Abstract:
A impact resistant rim is configured to soften or minimize an impact, thereby reducing the risk of pinching or otherwise flattening the tire and/or damaging the rim. This impact resistant rim further reduces the effects of an impact by maintaining the integrity of the rim during and following the impact. In this rim design, a shock absorbing cord is inlaid, molded, an/or otherwise embedded inside opposing leading edges of the rim. The shock absorbing cord is designed to elastically and/or plastically deform during an impact.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
       [0001]    Getting a flat tire can ruin even the most perfect day for a bike ride. For competitive bicycle racers, a flat tire may be the difference between winning and losing a race, and while riding at high speeds, a flat tire can be even dangerous. There are many sources for flat tires in bicycles, such as underinflated tires and punctures by sharp objects. One common source for a flat is commonly referred to as a snake bite or a pinched tire. When the tire is temporarily collapsed by impacting a rock, curb, pothole, or other impediment, the tire and/or inner tube is caught between the impediment is such a manner that the rim often cuts the tire or tube, thereby leading to a flat. Thus, there is a need for improvement in this field. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0002]    A unique impact resistant rim is configured to soften or minimize an impact, thereby reducing the risk of pinching or otherwise flattening the tire and/or damaging the rim. In addition, this rim design further reduces the effects of an impact by maintaining the integrity of the rim during and following the impact. In this unique rim design, a shock absorbing cord is inlaid, molded, or otherwise integrally embedded inside opposing leading edges of the rim. The shock absorbing cord is designed to elastically and/or plastically deform during an impact. In one example, the shock absorbing cord is made of an elastomer material, such as rubber and/or silicone, but in other examples, the shock absorbing cord can be made of other types of shock absorbing materials. This design not only reduces the risk of a flat tire but also provides significant strength for supporting the sidewalls of the tire. In one example, the rim is formed from a composite material, such as carbon fiber material, but the rim can be made from other materials. A cover material that is more stretchable or extendable than carbon fibers, such as polyester, fiberglass, and/or aramid materials, is wrapped around the elastomer cord. The cover material is configured to protect the cords from being cut or sliced during an impact. In addition, due to its stretchy nature, the cover material helps to maintain the integrity of the rim from the impact as well as dissipate the energy from the impact. In another variation, the two or more elastomer cords are molded into each leading edge of the rim. While not certain, it is theorized that this shock absorbing cord provides some type of dampening or shock absorbing capability that in turn reduces the risk of pinching the tube as well as propagation of cracks in the rim. 
         [0003]    Aspect 1 concerns an apparatus, including a bicycle rim including a leading edge, and a shock absorbing cord embedded inside the leading edge. 
         [0004]    Aspect 2 concerns the apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the bicycle rim is at least in part made of a composite material. 
         [0005]    Aspect 3 concerns the apparatus of aspect 2, wherein the composite material includes carbon fiber material. 
         [0006]    Aspect 4 concerns the apparatus of aspect 2, wherein the shock absorbing cord is at least in part made of rubber. 
         [0007]    Aspect 5 concerns the apparatus of aspect 2, wherein the rim further includes a cover layer covering the shock absorbing cord. 
         [0008]    Aspect 6 concerns the apparatus of aspect 5, wherein the cover layer is more stretchable than the composite material. 
         [0009]    Aspect 7 concerns the apparatus of aspect 6, wherein the cover layer is made of material selected from a group consisting of polyester, fiberglass, Kevlar®, and aramid materials. 
         [0010]    Aspect 8 concerns the apparatus of aspect 5, further including the rim including a spoke face, a sidewall extending from the leading edge to the spoke face, and a tire channel defined at least in part by the sidewall; and a tire received in the tire channel, wherein the cover layer contacts the tire, wherein the cover layer is located between the shock absorbing cord and the tire. 
         [0011]    Aspect 9 concerns the apparatus of aspect 5, wherein the cover layer has fibers oriented at 45 degrees relative to the shock absorbing cord. 
