US4030754A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Composite lightweight wheel rim
Assignee: Hercules LLC
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Filing: 1976-01-21
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Granted: 1977-06-21
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Expires: 1996-01-21
Abstract
Abstract A composite lightweight wheel rim for spoke wheels having an inner and an outer ring separated by a low density rigid foam core. The inner and outer rings are formed from a composite fiber/resin material having the fibers positioned in a predetermined orientation. This structure forms a stiff, lightweight wheel rim suitable for many spoked wheel applications.
Inventors
- 👤 John Barton Merlette
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-26 03:33
CPC Classifications
B; B60; B60B; B60B5/00; B60B5/02; B29; B29C; B29C44/00; B29C44/02; B29C44/12; B29C44/1228; B29C70/00; B29C70/04; B29C70/06; B29C70/10; B29C70/16; B29C70/20; B29C70/205; B29C70/207; B29D; B29D99/00; B29D99/0032; B29L; B29L2031/00; B29L2031/32
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 7
Claim 1
Independent Claim
62 words
A rim for a spoked wheel comprising an inner ring, an outer ring spaced from said inner ring, and a hardened resin foam filling the space between said rings and bonding said rings together, said inner and outer rings each made from a plurality of plies of composite material, each ply having a plurality of parallel fibers positioned in a resin matrix.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
62 words
A rim for a spoked wheel comprising an inner ring, an outer ring spaced from said inner ring, and a hardened resin foam filling the space between said rings and bonding said rings together, said inner and outer rings each made from a plurality of plies of composite material, each ply having a plurality of parallel fibers positioned in a resin matrix.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
30 words
A rim as set forth in claim 1 wherein the fibers of each ply are positioned at a predetermined angular orientation relative to a plane passing centrally through said rim.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
34 words
A rim as set forth in claim 2 wherein the fibers of adjacent plies are positioned at alternating angles to said central plane to form a herringbone pattern and provide a substantially balanced structure.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
66 words
A rim as set forth in claim 1 wherein each ply has fibers positioned within the range of approximately ± 15° to 25° to a plane passing centrally through said rim and wherein each ply having fibers positioned at a positive angular orientation relative to said central plane is adjacent to a ply having fibers positioned at a negative angular orientation relative to said central plane.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
21 words
A rim as set forth in claim 1 including an epoxy coating on the exposed surfaces of said hardened resin foam.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
14 words
A rim as set forth in claim 1 wherein said fibers are carbon fibers.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1980-06-20 | 1980-12-20 | 1981-06-21 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1984-06-20 | 1984-12-20 | 1985-06-21 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1988-06-20 | 1988-12-20 | 1989-06-21 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |