Abstract: A bicycle hub includs a hub axle, a hub body, a sprocket support member and a spacer. The hub axle has first and second portions threadedly coupled together via a first threaded connection. The hub body has an outer tubular portion and an interior passageway with the first portion of the hub axle rotatably supported therein. The sprocket support member is releasably and non-rotatably coupled to the outer tubular portion and is mounted on the second portion of the hub axle. The spacer is non-rotatably and axially movably supported on the first portion of the hub axle and is threadedly coupled to the hub body via a second threaded connection. The first and second threaded connections are configured such that rotation of the hub axle to release the first and second portions causes the spacer to move axially toward the hub body.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to bicycles, and more particularly to front wheel hub assemblies for bicycles and motorcycles. Specifically, the present invention provides a novel wheel hub assembly for connecting a wheel rim to the front fork of a bicycle or motorcycle, with this same wheel hub assembly comprising an oversized single member hub-axle assembly for attachment to a fork dropout having an enlarged opening. The wheel hub assembly according to the present invention comprises an axle (or axles), a bearing assembly, a hub having flanges for connection to the wheel rim (e.g., via spokes), and a quick release clamping mechanism for securing the wheel hub assembly to the front forks of the bicycle. Additionally, the present invention provides a wheel hub assembly having an axle with an increased diameter and a dropout with an increased size at the axle/dropout interface in order to yield a more rigid interface between the wheel and fork, and provides a more stable bicycle.

Abstract: A hub includes a hub housing sleeved rotatably on a spindle, and a tubular end piece sleeved fixedly on the spindle. A tubular flexible seal member is disposed between the hub housing and the end piece, and includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring has a circular tubular portion with an axial inner end, and an inward flange that extends integrally, radially and inwardly from the inner end of the circular tubular portion to abut against a bottom wall of an annular groove that is formed in an end surface of the hub housing. The inner ring has a largest-diameter inner end that is formed integrally with an inner periphery of the inward flange, and a smallest-diameter outer end portion which is sleeved around and which is in tight engagement with a frictional outer surface of an insert portion of the end piece. The inner ring reduces gradually in inner diameter from the largest-diameter inner end to the smallest-diameter outer end portion.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel (10) comprising a rim (12), a hub (14), and a plurality of spokes (20, 22) having their outer ends fixed to the rim (12) and their inner ends fixed to the hub (14), the hub (14) having a left-hand anchoring portion (16) and a right-hand anchoring portion (18) for anchorage, respectively, of a set of left-hand spokes (20) and a set of right-hand spokes (22). The aforementioned spokes (20, 22) are grouped together in an even number of sets of three (24a, 24b) set at equal distances apart and comprising, alternately, two right-hand spokes (22) and one left-hand spoke (20), and two left-hand spokes (20) and one right-hand spoke (22).

Abstract: A bicycle wheel basically has a central hub assembly, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the central hub assembly and an annular rim coupled to the outer ends of the spokes for supporting a tire. The central hub assembly has a hub axle, a hub unit, a freewheel and a sprocket assembly with a plurality of sprockets. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first frame mounting end and a second frame mounting end. The hub unit has a hub body, a first spoke mounting portion, a second spoke mounting portion and an interior passageway. The first spoke mounting portion is located adjacent a first end of the hub body. The second spoke mounting portion is located adjacent a second end of the hub body. The interior passageway extends through the hub body with the hub axle being rotatably supported therein. The freewheel is operatively coupled between the first end of the hub axle and the first end of the hub body.

Abstract: A hub body including two lateral flanges having buttonhole-shaped borings provided for hooking the spokes with a large cross-section portion and a small cross-section portion. Each of the flanges includes an approximately axial barrel extended by a disk, and that the large cross-section portion is located in the area of the disk, and the small cross-section portion is located in the area of the barrel. The small cross-section portion is located at the base of the large cross-section portion, with reference to the direction in which the spoke exerts a traction on the flange when it is mounted and tensioned. The invention also relates to a hub as well as a bicycle spoke wheel.

Abstract: A wheel hub comprising a tubular body (10) having at its ends a pair of flanges (18), each of which is provided with a plurality of holes (20) for anchorage of L-shaped portions (24) of respective spokes (22). At least one of the flanges (18) is made of fiber-reinforced plastic material, and the holes (20) of the aforesaid flange are associated to respective bushings (26) made of metal material, which, in use, are set between the L-shaped portion (24) of each spoke (22) and the inner wall of the respective hole (20).