         [0012]    Aspect 10 concerns the apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the rim further includes a cover layer covering the shock absorbing cord. 
         [0013]    Aspect 11 concerns the apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the rim further includes a second shock absorbing cord embedded in the leading edge. 
         [0014]    Aspect 12 concerns the apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the shock absorbing cord extends in a continuous manner around the rim. 
         [0015]    Aspect 13 concerns the apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the shock absorbing cord extends in a discontinuous manner around the rim. 
         [0016]    Aspect 14 concerns the apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the rim is a clincher type rim. 
         [0017]    Aspect 15 concerns the apparatus of aspect 1, wherein the rim is a tubeless type rim. 
         [0018]    Aspect 16 concerns the apparatus of aspect 1, further including a hub; and one or more spokes connecting the rim to the hub. 
         [0019]    Aspect 17 concerns the apparatus of aspect 16, further including a tire secured to the rim; and a bicycle attached to the hub. 
         [0020]    Aspect 18 concerns a method including layering one or more plies of fiber reinforced material; placing a shock absorbing cord on the plies of the fiber reinforced material; covering the shock absorbing cord with a cover layer; and forming the plies into a bicycle rim. 
         [0021]    Aspect 19 concerns the method of aspect 18, wherein the cover layer is made of a material more stretchable than the fiber reinforced material. 
         [0022]    Aspect 20 concerns the method of aspect 18, further including curing the plies. 
         [0023]    Aspect 21 concerns the method of aspect 18, wherein said covering includes covering the shock absorbing cord with a cover ply having fibers oriented at a 45° angle relative to the shock absorbing cord. 
         [0024]    Further forms, objects, features, aspects, benefits, advantages, and embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from a detailed description and drawings provided herewith. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0025]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a bicycle. 
           [0026]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle rim used in the  FIG. 1  bicycle. 
           [0027]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of the  FIG. 2  bicycle rim. 
           [0028]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view of a tire when attached to the  FIG. 2  bicycle rim. 
           [0029]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of one leading edge of the  FIG. 2  bicycle rim. 
           [0030]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of a bicycle rim including two shock absorbing cords in each leading edge. 
           [0031]      FIG. 7  is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a leading edge with a shock absorbing cord in the form of a continuous cord. 
           [0032]      FIG. 8  is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a leading edge with a shock absorbing cord in the form of a discontinuous cord. 
           [0033]      FIG. 9  is an enlarged side cross-sectional view of a leading edge with a shock absorbing cord in the form of a series of discontinuous, alternating cords. 
           [0034]      FIG. 10  is a cross-sectional view of a tubular type bicycle rim incorporating shock absorbing cords. 
           [0035]      FIG. 11  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the leading edge for the  FIG. 10  rim. 
           [0036]      FIG. 12  is an enlarged view of a cover layer applied over a shock absorbing cord with the fibers extending generally parallel or perpendicular to the shock absorbing cord. 
           [0037]      FIG. 13  is an enlarged view of a cover layer applied over a shock absorbing cord with the fibers extending at a 45° angle relative to the shock absorbing cord. 
           [0038]      FIG. 14  is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a leading edge of a bicycle rim with a shock absorbing cord having a rectangular cross-sectional shape. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiments illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended. Any alterations and further modifications in the described embodiments, and any further applications of the principles of the invention as described herein are contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates. One embodiment of the invention is shown in great detail, although it will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art that some features that are not relevant to the present invention may not be shown for the sake of clarity. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  shows a side view of a bicycle  100  with bicycle wheels  102  that are attached to a bicycle frame  104 . Each wheel  102  includes a wheel hub  106 , one or more spokes  108 , a rim  110 , and a tire  112  that is secured to the outer radial periphery of the rim  110 . It should be recognized that the hubs  106  via axles are rotatably coupled to the bicycle frame  104 , such as through the fork and rear dropouts. The spokes  108  extend radially outward from the hub  106  in order to connect the rim  110  to the hub  106 . As will be explained below, the rims  110  are configured to reduce the risk of a flat tire caused by the wheel  102  impacting an object, such as a rock, pothole, curb, and other impediments. Typically, the spokes  108  are under tension when secured between the hub  106  and the rim  110 . A rider via one or more pedals  114  and a crank assembly  116  drive a chain or belt  118  that in turn propels the bicycle  100 . 
