Patent Description:
The weight of a vehicle wheel can be reduced by reducing wheel thickness. Additionally, external components may need to be attached to a vehicle wheel. There are challenges associated with reducing the thickness of a vehicle wheel and attaching external components to a vehicle wheel. <CIT> discloses a method and apparatus for producing a wheel cover and a vehicle wheel including the wheel cover, wherein the wheel rim comprises a flange extension with a first curved surface. <CIT> discloses a tire wheel facilitating attachment of a member for assisting driving force. <CIT> discloses a wheel cladding system including a wheel having a wheel rim and a wheel disk attached to the wheel rim. <CIT> discloses a tire protection attachment system. <CIT> discloses a vehicle wheel cover retention system.

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a vehicle wheel is provided. The vehicle wheel comprises a generally annular first region, a second region, and a flange extension. The first region comprises an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat. The second region extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The flange extension extends from the first region in a direction away from the second region. The flange extension comprises a first extension end integral with the first region, a second extension end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end. The elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of producing a vehicle wheel is provided. The method comprises providing a vehicle wheel by a method comprising at least one of forming, curing, forging, casting, and additive manufacturing. The vehicle wheel comprises one or more of a metal, a metal alloy, and a composite. The vehicle wheel comprises a generally annular first region, a second region, and a flange extension. The first region comprises an inner surface and an outer surface comprising a tire bead seat. The second region extends radially inwardly from the first region. The second region is configured to mount to a vehicle axle. The flange extension extends from the first region in a direction away from the second region. The flange extension comprises a first extension end integral with the first region, a second extension end, and an elongate portion intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end. The elongate portion comprising a first portion with a thickness less than a thickness of the second extension end.

It is understood that the inventions disclosed and described in this specification are not limited to the aspects summarized in this Summary. The reader will appreciate the foregoing details, as well as others, upon considering the following detailed description of various non-limiting and non-exhaustive aspects according to this specification.

The features and advantages of the examples, and the manner of attaining them, will become more apparent, and the examples will be better understood, by reference to the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate certain embodiments, in one form, and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the appended claims in any manner.

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. Thus, an invention is not limited by the description of the various non-limiting and non-exhaustive embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the invention is defined solely by the claims. The features and characteristics illustrated and/or described in connection with various embodiments may be combined with the features and characteristics of other embodiments.

Any references herein to "various embodiments," "some embodiments," "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or like phrases mean that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the example is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in various embodiments," "in some embodiments," "in one embodiment," "in an embodiment," or like phrases in the specification do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Thus, the particular features, structures, or characteristics illustrated or described in connection with one embodiment may be combined, in whole or in part, with the features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation.

As used herein, a referenced element or region that is "intermediate" two other elements or regions means that the referenced element/region is disposed between, but is not necessarily in contact with, the two other elements/regions. Accordingly, for example, a referenced element that is "intermediate" 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.

The present inventors observed that reducing the thickness of a vehicle wheel can reduce the rigidity of the vehicle wheel. Additionally, the present inventors discovered that securely attaching components to a vehicle wheel presents challenges. Thus, vehicle wheel features and methods of making a vehicle wheel are provided herein that can increase rigidity of the vehicle wheel and/or enable secure attachment of components to the vehicle wheel.

<FIG> illustrate a non-limiting embodiment of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure. The vehicle wheel <NUM> comprises a first region <NUM>, a second region <NUM>, and a flange extension <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle wheel <NUM> can comprise a first region <NUM> (e.g., rim section) with a reduced thickness to lower the weight of the vehicle wheel <NUM>.

The first region <NUM> is generally annular and comprises an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> comprises a tire bead seat <NUM>, which can be disposed about a circumference of the outer surface <NUM> of the first region <NUM>. The tire bead seat <NUM> can be configured so that a tire (e.g., tire <NUM> in <FIG>) can be mounted thereon and form a generally airtight seal therewith. The tire can comprise any suitable dimensions for mounting on the tire bead seat <NUM>. For example, depending on the dimensions of the tire bead seat <NUM>, the tire can comprise dimensions of 11R22. <NUM>, <NUM>/75R22. <NUM>, 11R24. <NUM>, <NUM>/75R24. <NUM>, or other suitable dimensions.

