Vehicle Wheels and Methods of Making and Using Vehicle Wheels - Patent application

Abstract

A vehicle wheel for mounting at least two tires, an assembly including the vehicle wheel, a method of making the vehicle wheel, and a method of using the vehicle wheel. The vehicle wheel includes a generally cylindrical first region, a generally cylindrical second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first region includes a first tire mount disposed around the periphery of the outer surface of the first region. The second region includes a second tire mount disposed around the periphery of the outer surface of the second region. The third region is disposed intermediately and connects the first and second regions. The fourth region is integral with the inner surface of the third region and extends radially inward from the inner surface of the third region. The fourth region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The first region, second region, third region, and fourth region are monolithic body regions.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle wheel for mounting at least two tires, an assembly including a vehicle wheel, a method of making a vehicle wheel, and a method of using a vehicle wheel. [Background technology]

[0002] Medium and large vehicles, such as semi-trucks, can carry over 10 tons of cargo. To efficiently spread these heavy loads on the ground, certain large vehicles may utilize wheels with dual tires mounted on each wheel hub on the vehicle's drive axle or trailer axle. Designing a vehicle wheel with dual tries that can be efficiently interchanged and operated poses a challenge. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] In one aspect, a vehicle wheel is provided. The vehicle wheel includes a generally cylindrical first region, a generally cylindrical second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first region includes a first tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of an outer surface of the first region. The second region includes a second tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of an outer surface of the second region. The third region is disposed intermediate and connects the first region and the second region. The fourth region is integral with an inner surface of the third region and extends radially inward from the inner surface of the third region. The fourth region is configured for attachment to a vehicle axle. The first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region are monolithic body regions.

[0004] In another aspect, an assembly for a vehicle is provided. The assembly includes a vehicle wheel, a first tire, and a second tire. The vehicle wheel includes a generally cylindrical first region, a generally cylindrical second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first region includes a first tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of an outer surface of the first region. The second region includes a second tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of an outer surface of the second region. The third region is disposed intermediate and connects the first region and the second region. The fourth region is integral with an inner surface of the third region and extends radially inward from the inner surface of the third region. The fourth region is configured for mounting to a vehicle axle. The first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region are regions of a monolithic body. The first tire is mounted on the first region of the vehicle wheel. The second tire is mounted on the second region of the vehicle wheel. When mounted on the first region and the second region, a gap exists between the first wheel and the second wheel, respectively.

[0005] In yet another aspect, a method is provided that includes mounting a vehicle wheel to a drive axle of a vehicle or a trailer axle of a trailer. The vehicle wheel includes a generally cylindrical first region, a generally cylindrical second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first region includes a first tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of an outer surface of the first region. The second region includes a second tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of an outer surface of the second region. The third region is disposed intermediate and connects the first region and the second region. The fourth region is integral with an inner surface of the third region and extends radially inward from the inner surface of the third region. The fourth region is configured for mounting to a vehicle axle. The first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region are regions of a monolithic body.

[0006] In a further aspect, a method of making a vehicle wheel is provided. The method includes joining, welding, forming, curing, forging, casting, or additively manufacturing at least one of metal, metal alloy, plastic, and composite to provide a monolithic vehicle wheel. The vehicle wheel includes a generally cylindrical first region, a generally cylindrical second region, a third region, and a fourth region. The first region includes a first tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of an outer surface of the first region. The second region includes a second tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of an outer surface of the second region. The third region is disposed intermediate and connects the first region and the second region. The fourth region is integral with an inner surface of the third region and extends radially inward from the inner surface of the third region. The fourth region is configured for attachment to a vehicle axle. The first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region are regions of a monolithic body.

[0007] It is understood that the invention disclosed and described herein is not limited to the aspects summarized in this Summary of the Invention The reader will understand the above and other details upon reviewing the following detailed description of various non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects according to the present specification.