         [0041]    A cross-sectional view of the rim  110  is depicted in  FIG. 2 , and an enlarged perspective view of the rim  110  is shown in  FIG. 3 . The rim  110  in one form is a clincher type rim, but as will be explained below, this design is adaptable to other types of rims, such as tubeless type rims. The rim  110  in the illustrated example is made of composite material, and in one particular form, the rim  110  includes carbon fiber material. For the sake of clarity, the rim  110  will be described as being composed of carbon fiber material, but it should be recognized that the rim  110  can be made from one or more other types of composite materials. As depicted, the rim  110  includes leading edges  202  to which the tire  112  engages. On each side, a sidewall  204  extends from the leading edge  202  to the spoke face  206 . The spoke face  206  is where the spokes  108  of the wheel  102  are attached (see,  FIG. 1 ). Between the leading edges  202 , the rim  110  has a tire channel  208  where the tire  112  is received. Inside the leading edges  202 , the rims  110  include a shock absorbing member or cord  210  that is embedded inside the rim  110 . The shock absorbing cord  210  is designed to elastically and/or plastically deform during an impact. In one example, the shock absorbing cord  210  is made of an elastomer material, such as rubber and/or silicone, but in other examples, the shock absorbing cord can be made of other types of shock absorbing materials. In one particular example, the cord is made of Viton® rubber (E.I. Du Pont De Nemours &amp; Company), and in another example the cord is made of silicone rubber. 
         [0042]    As depicted, a cover layer  212  surrounds the shock absorbing cord  210 . In the illustrated example, the cover layer  212  completely surrounds the shock absorbing cord  210  such that the shock absorbing cord  210  is not exposed to the outside environment. However, in other variations, a portion of the shock absorbing cord  210  may be exposed to the outside environment. As alluded to before, the shock absorbing cord is configured to reduce flats and wheel damage caused by the wheel  102  impacting an object, such as a curb, rock, pothole, etc. In one form, the cover layer  212  is made of a stretchable and/or pliable material, such as polyester, Kevlar®, and/or fiber glass. While not certain, it is theorized that the shock absorbing cord  210  absorbs and dissipates the energy from the impact, thereby reducing the impact on the wheel. The cover layer  212  envelops the shock absorbing cord  210  so as to reduce the risk of the cord  210  being damaged and/or cut. The cover layer  212  is also able to deform along with the shock absorbing cord  210  during an impact so as to further spread and dissipate the impact load. There is a tendency with composite rims during an impact to create extremely sharp shards or broken pieces which can be quite hazardous to the rider. The cover layer  210  is able to stretch so as to keep any fractured shards or pieces retained with the rim  110  after an impact. Moreover, the cover layer  212  makes installation of the tire  112  easier because the shock absorbing cord  210  is less prone to damage and interfering with the tire. As compared to the shock absorbing cord  210 , the cover layer  212  generally provides a smooth and slippery surface for the tire during mounting of the tire. By being located inside the rim  110 , the shock absorbing cord  210  is also protected from adverse environmental conditions which could negatively impact the life of the shock absorbing cord  210 , such as by causing cracking or weathering of the shock absorbing cord  210 . The tire channel  208  is defined by opposing channel sidewall members  214 , which are part of the sidewalls  204 , and a channel bed  216 . As shown, the shock absorbing cord  210  and cover layer  212  are located at the end opposite the channel bed  216  on the channel sidewall member. 
