Spoked wheel with aerodynamic and rigidity imparting spokes
US5779323A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 25, 1997 |
| Grant date | Jul 14, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 25, 2017 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60B27/023
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
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. Each of a plurality of spoke fasteners extends through the wheel rim and one of the washers, and engages a metal fastener axially embedded in the foot portion of one of the spokes so that the …
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.