Vehicle wheel spoke connection
A vehicle wheel, comprising a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, a bracing element including a hole with a central axis, a sidewall, a longitudinally inward entrance, and at least one of an engagement surface and an engagement edge outward of the entrance, a connecting element connected to the bracing element, including an opening extending along an opening axis, and a multiplicity of prongs, with at least one of the prongs including a lateral overhang surface. The connecting element is resilient and may be flexed between collapsed and expanded orientations and is positioned within the hole, with the overhang surface overlying one of the engagement surface and engagement edge. The spoke is connected to the connecting element by a threaded engagement with the central opening.
This application claims priority of the following U.S. provisional patent applications:
-
- 61/575,380, filed Aug. 19, 2011, and entitled “VEHICLE WHEEL SPOKE CONNECTION”;
- 61/575,381, filed Aug. 19, 2011, and entitled “VEHICLE WHEEL SPOKE CONNECTION”; and
- 61/575,374, filed Aug. 19, 2011, and entitled “VEHICLE WHEEL SPOKE CONNECTION”.
(1) Field of the Invention
This invention is related to the means of attachment between the spoke and the rim of a vehicle wheel and between the spoke and the hub of a vehicle wheel. This invention is particularly related to the connection of a spoke with a rim structure having a “double-wall” construction with an unpierced tire bed wall for tubeless tire applications.
(2) Description of the Related Art
Bicycle wheel rims have historically been constructed to accept pneumatic tires that are designed to work in conjunction with an inner tube. This is the standard of the industry and is the arrangement that we are all familiar with. In such a prior art configuration, the rim's tire bed includes a through-hole that is drilled through for passage of the spoke nipple. In a rim of “single-wall” construction, the tire bed and the spoke bed are shared such that the spoke nipple bears directly against the rim's tire bed. In a rim of “double-wall” construction, the rim has two lateral walls, a tire bed wall and a spoke bed wall, usually with a radial gap or cavity therebetween. The rim is drilled through both walls, piercing both the tire bed and the spoke bed walls, with the spoke bed recessed below the tire bed to accept the spoke nipples. Generally, the spoke is presented through the spoke bed from the inside diameter of the rim and the spoke nipple is presented for attachment to the spoke through the tire bed and from the outside diameter of the rim. With single-wall or double-wall rim constructions, a rim strip is utilized to protect the inner tube from the sharp edges associated with the holes in the tire bed wall and/or with the spoke nipples. With rims of double-wall construction, the rim strip also serves to prevent the inner tube from extruding through the drilled access openings in the tire bed.
With the recent advent of tubeless tire technology, where the conventional inner tube is eliminated and the tire's beads are sealed directly against the rim, it is desirable that the tire bed wall be sealed and airtight to prevent air leakage from the tire cavity. This typically involves a rim of double-wall construction where the tire bed is sealed while the spoke bed is then adapted to accept the spokes. One preferable method for sealing the tire bed is to eliminate the aforementioned spoke access holes in the tire bed. If the tire bed is not pierced for the spokes, then the only hole through the tire bed will be for the tire inflation valve, which may be constructed of rubber and is relatively easy to seal against the tire bed. An example of such a tubeless arrangement is outlined by Lacombe et al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,443,533, where the tire bed remains unpierced and the spoke bed includes extruded spoke holes that are directly threaded with internal threads to accept special externally threaded spoke nipples.
Reference is also made to prior art UK Patent Application GB2479870A by Jonathan Thulbon. Thulbon shows his spoke (3) connected to his rim (4) by eyelets (7). This eyelet is a one-piece element with slots (74) to provide flexure for installation with his rim. Thulbon's arrangement has several shortcomings: Firstly, the single overlie engagement between Thulbon's spoke nipple and eyelet is located inwardly from the outboard surface of his spoke bed, which requires that his eyelet include longitudinally outward extension portions that surround the head of his nipple to engage his rim. These extension portions require that the corresponding hole in his rim be significantly larger than the head of his spoke nipple. This oversized hole serves to further weaken his rim in this highly-loaded area. Secondly, these extension portions also serve to laterally offset the overlie engagement between his rim and eyelet from the overlie engagement between his eyelet and nipple. This offset places additional tensile and bending stress on the eyelet due to spoke tension forces, further weakening his spoke connection. Thirdly, Thulbon does not contemplate a longitudinal engagement between his spoke and eyelet and instead utilizes only a single overlie engagement at a single longitudinal location. Such a single overlie engagement requires a very large laterally projected area of overlie to resist spoke tension loads, which results in a larger eyelet and a correspondingly larger hole in his rim.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention utilizes an expandable connecting element or ferrule that is blindly inserted through a hole in the spoke bed. The connecting element expanded to engage the edge and/or adjacent surface at the distal end of the hole. The spoke or an intermediate element connected to the spoke is engaged to the connecting element to create a firm connection between the spoke and the spoke bed. It is noted that the spoke bed constitutes a portion of the rim or hub flange to which the connecting element is attached. As the novelty of a blind connection of the spoke is particularly advantageous in conjunction with rims associated with tubeless tires, most of the embodiments are shown with a spoke bed associated with the rim.