The first region <NUM> can comprise a nominal rim width and a nominal rim diameter adapted to receive a tire. In various non-limiting embodiments, the first region <NUM> can comprise a nominal rim width, w, in a range of <NUM> inch (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>), such as, for example, <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>), <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>), or <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>). For example, and without limitation, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the nominal rim width, w, of the first region <NUM> can be <NUM> inches (<NUM>) or <NUM> inches (<NUM>).

In various non-limiting embodiments, the first region <NUM> can comprise a nominal rim diameter, d<NUM>, in a range of <NUM> inch (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>), such as, for example, <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>), <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>), or <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>). For example, and without limitation, in certain non-limiting embodiments, the nominal rim diameter, d<NUM>, of the first region <NUM> can be <NUM> inches (<NUM>) or <NUM> inches (<NUM>).

In various non-limiting embodiments, the first region <NUM> can comprise a valve stem mount <NUM>. The valve stem mount <NUM> can be configured to receive a valve stem <NUM> in order to control gas transport into and out of a tire mounted on the vehicle wheel <NUM>.

The second region <NUM> extends radially inwardly from the first region <NUM>. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the second region <NUM> is integral with and extends radially inwardly from the inner surface <NUM> of the first region <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region <NUM> extends in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the inner surface <NUM> of the first region <NUM>. The second region <NUM> can comprise a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, and an opening <NUM> extending from the first surface <NUM> to the second surface <NUM>.

The second region <NUM> is configured to mount to a vehicle axle (not shown). For example, the opening <NUM> can be configured to receive at least a portion of a hub of the vehicle axle. Additionally, a hub surface <NUM> of the second region <NUM> can be configured to engage the hub of the vehicle axle and facilitate alignment of the vehicle wheel <NUM> with the hub of the vehicle axle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the hub surface <NUM> can comprise a pilot bore suitable to engage a pilot tab of the hub of the vehicle axle.

In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region <NUM> can comprise at least two bores <NUM> extending from the first surface <NUM> to the second surface <NUM>. Each of the at least two bores <NUM> can be configured to receive a stud on a hub of a vehicle axle. Center points of each of bores <NUM> can be disposed evenly about a mounting circle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the mounting circle has a center point common with a center point of the second region <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, the mounting circle can comprise a mounting diameter in a range of <NUM> inch (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>). For example, the mounting diameter can be <NUM> inches (<NUM>). In various non-limiting embodiments, each bore <NUM> can have a diameter in a range of <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>). For example, each bore <NUM> can have a diameter of <NUM> inches (<NUM>). In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region <NUM> can comprise ten bores <NUM>.

In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region <NUM> can comprise at least two peripheral openings <NUM> disposed about a periphery 112a of the second region <NUM> and proximal to the first region <NUM>. The at least two peripheral openings <NUM> can reduce a weight of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, the second region <NUM> can comprise ten peripheral openings <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, the peripheral openings <NUM> can be disposed about the second region <NUM> offset from the bores <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, or can be disposed about the second region <NUM> substantially in line with the bores <NUM> (not shown). An offset disposition of the bores <NUM> and the peripheral openings <NUM>, such as is shown in <FIG>, can increase a load rating of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, each peripheral opening <NUM> can be disposed evenly about a peripheral circle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the peripheral circle has a center point common with a center point of the second region <NUM>. The peripheral circle, for example, can comprise a peripheral diameter in a range of <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>). For example, the peripheral diameter can be <NUM> inches (<NUM>).

