, for example, pivotable spring-biased claw-type contact elements 32 (see, for example, FIGS. 12 to 18), via which the attachment 10 can to a certain extent be clipped to the rim 26, in particular in the region of a rim flange 13, of the vehicle wheel 12. Other forms of the contact elements 32 or of the positioning device 22 as a whole are, however, likewise conceivable. Advantageously, the positioning device 22 is configured to be self-centering, which means that, even if the attachment 10 has not been positioned centrally on the vehicle wheel 12, the positioning device 22 moves the attachment 10 into a centered position relative to the vehicle wheel 12. This can be achieved, for example, by spring biasing the contact elements 32.

(28) The contact elements 32 of the positioning device 22 can also be arranged in or on fastening means 38 of the fastening device 24.

(29) The fastening device 24 within the meaning of the present invention can be actuated independently of the positioning device 22. Actuate means that the fastening device 24 is operated in such a manner that the attachment 10 is firmly connected to the vehicle wheel 12 via the fastening device 24. To that end, the fastening device 24 can comprise, for example, claw- or chuck-type fastening means 38. The fastening means 38 are generally configured to engage behind the rim 26, in particular in the region of the rim flange 13.

(30) On actuation of the fastening device 24, the fastening means 38 then engage behind the rim flange 13 and clamp the attachment 10 against the rim 26. This can be achieved, for example, by displacing or by pivoting the fastening means 38 in the radial direction 34.

(31) Actuation of the fastening device 24 can be possible via a corresponding tool or also without a tool. For example, the fastening means 38 can be configured to be movable by means of a hexagon socket. Also conceivable is a handle, by means of which the fastening means 38 are movable. The movement can comprise a translational movement or also a pivoting.

(32) Such a claw-type fastening means 38 is shown schematically in different positions, for example, in FIGS. 2A-2C, which show a sectional representation along the line II-II. FIGS. 2A-2C show a form of the fastening means 38 in which the fastening means 38 are displaceable both in the radial direction 34 and in the axial direction 48.

(33) The fastening device 34 can comprise a pressure measuring device 40. Preferably, such a pressure measuring device 40 is arranged on one or more of the fastening means 38. Such a pressure measuring device 40 is configured to detect the clamping of the fastening device 24 against the rim 26 or the rim flange 13. That is to say, for example, the force with which the fastening means 38 press against the rim flange 13 or are in contact therewith.

(34) In a preferred embodiment, the attachment 10 comprises a signal device 44 which is configured to transmit a signal when the clamping of the attachment 10 relative to the rim 26 is sufficient for safe driving operation. That is to say when the attachment 10 is fastened sufficiently firmly to the rim 26. Advantageously, the signal device 44 is coupled with the pressure measuring device 40 for this purpose. The signal device 44 can be configured to transmit visual, acoustic or haptic signals.

(35) The fastening means 38 can also be in the form of screws which can engage through corresponding openings in the base body 20 into corresponding screw receivers on the rim 26. Such an embodiment is shown in FIGS. 19 to 22.

(36) However, it is preferred if the fastening means 38 are configured to engage behind the rim flange 13 of the rim 26.

(37) The base body 20, when seen in an axial direction 28, is circular or largely annular in shape (see, for example, FIG. 1). This means that the base body 20 in its assembled state, as is shown, for example, in FIG. 1, in which it is also mounted on the vehicle wheel 12 in driving operation, has the shape just mentioned.

(38) Fastening of the attachment 10 to the vehicle wheel 12 on actuation of the fastening device 24 preferably takes place in such a manner that, on actuation of the fastening device 24, the attachment 10 moves in the axial direction 48 towards the rim 26. The attachment 10 is thus urged to some extent towards the rim 26 on actuation of the fastening device 24. Advantageously, fastening via the fastening device 24 thus involves not only clamping in the radial direction but also a displacement of the attachment 10 in the axial direction towards the rim 26. The attachment 10 thus presses to some extent, when seen in the axial direction 48, against the rim 26. This optional advantageous aspect of the fastening of the attachment 10 will be discussed in detail hereinbelow.

