Patents by Inventor Larry C. Smyth

Larry C. Smyth has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 6921138
    Abstract: A multi-piece vehicle wheel assembly includes a wheel center and a lightweight wheel rim. The wheel center defines a center hole and has an outer margin. The wheel rim has opposing inside and outside major surfaces. The outside major surface defines a rim bed for mounting a vehicle tire. The inside major surface includes an inwardly-extending annular shoulder. A plurality of circumferentially spaced rim bosses are formed with the annular shoulder of the rim, and are adapted for engaging the outer margin of the wheel center. A corresponding plurality of circumferentially spaced fastener holes are formed along the outer margin the wheel center, and are adapted for aligning with the rim bosses formed with the rim. A plurality of fasteners are received through the aligned rim bosses and fastener holes to attach the rim and the wheel center together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Inventor: Larry C. Smyth
  • Publication number: 20040032161
    Abstract: A multi-piece vehicle wheel assembly includes a wheel center and a lightweight wheel rim. The wheel center defines a center hole and has an outer margin. The wheel rim has opposing inside and outside major surfaces. The outside major surface defines a rim bed for mounting a vehicle tire. The inside major surface includes an inwardly-extending annular shoulder. A plurality of circumferentially spaced rim bosses are formed with the annular shoulder of the rim, and are adapted for engaging the outer margin of the wheel center. A corresponding plurality of circumferentially spaced fastener holes are formed along the outer margin the wheel center, and are adapted for aligning with the rim bosses formed with the rim. A plurality of fasteners are received through the aligned rim bosses and fastener holes to attach the rim and the wheel center together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Publication date: February 19, 2004
    Inventor: Larry C. Smyth
  • Patent number: 6598296
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly. The method includes the step of providing a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and a rigidifying flange. The rim blank includes first and second edge portions. At least one of the first and second edge portions of the rim blank is shaped. After the shaping step, the one-piece wheel form is cut to separate the shaped wheel rim from the rigidifying flange.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2003
    Inventor: Larry C. Smyth
  • Publication number: 20010039732
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly. The method includes the step of providing a one-piece alloy wheel form defining an integrally-formed annular rim blank and a rigidifying flange. The rim blank includes first and second edge portions. At least one of the first and second edge portions of the rim blank is shaped. After the shaping step, the one-piece wheel form is cut to separate the shaped wheel rim from the rigidifying flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: November 15, 2001
    Inventor: Larry C. Smyth
  • Patent number: 6272748
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a wheel rim for a two-piece vehicle wheel assembly. The method includes the step of casting a one-piece alloy wheel form. The wheel form defines an integrally-formed annular rim blank and supporting center. The rim blank includes opposing first and second annular edge portions. The first annular edge portion of the rim blank is machined, and then the second annular edge portion of the rim blank is machined. After the machining steps, the one-piece wheel form is cut to separate the machined wheel rim from the supporting center.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2001
    Inventor: Larry C. Smyth