Abstract:
A motorcycle wheel assembly comprises a wheel having opposite outer surfaces, and a pair of claddings covering the opposite surfaces to provide an aesthetic covering on both sides of the associated wheel assembly. The claddings cooperate and engage one another to securely attach to the associated wheel, to provide alignment therebetween, to provide a wheel assembly having the aesthetic appearance of a solid wheel and other aesthetic improvements.

Description:
[0001]     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/816,521, filed Jun. 26, 2006, entitled MULTIPLE CLAD WHEEL ASSEMBLY, which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention relates to wheel assemblies, and in particular to wheel assemblies for motorcycles that include cladding on opposing outside surfaces of an associated wheel.  
         [0003]     Ornamental metal-plated polymeric claddings have been employed for providing a decorative surface to the outer exposed surface of wheels for several years. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,564,791; 5,577,809; 5,597,213; 5,630,654; 5,636,906; 5,845,973 and 6,085,829, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference, represent different approaches for providing and attaching such claddings to existing wheels to provide a finished decorative appearing wheel. These wheel claddings offer design flexibility and allow wheel claddings of various configurations to be used to cover a single style wheel.  
         [0004]     Heretofore, wheel cladding techniques have been applied primarily to four or more wheeled vehicles which require cladding only on a single, outer exposed surface of each exposed wheel. However, similar applications to a motorcycle wheel would require cladding of both sides of the associated wheel as both sides of the wheel are exposed. Previous cladding assemblies and methods known in the art do not address the unique configurations presented when attempting to clad or aesthetically cover both sides of an associated wheel.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0005]     The present inventive motorcycle wheel assembly comprises a wheel having a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, a central hub region, an outer rim portion, and a centrally-located hub aperture extending through the wheel, a first wheel cladding having an outer surface and an inner surface facing the first outer surface of the wheel, and a first edge, and a second wheel cladding having an outer surface and an inner surface facing the second surface of the wheel, and a second edge. The second edge of the wheel cladding engages the first edge of the first wheel, and at least a select one of the first edge and the second edge includes at least one first tab member, wherein the remaining edge of the first wheel cladding and second wheel cladding includes a pair of second tab members that receives the at least one first tab member therebetween, thereby interconnecting the first and second wheel claddings together.  
         [0006]     Another aspect of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle wheel assembly that comprises a wheel having a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, a central hub region, an outer rim portion, and a centrally-located hub aperture extending through the wheel, a first wheel cladding having an outer surface and an inner surface facing the first outer surface of the wheel, and a first edge, and a second wheel cladding having an outer edge and an inner surface facing the second surface of the wheel, and a second edge. The motorcycle wheel assembly further includes a connector member extending radially along at least a select one of the central hub region and the outer rim portion, wherein the connector member is located between the first and second edges and provides a transition between the first and second wheel claddings.  
         [0007]     Still another aspect of the present invention is to provide a motorcycle wheel assembly that comprises a wheel having a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, a central hub region, an outer rim portion, and a centrally-located hub aperture extending through the wheel, a first wheel cladding having an outer surface and an inner surface and at least partially abutting the first outer surface of the wheel, and a second wheel cladding having an outer surface and an inner surface and at least partially abutting the second outer surface of the wheel. The motorcycle wheel assembly further includes a third wheel cladding having an outer surface and an inner surface facing and at least partially abutting the outer face of the first wheel cladding, and a fourth wheel cladding having an outer and an inner surface facing and at least partially abutting the outer surface of the second wheel cladding.  
         [0008]     Still another aspect of the present inventive motorcycle wheel assembly comprises a wheel having a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, a central hub region, an outer rim portion, and a plurality of structural members extending radially between the central hub region and the outer rim portion defining a plurality of apertures therebetween. The motorcycle wheel assembly further comprises a first wheel cladding having an outer surface and an inner surface facing the first outer surface of the wheel, and a second wheel cladding having an outer surface and a inner surface facing the second surface of the wheel, wherein the first and second wheel claddings cooperate to completely cover each of the apertures, thereby providing the aesthetic appearance of a solid wheel.  