(39) Advantageously, the surface of the attachment 10 has a resilient surface, implemented, for example, by a rubber coating, in the region in which it comes into contact with the rim 26.

(40) For mounting the attachment 10 on the vehicle wheel 12, the attachment 10 is first positioned on the vehicle wheel 12 in the intended position via the positioning device 22. In the example of the attachment 10 shown in FIG. 1, this positioning takes place via the contact elements 32, which have previously been adjusted to the appropriate rim diameter of the vehicle wheel 12, for example by being locked in the corresponding position FP 2. In the present example, the attachment 10 is as it were clipped onto the rim 26 via the contact elements 32. The contact elements 32 are for that purpose mounted in a pivotable and spring-biased manner. On positioning of the attachment 10 on the rim 26, the attachment 10 is as it were placed on the rim 26 or held thereon and then pressed onto the rim 26, wherein the contact elements 32 widen against their spring bias and then, on account of the spring bias, snap into engagement behind the rim flange 13. The attachment 10 is then positioned in a centered manner relative to the rim 26. This positioning of the attachment 10 does not provide sufficient hold for driving operation, however.

(41) Following the positioning of the attachment 10 on the vehicle wheel 12 by means of the positioning device 22, the attachment 10 is fastened to the vehicle wheel 12 via the fastening device 24. To that end, the fastening device 24 is actuated. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the fastening means 38 are displaced towards the rim flange 13 so that they engage behind it. The fastening means 38 are then clamped against the rim flange 13, so that the attachment 10 is firmly fastened to the rim flange 13, or to the rim.

(42) In other words, positioning via the positioning device 22 is not sufficient to ensure driving operation but serves merely to place the attachment 10 correctly on the vehicle wheel 12.

(43) Once the attachment 10 has been positioned on the vehicle wheel 12 in the desired position via the positioning device 22, the attachment 10 is then firmly connected, preferably clamped, to the vehicle wheel 12 via the fastening device 24.

(44) The positioning device 22 advantageously remains unclamped relative to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12, even when the attachment 10 is finally fastened to the vehicle wheel 12.

(45) Advantageously, the base body 20 of the attachment 10 is composed of a plurality of circumferential segments 50. In the example of FIG. 1, the two circumferential segments 50 are connected together via hinges 54, which form a folding mechanism. The hinges 54 can be detachable or non-detachable.

(46) Instead of or in addition to the hinges 54, an engagement structure 58 can also be provided for connecting the circumferential segments 50.

(47) A circumferential segment 50 which can be connected via such an engagement structure 58 to further, similar circumferential segments 50 is shown, for example, in FIG. 3. The engagement structure 58 comprises a dovetail-shaped prolongation 60 which can be inserted into a corresponding recess 62.

(48) Connecting screws can be inserted into the dovetail-shaped prolongation 60 via screw holes 64 and screwed into screw receivers 66 in the region of the recess 62. The circumferential segments connected together via the engagement structure 58 are then firmly connected together.

(49) It can clearly be seen on the circumferential segment 50 shown in FIG. 3 that it comprises a rim-side part 70 and a part 72 facing away from the rim. The two parts 70, 72 can be detached from one another and firmly connected together via a corresponding screw connection 74.

(50) When the two parts 70, 72 are detached from one another, the tread body 18 can be inserted into a corresponding channel 76 between the two parts 70, 72; when the two parts 70, 72 are firmly connected together via the screw connections 74, the tread body 18 is held in the channel 76 in a loss-proof manner via a corresponding engagement. The channel 76 is an example of a receiving portion.

(51) In the circumferential segment 50 shown in FIG. 3, the fastening means 38 shown is displaceably attached to a holding lug 78.

(52) The attachment 10 shown in FIG. 4 is similar in construction to the attachment of FIG. 1. However, the attachment of FIG. 4 has locking devices 80, via which the circumferential segments 50 can be locked together in the folded state so that the attachment 10 can no longer be folded until the locking devices 80 have been released.

