Patent Publication Number: US-8985709-B2

Title: Vehicle wheel spoke connection

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/806,064, filed Aug. 5, 2010, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,387 which is a Continuation-In-Part U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/879,333, filed Jul. 17, 2007 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,784,878, which is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/755,653, filed Jan. 12, 2004 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,357,460. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to an improved connection system for a vehicle wheel spokes, particularly applicable to the spoke of a bicycle wheel. 
     (2) Description of the Related Art 
     Heretofore, the vast majority of bicycle wheels have been constructed using steel wire spokes with one headed end for connection with the bicycle hub and an opposing end that is directly threaded to accept a spoke nipple that engages the rim. By adjusting the threaded connection between the spoke and the nipple, the overall length of the spoke may be shortened or lengthened to create a balanced pretension in the spokes of the wheel. 
     Bicycle spokes serve as structural tensile elements where the tension of the spoke is resisted by the compression of the outer rim hoop to create a remarkably efficient wheel structure for handling the loads associated with the operation of the bicycle. The technology of conventional bicycle spokes has remained unchanged for the better part of a century. 
     Cyclists are continually striving to reduce the weight and increase the efficiency of their bicycle, especially rotating components such as the bicycle wheel. However, the steel spokes of conventional bicycle wheels are quite heavy and add significant weight to the wheel assembly. 
     In addition to their excessive weight, steel bicycle spokes have poor vibration-damping characteristics and tend to be very efficient at transmitting road vibration to the rider. By transmitting vibration, rather than absorbing it, the conventional steel-spoke bicycle wheel lacks in rider comfort and control. 
     In attempt to reduce weight, many makers of high-end wheels have resorted to forming their spokes from thinner gage steel wire. This causes the stress in the spoke to increase and makes the wheel more prone to spoke failure due to fatigue. The thinner steel wire has lower tensile stiffness, which can contribute to a reduced lateral stiffness of the wheel. 
     In the last 20 years, great strides have been made in the development of very lightweight materials that also have excellent tensile characteristics. Some of the most attractive of these materials include high-strength fibers, such as carbon fiber, aramid fiber, liquid crystal fiber, PBO fiber and the like. However, when attempting to utilize them as spokes in bicycle wheel construction, these fibrous materials are far more difficult to efficiently couple or terminate than their conventional steel-wire counterparts. In the few cases where these high strength spokes have successfully been utilized in bicycle wheels, their cost and complexity has been very great. This is the primary reason that the vast majority of bicycle wheels are still constructed using steel spokes. 
     Accordingly, it is an objective of the present invention to overcome the forgoing disadvantages and to provide a coupling or termination connection for a vehicle wheel spoke or tensile element that is strong, lightweight and inexpensive to produce. 
     An efficient connector coupling or termination should have a tensile strength that approximates the tensile strength of the lightweight tensile element and should not be so heavy as to detract from the weight benefit of these lightweight materials. In addition, cost is always a concern in the bicycle industry. These lightweight materials are often more expensive than the steel wire that they replace. An overly complex or expensive connector would make such a spoke to be cost prohibitive. 
     It is a further objective of the present invention to provide a construction as aforesaid which reduces cost and provides a wheel that is light in weight and high in strength and reliability. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will appear hereinbelow. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the present invention, it has now been found that the forgoing objects and advantages may be readily obtained. 
     The present invention comprises a spoke having an end portion and a cross-section thereof, a connecting element, a bracing element, and a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the span of the spoke. The connecting element is joined to the spoke by means of a crimped joinder where the connecting element, or a portion thereof, is plastically deformed to engage the spoke. The deformed connecting element is connected to the bracing element (i.e. the rim or the hub). 
     The connecting element may be made of a wide range of highly or moderately ductile metallic materials, including aluminum, magnesium, titanium, steel, brass, copper, among others. Other highly or moderately ductile materials may also be utilized, including fiber reinforced polymer among others. The connecting element may be formed by any of several fabrication methods known in industry, including molding, casting, forging, drawing, extruding, machining, among others. Also, it may be preferable to provide external geometry that may include a wide range of geometric features and surfaces, which may be easily optimized to provide a highly effective connection between the connector and the bracing element. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the connecting element includes threads to provide a means of threaded engagement between the connecting element and the bracing element. In a further preferred embodiment, the connecting element includes an overlying surface or edge to provide an overlie engagement between the connecting element and the bracing element. The connector may be connected to the bracing element either directly or indirectly through an intermediate connecting element. In a further preferred embodiment, the connector includes external geometry that allows it to be manipulated, either manually or with a mating tool. The connector also includes an internal cavity to accept the spoke. In a preferred embodiment, this internal cavity includes a configured surface and/or a smooth surface. 
     The spoke may be made of a number of different materials, including metallic materials such as aluminum, titanium, and/or steel wire. In an advantageous embodiment, the spoke includes high-strength reinforcement fibers. In a further advantageous embodiment, the reinforcement fibers are aligned to be parallel to the tensile axis. In a further advantageous arrangement, the fibers are at least 4 mm in length or are continuous and generally extend the length of the span. In a still further advantageous embodiment, the reinforcement fibers are encapsulated in a matrix. In a yet further embodiment, the matrix is at least one of a thermoplastic and a thermoset polymer resin matrix. Such fiber-reinforced spokes may have very high tensile properties at a much lower weight than conventional steel or metallic spokes, thus providing a significant weight savings to the wheel assembly. The spoke(s) may be produced by drawing, extruding, pultruding, machining, molding, forging, casting, among many other fabrication processes well known in industry. In a preferred embodiment, this spoke may include a configured surface and/or a smooth surface in the region where it interfaces with the connector. 
     The present invention obtains many advantages. One advantage of the present invention is the ability to utilize lightweight materials for the spoke while minimizing the cost and expense of the completed assembly. 
     The embodiments described herein represent a range of configurations wherein a connecting element (i.e. connector) is utilized to create an effective termination or coupling of a tensile element such as a bicycle spoke. The result is an improved assembly, including a means to connect the spoke with a bracing element, such as a hub or rim, to create a bicycle wheel that is exceptionally durable and light in weight. 
     The present invention may be readily adapted to lightweight fibrous materials including high-performance fibers, such as carbon fiber, aramid fiber (such as Kevlar®), LCP (liquid crystal fiber such as Vectran®), PBO (polyphenylenebenzobisoxasole) fiber such as Zylon®), polyethylene fiber (such as Spectra®) and the like. These materials may be of the dry-fiber form or they may be impregnated within a matrix. In any case, these materials represent a significant performance improvement over the steel spokes they replace. In comparison with the steel wire commonly used in spoke construction, these fibrous materials have equivalent or greater tensile strength than the steel spoke at a much lower density. This allows for the construction of a much lighter spoke and a lighter wheel. Further, these materials have significantly better vibration-damping characteristics for greater rider comfort and control. Still further, these materials also have excellent tensile fatigue properties to reduce or even eliminate spoke failures due to fatigue. 
     The embodiments described herein are highly effective at transmitting tensile loads between the spoke and the bracing element and may be designed to provide a connection that is as strong or stronger than the spoke itself. Further, the spoke and connector components may be produced through a variety of well-known and cost-effective processes that are capable of producing parts in high volume and at relatively low cost. Further, the crimping methods to join the spoke to the connector can also be achieved with highly manufacturable and cost effective processes Thus, the embodiments described herein are highly effective at producing a lightweight and high-performance vehicle wheel at an economical cost. 
