Abstract: A cycle wheel that includes a rim and a tire, having a width S, the rim including a rotational body whose cross section includes a main portion, having a width L greater than the width S, and a peripheral portion which is radially positioned outside of the main portion and which includes an annular cavity in which the tire is partially received. The outer surface of the wheel is comprised of the portions of the tire and of the rim facing outward of the wheel. The wheel further includes an interface fitting in contact with the rim and the tire, the interface fitting being positioned in a groove, one side wall of which is a portion of the outer surface of the tire and the other side wall of which is a portion of the outer surface of the rim. The interface fitting constitutes an intermediate portion of the outer surface of the wheel, the fitting being a deformable portion distinct from the tire and the rim, and at least 40% of the volume of the interface fitting being comprised of a hollow space.

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 through a suitably sized opening, instead of from the outside, the rim of the bicycle wheel can be manufactured without additional openings, even when using conventional nipples or barrels.

Abstract: A tire for a cycle having a substantially toroidal shape, the tire including a tread adapted to be in contact with the ground, a base adapted to be fixed on the peripheral portion of a cycle rim, and two sides connecting the tread and the base, a lip having a height h greater than twice its thickness e and projecting from the upper portion of each of the two sides, in the vicinity of the tread. The height of the tip is greater than 15% of the width S of the tire in an inflated state. The lips can be constituted by the non-attached extension of the tread and, in particular, by a ply of material affixed to the top of the tire and whose edges are left free on a height greater than 15% of the width of the tire, or each lip can be arranged on an intermediate element adhered on the sides and/or the base of the tire, the intermediate element being capable of being a ring including an annular channel open towards its periphery and two lips projecting from each side of the channel.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes an annular rim body having a horizontally disposed rim axis. The rim body includes an annular base wall and opposite annular side walls extending from the annular base wall. Each annular side wall includes a reinforcing segment connected to the annular base wall, and a tire coupling segment extending from the reinforcing segment. The tire coupling segments of the annular side walls cooperatively define a tire retaining space. Each reinforcing segment has an inner wall portion, an outer wall portion disposed at a radially outer side of the inner wall portion and cooperating with the inner wall portion to define an annular chamber, and at least one connecting wall portion disposed in the annular chamber, and cooperating with the inner and outer wall portions to form at least one H-shaped wall structure and to configure the annular chamber into at least two annular holes.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes a V-shaped tube, at least two hook walls and at least two hooks. The V-shaped tube includes at least two sidewalls and a bearing portion. The sidewalls are disposed opposite each other. The bearing portion connects the sidewalls. The hook walls are linearly connected to the sidewalls of the V-shaped tube respectively, wherein each of the sidewalls of the V-shaped tube includes a first end connected to the bearing portion and a second end connected to one of the hook walls. The hooks are connected to the hook walls respectively.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel includes: a disk and a rim having a well portion and fixed to the disk for supporting a tire for the vehicle; and an additional air chamber member secured to an outer circumferential surface of the well portion in a tire air chamber defined between the rim and the tire. The additional air chamber includes a communication pipe with a communication through hole therein for communication between the additional air chamber and the tire air chamber. The additional air chamber has a peak in a radial direction of the vehicle wheel. A radius D2 of rotation of the vehicle wheel at the tip of the communication through hole is equal to or greater than a radius D1 of rotation of the vehicle at the peak of the additional air chamber.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel which includes an additional air chamber member forming an additional air chamber in a tire air chamber. The additional air chamber member is fixed on an outer circumferential surface of a well portion of a rim. The additional air chamber member is provided with a communication hole communicating between the additional air chamber and the tire air chamber. The communication hole is disposed at a position shifted from a discharge port of an air valve for supplying air in the tire air chamber in a wheel circumferential direction and opened to the tire air chamber.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim having a circular base portion including a proximal surface and a distal surface, and a pair of integral sidewalls extending generally radially outward from an intersection region of the proximal surface and the distal surface. The distal surface of the rim has a central hump, a trough contiguous with the central hump extending axially outward from the hump, and a flat shelf immediately adjacent, contiguous with, and extending axially outward from the trough. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bicycle wheel including the embodied rim, a plurality a spokes engaged at respective ends thereof with the rim and a hub engaged with the plurality of spoke members at opposite ends thereof. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bicycle wheel assembly comprising the embodied wheel and a tube and/or tire mounted on the rim.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes an annular rim body that has an annular base wall, a pair of annular side walls, and a stop unit. The annular side walls extend respectively from lateral edges of the annular base wall. Each annular side wall includes a hollow segment and a connecting segment that interconnects the hollow segment and the annular base wall. Each hollow segment has an inner wall portion, an outer wall portion, and a tire bead retaining part projecting from the inner wall portion toward the other one of the annular side walls. Each inner wall portion is adapted for contacting a respective one of tire beads of a tire and cooperates with the stop unit and the respective tire bead retaining part to retain the respective tire bead.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim having rim walls joined at their proximal ends by an inner annular bridge, an annular outer bridge disposed at the approximate midpoint of the rim walls, and a vertical beam disposed between the outer and inner bridges.