(53) FIG. 5 shows how an embodiment of the attachment 10 can be mounted on a vehicle wheel 12 without the vehicle wheel 12 being removed from the motor vehicle.

(54) First, the attachment 10 is positioned on the vehicle wheel 12 via the positioning device 22. A circumferential segment 50, which carries a corresponding reference numeral in FIG. 5, thereby remains in the folded-in state.

(55) The attachment 10 is then firmly fastened to the vehicle wheel 12 via the fastening device 24.

(56) Positioning via the positioning device 22 and fastening via the fastening device 24 thereby take place as described above.

(57) After fastening of the attachment 10, the vehicle wheel is moved forwards by 90°.

(58) The folded-in circumferential segment 50 is then folded out and locked via the locking devices 80.

(59) The parts of the fastening device 24 arranged on the circumferential segment 50 that was initially folded in are then likewise clamped or actuated.

(60) Fastening of the attachment 10 is then complete and driving operation can be resumed.

(61) FIG. 6 shows the mounting of a further embodiment, wherein in the embodiment shown in FIG. 6 one of the circumferential segments 50 has an extendable mounting aid 84. Via the mounting 84, the circumferential segment 50 fastened first to the vehicle wheel can be clamped against the vehicle wheel 12.

(62) FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of the attachment 10 with a coupling mechanism 90 which couples movable fastening means 38.

(63) It is preferred if the fastening device 24 comprises a coupling mechanism 90 which couples a movement of at least two movable fastening means 38, preferably of all the movable fastening means 38, on actuation of the fastening device 24.

(64) Wherein the coupling of the movements can couple the movement in the radial direction 34 and/or in the axial direction 48.

(65) Preferably, the coupling mechanism 90 is so configured that the movement of the coupled movable fastening means 38 is uniform, that is to say with the same speed, and in the same direction.

(66) The embodiment of the coupling mechanism 90 shown in FIG. 7 comprises a clamping ring 92 having a handle 94. The clamping ring 92 is configured to be rotatable in the circumferential direction.

(67) By rotating the clamping ring 92, it can be movable in the axial direction 48 along a thread 96 which is arranged on corresponding fastening lugs 97, as illustrated in FIG. 7. The clamping ring 92 is a possible embodiment of a clamping element 93; a similar mechanism can be implemented via a slider 98 which is movable in the radial direction, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B.

(68) In the case of a movement of the clamping ring 92 of FIG. 7 towards the rim 26, the fastening means 38 can be so configured and arranged, for example, that the clamping ring 92, on moving axially towards the rim 26, is able to come into contact with bevelled surfaces 100 of the fastening means 38, whereby the fastening means 38 can be pivotable and/or displaceable radially inwards. A similar function is possible via the slider 98.

(69) By rotating such a clamping ring 92 of FIG. 7 in the circumferential direction 30, the fastening device 24 can thus be actuated. During this actuation, the fastening means 38 of the fastening device 24 are clamped relative to the rim 26 simultaneously and uniformly, for example by pivoting radially inwards. To that end, the fastening means 38 are preferably pivotably mounted on the attachment 10 via a link 104.

(70) It is also preferred if the coupling mechanism 90 comprises a clamping element 106 which connects together at least two fastening means 38 or via which at least two fastening means 38 can be connected together, wherein the clamping element 106 is configured so that it can be shortened in its extent in the radial direction 34. A corresponding embodiment is shown in FIG. 9.

(71) For example, such a clamping element 106 can be in rod-like form. However, a cross-like form is also conceivable (FIG. 10). With its two ends 110, the clamping element 106 can be connected, for example hooked, to two opposing fastening means 38 of the fastening device 24 (see FIG. 9).

(72) The rod-like clamping element can have, for example, a middle part 112 with opposing threads 114, 116. The ends 110 which can be fastened to the fastening means 38 can be screwed into the opposing threads 114, 116. By rotating the middle part 112, the ends 110 are screwed either into the middle part 112 or out of the middle part, whereby the rod-like clamping element 106 is either lengthened or shortened.