     Further features of the present invention will become apparent from considering the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention will be more readily understandable from a consideration of the accompanying exemplificative drawings, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view schematically illustrating the general configuration of a prior art vehicle wheel as applied to a bicycle wheel; 
         FIG. 2   a  is an axial plan view illustrating a prior art bicycle wheel; 
         FIG. 2   b  is a cross-section view of the prior art bicycle wheel as seen generally in the direction  15 - 15  of  FIG. 2   a;    
         FIG. 2   c  is a fragmentary view detailing the view illustrated in  FIG. 2   b  where the hub flange is shown in a partial cross-section to illustrate the connection with the spoke; 
         FIG. 3   a  is a plan view of an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a bicycle wheel including collars or connecting elements, each serving as a termination for the corresponding spoke; 
         FIG. 3   b  is a partial cross-section view of the bicycle wheel of  FIG. 3   a  as seen generally in the direction  20 - 20  of  FIG. 3   a;    
         FIG. 4   a  is a plan view of another embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a bicycle wheel including coupling collars or connecting elements, each serving as a coupling for the corresponding spoke; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a partial cross-section view of the bicycle wheel of  FIG. 4   a  as seen generally in the direction  169 - 169  of  FIG. 4   a;    
         FIG. 5   a  is a partial perspective exploded view of an additional embodiment of the present invention, in exploded assembly, with the connector serving as a coupling between two tensile elements, shown prior to the crimped assembly; 
         FIGS. 5   b - d  are partial cross-sectional views, taken along the tensile axis, and showing the embodiment of  FIG. 5   a  in a sequence of operations involved in creating a connector assembly, including a crimped coupling collar; 
         FIG. 5   e  is a partial cross-sectional view, taken along the tensile axis, and showing the embodiment of  FIG. 5   d , including applied tensile load between the spoke and fastener; 
         FIGS. 6   a - b  are partial cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken along the tensile axis, with the connector serving as a termination for a tensile element, and showing the sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and connector; 
         FIGS. 6   c - d  are partial cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken along the tensile axis, with the connector serving as a termination for a tensile element, and showing the sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and connector; 
         FIGS. 7   a - b  are partial cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken along the tensile axis, with the connector including an integral fastener portion, and showing the sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and connector; 
         FIGS. 7   c - d  are partial cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken along the tensile axis, including a duplex spoke, and showing the sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the duplex spoke and the connector; 
         FIG. 8   a  is a cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken perpendicular to the tensile axis, showing the connector surrounding the cross section of the spoke, prior to crimping of the connector; 
         FIGS. 8   b - d  are cross-sectional views of the embodiment of  FIG. 8   a , taken perpendicular to the tensile axis, and showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, including a punch and nest; 
         FIGS. 9   a - c  are partial cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken perpendicular to the tensile axis, and showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, including pinched folds in the connector; 
         FIGS. 10   a - c  are cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken perpendicular to the tensile axis, and showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, including non-circular and/or variable external geometry in the connector; 
         FIGS. 11   a - c  are partial cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken perpendicular to the tensile axis, and showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, including a multiplicity of punches; 
         FIGS. 12   a - c  are cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken perpendicular to the tensile axis, and showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, including a connector with longitudinal split; 
         FIGS. 13   a - b  are partial perspective views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, including a connector with longitudinal sidewall opening; 
         FIGS. 14   a - b  are partial cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken parallel to the tensile axis, showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, including crimping force applied parallel to the longitudinal axis and resultant gripping force acting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; 
         FIGS. 15   a - b  are partial cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken parallel to the tensile axis, showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, including crimping force applied parallel to the longitudinal axis and resultant gripping force acting perpendicular to the longitudinal axis; 
         FIG. 16   a  is a partial perspective view of an additional embodiment of the present invention, in exploded assembly, including an intermediate joining element located between the spoke and the connector; 
         FIGS. 16   b - c  are partial cross-sectional views of the embodiment of  FIG. 16 , taken parallel to the tensile axis, showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, including the intermediate joining element therebetween; 
         FIG. 17  is a partial perspective view of an additional embodiment of the present invention, in partially exploded assembly, including a multiplicity of spokes joined to a single connecting element via a crimped joinder and showing the connecting element as integral with the hub flange; 
         FIG. 18   a  is a partial perspective view of an additional embodiment of the present invention, in partially exploded assembly, including a multiplicity of spokes joined to a single connecting element via a crimped joinder and showing the connecting element as integral with the outer rim; 
         FIGS. 18   b - d  are partial cross-sectional views of the embodiment of  FIG. 18   a , as seen generally in the direction  379 - 379 , showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the outer rim; 
         FIG. 19   a  is a partial cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken parallel to the tensile axis, in partially exploded assembly, including a spoke with an enlarged head; 
         FIGS. 19   b - c  are partial cross-sectional views of the embodiment of  FIG. 19   a,  taken parallel to the tensile axis, showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, where the connector serves to retain the spoke without necessarily gripping or impinging upon it; 
         FIG. 20   a  is a partial cross-sectional view of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken parallel to the tensile axis, in partially exploded assembly, including a spoke with an enlarged head; 
         FIGS. 20   b - d  are partial cross-sectional views of the embodiment of  FIG. 20   a,  taken parallel to the tensile axis, showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and the connector, where the spoke has an overlie connection with an end face of the connector; 
         FIGS. 21   a - c  are partial perspective views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between a spoke and a connector, in a coupling arrangement where two spokes are interlocked and engaged to each other within the connector; 
         FIGS. 22   a - c  are partial perspective views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between a spoke and a connector, in a coupling arrangement where two spokes are separately engaged to a single common connector; 
         FIGS. 23   a - c  are partial perspective views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, showing the progressive sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between a spoke and a connector, in a coupling arrangement where two spokes are deformably joined to each other; 
         FIG. 24   a  is partial perspective view of an additional embodiment of the present invention, in partially exploded assembly, including a bracing element; 
         FIG. 24   b  is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24   a , taken parallel to the tensile axis, in partially exploded assembly, illustrating the connector in frictionally gripped engagement with the spoke; 
         FIG. 24   c  is partial perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 24   a , showing an overlie engagement between the connector and bracing element; 
         FIG. 25   a  is a partial perspective exploded view of an additional embodiment of the present invention, showing the spoke termination connector with gripping splines and including an intermediate connecting element; 
         FIG. 25   b  is a partial cross-sectional view of the embodiment of  FIG. 25   a , showing the assembly of the spoke, connector, intermediate connecting member and rim; 
         FIGS. 26   a - b  are partial cross-sectional views of an additional embodiment of the present invention, taken along the tensile axis, with the connector serving as a termination for a tensile element, and showing the sequence of operations involved in creating a crimped connection between the spoke and connector; 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIG. 1  describes the basic configuration of an exemplary prior art vehicle wheel, in particular, a bicycle wheel  1 , as well as a description of the direction conventions used throughout this disclosure. For clarity, the bicycle frame and the quick release skewer assembly are not shown in this figure. The hub shell  14  is rotatable about the axle  9  and includes at least two axially spaced hub flanges  16 , each of which include a means for connecting with the spokes  2 . Axle  9  includes end faces  11   a  and  11   b  that define the spacing of its mounting with the frame (not shown). The axial axis  28  is the axial centerline of rotation of the bicycle wheel  1 . The hub flange  16  may be contiguous with the hub shell  14  or it may be separately formed and assembled to the hub body  12  portion of the hub shell  14 . The spokes  2  are affixed to the hub flange  16  at their first end  4  and extend to attach the rim  8  at their second end  6 . The tire  10  is fitted to the outer periphery of the rim  8 . The wheel of  FIG. 1  is generic and may be of tension-spoke or compression-spoke design. 
     The axial direction  92  is any direction parallel with the axial axis  28 . The radial direction  93  is a direction generally perpendicular to the axial direction  92  and extending generally from the axial axis  28  radially outwardly toward the rim  8 . The tangential direction  94  is a direction generally tangent to the rim at a given radius. The circumferential direction  95  is a cylindrical vector that wraps around the axial axis  28  at a given radius. A radial plane  96  is a plane perpendicular to the axial axis  28  that extends in a generally radial direction at a given axial intercept. An axial plane  97  is a plane that is generally parallel to the axial axis. An orientation that is radially inboard (or inward) is nearer to the axial axis  28  of rotation and a radially outboard (or outward) is further from the axial axis. An axially inboard (or inward) orientation is an orientation that is axially proximal to the axial midpoint between the two end faces  11   a  and  11   b.  Conversely, an axially outboard (or outward) orientation is an orientation that is axially distal to the axial midpoint between the two end faces  11   a  and  11   b.  A radially inboard orientation is an orientation that is radially proximal to the axial axis  28  and a radially outboard orientation is an orientation that is radially distal to the axial axis  28 . An axially inwardly facing surface is a surface that faces toward the axial midpoint between the two end faces  11   a  and  11   b.  Conversely, an axially outwardly facing surface is a surface that faces away from the axial midpoint between the two end faces  11   a  and  11   b.  While it is most common for the hub shell  14  to rotate about a fixed axle  9 , there are some cases where it is desirable to permit the axle  9  to be fixed with the wheel  1  such as the case where the wheel  1  is driven by the axle  9 . 
     For the purposes of using conventional terminology, the term “hub flange” is used herein to describe a region of the hub shell  14  to which the spokes  2  are joined. While the surface of the hub flange may be raised and flange-like in comparison to other surfaces of the hub shell  14 , this is not a requirement for the present invention and the hub flange  16  may alternatively be flush or recessed relative to other hub shell surfaces. 
     It may be easiest to mold or otherwise form or fabricate the individual hub flanges  16  separately and then assemble these hub flanges  16 , along with other components as required, such as the body portion  12 , to create a complete hub shell  14 . This hub shell  14  assembly may be permanent or else it may be removably assembled, allowing the hub flange  16  to be disassembled from the other portions of the hub shell  14  for servicing in the field. However, it is also anticipated that the hub shell  14 , including the body portion  12  and a multiple of hub flanges  16 , may be molded or formed together as a unit. 
     As is well known in the art, a wheel  1  may be of tension-spoke construction, where the central hub hangs in tension by the spokes from the rim portion directly above, or it may be of compression-spoke construction, where the hub is supported by compressing the spoke directly beneath it. Since the present invention may be directed toward bicycle wheels and since the tension-spoke wheel is generally a more efficient structure than compression-spoke wheel, most of the discussion herein is focused with an eye toward tension-spoke wheel construction. However, it is anticipated that most, if not all, of the embodiments of the present invention may be adapted or otherwise applied to compression-spoke wheel construction as well. For a tension-spoke wheel, it is preferable that the wheel includes at least two hub flanges that are axially spaced on either side of the rim or, more specifically, the spoke attachment points at the rim. Thus the spokes fixed to opposite hub flanges will converge as they extend to the rim as illustrated in  FIG. 2   b . Additionally, a tension-spoke wheel will usually be pretensioned during assembly to create a pretensioned structure of balanced spoke tension that allows the axle supporting loads to be distributed among several, if not all, of the spokes of the wheel. It is this ability to share the stresses among its spokes that helps to make the tension-spoke wheel the highly efficient structure that it is. For a compression-spoke wheel, it is often preferable to employ at least two axially spaced hub flanges, however, in the case where the spokes have sufficient bending stiffness to support the requisite lateral loads, only a single hub flange may be employed. 
