Skinny rings/clips (like circlips but thinner) in inner CV joint rollers

[Coro]

We are replacing CV boot inners in a AZT250 Avensis and am wondering what these small rings are on the rollers in the inner CV joint.

The 3 roller bearings on the tripod have regular circlips on both sides of the roller ("1" in picture) (heavy gauge circlip with slanted ends).

Then on the inside of the roller, there were these really skinny rings ("2" in picture).  They appeared to be sitting on top of the main circlip.  Couldn't see how they were located and not all of them were there so wondering if they are not really required?  Presume otheres were left out when apart previously.  (CV joints have been operating fine for years, we are just replacing boots).

Anyone know if these rings serve a useful purpose?

 

[Stivino]

They look like the clips found inside the seals.

[Coro]

Seals?  There were no seals on the roller.