Abstract: A sub air chamber provided around outer circumferential surface of a well of a rim of a vehicle wheel includes an upper plate and a lower plate connected at edges thereof which are fitted into channels in first and second vertical wall surfaces formed on the rim. At least one of the upper plate and the bottom plate has orthogonally and diagonally aligned beads to vertical walls, extending in a circumferential direction of the wheel, supporting the sub air chamber, connecting parts locally connecting the upper plate and the bottom plate. The sub air chamber has a protruding part for communicating the sub air chamber with the tire air chamber and serves as a stopper of the sub air chamber.

Abstract: A composite rim including a reinforcing assembly is provided. The composite rim includes a first sidewall portion, a second sidewall portion, a radially outer portion and a reinforcing assembly. The radially outer portion includes a radially outwardly-facing tire-engaging surface. The reinforcing assembly is disposed proximate the tire-engaging surface and includes a reinforcer and a containment member for containing the reinforcer. The reinforcer has an axis extending circumferentially about the composite rim and is configured to reinforce the composite rim in a direction generally perpendicular to the axis of the reinforcer.

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.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes an annular rim body having a horizontally disposed rim axis. The rim body includes an annular base wall, and a pair of opposite annular side walls. The annular base wall is formed with a plurality of spoke fastening holes spaced apart from each other, and has two opposite lateral edges. The annular side walls extend radially, outwardly and respectively from the lateral edges of the annular base wall. Each of the annular side walls includes a hollow segment that defines an annular hole. The hollow segment has an inner wall portion disposed at an inner side of the annular hole and facing the other one of the annular side walls, and an outer wall portion connected to the inner wall portion and disposed at an outer side of the annular hole opposite to the inner side of the annular hole.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A vehicle wheel 1 having a plurality of subsidiary air chambers 3, which is annularly incorporated on a rim outer peripheral surface 4, a cover member 13 having a lug part extended over the entire periphery and a stepped part extended over its periphery along the inside of the lug part 16, and a bottom plate member 14 being superimposed with each other through a seal member made of an elastic member and interposed therebetween in an airtight manner, and the cover member 13 and the rim outer peripheral surface 4 being joined to each other in a joint part 10, wherein the cover member 13 and the rim outer peripheral surface 4 are made into contact with each other so as to form a subsidiary air chamber 3 having air-tightness.

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.

Abstract: A rim for a spoked bicycle wheel is disclosed that has a change of radial section of the side walls. Through changes of symmetry/asymmetry with respect to a middle plane and/or changes of radial extent, it is possible to improve the performance of the rim in terms of balance, camber angles and/or strength. Preferably, the radial section is variable, still of constant area along the circumference, apart from apertures for the attachment of spokes and possible openings for the passage of nipples. A process for manufacturing a rim for a bicycle wheel is also described, comprising hydroforming a tubular extruded piece to locally change the section of the side walls.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim having a circular base portion including a proximal surface and a distal surface, and a pair of integral sidewalls extending generally radially outward from an intersection region of the proximal surface and the distal surface. The distal surface of the rim has a central hump, a trough contiguous with the central hump extending axially outward from the hump, and a flat shelf immediately adjacent, contiguous with, and extending axially outward from the trough. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bicycle wheel including the embodied rim, a plurality of spokes engaged at respective ends thereof with the rim and a hub engaged with the plurality of spoke members at opposite ends thereof. Another embodiment of the invention is directed to a bicycle wheel assembly comprising the embodied wheel and a tube and/or tire mounted on the rim.