       FIGS. 2   a ,  2   b  and  2   c  describe the current technology in conventional bicycle wheels that most cyclists are familiar with. This prior art design includes a rim  8 , a hub shell  14  and a plurality of spokes  2 . The hub shell  14  is rotatable about the axle  9  and includes a pair of axially spaced hub flanges  16 . The wheel is assembled by first threading each individual spoke  2  through an axial hole  17  in the hub flange  16  until the j-bend  19  is hooked within the hole  17 . The spoke  2  is then pivoted to extend in a generally radial direction toward the rim  8 . The enlarged portion  34  or “head” of the spoke  2  prevents the spoke  2  from pulling through the hole  17  in the hub flange  16 . The second end  6  of each spoke  2  is then fixed to the rim  8  via spoke nipples  21 . Tightening the threaded engagement between the spoke nipple  21  and the spoke  2  serves to effectively shorten the length of the spoke  2 . Thus, as the nipples  21  are threadably tightened, the spokes are drawn up tight and a degree of pre-tension is induced in the spoke  2 . By selectively adjusting this threaded engagement, the spoke pre-tension may be adjusted to align the trueness of the rim  8 . The spoke pre-tension is resisted by circumferential compression of the rim  8  and it is this balance of forces that imparts efficient structural integrity to the bicycle wheel  1 . Also shown in  FIG. 2   b  is bracing angle  38  between the radial centerline plane of the rim  8  and the tensile axis  36  of the spokes  2 . As this bracing angle  38  is increased, the lateral stiffness (i.e. stiffness in the axial direction  92 ) of the wheel  1  is also increased. 
       FIG. 3   a  shows an exemplary bicycle wheel  7  that corresponds to some of the embodiments described herein. This figure is shown to provide a generic assembly to illustrate an arrangement wherein the present invention may be adapted to utilization in bicycle wheel construction. The bicycle wheel  7  includes spokes  2 , hub  14 , rim  8 , and tire  10 . The hub  14  includes hub flanges  16  and axle  9 . The rim  8  includes geometry for mounting of a tire  10  and a multiplicity of spoke holes  22  in its spoke bed wall  33 , each to accept an individual connector  24 . It is noted that the rim  8  shown here is an exemplary representation of a bracing element that may serve as a rim or a hub flange and may take on a wide range of forms. The spokes  2  are preferably constructed of fiber-reinforced material and are connected at their first end  4  to their associated hub flange  16  and at their second end  6  to the rim  8 . The spoke  2  is a long slender tensile element with a longitudinal axis  26  along its length and generally parallel to its sidewalls. The spoke  2  also has a tensile axis  36  of applied tensile load, which is generally collinear to the longitudinal axis  26 . For the purposes of definition, the term “longitudinal” herein refers to alignment along the longitudinal axis. 
     To create a solid connection between the spoke  2  and the rim  8 , the second end  6  of each fiber reinforced spoke  2  is first connected to a corresponding connector  24  by means of an crimped connection at an engagement interface  25  as described variously within the instant disclosure. The connector  24  is crimped to the second end  6  of the spoke  2  by means of one of the embodiments of the present invention. The connector  24  includes a shank portion  29 , a head portion  31 , and a transition surface  32  therebetween as shown in  FIG. 3   b , which is a detail view of the embodiment described in  FIG. 3   a  and shows the rim  8  in cross-section. As shown in  FIG. 3   b , shank portion  29  extends through spoke hole  22 , with transition surface  32  serving as an engagement surface to bear against the radially outboard surface  35  of the spoke bed wall  33  in an overlie engagement, which provides blocking engagement to resist spoke tension  30 . It should be noted that, the transition surface  32  provides engagement geometry to engage the connector  24  to the bracing element (rim  8 ). 
     The connector  24  of  FIGS. 3   a - b  is generally shown to serve as a termination to the spoke  2  and provide means to connect or anchor the spoke to a bracing element (i.e. rim  8 ). Note that the span of spoke  2  is aligned in the direction of spoke tension  30  and along the tensile axis  36 , which extends through the longitudinal axis  26  of the spoke  2 .  FIG. 3   a  shows that several spokes  2  of the wheel  7  may be terminated at the rim  8  in this manner. The connector  24  may alternatively be connected to the first end  4  of the spoke  2  for connection to the hub  14 . For simplicity in describing this embodiment, a rim  8  connection arrangement is shown herein, with the understanding that such an embodiment may be easily adapted to hub connections as well. 
     It is understood that  FIGS. 3   a - b  correspond to a simplified arrangement for illustration purposes. Several of the embodiments of the present invention may be applied to this arrangement, as well as arrangements which include facility for creating and/or adjusting spoke pre-tension, as described in  FIGS. 2   a - c.    
     The present invention comprises a spoke, which may be considered as a longitudinal tensile element having an end portion and a cross-section thereof, a connecting element, a bracing element, and a tensile axis of applied tensile load along the longitudinal tensile element. The longitudinal tensile element is connected to the connecting element by means of a crimped joinder between the longitudinal tensile element and the connecting element. In the embodiments shown herein, the longitudinal tensile element is a vehicle wheel spoke  2 , the hub flange  16  constitutes a first bracing element and the outer rim  8  constitutes a second bracing element. 
     A spoke is a generally long slender element, with a length greater than its cross sectional width, and with a longitudinal axis extending generally along its length. The longitudinal tensile element (i.e. spoke) includes external sidewall surface(s) that extend generally along its length. As such, the longitudinal axis is generally parallel to the sidewall surface. The tensile axis is the axis along which tensile loads are applied to the tensile element, and is commonly collinear with the longitudinal axis, particularly in the region of the structural span of the longitudinal tensile element. For the purposes of explanation herein, the term “longitudinal axis” is generally interchangeable with the term “tensile axis”, unless otherwise noted. Some examples of a longitudinal tensile element include the spoke of a vehicle wheel, a guy wire, a control cable, or a tendon. In most of the embodiments of the present invention, the longitudinal tensile element is capable of supporting tension, otherwise known as positive tensile loading, along its length. However, the tensile element may alternatively support compression, otherwise known as negative tensile loading, along its length, where the longitudinal tensile element provides columnar support between two bracing elements. The spoke span is considered as the portion of the spoke that is under tension and that extends between its anchor points and/or engagements at the bracing elements (i.e. hub and rim). A location outboard of the spoke span is a location along the tensile axis that is beyond or external to the spoke span. 
     The spoke has longitudinal external sidewall surface(s) that may be generally parallel to the longitudinal axis and an end face that is generally perpendicular to the sidewall surface. With a slender spoke, the sidewall tends to have far greater available surface area than its end face. Since an engagement interface of greater surface area tends to provide a more robust connection, it is often preferable to provide an engagement interface that extends longitudinally along the sidewall surface and preferably by a longitudinal length at least twice the cross sectional thickness of the spoke. This is in contrast to conventional spoke arrangements that focus these loads on a small point of contact, as with conventional prior art wheel assemblies. 
     It may be termed that a longitudinal engagement is an engagement that includes a continuous longitudinal engagement interface or an engagement that includes at least two engagement interface locations that are longitudinally spaced along the longitudinal axis of the spoke. It is generally desirable that the longitudinal length of such an engagement be greater than the cross-sectional thickness of the spoke to create an effective engagement. Obviously, increasing the length of engagement will increase the interface surface area and will therefore increase the load carrying capacity of the crimped joinder between the connector and the spoke. 
     Since a longitudinal engagement may reduce the contact stresses at the engagement interface where the connector and the spoke are joined, this type of engagement is particularly applicable to bracing elements and/or spokes of polymer or reinforced polymer materials. This is particularly advantageous, since these materials tend to have high strength and light weight. However, heretofore these materials have been difficult to apply to conventional spoke connection systems that are generally focused on construction based on metallic materials. While the spokes described in the present invention may be constructed from a variety of materials, including a wide range of metallic materials and polymeric materials, one particularly advantageous aspect of the present invention is its ability to provide a termination means for a spoke of fiber reinforced polymer material. 
     In order to take advantage of the lightweight and high strength of the high-performance fibers mentioned hereinabove, it may be preferable to incorporate these material(s) in the spoke. These materials tend to be anisotropic and have greater strength along the direction of the fiber. Thus it may be preferable that these fibers are aligned to be parallel to the tensile axis. It is also preferable that these reinforcement fibers be encapsulated in a matrix. While short or discontinuous fibers often provide significant reinforcement to the matrix material, it is preferable that the fibers be as long as possible to provide the greatest overlap with adjacent fibers. The utilization of continuous fibers that extend generally along the length of the spoke provides the highest mechanical properties. 
     A spoke of high strength fibers in a resin matrix has numerous advantages in the present invention. Firstly, the resin matrix adheres the adjacent fibers to each other so that, through a joinder to the external surface of the spoke, the overmolded interface has a connection with all of the fibers of the spoke, which permits the fibers to work together for optimal tensile properties. Further, the resin matrix coats the outside of the pre-formed spoke, which creates an optimal surface for joinder with the connector at the engagement interface. 
     A bracing element is one that resists or braces against all or part of the load of a tensile element. In other words, in order for a tensile element to maintain its tension (or compression) and remain a generally static structure, it must have a resisting or bracing element to bear against. Thus, the tensile element is generally anchored to two bracing elements and the tensile element thereby serves to connect the two bracing elements to each other. In an example where the tensile element is generally held in tension, such as the spoke of a tension-spoke vehicle wheel, a first bracing element could be the hub flange and a second bracing element could be the outer rim hoop. Similarly, in the case where the tensile element is generally held in compression, such as the spoke of a compression-spoke vehicle wheel, the bracing element is that element which the tensile element is pushed against. 
     In the descriptions provided herein, the term “coupling” identifies an arrangement where a connecting element serves to provide a structural connection between two tensile elements (i.e. spokes), thus permitting tensile loads to be transmitted from one tensile element to another. A coupling may be considered to provide a connection within the span portion of the spoke or to couple together two spoke portions. In contrast, the term “termination” or “anchor” identifies a connecting element that serves to provide a means to connect the tensile element (i.e. spoke) at the terminus of its span, either directly or indirectly, to a bracing element (i.e. the hub or rim), to which the tensile element is intended to be anchored. 