Referring to <FIG>, the flange extension <NUM> can extend axially from the first region <NUM>. The flange extension <NUM> comprises a first extension end <NUM> integral with the first region <NUM>, a second extension end <NUM>, and an elongate portion <NUM> intermediate the first extension end <NUM> and the second extension end <NUM>. For example, the flange extension <NUM> can be a feature of the vehicle wheel <NUM> that extends axially beyond a standard wheel flange limit. The flange extension <NUM> can provide additional rigidity to (e.g., increase stiffness of) the vehicle wheel <NUM> and/or be adapted for attachment of components. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle wheel <NUM> can have two flange extensions extending from both ends of the first region <NUM>.

In various non-limiting embodiments, the flange extension <NUM> can be configured with a geometry (e.g., shape and size) that increases stiffness of the vehicle wheel <NUM>. For example, the flange extension <NUM> can comprise a geometry similar to an I-beam. The elongate portion <NUM> of the flange extension <NUM> comprises a first portion <NUM> with a first thickness, t<NUM>, less than a second thickness, t<NUM>, of the second extension end <NUM>. The reduced thickness of the first portion <NUM> can enable the flange extension <NUM> to act similar to an I-beam such that it can provide rigidity to the vehicle wheel <NUM> in both bending and shear load relative to the plane of the flange extension <NUM>. Additionally, the reduced thickness of the first portion <NUM> can enable a mounting clip, such as, for example, mounting clip <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>, or other device or component to be secured to the vehicle wheel <NUM>.

Referring again to <FIG>, in various non-limiting embodiments, the second extension end <NUM> can comprise a surface <NUM> extending away from the first region <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, the surface <NUM> can be substantially flat as illustrated in <FIG>, curved (not illustrated), or recessed as illustrated at <NUM> in <FIG> herein. The second extension end <NUM> can be configured to receive a mounting clip. For example, the second extension end <NUM> can comprise a taper extending from the elongate portion <NUM> to the surface <NUM>. Thus, the second extension end <NUM> can facilitate opening of a resilient mounting clip as the mounting clip passes over the second extension end <NUM>, and the reduced thickness of the first portion <NUM> then allows the mounting clip to retract, thereby securing the mounting clip to the flange extension <NUM> and the vehicle wheel <NUM>.

The first portion <NUM> comprises a first curved surface <NUM> extending from the outer surface <NUM> of the first region <NUM> and a second curved surface <NUM> extending from the inner surface <NUM> of the first region <NUM>. The first and second curved surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can be concave. The first and second curved surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> can enable a reduced mass of the flange extension portion while enabling the flange extension portion to provide rigidity to the vehicle wheel <NUM> and, for example, receive mounting clips.

The first curved surface <NUM> can transition into the outer surface <NUM> of the first region <NUM> at an inflection point <NUM>, and the second curved surface <NUM> can transition into the inner surface <NUM> of the first region <NUM> along a substantially constant radius of curvature r<NUM>. The first curved surface <NUM> can comprise a radius of curvature, r<NUM>, and the second curved surface <NUM> can comprise a radius of curvature, r<NUM>. Each radius of curvature r<NUM> and r<NUM> can be in a range of, for example, <NUM> inch (<NUM>) to <NUM> inch (<NUM>), such as, for example, <NUM> inch (<NUM>) to <NUM> inch (<NUM>), <NUM> inch (<NUM>) to <NUM> inch (<NUM>), <NUM> inch (<NUM>) to <NUM> inch (<NUM>), or <NUM> inch (<NUM>) to <NUM> inch (<NUM>). The radii of curvature r<NUM> and r<NUM> can be the same or can be different. For example, the radius of curvature, r<NUM>, can be greater than the radius of curvature, r<NUM>.

