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.
Claims18
A vehicle frame member, comprising:
- at least three panels joined together in an arrangement that provides a hollow tube;
- each panel of the at least three panels comprising two or more layers of material characterized by values of strength and stiffness along a first axis that are different from values of strength and stiffness along a second axis, high strength to weight ratio, and density of wood;
- wherein the two or more layers of material of each panel are alternatingly disposed with the first axis oriented at different selected angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame member, and with the second axis oriented at different selected angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame member;
- wherein the vehicle frame member exhibits a selected higher torsional stiffness along the longitudinal axis and a selected lower associated axial stiffness along the longitudinal axis according to the selected orientations of the first and second axes of the material.
A method for constructing a vehicle frame member;
- comprising:
- joining together at least three panels in an arrangement that provides a hollow tube;
- wherein each panel of the at least three panels comprises two or more layers of material characterized by values of strength and stiffness along a first axis that are different from values of strength and stiffness along a second axis, high strength to weight ratio, and density of wood;
- alternatingly disposing the two or more layers of material of each panel with the first axis oriented at different selected angles relative to a longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame member, and with the second axis oriented at different selected angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle frame member;
- wherein the vehicle frame member exhibits a selected higher torsional stiffness along the longitudinal axis and a selected lower associated axial stiffness along the longitudinal axis according to the selected orientations of the first and second axes of the material.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.