Patents Assigned to Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11872959
    Abstract: A roof rail includes a gasket that is formed of a liquid gasket material that is applied in a liquid state and cured to define a gasket. The liquid gasket material may be applied robotically. The liquid gasket material may be applied either before or after the roof rail is attached to a corresponding vehicle structure. The gasket may be recessed, flush, or proud relative to a lower surface of the roof rail. The liquid gasket material may be applied during the molding process of the roof rail. The roof rail may be formed of a plateable resin material, and the liquid gasket material may be non-platable and bonded bond to the plateable resin material. The roof rail having the gasket may be plated, with the plating material bonding to the areas of the roof rail that are not covered by the gasket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Brian Wojtczak, Thomas Hawkins, Paul Nikandrou, Ryan Lacks, Nick Hrnyak
  • Patent number: 11867374
    Abstract: A light assembly includes a light source and a lens. The lens includes a hardcoat surface that protects the lens. The light source is positioned close to the lens, and a microtexture is defined in the hardcoat material to increase diffusion of the light to overcome the limitations of the close spacing between the lens and the light source. The hardcoat material and microtexture may be applied to both sides of the lens or one side of the lens. The light source may be a plurality of spaced apart LEDs. The microtexture may be applied to the entire surface of the lens or select regions of the lens. The microtexture is defined after the hardcoat is applied, and is defined via removal or disruption of hardcoat material. The microtexture may be defined in different ways to vary the appearance of the microtexture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Dave Walters, Aaron Johnson
  • Patent number: 11840046
    Abstract: A part includes a surface that having a rich textured appearance formed by an anisotropic repeating pattern including first regions having a first microtexture, and second regions having a second microtexture different from the first microtexture. A metalized layer covers the regions and presents different finishes depending on the microtexture thereunder. In an example embodiment, the first microtexture is highly reflective and the second microtexture is rough to cause a non-specular reflection of incident light. The part may include three-dimensional structures arranged to correspond with the repeating pattern. The three-dimensional structures may be spaced-apart by a base plane that may be flat or which may include some texture or structure. The three-dimensional structures may each include one or more planar portions and/or one or more curved surfaces. Each face or surface of the three-dimensional structures and/or each region of the base plane may have one or more different microtextures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, David Walters, Alan Fanta
  • Patent number: 11807039
    Abstract: A composite wheel structure includes a single continuous fiber reinforcement layer extending axially between inner and outer ends of the wheel structure. The single fiber reinforcement layer is impregnated with different matrix materials at different axial portions of the reinforcement layer to account for specific locations where high strength or high temperature performance is needed, with other portions having different matrix materials where low temperature performance and/or low strength is sufficient. The matrix materials may be provided as separate resin films that are applied side-by-side on the single reinforcement layer, or they may be provided on a single resin film. The matrix materials may be applied to the reinforcement layer in a direct coating process. The reinforcement layer may be prepregged with the matrix materials prior to a wheel layup process, or the reinforcement layer and matrix materials may be consolidated by resin film infusion during the wheel layup process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2023
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Rawley Stanhope, Colin Snyder, Frederick K. Meyer
  • Patent number: 11802347
    Abstract: A molded article includes a first plateable region spaced apart from a second plateable region the first plateable region by a barrier of electrically insulating material. Each of the plateable regions include an associated plateable layer of electrically conductive material for being electroplated with a different plateable finish. Several different geometries and configurations of the barrier and/or the plateable regions are provided to prevent migration of plating material from one of the plateable regions acting as bipolar electrode while another one of the plateable regions is being electroplated. A non-plateable insert may be disposed between the plateable regions to prevent migration of plating material from one of the plateable regions onto the other one of the plateable regions. A conducive robber in electrical communication with one of the one of the plateable regions, and which may be removable, may also be used to prevent migration of plating material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael LaVallee
  • Patent number: 11795563