(73) The fastening means 38 can be moved towards one another by the shortening of the clamping element 106, whereby actuation of the fastening device 24, or clamping of the fastening means 38 relative to the rim 26, can be achieved.

(74) Alternatively, the fastening means 38 can also be pivotable radially inwards by lengthening the clamping element 106, whereby actuation of the clamping device 24, or clamping of the fastening means 38 relative to the rim 26, can likewise be achieved.

(75) The fastening device 24 can also, as shown in FIG. 11, be actuatable via a pressure medium.

(76) Preferably, the positioning device 22 is also actuatable via a pressure medium. In such an embodiment, the positioning device 22 and the fastening device 24 can preferably each be connected to pressure medium stores 118. Corresponding pressure medium lines 120 can be arranged in the attachment 10 itself or on the outside.

(77) The fastening means and also the contact elements can be biased via springs 122.

(78) The positioning device 22 and the fastening device 24 can have relief valves 124 in the form of non-return valves and inlet valves 128 also in the form of non-return valves.

(79) An attachment 10 similar to the embodiment of FIG. 5 is shown in different views in FIGS. 12 to 18.

(80) In FIGS. 12 to 14, the attachment is shown in the folded-in state, while in FIGS. 15 to 18 it is shown in the folded-out state. In FIGS. 13 and 17, the attachment 10 is in each case shown in the state mounted on the vehicle wheel 12.

(81) The fastening means 38 can, however, also be in the form of screws which are able to engage through corresponding openings 130 in the base body 20 into corresponding screw receivers 132 on the rim 26 (see embodiment according to FIGS. 19 to 22). In this case, the screwing in of the screws constitutes the actuation of the fastening device 38.

(82) The fastening device 24 can comprise a plurality of detachable fastening means 38. Which can be mounted in a plurality of radially offset positions corresponding to standardized rim flange diameters. The fastening means 38 are preferably mounted to be movable in the radial direction.

(83) FIGS. 23A and 23B show a device 200 for enabling emergency operation properties of a vehicle wheel 12. The device 200 comprises a first support element 210, which is configured to be mounted on the vehicle wheel 12 on the vehicle side, and a second support element 220, which is configured to be mounted on the vehicle wheel 12 on the outer side 230 facing away from the vehicle. The support elements 210, 220 are so configured that, in an intended mounting position on the vehicle wheel 12 (see FIG. 23B), they apply pressure laterally to the side walls of the tire 14 of the vehicle wheel 12 in such a manner that a running surface 240 of the tire 14 is urged radially outwards.

(84) The first support element 210 and the second support element 220 each have clamping arms 212, 222 for fastening the support elements 210, 220 to the rim 26 of the vehicle wheel 12. The clamping arms 212, 222 are so configured and so arranged in the intended mounting position (FIG. 23) that they engage between a tire bead 250 of the tire 14 and a rim well 260 of the rim 26 in such a manner that they lift the tire bead 250 from the rim well 260.

(85) The device 200 comprises a fastening mechanism 280 which is so configured that, on fastening of the device 200 to the vehicle wheel 12, the first support element 210 and the second support element 220 can be clamped by means of the fastening mechanism 280 against the rim 26 in such a manner that they move towards the rim 26 until they come into contact therewith.

(86) FIG. 24 shows an emergency wheel 300 having a base body 320 which can be fastened to a bolt circle of a wheel hub in place of a defective vehicle wheel 12 and, when seen in an axial direction 48, is circular or largely annular in shape, wherein the base body 320 comprises two circumferential segments 350. Subdivision into more circumferential segments 350 is conceivable.

(87) The emergency wheel 320 is in such a form that the circumferential segments 350 are connected together in the circumferential direction 34 via a detachable folding mechanism 54. In addition or alternatively, connection via an engagement structure, preferably having a dovetail-shaped prolongation on one of the segments and a corresponding recess on a further of the segments 50, is also possible, similarly to the attachment of FIG. 3.