It is an object of the present invention to create a spoke connection: that may be blindly installed with the spoke bed of the rim and/or hub: that may leave the tire bed of the rim to remain unpierced; that may eliminate the necessity of a rim strip; that may permit a spoke connection that may otherwise be geometrically impossible by conventional means; and that may result in a robust connection capable of resisting spoke tension loads.
One aspect of the invention involves a method for assembling a wheel. For each of a number of spoke holes in the wheel rim, a resilient connecting element associated with a given spoke is inserted radially outward through the spoke hole in the spoke bed (or radially inwardly for a spoke bed associated with a hub). The connecting element may flex to expand and engage the edge or surface adjacent the distal end of the hole. Conversely, the connecting element may be contracted to permit its assembly through the spoke hole. A spoke is then connected to the connecting element, either directly or by means of an intermediate connecting element. This connection between spoke and connecting element preferably includes a longitudinal engagement such as a threaded engagement.
In various implementations, the connecting element may or may not include a flange, the connecting element may be keyed to the hole, the connecting element may be keyed to the spoke bed surface, the connector may be normally expanded or open or else may be normally unexpanded or collapsed, the connector may have a fully threaded or a partially threaded opening, the connecting element's opening axis may be parallel to the hole's axis or the opening's axis may be at an angle to the hole's axis, the connecting element may include an extension.
Another aspect of the invention involves a wheel. The wheel has a rim with a spoke bed having spoke holes and a tire bed radially outboard of the spoke bed and lacking holes aligned with the spoke holes. Spokes couple the rim to the hub with connecting elements coupling the spokes to the rim. Each connecting element has a first portion (i.e. collar portion) extending within an associated spoke hole. An opening of each connecting element accommodates either an associated spoke or an intermediate element coupled to the associated spoke. The connecting element has a second portion (i.e. enlarged portion) radially outboard of the spoke bed and cooperating with an outboard surface of the spoke bed to prevent radial inward movement of the associated spoke and permitting tension in the spoke to be transferred to the spoke bed. In various implementations, the connecting element may consist essentially of a single piece. The spoke or an intermediate element coupled to the spoke may have a threaded engagement with the connecting element. The spoke or an intermediate element coupled to the spoke may serve to maintain the connecting element in its open and expanded orientation and its engagement with the spoke bed. As disclosed herein, the connecting element may also be utilized to connect the spoke to a spoke bed of the hub shell in a manner similar to that described above.
Another aspect of the invention involves a wheel rim. The rim has a spoke bed with a number of spoke holes that are commonly produced by drilling. A tire bed is radially outboard of the spoke bed and lacks holes aligned with the spoke holes. Lateral walls extend radially outward from opposite sides of the tire bed and cooperate with the tire bed to form a tire well. The rim may be substantially unitarily formed from a light alloy (e.g., aluminum alloy) or a fiber composite. A clincher tire may be mounted in the tire well advantageously in the absence of a separate tube. A valve may be sealingly mounted in a valve hole in the tire bed and extending through a valve hole in the spoke bed for inflating the tire.
The present invention provides a spoke connection that may be blindly installed in the spoke bed. The connector may be economically produced using conventional manufacturing methods. The connection is easy to install and is serviceable in the field. The connection may be designed to provide a clean appearance with enhanced aesthetics. The connector may be made of high strength material(s), such as fiber-reinforced plastic or metals. The connector may have a large overlap with the spoke bed for increased robustness of the connection. The connector may be designed to minimize the size of the hole in the spoke bed, thereby increasing the strength of the bracing element (i.e. rim or hub). The connector may eliminate the necessity of a rim strip or rim tape. The resulting spoke connection is exceptionally robust and supports substantial spoke tension forces.
