Patent ID: 6463994
Filing Date: 2002-10-15
Classification: B22C,B22D

Abstract:
A mold for casting a metal motorcycle wheel component, the mold having a central axis and comprising:a base member; a plurality of side members; a gate formed in at least one of said side members, said gate adapted to receive molten metal; and a top core, said base member and side members cooperating with said top core to define a mold cavity having an annular portion defining a rim cavity for casting a motorcycle wheel rim, said rim cavity communicating with said gate, said top core and side members also cooperating to define an annular rim riser cavity formed on an end of said rim cavity, said top core also cooperating with said base member to define a central hub portion cavity connected by a plurality of radial spoke cavities to said rim cavity, said rim cavity having a gently undulating outer surface between said annular rim riser cavity and said spoke cavities, said gently undulating rim cavity outer surface having no more than two changes of direction relative to the mold central axis and a sufficient radial width whereby molten metal can first flow into said annular rim riser cavity and then subsequently can easily flow under the force of gravity from said riser cavity into said rim cavity.