         [0043]      FIG. 4  shows a cross-sectional view of the tire  112  when mounted to the rim  110 . In the illustrated example, an inner tube  402  is inflated inside the tire  112 , but it should be recognized that in other examples, the tire  112  is a tubeless type tire (i.e., without an inner tube). The tire  112  includes tire sidewalls  404  and a tire tread portion  406 . The tire sidewalls  404  press against the channel sidewall members  214  of the rim  110  when the inner tube  402  is pressurized. The channel sidewall members  214  are made of a rigid or stiff material, such as fiber reinforced materials like carbon fiber material, so as to provide adequate strength to resist the outward pressure when the tire  112  is inflated. Again, it should be recognized that installation of tire  112  is relatively easy because the tire  112  does not directly contact the shock absorbing cords  210 . Moreover, the shock absorbing cord  210  does not directly contact the tire sidewalls  404  which in turn protects the shock absorbing cord  210  from being worn. The cover layer  212  is made from material that is sturdier than the shock absorbing cord  210 . Again, the cover layer  212  is made from a material that is more pliable than the material used to form the channel side wall members  214  as well as the rest of the rim  110 . By being pliable, the cover layer  212  is able to deform along with the shock absorbing cord  210 . With the rest of the channel sidewall member  214  being relatively rigid, the channel sidewall member  214  is able to resist the outward lateral pressure created by pressurizing the tire  112  as well as create the desired ride stiffness for the wheel  102 . In one form, the cover layer  212  is made of a pliable material, such as polyester, Kevlar®, and/or fiber glass, and the rest of the rim  110 , including the channel sidewall members  214 , is made of a carbon fiber material. During a typical wheel impact, there is a tendency for the tire to dislodge or otherwise separate from the rim which in turn can lead to a catastrophic crash. During impact testing, it was unexpectedly discovered that in some cases the shock absorbing cord  210  along with the cover layer  212  plastically deform so as to create a lip that in turn helps to retain the tire  112  during an impact. 
         [0044]    An enlarged cross-sectional view showing the layering of the plies and elastic cord  210  forming the sidewall  204  during manufacturing is illustrated in  FIG. 5 . As shown, the channel sidewall member  214  is formed at least in part by one or more layers of sidewall plies  502  and sidewall tows  504 . The sidewall plies  502  and tows  504  are oriented with their edges oriented in an alternating and/or offset manner for adjacent layers so as to enhance the strength of the sidewall  204 . One or more edge plies  506  cover the end edges of the sidewall plies  502  and tows  502 . In the illustrated example, the channel sidewall member  214  includes a single edge ply  506 , but in other examples, the channel sidewall member  214  can include more than one edge ply  506 . The edge plies  506  provide a relatively smooth surface against which the shock absorbing cord  210  rests. The edge plies  506  reduce the risk of the sidewall plies  502  and tows  504  cutting into and/or otherwise damaging the shock absorbing cord  210 . As illustrated, the cover layer  212  is formed by one or more cover plies  508  that are layered over the shock absorbing cord  210 . The cover plies  508  are made of a material, such as polyester, fiberglass, Kevlar®, and/or aramid materials, that is more stretchable, pliable, and/or extendable than the material used to form the sidewall plies  502  and sidewall tows  504 . As depicted, the cover plies  508  in one example extend into the tire channel  208  so as to provide proper overlap during manufacturing, but in other examples, the cover plies  508  are shorter and extend only a sufficient distance to cover the shock absorbing cord  210 . In one example, the sidewall plies  502 , sidewall tows  504 , and edge plies  506  are made of composite material, such as carbon fiber materials, so as to be lightweight, rigid, and strong. In this example, the cover plies  508  are made of a material that is more stretchable, pliable, and/or extendable than theses carbon fiber materials, such as polyester, fiberglass, Kevlar®, and/or aramid materials. In another example, the sidewall plies  502  and tows  504  are made of composite materials, particularly carbon fiber materials, and the edge plies  506  are made of the same or similar material used to form the cover layer  212 . 