[0008] The features and advantages of the embodiments, and the manner in which they are achieved, will become more apparent and the embodiments will be better understood by referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a side detail view of the vehicle wheel of FIG. 1A. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of the vehicle wheel of FIG. 1A. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view of a non-limiting embodiment of an assembly including the vehicle wheel of FIG. 1A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding elements throughout the several views. The examples described herein illustrate some embodiments in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any manner.

[0011] Various examples are described and illustrated herein to provide a thorough understanding of the structure, function, and application of the disclosed articles and methods. The various examples described and illustrated herein are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Thus, the present invention is not limited by the description of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive examples disclosed herein. Rather, the present invention is defined only by the claims. The features and characteristics illustrated and / or described in connection with the various examples may be combined with the features and characteristics of the other examples. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the present specification. Accordingly, the claims may be amended to recite features or characteristics that are explicitly or inherently described or explicitly or inherently supported herein. Furthermore, applicants reserve the right to amend the claims to affirmatively disclaim features or characteristics that may exist in the prior art. Such modifications will therefore comply with the requirements of 35 U.S.C. §§ 112 and 132(a). The various embodiments disclosed and described herein may comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the features and characteristics variously described herein.

[0012] Reference herein to "various examples," "several examples," "an example," "an example," or similar phrases means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an example is included in at least one example. Thus, the phrases "in various examples," "in several examples," "in one example," "in an example," or similar phrases herein do not necessarily refer to the same example. Furthermore, particular described features, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more examples. Thus, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic illustrated or described in connection with one example can be combined, in whole or in part, without limitation, with features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other examples. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of the examples.

[0013] As used herein, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters should be understood to be prefaced and modified in all instances by the term "about," which has the inherent variability characteristic of the underlying measuring technique used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and without intending to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter set forth herein should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding approaches.

[0014] Also, any numerical range described herein includes all subranges contained within the described range. For example, a range of "1 to 10" includes all subranges between (and including) the recited minimum of 1 and the recited maximum of 10, i.e., having a minimum of 1 or more and a maximum of 10 or less. Any maximum numerical limitation described herein is intended to include all lower numerical limitations contained therein, and any minimum numerical limitation described herein is intended to include all higher numerical limitations contained therein. Accordingly, applicants reserve the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to explicitly recite any subranges contained within an expressly recited range. All such ranges are inherently described herein.

[0015] As used herein, the grammatical articles "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include "at least one" or "one or more," unless otherwise noted, even though in some cases "at least one" or "one or more" may clearly be used. Thus, the foregoing grammatical articles are used herein to refer to one or more than one (i.e., "at least one") of a particular identified element. Furthermore, unless the context requires otherwise, the use of a singular noun includes the plural and the use of a plural noun includes the singular.

[0016] As used herein, a referenced element or region that is "intermediate" between two other elements or regions means that the referenced element / region is disposed between, but not necessarily in contact with, the two other elements / regions. Thus, for example, a referenced element that is "intermediate" between a first element and a second element may or may not be adjacent to, or in contact with, the first and / or second element. Another element may be disposed between the referenced element and the first and / or second element.

[0017] Semi-trucks can use dual wheels or wide base wheels with a single tire spanning the width of the dual wheels on the drive or trailer axles. Wide base wheels can reduce rotational mass compared to dual wheels, resulting in increased fuel savings. However, wide base wheels can be more complicated to produce, maintain, and repair compared to dual wheels. Provided herein are vehicle wheels that can be easier to produce, maintain, and repair compared to wide base wheels, and can have a lower rotational mass than dual wheels. Various embodiments using and making vehicle wheels are also provided.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1A-C, a vehicle wheel 100 is provided. The vehicle wheel 100 includes a first region 102, a second region 104, a third region 106, and a fourth region 108. The first region 102 is generally cylindrical and includes an outer surface 102a and an inner surface 102b. The first region 102 further includes a first tire mount 110 disposed about an outer periphery of the outer surface 102a of the first region 102. The second region 104 is generally cylindrical and includes an outer surface 104a and an inner surface 104b. The second region 104 further includes a second tire mount 112 disposed about an outer periphery of the outer surface 104a of the second region 104. The first tire mount 110 and the second tire mount 112 may be configured to allow a tire to be mounted on each of the first tire mount 110 and the second tire mount 112. For example, the first tire mount 110 may include a tire bead set configured to receive a tire, and the second tire mount 112 may include a tire bead seat also configured to receive a tire. The mounting of a tire onto each of the first tire mount 110 and the second tire mount 112 is illustrated in FIG. 2 and described below.

