Vehicle wheel and method of use

Abstract

A vehicle wheel and method of use are provided. The vehicle wheel comprises a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is generally annular and comprises a first flange, a second flange opposite the first flange, and a continuous wall with an inner surface and an outer surface. A first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat are defined on the outer surface. The second region is configured for attachment to a vehicle axle and is offset from the first flange by an offset distance. The third region connects the second region and the first region and extends inwardly toward the longitudinal axis from an attachment location on the first region to the second region. The third region comprises a first thickness and the second region comprises a second thickness. The first thickness is no more than 75% of the second thickness.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to vehicle wheels. [Background technology]

[0002] The weight of the vehicle wheels of a motor vehicle can affect the fuel economy of the motor vehicle. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] Reducing the weight of a vehicle wheel while maintaining the desired performance of the vehicle wheel presents challenges. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle wheel is provided. The vehicle wheel includes a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is generally annular and includes a first flange, a second flange opposite the first flange, and a continuous wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat are defined on the outer surface. A continuous wall is disposed around a longitudinal axis of the vehicle wheel and extends from the first flange to the second flange. The second region is configured to mount to the vehicle axle and is offset from the first flange by an offset distance. The third region connects the first region and the second region and includes a first thickness. The third region extends inwardly toward the longitudinal axis from a mounting location on the first region to the second region. The second region includes a second thickness, the first thickness being 75% or less of the second thickness.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle wheel is provided. The vehicle wheel includes a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is substantially annular and includes a first flange, a second flange opposite the first flange, and a continuous wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat are defined on the outer surface. The first tire bead seat has a bead seat width. The continuous wall is disposed about a longitudinal axis of the vehicle wheel and extends from the first flange to the second flange. The second region is configured to be attached to a vehicle axle and is offset from the first flange by an offset distance. The third region connects the first region and the second region. The third region extends in an inward direction toward the longitudinal axis from an attachment position on the first region to the second region. The attachment position is at a first distance from a point of intersection of a radius of the first flange and an angle defined by the first bead seat, and the first distance is at least 50% of the bead seat width.

[0006] It is understood that the inventions disclosed and described herein are not limited to the aspects summarized in this "Summary of the Invention". The reader will understand the foregoing details and other details upon considering the following detailed description of various non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects according to this specification.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] By referring to the following description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, the features and advantages of the embodiments and the manner of achieving them will become more apparent, and the embodiments will be better understood.

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the vehicle wheel of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of the vehicle wheel of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the vehicle wheel of FIG. 1. [Figure 5]It is an enlarged left view of the vehicle wheel in FIG. 1. [Figure 6] It is an enlarged right view of the vehicle wheel in FIG. 1. [Figure 7] It is an enlarged front view of the vehicle wheel in FIG. 1. [Figure 8] It is an enlarged rear view of the vehicle wheel in FIG. 1. [Figure 9] It is a cross-sectional view showing the aspect of the vehicle wheel in FIG. 1, and is a cross-section along line 9-9 in FIG. 7. [Figure 10] It is a contour view of FIG. 9. [Figure 11] It is a detailed view of region 11 in FIG. 10. [Figure 12] It is a cross-sectional view of an assembly including a tire and a vehicle wheel of a non-limiting embodiment according to the present disclosure. [Figure 13] It is a non-limiting embodiment of a dual vehicle wheel assembly according to the present disclosure, and one of the vehicle wheels is shown in phantom.

[0009] Corresponding reference numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout several views. The examples described herein illustrate specific embodiments in one form, and such examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any way.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Various embodiments are described and illustrated herein to provide an overall understanding of the structure, function, and use of the disclosed articles and methods. The various embodiments described and illustrated herein are non-limiting and non-exhaustive. Accordingly, the present invention is not limited by the descriptions of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments 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 embodiments may be combined with the features and characteristics of other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this specification. Thus, the claims may be amended to describe any feature or characteristic explicitly or inherently described herein, or otherwise explicitly or inherently supported by this specification. Further, Applicants reserve the right to amend the claims to affirmatively disclaim any feature or characteristic that may exist in the prior art. The various embodiments disclosed and described herein may include, consist of, or consist essentially of the features and characteristics variously described herein.

