High performance broad application wheel

Abstract

A wheel (10) with a rim (12) and at least one spoke (14) includes a rim (12) wherein the depth of the rim (12) varies circumferentially around the rim (12). At least one spoke (14) with a first end (16) connected to the rim (12) and a second end (18) connected to a wheel hub (20) is provided wherein the cross-section of the spoke (14) varies from the first end (16) to the second end (18). The rim (12) depth varies circumferentially so that the depth is greater between the spokes (14) and less at the spokes (14). Further, the spoke (14) cross-section is symmetrical at the second end (18) connected to the wheel hub (20) and asymmetrical at the first end (16). The asymmetrical shape of the first end (16) is preferably an ellipse with a leading edge ellipse (30) shape that is constant from the first end (16) to the second end (18) and a trailing edge ellipse shape (32) that is the same dimension as the leading edge (30) at the second end (18) and thereafter decreases in dimension from the second end (18) to the first end (16). Further, in a preferred embodiment, the rim (12), and/or spoke(s) (14), is a hollow structure manufactured from multiple nested, tubular braids (40), (41) and (42).

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.