         [0009]     A further aspect of the present invention is a motorcycle wheel assembly that comprises a wheel having a first outer surface, a second outer surface opposite the first outer surface, a central hub region, an inner rim portion, a rim flange circumscribing the rim portion, and a centrally-located hub aperture extending through the wheel. The motorcycle wheel assembly further comprises at least one wheel cladding having an outer surface and an inner surface facing at least one of the outer surfaces of the wheel, an outer radial edge and an inner radial edge, wherein the outer radial edge of the wheel cladding extends up to but does not cover the rim flange.  
         [0010]     Still yet another aspect of the present invention includes a method for manufacturing a motorcycle wheel assembly comprising placing a first wheel cladding on a fixture such that an outer surface of the first wheel cladding faces the fixture, applying an adhesive to a select one of the inner surface of the first wheel cladding and the outer surface of the wheel, and placing the wheel on the first wheel cladding such that the first outer surface of the wheel faces the inner surface of the first wheel cladding. The method further comprises applying an adhesive to a select one of a second outer surface of the wheel and an inner surface of the second wheel cladding, and placing the second wheel cladding on the wheel such that the inner surface of the second wheel cladding faces the second outer surface of the wheel. The method further comprises placing a spacer on an outer surface of the second wheel cladding, and applying a clamping pressure to the spacer, thereby clamping the first wheel cladding, the wheel and the second wheel cladding together.  
         [0011]     The present inventive wheel assembly provides an aesthetic cladding cover to both sides of an associated wheel, thereby providing high adaptable design and a low-cost alternative to aesthetically-finished steel or aluminum wheels. The wheel assembly is also durable, permanently bonded to the wheel, and in certain embodiments sealed from the elements thereby preventing degradation thereto. Moreover, the wheel assembly reduces associated manufacturing costs, can be easily and quickly assembled, is efficient to use, is more economical to manufacture, is capable of a long-operating life, and is particularly well adapted for the proposed use.  
         [0012]     These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written specification and appended drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0013]      FIG. 1  is a perspective assembled view of a wheel assembly embodying the present invention;  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is an exploded perspective view of the wheel assembly;  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a front elevational view of the wheel assembly;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a side cross-sectional view of the wheel assembly along the line IV-IV,  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged view of an inner connection of a first cladding member and a second cladding member proximate a central hub of the wheel of the wheel assembly taken of the area V,  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional end view of a spoke of the wheel assembly taken along the line VI-VI,  FIG. 3 ;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first alternative inner connection of the first and second cladding members taken of the area VII,  FIG. 4 ;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second alternative inner connection of the first and second cladding members;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a third alternative inner connection between the cladding members that incorporates a connector member having an I-shaped cross section;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment to the inner connection between the cladding members that includes a raised stud in-molded with the vehicle wheel.  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a first alternative embodiment to the in-molded stud embodiment, and includes a T-shaped in-molded stud;  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a second alternative to the in-molded stud, and includes a T-shaped stud formed separately from the wheel;  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a perspective view of an edge portion of the first cladding member that includes an engagement channel;  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is an alternative embodiment of that which is illustrated in  FIG. 13  and includes a cooperating pin and boss arrangement;  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a front elevational view of a first alternative embodiment of the wheel assembly;  
         [0028]      FIG. 16  is a cross-sectional side view of the first alternative embodiment to the wheel assembly taken along the line XVI-XVI,  FIG. 15 ;  
         [0029]      FIG. 17  is an alternative embodiment of that which is illustrated in  FIG. 16 ;  
         [0030]      FIG. 18  is a perspective view of a second alternative embodiment of a wheel assembly;  
         [0031]      FIG. 19  is an exploded perspective view of the second alternative embodiment of the wheel assembly;  
         [0032]      FIG. 20  is a front elevational view of the second alternative embodiment of the wheel assembly;  
         [0033]      FIG. 21  is a cross-sectional side view of the second alternative embodiment of the wheel assembly taken along the line XXI-XXI,  FIG. 20 ;  
         [0034]      FIG. 22  is an exploded view of a third alternative embodiment of the wheel assembly that includes the wheel having a plurality of apertures extending therethrough and a pair of wheel claddings that cooperate to fully cover the apertures;  
         [0035]      FIG. 23  is a front elevational view of the wheel assembly of  FIG. 22 ;  
         [0036]      FIG. 24  is a cross-sectional view of the third alternative embodiment of the wheel assembly taken along the line XXIII-XXIII,  FIG. 23 ;;  
         [0037]      FIG. 25  is a schematic plan view of a manufacture cell useful in the manufacture of the wheel assembly;  
         [0038]      FIG. 26  is a top perspective view of a fixture assembly;  
         [0039]      FIG. 27  is a top perspective view of a fixture assembly with a first cladding member nested thereon;  
         [0040]      FIG. 28  is a top perspective view of a fixture assembly with a vehicle wheel nested thereon;  
         [0041]      FIG. 29  is a top perspective view of a fixture assembly with a second cladding member nested thereon; and  
         [0042]      FIG. 30  is a top perspective view of a fixture assembly with a spacer element nested thereon. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0043]     For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in  FIG. 1 . However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.  