         [0045]    During manufacturing, sidewall plies  502  and tows  504  along with the edge plies  506  are layered in a mold shaped like the rim  110 . The shock absorbing cord  210  is wrapped around on the edge plies  506 , and the cover plies  508  are layered over the shock absorbing cord  210  in the manner shown in  FIG. 5 . The fibers in the various plies are aligned to provide the desired strength and stiffness for the rim  110 . In one form, the materials are prepreg materials so no additional epoxy is required, and in another form, epoxy is poured into the mold and/or otherwise applied to the various layers. The mold is then is heated and/or air-cured. Once cured and cooled, if needed, the rim  110  is removed from the mold for further processing. 
         [0046]    The shock absorbing cord  210  can be configured differently in other examples. For example,  FIG. 6  shows a cross-sectional view of a rim  600  that includes two shock absorbing cords  210  inside the leading edges  202  of each sidewall  204 . As depicted, the cover layer  212  covers the cords  210  at each sidewall. In one form, the two shock absorbing cords  210  in each sidewall are made from the same material, but in other forms, the shock absorbing cords  210  are made from different materials so that the shock absorbing cords  210  have different elastic, chemical, and/or physical properties. In one example, the shock absorbing cord  210  closer to the leading edge  202  is more elastic than the one farther away from the leading edge  202 . Inside the rims, the shock absorbing cords  210  can be continuous, such as is depicted in  FIG. 7 , and/or discontinuous, such as shown in  FIG. 8 . Looking at  FIG. 8 , the shock absorbing cord  210  is formed by discrete elastic segments  802  that are separated by gaps  804 .  FIG. 9  shows an enlarged, partial cross-sectional side view of a rim  900  with the shock absorbing cord  210  in the form of two or more rows of alternating discrete segments  902  with gaps in between. The discrete segments  902  in the rows can have the same elastic properties or different elastic properties. 
         [0047]    The shock absorbing cords  210  can be incorporated into other types of rims. For example,  FIG. 10  shows a cross-sectional view of a sew-up or tubular tire rim  1000  with the shock absorbing cords  210  located inside the leading edges  202  of the rim  1000 .  FIG. 11  shows an enlarged cross-sectional view of one of the leading edges  202  in the  FIG. 10  rim  1000 . As shown, the shock absorbing cord  210  is disposed one or more layers of the sidewall plies  502 . The cover layer  212  is formed by one or more the cover plies  508 . In the illustrated example, one of the cover plies  508  is wrapped completely around the circumference of the shock absorbing cord  210 . Another of the cover plies  508  covers and secures the shock absorbing cord  210  to the sidewall plies  502 . 
         [0048]      FIG. 12  shows an enlarged view of the cover layer  212  applied over the shock absorbing cord  210 . The cover ply  508  in this example includes fibers  1202  that are woven together. As can be seen, some of the fibers  1202  extend parallel to the shock absorbing cord  210 , while other fibers  1202  extend transverse to or perpendicular to the shock absorbing cord  210 . The fibers  1202  extending perpendicular or transverse to the shock absorbing cord  210  form an angle  1204  relative to the shock absorbing cord  210 . In the illustrated example, this angle  1204  is generally 90°. 
         [0049]    It should be recognized however that the fibers  1202  can be oriented at other angles. For example,  FIG. 13  shows an enlarged view of the cover letter layer  212  with the fibers  1202  of the cover ply  508  oriented at an acute angle relative to the shock absorbing cord  210 , as is indicated by angle  1302 . Having the fibers  1202  oriented in such a manner relative to the shock absorbing cord  210  may help further minimize the effects of an impact on the rim. For instance, with the fibers  1202  having such an orientation, the fibers  1202  may be less prone to cut into or otherwise damage the cord  210  during an impact. As a result, the integrity of the rim may be better maintained during an impact. In one particular example, the angle  1302  of the fibers  1202  is around 45°, but this angle  1302  can be different in other examples. 
