Abstract: A method and system for creating a hybrid tensile member combining a synthetic fiber cable and a rigid rod. An anchor is attached to one or more ends of the synthetic cable. The anchor is used to connect an end of the fiber cable to a length of conventional rod, preferably through the use of a swaging operation. Each rod segment includes a standard end feature on its free end—such as a threaded shaft or J-bend. The hybrid assembly can preferably be retrofitted to applications that now use a conventional rod.

Abstract: A spoke attachment assembly configured to couple a rim to the spokes of a spoked bicycle wheel. The spoke attachment assembly comprises a nipple having an enlarged head and a stem provided with a coupling portion for coupling with a spoke, at least one shaped washer associated with the nipple and configured to abut on one side with the enlarged head of the nipple and, on the opposite side, with the rim and holding means configured to hold said at least one shaped washer associated with the nipple. The invention also relates to a spoked bicycle wheel and to a process for manufacturing such a wheel.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel rim including: a tire bed surface having laterally spaced first and second bead seats that are configured to support respective first and second beads of a mating tire; and a rim well laterally positioned between the first and said second bead seats and including a circumferential first step edge; and a first lateral offset region laterally positioned between the first bead seat and the first step edge, with the first step edge extending radially inwardly from the first lateral offset region and configured to provide for lateral alignment registration and/or visual alignment and placement of a first edge of a mating rim strip. The rim strip is a circumferential element that radially outwardly overlaps the rim well and extends laterally inwardly from the first step edge. The first step edge is radially inboard of the first bead seat.

Abstract: An abutment interface located between a spoke attachment nipple and a bridge of a rim to properly align the tensioned spoke with the rim. The abutment interface includes a first washer with a radially inner face that abuts the bridge and a radially outer face that abuts with a radially inner face of a second washer that has a radially outer face that abuts an enlarged head on the nipple. The faces of two washers are complimentarily shaped and adjust with respect to each other and the nipple head. An initial adjustment takes place when the fixing the spoke to the rim and the washers prevent any further adjustment when fixing the spoke to the rim.

Abstract: A wheel rim structure includes an integral frame body. The frame body has two side walls, a bottom wall, and a connecting rib. The bottom wall is integrally connected between bottom edges of the two side walls. The connecting rib is integrally connected between the two side walls and has a predetermined distance from the bottom wall. Inner wall surfaces of the side walls, the bottom wall and the connecting rib are formed with a plurality of crests arranged at intervals and a plurality of troughs each connected between every adjacent two of the crests. Outer wall surfaces of the side walls and the bottom wall are formed with a plurality of crests arranged at intervals and a plurality of troughs each connected between every adjacent two of the crests. The crests and the troughs form a continuous corrugated surface, which can withstand greater stress without causing surface wrinkles.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel having a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes with at least one of the spokes having a first portion connected the rim and a second portion connected to the hub. The rim includes a spoke bed wall with a radially outboard surface and a spoke hole having a radially outboard entrance and perimeter edge. The spoke extends through the spoke hole and is engaged to the spoke bed wall by an overlie engagement at a bearing interface between a bearing surface of the spoke and the radially outboard surface to limit longitudinally inward displacement between the spoke and spoke bed wall. At least a portion of the bearing interface is laterally outwardly spaced from the first perimeter edge by a lateral distance of at least 0.7 millimeters.

Abstract: A nipple for spoked wheels of the tubeless type comprises a first and a second shoulder which are formed on a rod with a blind axial hole which is internally threaded at an end of the rod which is distal from the opening of the axial hole and in a zone of the rod which is proximal with respect to the opening, respectively. A first recess for a sealing ring is formed on the rod behind the first shoulder and at least a second recess for a second sealing ring is formed on the rod between the first recess and the second shoulder.

Abstract: A nipple for spoked wheels includes a head and a rod which are coaxial and through which a through-hole extends, a manoeuvring key in the head and an insert of plastics material which is inserted in the hole in order to engage in a screwing manner with friction with a threaded end of a spoke. The hole comprises a threaded portion which extends in the rod and a portion with an increased diameter which constitutes the seat for receiving the insert, the insert being formed with a tubular sleeve inserted in the seat at the side of the head and being blocked there by means of interference or adhesive bonding.