In contrast to prior art UK Patent Application GB2479870A by Jonathan Thulbon the connecting element of the present invention includes a longitudinal engagement to connect the spoke. The overlie engagement between the spoke (or an intermediate connecting element connected to the spoke) and the connecting element may be located longitudinally outwardly from the outboard surface of the spoke bed, which serves to minimize the tensile and bending stress on the connecting element due to spoke tension forces, further strengthening the spoke connection. Further, the longitudinal engagement of the present invention permits a comparatively larger surface area of engagement than a single engagement location, which reduces stresses on the connector and spoke and allows for a minimized connector geometry which requires a smaller hole in the spoke bed.
The present invention will be more readily understandable from a consideration of the accompanying drawings, wherein:
The axial direction 92 is any direction parallel with the axial axis 28. The radial direction 93 is a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction 92 and extending generally from the axial axis 28 radially outwardly toward the rim 8. The tangential direction 94 is a direction generally tangent to the rim at a given radius. The circumferential direction 95 is a cylindrical vector that wraps around the axial axis 28 at a given radius. A radial plane 96 is a plane perpendicular to the axial axis 28 that extends in a generally radial direction at a given axial intercept. An axial plane 97 is a plane that is generally parallel to the axial axis. An axially inboard orientation is an orientation that is axially proximal to the axial midpoint between the two end faces 11a and 11b. Conversely, an axially outboard orientation is an orientation that is axially distal to the axial midpoint between the two end faces 11a and 11b. An axially inwardly facing surface is a surface that faces toward the axial midpoint between the two end faces 11a and 11b. Conversely, an axially outwardly facing surface is a surface that faces away from the axial midpoint between the two end faces 11a and 11b. Similarly, an axially inward direction is a direction that extends toward the axial midpoint between the two end faces 11a and 11b. Conversely, an axially outward direction is a direction that extends away from the axial midpoint between the two end faces 11a and 11b. A radially inboard orientation is an orientation that is radially proximal to the axial axis 28 and a radially outboard orientation is an orientation that is radially distal to the axial axis 28. While it is most common for the hub shell 14 to rotate about a fixed axle 9, there are some cases where it is desirable to permit the axle 9 to be fixed with the wheel 1, such as the case where the wheel 1 is driven by the axle 9.
It is noted that the rim 325 and hub shell 328 shown here are exemplary representations of a bracing element that may take on a wide range of forms. The spokes 100 are connected at their first end 103 to the hub shell 328 and at their second end 105 to the rim 324. Spokes 100 are connected to the rim 324 and hub shell 328 by means of sleeves 86 and connectors 66 as described in greater detail in
The connector 66 is generally shown to serve as a termination to the spoke 100 and provide means to connect or anchor the spoke 100 to a bracing element (i.e. rim 324 and/or hub shell 328). Note that the span of spoke 2 is aligned in the direction of spoke tension 30 and along the tensile axis 36, which extends through the longitudinal axis 37 of the spoke 100. It is shown here that several spokes 100 of the wheel 319 may be terminated in this manner. For simplicity in describing many of these embodiments, a rim connection arrangement is described, with the understanding that such an embodiment may be easily adapted to hub connections as well. It is understood that
The present invention comprises a spoke (i.e. spoke 100), which may be considered as a longitudinal tensile element having an end portion and a cross-section thereof, a connecting element (i.e. connectors 66), a bracing element (i.e. hub shell 651 and rim 648), and a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the longitudinal tensile element. The spoke is connected to the connecting element by means of an overlie engagement and/or a longitudinal engagement between the spoke (and/or an intermediate element connected to the spoke) and the connecting element. In the embodiments shown herein, the longitudinal tensile element is a vehicle wheel spoke, the hub shell or hub flange constitutes a first bracing element and the outer rim constitutes a second bracing element.
