[0001] The present disclosure relates, generally, to the field of automobiles. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a tractor wheel with improved lugs for attaching a rim and a disc of the wheel.

BACKGROUND
[0002] The background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.
[0003] Agricultural tractor with adjustable wheels are known in the art. The adjustable wheels are used to adjust a track i.e. a spacing between a pair of coaxial wheels of the tractor to suit its use in different agricultural situations where, for example differing widths of rows of crops have to be traversed by the tractor. This adjustable wheel, generally, includes a wheel rim onto which a tire is fitted and a disc detachably secured to the rim. The disc is detachably secured to a rotary member such as a driveshaft of the tractor or other vehicles. The disc is detachably secured to the wheel rim by means of a plurality e.g. four, lugs which are spaced apart circumferentially around an inner surface of the rim. The lugs are welded to the inner surface of the rim, and are adapted to receive bolts which pass through openings in the disc.
[0004] A conventional lug 100, such as one shown in FIG. 1, of generally U-shaped is used to fix the disc to the wheel rim. However, during operation due to high wheel loads, which leads to high stress in the lug, failure or deformation in the conventional lug 100 is observed. Besides, weld cracks are also observed between the lug and rim due to high wheel loads. These defamations in the lug and the weld cracks reduce durability/operational life of the tractor wheel.
[0005] Therefore, there is a need of an efficient solution which can obviate the aforementioned limitations associated with the conventional lug.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
[0006] A general object of the present disclosure is to provide a lug for attaching a rim and disc of a wheel.
[0007] An object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved lug which can obviate the aforementioned limitations associated with the conventional lug.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide an improved lug which can reduce concentration of stress on the lug due to high wheel loads during operation of the wheel.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a simple and cost effective lug which provides more strength to a tractor wheel, and consequently increasing durability of the tractor wheel.
[0010] Still another object of the present disclosure is to provide an efficient and cost-effective lug which can be easily implement for securing a rim and a disc of a tractors adjustable wheel.

SUMMARY
[0011] Aspects of the present disclosure relate to vehicle wheels. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a tractor wheel with improved lugs for attaching a rim and a disc of the wheel.
[0012] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a lug for coupling a disc to a rim of a wheel. The proposed lug can obviate the limitations associated with a conventional lug. The proposed lug can include a pair of parallel and spaced apart side walls, and an inner wall coupling inner ends of the side walls. Each of the side walls can include one or more holes axially aligned with corresponding openings of the disc to receive fasteners, and a flange at an outer end of the wall lies against the inner surface of the rim. The flanges are welded to the inner surface of the rim. Each of the side walls and the inner wall can include a plurality of equispaced ribs.
[0013] In an embodiment, the side walls and the inner wall can be made from a single sheet metal work piece.
[0014] In an embodiment, the inner ends of the side walls of the lug can be curved shaped.
[0015] In an alternate embodiment, the inner ends the side walls of the lug can be straight.
[0016] In an embodiment, the plurality of equispaced ribs can include, but not limited to, three ribs.
[0017] In an alternate embodiment, the plurality of equispaced ribs can include, but not limited to, four ribs.
[0018] In an embodiment, the plurality of equispaced ribs can be depressions.
[0019] In an embodiment, the lugs can be made of high tensile steel.
[0020] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a wheel for a vehicle, such as but not limited to an agriculture tractor, includes a rim having at least one cylindrical portion; a disc configured for fitment with a hub of the vehicle; and a plurality of lugs spaced apart circumferentially around an inner surface of the rim, and configured for detachably coupling the disc to the rim. Each of the plurality of lugs can include a pair of parallel and spaced apart side walls, and an inner wall coupling inner ends of the side walls. Each of the side walls can include one or more holes axially aligned with corresponding openings of the disc to receive fasteners, and a flange at an outer end of the wall lies against the inner surface of the rim. The flanges are welded to the inner surface of the rim. Each of the side walls and the inner wall can include a plurality of equispaced ribs. The side walls and the inner wall can be made from a single sheet metal work piece.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects and advantages of the inventive subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] In the figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label with a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.
[0023] FIG. 1 illustrates a conventional lug for coupling a disc to a rim of a tractor wheel.
