Patent ID: 7357459
Filing Date: 2008-04-15
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, 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 cavity formed within at least one of said outer flange and said rim for connection with at least one of said spokes, wherein at least one of said first portion and said second portion of at least one of said spokes is joined to at least one of said outer flange and said rim by means of a deformed engagement in a deformed engagement region wherein at least one of (1) said cavity is deformed by said spoke and (2) said spoke is deformed by said cavity; wherein at least one of said first portion and said second portion of said at least one of said spokes is coupled to at least one of said outer flange and said rim by means of an interference fit; wherein said deformed engagement is a longitudinal engagement along the longitudinal axis of said spoke; and wherein said deformed engagement results in a connection to resist relative movement between said cavity and said at least one of said first portion and said second portion of said spoke at said engagement region.