Composite Patents (Class 301/64.702)
  • Patent number: 11897282
    Abstract: A bicycle rim and/or wheel are provided. The bicycle rim and/or wheel includes a single wall formed into the bicycle rim. The wall is formed of composite material having a spoke attachment portion and a tire attachment portion formed therein. The composite material may include at least two different materials, or fibers used as reinforcement material, forming layers of a thickness of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: SRAM, LLC
    Inventors: Ruan Trouw, Michael Hall, Aaron Packard
  • Patent number: 11618226
    Abstract: A shaped preform component (200) for a face portion (104) of a composite wheel (100), the shaped preform (200) having a hub (206) that extends around a central axis (Y), the shaped preform component (200) being formed from a cured composite fibre material having a compressibility of <2% volumetric under moulding conditions of 50 bar hydrostatic pressure and a temperature of 60 to 200° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2023
    Assignee: Carbon Revolution Limited
    Inventors: Ashley James Denmead, Michael Dunbar Silcock, Timothy Corbett, Nicholas Taylor, Steven Agius, Barry Trippit
  • Patent number: 10532608
    Abstract: The invention relates to a wheel for a powered two-wheeler, in particular a motorcycle or a motor scooter, that is at least sectionally made of a fiber-reinforced plastic material. A hub area (12) of the wheel (IO) is provided with two rigid, self-supporting, metal inserts (18, 20), which are arranged on axially opposite sides of the hub area (12), and which in an axial and radial direction (A, r) are connected to one another in a form-fit manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Elmar Jaeger, Bernd Kassner
  • Patent number: 10166728
    Abstract: In a method for manufacturing a spoke unit, the continuous fiber reinforced plastic is led from a middle supporting portion to a first supporting portion along the front surface of the mandrel. Subsequently, the continuous fiber reinforced plastic is led from the first supporting portion to the middle supporting portion along the back surface of the mandrel. Subsequently, the continuous fiber reinforced plastic is led from the middle supporting portion to a second supporting portion along the front surface of the mandrel. Subsequently, the continuous fiber reinforced plastic is led from the second supporting portion to the middle supporting portion along the back surface of the mandrel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2019
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shinsuke Shimoda
  • Patent number: 9662932
    Abstract: A connection between a face portion (12) and a hub portion (14) of a composite wheel (10). The hub portion (14) comprises a generally disc shaped hub plate (16), and the face portion (12) comprises a plurality of spokes (18). The connection comprises an annular hub ring (22) surrounding the hub plate (16), the hub ring (22) comprising a plurality of layers of reinforcement fibers extending in an at least generally circumferential direction about the hub ring (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: Carbon Revolution Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Matthew Edward Dingle, Ashley James Denmead, Michael Silcock
  • Patent number: 9302540
    Abstract: A wheel frame of the fiber composite material includes multiple arched frame bars each including a foam body made out of a foam material and a fiber composite cover layer made out of a fiber composite material and wrapped about the foam body, the arched frame bars being joined together by means of connection surface portions of the fiber composite cover layers thereof to form a circular wheel frame, the connection surface portions of each two adjacent arched frame bars forming a support face to work as a support rib supporting the wheel frame. Thus, the fiber composite wheel frame has the characteristic of lightweight and will not easily break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: FULL TECH COMPOSITE MANUFACTURING COMPANY
    Inventor: Joseph Hsu
  • Patent number: 9278585
    Abstract: A lightweight spare tire system. The lightweight spare tire system includes a carbon fiber composite vehicle rim that is suitable for use with a spare tire and a lightweight tire that is suitable for use with the carbon fiber composite rim. The lightweight tire and rim creates a lightweight spare wheel that may be used on a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: William R. Rodgers, Hamid G. Kia, Mark W. Verbrugge, Michael J. Irwin
  • Publication number: 20140239705
