Patent ID: 6497042
Filing Date: 2002-12-24
Classification: B60B,Y10T

Abstract:
A method for building a wheel comprising a hub, a rim, a plurality of spokes each having an externally threaded end, a plurality of spacer elements, and a plurality of connectors each having an internally threaded portion, said method comprising the steps ofinserting the threaded ends of the spokes through spoke holes in the rim, through the spacer elements, and into the connectors, engaging the threaded ends of the spokes with the internally threaded portions of the connectors, and tuming the connectors to tighten the spokes, wherein said wheel and said connectors cooperate to maintain the axis of the threaded end of each spoke in a given spoke hole so that it is skewed relative to the axis of a first portion of each spoke, which extends from the hub to the rim and wherein, while the connector is turned to tension each spoke, each spoke takes on a permanent bend at a point remote from the threaded portion of the spoke.