Abstract: An adjustable eccentric wheel hub assembly includes a wheel hub having an eccentric through hole, a core member mounted in the wheel hub, an axle mounted in an eccentric through hole of the core member, and an adjustment wheel mounted on the axle tube and controlled to lock/unlock the core member, enabling the axle to be set in the center of the wheel hub for enabling the bicycle in which the adjustable eccentric wheel hub assembly is installed to be moved horizontally forwards, or in an eccentric position relative to the wheel hub for enabling the bicycle to be moved alternatively up and down when running.

Abstract: A bicycle hub is provided for use with bicycle spokes with spoke nipples threadedly coupled to their inner ends. The bicycle hub includes a hub axle and a hub body. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first end and a second end. The hub body has a tubular center portion defining an interior passageway and a first mounting portion coupled to a first end of the center portion. The center portion defines an interior passageway with the hub axle being rotatably supported in the interior passageway. The first mounting portion has a plurality of first spoke openings extending axially to a first free edge and a plurality of first protrusions extending radially inwardly from the first mounting portion. The plurality of first protrusions are fixedly coupled to the first mounting portion. The bicycle hub also includes a second mounting portion coupled to a second end of the central portion. The second mounting portion has a plurality of second spoke openings.

Abstract: A portable wheel assembly for use with bicycles and other wheeled vehicles. The wheel assembly comprises a centrally positioned hub which is adapted for rotatable movement about an axis. A plurality of pie shaped disk segments are coupled together along their radial side edges to form a circular support disk with a central opening. Each disk segment is adapted to removably couple with the hub at its innermost radial edge and extends radially outwardly to form a portion of a circular rim at its outermost radial edge. The rim is adapted for supporting a tire. The tire comprises a non-pneumatic tire with an annular ridge which is adapted to couple with the circular rim formed by the disk. During assembly, each of the pie shaped disk segments is coupled together and then coupled to the hub assembly at the inside radial edge or central opening. As the disk segments are coupled to the hub, the tire is assembled onto the outer radial edge or rim.

Abstract: Wheel hub comprising a central tubular portion (20) and a pair of side caps (22), which diameter is larger than said central portion (20). The hub comprises a monolith body (18) made of fibre-reinforced plastic material including said central portion (20) and said side caps (22).

Abstract: A bicycle hub is provided for use with tangential bicycle spokes having a straight section and a bent end with an enlarged head such that straight section extends at an angle of about 95° relative to the bent end. The bicycle hub basically has a hub axle and a hub body. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first end and a second end. The hub body has an interior passageway with the hub axle being rotatably supported therein. The hub body also has a set of first spoke openings circumferentially arranged around the hub body. Each of the first spoke openings having an insertion portion with a large width that permits the enlarged head of a tangential spoke to pass therethrough and a retaining portion with a width that is smaller than the width of the insertion portion to retain the enlarged head of the tangential spoke therein.

Abstract: A bicycle brake disc hub is provided for use with tangential bicycle spokes. The bicycle hub basically has a hub axle and a hub body with a brake rotor attachment portion integral formed therewith as a one-piece, unitary member. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first end and a second end. The hub body has an interior passageway with the hub axle being rotatably supported therein. The hub body also has a set of first spoke openings circumferentially arranged around the hub body. The brake rotor attachment portion is located at a first end section of the center tubular portion. The first spoke openings are located adjacent the brake rotor attachment portion. The first spoke openings extend through the first end section of the center tubular portion of the hub body. The brake rotor attachment portion having a plurality of through bores.

Abstract: A hub includes a hub housing sleeved rotatably on a spindle, and a tubular end piece sleeved fixedly on the spindle. A tubular flexible seal member is disposed between the hub housing and the end piece, and includes an outer ring and an inner ring. The outer ring has a circular tubular portion with an axial inner end, and an inward flange that extends integrally, radially and inwardly from the inner end of the circular tubular portion to abut against a bottom wall of an annular groove that is formed in an end surface of the hub housing. The inner ring has a largest-diameter inner end that is formed integrally with an inner periphery of the inward flange, and a smallest-diameter outer end portion which is sleeved around and which is in tight engagement with a frictional outer surface of an insert portion of the end piece. The inner ring reduces gradually in inner diameter from the largest-diameter inner end to the smallest-diameter outer end portion.

