A method for making a non-metallic, fiber reinforced wheel for an in-line
skate and similar rolling articles. Resin impregnated carbon fibers are
compression molded to form a high strength and very stiff (i.e. rigid)
annular hub having a central channel extending longitudinally therethrough
to accommodate an axle. Bearing cavities are formed at opposite ends of
the central channel in which to receive and retain respective axle
bearings. A hollow air pocket is established so as to extend around and
through the interior of the hub in order to occupy a majority of the
volume of the hut) and thereby reduce the overall weight of the wheel. A
scalloped wheel retaining rim is formed around the circumference of the
hub to which an outer urethane tire is bonded to enable the wheel to roll
along a flat surface.
Current U.S. Class: | 156/112; 152/323; 152/DIG.18; 156/245; 264/250; 301/5.308; 301/64.706 |
Current CPC Class: |
B29C 65/00 (20130101); B29C 65/561 (20130101); B29C 66/54 (20130101); B60B 5/02 (20130101); B29C 66/1222 (20130101); B29C 66/1224 (20130101); B29C 66/1312 (20130101); B29C 65/48 (20130101); B29K 2105/06 (20130101); B29L 2015/006 (20130101); B29L 2031/322 (20130101); Y10S 152/18 (20130101) |
Current International Class: |
B29C 65/00 (20060101); B60B 5/00 (20060101); B60B 5/02 (20060101); B29C 65/56 (20060101); B29C 65/48 (20060101); B29C 070/40 (); B29C 065/00 () |
Field of Search: |
;156/112,245 ;301/5.3,64.7 ;152/323,DIG.18 ;264/250,319
|