Abstract: A Helmholtz resonator for a vehicle wheel reduces sonic resonance, which is generated in a tire during running of the vehicle, by employing a wheel cap, which has an internal chamber in the vehicle wheel cap and is closely mounted on the vehicle wheel from the outside of the vehicle wheel, a connecting pipe connecting the internal chamber in the vehicle wheel cap with the cavity in the tire and a coupling member.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim made at least partially of a stratified composite material comprising structural fibers incorporated in a polymeric matrix. At least one opening, which passes through at least one first layer of composite material, is provided and at least one spoke attachment hole, which passes through at least one second layer of composite material, is also provided. The spoke attachment hole is completely contained within the opening in the first layer. A related manufacturing process is also described.

Abstract: An insert for the rim of a spoked bicycle wheel that has a spoke hole. The insert has a portion configured to abut against a spoke attachment element with an enlarged head and a holding element that prevents movement of the spoke attachment along said longitudinal axis of the spoke hole.

Abstract: A wheel assembly includes a plurality of discreet, axially extending curved friction plates for engaging a first side of a spoke structure of a tire assembly, a first annular rim piece for engaging a rotatable axle, and a second annular rim piece for engaging the first rim piece. The first rim piece and the second rim piece each have axially extending lugs for engaging opposite ends of the friction plates.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to structures and associated systems for connecting a hub apparatus to a wheel. In some embodiments, the hub apparatus includes (1) a housing assembly having an outer radius; and (2) a mounting portion circumferentially provided on at least one side surface of the housing assembly. The mounting portion is formed with a plurality of coupling structures configured to couple the hub apparatus to a wheel rim. The mounting portion defines a first radius smaller than the outer radius.

Abstract: A laced wheel manufactured from a one-piece casting, including both the hub portion and the rim portion. After casting and machining spoke interfaces, the hub and rim portions are separated and wire spokes are assembled.

Abstract: A combination structure of a hub and spokes is provided, including: a hub shell, having separate small and large flanges, the small and large flanges having first and second assembling holes, respectively; a plurality of first spokes, assembled to one of the first assembling holes and a wheel rim; a plurality of second spokes, including cylindrical spokes and aero bladed spokes, the cylindrical spokes and aero bladed spokes being alternatively assembled to the second assembling holes and to the wheel rim; as viewed along an axial direction of the hub shell, every two of the second spokes which are neighboring to each other intersect with each other to define an intersecting area, each first spoke extends and passes through one of the intersecting areas.

Abstract: A composite rim is used in spoked wheels, such as bicycle wheels. The composite rims has molded-in spoke holes. The composite rim is manufactured using a unique fabricating technique. The construction of the composite rim dramatically improves the bearing and loading strength of the composite rim over prior composite rims, which drill the spoke holes therein after fabrication of the rim hoop.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lightweight wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, includes providing a rim and hub, and a plurality of lightweight, flexible and resilient spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A wheel with flexible spokes, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength.

Abstract: A method for making the composite material wheel rim includes the steps of: configuring a plurality of inner lining chunks individually to the desired position where the spokes are to be mounted to allow the inner lining chunks to be integrated with an inner annular portion of the wheel rim, next, integrating the formed inner annular portion with an outer annular portion of the wheel rim to form a semi-finished wheel rim, and then, creating the requested threaded holes for connecting the spokes in the inner lining chunks of the inner surface of the semi-finished wheel rim subject to the requested amount and angles of the spokes. By the present method, the semi-finished wheel rim allows drilled, threaded holes subject to needs to fit different types of wheel hub units to increase the yield rate and reduce the inventory of the wheel rims.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing self-locking nipples comprising the steps of providing a semi-finished nipple (10) with an enlarged head (5) in comparison with the shank (6), providing at least a first blind hole (11, 11a) in that head, injecting a fluid resin into the hole (11, 11a) and solidifying so as to obtain a corresponding insert (9, 9a), making a second axial hole (7) in the semi-finished product at least partly intersecting the said insert (9, 9a).

