US 10,556,464 B2Granted

Spoked human-powerable vehicle wheel with user-removable hub and plurality of conical hub-to-annulus attachment elements

OwnerBert Vermeuleninventor

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Abstract

A wheel for a bicycle, or other human powerable vehicle, has a hub that includes: (a) an axle for attachment to a bicycle frame; (b) a set of bearings that connect the axle to a rotating sleeve; and (c) at least three connection points fixedly connected to the rotating sleeve. The connection points are used to detachably attach an annular module to the hub using attachment elements that each comprise conical frustum surfaces. The attachment elements are configured to axially press a portion of the hub to a portion of the annular module, as well as radially aligning the hub to the annular module. The annular module also has a set of spoke attachment points configured for tensioned spokes that connect the annular module to a wheel rim. The spoke attachment points are in a circular configuration on two parallel offset planes that are perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rim.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A wheel for a human powerable vehicle comprising:

a rim configured for holding a tire;
an annular module located concentric to a central axis of rotation of the rim wherein the annular module comprises:
a central aperture;
a plurality of first spoke attachment points located on a first plane, wherein the first plane is perpendicular to the central axis of rotation the rim, and the first spoke attachment points are in a circular configuration;
a plurality of second spoke attachment points located on a second plane, wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rim and offset and parallel to the first plane, and the second spoke attachment points are in a circular configuration;
and
at least three connection features wherein:
the connection features are configured for detachable attachment of a hub module;
and
the connection features are located closer to the center of rotation of the rim than the first spoke attachment points and the second spoke attachment points;
a plurality of spokes in tension that connect the rim to the annular module;
a user-detachable hub module comprising:
an axle configured for attachment to a frame of the human powerable vehicle;
a sleeve that surrounds at least part of the axle;
at least one bearing that rotationally couples the axle to the sleeve;
and
at least three mounting features that are rigidly coupled to the sleeve;
and
at least three attachment elements that each comprise a conical frustum surface wherein:
the attachment elements are configured for:
user attachment and detachment of the hub module at the mounting features to the connection features of the annular module;
and
applying a force in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the rim to press the hub module against the annular module;
and
the conical frustum surfaces are configured for:
concentric alignment of the axis of rotation of the hub module with the axis of rotation the rim;
and
transmitting a radial force wherein the radial force is:
transmitted between the hub module and the annular module;
and
is transmitted in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rim.

28 more elements

A system for a human powerable bicycle comprising:

a hub comprising:
an axle configured for attachment to the frame of the bicycle;
a sleeve that surrounds at least part of the axle;
at least one bearing that rotationally couples the axle to the sleeve;
at least three mounting regions that are fixedly connected to the sleeve, wherein the mounting regions are configured for detachably attaching an annular module to the hub;
the annular module comprising:
a plurality of first spoke attachment points located on a first plane, wherein the first plane is perpendicular to the central axis of rotation the axle, and the first spoke attachment points are in a circular configuration;
a plurality of second spoke attachment points located on a second plane, wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the axle and offset and parallel to the first plane, and the second spoke attachment points are in a circular configuration;
and
at least three hub attachment regions;
at least three attachment elements with conical surfaces wherein the attachment elements are configured for:
user attachment and detachment of the hub to the annular module;
and
applying an axial force pressing the hub against the annular module;
and
wherein the conical surfaces are configured for:
radially aligning the hub with the annular module.

14 more elements

A method for user attachment of a removable hub to a wheel of a human powerable vehicle, the method comprising the steps of:

establishing a hub configured for attachment to a frame of the human powerable vehicle, wherein the hub comprises:
an axle configured for attachment to the frame;
a sleeve that surrounds at least part of the axle;
at least one bearing that rotationally couples the axle to the sleeve;
at least three mounting regions that are connected to the sleeve;
and
detachably attaching an annular module to the mounting regions wherein:
the annular module comprises:
a plurality of first spoke attachment points located on a first plane, wherein the first plane is perpendicular to the central axis of rotation the axle, and the first spoke attachment points are in a circular configuration;
a plurality of second spoke attachment points located on a second plane, wherein the second plane is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the axle and offset and parallel to the first plane, and the second spoke attachment points are in a circular configuration;
and
detachably attaching comprises:
the use of at least three attachment elements that comprise conical surfaces;
applying an axial force pressing the hub against the annular module;
and
radially aligning the hub with the annular module;
and
the attachment elements comprise conical surfaces.

15 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 16/516,200Filed 18 Jul 2019 · continuation in part
Priority: 21 Jan 2018
Published: US 2019/0135368 A17 Nov 2019
Granted: 11 Feb 2020
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification27 codes

B60B 27/026
Specially adapted for bicycles: comprising quick release devices
B62K 25/02
Axle suspensions: for mounting axles rigidly on cycle frame or fork, e.g. adjustably
B60B 1/003
Spoked wheels; Spokes thereof: specially adapted for bicycles
B60B 1/02
Spoked wheels; Spokes thereof: wheels with wire or other tension spokes

Family

Application62/619,874Us provisional application · filed 21 Jan 2018
Application16/239,505Parent of this continuation-in-part · filed 3 Jan 2019
US 2019/0337333 A1Pre-grant publication · published 7 Nov 2019
US 10,392,072 B2Parent of this continuation-in-part
US 2019/0135368 A1Published application
US 10,556,464 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.