A longitudinal tensile element (i.e. spoke) is a generally long slender element, with a length greater than its cross sectional width, and with a longitudinal axis 37 extending generally along its length. The spoke includes external sidewall surface(s) that extend generally along its length. As such, the longitudinal axis 37 is generally parallel to the sidewall surface. The tensile axis 36 is the axis along which tensile loads (i.e. spoke tension 30) are applied to the tensile element, and is commonly collinear with the longitudinal axis 37, particularly in the region of the structural span of the spoke. For the purposes of explanation herein, the term “longitudinal axis” is generally interchangeable with the term “tensile axis” unless otherwise noted. Some examples of a longitudinal tensile element include the spoke of a vehicle wheel, a guy wire, a control cable, or a tendon. In most of the embodiments of the present invention, the longitudinal tensile element is capable of supporting load in tension, otherwise known as positive tensile loading, along its length. However, the longitudinal tensile element may alternatively support load in compression along its length, otherwise known as negative tensile loading, where the longitudinal tensile element provides columnar support between two bracing elements. The spoke span is considered as the portion of the spoke that is under tension (or compression) and that extends between its anchor points and/or engagements at the bracing elements (i.e. hub and rim). A location outboard of the spoke span is a location along the tensile axis 36 that is beyond or external to the spoke span. Further, a longitudinally outward orientation refers to an orientation along the longitudinal axis that is distal from the midpoint of the span. Conversely a longitudinally inward orientation refers to an orientation along the longitudinal axis that is proximal to the midpoint of the span.
For the purposes of using conventional terminology, the term “hub flange” is used herein to describe a region of the hub shell to which the spokes are joined. While the surface of the hub flange may be raised and flange-like in comparison to other surfaces of the hub shell, this is not a requirement for the present invention and the hub flange may alternatively be flush or recessed relative to other hub shell surfaces. An overlie engagement between two elements is an engagement wherein a first element includes a laterally extending surface that extends generally laterally from the direction of load. This laterally extending surface overlaps or overlies a mating surface or edge of the second element such that the first element is engaged and connected to the second element in the direction of load. The overlie engagement is preferably capable of supporting this load and maintaining this connection.
It may be termed that a longitudinal engagement is an engagement that includes a continuous longitudinal engagement interface or an engagement that includes at least two engagement interface locations that are longitudinally spaced along the longitudinal axis of the spoke. It is generally desirable that the longitudinal length of such an engagement be greater than the cross-sectional thickness of the spoke to create an effective engagement. Obviously, increasing the length of engagement may serve to increase the interface surface area and may therefore increase the load carrying capacity of a corresponding joinder between the connector and the spoke. A threaded engagement, with its continuous helix of engagement along a longitudinal length, is considered to be a longitudinal engagement.
A bracing element is one that resists or braces against all or part of the load of a tensile element. In other words, in order for a tensile element (i.e. spoke) to maintain its tension (or compression) and remain a generally static structure, it must have a resisting or bracing element to bear against. Thus, the tensile element is generally anchored to two bracing elements and the tensile element thereby serves to connect the two bracing elements to each other. In an example where the tensile element is generally held in tension, such as the spoke of a tension-spoke vehicle wheel, a first bracing element could be the hub flange and a second bracing element could be the outer rim hoop. Similarly, in the case where the tensile element is generally held in compression, such as the spoke of a compression-spoke vehicle wheel, the bracing element is that element which the tensile element is pushed against.
The term “blind connection” or “blind engagement” is well known in industry and refers to a connection between a first and second element where the first element may be connected to the second element without necessarily requiring access to both sides of the second element. For example, in a blind connection, a spoke may be connected to a hole in a rim by manipulating the spoke (or a connector associated with the spoke) through the first end of the hole without requiring access to the opposite end of this hole. Such a blind connection is particularly useful when access to the opposite end of the hole is limited or restricted or when the opposite end of the hole is otherwise obscured. As an example relating to several of the embodiments of the present invention, a blind connection between the spoke and the spoke bed is shown to be achieved by means of access only to the opening of the hole at the inboard surface of the spoke bed and without requiring access to the outboard surface of the spoke bed. As such, the blind connection provided by the present invention is particularly advantageous since the connection between the spoke and the spoke bed may be achieved by means of assembly and manipulation only through the accessible exterior of the bracing element and does not require access to the inaccessible interior of the bracing element. Such a blind connection has particular utility in double-wall rims for tubeless tires where the tire bed wall May advantageously remain unpierced to provide effective sealing of the internal cavity of the tire. This unpierced tire bed wall serves to obscure the longitudinally outward end of the hole in the spoke bed.