Abstract: A wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel hub assembly including an axle extending along an axial axis, a hub shell with a hub flange that is rotatable about the axle, a bearing and at least one spoke assembled and connected to the hub flange at the opening. The hub flange includes an opening to receive the spoke. The axle includes an aperture that serves to provide assembly clearance to reduce or eliminate deformation of the spoke during the assembly of the spoke with the opening.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim including an outer annular portion adapted to receive a tire and an inner peripheral radial portion that has both a plurality of circumferentially arranged spoke openings and a braking surface on this portion.

Abstract: A rim for a bicycle wheel that includes a tire, hub and spokes. The bicycle rim generally includes a radially outer tire-engaging portion, a radially inner spoke-engaging portion, a first sidewall and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first and second sidewalls extend between the tire engaging and spoke-engaging portions. The tire-engaging and spoke-engaging portions and first and second sidewalls form a toroid. A maximum width of the rim is disposed closer to the spoke-engaging portion than the tire-engaging portion.

Abstract: A wheel for at least partially muscle-powered vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles includes a hub and a rim having a plurality of spoke holes and a plurality of spoke systems for connecting the hub with the rim. A spoke system includes a spoke and a spoke nipple. A reinforcing unit with a through hole between the rim and the spoke nipple is provided. The reinforcing unit is a disk-type and is configured curved about at least one longitudinal axis. The reinforcing unit has a convex inner rim contact surface for bearing against a concave orientation area of the rim matched thereto. The reinforcing unit has a concave outside surface at which a nipple accommodation is provided at a depression having a concave nipple contact surface with a narrower curvature for accommodating a matching, convex supporting area of the spoke nipple.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention comprise a composite rim used in spoked wheels, such as bicycle wheels, having molded-in spoke holes along with a method of fabricating the composite rim. Advantageously, the present invention dramatically improves the bearing and loading strength of prior art composite rims, which drill the spoke holes therein after fabrication of the rim hoop.

Abstract: A spoke receiving hole extends through a flange formed on a rim so as to incline by a predetermined angle in a radial direction with respect to a line perpendicular to a wheel center plane. A head of a spoke seats on a seating surface provided on one side surface of the spoke receiving hole in contact at a region I on the side closer to a rim body, and a head straight portion of the spoke contacts with an edge portion K of an opening on the side distant from the rim body to which a hole portion directly opens on the side opposite from the seating surface of the spoke receiving hole.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel, comprising: a rim; a hub; a plurality of spokes with a span portion extending between the rim and hub; a bracing element including a hole with a central axis, and an engagement surface; and a connector connected to the bracing element, including an overhang. The bracing element comprises a portion of the rim and/or hub. The connector may be laterally displaced relative to the bracing element between a first lateral position and a second lateral position, where the connector may pass within the hole in the first lateral position and the overhang is engaged to the engagement surface in the second lateral position to limit displacement of the connector. The spoke simultaneously contacts the hole and the connector to maintain the connector in the second lateral position. With the connector in the second lateral position, the spoke is engaged to at least one of the bracing element and the connector to support spoke tension forces.

Abstract: A support system (10), including: a spoke connection region (30); a support stand (20) configured to support the spoke connection region (30); and a plurality of spokes (14). Each spoke (14) includes an inner end (34) connectable to a respective spoke connection point disposed in the spoke connection region (30), and each spoke (14) is independently positioned angularly about the respective spoke connection point (30).

Abstract: The invention concerns a rim made from composite material for a tubeless bicycle wheel comprising a radially outer portion shaped for the coupling with a tire, said radially outer portion comprising a through hole for an inflation valve. Advantageously, at least one first impermeable-to-air layer is integrally associated with said radially outer portion, around said hole.

Abstract: A wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A wheel with flexible spokes, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength.

Abstract: A securing device of a rim includes a rim having a connection bridge and two walls extend from the connection bridge. Multiple installation holes are defined through the connection bridge. Multiple spoke units each have a spoke, a first fixing member and a second fixing member, wherein the first fixing member has a first fixing portion which includes inner threads. A second fixing portion and a third fixing portion extend from the first fixing member. The third fixing portion has outer threads. The second fixing member includes a connection portion having inner threads defined which are threadedly connected to the third fixing portion. By the second fixing member, the first fixing member is secured and adjusted. The second and third fixing portions are reinforced.