Abstract: A wheel formed by the assembly of a disc comprising a hub bearing surface, a transition zone and a radially outer edge, and of a rim with at least a first laminated composite structure formed of at least one fabric of long fibers which are oriented in two distinct directions and impregnated by a cross-linked resin, the radially outer surface of which corresponds to the radially outer surface of the rim or to part thereof, at least a second laminated composite structure formed of at least one fabric of long fibers which are oriented in two distinct directions and impregnated by a cross-linked resin, the radially outer surface of which corresponds to the radially inner surface of the rim or to part thereof, and at least a circumferential weight-reduction structure formed of a material of low density, arranged radially between the first and second laminated composite structures.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to improvements in or relating to wheelchair wheels. More particularly, the invention relates to a more ergonomically designed wheelchair wheel, and also relates to a method of manufacturing such a wheelchair wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rim and to a method for its production, in particular for bicycles, using a machining device for the working a welding burr of the rim. The machining device comprises a machining means working the outer contour of the rim and a another machining means working the inner contour of the rim, that has an outer diameter being less than the width of the rim well. The main steps of the method include movement of the first means along the outer contour of the rim to work the welding burr on the outer contour and movement of the second means along the inner contour of the rim to work the welding burr on the inner contour. During machining the inner contour the rim is pivoted around an axis by a predefined angular range.

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.

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.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes an outer rim member having a serrated surface formed in each of two side portions and defined by one or more recesses and one or more bulges, an inner rim member for attaching to an inner peripheral portion of the outer rim member and having two peripheral flanges for engaging with and for securing to the side portions of the outer rim member with an adhesive material. The inner rim member is preferably made of synthetic materials, and the outer rim member is preferably made of metal materials. The outer rim member includes a peripheral shoulder formed in each of the side portions for engaging with and for anchoring the peripheral flanges of the inner rim member.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes a rim body and a plurality of anchor members. The rim body includes annular left and right side walls, an annular connecting wall interconnecting the left and right side walls, and annular left and right confining ribs extending respectively from the radial inner ends of the left and right side walls toward each other to define a mounting space among the left and right side walls, the connecting wall, and the confining ribs. The confining ribs define an opening communicated with the mounting space. The anchor members are disposed fixedly within the mounting space. Each of the anchor members has a bottom wall abutting against the confining ribs and having a first mounting hole which is adapted to permit extension of a respective one of the spoke units therethrough.

Abstract: A lightweight wheel rim includes a pair of annular side walls, an annular inner wall, and two annular angle elements. The angle elements are disposed respectively at two opposite sides of the inner wall. Each of the angle elements has two opposite sides that are formed respectively and integrally with the inner wall and a radial inner end of a corresponding one of the side walls, and a plurality of alternately arranged mounting portions and dented portions. Each of the mounting portions has a mounting hole for extension of a spoke unit therethrough.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim having a circular base portion including a proximal surface and a distal surface, and a pair of integral sidewalls extending generally radially outward from an intersection region of the proximal surface and the distal surface. The distal surface of the rim has a central hump, a trough contiguous with the central hump extending axially outward from the hump, and a flat shelf immediately adjacent, contiguous with, and extending axially outward from the trough. A distal point of the sidewall extends no further than 0.200 in above the shelf of the distal surface of the rim. The sidewall height is on the order of 2 millimeters less than the sidewall height of a conventional bicycle wheel rim providing approximately 4 mm more tire surface exposure. The inner profile of the sidewall has substantially the same profile shape as the bead of the tire producing a ‘ball-and-socket’ type fit that helps to reduce strain on the tire bead while creating a tighter air seal.

Abstract: A wheel rim includes a rim body and a plurality of anchor members. The rim body includes annular left and right side walls, an annular connecting wall interconnecting the left and right side walls, and annular left and right confining ribs extending respectively from the radial inner ends of the left and right side walls toward each other to define a mounting space among the left and right side walls, the connecting wall, and the confining ribs. The confining ribs define an opening communicated with the mounting space. The anchor members are disposed fixedly within the mounting space. Each of the anchor members has a bottom wall abutting against the confining ribs and having a first mounting hole which is adapted to permit extension of a respective one of the spoke units therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rim and to a method for its production, in particular for bicycles, using a machining device for the working a welding burr of the rim. The machining device comprises a machining means working the outer contour of the rim and a another machining means working the inner contour of the rim, that has an outer diameter being less than the width of the rim well. The main steps of the method include movement of the first means along the outer contour of the rim to work the welding burr on the outer contour and movement of the second means along the inner contour of the rim to work the welding burr on the inner contour. During machining the inner contour the rim is pivoted around an axis by a predefined angular range.