[0011] Any reference in this specification to "various embodiments", "some embodiments", "one embodiment", "an embodiment", "non-limiting embodiments" or similar phrases means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases "in various non-limiting embodiments", "in some embodiments", "in one embodiment", "in an embodiment", or similar phrases in this specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Accordingly, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, without limitation, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments. Such modifications and variations are intended to be included within the scope of this embodiment.

[0012] As used herein, a referenced element or region "intermediate" between two other elements or regions means that the referenced element or region is disposed between, but not necessarily in contact with, the two other elements or regions. Thus, for example, a referenced element "intermediate" between a first element and a second element may or may not be immediately adjacent to, or in contact with, the first and / or second elements, and other elements may be disposed between the referenced element and the first and / or second elements.

[0013] The inventors have observed that various conventional vehicle wheels, such as, for example, conventional vehicle wheels comprising aluminum or aluminum alloys, utilize a cantilever-loaded bearing arrangement between the tire loading surface and the central disc surface of the vehicle wheel. Conventional vehicle wheels typically include a thick disc surface to withstand the bending moment caused by the cantilever loading. For this reason, reducing the wall thickness at the disc surface is undesirable.

[0014] The present disclosure is directed to a vehicle wheel utilizing a modified loading arrangement. An advantage of the modified loading arrangement is that the thickness of the vehicle wheel's disc surface can be reduced without impairing wheel performance. The present disclosure provides a vehicle including a first region, a second region, and a third region. The first region is generally annular and includes a first flange, a second flange opposite the first flange, and a continuous wall having an inner surface and an outer surface. A first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat are defined on the outer surface. The first tire bead seat has a bead seat width. The continuous wall is disposed around a longitudinal axis of the vehicle wheel and extends from the first flange to the second flange. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle and is offset from the first flange by an offset distance. The third region connects the first region and the second region and has a first thickness. The third region extends inwardly toward the longitudinal axis from a mounting location on the first region to the second region. In certain non-limiting embodiments of vehicle wheels according to the present disclosure, the second region has a second thickness, and the first thickness is no greater than 75% of the second thickness. In certain non-limiting embodiments of vehicle wheels according to the present disclosure, the mounting location on the first region is a first distance from a point of intersection of the radius of the first flange and the angle defined by the first bead seat, and the first distance is at least 50% of the bead seat width.

[0015] The inventors have observed that vehicle wheel embodiments having the designs of the present disclosure may include less mass or weight than various conventional vehicle wheels while maintaining desirable performance characteristics. For example, by locating the attachment points at a first distance and reducing the bending moment in a third region, the wall thickness in the second region can be reduced while maintaining a desired load capacity.

[0016] Figures 1-8 show various views of non-limiting embodiments of a vehicle wheel 100 according to the present disclosure. The vehicle wheel 100 includes a first region 102, a second region 116, and a third region 118. The first region 102 may be generally annular and may include a first flange 104, a second flange 106, and a continuous wall 120 disposed about a longitudinal axis a of the vehicle wheel 100. l The continuous wall 120 can extend from the first flange 104 to the second flange 106. The continuous wall 120 includes an outer surface 110 (e.g., a tire sidewall) and an inner surface 108. The outer surface 110 can define a first tire bead seat 112 and a second tire bead seat 114, both of which can be disposed around the perimeter of the outer surface 110 of the first region 102. The first tire bead seat 112 and the second tire bead seat 114 can be configured such that a tire (e.g., the tire 1250 of the assembly 1200 of FIG. 12) can be mounted thereon and form a substantially airtight seal therewith. The tire 1250 can have any suitable dimensions for mounting on the first tire bead seat 112 and the second tire bead seat 114 of the outer surface 110. For example, depending on the dimensions of the first tire bead seat 112 and the second tire bead seat 114, the tire 1250 can have dimensions such as 11R22.5, 295 / 75R22.5, 11R24.5, 285 / 75R24.5, or other suitable dimensions.