Abstract: A spoke attachment structure is provided with a main body and a cover member. The main body includes a tool engagement structure and an external thread. The cover member is disposed on an outer surface of the main body adjacent the external thread.

Abstract: A wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A method for assembling or disassembling spokes of a tubeless wheel includes following steps: selecting a rim, assembling an adaptor onto an assembling tool, assembling the adaptor to the position hole, assembling a spoke, assembling the spoke to the adaptor and disassembling the assembling tool from the adaptor. Therefore, a user can assemble or disassemble the spokes easily and conveniently.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bicycle wheel repair kit for joining a first segment of a spoke to a second segment of the spoke, the first segment extending radially outward from a wheel hub to terminate in a first free end and the second segment extending radially inward from a wheel rim to terminate in a second free end. The kit may include a coupler including a first engagement member and a second engagement member. The first engagement member is configured to engage the first free end. The second engagement member is generally opposite the first engagement member and configured to engage the second free end. The coupler is configured such that a distance between the first engagement member and the second engagement member can be adjusted.

Abstract: A wheel for at least partially muscle-powered vehicles and two-wheeled vehicles includes a hub and a rim having a plurality of spoke holes and a plurality of spoke systems for connecting the hub with the rim. A spoke system includes a spoke and a spoke nipple. A reinforcing unit with a through hole between the rim and the spoke nipple is provided. The reinforcing unit is a disk-type and is configured curved about at least one longitudinal axis. The reinforcing unit has a convex inner rim contact surface for bearing against a concave orientation area of the rim matched thereto. The reinforcing unit has a concave outside surface at which a nipple accommodation is provided at a depression having a concave nipple contact surface with a narrower curvature for accommodating a matching, convex supporting area of the spoke nipple.

Abstract: A rim assembly includes a rim having a first connection bridge and a second connection bridge, and two walls extend from two sides of the first and second connection bridges. The first and second connection bridges each have multiple installation holes. A pad unit includes multiple pads and each pad has a through hole. The pads are located on a surface of the first connection bridge and the through holes are in alignment with the installation holes. Multiple connection members each have a passage, the connection members respectively extend through the installation holes and the through holes. The spokes are securely connected to the passages. The thickness of the rim is thin and the pads reinforce the connection positions where the spokes are connected.

Abstract: A bicycle hub includes a hub shell body and a plurality of spoke mounting projections. The spoke mounting projections are disposed at one end portion of the hub shell body. Each of the spoke mounting projections includes a first circumferential side and a second circumferential side. The first circumferential side has a first spoke outlet for a first spoke and a second spoke outlet for a second spoke. The second circumferential side is opposite to the first circumferential side.

Abstract: A bicycle rim is provided with an annular tire mounting part, an annular spoke mounting part, at least one spoke attachment member and an orientation maintaining structure. The annular spoke mounting part includes a plurality of spoke openings a circumferential spaced along the annular spoke mounting part. The spoke mounting part extends from the annular tire mounting part to define an interior space containing the spoke attachment member. The orientation maintaining structure is dimensioned with respect to the interior space to form an orientation maintaining arrangement such that the spoke attachment member is slidably disposed within the interior space in a circumferential direction of the bicycle rim to selectively align with one of the spoke openings while also maintaining an orientation of the spoke attachment member within the interior space to align with the one of the spoke openings.

Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable wheel which can greatly reduce its size and be carried conveniently, comprising: an extendable hub including a first end and a second end, wherein the distance between the first end and the second end may be changed by adjusting the extendable hub; a plurality of extendable spokes each including a first extendable portion and a second extendable portion, wherein the first extendable portion connects with the first end of the extendable hub and the second extendable portion connects with the second end of the extendable hub, and the first extendable portion connects with the second extendable portion by a first connector; and a plurality of the second connectors connected with the plurality of extendable spokes for connecting to a rim.

