Vehicle wheel spoke connection
US8985709B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 13, 2011 |
| Grant date | Mar 24, 2015 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 14, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB60B31/02
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An improved vehicle wheel, including a rim, a hub with a central axle and an outer flange, a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub and a connecting element connected to at least one of the spokes. The spoke is a generally slender element with a longitudinal axis with a span portion between the rim and hub and a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the span portion. At least one of said rim and hub constitutes a bracing element. The connecting element includes an external surface and an internal cavity with an internal surface adjacent said spoke. The connecting element is joined to the spoke by means of a crimped joinder such that said external surface is pressed inwardly to plastically deform said connecting element to displace the internal surface toward the spoke. The crimped joinder supports tensile load through an engagement interface.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.