[0017] Referring to FIGS. 8 and 10, the first region 102 can have a nominal rim width A and a nominal rim diameter D adapted to receive a tire. In various non-limiting embodiments, referring to FIG. 10, the first region 102 can have a nominal rim width A in the range of 1 inch (2.54 mm) to 100 inches (2540 mm), such as 6 inches (152.4 mm) to 24 inches (609.6 mm), 6 inches (152.4 mm) to 12 inches (304.8 mm), or 5.5 inches (139.7 mm) to 17 inches (431.8 mm). For example, without limitation, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the nominal rim width A of the first region 102 can be 8.25 inches (209.6 mm) or 11 inches (279.4 mm).

[0018] In various non-limiting embodiments, referring to FIGS. 7 and 8, the first region 102 may have a nominal rim diameter D in the range of 1 inch (2.54 mm) to 200 inches (5080 mm), such as 14 inches (406.4 mm) to 25 inches (635 mm), 19 inches (482.6 mm) to 25 inches (635 mm), or 16 inches (406.4 mm) to 24 inches (609.6 mm). For example, without limitation, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the nominal rim diameter D of the first region 102 may be 22.5 inches (571.5 mm) or 24.5 inches (622.3 mm).

[0019] Referring again to FIGS. 1-2 and FIGS. 7-8, the second region 116 of the vehicle wheel 100 is configured to be attached to a vehicle axle (not shown). For example, the second region 116 can include a hub surface 126 that defines an opening 124 configured to receive at least a portion of a hub of the vehicle axle. The hub surface 126 can be configured to engage a hub of the vehicle axle and facilitate alignment of the vehicle wheel 100 with the hub of the vehicle axle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the hub surface 126 can include a pilot hole suitable for engaging a pilot tab of the hub of the vehicle axle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region 116 is substantially disk-shaped and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the inner surface 108 of the first region 102 and along the longitudinal axis a l thereof.

[0020] The second region 116 can be offset from the first flange 104 by an offset distance d o . The offset distance d o can be configured such that the vehicle wheel 100 can be mounted in a dual-wheel configuration. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the first vehicle wheel 1300a and the second vehicle wheel 1300b are mounted in a dual-wheel configuration where the second region 116 of the first vehicle wheel 1300a contacts the second region 116 of the second vehicle wheel 1300b. The offset distance d omay be in a direction away from the second flange 106. The offset distance d o can be, for example, at least 0.394 inches (10 millimeters), at least 0.59 inches (15 millimeters), at least 0.787 inches (20 millimeters), at least 0.984 inches (25 millimeters), at least 1.181 inches (30 millimeters), at least 1.378 inches (35 millimeters), at least 1.575 inches (40 millimeters), or at least 1.969 inches (50 millimeters).

[0021] In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region 116 may include at least two holes 128 that extend into the second region 116. Each of the at least two holes 128 may be configured to receive a stud on a hub of a vehicle axle. The center point of each of the holes 128 m can be evenly arranged around the mounting circle c m has a common center point with the center point of the second region 116. In various non-limiting embodiments, the mounting circle c m can include a mounting diameter in the range of 1 inch (25.4 mm) to 15 inches (381 mm). For example, the mounting diameter can be 11.25 inches (285.75 mm). In various non-limiting embodiments, each of the holes 128 can have a diameter in the range of 0.1 inch (2.54 mm) to 2 inches (50.8 mm). For example, each of the holes 128 can have a diameter of 1.023 inches (26 mm). In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region 116 can include 10 holes 128, or 8 holes (not shown) as illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and FIGS. 7-8.