[0019] In various embodiments, the first region 102 and the second region 104 extend in directions that are substantially parallel. In various embodiments, the first region 102 is symmetrical with the second region 104. In other embodiments, the first region 102 and the second region 104 do not extend in substantially parallel directions and / or are not symmetrical.

[0020] The first region 102 and the second region 104 may have a nominal rim width and a nominal rim diameter adapted to receive a tire. The first region 102 may have a nominal rim width w1 in the range of 6 inches (152.4 mm) to 12 inches (304.8 mm). For example, but not limited to, the nominal rim width w1 of the first region 102 may be 8.25 inches (209.6 mm) or 11 inches (279.4 mm). The second region 104 may have a nominal rim width w2 in the range of 6 inches (152.4 mm) to 12 inches (304.8 mm). For example, but not limited to, the nominal rim width w2 of the second region 104 may be 8.25 inches (209.6 mm) or 11 inches (279.4 mm).

[0021] The first region 102 may have a nominal rim diameter d1 in the range of 14 inches (406.4 mm) to 25 inches (635 mm). For example, but not limited to, the nominal rim diameter d1 of the first region 102 may be 22.5 inches (571.5 mm) or 24.5 inches (622.3 mm). The second region 104 may have a nominal rim diameter d2 in the range of 14 inches (406.4 mm) to 25 inches (635 mm). For example, but not limited to, the nominal rim diameter d2 of the second region 104 may be 22.5 inches (571.5 mm) or 24.5 inches (622.3 mm).

[0022] The third region 106 is disposed intermediate the first region 102 and the second region 104. In various embodiments, the third region 106 can connect the first region 102 and the second region 104. The third region 106 comprises an outer surface 106a and an inner surface 106b. The third region 106 can transmit forces from the first region 102 and the second region 104 to the fourth region 108. In various embodiments, the third region 106 is adjacent to the first region 102 and the second region 104. In various embodiments, the third region 106 is generally cylindrical. In various embodiments, the third region 106 can comprise an opening.

[0023] The fourth region 108 is integral with the inner surface 106b of the third region 106 and extends radially inward from the inner surface 106b of the third region 106. In various embodiments, the fourth region 108 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 106b of the third region 106. The fourth region 108 is configured to mount to a vehicle axle (not shown). For example, the fourth region 108 can include at least two holes 118 each configured to receive a stud on a hub of the vehicle axle. The centers of each hole 118 can be evenly spaced about the circle 124. In various embodiments, the circle 124 has a common center with the fourth region 108. The circle 124 can include a diameter d3 ranging from 5 inches (127 mm) to 15 inches (381 mm). For example, without limitation, the circle 124 can include a diameter d3 of 11.25 inches (285.75 mm). In various embodiments, each hole 118 can have a diameter ranging from 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm). For example, holes 118 can have a diameter of 1.023 inches (26 mm).

[0024] In various embodiments, the fourth region 108 may comprise a single hole suitable for mounting to a vehicle axle with a single bolt. The single hole may comprise a diameter ranging from 1 inch (25.4 mm) to 10 inches (254 mm). In various embodiments, the fourth region 108 comprises a one-piece hub section configured to mount the vehicle wheel 100 to a vehicle axle using a single fastener.