The flange extension <NUM> can extend a distance, d<NUM>, from the tire bead seat <NUM> such that the flange extension <NUM> can receive a mounting clip with minimal, if any, interference from a tire mounted on the vehicle wheel <NUM>. Additionally, the distance, d<NUM>, may be selected such that the flange extension <NUM> does not contact or otherwise interfere with any region of a vehicle when mounted on an axle of the vehicle. For example, the flange extension <NUM> can extend a distance, d<NUM>, from the tire bead seat <NUM> that is at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>), such as, for example, at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>), at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>), at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>), at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>), or at least <NUM> inch (<NUM>). The flange extension <NUM> can extend a distance, d<NUM>, from the tire bead seat <NUM> that is no greater than <NUM> inches (<NUM>), such as, for example, no greater than <NUM> inches (<NUM>), no greater than <NUM> inch (<NUM>), no greater than <NUM> inches (<NUM>), no greater than <NUM> inches (<NUM>), or no greater than <NUM> inches (<NUM>). In various non-limiting embodiments, the flange extension <NUM> can extend a distance, d<NUM>, from the tire bead seat <NUM> that is in a range of <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>), such as, for example, <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>) or <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inch (<NUM>).

In various non-limiting embodiments, the flange extension <NUM> can have a variable thickness along its axial length. For example, the first portion <NUM> of the elongate portion <NUM> can have a thickness, t<NUM>, and the second extension end <NUM> can have a thickness, t<NUM>. The variable thickness can be adjusted to reduce weight of the flange extension <NUM> and/or optimize the attachment of a mounting clip to the flange extension <NUM>. For example, the thickness, t<NUM>, can be in a range of <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inch (<NUM>), such as, for example, <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inch (<NUM>), <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>), <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>), or <NUM> inches (<NUM>) to <NUM> inches (<NUM>). In various non-limiting embodiments, the thickness, t<NUM>, can be at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>) less than the thickness, t<NUM>, such as, for example, at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>) less, at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>) less, at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>) less, at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>) less, or at least <NUM> inches (<NUM>) less than the thickness, t<NUM>.

The flange extension <NUM> and can be used to efficiently and securely fasten external components to the vehicle wheel <NUM>. For example, the flange extension <NUM> can include a feature to which components such as, for example, mounting clip <NUM> and/or a component <NUM> can operatively couple. In various non-limiting embodiments, referring to <FIG>, the vehicle wheel <NUM> can comprise a component including mounting clip <NUM>, wherein mounting clip <NUM> is configured to engage the first portion <NUM> and be retained by the second extension end <NUM>. For example, the mounting clip <NUM> can comprise a clip, a clamp, a fastener, a snap-ring, or a combination thereof. In various non-limiting embodiments, the mounting clip <NUM> can be resilient such that the mounting clip <NUM> has an opening <NUM> that can increase in a dimension to receive the second extension end <NUM> and enable a first end <NUM> of the mounting clip <NUM> to pass over the second extension end <NUM> to the first portion <NUM> of the elongate portion <NUM>. Thereafter, the opening <NUM> can decrease in the dimension such that the mounting clip <NUM> is retained by the second extension end <NUM> and is secured to the flange extension <NUM>.

The mounting clip <NUM> can be configured to retain the component <NUM> proximal to the flange extension <NUM>. For example, the component can be placed proximal to the flange extension <NUM>, and the mounting clip <NUM> can engage the first portion <NUM> and the component <NUM> to retain the component <NUM> in the position proximal to the flange extension <NUM>. The component <NUM> can comprise one or more of, for example, a wheel cover (e.g., aero cover), a beauty ring, an energy harvesting system, a lighting system, and a wheel-balancing system. The component <NUM> can be operatively coupled to the vehicle wheel by a single mounting clip <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, or two or more mounting clips <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the vehicle wheel <NUM> can comprise two or more mounting clips <NUM> configured to engage the first portion <NUM> and retain the component <NUM>.

The mounting clip <NUM> and component <NUM> can be separate pieces or a single, continuous piece. In embodiments where the mounting clip <NUM> and component are separate pieces, the mounting clip <NUM> can press the component <NUM> against the vehicle wheel <NUM> and/or hold the component <NUM> in a desired position and/or orientation.

