Patent ID: 7862128
Filing Date: 2011-01-04
Classification: B60B

Abstract:
1. A wheel, comprising: a peripheral wheel rim; a central hub with a central axle and an outer flange; a plurality of spokes extending between the rim and hub, a bracing element connected to at least one of said spokes; a clamping element connected to said bracing element; wherein said spokes have a first portion connected to said rim and a second portion opposed to said first portion and connected to said hub and a span portion between said rim and said hub; wherein said spoke has a tensile axis of applied tensile load along said span portion and wherein said spoke has a sidewall surface and a longitudinal axis along the length of said spoke; wherein said bracing element includes at least a portion of at least one of said rim and hub; wherein said spoke is anchored to said clamping element in a clamped connection, such that said clamping element is clamped to at least one of said spokes by a clamping force at a clamped interface between said spoke and said clamping element; and wherein at least one of said first portion and said second portion of at least one of said spokes is joined to said clamping element by means of a deformed engagement at said clamped interface, such that at least one of (1) said clamping element is deformed by said spoke and (2) said spoke is deformed by said clamping element.