[0025] The fourth region 108 can include a shape suitable for transferring forces between the vehicle axles to the third region 106. In various embodiments, the fourth region 108 includes a generally circular plate shape. In various embodiments, a central portion 108a of the fourth region 108 includes an opening 114. The opening 114 can reduce the weight of the vehicle wheel 100.

[0026] In various embodiments, the fourth region 108 includes at least two openings 116 disposed around the perimeter 108b of the fourth region 108 and proximate the inner surface 106b of the third region 106. The at least two openings 116 can reduce the weight of the vehicle wheel 100. In various embodiments, the fourth region 108 can include ten openings 116. The openings 116 can be positioned offset from the holes 118. The offset positioning of the holes 118 and the openings 116 can minimize the reduction in the dynamic load rating (if any) of the vehicle wheel 100. Each opening 116 can be evenly spaced around the circle 126. In various embodiments, the circle 126 has a common center with the fourth region 108. The circle 126 can include a diameter d4 ranging from 10 inches (254 mm) to 22 inches (558.8 mm). For example, the circle 126 may have a diameter d4 of 17.3 inches (439.42 mm).

[0027] The first region 102, the second region 104, the third region 106, and the fourth region 108 are regions of a monolithic body of the vehicle wheel 100. A monolithic body is a single continuous piece of material. The monolithic nature of the body enhances the transfer of forces between the regions 102, 104, 106, 108 and may allow for a reduction in the weight of the vehicle wheel 100 relative to a conventional wheel to which two tires are attached. In various embodiments, the monolithic body does not include fasteners joining the first region 102, the second region 104, the third region 106, and the fourth region 108 together.

[0028] In various embodiments, the vehicle wheel 100 can be at least one of a bonded wheel, a welded wheel, a formed wheel (e.g., vacuum formed), a hardened wheel, a cast wheel, a forged wheel, and an additively manufactured wheel. The bonded, welded, formed, hardened, cast, forged, or additively manufactured wheel may undergo further processing to provide a final vehicle wheel. The vehicle wheel 100 can include at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite. For example, the vehicle wheel 100 can include various materials suitable for making bonded, welded, formed, hardened, cast, forged, and / or additively manufactured parts, such as at least one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, magnesium, magnesium alloy, iron, iron alloy, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.

[0029] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle wheel 100 can weigh 75 pounds (34.02 kg) or less, such as, for example, 70 pounds (31.75 kg) or less, or 65 pounds (29.48 kg) or less. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle wheel 100 can weigh at least 60 pounds (27.22 kg), such as, for example, at least 65 pounds (29.48 kg) or at least 70 pounds (31.75 kg). In various embodiments, the vehicle wheel can weigh in the range of 60 pounds (27.22 kg) to 75 pounds (34.02 kg).

[0030] In various embodiments, the dynamic load rating of the wheel can be at least 1,000 pounds (453.59 kg), such as, for example, at least 5,000 pounds (2267.96 kg), at least 10,000 pounds (4535.92 kg), or at least 15,000 pounds (6803.89 kg). In various embodiments, the dynamic load rating of the wheel can be no greater than 20,000 pounds (9071.85 kg), such as, for example, no greater than 15,000 pounds (6803.89 kg), no greater than 10,000 pounds (4535.92 kg), or no greater than 5,000 pounds (2267.96 kg). In various embodiments, the dynamic load rating of the wheel may be from 1,000 pounds (453.59 kg) to 20,000 pounds (9071.85 kg), such as from 5,000 pounds (2267.96 kg) to 15,000 pounds (6803.89 kg) or from 9,000 pounds (4082.33 kg) to 13,000 pounds (5896.70 kg).

