Rim (or Felly) And Spoke Connection Patents (Class 301/58)
  • Publication number: 20100060073
    Abstract: The present invention concerns a bicycle wheel with a rim for a tubeless tyre, characterised in that it is provided with a rim 1 intended to receive a number of fixing elements 6, which are in accordance with the number of spokes 2, such fixing elements being assembled by fitting and sliding between the wheel's hub 8 and the rim 1 and which are fixed into the desired positions. Therefor it is necessary to make special holes in the upper part of the rim 1 without the need to make any holes in the lower wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: RODI-METALURGICAS DO EIXO, S.A.
    Inventors: Claudia Patricia Alfonso Felgar, Alexandre Do Couto Gandarinho
  • Patent number: 7658452
    Abstract: A hub and a wheel equipped with such a hub for bicycles, wherein the hub includes a fixed hub axle and a hub body rotatably mounted relative to fixed hub axle through two bearings. The hub body includes a hub sleeve and two separate hub flanges positioned on the hub sleeve at which spokes are disposed to connect the hub body with a rim. The hub flanges are fastened to the hub sleeve by connecting members positioned substantially perpendicular to the hub axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: DT Swiss Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Spahr, Martin Walthert, Andreas Reuteler
  • Publication number: 20090322145
    Abstract: A wheel assembly for bicycles that includes a rim having a number of nipple supports attached thereto. A number of nipple supports are attached to a rim and extend in a radially inward direction relative to the rim. One or more openings are formed in each nipple support. The openings are shaped to cooperate with a respective spoke nipple. A cavity is formed between each nipple support and the rim such that the spoke nipples can be engaged with the supports from a circumferential direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Damon Rinard
  • Patent number: 7631947
    Abstract: A wheel including a rim, a hub, and at least one device for connecting the rim to the hub, the connecting device including a composite spoke and a first mechanism to connect the spoke to the rim or the hub, the spoke including an elongated body, which extends in a longitudinal direction, between a first end and a second end, the body and the ends including fibers, the fibers being arranged to form a first loop at the first end. The first connecting mechanism includes a first insert housed in the first loop, a first shank affixed to the first insert, the first shank being oriented along the longitudinal direction, a first screw or fastening portion being defined on the first shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Philippe Renard
  • Patent number: 7597404
    Abstract: A tubeless-tire spoke wheel with spokes threaded directly into integral bores of the wheel rim. The integral bores have closed ends which allow for a large degree of tubeless-tire design flexibility while also providing enhanced strength characteristics. This results in stiffer, stronger designs while providing for lighter, more energy efficient wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Fuse, Kazuhiko Gogo
  • Patent number: 7578563
    Abstract: A bicycle rim is basically provided with an annular metallic rim member and a reinforcing member. The annular metallic rim member includes a plurality of spoke attachment areas with at least one spoke attachment opening in each of the spoke attachment areas. The reinforcing member overlies an exterior surface of the annular metallic rim member. The reinforcing member includes a plurality of spoke attachment sections individually arranged in a circumferential direction to overlie the spoke attachment openings. The spoke attachment sections include a plurality of discrete first reinforcing parts and a plurality of discrete second reinforcing parts. The first reinforcing parts are attached to the spoke attachment areas around the spoke attachment openings. The second reinforcing parts are attached to the spoke attachment areas to overlie the first reinforcing parts, with the second reinforcing parts being larger than the first reinforcing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Muraoka, Takashi Yaegashi, Shinpei Okajima
  • Publication number: 20090189435
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a wire wheel of the type comprising a rim and a hub secured to each other by a plurality of spokes. Each spoke includes a stem at the opposed axial ends of which are arranged respective anchorage members capable of being secured respectively to the hub and to the rim. The member for anchorage to the rim is received in a seat fixed on the rim with the capability of limited axial displacement in the seat. The seat is provided integrally on the rim in the form of a substantially tubular appendage thereof and the anchorage member is received in a sealed manner with coupling of the cylinder/piston type in the tubular appendage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2006
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Guido Cappellotto, Fabio Alberio
  • Publication number: 20090184565
    Abstract: The invention relates to a spoked wheel that includes a peripheral rim, a central hub, and individual connecting spokes between the rim and the hub, the spokes being taut. The wheel an arrangement for adjusting the tension of at least some of the spokes, and the spokes are taut with an initial tension Ti corresponding to a normal tension value Tn which is reduced by a value corresponding to a compression force R that can be supported by each spoke. For a rear wheel, the spokes supporting the compression forces are those arranged on the side opposite free wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: Salomon S.A.S.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Mercat, Olivier Mouzin
