(under subclass 1.1) Devices which engage and remove or apply, or facilitate the removal or application of, an annular tire retaining element which is mounted on the rim as a barrier for the prevention of relative axial movement between the tire and rim.
(1) Note. Retaining elements for the purpose of this subclass may include, for example, discontinuous groove-engaging lock rings as well as the retaining portions of rims which are separable in an axial direction.
(2) Note. Loose flanges having a mere sliding fit on the rim and which are themselves retained in the manner of a tire do not normally furnish subject matter for this subclass unless
the device is disclosed as primarily intended for their forcible application or removal.
(3) Note. Devices which merely shift a flange or tire portion to expose the retainer prior to removal thereof are excluded and will be found in subclasses 1.17+.