[0022] The third region 118 connects the first region 102 and the second region 116. The third region 118 extends from the attachment position 122 on the first region 102 to the second region 116 along the longitudinal axis, a lIt may extend inwardly toward. The second region 116 and the third region 118 may define a convex shape, such as a substantially conical shape (e.g., a frustum of a cone or a truncated body). Referring to FIG. 10, the outer surface 118a of the third region 118 may define a curve from the second region 116 to the first region 102, and the curve may be concave. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region 116 transitions to the third region 118 at the inflection point 136.

[0023] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the third region 118 is integral with the first region 102 and the second region 116. For example, the vehicle wheel 100 can be a one-piece wheel without any welding.

[0024] Referring to FIG. 11, the first tire bead seat 112 can have a bead seat width P. For convenience, the bead seat width P is described only with respect to the first tire bead seat 112, but it is understood that the second tire bead seat 114 can include substantially the same as or not the same but substantially the same as the bead seat width P.

[0025] The bead seat width P is a dimension for accommodating the bead of the tire and is defined according to the 2021 edition book published by Tire and Rim Association, Inc., Akron, Ohio. For example, the bead seat width P can be the dimension between two points 112a and 112b measured along the longitudinal axis a l and can be the dimension between two points 112a and 112b measured along the longitudinal axis a. The point 112a is defined by the intersection of the radius 138 of the first flange 104 and the bead seat angle 140 of the first tire bead seat 112. The point 112b is defined by the intersection of the bead seat angle 140 and the upper well radius 142 of the drop well 144 of the first region 102.

[0026] Referring to FIG. 11, the attachment position 122 may be defined by the intersection of a portion of the inner surface 108 of the first region 102, which is intermediate the first flange 104 and the third region 118, and the outer surface 118a of the third region 118. The attachment position 122 is furthest from the first flange 104 along the longitudinal axis a l but is still intermediate the first flange 104 and the third region 118. The attachment position 122 is a first distance d1 from the point 112a along the longitudinal axis a l For example, the first distance d1 can be at least 50% of the bead sheet width P, such as at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 70%, or at least 75% of the bead sheet width P. The first distance d1 can be 200% or less of the bead sheet width P, such as 175% or less, 150% or less, 125% or less, or 100% or less of the bead sheet width P. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the first distance d1 ranges from 50% to 200% of the bead sheet width P, such as from 50% to 150%, from 50% to 100%, or from 60% to 100% of the bead sheet width P.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 10, the third region 118 has a first thickness t1. The first thickness t1 can be the minimum thickness of the third region 118. The second region 116 has a second thickness t2. The second thickness t2 can be the maximum thickness of the second region 116. The first thickness t1 can be 75% or less of the second thickness t2, for example, 70% or less, 60% or less, 50% or less, 45% or less, 40% or less, or 35% or less of the second thickness t2. The first thickness t1 can be at least 10% of the second thickness t2, for example, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, or at least 35% of the second thickness t2. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first thickness t1 can be in the range of 10% to 75% of the second thickness t2, for example, in the range of 10% to 60%, 20% to 50%, or 25% to 45% of the second thickness t2. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the second thickness t2 can be at least 0.630 inches (16 millimeters). In certain non-limiting embodiments, the first thickness t1 can be 0.59 inches (15 millimeters) or less, or 0.394 inches (10 millimeters) or less.

[0028] In various non-limiting embodiments, the first region 102 can include a valve stem mounting hole 134. The valve stem mounting hole 134 can be configured to receive a valve stem to control gas transport in and out of a tire mounted on the vehicle wheel 100. The valve stem mounting hole 134 can be disposed within the first region 102 adjacent to the mounting location 122 so as to be minimized if the load capacity of the vehicle wheel 100 is affected.