       FIGS. 4   a - b  shows a bicycle wheel  168  similar in most respects to the bicycle wheel  7  of  FIGS. 3   a - b.  However, the connector  24  is eliminated in favor of coupling collar  176  and fastener  178 . The spokes  2  are connected at their first end  4  to the hub  14  and at their second end  6  to coupling collar  176 . To create a solid connection between the spoke  2  and the rim  8 , the second end  6  of the spoke  2  is first connected to a threaded fastener  178  by means of a coupling collar  176 . The threaded fastener  178  is threadably mated to a spoke nipple  21  to connect with the rim  8  in the conventional manner. Spoke nipple  21  is generally conventional and includes an enlarged head portion  23 . It may be seen that the coupling collar  176  serves as a coupling element to join together two tensile elements (i.e. the spoke  2  and the fastener  178 ). The tire  10  is mounted to the rim  8  in the conventional manner.  FIG. 4   a  shows that all of the spokes of the wheel  168  may be connected at the rim  8  in this manner. The coupling collar  176  and the fastener  178  may alternatively be connected to the first end  4  of the spoke  2  for connection to the hub  14 . In such a case, the fastener  178  may be connected to the hub via spoke nipples  21  or it may be directly threaded into mating holes of the hub flange  16 . Such an arrangement where the spoke  2  is threadably connected directly to the hub flange is well known in industry. For simplicity in describing the present invention, only rim  8  connection arrangements are shown herein, with the understanding that these embodiments may be easily adapted to hub connections as well. 
       FIG. 4   b  is a detail of the embodiment described in  FIG. 4   a  and shows the rim  8  in cross-section. The spoke nipple  21  is fitted through hole  28  in the rim  8  and is retained in place by the head portion  23 . The nipple  21  is of conventional configuration and includes a female threaded central bore that is mated to the male threaded fastener  178 . Thus, spoke pretension may be adjusted for each individual spoke by threadably tightening the nipple  21  on the fastener  178 , effectively shortening the spoke  2  to induce tension to the spoke  2 . Note that the span of spoke  2  is aligned in the direction of spoke tension  30 , including a tensile axis  36  that is aligned in the direction of spoke tension  30  and extends through the longitudinal axis  26  of the spoke  2 . The connection between the spoke  2  and the fastener  178   
       FIGS. 5   a - e  provides an exemplary joining means corresponding to the embodiment of  FIGS. 4   a - b  and describes how the coupling collar  176  may be plastically deformed to grip both a fastener  178  and the second end  6  of a spoke  2 . As shown in  FIG. 5   a , threaded fastener  178  includes first end  180  and second end  179  and external threads  177  on its outer surface as shown. External threads  177  may be considered as a configured external surface of the threaded fastener  178 . 
     Spoke  2  is shown here to be generally round in cross-section and includes second end  6  and longitudinal axis  26 . As shown in  FIG. 5   b , coupling collar  176  includes a smooth internal cavity  170  that is sized to provide a clearance fit with the outer surface of fastener  178 . At its opposite end, coupling collar  176  includes a knurled or internally threaded hole  172  whose inside diameter is sized to provide a close clearance fit with the outside diameter  171  of the spoke  2 . The knurled or internally threaded hole may be considered as a cavity with a configured internal surface. Cavity  170  is preferably collinear with hole  172 . Coupling collar  176  also includes an external dimension  173 . In the pre-assembly described in  FIG. 5   c , the first end  180  of fastener  178  is positioned in cavity  170  and the second end  6  of spoke  2  is positioned in hole  172 . 
     The coupling collar  176  is then swaged or crimped or otherwise deformed as shown in  FIG. 5   d  where external crimping forces  174  are applied to the outside of the coupling collar  176 . External forces  174 , associated with the crimping or swaging processes, serve to press, deform and shrink the coupling collar  176  to a reduced external dimension  173 ′, thereby shrinking cavity  170  into intimate contact-with the first end  180  of the fastener  178  and shrinking hole  172  into intimate contact with the second end  6  of the spoke  2 . As shown in  FIG. 5   d , when cavity  170  is shrunk onto fastener  178 , the external threads of fastener  178  are pressed to impinge the walls of cavity  170 , causing the cavity  170  to be embossed or plastically deformed to conform and mate with the external threads of fastener  178  at an engagement interface  181   a.  The interlocking and gripping engagement at engagement interface  181   a  is a longitudinal engagement that occurs over a length along the longitudinal axis as shown. Simultaneously, when hole  172  is shrunk onto the second end  6  of spoke  2 , internal threads of hole  172  impinge the spoke  2  such that the spoke  2  is embossed and plastically deformed to conform and mate with the internal threads of hole  172  at an engagement interface  181   b.  The interlocking and gripping engagement at engagement interface  181   b  is also a longitudinal engagement that occurs over a length along the longitudinal axis as shown. Coupling collar  176  now has an interlocked and overlying engagement that mates and grips both the fastener  178  and the spoke  2  and an effective tensile connection is thereby achieved to support spoke tension  30  as shown in  FIG. 5   e . Coupling collar  176  may thus be considered a coupling that joins two tensile elements (i.e. fastener  178  and spoke  2 ). 
     A configured surface is defined herein as a region of variable surface geometry that usually includes raised surface(s) and adjacent recessed surface(s). Some examples of configured surfaces include surfaces that are threaded, knurled, ribbed, headed, raised, indented, warped, bent, etc. In this case, the external threads  177  may be considered as a configured surface, consisting of raised helical crests interspersed with relieved helical roots, which may also be viewed as a series of longitudinally spaced alternating raised surfaces and relieved surfaces projecting laterally from the sidewall of the spoke  2 . Similarly, the internal threads of threaded hole  172  may be considered as a configured surface. The external threads of fastener  178  and the internal threads of hole  172  may be easily and economically produced using conventional tooling, but these threads are merely representative of configured embossing surfaces. Other configured surfaces may be substituted. 
     The embossed engagement between internal threads of hole  172  and spoke  2  and between external threads  177  and cavity  170  are effective to prevent relative movement between the fastener  178 , the coupling collar  176 , and the spoke  2  along the longitudinal axis  26 . However, these embossed engagements rely only on friction to prevent relative rotation or unscrewing between these three components. To prevent such rotation and/or unscrewing, it is anticipated that the external threads  177  and/or internal threads of threaded cavity  170  include non-circular geometry (not shown) prior to crimping, such as a notch or distortion of these threads. Thus, the resulting engagement interfaces  181   a  and  181   b  will also include noncircular geometry such that these three components are rotationally keyed and locked to each other to prevent unscrewing. 
     While it may be beneficial to have an embossed engagement between the coupling collar  176  and the fastener  178  and/or the spoke  2 , it is also envisioned that hole  172  and the second end  6  of spoke  2  may alternatively be smooth surfaces. In such a case, when the coupling collar  176  is shrunk as previously described, a frictional gripping engagement is created between the coupling collar  176  and the spoke  2 . 
     Based on the deformation involved in this embodiment, it is desirable that the coupling collar  176  be made of a material whose hardness falls somewhere between the hardness of the fastener  178  and the hardness of the spoke  2 . Fastener  178  is of greater hardness than coupling collar  176  and coupling collar  176  is of greater hardness than the second end  6  of spoke  2 . It is generally understood that in most circumstances, when a softer material is pressed against a harder material, it is the softer material that will deform against a harder material. For example, the fastener  178  may be of stainless steel material and the coupling collar  176  may be of aluminum alloy and the second end  6  of the spoke  2  may be of fiber-reinforced polymer, including reinforcement fibers  85 . Stainless steel has greater hardness than aluminum alloy and aluminum alloy has greater hardness than fiber reinforced polymer. 
     It should be understood that plastic deformation involves the yielded deformation of a material due to pressure or load. This is in contrast to elastic deformation, in which the material springs back to its original shape when the applied pressure or load is removed. It may be considered that a the coupling collar  176  is made of a malleable or ductile material that exhibits at least some degree of plastic deformation when it is pressed by crimping forces  174  as described in  FIG. 5   d . Similarly, the second end  6  of spoke  2  is made of malleable or ductile material such that it is deformed when pressed by the coupling collar  176 . 
     In addition to the description of  FIGS. 5   a - e,  the term “crimp” or “crimped joinder” is used throughout this disclosure to refer to the process of pressing a malleable or ductile connecting element (i.e. coupling collar  176 ) to plastically crush, shrink or reduce at least one of its dimensions. This may be achieved through a range of processes, such as crimping or swaging that are well known in industry. Most commonly the connecting element includes an external surface and an internal cavity (i.e. cavity  170  and threaded hole  172 ). This crimping process involves pressing and plastically shrinking a dimension of the external surface of the connecting element to induce the shrinkage of a corresponding dimension of the internal cavity. Through this shrinkage of the internal cavity, the connecting element may be engaged to the spoke. 
     The embodiment of  FIGS. 6   a - b  and the embodiment of  FIGS. 6   c - d  both describe an exemplary joining means corresponding to the embodiment of  FIGS. 3   a - b  and describes how a connector may be crimped and plastically deformed to grip the second end  6  of a spoke  2 . As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6   a - b,  connector  76  includes a shank portion  77  with external dimension  79  and an enlarged head portion  78  with a transition surface  80  therebetween. Connector  76  also includes a blind cavity or hole  82  with a configured internal surface consisting of internal threads  84 . Spoke  2  is shown here to be generally round in cross-section and includes longitudinal axis  26  and second end  6 , which is sized to have a clearance fit with hole  82 . As shown in  FIG. 6   a , the second end  6  is first aligned with hole  82 . Next, the spoke  2  is inserted into hole  82  in direction  81  and positioned such that the connector  76  overlaps the spoke  2  along the longitudinal axis  26  to create a pre-assembly between the spoke  2  and the connector  76 . 