Abstract: A wheel rim structure includes a rim body having a plurality of rim connectors, each rim connectors assembled onto an inner periphery of the rim body and having a first connecting end and a second connecting end at two ends thereof, the first connecting end assembled into the inner periphery of the rim body, the second connecting end exposed from the inner periphery of the rim body, a plurality of spokes, each spoke having an assembling end and an engaging end at two ends thereof, the assembling end assembled to a wheel hub, the engaging end engaging with the second connecting end. Under this arrangement, when the user wants to detach the spokes from the rim body, the user just detaches the engaging end and the assembling end.

Abstract: An improved connecting system for a vehicle wheel spoke, including a spoke having an end portion, a span portion and a cross-section thereof, a connecting element; a bracing element such as a rim or hub, a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the span portion, and a longitudinal axis along the spoke. The connecting element is made of hardened molding material and the spoke is overmolded by the connecting element during solidification of the hardened molding material. The connecting element is joined to the spoke at an overmolded interface and the connecting element is connected to the bracing element.

Abstract: A bicycle disc wheel or spoked wheel (10) is disclosed, comprising a hub (12), a rim (14) and at least one disc or spoke-type structural element (60) integral with the hub (12) and the rim (14), wherein said at least one structural element (60) is pretensioned. A process for manufacturing thereof comprises the sequential steps of providing a hub (12) and a rim (14), applying a compression on the rim (14) towards the hub (12) elastically deforming it, rendering at least one disc or spoke-type structural element (60) integral with the hub (12) and the rim (14), and removing the compression onto the rim (14) applied in step a).

Abstract: A method for manufacturing self-locking nipples comprising the steps of providing a semi-finished nipple (10) with an enlarged head (5) in comparison with the shank (6), providing at least a first blind hole (11, 11a) in that head, injecting a fluid resin into the hole (11, 11a) and solidifying so as to obtain a corresponding insert (9, 9a), making a second axial hole (7) in the semi-finished product at least partly intersecting the said insert (9, 9a).

Abstract: A wheel with high strength flexible spokes of the present invention, including a rim and hub, and spokes between the rim and hub made of fibrous material that causes the spokes to be both lighter in weight and stronger than comparable steel spokes. The spokes are also flexible and resilient such that they can bend while retaining their integrity and strength. The wheel includes a nipple within the rim that receives the high strength spoke and allows for flexibility in adapting the spoke to wheels having differing shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel, comprising: a rim; a hub; a plurality of spokes; a bracing element including a hole, a hole sidewall, and an engagement surface outward of the hole; and a connecting element with a spoke opening and an overhang surface. The spoke is connected to the connecting element and the connecting element is connected to the bracing element at the hole, with the bracing element comprising one of the rim and hub. With the spoke maintaining alignment with the connector, the connecting element may be transitioned between an insertion orientation where the connecting element may be inserted in the hole and an engagement orientation where the connecting element is engaged to the bracing element, with a toggle angle between the insertion and engagement orientations. The hole is preferably a circular hole. The spoke opening preferably includes internal threads to mate with external threads of the spoke.

Abstract: Carbon fiber bicycle wheels are formed from parts cut from carbon fiber cloth and then joined together to form a rim, sidewalls, spokes, flanges and a center tunnel on which the flanges are mounted. The parts are then assembled, bonded together, and cured to form a wheel. During assembly, the spokes and the wheel are placed in tension by moving the flanges outwardly on the center tunnel after assembly and then bonding them in place to stiffen and strengthen the wheel. The spokes of the drive side of the rear wheel are specially shaped to accommodate torque transfer forces generated by pedaling.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel, comprising: a rim; a hub; a plurality of spokes with a span portion extending between the rim and hub; a bracing element including a hole with a central axis, and an engagement surface; and a connector connected to the bracing element, including an overhang. The bracing element comprises a portion of the rim and/or hub. The connector may be laterally displaced relative to the bracing element between a first lateral position and a second lateral position, where the connector may pass within the hole in the first lateral position and the overhang is engaged to the engagement surface in the second lateral position to limit displacement of the connector. The spoke simultaneously contacts the hole and the connector to maintain the connector in the second lateral position. With the connector in the second lateral position, the spoke is engaged to at least one of the bracing element and the connector to support spoke tension forces.