Abstract: A wheel for a bicycle including a rim body suitable for receiving a tubeless tire, a valve for inflating the tire with air, at least one first sealing device positioned on the rim body for sealing at least one aperture provided in the rim and a sealing medium for sealing leakages, wherein the valve has at least one second sealing device for sealing the valve relative to the rim.

Abstract: A wheel includes a wheel rim having a number of orifices defined by one or more flanges for threading with spokes. A number of latches are attached to the spokes, and each includes a base having a shape for engaging through the orifices of the wheel rim. Each of the latches includes a catch disposed on the base, and also engageable through the orifices of the wheel rim, and having one or more cut off portions to form one or more tongues in the base. The catches are engageable into the orifices of the wheel rim when rotated relative to the wheel rim, to engage the tongue of the base with the inner surface of the wheel rim, and thus to anchor the latch to the wheel rim.

Abstract: An improved wheel rim, an improved spoke nipple and an improved wheel are disclosed. The rim has spoke openings and a threaded end of each spoke extends therethrough. An internal nipple with a threaded bore is connected to the threaded spoke end so that a first, ball-shaped, rounded end of the nipple is seated on the rim. A portion of the rim around each spoke opening is deformed or removed so as to define a portion of a socket with the same curvature as the first end of the nipple. This minimizes the required diameter of the spoke opening in the rim and maximizes the area of the rim socket surface. The invention also extends to an external nipple with a rounded collar in combination with a rim including a concave rounded rim surface formed in the rim itself.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim has spaced-apart annular tire retaining walls, and a reinforced base wall interconnecting the tire retaining walls. The base wall includes left and right corner parts, and an intermediate part extending between the corner parts. The intermediate part has a vaulted portion, which is vaulted radially, and is formed with spoke mounting holes, which are distributed between the vaulted portion and the corner parts.

Abstract: A wheel, particularly a light metal wheel, for motor vehicles, essentially consists of a spoke wheel center (20) and a wheel rim (10). In order to reduce weight and to increase the bending strength, which is of great significance in regard to contacts with curbstones and driving through potholes, profile segments (31) in the form of half-shell units, which from a continuous hollow chamber (41) in the direction of circumference, at least in sections, are provided in the area of an external base of the rim (14).

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes a plurality of elongate slots each of which is composed of a first diameter portion and a second diameter portion which is smaller than the first diameter portion. A tube having threaded outer periphery is inserted in each elongate slot and a core piece is inserted through a passage in the tube. The tube has a flange engaged with an inside of the rim and a cover member covering each elongate slot has a threaded hole for being threadedly connected to the threaded outer periphery of the tube. A protrusion extends from a side of the cover member so as to be engaged with the first diameter portion while the tube is shifted to the second diameter portion. A spoke is inserted in the core piece and threadedly connected to a threaded inner periphery of the core piece.

Abstract: A two-piece wheel is formed by joining a center part to a rim part by a friction stir welding. The weld joints are prepared so that at least a portion of a first circumferential weld joint is not parallel to at least a portion of a second circumferential weld joint. Thus, a cast alloy center part may be securely and efficiently attached to a wrought alloy rim part.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim includes an annular rim body having left and right annular tire retaining walls with inner edges connected to left and right edges of an annular spoke mounting wall. Each of a pair of annular corner reinforcing members is formed integrally with the rim body at a junction of a corresponding one of the left and right edges of the spoke mounting wall with the inner edge of a respective one of the tire retaining walls. Each of the corner reinforcing members extends laterally outward relative to the respective one of the tire retaining walls, and further extends radially inward relative to the spoke mounting wall.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim includes two retaining portions and a locating portion. The two retaining portions are formed of a groove for retaining permanently one of two retaining edges of a tubeless tire. The locating portion is formed of two furrows, and a ridge situated between the two furrows which are located in proximity of the grooves of the retaining portions. The furrows are used as temporary dwelling places for locating the two retaining edges of the tubeless tire in the course of the mounting of the tubeless tire on the bicycle wheel rim.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel basically has a hub, 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 spoke attachment portion with a plurality of spoke openings for receiving the outer ends of the spokes therein. The spoke openings of the annular rim have reinforcement members located between the spokes and annular rim. The outer ends of the spokes have bent sections located within the spoke holes of the reinforcement members or washers and head section that engage the inner surface of the reinforcement members. The rim is free of access apertures or holes in the outer annular portion adjacent a majority of the spoke holes. The reinforcement member has a transverse dimension allowing the outer end of the spoke and the reinforcement member to pass through the openings in a first orientation and be retained in the openings in a second orientation.