     The connector  76  is made of a harder material, such as aluminum and the spoke  2  is made of a softer material, such as fiber reinforced polymer. Thus the softer spoke  2  may be deformed to conform to the harder connector  76 . It is further anticipated that the surface of the spoke  2  may include a coating of softer material that will serve as a readily deformable layer such that this layer will be more easily be deformed upon impingement by the connector  76 . In an exemplary arrangement, the spoke  2  may be made of thermoplastic polymer resin with continuous carbon reinforcement fibers  85  that extend through the entire length of the spoke  2  and with a resin-rich external surface. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 6   b , the connector  76  is crimped onto the spoke  2  with external crimp force  86  applied to press the shank portion  77  of the connector  76  in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  26  to cause the shank portion  77  to plastically deform and shrink to a reduced external dimension  79 ′. This deformation of the shank portion  77  causes the blind hole  82  to shrink such that the harder internal threads  84  press and impinge the second end  6  of the spoke  2  such that the softer ductile second end  6  is embossed and deformed (both plastically and elastically) to conform to the contour of internal threads  84 . Thus, spoke  2  is has an overlie engagement with the internal threads  84  and is also gripped by the connector  76  at engagement interface  83  to securely join the connector  76  to the spoke  2  and to prevent relative movement between the two along the longitudinal axis  26 . Engagement interface  83  may be considered a longitudinal engagement interface as it occurs over a longitudinal length of the spoke  2 . The connector  76  may then be connected to the rim  8  as described in  FIGS. 3   a - b  or may alternatively be connected to the hub. Connector  76  may thus be considered a termination that provides anchoring at the end of the spoke  2  to resist spoke tension forces. 
     As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 6   c - d,  connector  66  includes a shank portion  67  with external dimension  69  and an enlarged head portion  68  with a transition surface  70  therebetween. Connector  66  also includes a blind cavity or hole  72  with generally smooth internal walls as shown. Spoke  2  is shown here to be generally round in cross-section and includes longitudinal axis  26  and second end  6  with a configured external surface consisting of external threads  74  which are sized to have a clearance fit with hole  72 . As shown in  FIG. 6   c , the second end  6  is first aligned with hole  72 . Next, the spoke  2  is inserted into hole  72  in direction  71  and positioned such that the connector  66  overlaps the spoke  2  along the longitudinal axis  26  to create a pre-assembly. The connector  66  is made of a softer material, such as aluminum and the spoke  2  is made of a harder material, such as steel. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 6   d , the connector  66  is crimped onto the spoke  2  with external crimp force  75  applied to press the shank portion  67  of the connector  66  to cause the shank portion  67  to plastically deform and shrink inwardly. This deformation of the shank portion  67  causes the blind hole  72  to shrink such that the harder external threads  74  of the spoke  2  press and impinge the generally smooth walls of the blind hole  72  such that the softer ductile blind hole  72  is deformed to conform to the contour of external threads  74 . Thus, connector  66  has an overlie engagement with the external threads, with spoke  2  also gripped by the blind hole  72  at engagement interface  73  to securely join and lock the connector  66  to the spoke  2  and to resist spoke tension loads. The connector  66  may then be connected to the rim  8  as described in  FIGS. 3   a - b  or may alternatively be connected to the hub. 
     It should be noted that for description purposes, internal threads  84  and external threads  74  are shown to be generally conventional helical thread forms, which are shown here as representations of a configured (non-smooth) surface. Alternatively, any manner of configured surface may be substituted, such as knurling, etc. Further, it may also be preferable to deform or notch the helical thread form described herein such that the deformed engagement provides resistance to twisting between the connectors ( 66 ,  76 ) and their corresponding spoke  2  about the longitudinal axis  26 . 
     In reviewing the embodiments of  FIGS. 6   a - b  and  6   c - d,  as well as several other embodiments described herein, it may be seen that, during crimping, the softer one of the spoke and connector may deform to conform to the configured surface of the harder one of the spoke and connector such that, upon the crimped shrinking of the connector, the softer component now has a series of longitudinally spaced alternating raised surfaces and relieved surfaces that are nested and matched with the corresponding surfaces of the harder component. These nested and matched surfaces constitute a series of interlocking mechanical overlie engagements between the spoke and the connector to lock the connector to the spoke in a direction along the longitudinal axis so that the resultant joinder may resist spoke tension  30 . The series of mechanical overlie engagements are preferably arranged generally along the longitudinal axis  26  of the spoke as shown to serve as a longitudinal engagement as previously described and to provide a more robust joinder between the connector and the spoke. Thus, the connector is solidly locked and joined to the spoke to support spoke tension  30 . It is understood that the configured surface is also merely representative of a wide range of spoke cross section and surface geometries, both constant and variable along the longitudinal axis  26 , that may be utilized to enhance the performance and design of the spoke/connector joinder. For example, the configured surface may be knurled, notched, threaded, flattened, fluted, ribbed, necked, headed and/or tapered, among other geometries. Further, it is also envisioned that one or both of the spoke and connector may include matched non-circular cross section geometry such that the connector and spoke may be keyed to each other to prevent or limit independent rotational movement about the longitudinal axis. 
       FIGS. 7   a - b  describe an embodiment similar to  FIGS. 5   a - e , however the fastener portion  183  is shown here to be integral with the connector  186 . The term “integral” refers to the fastener portion  183  and connector  186  as combined as a single unit. As shown in  FIG. 7   a , connector  186  includes a configured surface consisting of a blind threaded hole  182  whose inside diameter is sized to provide a close clearance fit with the outside diameter of the second end  6  of spoke  2 . Connector  186  includes an integral male-threaded fastener portion  183 , an enlarged portion  184  with flats  185 , a flared shoulder  188  and a shank  189 . 
     The connector  186  is then swaged or crimped, as shown in  FIG. 7   b , where external crimping forces  174  are applied to press the outside of shank  189  in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  26 . Swaging or crimping forces  174  serve to shrink the shank  189 , thereby shrinking hole  182  into intimate contact with the second end  6  of the spoke  2  at engagement interface  187  in a manner previously described in  FIGS. 5   a - e  and  FIGS. 6   a - b  An effective connection between the connector  186  and the spoke  2  is thereby achieved. An intermediate connecting component, such as a spoke nipple (as described hereinabove), may be threaded onto the fastener portion  183  for connection to a bracing element such as the rim or hub flange (not shown). Alternatively, the fastener portion  183  may be directly threaded to engage the bracing element. Connector  186  may now serve as a connecting element to connect the spoke  2  to a bracing element. Wrench flats  185  formed into enlarged portion  184  allow the connector  186  to be rotatably manipulated about the longitudinal axis  26 . Alternatively the flared shoulder  188  may be utilized to create an overlie engagement to engage the rim or hub flange in a manner similar to a spoke nipple. 
     The embodiment of  FIGS. 7   c - d  is similar to the embodiment of  FIG. 6   a - b,  however, unlike the spoke  2 , which may comprise only a single span, spoke  50  is shown to include two spans. As shown in the embodiment of  FIGS. 7   c - d,  connector  54  includes a shank portion  55  and an enlarged head portion  56  with a transition surface  58  therebetween. Connector  54  also includes a through hole  60  with internal threads  62  comprising a configured surface. Spoke  50  is generally round in cross-section and is shown here to be a duplex spoke  50  to include a first span  52   a  and a second span  52   b,  with a common portion  53  therebetween. Each span  52   a  and  52   b  includes a corresponding longitudinal axis  26   a  and  26   b  respectively. As shown in  FIG. 7   c , the common portion  53  is first positioned within hole  60  such that the connector  54  overlaps the spoke  50  along the longitudinal axis  26   a  and  26   b.  The connector  54  is made of a harder material, such as aluminum and the spoke  50  is made of a softer material, such as fiber reinforced polymer. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 7   d , the connector  54  is crimped onto the common portion  53  of the spoke  50  with external crimp force  63  applied to the shank portion  55  of the connector  54  to cause this portion of the connector  54  to plastically deform and shrink inwardly. This deformation of the shank portion  55  causes the through hole  60  to shrink such that the harder internal threads  62  press and impinge the common portion  53  of the spoke  50  and the softer ductile common portion  53  is deformed to conform to the contour of internal threads  62 . Thus, spoke  50  has an interlocking overlie engagement with the internal threads  62  and is also gripped by the connector  54  at engagement interface  57  to securely join and lock the connector  54  to the spoke  50  to resist spoke tension  30  loads. The connector  54  may then be connected to the hub (not shown) or may alternatively be connected to the rim  8  as described in  FIGS. 3   a - b.  U.S. Pat. No. 7,192,097 discloses several representative arrangements where a duplex spoke as described in  FIGS. 7   c - d  may be incorporated into a vehicle wheel. The connector  54  may alternatively employ a variety of functional geometries that may be designed to provide connection with the rim and/or hub. 
       FIGS. 8   a - d  describe a representative crimping method. This example shows how the connector  100  may be crimped by applying a crimping force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spoke  2 . As shown in  FIG. 8   a , connector  100  includes an outer surface  101  of height  116  and an internal hole or cavity  103 . Spoke  2  is pre-assembled within cavity  103  with clearance  105  between the outside diameter of the spoke  2  and the diameter of the cavity  103 . Connector  100  is shown to completely surround and enclose the cross-section of the spoke  2 . As shown in  FIG. 8   b , punch  108  includes a punch face  110  and nest  112  includes a nest face  114 . The pre-assembly is placed between a punch face  110  and nest face  114 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 8   c , punch  108  is pressed and driven in direction  106 , which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, toward the nest  112  and against the connector  100  to sandwich and shrink the connector  100  into intimate contact with the spoke  2 . As punch face  110  and nest face  114  are brought toward each other to press against the connector  100  from opposing directions, the connector  100  becomes crimped such that the height  116  of the connector  100  is reduced and shrunk and the cavity  103  contacts and impinges against the spoke  2 . The connector  100  is made of ductile and malleable material such that it is plastically deformed (due to crimping force) to maintain this reduced height  116 . The spoke is also preferably made of malleable and ductile material. Simultaneously, as the cavity  103  impinges against the spoke  2 , the cross sectional shape of the spoke  2  may deform against the cavity  103 , as shown in  FIG. 8   c , to create a matched surface interface between the spoke  2  and the cavity  103  at engagement interface  117 . With the cavity  103  shrunk against the spoke  2 , the spoke  2  becomes gripped and joined to the connector  100 . It is also noted that connector  100  continuously surrounds the cross section of the spoke  2 . The punch  108  and nest  112  are removed, as shown in  FIG. 8   d , and it may be seen that this new joinder between connector  100  and spoke  2  may now be used as a termination or a coupling to support spoke tension loads. 