[0029] In various non-limiting embodiments, the third region 118 may comprise a peripheral opening 130. As shown in FIGS. 1-2 and 7-8, the vehicle wheel 100 may comprise two peripheral openings 130, or in other non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle wheel 100 may comprise more than two peripheral openings (not shown). When the vehicle wheel 100 is configured in a dual wheel configuration, the peripheral opening 130 can provide access to the tire system. For example, referring to the dual vehicle wheel assembly 1300 shown in FIG. 13, the peripheral opening 130 of the first vehicle wheel 1300a can be aligned with the tire system 1332 of the second vehicle wheel 1300b to enable access to the tire system 1332 while the dual vehicle wheel assembly 1300 is mounted on the vehicle axle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the peripheral opening 130 may be less than 20 mm in diameter, such as less than 15 mm in diameter or less than 12 mm in diameter. Minimizing the number and / or size of the peripheral openings can maintain the desired load capacity of the vehicle wheel 100.

[0030] In various non-limiting embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure may comprise a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, or a combination thereof. For example, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure may comprise at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, and an iron alloy, carbon fiber. In certain non-limiting embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

[0031] In various embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure may be, for example, at least one of a bonded wheel, a welded wheel, a formed wheel (e.g., vacuum formed), a cured wheel, a cast wheel, a forged wheel, a machined wheel, and an additive manufactured wheel. In certain non-limiting embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure may be a cast wheel or a forged wheel machined after casting or forging. For example, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure may comprise aluminum or an aluminum alloy and may be a cast wheel and / or a forged wheel.

[0032] In various non-limiting embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can have a weight of at least 10 pounds (lbs.) (4.5 kg), for example, at least 25 pounds (11.3 kg), at least 30 pounds (13.6 kg), at least 35 pounds (15.9 kg), or at least 40 pounds (18.1 kg). In some embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can have a weight of 50 pounds or less (22.7 kg), for example 40 pounds or less (18.1 kg), 38 pounds or less (17.2 kg), 37 pounds or less (16.8 kg), 36 pounds or less (16.3 kg), 35 pounds or less (15.9 kg), 25 pounds or less (11.3 kg), or 10 pounds or less (4.5 kg). In certain non-limiting embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can have a weight in the range of 10 pounds (4.5 kg) to 50 pounds (22.7 kg), for example, 25 pounds (11.3 kg) to 40 pounds (18.1 kg), or 30 pounds (13.6 kg) to 38 pounds (17.2 kg).

[0033] In various non-limiting embodiments, the rated load of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be at least 1,000 pounds (lbs.) (453.6 kg), for example, at least 5,000 pounds (2268 kg), at least 9,000 pounds (4082.3 kg), at least 10,000 pounds (4535.92 kg), at least 13,000 pounds (5896.7 kg), or at least 15,000 pounds (6803.89 kg). In various non-limiting embodiments, the rated load of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be 20,000 pounds (9071.85 kg) or less, for example, 15,000 pounds (6803.89 kg) or less, 13,000 pounds (5896.7 kg) or less, 10,000 pounds (4535.92 kg) or less, 9,000 pounds (4082.3 kg) or less, or 5,000 pounds (2268 kg) or less. In various non-limiting embodiments, the rated load of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be from 1,000 pounds (453.6 kg) to 20,000 pounds (9071.85 kg), for example, from 5,000 pounds (2268 kg) to 15,000 pounds (6803.89 kg), or from 9,000 pounds (4082.3 kg) to 13,000 pounds (5896.7 kg). In various embodiments, the rated load of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be at least 15,000 pounds (6803.89 kg), and the vehicle wheel can have a weight of less than 38 pounds (17.2 kg). In various non-limiting embodiments, the rated load to mass ratio of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be at least 200, for example, at least 205 and the like.

[0034] In some non-limiting embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure has (i) a weight in the range of 30 pounds (13.6 kg) to 38 pounds (17.2 kg), for example, in the range of 30 pounds (13.6 kg) to 37 pounds (16.8 kg), (ii) a nominal rim diameter D of the first region 102 of 22.5 inches (571.5 mm) or 24.5 inches (622.3 mm), (iii) a nominal rim width A of the first region 102 of 8.25 inches (209.6 mm) or 11 inches (279.4 mm), (iv) 8 or 10 holes 128, (v) a peripheral opening 130 having a diameter of 20 mm or less, and (vi) a rated load-to-mass ratio of at least 200.