Connector 66 includes a flange 68 and is bifurcated to include two prongs 70a and 70b. Prongs 70a and 70b each include associated collar portions 72a and 72b, enlarged portions 74a and 74b, ramped surfaces 75a and 75b and overhang surfaces 76a and 76b respectively. Slots 73a and 73b provide a gap between prongs 70a and 70b to provide clearance for their flexure. Slots 73a and 73b are shown to be generally tapered, with a larger width 80 adjacent enlarged portions 74a and 74b and a narrower width 87 at the root adjacent the flange 68. Collar portions 72a and 72b have a width 82 across their external surfaces and enlarged portions 74a and 74b have a width 84 across their outer surfaces, with overhang surfaces 76a and 76b having widths 83a and 83b respectively. The opening 77 extends along the opening axis 78 through the flange 68 and the prongs 70a and 70b. Opening 77 also includes internal threads 79 therethrough for threadable engagement with external threads 88. It may be seen that the flange 68 is hexagonal and noncircular and includes flats 71 such that it may be manually manipulated with a wrench (not shown). Flange 68 includes a longitudinally outward and laterally extending flange face 67 to interface with the inboard surface 61. Collar portions 72a and 72b are shown to extend between the flange face 67 and their respective overhang surfaces 76a and 76b. It is noted that prongs 70a and 70b have external geometry that is laterally distal from the opening axis 78, such as the collar portions 72a and 72b and overhanging surfaces 76a and 76b, and internal geometry, such as opening 77 and slots 73a and 73b.
Sleeve 86 includes external threads 88 to threadably mate with internal threads 79, longitudinal hole 90 therethrough, and countersink 91 to nest with transition surface 104. Sleeve also includes flats 89 such that it may be manually manipulated with a wrench (not shown). Spoke 100 includes a shank portion 101, an enlarged head 102 and a transition surface therebetween. The spoke 100 is shown in
As shown in
The connector 66 is further advanced in direction 81 until face 67 abuts inboard surface and 61 the overhang surfaces 76a and 76b are aligned with the outboard surface 59 of the spoke bed 56. The connector 66 then may spring back to its original expanded or open orientation as shown in
Next, as shown in
Since a portion of internal threads 79 extend longitudinally through the corresponding enlarged portions 74a and 74b, a portion of their threaded engagement with external threads 88 is shown to be longitudinally outward of the overhang surfaces 76a and 76b. Thus, a portion of the overlie engagement between the collar 86 and the connector 66 is longitudinally outward of the outboard surface 59 as well. This is preferable, since it serves to provide increased support and reduced stress in the connector 66.
Flange 68 preferably includes laterally projecting geometry that is sized to extend outside the perimeter of hole 62 and to laterally overlie the inboard surface 61 adjacent the entrance to hole 62. Thus, by contacting and abutting the inboard surface 61, the flange 68 may serve to provide a depth stop to the connector 66, limiting its advancement in respective direction 81 during assembly to insure proper alignment between overhang surfaces 76a and 76b and outboard surface 59. Further, the overlie of the flange face 67 with the inboard surface 61 may serve to retain the connector 66 to the hole 62, thus preventing the connector 66 from inadvertently advancing too far beyond the outboard surface 59 and potentially becoming lost and disengaged with the cavity 60. While flange 68 provides the convenience of a depth stop and provides the convenience for manual manipulation as described, it is understood that these functions may not be critical for proper function of the connector 66 and that flange 68 may alternatively be omitted and/or may have an alternate geometry form.
The spoke tension 30 pre-load may be adjusted as previously described by threadably adjusting the external threads 88 relative to the internal threads 79 by means of a wrench (not shown) engaged to flats 89. Further, the connector 66 may be prevented from inadvertently rotating during this adjustment by means of a wrench (not shown) engaged with flats 71. The spoke 100 and connector 66 may be disassembled in the reverse of the assembly steps just described. First, the sleeve 86 is unscrewed and withdrawn from the connector 66 such that is no longer providing a blocking engagement between prongs 70a and 70b. Second, the connector 66 may be collapsed and withdrawn from hole 62 in a longitudinally inward direction opposite direction 81.
Since light weight and ductility of the connector 66 are desirable attributes, it is preferable that the connector be formed from a polymeric material, such as an engineering thermoplastic, or from a light metal, such as aluminum. However a wide range of materials may be utilized to produce the connector 66.
