High performance light weight vehicle frame
AssigneeTimberWolf Cycles Inc.
InventorDavid J. Timan
Life of this patent
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Abstract
This invention relates to polygonal frame structures made from anisotropic materials, and methods for their construction. The polygonal frame structures include at least one frame member that is constructed as a torsion box. The torsion box is constructed with layers of anisotropic materials, resulting in a lightweight, torsionally stiff polygonal frame. Natural and/or man-made anisotropic materials may be used. Wood may be used as a natural anisotropic material. The invention is applicable to bicycles and other vehicles, as well as other products, where frame structures having light weight and torsional stiffness are advantageous.
Claims20
A polygonal frame;
- comprising:
- three or more longitudinal frame members connected together to form a closed polygonal frame, at least one longitudinal frame member comprising a torsion box;
- wherein the at least one torsion box includes at least three panels and first and second ends;
- wherein each panel of the at least one torsion box includes two or more layers of at least one anisotropic material;
- wherein the two or more layers of the at least one anisotropic material are alternatingly disposed at first and second selected grain direction angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one torsion box;
- wherein one or more of a number of layers of anisotropic material, grain direction angles of anisotropic material, and type of anisotropic material are selected to provide the at least one longitudinal frame member comprising a torsion box with a selected different torsional stiffness and axial stiffness relative to other longitudinal frame members.
A method for constructing a polygonal frame;
- comprising:
- connecting at least three longitudinal frame members together to form a closed polygonal frame, at least one longitudinal frame member comprising a torsion box;
- wherein the at least one torsion box includes at least three panels and first and second ends;
- wherein each panel of the at least one torsion box only includes two or more layers of at least one anisotropic material;
- the method including alternatingly disposing the two or more layers of the at least one anisotropic material at first and second selected grain direction angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the at least one torsion box;
- wherein one or more of a number of layers of anisotropic material, grain direction angles of anisotropic material, and type of anisotropic material are selected to provide the at least one longitudinal frame member comprising a torsion box with a selected different torsional stiffness and axial stiffness relative to other longitudinal frame members.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.