  • Publication number: 20090058179
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel having a number of larger than normal spokes constructed to support a rim about a hub. The hub includes a number of recesses that are constructed to receive an end of each spoke. The spoke and hub are constructed such that translation of the spoke in an axial direction relative to the hub engages an end of each spoke with a respective recess. Each spoke can be rotated about an axis of the spoke when the spoke is positioned in a respective recess such that the rim is generally concentrically supported about the hub by a limited number of spokes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Brad J. Addink
  • Patent number: 7490406
    Abstract: Bicycle wheel rims with internally reinforced spoke seats are disclosed along with methods for producing them. The rims are produced from a rim blank with at least one circumferentially extending spoke attachment region that has a relatively uniform given thickness. Access holes are formed in an upper web of the rim blank and tooling is positioned above and below the spoke attachment region to form a reinforced spoke seat and a spoke hole therein. Material that is upset and moved from the location of the spoke hole is displaced into an annular region where it reinforces the spoke hole. Material in the vicinity of the spoke hole can be displaced towards the inside of the rim and material can be removed from the undisplaced portions of the spoke region leaving a reinforced area around the spoke hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Inventor: William Shook
  • Patent number: 7487811
    Abstract: A rim of a spoke wheel for tubeless tires including a sealing device (12, 25, 27, 36, 44, 46, 48) arranged in the region of a rim bed (2) in a well (11) of the rim (1) and the rim (1) comprising on both sides of a rim center plane (10) a relief (13) with sealing areas, the relief (13) being provided with two constrictions forming the sealing areas (14, 14?) and the sealing device (12, 25, 27, 36, 44, 46, 48) being configured substantially complementary in shape and size to the relief (13) and is arranged therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: KTM Sportmotorcycle AG
    Inventor: Clemens Schelhaas
  • Publication number: 20090026833
    Abstract: A spoked wheel for a bicycle includes a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes tensed between the rim and the hub, each provided with a spoke attachment element for attachment to the rim, a plurality of seats, such seats being openings formed in the rim, each for housing one of said spoke attachment elements. The shape and size of the spoke attachment elements and of the seats of the rim are such that: the spoke attachment element is suitable for taking up a first configuration in which its insertion through the seat is possible; and the spoke attachment element once inserted in the seat assumes a second configuration in which it is not possible to remove the spoke attachment element through the seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Mario Meggiolan, Maurizio Passarotto
  • Publication number: 20090008986
    Abstract: The rim, made from metal from a blank that is extruded, shaped into circular shape and closed upon itself through jointing between the ends of the blank, has a pair of wings connected by at least one bridge, and the axial distance between the wings at the jointing area is greater than the axial distance between the wings at the areas far from the jointing area.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Amleto Granieri
  • Patent number: 7464994
    Abstract: A bicycle rim is provided with an annular metallic rim member and at least one reinforcing resin material. The annular metallic rim member includes an annular tire attachment portion adapted to have a tire mounted thereon, a first annular side wall portion, a second annular side wall portion and an inner annular wall portion connecting the first and second annular side wall portions with a plurality of spoke attachment openings formed in the inner annular wall portion. The at least one reinforcing resin material is attached to the annular metallic rim member such that the reinforcing resin material continuously extends from the first annular side wall portion across the inner annular wall portion to the second annular side wall portions to overlie exterior surface areas of the first and second annular side wall portions and exterior surface areas of the inner annular wall portion around the spoke attachment openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinpei Okajima, Takashi Yaegashi, Tsutomu Muraoka
  • Publication number: 20080290721
    Abstract: A spoke fastening device includes a spoke fastening hole drilled through a spoke bed of a wheel rim for receiving a head and a stem of a nipple and a collar of a ferrule, the ferrule includes a casing on one end of the collar for engaging with the spoke bed and having an inner peripheral channel for receiving a sealing ring which may make a water tight seal between the nipple and the ferrule and for allowing the nipple to be tilted or inclined relative to the ferrule, the collar includes a peripheral groove for forming two separated cylindrical segments and for allowing the outer cylindrical segment to be flared by the head of the nipple.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Yuhju Wang
  • Publication number: 20080284237
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim assembly includes a rim and a hub is located at a center of the rim. A plurality of spokes are connected between the hub and the rim. Each spoke is a flat board and includes a first end which is engaged with one of the notches defined in the hub and a plurality threaded sections extend from a second end of each spoke, the threaded sections are fixed to the rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2007