Abstract: A bicycle brake disc hub is provided for use with tangential bicycle spokes. The bicycle hub basically has a hub axle and a hub body with a brake rotor attachment portion integral formed therewith as a one-piece, unitary member. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first end and a second end. The hub body has an interior passageway with the hub axle being rotatably supported therein. The hub body also has a set of first spoke openings circumferentially arranged around the hub body. The brake rotor attachment portion is located at a first end section of the center tubular portion. The first spoke openings are located adjacent the brake rotor attachment portion. The first spoke openings extend through the first end section of the center tubular portion of the hub body. The brake rotor attachment portion having a plurality of through bores.

Abstract: A shock absorbing bicycle wheel hub apparatus uses an open ended, cylindrical shock absorber housing mounted concentrically within a wheel hub. The wheel hub is adapted for rotation about the shock absorber housing. A pivot rod is axially aligned with the shock absorber housing and rotationally mounted within its sidewall. Terminal ends of the pivot rod engage cover plates fixedly mounted thereon. A pressure tube is axially aligned with the shock absorber housing and extends through it so that its terminal ends may be fixed in the cover plates. A shock absorbing medium is compressively positioned between the pressure tube and an interior surface of the shock absorber housing. The cover plates engage a bicycle fork so that weight supported by the bicycle fork is transmitted through the cover plates and the pressure tube to the shock absorbing medium, and thereby, through the shock absorber housing and the wheel hub to a wheel of the bicycle.

Abstract: A hub transmission mechanism includes an axle extending through a spoke-mounting barrel such that a right axle portion thereof extends outwardly from the spoke-mounting barrel. A sprocket-mounting member is sleeved around the right axle portion, and includes an outer shell coupled with the spoke-mounting barrel, a bearing unit disposed within the outer shell around the axle, and a bearing retention member that is disposed in the outer shell around the axle outboard to the bearing unit. A flexible seal member is disposed within the outer shell between the bearing unit and an outward flange of the bearing retention member, and includes an L-shaped cross-sectioned outer ring which is in tight engagement with the outer shell and which has a thick left portion and a thin right portion that is thinner than the thick left portion and that has an inner diameter larger than that of the thick left portion.

Abstract: An outer wheel, tire and rim, is mounted onto an inner wheel or hub and is adapted for low friction rotation on the hub. An arm is pivotally attached to the inner wheel and carries a receiver for the axle upon which the wheel is mounted so that the axle is positionable over an arc of rotation about the pivot point of the arm. The arm is biased by an elastomeric body so that as the arm moves over its arc of rotation, the elastomeric body is compressed. As the wheel rotates under load, road shocks are transferred to the biasing device which acts as a shock absorber.

Abstract: A modular carrier ring for a motorcycle wheel hub assembly comprising a flat plate including a central flange forming a center bore therein for placement over the wheel hub, the central flange having a plurality of spaced-apart first through-holes formed therein for matching assembly with a like plurality of spaced-apart second through-holes formed in the wheel hub, the first through-holes and the second through-holes arranged for receipt therein of threaded fastening means to hold the flange tightly against the wheel hub, the central flange having a plurality of spaced-apart shallow apertures formed therein, in sequentially spaced arrangement with the first through-holes, for matching assembly with a like plurality of shallow apertures formed in the wheel hub for receipt therebetween of non-threaded anchor pins, a plurality of spaced-apart cross-arms extending outward from the central flange terminating in an anchor ring, and a plurality of tabs extending outward from the anchor ring each of the tab having f