The embodiment of
Connector 137 includes a flange 139 and is bifurcated to include two prongs 140a and 140b. Prongs 140a and 140b each include associated collar portions 143a and 143b, enlarged portions 145a and 145b, ramped surfaces 146a and 146b and overhang surfaces 148a and 148b respectively. Slots 144a and 144b provide the requisite gap between prongs 140a and 140b and are shown to taper inward toward the flange 139 similar to that described in
As shown in
As the connector 137 is further advanced in direction 154, the overhang surfaces 148a and 148b align with the outboard surface 128 of the spoke bed 127 and the connector springs back to its original open orientation as shown in
Next, as shown in
The embodiment of
As shown in
Next, as shown in
The embodiment of
As shown in
As shown in
As shown in
Next, sleeve 86 may be advanced in direction 228 and fully threaded into opening 218, with external threads 88 threadably engaged to internal threads 226 in a manner similar to that described in
Connector 260 includes a cylindrical base portion 266 and is bifurcated to include two prongs 261a and 261b. Base portion 266 is the region where the two prongs 261a and 261b are joined and is sized to pass through the hole 256. Prongs 261a and 261b each include associated collar portions 262a and 262b, enlarged portions 264a and 264b and overhang surfaces 265a and 265b respectively. Slots 263a and 263b provide the requisite gap between prongs 261a and 261b, permitting proximal flex therebetween. The opening 267 extends along the central axis 268 through the base portion 266 and the prongs 261a and 261b. Opening 267 includes internal threads 268 and extends through the base portion 266 and prongs 261a and 261b. Internal threads 268 provide threadable engagement with external threads 277 of sleeve 276. Sleeve 276 includes external threads 277 to threadably mate with internal threads 268, longitudinal hole 279 therethrough, and internal threads 278 to mate with external threads 395 of spoke 394. Sleeve 276 also includes flats 280 such that it may be manually manipulated with a wrench (not shown). Spoke 394 includes an end portion 396 with external threads 395 to threadably mate with internal threads internal threads 278. The spoke 394 is shown in
As shown in
This threaded connection between spoke 394 and sleeve 286 is representative of an alternate means to join the spoke and sleeve of many of the embodiments of the present invention that utilize a sleeve or other intermediate connecting element. It is understood that this threaded connection between spoke 394 and sleeve 286 is representative of a longitudinal engagement. Other longitudinal engagements may be substituted, such a s a crimped or knurled engagement where the spoke 394 has a configured surface that engages the hole 279 or vice versa. Further, it is anticipated that an integral joinder may be substituted for this threaded connection. Some examples of such an integral joinder include an adhesively bonded assembly, a brazed assembly, or a welded assembly.
Connector 238 includes a flange 247 and is bifurcated to include two prongs 248a and 248b. Prongs 248a and 248b each include associated collar portions 240a and 240b, enlarged portions 242a and 242b and overhang surfaces 243a and 243b respectively. Prong 248a also includes a collar extension 250 that circumferentially surrounds the opening 245 longitudinally outwardly from the overhang surface 243a as shown. Slot 241 provides the requisite gap between prongs 248a and 248b to permit prongs to temporarily collapse during assembly with the spoke bed. The opening 245 extends along the central axis 225 through the flange 247 and the prongs 248a and 248b. Opening 245 includes internal threads 246 and extends through the flange 247, prongs 248a and 248b and extension 250. Internal threads 246 may threadable engagement with external threads 88 of sleeve 86. Sleeve 86 and spoke 100 are identical to those described in
As shown in
The connectors of the previous embodiments are shown to be “normally open” and expanded in their relaxed state, with the prongs in a laterally spread or distal orientation. These connectors are pressed into their respective holes or are otherwise collapsed to the point where the enlarged portion may pass through the hole. Alternatively, the connector may be “normally closed” such that it is collapsed in its relaxed state, with the prongs in a laterally proximal orientation as shown in the embodiment of
Connector 300 is shown in
As shown in
While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of embodiments thereof. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown herein, which are deemed to be merely illustrative of the best modes of carrying out the invention, and which are susceptible of modification of form, size, and arrangement of parts and details of operation. For example:
While it is shown in many of these figures that the opening axis of the opening of the connector is generally collinear with the central axis of the corresponding hole in the spoke bed, the opening axis may alternatively be offset or may be angular with respect to the central axis of the corresponding hole. Further, while it is shown in many of these figures that the central axis of the opening of the connector is generally collinear with the tensile axis of the spoke span, the central axis of the opening may alternatively be at an angle to the tensile axis. In such a case, the spoke may be bent or deflected such that its longitudinal axis is aligned with the opening.