     The crimping method of  FIGS. 9   a - c  is very similar to that of  FIGS. 8   a - d,  however this method includes pinching of the connector  120 . As shown in  FIG. 9   a , connector  120  includes an outer surface  121  of height  136  and an internal hole or cavity  123 . Spoke  2  is pre-assembled within cavity  123  with clearance  125  between the outside diameter of the spoke  2  and the diameter of the cavity  123 . Punch  128  includes a punch face  130  and nest  132  includes a nest face  134 . The pre-assembly is placed between a punch face  130  and nest face  134 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 9   b , punch  128  is pressed in direction  126  toward the nest  132  to sandwich and shrink the connector  120  into intimate contact with the spoke  2 . As punch face  130  and nest face  134  are brought toward each other to press against the connector  120  from opposing directions (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis), the height  136  of the connector  120  is reduced and shrunk such that the cavity  123  contacts and impinges against the spoke  2 . The connector  120  is made of ductile and malleable material such that it is plastically deformed to maintain its reduced height  136  and to create a matched surface interface between the spoke  2  and the cavity  123  at engagement interface  127 . As shown in  FIG. 9   b , the connector  120  is also puckered slightly to create pinched folds  137   a  and  137   b,  which allow the connector  120  to collapse to a high degree to grip the spoke  2 . It is noted that the spoke  2  still maintains a generally round cross section after crimping and its cross-section does not undergo such a dramatic deformation as previously described in  FIGS. 8   a - d.  With the cavity  123  shrunk against the spoke  2 , the spoke  2  becomes connected to the connector  120 . The punch  128  and nest  132  are removed, as shown in  FIG. 9   c , and it may be seen that this new connection may now be used as a termination or a coupling to support spoke tension loads. 
       FIGS. 10   a - c  describe a representative crimping method similar to that of  FIGS. 8   a - d.  This example shows how the connector  230  may be crimped by applying a force perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the spoke  2 . As shown in  FIG. 10   a , connector  230  includes an outer surface  231  and an internal hole or cavity  233 . Spoke  2  is pre-assembled within cavity  233  with clearance  235  between the outside diameter of the spoke  2  and the diameter of the cavity  233 . As shown in  FIG. 10   b , and in contrast to the semi-circular faces  110  and  114  of  FIGS. 8   b - c,  punches  237   a  and  237   b  include faceted punch faces  238   a  and  238   b  respectively. The pre-assembly is placed between punch faces  238   a  and  238   b.  Punches  237   a  and  237   b  are then pressed toward each other in directions  239   a  and  239   b  to sandwich and shrink the connector  230  into intimate contact and impingement with the spoke  2  at engagement interface  236 . As punch faces  238   a  and  238   b  are brought toward each other, the faceted punch faces  238   a  and  238   b  serve to press, forge and plastically deform the outer surface  231  into a non-circular hexagonal shape as shown in  FIG. 10   c . This hexagonally faceted deformation also provides a variable deformation around the cross sectional circumference of the connector  230  where the flats  240  correspond to a region of greater radial inward deformation and the peaks  242  correspond to a region of lesser radial inward deformation. This localized deformation may require lower crimping forces on the punches. Further, in comparison with the circular outer surface  141  of  FIGS. 11   a - c,  the hexagonal shape of the outer surface  231  allows the connector to be easily manipulated or rotated with a tool such as a wrench (not shown). As also described in  FIGS. 8   a - d  it may be seen that this crimped and deformed connection between the spoke  2  and the connector  230  may now be used as a termination or a coupling to support spoke tension loads. 
     The crimping method of  FIGS. 11   a - c  is very similar to that of  FIGS. 8   a - d,  however instead of crimping the connector  100  from two opposing directions, the connector  140  is pressed from six radially inwardly directions. As shown in  FIG. 11   a,  connector  140  includes an outer surface  141  and an internal hole or cavity  143 . Spoke  2  includes notch  144  in its cross-section and is pre-assembled within cavity  143  with clearance  145  between the outside diameter of the spoke  2  and the diameter of the cavity  143 . A series of six punches  148 , each include a punch face  150 , are arranged in a radial configuration as shown. The pre-assembly is centrally placed within the series of punches  148 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 11   b , punches  148  are each pressed radially inwardly in respective radial directions  146  (perpendicular to the longitudinal axis) to sandwich and shrink the connector  140  into intimate contact with the spoke  2 . As punch faces  150  are brought toward each other to radially press against the connector  140 , the diameter  149  of the connector  140  is crimped and shrunk such that the cavity  143  contacts and impinges against the spoke  2 . The connector  140  is made of ductile and malleable material such that it is thus plastically deformed to maintain its reduced diameter  149  and to create a matched surface interface between the spoke  2  and the cavity  143  at engagement interface  147 . Material of the connector  140  is simultaneously pressed to conform to the notch  144  such that the engagement interface  147  is non-circular in cross-section and the connector  140  is rotationally keyed to the spoke  2  about the longitudinal axis. It is noted that the spoke  2  still maintains its original cross-section after crimping and does not undergo a shape deformation as previously described in  FIGS. 8   a - d.  With the cavity  143  shrunk against the spoke  2 , the spoke  2  becomes joined to the connector  140 . The punches  148  are removed and it may be seen that this new connection can be used as a termination or a coupling to support spoke tension loads, as shown in  FIG. 11   c.    
     The circumferential crimping method of  FIGS. 12   a - b  is similar to that of  FIGS. 9   a - c,  however instead of the connector  120  being radially squeezed from two opposing directions to sandwich the spoke  2 , the connector  152  is wrapped to circumferentially constrict around the cross section of the spoke  2 . As shown in  FIG. 12   a , connector  152  includes an outer surface  153  and an internal hole or cavity  154  and a longitudinal split or gap  158  with corresponding edges  156   a  and  156   b.  Thus, in contrast to several other embodiments herein, such as  FIGS. 8   a - d,  connector  120  does not continuously surround the cross section of the spoke  2 . Spoke  2  is pre-assembled within cavity  154  with clearance  155  between the outside diameter of the spoke  2  and the diameter of the cavity  154 . Crimping dies are not shown, but may be of any configuration known in industry. 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 12   b , a crimping or swaging method serves to circumferentially deform the connector  152  in directions  160   a  and  160   b,  thus serving to shrink and reduce the diameter  162  of the outer surface  153  and to constrict the cavity  154  into intimate contact and impingement with the spoke  2  at engagement interface  157 . It may be seen that the gap  158  is now reduced in response to the circumferential constriction of the connector  152 . The connector  152  is made of ductile and malleable material such that it is thus plastically deformed to maintain its reduced diameter  162  and to create a matched surface interface between the spoke  2  and the cavity  154 . The width of gap  158  is also reduced and edges  156   a  and  156   b  are brought toward each other. With the cavity  154  shrunk against the spoke  2 , the spoke  2  becomes connected to the connector  152 . It may be seen that this new connection can be used as a termination or a coupling to support spoke tension loads. It should be noted that, while all of the previous embodiments utilize a connector that continuously surrounds the cross section of the spoke, the embodiment of  FIGS. 12   a - b  shows an example where the connector  152  discontinuously surrounds the cross section of the spoke  2 . 
       FIG. 12   c  describes an alternate crimping engagement similar to that described in  FIG. 12   b . In addition to the circumferential crimping described in  FIG. 12   b , this crimping method further serves to disrupt edges  156   a  and  156   b  inwardly as shown to impinge against the spoke  2 . Such a crimping method is known in industry. Further, the edges  156   a  and  156   b  may be serrated such that when they impinge against the spoke  2  as shown, the outer surface of the spoke will deform to conform to the points of the serrations, thus creating an overlie engagement at the engagement interface to lock the connector  152  to the spoke  2  to support spoke tension forces. 
     In the previously described embodiments of the present invention, the spoke  2  is assembled to the connector in a generally longitudinal direction. This is because, in the non-deformed state, the connector encloses the cross-section of the spoke. In contrast, the crimping method of  FIGS. 13   a - b  shows how the spoke  254  may be assembled to the connector  246  in a direction  258  that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  26  of the spoke  254 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 13   a , connector  246  has is a generally U-shaped element with a longitudinal opening  252 , a base portion  250  and two tab portions  248   a  and  248   b.  Spoke  254  includes a configured portion  256 , where the configured portion  256  may constitute a knurled surface, a threaded surface, a ribbed surface (as shown), or any other type of surface with variable geometry. The spoke  254  is first pre-assembled to the connector  246  in direction  258  and through the opening  252  such that the configured portion  256  is nested against the base  250 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 13   b , connector  246  is pressed and crimped with external crimp force  259  applied to tab portion  248   a  as shown. It may be seen that the opening  252  is then closed and tab portion  248   a  is now circumferentially wrapped in directions  257   a  and  257   b  around the cross section of the spoke  254 . The interior surfaces  255  of the base  250  and tabs  248   a  and  248   b  are now constricted to circumferentially press around the configured surface  256  in a manner similar to that described in  FIGS. 12   a - b.  Tab portions  248   a  and  248   b  are pressed together to meet at pinched seam  249 , which may be considered as a longitudinal split. The connector  246  is made of ductile and malleable material such that it is plastically deformed in response to crimp force  259  to maintain this closed configuration. 