Abstract: A bicycle hub is provided with spoke openings that extend into the interior of the hub. The bicycle hub basically has a hub axle, a hub body and seals arranged in the hub body. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first end and a second end. The hub body has an interior passageway with the hub axle being rotatably supported therein. The hub body also has first and second spoke openings circumferentially arranged around the ends of the hub body. A first seal is arranged in the interior passageway of the hub body and adjacent the first spoke openings to isolate the first spoke openings from the hub axle. A seal support is located beneath the first seal to prevent radial inward movement of the first seal. A second seal is arranged in the interior passageway of the hub body and adjacent the second spoke openings to isolate the second spoke openings from the hub axle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to bicycles, and more particularly to front wheel hub assemblies for bicycles and motorcycles. Specifically, the present invention provides a novel wheel hub assembly for connecting a wheel rim to the front fork of a bicycle or motorcycle, with this same wheel hub assembly comprising an oversized single member hub-axle assembly for attachment to a fork dropout having an enlarged opening. The wheel hub assembly according to the present invention comprises an axle (or axles), a bearing assembly, a hub having flanges for connection to the wheel rim (e.g., via spokes), and a quick release clamping mechanism for securing the wheel hub assembly to the front forks of the bicycle. Additionally, the present invention provides a wheel hub assembly having an axle with an increased diameter and a dropout with an increased size at the axle/dropout interface in order to yield a more rigid interface between the wheel and fork, and provides a more stable bicycle.

Abstract: A quick connect/release wheel and hub assembly includes first and second hub portions. The first hub portion has a dovetail groove formed therein and the second hub portion has a mating dovetail ridge formed therein. The dovetail ridge is positioned to be engaged in the dovetail groove by relative transverse movement of the first and second hub portions from a non-coaxial orientation into a coaxial orientation. The engaged dovetail ridge and dovetail groove hold the first and second hub portions fixedly together in the coaxial orientation. A movable member is coupled to either the first or second hub portion and movable between a position in which the hub portions are held in the coaxial orientation and relative transverse movement is prevented, and a position in which relative transverse movement of the hub portions from the coaxial orientation into the non-coaxial orientation is allowed.

Abstract: A quick-release wheel hub assembly includes a hub with an axial hole. The hub further includes a compartment defined in each of two ends thereof, and the wall of one compartment includes a circular slot, each end of the hub further including a shoulder. Two bearings are mounted in the compartments, respectively. Each bearing has an end that bears against the shoulder of an associated end. A shaft is extended through the axial hole of the hub and the bearings. A sleeve is mounted around the shaft and positioned between the bearings. The sleeve may reliably prevent disengagement of the hub from the shaft. In addition, the strength of the shaft is improved. A c-shaped ring is mounted in the circular slot beside the other end of one bearing for fixing the bearing and preventing the bearing from dropping.

Abstract: A hub transmission mechanism includes an axle coaxially inserted into a through hole in a spoke-mounting barrel such that a right axle portion thereof extends outwardly from the spoke mounting barrel. The sprocket mounting member is sleeved around the right axle portion, and includes an inner shell disposed rotatably within an outer shell around the right axle portion. The central bore of the inner shell has a small-diameter outer section, a large-diameter inner section, and a shoulder therebetween. A locking member is disposed within the inner shell, and has an enlarged right end section that is disposed in the large-diameter inner section and that has an outer diameter greater than the diameter of the small-diameter outer section of the central bore for preventing removal of the locking member from the inner shell.

Abstract: A quick-release bicycle axle fastener comprising a lever-operated cam which presses a follower disc inward against the outer surface of a conventional safety dropout. The dropout has an outer surface with retention means for the disc, such as a concavity, tab, or ridge. A spring urges the cam lever toward its dosed position. If the cam is left open by the user, the spring causes it to hold the follower against the retaining surface of the dropout, preventing accidental release of the axle. This safety feature is constant, automatic, and convenient. No action is needed beyond normal operation of the lever. The cam provides full clearance for releasing the axle, so the adjustment nut is only needed for initial installation, not for operation.

Abstract: A hub transmission mechanism includes an axle inserted coaxially into a through-hole in a spoke-mounting barrel such that a right axle portion thereof extends outwardly from the spoke mounting barrel. A sprocket mounting member is sleeved around the right axle portion, and includes an outer shell coupled with a right end of the spoke-mounting barrel, left and right bearing units disposed within the outer shell, a tubular sleeve disposed within the outer shell around the right axle portion and between the bearing units, and a restricting spacer unit disposed within the outer shell and cooperating with the tubular sleeve to restrict radial and axial displacement of the bearing units relative to the outer shell, thereby defining an aligned bore for smooth extension of the right axle portion of the axle during assembly.

Abstract: A hub body including two lateral flanges having buttonhole-shaped borings provided for hooking the spokes with a large cross-section portion and a small cross-section portion. Each of the flanges includes an approximately axial barrel extended by a disk, and that the large cross-section portion is located in the area of the disk, and the small cross-section portion is located in the area of the barrel. The small cross-section portion is located at the base of the large cross-section portion, with reference to the direction in which the spoke exerts a traction on the flange when it is mounted and tensioned. The invention also relates to a hub as well as a bicycle spoke wheel.