    Abstract: A decorative component includes a plateable resin body portion that is light-transmissive. A thin intermediate layer of material is electrolessly deposited over the body portion. The intermediate layer is laser ablated to selectively remove the intermediate layer and expose the light transmissive portion. The part is then subjected to electroplating. The ablated areas do not receive the metal layers of the electroplating, thereby defining a pattern defined by the ablation. The laser ablation may define an outline, leaving the thin intermediate layer within the outline that is electrically isolated from areas outside of the outline. The electroplating process will not apply layers to the isolated areas, and the intermediate layer therein will dissolve, exposing the light transmissive body portion. An opposite side of the part is also exposed and transmissive, such that light will pass through the body portion and illuminate the pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Michael LaVallee, David Walters, Thomas Hawkins
  • Patent number: 11685316
    Abstract: A roof rail and an apparatus for attaching the roof rail to the roof of a vehicle are provided. The roof rail is elongated and includes a bottom portion for engaging the outer surface of the roof. The roof rail also includes inboard and outboard side portions extending between the bottom portion and a top portion. An access hole is provided in the roof rail on an inboard side portion or at a location that is lower than an uppermost point of the roof rail for providing access to a fastener such as a roof stud or bolt attaching the roof rail to the roof. The access hole is blocked from view from a laterally outer side of the roof rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, Paul Nikandrou, Brian Wojtczak
  • Patent number: 11639552
    Abstract: A method for plating a work piece includes forming a work piece, where the work piece includes first and second segments that are electrically isolated. The first segment is connected in a first circuit and the second segment is connected in a second circuit. The first circuit may include a first power source and the second circuit may include a second power source. The work piece and the first and second segments may be disposed in a common solution, and current may be applied in the first circuit and the second circuit to create first and second metal surfaces. The first and second metal surfaces may be made from the same base metal. The first and second metal surfaces may be created simultaneously, with the work piece and the first and second segments disposed in a common solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael LaVallee
  • Patent number: 11408086
    Abstract: A method for plating a work piece. An electroless layer of material is applied to the work piece using an electroless plating process. The method includes creating a barrier in electrical conductivity in the work piece to divide the work piece into a first segment and a second segment which are substantially electrically insulated from one another, prior to electroplating the work piece. A plurality of methods are disclosed for dividing the work piece into the first and second segments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael LaVallee
  • Patent number: 11370246
    Abstract: A composite wheel assembly and method of fabricating the same is provided. The wheel assembly includes a composite wheel rim, a wheel center, and a plurality of attachment fasteners for attaching the wheel center to the wheel rim. The wheel rim includes a plurality of attachment inserts that are configured to selectively engage with respective attachment fasteners. Each attachment insert is encapsulated by a plurality of composite layers of the wheel rim or is otherwise secured to the wheel rim. The attachment inserts extend from and/or are positioned within a drop well region of the wheel rim. The method of fabricating the wheel assembly includes forming first and second preforms and positioning the same onto a mold assembly. The method further includes positioning the attachment inserts between the first and second preforms such that the attachment inserts are secured therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2022
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Snyder, Rawley Stanhope
  • Patent number: 11326268
    Abstract: A floating metallized element assembly and method of manufacturing thereof are disclosed. The floating metallized element assembly includes a work piece of a plateable resin and a non-plateable resin including a front side and a back side. The work piece includes at least one plated decorative region on the plateable resin at the front side. The work piece also includes at least one network of the plateable resin at the back side. The work piece additionally includes a plurality of discrete current paths of the plateable resin extending from the at least one network to the at least one plated decorative region. The work piece also includes at least one non-plated decorative region of the non-plateable resin adjacent the at least one decorative region. Metal surfaces are adhered to and disposed on the at least one plated decorative region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael LaVallee, Lee Chase
  • Patent number: 11299103
    Abstract: A roof rail and an apparatus for attaching the roof rail to the roof of a vehicle are provided. The roof rail is elongated and includes a bottom portion for engaging the outer surface of the roof. The roof rail also includes inboard and outboard side portions extending between the bottom portion and a top portion. An access hole is provided in the roof rail on an inboard side portion or at a location that is lower than an uppermost point of the roof rail for providing access to a fastener such as a roof stud or bolt attaching the roof rail to the roof. The access hole is blocked from view from a laterally outer side of the roof rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, Paul Nikandrou, Brian Wojtczak
  • Patent number: 11285756
