Abstract: The present invention is directed to a closed structural component and process for preparing the same.

Abstract: A thermoplastic wheel hub (10) includes a center hub (26) for attachment to a wheel bearing (20) of a vehicle. The center hub (26) has a central shaft aperture (28) extending axially therethough and a plurality of lug apertures (30) spaced radially from and circumferentially about the central shaft aperture (28). The thermoplastic wheel hub (10) also includes a plurality of ribs (40) extending radially outwardly from the center hub (26). The thermoplastic wheel hub (10) further includes a cylindrical tire mount (46) connected to the ribs and extending axially in substantially a plane for mounting a non-pneumatic tire (12) thereon.

Abstract: A thermoplastic wheel hub (10) includes a center hub (26) for attachment to a wheel bearing (20) of a vehicle. The center hub (26) has a central shaft aperture (28) extending axially therethough and a plurality of lug apertures (30) spaced radially from and circumferentially about the central shaft aperture (28). The thermoplastic wheel hub (10) also includes a plurality of ribs (40) extending radially outwardly from the center hub (26). The thermoplastic wheel hub (10) further includes a cylindrical tire mount (46) connected to the ribs and extending axially in substantially a plane for mounting a non-pneumatic tire (12) thereon.

Abstract: A non-pneumatic wheel having a thermoplastic wheel hub includes a center hub for attachment to a wheel bearing of a vehicle. The center hub has a central shaft aperture extending axially therethough and a plurality of lug apertures spaced radially from and circumferentially about the central shaft aperture. The thermoplastic wheel hub also includes a plurality of ribs extending radially outwardly from the center hub. The thermoplastic wheel hub further includes a cylindrical tire mount connected to the ribs and extending axially in substantially a cylinder for mounting a non-pneumatic tire thereon.

Abstract: A frictional weld joint couples first and second body portions of an article together. The frictional weld joint comprises a first bead extending from the first body portion of the article and a second bead extending from the second body portion of the article. The second bead has an interior stem and an exterior stem space from the interior stem defining a cavity therebetween. The first and second beads are placed in contact with each other with the centerline of the second bead offset from the centerline of the first bead. A force is applied to either the first or second body portions to generate friction between the first and second beads to plastically displace the first and second beads. The force is removed for fusing the first and second beads together to couple together the first and the second body portions of the article.

Abstract: A frictional weld joint couples together first and second body portions of an article. The first body portion has a first nominal wall thickness and a first joint surface. The second body portion has a second nominal wall thickness and a second joint surface. A total bead height is defined between the joint surfaces. A first bead extends from the first joint surface defining a first bead height. A second bead extends from the second joint surface and is coupled to the first bead. A final second bead height is defined between the first bead and the second joint surface. A ratio of the first bead height to the final second bead height is of from about 0.40 to about 1.70. A ratio of the total bead height to at least one of the first and second nominal wall thicknesses is equal to or less than 6.00.

Abstract: A frictional weld joint couples together first and second body portions of an article. The first body portion has a first nominal wall thickness and a first joint surface. The second body portion has a second nominal wall thickness and a second joint surface. A total bead height is defined between the joint surfaces. A first bead extends from the first joint surface defining a first bead height. A second bead extends from the second joint surface and is coupled to the first bead. A final second bead height is defined between the first bead and the second joint surface. A ratio of the first bead height to the final second bead height is of from about 0.40 to about 1.70. A ratio of the total bead height to at least one of the first and second nominal wall thicknesses is equal to or less than 6.00.

Abstract: A frictional weld joint couples first and second body portions of an article together. The frictional weld joint comprises a first bead extending from the first body portion of the article and a second bead extending from the second body portion of the article. The second bead has an interior stem and an exterior stem space from the interior stem defining a cavity therebetween. The first and second beads are placed in contact with each other with the centerline of the second bead offset from the centerline of the first bead. A force is applied to either the first or second body portions to generate friction between the first and second beads to plastically displace the first and second beads. The force is removed for fusing the first and second beads together to couple together the first and the second body portions of the article.