Abstract: An improved stepping rod normally mounted to the rear axle of a bicycle has one end provided with a multi-angled countersunk cavity in correspondence to a locking nut secured to each end of the axle of a rear wheel of a bicycle and an extra locking nut is placed in a hollow interior of the stepping rod to lock the stepping rod firmly in place so that the stepping rod will not rotate when a person steps thereon and the locking nuts will not loosen during in use. Moreover, the stepping rod can be easily and quickly removed from and mounted to the axle of a rear wheel of a bicycle without affecting the original bicycle structure.

Abstract: An improved bicycle wheel is disclosed in which spokes (22) and spoke bores (18) are paired at the flanges of the hub (12) and the circumferential distance between adjacent pairs is grater than the distance between the spokes and the bores in a given pair, providing improved torque transmission and reduced spoke stresses at spoke crossover points. Such a wheel may be constructed to have reduced dish by comparison with a conventionally laced wheel. In this case, the wheel is one which, when laced conventionally, would be dished such as a rear wheel with at least one sprocket or a front wheel with a brake disk. In a rear wheel embodiment, the spokes extend from inside to outside, through a proximate hub flange and along the outside to inside through the opposed hub flange. In a front wheel embodiment, the spokes extend from inside to outside through the proximate hub flange along an inside or disk surface thereof.

Abstract: An adjustment nut for a cam operated quick-release axle having a mechanism to stop the adjustment nut at a predetermined position. In the preferred embodiment, the adjustment nut 20 has a set-screw 21. On initial installation, the closing force of the cam lever is tested and adjusted by rotating the adjustment nut 20 until proper force is obtained, as with existing instructions for cam operated quick-release fasteners. At this point, the set-screw 21 is tightened against the end of the skewer. Wheel removal is performed by opening the cam and loosening the adjustment nut 20 for adequate clearance of the safety tabs 33. These operations are reversed for wheel installation. Unlike existing quick-release fasteners, readjustment of the cam clamping force is not needed, since it is fixed with the set-screw 21. The set-screw 21 is coated with a material to create additional friction to prevent it's loosening through subsequent operations.

Abstract: A bicycle hub includes a hollow hub shell, and an axle extending through the hub shell. The axle is formed integrally with diameter-enlarged first and second inner race portions that are respectively disposed in opposing first and second end portions of the hub shell. Each of the first and second inner race portions is formed with an inner race groove that opens toward a respective one of the first and second end portions of the hub shell. Annular first and second cap members are sleeved on the axle. Each of the first and second cap members has an outer race forming portion that extends into and that is mounted to a respective one of the first and second end portions of the hub shell. The outer race forming portion is formed with an outer race groove that opens toward the inner race groove in a respective one of the first and second inner race portions of the axle.

Abstract: A lockable quick release mechanism is provided having a cam lever threaded onto a shaft which extends through and beyond a barrel nut, fitted in the cam lever so that it will provide interference with a padlock when locked. The cam lever has a lock hole for the padlock, and a curvature which, when locked, will stop the cam lever from being rotated more than a few degrees due to interference with the fork blade. A cam follower is provided on the shaft and has anti-rotation tabs, which fit into the clevis of the cam lever, and which engages the camming surface of the cam lever thereby preventing the cam lever from being rotated in the locked position due to the amount of friction between the cam follower and the fork tip. The cam follower is always biased by a spring against the camming surface to prevent a fork blade from being mis-positioned between the cam follower and the camming surface.

Abstract: A quick-release wheel hub assembly includes a hub with an axial hole. The hub further includes a compartment defined in each of two ends thereof, each end of the hub further including a shoulder. Two bearings are mounted in the compartments, respectively. Each bearing has an end that bears against the shoulder of an associated end. A shaft is extended through the axial hole of the hub and the bearings. A sleeve is mounted around the shaft and positioned between the bearings. The sleeve may reliably prevent disengagement of the hub from the shaft. In addition, the strength of the shaft is improved. If the distance between the bearings is larger than the length of the sleeve, a resilient retaining washer may be mounted between the sleeve and one of the bearings.