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 bicycle wheel includes a hub and a plurality of mounting seats arranged around the hub and pivoted to the hub for pivoting about axes parallel to an axis of the hub. A plurality of spokes have outer ends mounted on a wheel rim, and inner ends mounted on the mounting seats for mounting the wheel rim on the hub.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel basically has a hub, a plurality of spoke nipples, a plurality of spokes extending outwardly from the hub and an annular rim coupled to the outer ends of the spokes for supporting a tire. The annular rim has a pair of spoke attachment portions with a plurality of openings for retaining outer ends of spokes therein. The outer ends of the spokes have bent sections located within the spoke holes of the rim and enlarged head members arranged to engage the spoke attachment portions. The hub has a pair of tubular mounting portions. Each tubular mounting portion has a plurality of mounting projections and a plurality of spoke attachment openings. The inner ends of the spokes are received in the spoke attachment openings from one side along with the spoke nipples from an opposite side. The inner ends of the spokes are threadedly coupled to the spoke nipples. Each of the spoke nipples has a head portion with a hexagonal bore and a shaft portion with an axial bore having internal threads.

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 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 retaining device includes a pair of annular retaining members and a pair of securing members. Each annular retaining member is adapted to be interposed between an axle and enlarged head portions of spoke tightening members in an annular space defined between the axle and an annular inner peripheral wall of a tubular mount member. The annular retaining member includes an annular inner ring portion sleeved on the axle, an annular outer ring portion surrounding and rotatable relative to the annular inner ring portion, and a rolling element disposed between the annular inner and outer ring portions. Each securing member is disposed to secure the annular inner ring portion on the axle such that the annular outer ring portion faces towards the enlarged head portions so as to guard shoulders of the spoke tightening members against being loosened from abutment with the inner peripheral wall.

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 low spoke count high spoke tension bicycle wheel having paired spokes that cross between the hub and the rim is disclosed. The wheel has a center plane and comprises a bicycle wheel hub having first and second hub flanges on first and second sides, respectively, of the wheel center plane, a rim, and nine or fewer pairs of first and second spokes each having a first end which is connected to one of said hub flanges or to said rim and a second end which is threadably received in a nipple which is seated at a spoke bore in said rim or in said hub. The wheel has excellent lateral stiffness which gives a bike on which the wheel is mounted excellent resistance to speed wobble or shimmy, in the case of a front wheel or to axle deflection, in the case of a rear wheel, and the spokes in the pair cross the wheel center plane between the hub and the rim, for added lateral strength. The first and second spokes of each pair are not connected to each other and have a combined static tension in excess of 200 pounds.

Abstract: The vehicle wheel includes an outer rim hoop with means for holding a tire, a plurality of spoke portions, and a central hub assembly. The central hub assembly includes an axle assembly and a hub shell that is rotatable about the axle. The hub shell includes at least two axially spaced outer flanges for attachment with the spokes. The spokes are connected at their outer ends to the rim hoop and at their inner ends to their respective outer flange. Firm attachment between the spoke and the outer flange is achieved by engaging of a portion of the spoke with a cavity formed within at least one of the rim and the outer flange. Also disclosed are attachment arrangements that include an intermediate connection member to facilitate attachment between the spoke and the cavity.

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: 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 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: A spoke system includes at least three rim pivots, at least three hub pivots, and plural shafts each extending along a substantially linear path between a rim pivot and a hub pivot, each path being substantially aligned with the center of a rim pivot and the center of a hub pivot. Each shaft includes an integral rim end forming a loop around a rim pivot and an integral hub end forming a loop around a hub pivot. The present invention also includes a tensioning system for biasing the inner vertices away from the outer vertices, thereby tensioning the continuous spoke. The path of each shaft may be substantially aligned with the center of a rim pivot and the center of a hub pivot so that a tension along the length of the shaft will not produce a moment about the rim pivot or the hub pivot.