Referring to <FIG>, a fastener <NUM> can be operatively coupled to each mounting clip <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, each mounting clip <NUM> can comprise a bore 244a through which the fasteners <NUM> can extend. The fasteners <NUM> can comprise a head portion 452a and a pin 452b. The head portion 452a can be configured to inhibit the pin 452b from traversing completely through the bore 244a. The pin 452b can comprise threads suitable to engage threads of a collar <NUM>. The pin 452b can be inserted at least partially into the opening <NUM> of the mounting clip <NUM> and then at least partially into the bore 244a prior to installation of the mounting clip <NUM> on the flange extension <NUM> such that the head portion <NUM> is at least partially disposed within the opening <NUM> of the mounting clip <NUM>.

After inserting the pin 452b of the fastener <NUM> at least partially into the bore 244a, the mounting clip <NUM> can be secured to the flange extension <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, the flange extension <NUM> can comprise recesses <NUM> suitable to receive the head portion 452a of a respective fastener <NUM>. The recesses <NUM> can inhibit the head portion 452a of each fastener <NUM> from moving circumferentially along the flange extension <NUM> after securing the mounting clip <NUM> to the flange extension <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, the flange extension <NUM> can comprise a recessed channel (not shown) configured to receive the head portion 452a of the fasteners <NUM> such that the mounting clips <NUM> can be slid circumferentially along the flange extension <NUM> after securing the mounting clip <NUM> to the flange extension <NUM>.

The component <NUM> can comprise bores <NUM> configured to receive the pin 452b of each fastener <NUM>. The bores <NUM> can be radially spaced along the periphery of the component <NUM>. The pin 452b of a respective fastener <NUM> can be inserted at least partially into the bore <NUM> and the collar <NUM> can be threaded onto to the pin 452b such that the component <NUM> is intermediate the head portion 452a and the collar <NUM>.

Thereafter, the collar <NUM> can be tightened onto the pin 452b to at least partially secure the component <NUM> to the mounting clip <NUM>. Thus, if the mounting clip <NUM> is secured to the flange extension <NUM>, the component <NUM> is also secured to the flange extension <NUM> by the fastener <NUM> and collar <NUM>. In various non-limiting embodiments, at least two sets of components can be used to secure the component <NUM> to the flange extension <NUM>, wherein each set of components comprises a mounting clip <NUM>, a fastener <NUM>, and a collar <NUM>. For example, as illustrated in <FIG>, eight sets of components can be used to secure the component <NUM> to the flange extension <NUM>.

In various embodiments, the vehicle wheels according to the present disclosure can comprise a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, or a combination thereof. For example, the vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can comprise at least one of aluminum, an aluminum alloy, titanium, a titanium alloy, magnesium, a magnesium alloy, iron, an iron alloy, and carbon fiber.

In various embodiments, vehicle wheels according to the present disclosure can 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, and an additively manufactured wheel. The vehicle wheels according to the present disclosure may have been subjected to further processing such as, for example, a lathe procedure, to provide the final vehicle wheel.

In various non-limiting embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can weigh at least <NUM> pounds (lbs. ) (<NUM>), such as, for example, at least <NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), at least <NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), or at least <NUM> lbs. In some embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can weigh no greater than <NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), such as, for example, no greater than <NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), no greater than <NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), no greater than <NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), or no greater than <NUM> lbs. In some embodiments, a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can have a weight in a range of <NUM> lbs. (<NUM>) to <NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), such as, for example, <NUM> lbs. (<NUM>) to <NUM> lbs.

In various non-limiting embodiments, the load rating of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be at least <NUM>,<NUM> pounds (lbs. ) (<NUM>), such as, for example, at least <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), at least <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), at least <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), at least <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), or at least <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. In various non-limiting embodiments, the load rating of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be no greater than <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), such as, for example, no greater than <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), no greater than <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), no greater than <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), no greater than <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), or no greater than <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. In various non-limiting embodiments, the load rating of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>) to <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>), such as, for example, <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>) to <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>) or <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>) to <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. In various embodiments, the load rating of a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be at least <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>) and the vehicle wheel can weigh less than <NUM> lbs.