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Inventor: Rick Tsai
  • Publication number: 20080277995
    Abstract: The rim has a pair of wings connected by at least one bridge, a pair of braking races each formed on an outer side of each of the wings, a plurality of spoke attachment areas alternating in the circumferential direction with a plurality of intermediate areas in the at least one bridge. The axial distance between the wings at the spoke attachment areas is different from the axial distance between the wings at the intermediate areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2008
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Amleto Granieri
  • Patent number: 7448696
    Abstract: A spoked wheel for a bicycle including a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes tensioned between the rim and the hub, each provided with a spoke attachment element for attachment to the rim, a plurality of seats, such seats being openings formed in the rim, each for housing one of said spoke attachment elements. The shape and size of the spoke attachment elements and of the seats of the rim are such that: the spoke attachment element is suitable for taking up a first configuration in which its insertion through the seat is possible; and the spoke attachment element once inserted in the seat assumes a second configuration in which it is not possible to remove the spoke attachment element through the seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Mario Meggiolan, Maurizio Passarotto
  • Publication number: 20080265656
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a bicycle type wheel, including placing a first fibrous fabric section onto a first mold part of a mold along the periphery of a rim, such that the first fabric section forms a rim flange, placing spokes on the first mold part at angles relative to one another such that the radially outwardly spoke ends rest on the first fabric section, placing at least one core on the first fabric section, placing at least one fabric strip onto an inner surface of a mold ring and placing the mold ring into the first mold part, the fabric strip forming at least part of the rim well, enveloping an inflatable tube in a fabric section and placing the tube into the first mold part, repeating the procedure for a second quantity of spokes, inflating the tube, curing the resin-impregnated materials, removing from the mold an integral wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Inventor: Joachim Heyse
  • Patent number: 7441841
    Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim includes an annular rim body having a rim axis and including left and right annular side walls, two annular first oblique walls, two annular second oblique walls, an annular base wall that interconnects the second oblique walls, and left and right annular connecting walls. Each first oblique wall extends from a respective side wall and has an edge opposite to the respective side wall. The edges of the first oblique walls are disposed on an imaginary cylindrical plane. Each second oblique wall extends from a respective first oblique wall. Each connecting wall extends from the base wall to a respective side wall. Each first oblique wall has a radial inner side forming an angle with the imaginary cylindrical plane that ranges from 15 to 65 degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2008
    Assignee: Alex Global Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Chao-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 7434891
    Abstract: The rim spoke positioning pocket is a single metal plate placed in a cylindrical shape. One embodiment is coiled, and another embodiment is an expanded cylinder. A through hole is placed in the center of the positioning pocket, and the bottom has claws that are circular in shape and expandable outward. The inside surface corresponds to the claw shape to received a spoke tip connector, and the top of the positioning pocket is a straight opening. One side of the positioning pocket forms a connecting part by a coiled metal plate. The rim spoke positioning pocket for a bicycle or motorcycle can be made with simple steps and a low cost, which is better for mass production.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Inventor: Tseng-Ping Tien
  • Publication number: 20080246331
    Abstract: A wheel rim includes an annular rim body having a horizontally disposed rim axis and an imaginary central plane that is perpendicular to the rim axis. The rim body includes a pair of annular side walls, an annular base wall, a pair of annular strengthening walls, and an annular reinforcing wall. The annular side walls are disposed respectively on opposite sides of the imaginary central plane. The annular base wall interconnects the annular side walls. Each of the annular strengthening walls extends from a respective one of the annular side walls toward the imaginary central plane and is disposed radially outward relative to the annular base wall. The reinforcing wall includes a pair of connecting segments, each of which interconnects the annular base wall and a respective one of the annular strengthening walls, and a reinforcing protruding segment that protrudes radially and outwardly relative to the rim axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Chao-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 7431404
    Abstract: A bicycle rim includes first and second annular side portions, an annular bridge portion and an annular seal member. The bridge portion extends between the first and second side portions. The bridge portion includes first and second annular tire support surfaces and a recessed center surface. The recessed center surface is arranged between the first and second tire support surfaces to form an annular recess. The recessed center surface has a plurality of circumferentially arranged openings formed therein. The annular seal member is arranged in the annular recess to seal the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Norihisa Senoo