         [0044]     The reference numeral  10  ( FIGS. 1-4 ) generally designates a wheel assembly embodying the present invention. The wheel assembly includes a wheel  12  covered by a cladding assembly  14  that includes a first cladding member or first wheel cladding  16  and a second cladding member or second wheel cladding  18 . The wheel  12  includes a central hub  20  having a hub aperture  22  extending therethrough and configured to receive an axle therein. The wheel  12  further includes a plurality of spokes  24  spaced radially about the central hub  20  and connecting the central hub  20  with a rim  26 . The spokes  24  and the rim  26  cooperate to define a first outer surface  28  and a second outer surface  30  opposite the first outer surface  28 . In the illustrated example, each cladding member  16 ,  18  includes a central portion  32 , a rim portion  34 , and a plurality of spokes  36  extending radially between the central portion  32  and the rim portion  34  and connecting the same. Each cladding member  16 ,  18  further includes an inner surface  38  and an outer surface  40 . The inner surface  38  of each of the cladding members  16 ,  18  is configured to generally conform to the corresponding outer surfaces  28 ,  30  of the wheel  12 . The central portion  32 , the rim portion  34  and the spokes  36  of each of the cladding members  16 ,  18  cooperate to define a plurality of openings  42  spaced radially about the wheel assembly  10 . Each opening  42  is defined by an edge  44 . In the illustrated example, the first cladding member  16  engages with the second cladding member  18  about the edge  44  of each opening  42 . Specifically, as best illustrated in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the second cladding member  18  includes a longitudinally-extending tab  46  that is tightly received within a corresponding longitudinally-extending groove  48  of the first cladding member  16 . The tab  46  and groove  48  of the second cladding member  18  and first cladding member  16 , respectively, extend about the opening  42  proximate the spokes  36 .  
         [0045]     The second cladding member  18  ( FIG. 7 ), proximate the rim  26 , includes a longitudinally-extending fork  50  having a first finger  52  and a second finger  54  that cooperate to define a groove  56  therebetween. The first cladding member  16 , proximate the rim  26 , includes a tab  60  that is tightly received within the groove  56  and an end wall  62  that abuts an end  64  of the first finger  52 , such that a seamless transition is formed between the first cladding member  16  and the second cladding member  18 .  
         [0046]      FIG. 8  illustrates an alternative embodiment to the inner connection between the first cladding member  16   a  and the second cladding member  18   a  along the edge  44  proximate the rim portions  34  thereof. In this alternative embodiment, the first cladding member  16   a  includes a first fork member  66  having a first finger  68  and a second finger  70  and a second fork member  72  having a first finger  74  and a second finger  76 . As illustrated, the first finger or tab  68  of the first fork member  66  is tightly received between first finger or tab  74  and the second finger or tab  76  of the second fork member  72  while the second finger  76  of the second fork member  72  is tightly received between the first finger  68  and the second finger  70  of the first fork member  66 . The second finger  76  of the second fork member  72  is slightly raised to provide an aesthetic ridge proximate the inner connection between the first cladding member  16   a  and the second cladding member  18   a.    