(88) FIGS. 25A-25C and 26A-26C show an alternative embodiment of attachments 10. The attachment 10 in each case comprises a base body 20 which comprises two circumferential segments 50. The attachment 10 comprises positioning devices 22 which are in the form of grip devices 312 in order to be positioned on the vehicle wheel 12 by interlocking engagement of the grip devices 312 with a preferably circular opening in the rim 26, which opening is arranged in the region of the bolt circle, wherein the opening is arranged in the rim 26 spaced apart from holes which are provided in the rim 26 for receiving wheel bolts or stud bolts, preferably wherein the opening is a center opening of the rim 26 or is spaced apart from an axis of rotation of the rim. In particular, it is advantageous if the opening in the region of the bolt circle is a so-called poly control bore which is used for axle alignment. The grip devices 312 can also be configured to position the attachment 10 on the vehicle wheel 12 by friction-based engagement in the above-mentioned opening, in particular the poly control bore.

(89) The attachment 10 further comprises an initial mounting portion 314.

(90) The attachments 10 of FIGS. 25A-25C and 26A-26C are so configured that the attachment 10 has a tread portion 326, which comprises the two circumferential segments 50 of the attachment 10, and wherein the attachment 10 comprises an initial mounting portion 314, wherein at least part of the tread portion 326 is configured separately from the initial mounting portion 314 and detachably connectable thereto or is configured to be movable relative thereto, and wherein the initial mounting portion 314 is arranged radially inwards from the running surface when the attachment 10 is fastened to the vehicle wheel 12.

(91) Preferably, the attachment 10 is so configured that the initial mounting portion 314 and the tread portion 326, that is to say the part of the attachment 10 comprising the running surface of the attachment 10, are configured separately and completely detachable from one another. Preferably, the tread portion 326 in turn comprises precisely two circumferential segments 50 which are detachable from one another and which can be assembled in such a manner that they form the circular running surface.

(92) Preferably, part of the grip device 312 is in any case connected non-detachably to the attachment 10, preferably the initial mounting portion 314. The attachment 10, or the initial mounting portion 314, can thus be fastened particularly simply to the vehicle wheel 12. The attachment 10, or the initial mounting portion 314 of the correspondingly configured attachment 10, can as it were be inserted into those openings.

(93) The fastening means 38 of the fastening device 24 are preferably in the form of a prefabricated part 316 which is screwed to the attachment 10. This is the case with the attachments 10 of FIGS. 25A-25C and 26A-26C.

(94) Preferably, the fastening means 38 comprises a casing 318. This is clearly visible in the exploded representation of FIG. 25B).

(95) Preferably, the fastening device 24 also comprises a locking mechanism 320.

(96) Preferably, the attachment comprises a locking mechanism 320 which is configured and arranged to lock the fastening means 38, in particular a pivotably mounted hook element 322 of the fastening means 38, when it is in engagement behind the rim flange 13, preferably wherein the locking mechanism 320 comprises a preferably biased, in particular spring biased, catch element 324. It is preferred if the catch element 324 engages in a locking manner into the hook element 322 or the hook element 322 engages in a locking manner into the catch element 324 when the locking mechanism 320 locks the fastening means 38. The fastening of the attachment 10 to the rim 12 is thus particularly secure. In particular, the catch element 324 can be in the form of a bolt which is biased, in particular via a spring, wherein the pivotably mounted hook element 322 can have, for example, a recess into which the spring-biased bolt engages and locks the hook element when the hook element 322 has been pivoted into the engaged position with the rim 12. To that end, the recess is advantageously so arranged that, in the engaged position, it pivots over the catch element 324 so that the catch element 324 is able to enter the recess.

(97) Preferably, the locking mechanism 320 is also arranged in the casing 318. The locking mechanism 320 and the fastening means 38 can thus be arranged, in any case partially, in a casing 318 which forms a type of housing for those components. It is preferred if the casing 318 or housing can be assembled individually with the components located therein and then the finished pre-assembled unit can be mounted or is mounted on the attachment 10 as a prefabricated part 316.