  • Publication number: 20080238183
    Abstract: A spoked wheel for a bicycle is described, including a hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes, which connect the hub to the rim. The spokes are arranged in groups set at an angular distance from one another. At least two spokes of each group, viewed in the direction of the axis of the wheel, cross over one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventors: Maurizio Passarotto, Mario Meggiolan
  • Publication number: 20080231105
    Abstract: The spoked wheel comprises a rim, a hub and a plurality of spokes which connect the rim to the hub and are connected to the rim by means of nipples inserted in a corresponding plurality of drilled seats in the rim. The rim defines a concave outer cylindrical surface having a channel-like configuration with a bottom and a pair of flanks which extend from the opposing sides of the bottom of the rim. According to the invention, the rim includes a first rim part and a second rim part which are separate from one another, wherein the first rim part comprises a radially outer cylindrical portion forming the whole bottom of the rim and the second rim part comprises a radially inner cylindrical portion having the drilled seats. Preferably, the first and second rim parts are detachably joined together by threaded connection members.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Applicant: GIANETTI RUOTE S.P.A.
    Inventors: Giuseppe Ulisse Gittani, Gabrielle Perris Magnetto
  • Patent number: 7427112
    Abstract: An improved vehicle wheel, including an outer rim, a central hub with a central axle and an outer flange and a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub. The spokes have a first portion connected to the rim and a second portion opposed to the first portion and connected to said hub. The outer rim includes a spoke bed wall with a spoke hole therethrough for connection with the first end of the spoke. The spoke bed wall has a radially outboard surface, which is a convex outboard surface including a radially outboard apex and a radially inboard portion relative to the apex and adjacent the apex.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Inventor: Raphael Schlanger
  • Patent number: 7425041
    Abstract: A spoked bicycle wheel is presented where the masses of a set of spoke connections for connection of a hub and a rim as a whole are imbalanced with respect to the rotational axis. In such a way the dynamic imbalance of the wheel due to localized mass increases at the valve and at a possible joint is reduced or eliminated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Campagnolo, S.r.l.
    Inventors: Maurizio Passarotto, Davide Urbani
  • Publication number: 20080211291
    Abstract: A hub for a spoked bicycle wheel has at least one seat for inserting and housing an end portion of a spoke. This at least one seat has a notch shaped for the insertion of a spoke in a different direction from a longitudinal direction of the seat, and surfaces for stopping the spoke both in both ways of a direction of a rotation axis of the hub, and in both ways of a second direction perpendicular both to the axial direction and to the longitudinal direction of the seat. The hub, due to the configuration of the notch, allows the spoke to be connected thereto without having to unthread it along its entire length and, because of the surfaces for stopping the seat, allows the wheel to be provided with increased stiffness. Such a hub can also be used with a spoked bicycle wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 7393063
    Abstract: A spoked wheel for a bicycle is described, having a hub, a rim, and a plurality of spokes, which connect the hub to the rim. The spokes are arranged in groups set at an angular distance from one another. At least two spokes of each group (R), viewed in the direction of the axis of the wheel, cross over one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.R.L.
    Inventors: Maurizio Passarotto, Mario Meggiolan
  • Publication number: 20080143171
    Abstract: The invention concerns a vehicle wheel, in particular for passenger vehicles and motorcycles, comprising a rim for receiving a tire and a spoke unit or a wheel disc connecting the rim to the hub. The rim is made of plastic material and the spoke unit or the wheel disc of metal. The rim is connected to the spoke unit or wheel disc by form-closure and/or by force-closure of the material. The invention aims at enabling the wheel disc to be accurately positioned relative to the rim base and at providing a wheel with an attractive design. Therefore, the spoke unit, or the wheel disc are connected via at least one connecting element guided through the rim base and the connecting element is housed in the spoke unit or the wheel disc so as to be completely covered by a tire or by the spoke unit or the wheel disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Inventor: Mike Wilson
  • Publication number: 20080136248
    Abstract: A spoked wheel for a bicycle is described herein, comprising a hub, a rim and a plurality of spokes that connect the hub to the rim. The spokes comprise a first set of spokes arranged on one side of the wheel, made up of spokes connected to a first portion of the hub, and a second set of spokes arranged on the other side of the wheel, made up of spokes connected to a second portion of the hub. The second hub portion is set at an axial distance from said first portion. The spokes of the first set are grouped together into pairs set at angular distances apart from one another with the spokes of each pair that have their outer ends set close to one another.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Applicant: CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L.
