Patent Application
20070176482
The invention relates to bicycles, and more particularly to wheels for bicycles.
For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, in which:
Referring to
A support structure 34 extends radially between the hub 28 and rim 30. The support structure 20 may be a generally circumferentially continuous or non-continuous, spokeless structure that extends circumferentially about the hub 28, and extends radially outward to the rim 30. The support structure 34 may be recessed from the outer edge of the rim 30. The support structures may also have various shaped holes, apertures or open areas so that portions of the support structure 34 are circumferentially non-continuous and allow visual perception through the support structure through such areas. The support structure 34 may have various configurations and have recesses, projections or other non-uniform surface features. The support structure 34 may have an overall generally flat, convex or concave outer surface. The support structure 34 may also provide a continuous outer surface over its entire extent so that visual perception through the entire support structure 34 is prevented. The support structure 34 may also include a mesh or lattice structure so that visual perception through the openings of the mesh or lattice structure is allowed. The support structure 34 may be in the form of circumferentially spaced apart spokes (not shown) extending radially from the hub 28 to the rim 30.
The wheel 26 may have different diameters. This may include wheel sizes that range from about 12 inches or less to about 30 inches or more. Typical wheel sizes for bicycles include 12, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28 and 29 inches. The rim 30 may have a width of 3 inches or less, more typically 2 inches or less.
A pair of wheel mounts 36 are provided with the wheel assembly 14. The wheel mounts 36 are mounted to the wheel 26 axially outward from either side of the support structure 34 and generally overlay the support structure 34. In the embodiment shown, the wheel mount 36 has a hub or central portion 38. Spokes or radial structure 40 of the wheel mount 36 extends radially outward from the central portion 38 and may terminate at an outer circumferential rim 42 of the wheel mount 36. In certain embodiments, the circumferential rim 42 may be eliminated.
The radial extending structure 40 may have various shaped holes, apertures or open areas so that portions of the structure 40 are circumferentially non-continuous and allow visual perception through the structure 40 through such areas. The structure 40 may have various configurations and have recesses, projections or other non-uniform surface features. The structure 40 may have an overall generally flat, convex or concave outer surface. The structure 40 may also have an undulating configuration wherein the structure 40 bows outwards or inwards from the hub 38 and rim 42, with the hub 38 and rim 42 being generally co-planar or non-coplanar. In the embodiment shown in
The wheel mount 36, as well as the wheel 26, may be formed of the same or different materials. Suitable materials include various metals or metal alloys. These may include aluminum, iron, titanium, magnesium, as well as other metals and alloys known to those skilled in the art that may provide the necessary structural support and integrity for use in a bicycle wheel and for the purposes described herein. Non-metal materials include various plastics or polymeric materials and composite materials, such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, graphite, boron fiber, etc. Other non-metal materials could be used, as well, such as are known to those skilled in the art or may come into existence. In particular, cast aluminum and molded carbon fiber wheels and wheel mounts may be employed in the present invention. 380 aluminum is particularly well suited for construction of the wheel and wheel mounts. The wheel mount and wheel may be individually cast as a single unitary piece or in multiple components that are assembled together. Squeeze or die casting may be used in forming the wheels and wheel mounts. Examples of methods of forming metal and non-metal wheels are presented in U.S. Pat. No. 4,035,895, which is herein incorporated by reference. The wheel or wheel mounts may be of solid or hollow construction. U.S. Pat. No. 4,930,843, which is herein incorporated by reference, discloses a hollow construction for a bicycle wheel which may be similarly employed in the construction of the wheel or wheel mounts of the present invention.
The surfaces of the wheel and wheel mounts may be treated to provide a desired appearance. In particular, the surfaces may be provided with a surface finish. These may include a plated chrome finish or a painted chrome finish, such as Mirra Chrome™ painted coatings. The surface treatment may provide a shiny or matte finish. In some embodiments, the wheel and wheel mount may have different surface finishes. In particular, a dark surface finish, which may be shiny or matte, may be provided on the wheel or portions of the wheel 26. The wheel mount 36 may be provided with a lighter or contrasting surface finish to contrast with those portions of the wheel that are visible through open areas of the wheel mount. The surfaces may also be provided with variations in color or texture and may include different colors, designs, emblems or indicia.
A cover plate 54 is provided with the wheel mount 36. The cover plate 54 may be received within a shallow recess or hollowed area 56 formed in the outer portion of the wheel mount 36, which may be concentric with the central opening 48. The cover plate 54 is provided with a central opening 58 to allow passage of a hub bolt 60 of the wheel hub 28 therethrough. The cover plate 54 is bolted to the wheel mount 36 through threaded bolts 62 that are received within apertures or bolt holes 64 formed in the wheel mount 36. As can be seen in
The radially innermost portion of the cover plate 54 is configured to engage the outer race of the bearing 46 to retain the bearing 46 within the recess 48. A bearing retaining member or ring 70 having central opening for passage over hub bolt 60 is sized to engage the inner race of the bearing assembly 46. The wheel mount 36 is retained on the hub 28 through washer 72, which abuts against bearing retaining member 70, and nut 74, which engages threaded end portion 76 of hub bolt 60.
When the wheel mount 46 is mounted to the wheel 26 in a rotatable manner as shown in
It should be noted that although the wheel mount 46 is rotatably mounted to the hub 26, the wheel mount may also be rotatably mounted through the rim 30. U.S. Pat. No. 6,554,370, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes, illustrates how a wheel mount may be rotatably mounted through an outer rim of a wheel.
The total weight of the wheel and wheel mounts may be less than 10 pounds, with from 4 to 6 pounds being typical. The wheel mounts may have an individual weight of 3 pounds or less. The wheel and wheel mounts may be formed to provide the lightest weight possible while still providing sufficient structural integrity and strength to serve their intended purposes.
Referring to
A mounting plate 86 is provided on the hub 28 of the wheel 26. The mounting plate 86 is rigidly coupled or formed with the hub portion 28 so that it rotates with the wheel 26. Threaded apertures 88 are provided in the mounting plate 86 and are configured to align with at least some of the apertures 64 of the wheel mount 36. Alternatively, separate bolt holes or apertures may be formed in the wheel mount 46 to specifically accommodate the bolts 80. The bolts 80 thread into the threaded apertures 64 so that the wheel mount 36 is rigidly or non-rotatably mounted to the wheel 26.
In use, the bicycle wheel assemblies 14 are mounted to the bicycle frame 12. The wheel mounts 36 may be rotatably or non-rotatably mounted to the wheels 26 by use of the different bolting members 62, 80. Other means of non-rotatably mounting the wheel mount 46 to the wheel 26 may be used as well, such as replacing the bearing assembly 46 with a non-rotating insert.
The wheel mounts 36 provide a custom appearance that is not provided in conventional bicycle wheels. The wheel assemblies 14 provide a unique appearance that simulates or replicates the appearance of custom automotive or motorcycle wheels. When the wheel mounts 36 are rotatably mounted to the wheels 26, they act as spinners, which also provide a unique appearance that is similar or replicates those spinners used in custom automotive wheels. The wheel mounts 36 can optionally be mounted so that they are non-rotatable relative to the wheel. Two or more pairs of wheel mounts 36 may be provided with each wheel so that a different appearance can be provided with the same wheel by interchanging wheel mounts. Optionally, the wheel mounts may be removed entirely so that the wheel functions without the wheel mounts.
Referring now to
While the invention has been shown in only some of its forms, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art that it is not so limited, but is susceptible to various changes and modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is appropriate that the appended claims be construed broadly and in a manner consistent with the scope of the invention.