    Abstract: A composite wheel assembly and method of fabricating the same is provided. The wheel assembly includes a composite wheel rim, a wheel center, and a plurality of attachment fasteners for attaching the wheel center to the wheel rim. The wheel rim includes a plurality of attachment inserts that are configured to selectively engage with respective attachment fasteners. Each attachment insert is encapsulated by a plurality of composite layers of the wheel rim or is otherwise secured to the wheel rim. The attachment inserts extend from and/or are positioned within a drop well region of the wheel rim. The method of fabricating the wheel assembly includes forming first and second preforms and positioning the same onto a mold assembly. The method further includes positioning the attachment inserts between the first and second preforms such that the attachment inserts are secured therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Colin Snyder, Rawley Stanhope
  • Patent number: 11220128
    Abstract: A composite component includes a plastic substrate and a transfer foil adhered thereto. The plastic substrate and the foil are proud and define a peripheral edge with a tight outer radius. A thin first coating layer, such as a base coat or primer layer, is applied over the plastic substrate and foil and adheres the both the plastic substrate and foil. A thicker second coating layer, such as a clear coat, is applied over the first coating layer and adheres to the first coating layer. The first coating layer has a lower viscosity than the second coating layer. The second coating layer is more ductile than the first coating layer. The first coating layer acts a primer layer for applying the second coating layer. The second coating layer therefore protects the substrate and transfer foil and can withstand thermal shock and water immersion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2022
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventor: Guy Wagner
  • Patent number: 11148585
    Abstract: A decorative component with a light emitting finish includes a transmissive portion including a resin material configured to carry light through the transmissive portion. A plateable portion is attached to the transmissive portion and includes a resin material configured to receive a metal material via electroplating. The plateable portion overlays a portion of the transmissive portion. A metal finish portion is applied to the plateable portion, and the metal finish portion overlays the plateable portion. A plurality of openings are defined by gaps in the finish portion and the plateable portion. Light carried by the transmissive portion exits the component through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Thomas Hawkins, David Walters
  • Patent number: 11142130
    Abstract: A cargo support system and cargo support rails therefor are provided. The cargo support rails include a tubular wall extending along a longitudinal axis between opposite ends. The tubular wall includes a plurality of carbon fibers and a fibrous mat bonded to one another by a cured resin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan Lacks, Paul Nikandrou, Brian Wojtczak, Thomas Hawkins
  • Patent number: 10988094
    Abstract: A trim component, such as a grill of a vehicle, includes a substrate having a 3-dimensional shape and defining a disrupted reflective surface including a plurality of facets over a curved surface. Each of the facets is configured to reflect an incident light beam in a common direction, for example, toward a given target. A reflective coating, such as a chrome plating layer, overlies the disrupted reflective surface. The facets may have similar shapes and/or be arranged in a repeating pattern, but with one or more irregular features. The sizes, shapes, and/or orientation direction of the facets may varying in a gradient based on the curvature of the curved surface. The trim component also includes a light source to illuminate the disrupted reflective surface. The light source may be hidden so it is not directly visible to a viewer, but instead is reflected by the disrupted reflective surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: David Walters, Thomas Hawkins
  • Patent number: 10737530
    Abstract: A method of making a work piece without the use of an auxiliary anode and a work piece created using the method are provided. The work piece includes a main face being generally planar. The work piece also includes a first area comprising a plateable resin configured to be plated using the plating process without the auxiliary anode and having a first current density during the plating process. Additionally, the work piece includes a second area comprising a non-plateable resin configured to not be plated using the plating process without the auxiliary anode. The first area and the second area are determined by a process referencing a predetermined minimum current density value with the first current density being greater than the predetermined minimum current density value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2020
    Assignee: LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC.
    Inventors: Anthony Tyonek Stump, Alan Fanta
  • Patent number: 10688823
    Abstract: A composite wheel assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The composite wheel assembly includes a wheel having an inwardly facing surface, an outwardly facing surface, a generally cylindrical barrel portion, and a plurality of apertures formed about a central hub aperture. At least one wheel cladding is fixedly bonded to at least one of the inwardly facing surface, the outwardly facing surface, and the generally cylindrical barrel portion. The wheel cladding increases the stiffness and/or strength of the wheel between about 2-16% or greater as compared to the wheel not having the at least one cladding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin Chinavare, James Ardern, Garry Van Houten
  • Patent number: D945795
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Lacks Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Aaron Koerth