[0035] Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to methods for using a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure. The method includes attaching a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure to a steering axle of a vehicle, a drive axle of a vehicle, or a trailer axle of a trailer. The vehicle can include a vehicle body weight class in the range of 1 to 8, such as 3 to 8, as defined by, for example, the Federal Highway Administration. For example, in various non-limiting embodiments, the gross weight of the vehicle can be at least 10,001 pounds (4536.48 kg) or at least 26,000 pounds (11,798.4 kg). The vehicle can be, for example, a light, medium, or heavy vehicle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle can be a truck (e.g., pickup, heavy, tractor (e.g., semi-truck)), van, or bus. The vehicle can include at least two axles, such as 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 include up to ten axles, such as up to six axles, up to five axles, up to four axles, or up to three axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle can include an axle number in the range of two to ten axles. The trailer can include a single axle or at least two axles, such as 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 include up to ten axles, such as up to six axles, up to five axles, up to four axles, or up to three axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the trailer can include an axle number in the range of one to ten axles.

[0036] Additional aspects according to the present disclosure are a vehicle comprising a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure, or a trailer comprising a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure. A further aspect according to the present disclosure is a dual wheel configuration including two vehicle wheels according to the present disclosure.

[0037] Various aspects of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the aspects listed in the items numbered below. Clause 1. A vehicle wheel, comprising: A substantially annular first region, A first flange, A second flange on the opposite side of the first flange, A continuous wall disposed around the longitudinal axis of the vehicle wheel and extending from the first flange to the second flange, the continuous wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; A first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat defined on the outer surface, the substantially annular first region comprising the first tire bead seat optionally having a bead seat width; A second region configured to be attached to a vehicle axle, the second region being offset from the first flange by an offset distance; A third region connecting the first region and the second region, the third region extending inwardly toward the longitudinal axis from an attachment position on the first region to the second region; The vehicle wheel, wherein the third region has a first thickness, the second region has a second thickness, and the first thickness is 75% or less of the second thickness. Clause 2. A vehicle wheel, comprising: A substantially annular first region, A first flange, A second flange on the opposite side of the first flange, A continuous wall disposed around the longitudinal axis of the vehicle wheel and extending from the first flange to the second flange, the continuous wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; A first tire bead sheet and a second tire bead sheet defined on the outer surface, and a substantially annular first region in which the first tire bead sheet has a bead sheet width. A second region configured to be attached to a vehicle axle, the second region being offset from the first flange by an offset distance. A third region connecting the first region and the second region, the third region extending inwardly toward the longitudinal axis from the attachment position on the first region to the second region. A method in which the attachment position is at a first distance from the point of intersection of the radius of the first flange and the angle defined by the first bead sheet, and the first distance is at least 50% of the bead sheet width. Clause 3. The vehicle wheel according to clause 2, wherein the third region has a first thickness, the second region has a second thickness, and the first thickness is 75% or less of the second thickness. Clause 4. The vehicle wheel according to clause 1, wherein the attachment position is at a first distance from the point of intersection of the radius of the first flange and the angle defined by the first bead sheet, and the first distance is at least 50% of the bead sheet width. Clause 5. The vehicle wheel according to any one of clauses 2 to 4, wherein the first distance is 200% or less of the bead sheet width. Clause 6. The vehicle wheel according to any one of clauses 2 to 5, wherein the first distance is in the range of at least 50% to 100% or less of the bead sheet width. Clause 7. The vehicle wheel according to any one of clauses 3 to 6, wherein the first thickness is 50% or less of the second thickness. Clause 8. The vehicle wheel according to any one of clause 1 and clauses 3 to 7, wherein the first thickness is in the range of at least 20% to 50% or less of the second thickness. Clause 9. The vehicle wheel according to any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the second region and the third region define a frustum of a cone or a truncated body. Clause 10. The outer surface of the third region defines a curve from the second region to the first region, and the curve is concave. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 9. Clause 11. The second region transitions to the third region at an inflection point. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 10. Clause 12. The vehicle wheel has a rated load-to-mass ratio of at least 200. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 11. Clause 13. The first region has a hole configured to receive a valve stem, and the hole is adjacent to the attachment position. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 12. Clause 14. The first region, the second region, and the third region are integral. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 13. Clause 15. The vehicle wheel includes at least one of metal, metal alloy, and composite. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 14. Clause 16. The vehicle wheel includes at least one of aluminum and aluminum alloy, and is a cast vehicle wheel, a forged vehicle wheel, or a combination thereof. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 15. Clause 17. The first region has a nominal rim diameter in the range of 1 inch (2.54 mm) to 200 inches (5080 mm) and a nominal rim width in the range of 1 inch (2.54 mm) to 100 inches (2540 mm). The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 16. Clause 18. The first region has a nominal rim diameter in the range of 16 inches (406.4 mm) to 24 inches (609.6 mm) and a nominal rim width in the range of 5.5 inches (139.7 mm) to 17 inches (431.8 mm). The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 17. Clause 19. The first thickness is 0.394 inches (10 millimeters) or less. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 18. Clause 20. The second thickness is at least 0.630 inches (16 millimeters). The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 19. Clause 21. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 20, wherein the offset distance is at least 0.394 inches (10 millimeters). Clause 22. The vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 21, wherein two vehicle wheels are configured in a dual wheel configuration. Clause 23. A vehicle comprising the vehicle wheel according to any one of Clauses 1 to 21 in a dual wheel configuration or the two vehicle wheels according to Clause 22.