A method for using a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure is provided. The method comprises mounting a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure on a steer axle of a vehicle, a drive axle of a vehicle, or a trailer axle of a trailer. The vehicle can comprise a vehicle weight class in a range of <NUM> to <NUM>, such as, for example, <NUM> to <NUM>, as defined by the U. Federal Highway Administration. For example, in various non-limiting embodiments, the gross weight of the vehicle can be at least <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>) or at least <NUM>,<NUM> lbs. (<NUM>,<NUM>). The vehicle can be, for example, a light-duty, medium-duty, or heavy-duty vehicle, such as, for example, a medium-duty or heavy-duty vehicle. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle can be a truck (e.g., pick-up, full-sized, tractor (e.g., semi-truck)), a van, or a bus. The vehicle can comprise 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 comprise no greater than ten axles, such as, for example, no greater than six axles, no greater than five axles, no greater than four axles, or no greater than three axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the vehicle can comprise a quantity of axles in a range of two to ten.

The trailer can comprise 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 comprise no greater than ten axles, such as, for example, no greater than six axles, no greater than five axles, no greater than four axles, or no greater than three axles. In various non-limiting embodiments, the trailer can comprise one to ten axles.

A method of producing a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure also is provided. The method comprises forming, curing, forging, machining, casting, and/or additively manufacturing at least one of a metal, a metal alloy, a composite material, or a combination thereof to provide a vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure. For example, the vehicle wheel according to the present disclosure can be manufactured by spinning (e.g., flow forming). The flange extension of the vehicle wheels can be formed utilizing a lathe. Creating the flange extension with a geometry suitable to be formed on a lathe can enable rapid manufacturing of the vehicle wheels. In various embodiments, the method of making the vehicle wheel according the present disclosure comprises steps in addition to forming, curing, casting, forging, machining, or additive manufacturing.

In this specification, unless otherwise indicated, all numerical parameters are to be understood as being prefaced and modified in all instances by the term "about," in which the numerical parameters possess the inherent variability characteristic of the underlying measurement techniques used to determine the numerical value of the parameter. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter described herein should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.

Also, any numerical range recited herein includes all sub-ranges subsumed within the recited range. For example, a range of "<NUM> to <NUM>" includes all sub-ranges between (and including) the recited minimum value of <NUM> and the recited maximum value of <NUM>, that is, having a minimum value equal to or greater than <NUM> and a maximum value equal to or less than <NUM>. Also, all ranges recited herein are inclusive of the end points of the recited ranges. For example, a range of "<NUM> to <NUM>" includes the end points <NUM> and <NUM>. Any maximum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all lower numerical limitations subsumed therein, and any minimum numerical limitation recited in this specification is intended to include all higher numerical limitations subsumed therein. Accordingly, Applicant reserves the right to amend this specification, including the claims, to expressly recite any sub-range subsumed within the ranges expressly recited. All such ranges are inherently described in this specification.

The grammatical articles "a," "an," and "the," as used herein, are intended to include "at least one" or "one or more," unless otherwise indicated, even if "at least one" or "one or more" is expressly used in certain instances. Thus, the foregoing grammatical articles are used herein to refer to one or more than one (i.e., to "at least one") of the particular identified elements. Further, the use of a singular noun includes the plural and the use of a plural noun includes the singular, unless the context of the usage requires otherwise.

Claim 1:
A vehicle wheel (<NUM>) comprising:
a generally annular first region (<NUM>) comprising an inner surface (<NUM>) and an outer surface (<NUM>) comprising a tire bead seat (<NUM>);
a second region (<NUM>) extending radially inwardly from the first region, the second region configured to mount to a vehicle axle; and
a flange extension (<NUM>) extending from the first region in a direction away from the second region, the flange extension comprising:
a first extension end (<NUM>) integral with the first region;
a second extension end (<NUM>); and
an elongate portion (<NUM>) intermediate the first extension end and the second extension end, the elongate portion comprising a first portion (<NUM>) with a thickness (t<NUM>) less than a thickness (t<NUM>) of the second extension end, wherein the first portion comprises a first curved surface (<NUM>) extending from the outer surface of the first region and a second curved surface (<NUM>) extending from the inner surface of the first region.