[0031] In various non-limiting embodiments, the first region 102 can include a first valve stem mount 128 and a first valve stem 130. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region 104 can include a second valve stem mount 132 and a second valve stem 134. The valve stems 130, 134 are adapted to transmit air to a tire mounted on the first region 102 and a tire mounted on the second region 104, respectively. In non-limiting embodiments in which the vehicle wheel 100 is configured to be mounted on an axle of a vehicle and / or trailer having the first region 102 adjacent an exterior of the vehicle and / or trailer, the second valve stem mount 132 and the second valve stem 134 can be aligned with the bore 116 such that the second valve stem 134 can be accessed through the bore 116 without removing the vehicle wheel 100 from the axle.

[0032] 2, the assembly 200 may include the vehicle wheel 100, a first tire 220 mounted to the first tire mount 110, and a second tire 222 mounted to the second tire mount 112. The first tire 220 may contact the first tire mount 110 such that an outer wall 220a of the first tire 220 is held by the first tire mount 110. The second tire 222 may contact the second tire mount 112 such that an outer wall 222a of the second tire 222 is held by the second tire mount 112.

[0033] The first tire mount 110 and the second tire mount 112 may be axially spaced apart by a distance X1 configured to provide a gap g between the first tire 220 and the second tire 222 when the tires are mounted on the first tire mount 110 and the second tire mount 112, respectively. The gap g may be of a size suitable to prevent or inhibit contact between the first tire 220 and the second tire 222. The first tire 220 and the second tire 222 may include a variety of dimensions suitable for mounting on the vehicle wheel 100. For example, in various non-limiting embodiments, the first tire 220 and the second tire 222 may include a dimension selected from at least one of 11R22.5, 295 / 75R22.5, 11R24.5, and 285 / 75R24.5.

[0034] Methods of using a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure are provided. The methods include mounting a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure to a drive axle of a vehicle or a trailer axle of a trailer. The vehicle can include a vehicle weight class ranging from 1 to 8, such as 3 to 8, as defined by the U.S. Federal Highway Administration. For example, the total weight of the vehicle can be at least 10,001 pounds (4536.38 kg). The vehicle can be, for example, a small vehicle, a medium vehicle, or a large vehicle, such as a medium vehicle or a large vehicle. In various non-limiting examples, the vehicle can be a truck (e.g., pickup, full size, tractor (e.g., truck trailer)), a van, or a bus. The vehicle can have at least two axles, such as, for example, at least three axles, at least four axles, at least five axles, or at least six axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle can have ten axles or less, such as, for example, six axles or less, five axles or less, four axles or less, or three axles or less. In various non-limiting embodiments, a vehicle can have a number of axles ranging from two to ten.

[0035] The trailer can have a single axle or at least two axles, such as, for example, at least three axles, at least four axles, at least five axles, or at least six axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the trailer can have ten or fewer axles, such as, for example, six or fewer axles, five or fewer axles, four or fewer axles, or three or fewer axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the trailer can have a number of axles ranging from one to ten.

[0036] Also provided is a method of making a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure. The method includes bonding, welding, forming, curing, forging, casting, or additively manufacturing at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite to provide a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure. In various non-limiting embodiments, the method of making the vehicle wheel includes a step in addition to bonding, welding, forming, curing, casting, forging, or additively manufacturing. For example, the metal, metal alloy, plastic, and / or composite used to make the vehicle wheel can be a variety of materials suitable for bonding, welding, forming, curing, casting, forging, and additively manufacturing, such as at least one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, magnesium, magnesium alloy, iron, iron alloy, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.