         [0050]    As alluded to before, the shock absorbing cord  210  can have other cross-sectional shapes besides a circular cross-sectional shape.  FIG. 14  shows a cross-sectional view of a leading edge of a rim with a shock absorbing cord  1402  having a generally rectangular cross-sectional shape. With the shock absorbing cord  1402  having a generally rectangular shape, the cover layer  212  can generally coincide with this rectangular shape so that the leading edge  202  likewise has a generally rectangular shape. In other examples, the shock absorbing cord  1402  can have other shapes. 
       Glossary of Definitions and Alternatives 
       [0051]    The language used in the claims and specification is to only have its plain and ordinary meaning, except as explicitly defined below. The words in these definitions are to only have their plain and ordinary meaning. Such plain and ordinary meaning is inclusive of all consistent dictionary definitions from the most recently published Webster&#39;s and Random House dictionaries. As used in the specification and claims, the following definitions apply to the following terms or common variations thereof (e.g., singular/plural forms, past/present tenses, etc.): 
         [0052]    “Bicycle” is used in the broader or more generic sense to generally refer to a human powered land vehicle that includes one or more wheels. The term “bicycle” can refer to a vehicle having two wheels, but it also refers to vehicles having one wheel (i.e., a unicycle), three wheels (i.e., a tricycle), or even more wheels. 
         [0053]    “Carbon Fiber Material” refers generally to a type of fiber reinforced material that includes, but is not limited to, a material of thin, strong crystalline filaments of carbon, used as a strengthening material, such as in resins and ceramics. For example, carbon fiber materials include strong lightweight synthetic fibers made especially by carbonizing a fiber at high temperatures. 
         [0054]    “Composite Material” refers generally to any material including a fiber reinforcement and an encapsulating matrix. A fiber (a fiber or fiber tow typically includes a bundle of filaments) is generally considered to be continuous if the fiber extends from one edge of a ply of material to another edge, most often the opposing edge. While all fibers in a composite material need not be continuous, a substantial majority of the fibers will be continuous in some examples. 
         [0055]    “Couple” or “coupled” refers generally to an indirect and/or direct connection between the identified elements, components, and/or objects. Often the manner of the coupling will be related specifically to the manner in which the two coupled elements interact. 
         [0056]    “Embed” generally refers to closely enclosing or surrounding something inside another object or substance. 
         [0057]    “Fiber Reinforced Material” refers generally to any material including fibers of high strength and modulus embedded in or bonded to a matrix with distinct interfaces (boundary) between them. 
         [0058]    “Laminate” refers generally to a plurality of plies that have been stacked (or laid) one on top of another. As used herein, the term refers to both the plurality of plies before curing and/or consolidation, as well as after consolidation as is apparent from the term&#39;s use in context. The orientations of the fibers of each particular layer may vary relative to the orientations of the fibers in other layers to create a consolidated laminate having desired strength and stiffness characteristics in various directions. By utilizing and tailoring plies with differently orientated fibers, a composite material&#39;s designer or engineer can tailor the mechanical properties of an advanced composite laminate to withstand the forces that the laminate is likely to encounter during use. 
         [0059]    “Leading Edge” generally refers to one of two edges of the rim that holds the sidewall of the tire and forms part of the wheel bed securing the tire to the rim. Such edge may take the form of a flange in the case of traditional clincher type wheels or may take the shape of a shallow lip that forms a cusp where the tire lies for tubular or sew-up rims. 
