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US 4,978,176 AGranted
Spoked wheel
OwnerBruce N. Smithinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
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.
Claims5
A wheel comprising:
- a. a hug cylinder having first and second open ends;
- b. a rim having a plurality of holes for receiving spokes;
- c. first and second hub inserts mating with said first and second open ends, said hub inserts being made of a low friction plastic with central apertures designed to serve as axle bearings, each insert having a cylindrical portion that fits inside said cylinder with insufficient space between said cylindrical portion and said hub cylinder for said spokeheads, whereby when said hub inserts are forced into said hub cylinder with said spokeheads in places, a compressive fit is made securing said spokes and said inserts in said hub cylinder;
- and,
- d. a plurality of spokes each having first and second spokeheads, at least one spokehead of each spoke consisting of a substantially right angle bend, the first spokehead of each spoke engaged in a respective one of said holes and the second spokehead of each spoke secured to said hub by compressive engagement of one of said hub inserts into one of said open ends securing said second end between said insert and said hub cylinder.
2 more elements
A method of assembling a composite wheel comprising:
- a. constructing a wheel rim having a plurality of spaced holes for spokes;
- b. forming spokeheads on a plurality of spokes, at least one spokehead on each spoke being a bent end;
- c. forming a metal hub cylinder with two open ends and notches in each of said open ends for receiving said spokes;
- d. molding first and second plastic hub inserts mating with said two open ends;
- e. inserting said spokes in said holes by passing said bent ends into said holes;
- f. positioning successive ones of said spokes in notches in alternating ones of said open ends;
- g. compressively fitting said hub inserts into said open ends to provide compressive engagement between said hub cylinder and said hub inserts securing said spokes therebetween;
- and,
- h. forming said open ends inward to securely grip said first and second plastic hub inserts.
6 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.