[0024] FIG. 2A illustrates a tractor wheel with the proposed lugs for coupling a disc to a rim of the tractor wheel, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2B illustrates an exemplary exploded view of a tractor wheel with the proposed lugs having three ribs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0026] FIG. 2C illustrates an exemplary front view of a tractor wheel with the proposed lugs having three ribs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0027] FIG. 2D and 2E illustrates sectional views of a tractor wheel with the proposed lugs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. 3 illustrates a tractor wheel with the proposed lugs having four ribs, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0029] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to communicate the disclosure. However, the amount of detail offered is not intended to limit the anticipated variations of embodiments; on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.
[0030] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it will be clear that the invention is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as described in the claim.
[0031] Embodiments explained herein relates to tractor wheels. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to an improved lug for detachably coupling a disc to a rim of a tractor wheel.
[0032] In an aspect, the disclosed lug can include a pair of parallel and spaced apart side walls, and an inner wall coupling inner ends of the side walls. Each of the side walls can include one or more holes axially aligned with corresponding openings of the disc to receive fasteners, and a flange at an outer end of the wall lies against the inner surface of the rim. The flanges are welded to the inner surface of the rim. Each of the side walls and the inner wall can include a plurality of equispaced ribs. The side walls and the inner wall can be made from a single sheet metal work piece.
[0033] In an aspect, the disclosed lug with the plurality of ribs can reduce concentration of stress on the lug during high wheel loading.
[0034] Referring to FIG. 2A to 2E, where a tractor wheel with the proposed lugs are shown, the tractor wheel 200 includes a rim 202 having a cylindrical portion 204 and rim flanges 206-1 and 206-2 (collectively referred to as rim flanges 206) coupled to opposite ends of the cylindrical portion 204 to receive a tire (not shown), a disc 208 configured for fitment with a hub of a drive shaft a vehicle, such as tractor, by known techniques using threaded bolts, and a plurality of lugs such as lugs 210-1, 210-2, 210-3 and 210-4 (hereinafter, collectively referred to as lugs 210, and individually referred to as lug 210). The lugs 210 are configured spaced apart circumferentially around an inner surface of the rim 202. The lugs 210 are configured for detachably coupling the disc 208 to the rim 202. The disc 208 can include a central planer portion for fitment on the drive shaft of the tractor, wherein the drive shaft can act as an axle of the vehicle. The disc 208 can further include four longer sides 212 and four shorter sides 214 provided alternatively to each other. Each longer side 212 of the disc 208 is provided with a pair of openings 216 for connection to the corresponding lug 210 using fastener such as bolts 218 and nuts 230. The lugs 210 can be secured to the disc 208 at the variable offset of the wheel 200 using the bolts 218 that are extending transversely through the lugs 210.
[0035] In an embodiment, the disc 208 can have any of a regular or irregular octagonal shape, rectangular or irregular hexagonal shape, square shape, and the like.
[0036] In an embodiment, the rim 202 can be selected from a group comprising a rim with single well configuration, a rim with double well configuration, and a rim with triple well configuration.
[0037] In an embodiment, the each lug 210 can include a pair of parallel and spaced apart side walls 220-1 and 220-2 (collectively referred to as side walls 220) , and an inner wall 222 coupling inner ends of the side walls 220. Each of the side walls 220 can include a pair of through holes 224, and a flange 226 at an outer end of the side wall 220 lies against the inner surface of the rim 202. The flanges 226 can be welded to the radial inner surface of the rim 202. The holes 224 on the side walls 220 are coaxially aligned with corresponding openings 216 of the disc 208 to receive the bolts 218, thereby securing the disc 208 to the rim 202. In an embodiment, any suitable type of welding process can be used for welding the flanges 226 of the lugs 210 to the rim 202. The welding can be continuous or equidistant.
[0038] In an embodiment, the side walls 220 and the inner wall 222 can be made from a single sheet metal work piece. Each of the side walls 220 and the inner wall 222 can include a plurality of equispaced ribs 228. The ribs 228 can be provided to strengthen the lugs 210 as well as to reduce concentration of stress on the lugs 210 due to heavy loading during operation of the wheel 200.In an embodiment, the lugs 210 can be generally U-shaped, wherein the ribs 228 are provided on the outer surface of the lugs 210.
[0039] The ribs 228 can be depressions on the walls of the lugs 210. In an embodiment, the lugs can be made from a stamped sheet metal work piece. The lugs 210 can have variable length, width and thickness.