Abstract: A spoke wheel is provided which includes a hub and a rim concentric with the hub about an axis of rotation. The rim is connected to the hub by a plurality of detachable spokes. The rim has a first tubular portion, a second tubular portion, a first flange, and a second flange. The first tubular portion is arranged between the first flange and a wheel center plane which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel. The second tubular portion is arranged between the second flange and the wheel center plane. Each of the tubular portions has an outer lateral wall having a plurality of throughholes for the detachable spokes. Each of the throughholes has a longitudinal axis aligned with the longitudinal axis of each of the detachable spokes.

Abstract: Improvements in torque transmitting wheels are disclosed. The improvements afford more balanced torque transmission as between the proximal spokes, adjacent to a torque transmitting member, such as a sprocket, sprocket cluster or disc for a brake, and the distal spokes which are opposite from the torque transmitting member. A wheel according to the present invention is provided with radially oriented proximal spokes and tangentially oriented distal spokes. This shifts the majority of the torque transmission task to the distal spokes which, in a torque transmitting wheel, are under less tension than proximal spokes under static conditions. A torque transmitting member is mounted on the hub, adjacent the proximal hub flange, and the distance from the proximal hub flange to a plane through the proximal edge of the rim is substantially less than the corresponding distance from the distal hub flange.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel system having spokes extending radially from hub to spoke. The spokes are provided with fittings at its rim end which are constructed with minimal mass and fittings at the hub end which allow adjustment of the tension of the spoke. The spokes are constructed of a bundle of liquid crystal fibers having no significant creep surrounded by an extruded plastic jacket.

Abstract: A spoke for a bicycle wheel has a body of fiber reinforced plastic material provided at one end with a metal connecting element which is pivotally mounted on the spoke around an axis which is transverse relative to the spoke and having a threaded stem for connection to the wheel rim.

Abstract: A bicycle hub includes an annular hub shell; a first flange; a second flange; and a fixing mechanism formed separately from the hub shell, the first flange and the second flange for axially fixing the first flange and the second flange to the hub shell. Either of the flanges may be installed and removed from the hub shell as desired.

Abstract: An improved bicycle wheel is disclosed which has reduced dish by comparison with a conventionally laced wheel. 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 or sprocket surface of the proximate hub flange and from outside to inside through the opposed hub flange and along the inside or sprocket surface of 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 and from outside to inside through the opposite hub flange and along the inside or disk surface thereof.

Abstract: A hub for aligning a plurality of spokes on a spoked wheel. The hub has a cylindrical hub sleeve and a hub axis extending centrally through the hub sleeve. The hub includes a flange-type hub head disposed at one end of the hub sleeve and extending circumferentially about the hub axis. The hub head defines a plurality of guide slots, each of the plurality of spoke guide slots being dimensioned and configured to receive and orient each of the plurality of spokes along a radial plane of the hub head such that the plurality of spokes define a plurality of tangent lines around an imaginary circle centered at the hub axis and that the tangent lines form a polygon centered at the hub axis.

Abstract: A device for rotatably supporting a hub of a bicycle wheel on a shaft comprises at least one annular element with an outer conical surface which is pressed between the outer surface of shaft and the inner conical surface of the inner ring of a rolling bearing.

Abstract: An improved bicycle wheel is disclosed which has reduced dish by comparison with a conventionally laced wheel. 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 or sprocket surface of the proximate hub flange and from outside to inside through the opposed hub flange and along the inside or sprocket surface of 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 and from outside to inside through the opposite hub flange and along the inside or disk surface thereof.

Abstract: A hub which is configured to have only one flange is able to evenly spread torque acting thereon through spokes securely received between the hub and a rim which is configured to have a plurality of holes defined therein for receiving ends the spokes.

Abstract: Improvements in rear bicycle wheels are disclosed. The improvements afford more balanced torque transmission as between the proximal spokes, adjacent to the multiple sprockets and the distal spokes which are opposite from the sprockets. In one embodiment, torque balancing is achieved by providing the hub with a distal hub flange which has a diameter which is substantially larger than the proximal hub flange. Excellent results have been achieved in a wheel with a hub having a proximal hub flange with a diameter of X and a distal hub flange with a diameter of approximately 1.5 X. According to another embodiment, a wheel according to the present invention is provided with radially oriented proximal spokes and tangentially oriented distal spokes. This shifts the majority of the torque transmission tasks to the distal spokes which, as noted above, are under less tension than proximal spokes under static conditions.