         [0047]      FIG. 9  illustrates another alternative embodiment of the inner connection between the first and second cladding members  16   b ,  18   b . In the illustrated example, a longitudinally-extending connector  78  is located between a first cladding member  16   b  and the second cladding member  18   b . Specifically, the connector  78  is provided with an I-beam shaped cross-sectional configuration including a first channel  80  and a second channel  82  that receives an edge  86  of the first cladding member  16   b  and an edge  88  of the second cladding member  18   b  therein. In another alternative embodiment, the I-beam shaped connector  78  is replaced by a radially-extending ridge  90  ( FIG. 10 ) integrally molded with the rim  26   c  and including an exposed outer surface  92  and a pair of abutment walls  94  which are abutted by the edges  86   c ,  88   c  of the cladding members  16   c ,  18   c . In yet another alternative embodiment, as illustrated in  FIG. 11 , the ridge  90  of the previous embodiment is replaced by a T-shaped ridge  96  that includes channels  98 ,  100  to receive the edges  86   d ,  88   d  of the cladding members  16   d ,  18   d  therein. The ridge  96  may also be formed as a ridge member  96   e  ( FIG. 12 ) formed as a separate piece from the wheel  12   a.    
         [0048]     Other configurations for the inner connection and alignment of the first cladding member  16  with a second cladding member  18  may also be utilized, including the example illustrated in  FIG. 13  that includes a deep, longitudinally-extending groove  102  that mates with a corresponding tab member (not shown) of the second clad member  18 .  FIG. 14  illustrates an alternative pin  104  and receiving boss  106  arrangement that are strategically spaced about the interface between the first cladding member  16  and the second cladding member  18 , thereby assuring proper alignment thereof with respect to one another as well as the associated wheel  12 .  
         [0049]     Reference numeral  10   g  ( FIGS. 15 and 16 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention. Since the wheel assembly  10   g  is similar to the previously described wheel assembly  10 , similar parts appearing in  FIGS. 1-4  and  FIGS. 15 and 16 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding numeral, except for the suffix “g” in the numerals of the latter. The wheel assembly  10   g  includes a cladding assembly  14   g  that encompasses the central hub  20   g  of the associated wheel  12   g . Specifically, a separate cap member  108  is coupled to the central portion  32   g  of the cladding members  16   g ,  18   g , thereby aesthetically covering the central hub  20   g  of the wheel  12   g  without need for aesthetically finishing the central hub  20   g  of the wheel  12   g . In the example illustrated in  FIGS. 15 and 16 , the cap member  108  is provided as a separate piece from the first cladding member  16   g  and the second cladding member  18   g . However, as best illustrated in  FIG. 17 , the cap member  108   h  may be integrally formed with the cladding members  16   h ,  18   h.    
         [0050]     The reference numeral  10   i  ( FIGS. 18-21 ) generally designates another embodiment of the present invention. Since the wheel assembly  10   i  is similar to the previously described wheel assembly  10 , similar parts appearing in FIGS.  14  and  FIGS. 18-21 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “i” in the numerals of the latter. The wheel assembly  10   i  is similar to the wheel assembly  10  with the most notable difference being the replacement of the spokes  24  of the wheel  12  with a web  110  extending between the central hub  20   i  and the rim  26   i . In a similar manner, the cladding members  16   i ,  18   i  each include a web portion  112 , corresponding to the web  110  of the wheel  12   i . In the illustrated example, the first and second cladding member  16   i ,  18   i  are a part of a first and second cladding assemblies  114 ,  116  that include a first cladding insert  120  and a second cladding insert  122 , respectively. The cladding inserts  120 ,  122  are attached to the outer surface  40   i  of the corresponding cladding members  16   i ,  18   i , and add an additional level of aesthetic covering to the overall cladding assembly  14   i . Specifically, the outer surface  124  of each of the cladding inserts  120 ,  122  may be finished with a different detail than the outer surface  40   i  of the cladding members  16   i ,  18   i , i.e., differing surface coatings, textures, and the like, thereby allowing significant flexibility in design of each individual wheel assembly  10   i . It is further contemplated that the cladding inserts  120 ,  122  may be substituted by or used in conjunction with aesthetically finished and/or patterned outer surfaces on the cladding members  16   i ,  18   i.    