[0037] Aspects of the invention Various aspects of the present invention include, but are not limited to, those aspects described in the following numbered paragraphs. Section 1 a generally cylindrical first region including a first tire mount disposed about a periphery of an outer surface of the first region; a generally cylindrical second region including a second tire mount disposed about a periphery of an outer surface of the second region; a third region disposed between the first region and the second region; a fourth region integral with an inner surface of the third region and extending radially inward therefrom, the fourth region configured for attachment to a vehicle axle, the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region being a monolithic body region. Section 2 2. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first region and the second region extend in substantially parallel directions. Section 3 3. The vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 2, wherein the fourth region extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the third region. Section 4 4. The vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fourth region has a generally circular plate shape. Section 5 5. The vehicle wheel of claim 4, wherein a central portion of the fourth region comprises an opening. Section 6 6. The vehicle wheel of any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the fourth region comprises at least two openings disposed around a periphery of the fourth region and proximate the inner surface of the third region. Section 7 7. The vehicle wheel of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fourth region comprises a one-piece hub section configured to mount the vehicle wheel to a vehicle axle using a single fastener. Section 8 8. A vehicle wheel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the fourth region comprises at least two holes configured to receive studs on a hub of the vehicle axle. Section 9 9. The vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one of the first tire mount and the second tire mount comprises a tire bead seat. Section 10 10. A vehicle wheel as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one of the first region and the second region has a nominal rim diameter in the range of 1 inch to 200 inches, inclusive. Section 11 11. The vehicle wheel of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein at least one of the first region and the second region has a nominal rim width in the range of 1 inch to 100 inches, inclusive. Section 12 12. The vehicle wheel of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first tire mount and the second tire mount are axially spaced apart a distance configured to form a gap between a first tire mounted on the first tire mount and a second tire mounted on the second tire mount. Section 13 13. The vehicle wheel of claim 12, wherein at least one of the first region and the second region has a nominal rim diameter in the range of 14 inches to 25 inches, inclusive, and at least one of the first region and the second region has a nominal rim width in the range of 6 inches to 12 inches, inclusive. Section 14 14. The vehicle wheel of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the vehicle wheel is at least one of a bonded wheel, a welded wheel, a formed wheel, a hardened wheel, a cast wheel, a forged wheel, and an additively manufactured wheel. Section 15 15. The vehicle wheel of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the vehicle wheel comprises at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite material. Section 16 16. The vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the vehicle wheel comprises at least one of aluminum, aluminum alloy, titanium, titanium alloy, magnesium, magnesium alloy, iron, iron alloy, fiberglass, and carbon fiber. Section 17 17. The vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the monolithic body does not include fasteners joining the first, second, third and fourth regions. Section 18 The vehicle wheel according to any one of claims 1 to 17, a first tire mounted on the first region of the vehicle wheel; a second tire mounted on the second region of the vehicle wheel; A gap exists between the first wheel and the second wheel. Section 19 A method comprising mounting the vehicle wheel of any one of claims 1 to 17 on a drive axle of a vehicle or a trailer axle of a trailer. Section 20 1. A method of making a vehicle wheel, the method comprising: 1. A monolithic vehicle wheel by a method including at least one of bonding, welding, molding, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite, the vehicle wheel comprising: a generally cylindrical first region including a first tire mount disposed about a periphery of an outer surface of the first region; a generally cylindrical second region including a second tire mount disposed about a periphery of an outer surface of the second region; a generally cylindrical third region disposed intermediate the first region and connecting the second region; and a fourth region integral with and extending radially inward from the inner surface of the third region, the fourth region configured for mounting to a vehicle axle, the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region being regions of the monolithic vehicle wheel.

[0038] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the articles and methods described herein and the accompanying description are used as examples to clarify concepts, and various configuration changes are possible. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples / embodiments discussed and the accompanying description are intended to be representative of their more general classification. In general, the use of a specific example is intended to be representative of its classification, and the absence of specific components, devices, operations / operations, and objects should not be construed as limiting. While the present disclosure describes various specific aspects for the purpose of illustrating various aspects of the disclosure and / or its potential applications, it is understood that variations and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art. Thus, it should be understood that the inventions described herein are at least as broad as they are claimed, and not more narrowly defined by the specific exemplary aspects provided herein. [Explanation of symbols]

