Tension-lock system for spokes in spoked wheels

A tension-locking system for the spokes of a spoked wheel assembly, said system comprising a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes, locking nuts, washers, and nipples:

• said nipple having a body with a diameter and an internally-threaded spoke-receiving passageway therein,
• said body having external threading,
• a head on said body, said head having a diameter larger than the diameter of said body,
• each of said spokes being threaded at one end, and having a hub-engaging head on the other end,
• said threads on the ends of the spokes matching the threads on the internally-threaded passageway,
• said locking nuts having a convex surface, and having internal threads to mate with the external threads of said body,
• said washer having one concave surface to mate with said locking nut, and the opposite surface contoured to conform to the surface of said rim, and a hole which is larger in diameter than the external threads on said body.

The method of fastening a spoke between the hub and rim of a spoked wheel, which method includes:

• providing a rim with a hole in it and a hub with a hole in it,
• providing a spoke between the holes of said rim and said hub,
• providing a locking nut having a convex surface and having internal threads to mate with the external threads of said nipple,
• providing a washer having a concave surface to mate with the said locking nut, and the opposite surface contoured to conform to the surface of said rim, and a hole which is larger in diameter than the said external threads on said nipple,
• passing the spoke through the hole in the hub, until the head of said spoke engages the hub,
• passing the threaded end of the spoke through said locking nut and said washer and hole of said rim,
• providing a generally tubular nipple having a head and a body, said body having internal threads and external threads, and an outside diameter smaller than the diameter of said hole in said rim,
• threading said nipple onto said spoke bringing said head of said nipple tightly against one side of said rim, and subsequently tightening the locking nut and washer against the other side of said rim.