[0038] In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters should be understood to be preceded and modified by the term "about" in all cases, having the inherent variability characteristics of the measurement technique on which the numerical value of the parameter is based. At least, rather than an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the claims, each numerical parameter described in this specification should be interpreted at least in light of the reported number of significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

[0039] Also, any numerical range described in this specification includes all sub-ranges subsumed within the described range. For example, the range "1 to 10" includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the described minimum value of 1 and the described maximum value of 10, that is, all sub-ranges having a minimum value of 1 or more and a maximum value of 10 or less. Also, all ranges described in this specification include the endpoints of the described range. For example, the range "1 to 10" includes the endpoints 1 and 10. Any maximum numerical limitation described in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation described in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, the applicant reserves the right to amend the specification, including the claims, to expressly recite sub-ranges subsumed within the expressly described range. All such ranges are inherently described in this specification.

[0040] When the grammatical articles "a", "an", and "the" are used in this specification, unless otherwise indicated, they are intended to include "at least one" or "one or more", even if in certain cases "at least one" or "one or more" is explicitly used. Thus, the aforementioned grammatical articles are used in this specification to refer to one or more (i.e., "at least one") of the particular identified elements. Further, unless otherwise required by the context of use, the use of a singular noun includes the plural form, and the use of a plural noun includes the singular form.

[0041] One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the articles and methods described herein, and the accompanying considerations, are used as examples for the sake of conceptual clarity and that various configuration modifications are contemplated. Thus, as used herein, the specific examples / embodiments described and the accompanying considerations are intended to represent their more general classes. Generally, the use of any particular example is intended to be representative of its class, and the non-inclusion of specific components, devices, operations / actions, and objects should not be limiting. This disclosure provides descriptions of various specific aspects for the purpose of illustrating various aspects and / or potential applications of the disclosure, but it is understood that variations and modifications will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. Thus, it should be understood that the invention or inventions described herein are at least as broad as they are claimed and are not more narrowly defined by the specific exemplary aspects provided herein.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0042] 100 Vehicle wheel 102 First region 104 First flange 106 Second flange 108 Inner surface 110 Outer surface 112 First tire bead seat 114 Second tire bead seat ​ 118 Third region 118a Outer surface of the third region 118 120 Continuous wall 122 Mounting position 124 Opening 126 Hub surface 128 Hole 130 Peripheral opening 134 Valve stem mounting hole 136 Inflection point 138 Radius of the first flange 104 140 Bead seat angle of the first tire bead sheet 112 142 Upper well radius 144 Drop well 1200 Assembly 1250 Tire 1300 Dual vehicle wheel assembly 1332 Tire stem 1300a First vehicle wheel 1300b Second vehicle wheel A Nominal rim width a l Longitudinal axis c m Mounting circle D Nominal rim diameter d o Offset distance d1 First distance P Bead seat width t1 First thickness t2 Second thickness