[0039] 100 Vehicle Wheels 102 First Area 102a Exterior 102b Inside 104 Second Area 104a Exterior 104b Inside 106 The Third Region 106a Exterior 106b Inside 108 The Fourth Region 108a center part Around 108b 110 First Tire Mount 112 Second Tire Mount 114 Opening 116 Opening 116 Holes / Openings 118 holes 124 yen 126 yen 128 First Valve Stem Mount 130 First valve stem 132 Second valve stem mount 134 Second valve stem 200 assembly 220 First Tire 220a Outer wall 222 Second Tire 222a Outer wall

Claims

1. a generally cylindrical first region including a first tire mount disposed about a periphery of an outer surface of the first region; a generally cylindrical second region including a second tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of the second region; a third region disposed between the first region and the second region, the third region having a first opening; a fourth region integral with an inner surface of the third region and extending radially inwardly therefrom, the fourth region being configured for attachment to a vehicle axle, the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region being a monolithic body region; the fourth region comprising at least two second openings circumferentially disposed about a periphery of the fourth region and proximal to the inner surface of the third region; the fourth region extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the third region; The second region includes a valve stem aligned with one of the at least two second openings in the fourth region.

2. The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the first region and the second region extend in substantially parallel directions.

3. The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the fourth region comprises a generally circular plate shape.

4. The vehicle wheel of claim 3 , wherein a central portion of the fourth region comprises an opening.

5. The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the fourth region comprises a one-piece hub section configured to mount the vehicle wheel to a vehicle axle using a single fastener.

6. 2. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the fourth region includes at least two holes configured to receive studs on a hub of a vehicle axle.

7. The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first tire mount and the second tire mount comprises a tire bead seat.

8. The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first region and said second region comprises a nominal rim diameter in the range of 1 inch to 200 inches, inclusive.

9. The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein at least one of said first region and said second region comprises a nominal rim width in the range of 1 inch to 100 inches, inclusive.

10. 2. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the first tire mount and the second tire mount are axially spaced apart a distance configured to form a gap between a first tire mounted on the first tire mount and a second tire mounted on the second tire mount.

11. 11. The vehicle wheel of claim 10, wherein at least one of the first region and the second region comprises a nominal rim diameter in the range of 14 inches to 25 inches, inclusive, and at least one of the first region and the second region comprises a nominal rim width in the range of 6 inches to 12 inches, inclusive.

12. 10. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the vehicle wheel is at least one of a bonded wheel, a welded wheel, a molded wheel, a hardened wheel, a cast wheel, a forged wheel, and an additively manufactured wheel.

13. The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the vehicle wheel comprises at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite material.

14. 10. The vehicle wheel of claim 1, wherein the vehicle wheel comprises at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, an iron alloy, fiberglass, and carbon fiber.

15. The vehicle wheel of claim 1 , wherein the monolithic body does not include fasteners joining the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region.

16. The vehicle wheel of claim 1 ; a first tire mounted on the first region of the vehicle wheel; a second tire mounted on the second region of the vehicle wheel; A gap exists between the first tire and the second tire.

17. 10. A method comprising mounting the vehicle wheel of claim 1 to a drive axle of a vehicle or a trailer axle of a trailer.

18. 1. A method of making a vehicle wheel, the method comprising:

1. A monolithic vehicle wheel by a method including at least one of bonding, welding, molding, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing of at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a plastic, and a composite, the vehicle wheel comprising: a generally cylindrical first region including a first tire mount disposed about a periphery of an outer surface of the first region; a generally cylindrical second region including a second tire mount disposed about an outer periphery of the second region; a generally cylindrical third region disposed intermediate the first region and connecting the second region, the third region having a first opening; a fourth region integral with and extending radially inward from an inner surface of the third region, the fourth region configured for attachment to a vehicle axle, the first region, the second region, the third region, and the fourth region being regions of the monolithic vehicle wheel; the fourth region comprising at least two second openings circumferentially disposed about a periphery of the fourth region and proximal to the inner surface of the third region; the fourth region extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner surface of the third region; providing a vehicle wheel, the second region including a valve stem aligned with one of the at least two second openings of the fourth region.

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