The sleeve may be regarded as an intermediate component in the connection between the spoke and the ferrule. In other words, the spoke connects to the sleeve, the sleeve connects to the connector, and the connector connects to the rim or hub. There may be additional intermediate components inserted in this chain of connection.
These figures show the connector component to include a flange located externally to the hole to which the connector is assembled. Such a flange may be useful in creating an external overlie engagement with the inboard surface of the spoke bed to control positioning of the connector and also prevent the connector from inadvertently being pushed completely through the hole. However, it should be recognized that the primary engagement of the present invention is the engagement to resist spoke tension, which is in the opposite direction to the overlie engagement of the flange. Therefore, the flange may provide a desirable convenience to aid in the assembly and/or retention of the ferrule but may not be a requirement for proper function of some or all of the embodiments described herein. The present invention may still be functional without an external flange of the connector.
The connector component may remain stationary with respect to spoke bed, while the sleeve and/or the spoke may be rotated about the axis of the spoke. Alternatively, the connector component may be permitted to rotate independently of the spoke bed. If desired, this would allow the connector to rotate and slip at its interface with the spoke bed.
The embodiments described herein show the spoke as connected to the connector via a connection between the spoke and both prongs of the connector. However it is envisioned that the spoke may alternatively be connected to only one of the prongs and not connected to another of the prongs.
The embodiments described herein show a blind connection with a blind hole through which the connector is connected. However the present invention may prove to be advantageous to achieve such a blind connection even in arrangements where the hole itself is not a blind hole and there is access to both ends of the hole.
While the embodiments described herein show a surface-to-surface overlie engagement between a surface of the spoke and a surface of the connector, it is also envisioned that this overlie engagement may include a surface-to-edge engagement, where the spoke or the connector includes an engagement edge that has an overlie engagement with a surface of the other of the spoke or connector.
The embodiments described herein show each prong of the connector to include an overhang surface to engage the spoke bed. Alternatively, one (or more) of the prongs may not include an enlarged portion and/or an overhang surface to engage the spoke bed. However, at least one of the prongs must include the requisite overhang surface to engage the spoke bed. Further, many of the embodiments described herein show a connector with all of its overhang surfaces coinciding with a generally common plane. It is envisioned that the multiple overhang surfaces of a single connector may be offset from each other along the longitudinal axis and may correspond to different longitudinal heights.
Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not by the embodiments illustrated, but is instead intended to encompass all such modifications that are within its spirit and scope as defined by the claims.
Claims
1. A vehicle wheel, comprising:
- a peripheral wheel rim;
- a central hub with a central axle and an outer flange;
- a plurality of spokes extending between said peripheral rim and said central hub with a first portion connected to said rim and a second portion opposed to said first portion and connected to said hub and a span portion between said rim and said hub, wherein said spoke is a generally slender element with a length greater than its width and longitudinal axis along said length and a tensile axis of applied tensile load along said span portion;
- a bracing element including a hole therein with a central axis, a hole sidewall, a longitudinally inward entrance, and at least one of an engagement surface and an engagement edge adjacent said hole and longitudinally outward of said entrance, wherein said bracing element comprises at least a portion of at least one of said rim and hub;
- a connecting element connected to said bracing element, including a collar portion, a central opening extending along an opening axis, and a multiplicity of prong portions to include a first prong and a second prong;
- wherein at least one of said first prong and said second prong includes an enlarged portion and a generally laterally projecting overhang surface;
- wherein said connecting element is a resilient element that may be flexed between a collapsed orientation wherein said enlarged portion of said first prong is proximal to said second prong and an expanded orientation wherein said enlarged portion of said first prong is distal to said second prong;
- wherein said connecting element is positioned within said hole, with said collar portion extending to overlap said hole sidewall along said central axis and with said overhang surface laterally overlying at least one of said engagement surface and said engagement edge in an overlie engagement;
- wherein said spoke is connected to said connecting element by means of a threaded engagement with said central opening;
- wherein said enlarged portion may be fitted within said hole in said collapsed orientation; and
- wherein said overlie engagement supports said tensile load.
2. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said hole is a blind hole, where said hole is obscured longitudinally outwardly from said at least one of said engagement surface and said engagement edge.
3. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said bracing element is said rim, including a spoke bed wall and a tire bed wall, wherein said spoke hole extends within said spoke bed wall and said tire bed wall serves to obscure said hole longitudinally outwardly from said at least one of said engagement surface and said engagement edge.
4. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said spoke, or an intermediate element connected to said spoke, serves to provide a blocking engagement between said first prong and said second prong to limit proximal movement of said first prong in a direction lateral to said opening axis and to maintain a said overlie engagement.
5. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said spoke, or an intermediate element connected to said spoke, includes external threads and wherein said central opening includes pre-formed internal threads and wherein said threaded engagement includes threadable engagement between said external threads and said internal threads.
6. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said spoke, or an intermediate element connected to said spoke, includes external threads and wherein said wherein said threaded engagement includes a threadable engagement between said external threads and said central opening in a self-tapping threaded engagement.
7. A wheel according to claim 5, wherein said internal threads extend the full longitudinal length of said central opening.
8. A wheel according to claim 5, wherein said internal threads extend along only a portion of the full longitudinal length of said central opening.
9. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said spoke is directly connected to said connecting element.
10. A wheel according to claim 1, including an intermediate connecting element, wherein said spoke is connected to said intermediate connecting element and said intermediate connecting element is connected to said connecting element.
11. A wheel according to claim 10, wherein said intermediate connecting element includes a non-circular portion to facilitate manual manipulation of said intermediate connecting element relative to said bracing element.
12. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said connecting element has a rotationally keyed engagement with said bracing element to limit relative rotation therebetween about said central axis.
13. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said bracing element is said rim, including a spoke bed wall, wherein said hole is in said spoke bed wall.
14. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said bracing element is said hub and wherein said hole is in said outer flange.
15. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said hole of said bracing element is a circular hole.
16. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said hole of said bracing element is a non-circular hole.
17. A wheel according to claim 16, wherein said connecting element includes geometry to engage the sidewall of said non-circular hole to limit rotation of said connecting element relative to said bracing element about said central axis.
18. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said connecting element includes a flange portion longitudinally inward of said entrance.
19. A wheel according to claim 15, wherein said flange portion includes a laterally projecting surface that extends laterally outward of said entrance.
20. A wheel according to claim 15, wherein said flange portion includes a non-circular portion to facilitate manual manipulation of said connecting element about said central axis.
21. A wheel according to claim, wherein said flange portion provides a depth stop to limit the longitudinally outward advancement of said connecting element within said hole.
22. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said multiplicity of said prongs constitutes two prongs.
23. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said multiplicity of said prongs constitutes three or more prongs.
24. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said central axis and said opening axis are generally collinear.
25. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said central axis and said opening axis are generally offset.
26. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said central axis and said central opening axis are generally non-parallel, with an angle therebetween.
27. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said wheel is a tension spoke wheel including pre-tensioned spokes.
28. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said connecting element may be flexed between said unexpanded position and said expanded position with an axis of flexure that is generally parallel to an axial plane.
29. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said connecting element may be flexed between said unexpanded position and said expanded position with an axis of flexure that is generally perpendicular to an axial plane.
30. A wheel according to claim 1, including an intermediate connecting element, wherein said spoke is connected to said intermediate connecting element at a first connection and said intermediate connecting element is connected to said connecting element at a second connection, and wherein said intermediate connecting element includes said external threads for said threaded engagement with said opening.
31. A wheel according to claim 30, wherein said intermediate connecting element includes a cavity to receive said spoke, and wherein said cavity includes internal threads, and wherein said spoke includes external threads for threaded engagement with said internal threads of said cavity.
32. A wheel according to claim 30, wherein said intermediate connecting element includes a cavity to receive said spoke and an engagement surface adjacent said cavity and wherein said spoke includes a laterally projecting transition surface and wherein said spoke is connected to said intermediate connecting element by means of an overlie engagement between said transition surface and said engagement surface to resist spoke tension forces.
33. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said overlie engagement is a surface-to-surface overlie engagement between the generally matched surfaces of said overhang surface and said engagement surface of said bracing element.
34. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said connecting element includes an extension portion to surround said opening about said opening axis and wherein said extension is located longitudinally outward of said hole.
35. A wheel according to claim 1, wherein said connecting element is of a polymeric material.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 20, 2012
Publication Date: Feb 21, 2013
Inventor: Raphael Schlanger (Wilton, CT)
Application Number: 13/573,092
International Classification: B60B 1/04 (20060101);