     In this embodiment, the connector  246  is made of a softer material, such as aluminum and the spoke  254  is made of a harder material, such as steel. During the crimped deformation, softer ductile interior surfaces  255  of the connector  246  are pressed and impinged against the harder configured portion  256  of the spoke  254  such that the interior surface  255  is deformed to conform to the contour of the configured surface  256  in a manner similar to that described in  FIGS. 6   c - d.  There is now a matched surface interface and a corresponding overlie engagement between the configured surface  256  and the interior surface  255  of the connector  246 . Thus the spoke  254  is securely joined to the connector  246  to resist spoke tension  30  loads. 
     Most of the previous embodiments show the connector as being plastically deformed by an applied force that acts in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  26  of the spoke. In contrast, the embodiments of  FIGS. 14   a - b  and  FIGS. 15   a - b  describe embodiments where the connector is plastically deformed by an applied force that acts in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis  26 . As shown in  FIG. 14   a , connector  260  includes a necked region  262 , end faces  264   a  and  264   b,  and a through hole  266  with internal threads  268 . Second end  6  of spoke  2  is inserted in hole  266  as shown and end face  264   b  is temporarily braced against anvil  265 . Connector  260  is of harder material than the spoke  2 . 
     Next, crimping force  269  is applied against end face  264   a.  This causes the connector  260  to plastically deform such that end face  264   a  is displaced by distance  272 . This causes necked region  262  to be displaced inwardly in direction  270  to reduce the size of hole  266 . Internal threads  268  are correspondingly displaced inwardly such that internal threads  268  impinge on second end  6  as shown. It may be seen that the necked region  262  provides geometry to facilitate a gripping force that acts in a direction that is perpendicular to the crimping direction  270 . Thus, internal threads  268  may be considered as a configured internal surface that impinges against the spoke  2  such that the spoke  2  is deformed to engage the internal threads. The connector  260  is made of ductile and malleable material such that it is plastically deformed to maintain an impinged engagement with a matched surface interface between the spoke  2  and the internal threads  268 . With the internal threads  268  shrunk against the second end  6 , the spoke  2  becomes connected to the connector  260  at engagement interface  267 . It may be seen that this new connection can be used as a termination or a coupling to support spoke tension loads. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 15   a - b,  connector  274  includes a conical flange  276 , a collar  277 , end faces  278   a  and  278   b,  and a through hole  280  with internal threads  282 . Second end  6  of spoke  2  is inserted in hole  280  as shown and end face  278   b  is temporarily braced against anvil  279 . Connector  274  is of harder material than the spoke  2 . Next, crimping force  284  is applied against end face  278   a.  This causes the connector  274  to plastically deform such that end face  278   a  is displaced by distance  286 , which causes conical flange  276  to toggle and flatten such that collar  277  is, in turn, displaced inwardly in direction  287  as shown in  FIG. 15   b . It may be seen that the conical flange  276  provides geometry to facilitate a gripping force on the spoke that acts in a direction  287  that is perpendicular to the crimping direction  284 . As collar  277  is displaced in direction  287 , hole  280  and internal threads  282  are also displaced inwardly such that internal threads  282  impinge on second end  6  as shown. Thus, internal threads  282  may be considered as a configured internal surface that impinges against the spoke  2  such that the spoke  2  is deformed to engage the internal threads  282 . The connector  274  is made of ductile and malleable material such that it is plastically deformed in response to force  284  to maintain its impinged engagement with a matched surface interface between the spoke  2  and the internal threads  282 . With the internal threads  282  shrunk against the second end  6 , the spoke  2  becomes connected to the connector  274  at engagement interface  285 . It may be seen that this new connection can be used as a termination or a coupling to support spoke tension loads. 
     The embodiment of  FIGS. 16   a - c  includes elements of the embodiments of  FIGS. 6   c - d  and  FIGS. 12   a - b.  As shown in  FIG. 16   a , connector  290  is made of malleable and ductile material and includes longitudinal through hole  291 . Collar  292  includes longitudinal split  294  and external ribs  296  and a longitudinal through hole  293  with internal ribs  297 . External ribs  296  and internal ribs  297  may both be considered as configured surfaces. The material of the collar  292  is harder than both the material of the connector  290  and the material of the second end  6  of the spoke  2 . For example, the connector  290  may be comprised of malleable aluminum and the collar  292  may be hard steel and the spoke  2  may be fiber reinforced polymer. 
     As shown in  FIG. 16   b , the collar  292  is first pre-assembled to overlap both the spoke  2  and the connector  290  along the longitudinal axis  26 . The connector  290  is then swaged or crimped with external crimping forces  298  applied to the outside of the connector  290 . Crimping forces  298 , due to the crimping or swaging processes, serve to plastically deform and shrink the connector  290 , thereby shrinking hole  291  into intimate contact and impingement with the collar  292 , which in turn is shrunk (by circumferentially collapsing the split  294 ) such that hole  293  is shrunk and brought into intimate contact and impingement with the second end  6  of the spoke  2 . Thus, as seen in  FIG. 16   c , external ribs  296  are embossed and embedded within the hole  291  of the connector  290  at engagement interface  295   a  such that the connector  290  and the collar  292  are engaged and locked together. Simultaneously, internal ribs  297  emboss and embed into the external surface of the second end  6  of the spoke  2  at engagement interface  295   b  such that the collar  292  and spoke  2  are engaged and locked together. Connector  290  and spoke  2  are now joined together through collar  292 . Generically, it may be viewed that collar  292  serves as an “intermediate joining element” where the connector  290  is deformed to join to the collar  292  and the collar  292  is also thereby deformed to join to the spoke  2 , thus creating an effective deformed joinder between the connector  290  and the spoke  2 . Connector  290  may now serve as a connecting element to connect the spoke  2  to a bracing element such as the rim or hub flange in a manner similar that previously described. It is noted that the geometry of the connector  290  and spoke are shown as generic cylindrical shapes for description purposes. Alternatively, a wide variety of geometries and arrangements may be incorporated into the design that may add to the functionality and/or aesthetics of the system. As a further alternative, it is also envisioned that the collar  292  may include geometry that is external to the connector  290  that may also be utilized to connect to a bracing element (not shown). 
       FIG. 17  describes an embodiment similar to several of those described previously, however this figure shows a multiplicity of spokes joined, by means of a crimped joinder, to a single connecting element (i.e. hub flange  300 ). This figure also shows the spokes as joined directly to a bracing element (i.e. hub flange  300 ). In other words, the hub flange  300  may be viewed as integral and unitary with a corresponding series of connecting elements. As shown, spokes  2  and  2 ′ are identical to each other and include first ends  4  and  4 ′ respectively, each with a series of external ribs  312  and  312 ′ respectively, and longitudinal axis  26 . Ribs  312  constitute a configured surface of variable surface and cross-section geometry. Hub shell  302  includes bearing bore  306  to accept a bearing and axle (both not shown) and an annular hub flange  300  with a flange face  304  and a series of radially extending blind holes  303  to accept the spokes  2 . Holes  303  are initially sized to accept the ribs  312  and first end  4 . Hub flange  300  is similar to hub flange  16  of  FIG. 1  in its overall function as a bracing element to connect to the inboard end of the spokes. In this embodiment, it is preferred that first ends  4  and  4 ′ are of harder material than the material surrounding holes  303  such that sidewalls of holes  303  may be embossed by first ends  4  and  4 ′. 
     Spoke  2  is shown prior to assembly with the hub flange  300 , with the first end  4  aligned to be inserted into hole  303  in direction  314 . Spoke  2 ′ is shown as assembled and joined to the hub flange  300 . First end  4 ′ has first been inserted into hole  303 ′. Next, flange face  304  has been locally pressed with a punch (not shown) in direction  308  to create a plastically embossed indent  310  adjacent hole  303  as shown. As flange face  304  is pressed and indented, the hub flange  300  material is displaced and adjacent hole  303 ′ is thereby plastically collapsed and shrunk against the ribs  312 ′ and second end  4 ′ of spoke  2 ′. Thus spoke  2 ′ is gripped by the hole  303 ′, with ribs  312 ′ also embossing the sidewalls of hole  303 ′ in a manner similar to that previously described herein, thereby creating a gripped and interlocking joinder between the hub flange  300  and the spoke  2 ′ that is capable of supporting spoke tension  30 . A full complement of spokes  2  are joined to their respective holes  303  by means of additional crimped indents in a similar manner as just described. This full complement of spokes may be crimped in place one at a time as shown or they may be simultaneously crimped, all at one time. 
     While  FIG. 17  shows an example where the spoke(s) may be directly joined to the hub flange, it is also envisioned that the spokes may be joined at their second end to the outer rim in a similar manner.  FIG. 18   a - d  describe an embodiment where the second end  6  of the spoke  2  is directly joined to the rim  372 . Rim  372  includes radially outwardly facing flanges  371   a  and  371   b  to accept a conventional tire (not shown) and a spoke bed  378  wall, to which the spokes  2  are joined. Spoke bed  378  includes a series of unitary and integral collars  374  extending radially inwardly therefrom, each with a hole  376  therethrough that extends in a generally radial direction.  FIG. 18   a  shows a portion of the outer rim  372  hoop, with some of the spokes  2  fixed to the rim  372  and with one of the spokes  2  ready to be assembled to the rim. Rim  372  is constructed of harder material, such as aluminum, in comparison with the spokes  2 , which may be constructed of a comparatively softer material such as fiber-reinforced polymer. As may be seen in  FIG. 18   b , which shows a spoke  2  prior to assembly with the rim  372 , the outer surface  373  of spoke  2  is sized to fit within the hole  376  that extends through the spoke bed  378 . Hole  376  includes a configured surface such as internal threads  381  along its interior sidewall. The second end  6  of the spoke  2  is then inserted and pre-assembled into hole  376  in the direction  377  as shown in  FIG. 18   c.    