Abstract: A tensioned spoked wheel assembly is disclosed. The wheel has a center plane and comprises a hub with a first hub flange on one side of the wheel center plane and a second hub flange on the other side of the wheel center plane, a rim, at least three pairs of first and second spokes and at least three unpaired spokes. The first spokes of the spoke pairs are connected to the first hub flange and to the rim at a first set of circtimferentiatlly spaced points. The second spokes of the spoke pairs are connected to the second hub flange and to the rim at points which are circumferentially coincident with the first set of circumferentially spaced points.

Abstract: A composite fiber spoke vehicular wheel and a method of making the same. The wheel has a hub, a rim, and composite fiber strip spokes. Composite fiber strip spokes wrap around a portion of hub, with opposed ends of composite fiber strip spokes secured to rim.

Abstract: A bicycle hub apparatus is constructed of a hub shell and a plurality of spoke attachment parts disposed circumferentially about the hub shell at opposite end portions of the hub shell, wherein each spoke attachment part includes a first through hole and a second through hole. In each spoke attachment part, the first through hole is located at a different radial position relative to a central hub axis of the hub shell when compared to the second through hole.

Abstract: A bicycle is provided with wheels wherein the spokes extend from nailheads secured in the rim of the wheel inwardly to an annular flange at the hub. Radially inwardly of the annular flange of the hub, a threaded nipple receives a threaded end of the spoke, allowing for adjustment of the tension in the spoke. The size of the holes in the rim of the spokes is reduced and enhances the strength of the rim. The spokes extend straight, without bends, and are therefore able to bear more tension, and the number of spokes may consequently be reduced.

Abstract: The hub of a rear wheel of a race bicycle is deprived of radial flanges for connection to the spokes. The spokes have straight end portions, which are not bent in an elbow-like fashion, and are received in respective front cavities formed on the end surfaces of the hub. Force distributing members are preferably interposed between the enlarged heads of the spokes and the cooperating abutment surfaces. Axial retainers may be provided to prevent the end portions of the spokes from moving axially out of the respective cavities.

Abstract: A spoked wheel includes a wheel rim, a wheel hub, and a plurality of spokes that are formed integrally from fiber reinforced plastic and that interconnect the wheel rim and wheel hub. Each spoke has an intermediate portion with a symmetrical oval cross-section, a nub larger than spoke apertures in hub flanges of the wheel hub, and a bend interconnecting the nub and the intermediate portion. The bend changes gradually from the circular cross-section of the nub to the oval cross-section of the intermediate portion. The nub and the bend have abutment faces which contact tightly inclined faces of a corresponding spoke aperture so as to secure the nub and the bend on inner and outer sides of the hub flange. Each spoke further has a foot portion and a transitional portion extending from the intermediate portion and changing gradually from the oval cross-section to an elliptical cross-section of the foot portion. Each of a plurality of washers is disposed between the wheel rim and one of the spokes.

Abstract: A wheel hub for attachment to a wheel rim which includes a hollow axle and a pair of annular bearing assemblies is disclosed. The bearing assemblies have inner and outer annular parts, inner and outer circumferential surfaces, and inner and outer side surfaces. The inner side surface of the inner annular part of each annular bearing assembly engages the ends of the axle in end-to-side abutment. The wheel hub also includes a pair of stops having a wedge end and an axle end. The axle end of each stop may be disposed through one of the bearing assemblies and into one of the ends of the hollow axle capturing a respective annular bearing assembly between the wedge end of the stop and the end of the axle. An annular abutment bracket is press fit over each bearing assembly. Each annular abutment bracket facilitates attachment of the wheel hub to a wheel rim.