Claims

Claim 1: A forged vehicle wheel, comprising: a first flange; a second flange on the opposite side of the first flange; a continuous wall disposed around the longitudinal axis of the forged vehicle wheel and extending from the first flange to the second flange, the continuous wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat defined on the outer surface; an annular first region comprising the above; a second region configured to be attached to a vehicle axle, the second region being offset from the first flange by an offset distance; a third region connecting the first region and the second region, the third region extending inwardly toward the longitudinal axis from an attachment position on the first region to the second region; In the forged vehicle wheel comprising the above, the third region forms a concave curve between the first region and the second region; the third region has a first thickness, the second region has a second thickness, and the first thickness is 75% or less of the second thickness; The first region, the second region, and the third region are integrally formed without welding. A forged vehicle wheel. Claim 2 The first tire bead seat has a bead seat width, the attachment position is at a first distance from a point of intersection of the radius of the first flange and an angle defined by the first tire bead seat, and the first distance is at least 50% of the bead seat width. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1. Claim 3 The first distance is 200% or less of the bead seat width. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 2. Claim 4 The first distance is within a range of at least 50% and 100% or less of the bead seat width. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 2. Claim 5 The first thickness is within a range of at least 20% and 50% or less of the second thickness. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1. Claim 6 The second region transitions to the third region at an inflection point. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1. Claim 7: The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1, wherein the forged vehicle wheel includes a rated load-to-mass ratio of at least 200. Claim 8 The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1, wherein the first region is provided with a hole configured to receive a valve stem, and the hole is adjacent to the mounting position.

9. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1, wherein the forged vehicle wheel comprises at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, and a composite material.

10. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1, wherein the forged vehicle wheel comprises at least one of aluminum and an aluminum alloy.

11. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1, wherein the first region has a nominal rim diameter in the range of 1 inch (2.54 mm) to 200 inches (5080 mm) and a nominal rim width in the range of 1 inch (2.54 mm) to 100 inches (2540 mm).

12. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1, wherein the first region has a nominal rim diameter in the range of 16 inches (406.4 mm) to 24 inches (609.6 mm) and a nominal rim width in the range of 5.5 inches (139.7 mm) to 17 inches (431.8 mm).

13. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 12, wherein the first thickness is 0.394 inches (10 millimeters) or less.

14. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 12, wherein the second thickness is at least 0.630 inches (16 millimeters).

15. The forged vehicle wheel according to claim 1, wherein the offset distance is at least 0.394 inches (10 millimeters).

16. A forged vehicle wheel, comprising: a first flange; a second flange on the opposite side of the first flange; a continuous wall disposed around the longitudinal axis of the forged vehicle wheel and extending from the first flange to the second flange, the continuous wall having an inner surface and an outer surface; a first tire bead seat and a second tire bead seat defined on the outer surface; an annular first region including the first tire bead seat having a bead seat width; a second region configured to be attached to a vehicle axle, the second region being offset from the first flange by an offset distance; a third region connecting the first region and the second region, the third region extending inwardly toward the longitudinal axis from a mounting position on the first region to the second region. In the forged vehicle wheel having the same, the third region forms a concave curve between the first region and the second region, the mounting position is at a first distance from a point of intersection of the radius of the first flange and the angle defined by the first tire bead seat, and the first distance is at least 50% of the bead seat width, A forged vehicle wheel in which the first region, the second region, and the third region are integrated without welding.

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