         [0051]     The reference  10   j  ( FIGS. 22-24 ) generally designates yet another embodiment of the present invention. Since the wheel assembly  10   j  is similar to the previously described wheel assembly  10 , similar parts appearing in FIGS.  14  and  FIGS. 22-24 , respectively, are represented by the same, corresponding reference numeral, except for the suffix “j” in the numerals of the latter. The wheel  12   j  includes a plurality of apertures  29  located between an outer rim  26   j  and a central hub region  20   j  and as defined by a plurality of radially spaced structural members  31  extending between the central hub region  20   j  and the outer rim  26   j . As illustrated, the first and second cladding members  16   j ,  18   j  cooperate to completely cover the apertures  29  to provide the aesthetic appearance of a solid wheel construction without apertures. As best illustrated in  FIG. 24 , the cladding is positioned between the central hub region  20   j  and the outer rim  26   j  such that the claddings  16   j ,  18   j  cover the outer rim  26   j  and the respective side of the wheel  12   j , but do not cover an outer flange  35 . Further, each of the claddings  16   j ,  18   j  are configured such that an inner most radial edge  37  is countersunk with the wheel  12   j , and the outer surface of the claddings  16   j ,  18   j  is flush-mounted with the respective outer surface of the wheel  12   j . It is noted that the claddings  16   j ,  18   j  may cooperate with the wheel  12   j  to form gaps  41  therebetween.  
         [0052]     A manufacturing cell  140  ( FIG. 25 ) for manufacturing of the wheel assembly  10 , includes a wheel supply station  142 , a cladding supply station  144 , an operator station  146  within operable reaching distance from the wheel supply station  142  and the cladding supply station  144 , an assembly center  148 , and a finished wheel station  150  that receives the finished wheel assemblies  10  after removal from the assembly center  148 . The assembly center  148  comprises a carousal-type assembly hub  152  rotatable about a given point and including a plurality of fixture assemblies  154  spaced radially thereabout. A glue station  156  is positioned proximate the operator station  146 , and is positioned so as to sequentially receive the first cladding member  16 , the wheel  12  and the second cladding member  18  thereon and are secured to one another via an adhesive as dispensed by gluing equipment  158 , as described below. Each fixture assembly  154  ( FIG. 26 ) includes a fixture  160  having a plurality of clamping members spaced radially thereabout. In the illustrated example, clamping members  162  comprise the Destaco-type clamps, however, other suitable clamping configurations may be utilized.  
         [0053]     In assembly, the first cladding member  16  ( FIG. 27 ) is placed within the fixture  160  and is radially aligned thereto by a plurality of spoke alignment pins  164  that abut an associated spoke  36 , and a valve hole alignment pin  166 , and axially aligned thereto by a hub alignment recess  168  that receive the central or hub portion  32  of the first cladding member  16  therein. An adhesive is then placed on the inner surface  38  of the first cladding member  16  before the wheel  12  ( FIG. 28 ) is placed within the fixture  160  and upon the first cladding member  16 . The wheel  12  is axially aligned with respect to the fixture  160  in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the first cladding member  16 , and is axially aligned with the fixture  160  by a hub aperture alignment pin  170  that is received within the hub aperture  22  of the wheel  12 , as well as by the central hub  20  that is received within the central or hub portion  32  of the first cladding member  16 . Alternatively, a foam filling agent such as polyurethane foam, is then inserted into the gap formed between the first cladding member  16  and the wheel  12 . The adhesive is again applied to the outer surface  28  of the wheel  12  after which the second clad member  18  ( FIG. 29 ) is placed within the fixture  160  and upon the wheel  12 . Radial alignment of the second clad member  18  with respect to the wheel  12 , the first cladding member  16  and the fixture  160  is provided in a similar manner to that described above with respect to the first cladding member  16 , while axial alignment thereof is provided by the engagement of the second cladding member  18  with the wheel  12 . Alternatively, the foam filling agent is inserted into a gap formed between the second cladding member and the wheel. A clamping spacer  172  ( FIG. 30 ) is then placed within the fixture  160  such that the clamping spacer  172  rests on the outer surface  40  of the second cladding member  18 , subsequent to which the clamping members  162  are engaged so as to firmly hold the wheel assembly  10  upon the fixture  160  until such time as the adhesive cures allowing removal of the wheel assembly  10  from the fixture  160 .  
         [0054]     In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the invention without departing from the concepts disclosed herein.