Abstract: A hub assembly for a bicycle or other human powered vehicle. The hub assembly provides a unique design for use with straight pull spokes having enlarged retention ends with no bends that can be dropped into retention cavities and retention slots in a spoke ring of the hub assembly. The hub assembly is also universally adaptable to any wheel employing standard rim brakes or any wheel with a disc brake rotor attached, and/or with all existing sprocket drive lines (freewheels, cassette bodies), in any configuration, by simply replacing or slightly modifying one or a few components. The novel hub assembly provides a quick-release feature without the need for a quick-release skewer, but can still readily be adapted to use a conventional skewer.

Abstract: A strong, light weight and high performance hub is described for use in a spoked wheel in which the hub is connected to a rim by a plurality of spokes. The hub is provided with two bell-shaped end flanges which are integral. Two rings of bores are defined in each end of the flanges. The bores are paired between the rings, one bore in the outer ring being substantially adjacent to one bore in the adjacent inner ring. The angle of definition of each of the bores in the hub flange tends to orient a spoke disposed therethrough at an angle to a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the hub of about 20 degrees. When the spoke is attached to the rim, it is gently pulled or bent outward so that the angle to the plane perpendicular to the axis of the hub is reduced or in the illustrated embodiment, reduced to 9 degrees or less. The gentle bend in the spoke prevents the spoke from loosening after the initial truing and tensioning even if the spoke wheel is repeatedly subjected to high impulsive stresses.

Abstract: A hub for a spoked wheel includes an annular peripheral portion having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a peripheral edge, wherein the inner surface and the outer surface define non-parallel planes, and wherein the inner surface forms an acute angle with respect to the rotational axis defined by the hub, whereby the peripheral portion is thickest along the peripheral edge, and tapers to a reduced thickness at a constant radius from the peripheral edge. First and second pluralities of spoke attachment apertures extend through the outer and inner surfaces, the first plurality of spoke attachment apertures providing attachment points for a plurality of outer spokes on the outer surface and the second plurality of spoke attachment apertures providing attachment points for a plurality of inner spokes on the inner surface.

Abstract: A hub shell comprises a hollow cylindrical body with a spoke flange and a hub head at each end. The spoke flange has a number of bores arranged radially around the flange perimeter, with the spacing and angle of the bores being dependent upon whether the hub is to be for a front wheel or a rear wheel. In every case, the bore is formed at an angle directed inward from the ends of the hub. The perimeter face of the hub flange is formed at the same angle as the bore so that the spoke exits the flange generally perpendicular to the perimeter face of the flange but angled with respect to the hub axis. Each bore has an inner thread which matches the thread pattern of the threaded end of a standard bicycle spoke. Both ends of the spoke will have the same outside thread so that either end may be inserted into the hub or into the spoke nipple at the wheel rim.

Abstract: A hub (10) for a spoked wheel includes flanges (18) having a plurality of open-topped slots (20) for receiving spokes (22). The hub is designed for use with spokes having an elongated shaft portion (30) and an enlarged head portion (32). The slots have an open end (25) at a periphery of the flange and an enlarged closed end (27) located between the periphery of the flange and an axis of rotation of the hub. The enlarged end of the slot is wide enough to accommodate the enlarged end portion of the spoke. A narrowest portion (29) of the slot is only wide enough to accommodate the shaft portion of the spoke. Slots in a flange member are arranged in a pattern corresponding to a lacing pattern of spokes in a the wheel. A spoke may be laid into a slot with the enlarged head portion of the spoke in the enlarged portion of the slot, and with the spoke in its correct orientation in the spoke-lacing pattern.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel hub has a pair of spoke flanges disposed on an elongated cylinder with the spoke flanges having holes for accepting spoke ends therein. The flanges are placed at a spacing of from about 32-42 millimeters to provide a narrow frontage for reducing aerodynamic drag and reduced spoke length, thereby increasing aerodynamic and weight efficiency, yet maintaining or increasing lateral strength.

