Composite bicycle frame and method of manufacturing
Patent 5803476 Issued on September 8, 1998. Estimated Expiration Date: 
August 25, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.
August 25, 2015. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent ReferencesInventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 519568 filed on 08/25/1995US Classes:280/281.1, Frames and running gear264/258, Joining a plurality of superposed fibrous or textile layers264/314Utilizing fluid-expansible moldExaminersPrimary: Hurley, KevinAttorney, Agent or FirmForeign Patent References
International ClassB62D 003/04AbstractA bicycle frame has a seat tube fitting to which a seat is attachable, a head tube fitting to which forks are attachable, and a bottom bracket fitting to which a crank shaft is attachable. A single frame tube of fiber reinforced polymer composite interconnects the seat tube fitting, head tube fitting, and bottom bracket fitting in a manner which provides a lightweight, and durable bicycle frame. The single frame tube is formed by disposing the seat tube fitting, head tube fitting, and bottom bracket fitting within a first mold section, then disposing a bladder covered with polymer impregnated fiber within the first mold section such that the bladder passes through openings in the seat tube fitting, head tube fitting, and bottom bracket fitting. The bladder is then inflated while the polymer impregnated fiber is heated so as to form a fiber reinforced polymer composite which conforms to the shape of the cavity formed within the mold, thereby defining the desired bicycle frame.Other References
Field of SearchHollow shell framesFrames and running gear Frames and running gear Low profile Rear forks One component is a fibrous or textile sheet, web, or batt Joining a plurality of superposed fibrous or textile layers Applying fluent material to preform Utilizing fluid-expansible mold Removing mold by destruction Toroidal mold bag Utilizing sheet-like material Applying heat or pressure | |