    Inventor: Maurizio Passarotto
  • Patent number: 7377595
    Abstract: A bicycle rim is provided with an annular metallic rim member and a reinforcing member. The annular metallic rim member has a plurality of spoke attachment arcas with at least one spoke attachment opening in each of the spoke attachment areas and a plurality of intermediate areas disposed between adjacent pairs of the spoke attachment areas. The reinforcing member extends circumferentially about the annular metallic rim member to overlie the spoke attachment areas of the annular metallic rim member. The reinforcing member has a plurality of discrete spoke attachment area reinforcing parts overlying a corresponding one of the spoke attachment areas of the annular metallic rim member. The reinforcing member also has a rim reinforcing part overlying the intermediate areas of the annular metallic rim member and at least partially overlying the discrete spoke attachment area reinforcing parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinpei Okajima, Tsutomu Muraoka, Takashi Yaegashi
  • Patent number: 7374250
    Abstract: A rim for mounting tubeless tires, particularly for bicycles, motorcycles and mopeds, constituted by a profiled element which is curved in a circular fashion and is symmetrical with respect to a centerline plane (P), said profiled element forming an outer annular seat (2) and an inner annular seat which are divided by an annular partition provided with slots arranged opposite the nipples (6) associated with the spokes of said rim, a tire of the tubeless type being associated with said outer annular seat so as to form a pressure chamber. The rim comprises closure elements that engage said slots in order to hermetically separate said outer annular seat from said inner annular seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Alpina Raggi S.p.A.
    Inventor: Moreno Fioravanti
  • Patent number: 7374251
    Abstract: A bicycle hub has an axle and a hub shell rotatably disposed about the axle with a plurality of spoke fixing parts disposed at opposite ends of the hub shell. Each of the spoke fixing parts has a through hole having a small width section extending from a first side of a corresponding one of the spoke fixing parts and a large width section extending from a second side of the corresponding one of the spoke fixing parts such that an internal abutment is formed between the small and large width sections. The securing elements are removably disposed in the large width sections of the spoke fixing parts of the hub shell with each of the securing elements having a threaded bore that is aligned with and substantially equal to the small width sections of the spoke fixing parts of the hub shell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Shinpei Okajima, Kazuki Koshiyama, Tsutomu Muraoka
  • Publication number: 20080106141
    Abstract: A bicycle rim is basically provided with an annular metallic rim member and a reinforcing member. The annular metallic rim member includes a plurality of spoke attachment areas with at least one spoke attachment opening in each of the spoke attachment areas. The reinforcing member overlies an exterior surface of the annular metallic rim member. The reinforcing member includes a plurality of spoke attachment sections individually arranged in a circumferential direction to overlie the spoke attachment openings. The spoke attachment sections include a plurality of discrete first reinforcing parts and a plurality of discrete second reinforcing parts. The first reinforcing parts are attached to the spoke attachment areas around the spoke attachment openings. The second reinforcing parts are attached to the spoke attachment areas to overlie the first reinforcing parts, with the second reinforcing parts being larger than the first reinforcing parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 8, 2008
    Applicant: SHIMANO INC.
    Inventors: Tsutomu MURAOKA, Takashi YAEGASHI, Shinpei OKAJIMA
  • Patent number: 7350877
    Abstract: A bicycle rim is provided with an annular metallic rim member and reinforcing member. The annular metallic rim member has a plurality of spoke attachment areas with a spoke attachment opening in each of the spoke attachment areas. The reinforcing member extends circumferentially about the annular metallic rim member to overlie the spoke attachment areas of the annular metallic rim member. The reinforcing member has a plurality of spoke attachment sections overlying the spoke attachment areas, respectively, and a plurality of intermediate sections disposed between adjacent pairs of the spoke attachment sections, with the spoke attachment sections being thicker than the intermediate sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Tsutomu Muraoka, Takashi Yaegashi
  • Publication number: 20080054710
    Abstract: A spoke nipple, particularly for bicycles and similar contrivances with a nipple body having a first end and a second end and a bore hole for receiving a spoke, wherein said bore hole is at least accessible from said first end of said nipple body, the bore hole having an internal thread for fastening the nipple to a spoke, a nipple head at the nipple body, wherein a tightening apparatus is arranged for rotating the spoke nipple with a tool around its longitudinal axis. The tightening apparatus includes a tightening cross-section with at least three protrusions protruding radially outwardly with respect to the tightening cross-section and recesses arranged between the protrusions wherein the protrusions are distributed in a circumferential direction of the tightening cross-section of the tightening apparatus and rounded at their respective tips and wherein the recesses are curved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2006
    Publication date: March 6, 2008
    Inventors: Stephan Spahr, Martin Walthert
  • Publication number: 20080048488
    Abstract: A weight reduction means for a dual-wall rim includes a structural frame disposed in the rim, multiple through holes to receive insertion of respective spoke connectors being disposed at where the dual-wall frame is located relatively to the spoke connectors; and one or a plurality of through holes between any abutted existing through holes on the dual-wall frame being punched at the same time when those existing through holes are initially punched without affecting the structural strength of the entire dual-wall rim without changing locations and numbers of those spoke connecting holes disposed on the inner circumference of the rim while maintaining the structural strength of the rim for weight reduction and cost saving purposes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Hsuen-Chen Chen
  • Patent number: 7331638
    Abstract: A spoked wheel for a bicycle is described herein, comprising a hub, a rim and a plurality of spokes that connect the hub to the rim. The spokes comprise a first set of spokes arranged on one side of the wheel, made up of spokes connected to a first portion of the hub, and a second set of spokes arranged on the other side of the wheel, made up of spokes connected to a second portion of the hub. The second hub portion is set at an axial distance from said first portion. The spokes of the first set are grouped together into pairs set at angular distances apart from one another with the spokes of each pair that have their outer ends set close to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Campagnolo, S.r.l.
    Inventor: Maurizio Passarotto
  • Patent number: 7331639
    Abstract: A bicycle rim is configured with an annular metallic rim, a plurality of individual reinforcement members and at least one adhesive attachment material. The annular metallic rim has an annular tire attachment portion adapted to have a tire mounted thereon, and a spoke attachment portion with a plurality of spoke openings. The individual reinforcement members overlie discrete exterior surface areas of the spoke attachment portion surrounding the spoke openings. The at least one adhesive attachment material overlies the individual spoke reinforcements and exterior areas of the spoke attachment portion adjacent to the reinforcement members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
  • Publication number: 20070278848
    Abstract: A wheel rim includes an annular base wall, annular left and right tire-retaining walls, and an annular reinforcing wall. The annular base wall includes an annular array of first through holes spaced apart from each other. The annular left and right tire-retaining walls are spaced apart from each other, and extend radially and outwardly from the annular base wall. The annular reinforcing wall includes an annular wall portion extending between the left and right tire-retaining walls and spaced apart from the annular base wall, and a plurality of hollow projections aligned radially and respectively with the first through holes. Each of the hollow projections defines a second through hole. Each of the hollow projections is formed as one piece with and projects from the annular wall portion of the annular reinforcing wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Applicant: ALEX GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Chao-Ying Chen
  • Patent number: 7290839
    Abstract: A bicycle rim is provided that includes a tire attachment portion, a spoke attachment portion and a plurality of reinforcement members. The spoke attachment portion is fixedly coupled with the tire attachment portion. The spoke attachment portion includes a plurality of circumferentially spaced attachment openings. The reinforcement members are fixedly coupled to the spoke attachment portion at the attachment openings to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachment portion of the rim at the attachment openings. Each of the reinforcement members is bonded to the spoke attachment portion. The through openings are aligned with the attachment openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 7192098
    Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a tire attachment portion a spoke attachment portion and a plurality of reinforcement members fixedly coupled to the spoke attachment portion at attachment openings to effectively increase the thickness of the spoke attachment portion at the attachment openings. Each reinforcement member includes a rim facing surface that contacts the rim, an exterior facing surface facing and a through opening extending between the rim facing surface and the exterior facing surface that is aligned with one of the attachment openings. Each of the reinforcement members is preferably welded to the spoke attachment portion. Each of the reinforcement members preferably has a maximum overlapping dimension overlapping the spoke attachment portion as measured from an outer peripheral edge to a respective one of the attachment openings with the maximum overlapping dimension being at least half as large as a maximum transverse dimension of the attachment openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventor: Shinpei Okajima
  • Patent number: 7178239
    Abstract: A method intended for manufacturing a bicycle spoked wheel is described. By inserting the nipples or barrels for the attachment of the spokes in the spoke attachment seats from the inside of the spoke attachment chamber instead of from the outside, after having inserted them in the chamber from a suitably sized opening, the rim of the bicycle wheel can be manufactured even without additional openings, still using conventional nipples or barrels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2007
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Mario Meggiolan, Maurizio Passarotto
  • Patent number: 7144089
    Abstract: A spoked wheel comprised of a hub and a rim connected by first and second sets of spokes, each set having a plurality of radial spokes and a plurality of non-radial spokes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Mario Meggiolan
  • Patent number: 7140695
    Abstract: A rim for a bicycle has a lower bridge with infra-spoke zones of lower thickness than the thickness of the spoke attachment zones. The increase in thickness from the infra-spoke zones to the spoke attachment zones and the reduction in thickness between the spoke attachment zones and the infra-spoke zones have a sharp corner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventor: Maurizio Passarotto
  • Patent number: 7140696
    Abstract: An internal spoke nipple for a bicycle rim that is positioned internal to the rim and can be pivoted for alignment with various spoke angles. The internal spoke nipple is adapted to be positioned within an aero or deep V-shaped rim. The spoke nipple includes a cupped shaped base portion and a stem portion. The cupped base portion allows the internal spoke nipple to automatically align with the angle of the attached spoke, eliminating undesirable lateral forces on the spoke. The internal spoke nipple further comprises a fully threaded central bore that is adapted to engage and retain the spoke. The stem portion includes a plurality flat side walls that are adapted to accept a spoke wrench, to allow for adjustment of spoke tension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2006
    Assignee: Trek Bicycle Corporation
    Inventors: David Guzik, Steve Malchow
  • Patent number: 7137671
    Abstract: An element for the attachment of a spoke in a bicycle wheel at a seat hole has a body, an axial hole, and can engage a tool. The body is of greater transverse size than a seat hole, and abuts the seat hole at a first end of the body. The axial hole extends from the first end in the body and engages a spoke. The element engages a tool at a second end of the body opposite the first end. Finally, the maximum transverse size of said body is defined by side surface portions of said body other than the area of the second end that engages the tool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Campagnolo S.r.l.
    Inventors: Maurizio Passarotto, Davide Urbani
  • Patent number: 7104300
    Abstract: A sealing strip to be used with the rim of a wheel, particularly the rim of a so-called box section bicycle rim, as well as a rim equipped with such a sealing strip, and a wheel having such rim and sealing strip. The sealing strip is formed by a continuous annular strip having, in cross section, a median depression, forming a U-shaped radial groove provided to be positioned within in the central well of the rim, two lateral extensions provided to be supported upon on the interior edges of the rim that border of the well, and two lateral walls provided to extend along the flanges of the rim. The walls of the sealing strip are extended by a pair of lips that project toward the inside relative to the walls of the sealing strip, the lips being adapted to be positioned adjacent the lips of the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Salomon S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Luc Veux, Gilles Parquet
  • Patent number: 7093910
    Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a plurality of recesses defined in an inner periphery thereof and a through hole is defined through the rim and shares a common axis with the recess corresponding thereto. A plurality of spokes each have a threaded hole defined in a first end thereof which is fitted in one of the recesses and a plurality of bolts extend through the through holes and are threadedly connected to the threaded holes in the spokes. The through holes are small so that they do not reduce the structural strength of the rim and the end of each spoke is fitted in the recess to further position the spokes to the rim. A second end of each of the spokes is connected to a hub by extending a bolt through the hub and threadedly connected to the second end of each spoke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2006
    Inventors: Eric Alan Hjertberg, Douglas Chiang