US 11,807,039 B2
Composite wheel construction apparatus and method
Rawley Stanhope, Middleville, MI (US); Colin Snyder, Caledonia, MI (US); and Frederick K. Meyer, Kentwood, MI (US)
Assigned to Lacks Enterprises, Inc., Grand Rapids, MI (US)
Filed by LACKS ENTERPRISES, INC., Grand Rapids, MI (US)
Filed on Feb. 4, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/781,390.
Claims priority of provisional application 62/801,507, filed on Feb. 5, 2019.
Prior Publication US 2020/0247178 A1, Aug. 6, 2020
Int. Cl. B60B 5/02 (2006.01); B29C 70/48 (2006.01); B60B 21/02 (2006.01); B29K 63/00 (2006.01); B29K 105/08 (2006.01); B29K 79/00 (2006.01); B29L 31/32 (2006.01)
CPC B60B 5/02 (2013.01) [B29C 70/48 (2013.01); B60B 21/02 (2013.01); B29K 2063/00 (2013.01); B29K 2079/08 (2013.01); B29K 2105/0881 (2013.01); B29L 2031/32 (2013.01); B60B 2310/242 (2013.01); B60B 2360/3412 (2013.01); B60B 2360/3416 (2013.01); B60B 2360/3418 (2013.01); B60B 2900/212 (2013.01); B60B 2900/311 (2013.01); B60B 2900/513 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A composite wheel structure comprising:
a wheel body having an axial width extending between an inner end and an outer end;
an inner flange portion of the wheel body disposed at the inner end;
an outer flange portion of the wheel body disposed at the outer end;
a first intermediate portion of the wheel body disposed between the inner flange portion and the outer flange portion;
a second intermediate portion of the wheel body disposed between the first intermediate portion and the outer flange portion;
a first reinforcement layer of material extending between the inner and outer ends and extending axially through the inner flange portion, the outer flange portion, the first intermediate portion, and the second intermediate portion;
wherein the first reinforcement layer is in the form of a single continuous fiber layer;
a first matrix material integrated with the first reinforcement layer along the inner flange portion, wherein the first matrix material is integrated radially through the first reinforcement layer;
a second matrix material integrated with the first reinforcement layer along the first intermediate portion, wherein the second matrix material is integrated radially through the first reinforcement layer; and
a third matrix material integrated with the first reinforcement layer along the second intermediate portion, wherein the third matrix material is integrated radially through the first reinforcement layer.