    Abstract: A wheel comprising: an inner hub including a first side, a second side being generally parallel to and opposite of the first side, an axle shaft emanating up from the second side, a plurality of inner spokes emanating up from the second side and outward from the axle shaft and engaging an inner circumferential member; an outer hub engaged to the inner circumferential member, a plurality of outer spokes emanating from the inner circumferential member, the outer spokes being engaged to the inner circumferential member at a proximal end of the spokes and engaged to an inner surface of an over mold substrate at a distal end of the spokes, the over mold substrate also having an outer surface being generally parallel to and opposite of the inner surface; and a over mold tread chemically bonded to the outer surface of the over mold substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: ROLL-TECH MOLDING PRODUCTS, LLC
    Inventor: Patrice Bertrand
  • Patent number: 8783789
    Abstract: A one-piece composite wheel has a disc core made from a three-dimensionally reinforced honeycomb structure, with the disc core embedded by a composite material to form a disc section of the wheel. The composite material also forms the rim of the wheel, with the rim being integral with the disc section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Inventors: Tomer Hendel, Guy Hendel
  • Publication number: 20120212037
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle wheel, comprising a rim (1) of a plastics material and at least one adapter (5) for fastening the rim (1) to a wheel mounting (3), the at least one adapter (5) having at least one protuberance (9) which engages in a recess (11) in the rim (1), or, if multiple adapters (5) are used, at least one adapter (5) is formed such that it engages in a recess (11) of the rim over its full surface area, the adapter (5) being arranged in such a way that, after assembly of the rim (1) on the wheel mounting (3), the adapter (5) is positioned between the rim (1) and the wheel mounting (3), or the adapter (5) being arranged in such a way that the rim (1) is positioned between the wheel mounting (3) and the adapter (5), so that the adapter (5) lies on the outside of the rim (1) after assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: BASF SE
    Inventors: Gerhard BOHRMANN, Uwe Gleiter, Heiko Hess, Walter Rau, Sven Wenigmann, Jörg Schnorr
  • Publication number: 20120146395
    Abstract: The present wheel comprises a body (C) formed by a median disc (10) provided with a central hole (11), to be mounted to a shaft end of a vehicle, and a plurality of eccentric holes (12) for the passage of fixing bolts; and by a peripheral ring (20) configured to retain a vehicle tire, said wheel having its body (C) injected, in a single piece, in a polymeric composite material comprising, in a homogeneous mixture, from 40% to 70% of a thermoplastic polymeric matrix, from 30% to 60% of synthetic fibers and from 0.01% to 10% of additives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Inventors: José Donizeti da Silva, Marcio Tiraboschi
  • Patent number: 8070235
    Abstract: A rim and a method of producing a rim for bicycles and the like includes a rim body and a rim base provided thereon and lateral rim flanks provided with rim flanges. The rim flanges include a fibrous composite material having at least one fiber layer. The rim flanges include inwardly overhanging bulges of squashed fiber layers between which a tire can be accommodated at the rim body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: DT Swiss, Inc.
    Inventor: Andreas Reuteler
  • Patent number: 8042766
    Abstract: An aircraft wheel (14) comprises a metal support structure (30) having a first annular ring (31) and a second annular ring (32) connected via at least one connecting element (37); and a fiber-enforced, molded-composite body. The metal support structure (30) is at least partially embedded in the composite body to form a first aircraft wheel section (20, 22) having a rim flange (16a, 16b) for forming a seal with a tire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Douglas J. Steinke, Allen H. Simpson, James F. Stevenson, Manuel G. Koucouthakis, Richard L. Bye
  • Publication number: 20110089751
    Abstract: A cycle rim that includes a metallic profile element, a covering made of composite material and including fibers embedded in a first matrix that covers the metallic profile element, at least over a portion thereof, and further including a spacer which is inserted between the profile element and the covering. The metallic profile element includes at least two sidewalls connected by a bridge, the covering including at least two flanks, each of the flanks covering one of the sidewalls, and the spacer is inserted between each of the sidewalls and the flank which covers it.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: SALOMON S.A.S.
    Inventor: Benoít SAILLET
  • Patent number: 7918513
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle wheel, in particular for passenger vehicles and motorcycles, comprising a rim for receiving a tire and a spoke unit or a wheel disc connecting the rim to the hub. The rim is made of plastic material and the spoke unit or the wheel disc of metal. The rim is connected to the spoke unit or wheel disc by form-closure and/or by force-closure of the material. The invention aims at enabling the wheel disc to be accurately positioned relative to the rim base and at providing a wheel with an attractive design. Therefore, the spoke unit, or the wheel disc are connected via at least one connecting element guided through the rim base and the connecting element is housed in the spoke unit or the wheel disc so as to be completely covered by a tire or by the spoke unit or the wheel disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Inventor: Mike Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080303337
    Abstract: Wheels including one or more retention elements for affixing a polyurethane tire to a hub of the wheel are disclosed. The polyurethane tires of the wheels disclosed are manufactured separate from the hub and affixed to the hub via the retention elements thereby enabling additional manufacturing processes for the polyurethane tires and reuse of the hub portion of the wheels. Such manufacturing processes also allow for more complex polyurethane tire design and combinations of polymers to produce composite wheels allowing for increased comfort and durability. The wheels are particular suitability for use with industrial vehicles, such as lift trucks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2007
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: STELLANA U.S. INC.
    Inventor: Gregory Michael Krantz
  • Patent number: 7377596
    Abstract: A urethane wheel that is manufactured by molding, casting, or vacuum forming methods in a mold having a wheel shaped cavity that a wheel core formed from a rigid material such as steel or aluminum has been supported in to receive a flow of a urethane material directed therearound, encapsulating the entire wheel core and forming a wheel capable of supporting a car or light truck traveling at highway speeds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Amerityre
    Inventors: Richard A. Steinke, Theodore M. Love, James G. Moore
  • Patent number: 7361296
    Abstract: A motor vehicle wheel frame is integrally molded in a split mold including a lower mold portion (12) and a complemental mold portion. Channel-like spoke forming formations (12.1) receive layers (24.1) of molding material wrapped around heat expanding, resilient intensifiers (20) which are inwardly checked by resilient locking inserts (22) partially within a hub cavity and abutting a cylinder (18). During demolding, after curing, the locking inserts (22) and thereafter the intensifiers (20) are removed by longitudinally stretching and cross-sectionally reducing them, leaving the spokes hollow. During curing, the heat expanding intensifiers pressurize the spoke forming layers of molding material against the mold portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2008
    Assignee: High-Flyer Investment 5 (Proprietary) Limited
    Inventor: Christian Andreas Adrian
  • Publication number: 20070252426
    Abstract: The presented invention is directed generally to Pellucid Illuminating Rims. The presented invention is used for a new style for rims. The rims are designed for a newer look. They are made of glass, plastic and metal. The rims are transparent and illuminating. The rims can be stained and or tinted mostly any type of color in the rainbow. Around the rotor and around the inner part of the rim where the rim and the rotor attach; there will be a rotor switch, which will give the ability to illuminate. That will allow the neon light to be turned on or off inside of the vehicle. When the rotor switch is turned on and the vehicle is in motion; the rims will illuminate and spin in motion. These rims will come in different sizes: 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24 inches, with 4 or 5 lugs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Deddric Ridley
  • Patent number: 7273258
    Abstract: A one-piece wheel hub of a bicycle wheel made from layered structural fiber based material, preferably carbon fiber material. The wheel hub is preferably formed by applying layers of the fiber based material to an expandable core to form a tubular body. The tubular body may be cured, during which time the core expands, by applying radial pressure to the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Assignee: Campagnolo, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 7223458
    Abstract: A molded product includes a receiving member in a body. A coupling component such as a female screw component is embedded in the receiving member. A connecting piece is formed continuous to the body and the receiving member based on integral molding. The connecting piece extends to the receiving member from the body inside a bore formed in the body. The connecting piece may form a single flat plate in the molded product, so that a general cutting device can be utilized to cut through the connecting piece in a facilitated manner. The receiving member can be removed from the body without any difficulty. The receiving member can be separated from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2007
    Assignee: Fujitsu Limited
    Inventor: Ken-ichiro Tango
  • Patent number: 7066558