Abstract: A rim for a bicycle wheel with tubeless tyre comprises a radially inner peripheral wall, a radially outer peripheral wall, two circumferential side walls which connect the inner and outer peripheral walls and form two ribs which extend beyond the outer peripheral wall, for anchorage of a tubeless tyre. The inner and outer peripheral walls have two holes facing one another, within which an intermediate tubular element is mounted, connected to which is a valve body of a standard type normally used for bicycle wheels provided with inner tubes.

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.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel rim has spaced-apart annular tire retaining walls, and a reinforced base wall interconnecting the tire retaining walls. The base wall includes left and right corner parts, and an intermediate part extending between the corner parts. The intermediate part has a vaulted portion, which is vaulted radially, and is formed with spoke mounting holes, which are distributed between the vaulted portion and the corner parts.

Abstract: A bicycle rim includes side portions with an outer portion extending between the side portions to form a pair of outer corners, and a spoke attachment portion. The outer portion includes a pair of ridges spaced from the outer corners. The ridges preferably divide a pair of inclined surfaces. The side portions preferably include a pair of ground braking surfaces with a pair of sloping surfaces extending from the braking surfaces to a pair of outer side surfaces. A tubeless bicycle tire is mounted on the rim and includes a tread portion, a pair of sidewalls and a pair of beads. Each bead has an inner foot surface supported on one of the ridges. Preferably, each bead has a reinforcement member with a center axis. Each ridge is preferably located between one of the center axes and an inner edge of one of the inner foot surfaces.

Abstract: A hollow bicycle rim includes a pair of side portions, an outer portion and a spoke attachment portion with a plurality of spoke openings. The side portions have ribs to form opposing tire supporting surfaces. The outer portion extends between the side portions. The outer portion includes a pair of annular inclined surfaces extending radially inwardly from the side portions with a curved connecting surface extending therebetween. The spoke attachment portion is rigidly coupled with the side portions and the outer portion. The inclined surfaces are preferably angled between three degrees and seventeen degrees. The outer annular portion preferably has at least one aperture, but fewer than half of the number of spoke openings. The side portions preferably have a pair of inner bent sections. A pair of spoke attachment sections with the plurality of circumferentially arranged spoke openings preferably have radial lengths larger than the spoke openings.

Abstract: An assembly of a rim and a closed toroidal tire. The tire includes a tire casing and a ring, defining a tight chamber. The ring provides a mounting base on the rim and forms a sleeve designed to rest on said rim in mounting position. The ring includes a protuberance having a locking surface, intended to be engaged in a complementary groove arranged on the rim in order to oppose any relative movement between tire and rim axially in at least one direction. The ring has such a degree of flexibility that a pressure reduction of the chamber causes a displacement of said protuberance toward a larger radius. The tire can, for example, be fitted on the rim, and then the vacuum can be eliminated so that the protuberance will be engaged in the groove.

Abstract: A bicycle wheel basically has a hub, 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 spoke attachment portion with a plurality of spoke openings for receiving the outer ends of the spokes therein. The spoke openings of the annular rim have reinforcement members located between the spokes and annular rim. The outer ends of the spokes have bent sections located within the spoke holes of the reinforcement members or washers and head section that engage the inner surface of the reinforcement members. The rim is free of access apertures or holes in the outer annular portion adjacent a majority of the spoke holes. The reinforcement member has a transverse dimension allowing the outer end of the spoke and the reinforcement member to pass through the openings in a first orientation and be retained in the openings in a second orientation.