Abstract: A method of producing injection molded in-line skate wheels is disclosed. The method includes heating an injection molding unit suitable for injecting molten polyurethane, placing a thermoplastic polyether type polyurethane into the unit and heating the polyurethane until it is molten or at about 380.degree. to about 460.degree. F. A polyurethane hub is placed in a mold whereby the mold and hub are of shapes and sizes suitable for producing in-line skate wheels. The hub-containing mold is heated to about 50.degree. to about 100.degree. F. in order to prevent the molten polyurethane from prematurely hardening. Once the mold is heated, about 46 to about 50 g of polyurethane is injected into the mold at about 75 to about 100 psi. The polyurethane is cooled to about 120.degree. to about 130.degree. F. to allow the polyurethane to harden and the resulting wheel is removed from the mold.

Abstract: A high modulus multifilament non-rigid and rigid wheel spoke including a fiber mid-portion between a first and second end having attachment members affixed thereto. Also disclosed are methods of supporting a hub within a wheel rim by means of a plurality of spokes or by means of continuous lengths of spokes.

Abstract: A composite wheel using preheaded spokes insertable in a rim, a hub notched to receive and position the spokes and two plastic resin hub inserts compressively mating with the hub so as to secure the spokes therebetween. A method of assembly is also described.

Abstract: A spoke wheel consisting of a wheel hub and of a rim which are connected with each other by a number of spokes. The rim thereby carries a tire. In order that the tire can be of tubeless construction, the relatively wide rim flanges are provided with mounting bores through which extend the spokes.

Abstract: A wire wheel construction consisting of a rim, a hub having a pair of spaced flanges and pairs of spokes that are fixed at their opposite ends to the rim and at an intermediate portion to a respective flange of the hub. The arrangement is such that the end connections of the spokes to the rim may be on the same side of the center line of the rim as the respective connecting flange of the hub.

Abstract: This is a new structure relating the wheel hub and spoke assembly, in which some portion of the spoke is bent, and the two hook-shaped bent ends of the spoke are to be hooked into the two adjacent rectangular holes on the wheel rim. The parallel elbow portions of the spoke are to be mounted inside the corresponding open slots on the wheel hub. The spokes are to be tightly pulled between the wheel hub and the wheel rim by means of the cylinder.

Abstract: Presented is a wire spoke wheel and hub assembly that simulates the popular racing wheels in that it projects a small diameter hub, while providing the requisite load bearing characteristics so necessary with modern day wheels. Structurally, the assembly includes an adaptor removably bolted by appropriate lugs to the brake drum or wheel support plate of an automobile, and the wheel is then detachably mounted on the adaptor member.

Abstract: A wire wheel for fitting to a vehicle having a brake disc and a brake caliper extending around a portion of the edge of the disc, comprising a circular rim (10), a hubshell (15) having an inner mounting end and a smaller outer end and having an outer diameter somewhat smaller than normal, its radius being less than the radial spacing of brake caliper from the wheel center, and a plurality of spokes (12) connected between the rim and the hubshell supporting the rim concentric with the hubshell and with the hubshell located predominantly on the outer side of a plane which bisects the rim circumferentially. A supporting ring (2) is rigidly fitted to the inner mounting end of the hubshell, preferably with an interference fit and has a mounting face adjacent or coincident with the plane such that the caliper is clear of rotating spokes.

Abstract: An all-welded wire spoke wheel for a pneumatic tire includes a pneumatic tire rim formed with a relatively wide groove or depression in its inner face which extends all around the rim. An elongated metal strap is formed having a length, width and thickness approximating the circumference, width and depth of the rim groove. A series of spokes are welded endwise to that strap at spaced-apart locations therealong and then the strap is bent into a hoop with the spokes extending radially inward and seated snugly in the rim groove. After the hoop is secured to the rim at locations all around the rim, a wheel hub is welded conventionally to the radially inner ends of the spokes concentric with the rim.

Abstract: An improved wheel construction for agricultural apparatus, such as wheel-move irrigation pipe lines, has a hub and an annular rim joined by spokes releasably attached at their ends to the hub and rim in a manner such that the wheel may be knocked down or disassembled for storage and shipment and easily assembled at the point of use. The inner spoke ends are releasably joined to the hub by unique coupling structure which are engagable to firmly interlock the spokes to the hub and are releasable to separate spokes from the hub solely by relative movement of the spokes and hub between interlock and release positions.