    Abstract: A one-piece wheel hub of a bicycle wheel made from layered structural fiber based material, preferably carbon fiber material. The wheel hub is preferably formed by applying layers of the fiber based material to an expandable core to form a tubular body. The tubular body may be cured, during which time the core expands, by applying radial pressure to the tubular body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2006
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Publication number: 20050218712
    Abstract: A wheel which comprises a hub having an axle receiving aperture, a first portion extending circumferentially about the hub, a second portion extending circumferentially about the first portion, the second portion having a hardness less than the hardness of the first portion, and the second portion forming at least a major percentage of the surface contacting area. The wheel is suitable for use on trolleys and the like wherein it is desirable to have a relatively soft portion when the trolley is stationary to thereby provide stability while, at the same time, providing an easy rolling capability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: October 6, 2005
    Inventor: Yvon Beaumier
  • Publication number: 20050121970
    Abstract: A motor vehicle wheel frame is integrally moulded in a split mould including a lower mould portion (12) and a complemental mould portion. Channel-like spoke forming formations (12.1) receive layers (24.1) of moulding material wrapped around heat expanding, resilient intensifiers (20) which are inwardly checked by resilient locking inserts (22) partially within a hub cavity and abutting a cylinder (19). During demoulding, after curing, the locking inserts (22) and thereafter the intensifiers (20) are removed by longitudinally stretching and cross-sectionally reducing them, leaving the spokes hollow. During curing, the heat expanding intensifiers pressurises the spoke forming layers of moulding material against the mould portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Publication date: June 9, 2005
    Inventor: Christian Adrian
  • Patent number: 6736463
    Abstract: The wheel includes an outer rim, made of a metal material, for supporting a tire, first and second annular elements, also metal, are each arranged within the rim with a circumferential skirt adjacent the rim and a perimretal edge connected to a corresponding outer edge of the rim, with an inner annular flange lying in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis of the wheel and facing and fixed to a corresponding flange on the other annular element so as to form an annular assembly for fixing to a wheel hub; and stiffening means provided in the region defined between the rim and the circumferential skirts of said annular elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2004
    Assignee: Gianetti Route S.p.A.
    Inventors: Davide Bazzoni, Lorenzo Bessone, Andrea Finzi
  • Publication number: 20040036348
    Abstract: A composite wheel and a method of manufacture is provided for a vehicle wherein the composite wheel has a first and second section mounted to an annular mount. At least one of the first wheel section and second wheel section is composed of a resin having at least one braided polymeric fiber. The first and second sections are each formed by folding the braided fiber into a preform and then injecting resin into a mold containing the preform. The first and second sections are then bonded to each other and the annular mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Publication date: February 26, 2004
    Inventors: Del C. Schroeder, Mariana G. Forrest, Joseph G. Salmonowicz, John G. Argeropoulos, Jason E. Fulcher, Ida M. Baier, Janice M. Makarewicz, David G. Speth
  • Publication number: 20030122415
    Abstract: The wheel (W) includes an outer rim (1), made of a metal material, for supporting a tyre; first and second annular elements (2, 3), also metal, are each arranged within the rim with a circumferential skirt (10, 11) adjacent the rim (1) and a perimetral edge (10a, 11a) connected to a corresponding outer edge (8a, 9a) of the rim (1), with an inner annular flange (12, 13) lying in a plane substantially orthogonal to the axis (A-A) of the wheel (W) and facing and fixed to a corresponding flange (13, 12) on the other annular element (3, 2) so as to form an annular assembly (15) for fixing to a wheel hub; and stiffening means (18; 22, 23) provided in the region (17) defined between the rim (1) and the circumferential skirts (10, 11) of the said annular elements (2, 3).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Inventors: Davide Bazzoni, Lorenzo Bessone, Andrea Finzi
  • Patent number: 6416135
    Abstract: A method of forming a hole to a final specified dimension in a fiber reinforced wheel for a motor vehicle, and a fiber reinforced wheel with such a hole. Stud mounting holes, or a hub hole or a valve hole, are drilled through the wheel to an internal dimension larger than the final specified dimension, to sever and expose fiber ends in the wheel surrounding the hole. Thermoset resin with coupling and curing agents is applied to the hole internal surfaces by brushing or spraying, and is thereafter cured, and atomically and mechanically bonded to the internal hole surfaces with exposed fiber ends to form a thin smooth permanent protective layer on the hole internal surfaces defining the hole at final specified dimension. The hole may have frustoconical, spherical radius, and/or cylindrical portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: Accuride Corporation
    Inventors: William A. Greubel, Charles M. Scarton