         [0060]    “Ply” refers generally to a single layer of high strength continuous fibers aligned in a common orientation, or in the case of a fabric in two and possibly three, four, or more orientations. One of the most common plies utilized in composite materials is where substantially all the fibers in the ply are aligned in a single direction. A “ply” may also be referred to as a layer. A ply can include a prepreg or a single sheet of dry fabric or dry sheet of unidirectional fibers often held together with a small number of bias threads or fibers. In other examples, the fibers in the ply can be woven into cloth. For instance, the fibers can be woven into any number of patterns, including, but not limited to, twill, satin, plain, unidirectional, bidirectional, triaxial, and quadaxial patterns, to name just a few. 
         [0061]    “Prepreg” is short for Preimpregnated cloth and refers generally to a ply of composite material including one or more types of reinforcing fiber at least partially impregnated and/or encapsulated with a resin. When the resin is a thermoset, the resin is not fully cured and typically requires the application of heat to complete cure. When the resin is a thermoplastic, the resin is typically a solid that melts and flows under the application of heat and pressure to further encapsulate the fibers as well as join adjacent plies of material together. For example, the prepreg can include carbon fiber, fiber glass, Kevlar®, etc. that is pre wetted with an epoxy. Examples of prepreg can include wet prepreg cloth or dry prepreg cloth. 
         [0062]    “Rim” generally refers to the outer portion of a wheel that holds the tire (which represents the leading edge of an airfoil shape of the rim) on the outer surface and spokes through spoke holes of an inner surface (which then becomes the trailing edge of the airfoil shape). Note that embodiments described herein may refer to either the wheel or rim, and thus the terms become interchangeable; however, when used in a claim the term “rim” does not include the tire, spokes, and or hub assembly unless otherwise claimed. 
         [0063]    “Shock Absorbing Cord” generally refers to a flexible member, such as in the form of a strip, string, or rope that is able to elastically and/or plastically deform during an impact. The shock absorbing cord can be a solid piece of material or made of multiple pieces of material woven, layered, and/or otherwise joined together. The shock absorbing cord can be made from a single type of material or multiple materials. In one example, the shock absorbing cord has a circular cross-sectional shape, but in other examples, the shock absorbing cord can have different cross-sectional shapes, such as rectangular, triangular, elliptical, hexagonal, and/or irregular cross-sectional shapes, just to name a few examples. The shock absorbing cord can also have continuous or discrete sections with gaps in between. The shock absorbing cord can be made of material that plastically and/or elastically deforms during an impact. In one particular example, the shock absorbing cord is made from natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and/or silicone rubber, but it should be recognized that the shock absorbing cord can be made from other materials that are able to elastically and/or plastically deform during an impact. 
         [0064]    “Spoke Face” generally refers to the surface of the rim where a spoke of a wheel extends for attachment to the hub. 
         [0065]    “Tow” refers to a bundle of continuous strands or filaments, such as man-made fibers (e.g., carbon fibers). Strands are then bundled together to create a tow. A “rolled tow” refers to a specific type of bundled fibers in which the fibers are twisted (or rolled) within the bundle. In other examples, the fibers in the tow are untwisted. 
         [0066]    “Wheel” generally refers to an outer circular rim that holds the tire along with the spoke and hub assembly; however, based on the embodiment described, a wheel and rim may be used herein interchangeably. 
         [0067]    It should be noted that the singular forms “a”, “an”, “the”, and the like as used in the description and/or the claims include the plural forms unless expressly discussed otherwise. For example, if the specification and/or claims refer to “a device” or “the device”, it includes one or more of such devices. 
         [0068]    It should be noted that directional terms, such as “up”, “down”, “top”, “bottom”, “fore”, “aft”, “lateral”, “longitudinal”, “radial”, “circumferential”, etc., are used herein solely for the convenience of the reader in order to aid in the reader&#39;s understanding of the illustrated embodiments, and it is not the intent that the use of these directional terms in any manner limit the described, illustrated, and/or claimed features to a specific direction and/or orientation. 
         [0069]    While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and that all changes, equivalents, and modifications that come within the spirit of the inventions defined by following claims are desired to be protected. All publications, patents, and patent applications cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference and set forth in its entirety herein.