[0040] As shown in FIGs. 2A to 2C, in an embodiment, each of the lugs 210 can be provided with three equispaced ribs 228. The inner ends of the side walls 220 and the inner wall 222 of the lugs 210 can be curved shaped with a center that coincides with a center of the cylindrical portion 204 of the rim 202. A shape/profile of each of the outer ends of the side walls 220 and the flange 226 corresponds to the radial inner surface of the cylindrical portion 204
[0041] As shown in FIG. 3, in an alternate embodiment, each of the lugs 210 can be provided with four equispaced ribs 228.The inner ends the side walls 220 and the inner wall 222 of the lugs 210 are straight, and the shape/profile of each of the outer ends of the side wall and the flange 226 corresponds to the radial inner surface of the cylindrical portion 204.
[0042] In an embodiment, a material of the lugs 210 can be high tensile steel without restricting the scope of the invention to the same. Thus, other suitable materials readily apparent to a person skilled in the art are understood to be within scope of the present disclosure. The lugs 210 with the ribs 228 can be sufficiently strong to accommodate/sustain all compressive forces and radial forces imparted thereto when the wheel disc 208 is bolted to the lugs 210 as well as high loads during operation of the vehicle without any deformation.
[0043] In an embodiment, the attachment of the disc 208 to each lug 210 by the pair of bolts 218, together with the fact that each lug 210 is welded to the rim 202 in the circumferential direction, minimizes the problems of air leakage which can be occasioned in existing conventional wheels by fatigue crack propagation from the weld sites. In an embodiment, the wheel 200 constructed in accordance with the disclosure may be utilized with both tube type and tubeless tires.
[0044] Thus, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the diagrams, schematics, illustrations, and the like represent conceptual views or processes illustrating systems and methods embodying this invention. The functions of the various elements shown in the figures may be provided through the use of dedicated hardware as well as hardware capable of executing associated software. Similarly, any switches shown in the figures are conceptual only. Their function may be carried out through the operation of program logic, through dedicated logic, through the interaction of program control and dedicated logic, or even manually, the particular technique being selectable by the entity implementing this invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art further understand that the exemplary hardware, software, processes, methods, and/or operating systems described herein are for illustrative purposes and, thus, are not intended to be limited to any particular named.
[0045] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0046] The present disclosure provides a lug for attaching a rim and disc of a wheel.
[0047] The present disclosure provides an improved lug which can obviate the aforementioned limitations associated with the conventional lug.
[0048] The present disclosure provides an improved lug which can reduce concentration of stress on the lug due to high wheel loads during operation of the wheel.
[0049] The present disclosure provides a simple and cost effective lug which provides more strength to a tractor wheel, and consequently increasing durability of the tractor wheel.
[0050] The present disclosure provides an efficient and cost-effective lug which can be easily implement for securing a rim and a disc of a tractors adjustable wheel.

Claims:1. A lug for coupling a disc to a rim of a wheel, the lug comprising:
a pair of parallel and spaced apart side walls, and an inner wall coupling inner ends of the side walls, each of the side walls having one or more holes axially aligned with corresponding openings of the disc to receive fasteners, and a flange at an outer end of the walllies against the inner surface of the rim, the flanges being welded to the inner surface of the rim;
wherein each of the side walls and the inner wall comprises a plurality of equispaced ribs; and
wherein the side walls and the inner wall are made from a single sheet metal work piece.
2. The lug as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner ends of the side walls and the inner wall of the lug are curved shaped.
3. The lug as claimed in claim 1, wherein the inner ends the side walls and the inner wall of the lug are straight.
4. The lug as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of equispaced ribs comprise three ribs.
5. The lug as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of equispaced ribs comprise four ribs.
6. The lug as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of equispaced ribs are depressions.
7. The lug as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lug is made of high tensile steel.
8. A wheel for a vehicle comprising:
a rim having at least one cylindrical portion;
a disc configured for fitment with a hub of the vehicle; and
a plurality of lugs spaced apart circumferentially around an inner surface of the rim, and configured for detachably coupling the disc to the rim; each of the plurality of lugs comprising a pair of parallel and spaced apart side walls, and an inner wall coupling inner ends of the side walls, each of the side walls having one or more holes axially aligned with corresponding openings of the disc to receive fasteners, and a flang eat an outer end of the wall lies against the inner surface of the rim, the flanges being welded to the inner surface of the rim;
wherein each of the side walls and the inner wall comprises a plurality of equispaced ribs; and
wherein the side walls and the inner wall are made from a single sheet metal work piece.
9. The wheel as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inner ends of the side walls and the inner wall of the lugs are curved shaped.
10. The wheel as claimed in claim 8, wherein the inner ends of the side walls and the inner wall of the lugs are straight.