     With spoke  2  in place, crimping force  380  is applied to the collar  374  as shown in  FIG. 18   d  such that collar  374  is crimped and plastically deformed to collapse and shrink against the second end  6  of spoke  2 . Simultaneously internal threads  381  serve to emboss and deform the outer surface  373  of the second end  6  in a manner similar to that previously described herein. Thus, a gripped and interlocking longitudinal joinder is created at an engagement interface  385  between the rim  372  and the spoke  2  that is capable of supporting spoke tension  30  along the tensile axis  36 . A full complement of spokes  2  may be joined to their respective holes  376  in a similar manner as just described. 
     While the previous embodiments have focused on a crimped connection to press and grip the surface of the spoke, the embodiment of  FIGS. 19   a - c  shows how the connector  320  may be crimped to merely retain the spoke  2  without necessarily gripping and/or impinging upon it. As shown in  FIG. 19   a , spoke  2  includes a longitudinal axis  26  and an enlarged head  318  portion and conical transition surface  317  formed into its second end  6 . Connector  320  includes an external surface  321  and a longitudinal blind hole  324  sized to accept the enlarged head  318  and an integral threaded fastener  322  for subsequent connection with a bracing element (not shown). As shown in  FIG. 19   b , the spoke  2  is pre-assembled to the connector  320 , with enlarged head  318  inserted in hole  324  in direction  325 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 19   c , crimp force  326  is applied to the external surface  321  such that a portion of collar  320  is crimped and plastically deformed to collapse and shrink the hole  324  inwardly toward the second end  6  of spoke  2 . Hole  324  now includes a reduced region  329  with a transition surface  328  extending outwardly to the original non-deformed hole  324  portion as shown. The reduced region  329  is now smaller than the enlarged head  318  and the enlarged head  318  is thus captured by the reduced region  329 . As such, the transition surface  328  is now overlying and bearing against the conical transition surface  317 , thus creating a locking and retained joinder between the connector  320  and the spoke  2  at engagement interface  327 . With the connector  320  connected to a bracing element, this joinder is capable of supporting spoke tension  30  along the tensile axis  36 . 
       FIGS. 20   a - d  describe an embodiment similar to that of  FIGS. 19   a - c,  however  FIGS. 20   a - d  show the spoke as extending through the connector  330 . As shown in  FIG. 20   a , spoke  2  includes a longitudinal axis  26  with an enlarged head  318  portion and conical transition surface  317  formed into both its first end  4  and second end  6 . Bracing element  334  is schematically shown and includes opening  335  therethrough. Connector  330  includes an external surface  331 , end face  333 , engagement surface  339  and a longitudinal through hole  332  sized to accept the enlarged head  318 . Both opening  335  and hole  332  are sized to permit the enlarged head  318  to pass through. As shown in  FIG. 20   b , the spoke  2  is pre-assembled to the connector  330 , with enlarged head  318  inserted through opening  335  and through hole  332  in direction  338  such that transition surface  317  is outboard and beyond the end face  333 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 20   c , crimp force  337  is applied perpendicular to the external surface  331  such that connector  330  is crimped and plastically deformed to collapse and shrink the hole  332  inwardly such that diameter  336  is reduced. Now the hole  332  is smaller in diameter than the enlarged head  318  while the outer surface  331  of the connector  330  is still larger than the opening  335 . Finally, as shown in  FIG. 20   d , spoke tension  30  is applied to the spoke  2 , which draws the transition surface  317  against the end face  333  and in turn draws the engagement surface  339  against the bracing element  334 . Thus it may be seen that spoke  2  is now engaged to the bracing element and terminated by means of two overlying engaged connections: a first engagement created between the spoke  2  and the connector  330  at engagement interface  337  and a second engagement between the connector  330  and bracing element  334 . The crimped joinder is now capable of supporting spoke tension  30  along the tensile axis  36 . 
       FIGS. 21   a - c  describe an embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 6   c - d,  however this arrangement shows the connector as providing a coupling function between two spokes, where the spokes are also engaged to each other. Spokes  346   a  and  346   b  are of harder material, such as stainless steel, and each include a longitudinal axis  26  and end portions  347   a  and  347   b  with ribs  348   a  and  348   b  respectively. Connector  340  is of softer material, such as aluminum, and includes outer surface  344  and internal cavity or hole  342  that extends through the connector along the longitudinal axis  26 . As shown in  FIG. 21   a , end portions  347   a  and  347   b  are overlapped along the longitudinal axis such that ribs  348   a  of spoke  346   a  are interlocked and engaged with ribs  348   b  of spoke  346   b  at engagement interface  343 . Connector  340  is retracted and spaced away from end portions  347   a  and  347   b.  Next, as shown in  FIG. 21   b , the connector  340  is slid in direction  349  to cover and surround end portions  347   a  and  347   b  and associated ribs  348   a  and  348   b.  Finally, as shown in  FIG. 21   c,  the collar  340  is plastically crimped and reduced as previously described herein. The hole  342  is similarly shrunk inwardly such that ribs  348   a  and  348   b  are pressed together and retained in place. Simultaneously, the harder ribs  348   a  and  348   b  press and impinge the generally smooth walls of the hole  342  such that the softer ductile hole  342  is deformed to conform to the contour of ribs  348   a  and  348   b.  Thus, connector  340  has a gripped and overlying engagement with the ribs  348   a  and  348   b  and serves to connect spokes  346   a  and  346   b.  Additionally, spokes  346   a  and  346   b  are directly connected to each other via interlocking ribs  348   a  and  348   b.  This connection between spokes  346   a  and  346   b  can now support spoke tension  30  forces. 
       FIGS. 22   a - c  describe a coupling embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 21   a - c,  with the connector  350  providing a coupling function between two spokes  346   a  and  346   b,  however the spokes  346   a  and  346   b  are not directly engaged to each other. Spokes  346   a  and  346   b  each include longitudinal axis  26  and end portions  347   a  and  347   b  with ribs  348   a  and  348   b  respectively. Connector  350  is of softer material, such as aluminum, and includes outer surface  351  and internal cavity or hole  352  that extends through the connector along the longitudinal axis  26 . As shown in  FIG. 22   a , end portions  347   a  and  347   b  are aligned to be inserted into the connector  350 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 22   b , the spokes  346   a  and  346   b  are inserted in respective directions  354   a  and  354   b  into hole  352  such that connector  350  covers and surrounds end portions  347   a  and  347   b  and associated ribs  348   a  and  348   b.  Finally, as shown in  FIG. 22   c , the collar  350  is plastically crimped in direction  356  and reduced as previously described herein, including associated indents  357 . The hole  352  is similarly shrunk inwardly to conform to end portions  347   a  and  347   b  such that the harder ribs  348   a  and  348   b  press and impinge the generally smooth walls of the softer ductile hole  352 , which is deformed to conform to the contour of ribs  348   a  and  348   b.  Thus, connector  350  has a gripped and overlying engagement with the ribs  348   a  and  348   b  at engagement interfaces  353   a  and  353   b  respectively and serves to connect spokes  346   a  and  346   b  to each other. This connection between spokes  346   a  and  346   b  can now support spoke tension  30  forces. 
       FIGS. 23   a - c  describe an embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIGS. 21   a - c,  with the connector  360  providing a coupling function between two spokes  346   a  and  364 , where these spokes are also directly engaged to each other. Spoke  346   a  is of harder material, such as stainless steel, and includes end portion  347   a  with ribs  348   a.  Spoke  364  has a flattened cross section and is of softer material, such as fiber-reinforced polymer, and includes end portion  365 . Connector  360  is of an intermediate hardness material, such as aluminum, and includes outer surface  361  and internal hole  362  that extends through the connector along the longitudinal axis  26 . As shown in  FIG. 23   a , end portions  347   a  and  365  are aligned to be inserted into the connector  360 . Next, as shown in  FIG. 23   b , the spokes  346   a  and  364  are inserted in respective directions  366   a  and  366   b  into hole  362  such that connector  360  (shown in phantom for clarity) covers and surrounds end portions  347   a  and  365 . End portions  347   a  and  365  are overlapped along the longitudinal axis  26 . Finally, as shown in  FIG. 23   c , the connector  360  is plastically crimped in direction  368  and reduced as previously described herein. The hole  362  is similarly shrunk inwardly such that ribs  348   a  are pressed and embedded into softer end portion  365  in direction  368  and end portion  365  is deformed to conform to the contour of ribs  348   a  at connecting interface  367 . Thus, ribs  348   a  have an interlocking engagement with end portion  365  for a direct connection therebetween. The deformed connector  360  serves to maintain this interlocked engagement and press ribs  348   a  and end portion  365  into intimate engagement. This connection between spokes  346   a  and  364  can now support spoke tension  30  forces. 
       FIGS. 24   a - c  describe one illustrative example of how a spoke, including a crimped connector, may be anchored against a bracing element. Spoke  2  is joined to connector  198  via a crimped joinder as described variously herein. As shown in  FIG. 24   a , the connector  198  includes cavity or hole  196  extending therethrough and downward facing bearing surface  194  for engagement with the bracing element  190 . It may be viewed that connector  198  serves as an enlarged portion of the spoke  2  and that bearing surface  194  serves as an engagement or transition surface. The second end  6  of the spoke  2  extends through the connector  198  to include an exposed portion  199  and an impinged region  191  at its interface with the connector  198 . Bracing element  190  includes bracing face  193  and hole  192 , through which the spoke  2  is extended to pass. The bracing element  190  is representative of the spoke bed of a rim or of a hub flange to which the spoke  2  is connected. 
     As shown in  FIG. 24   b , and in contrast to embodiments which employ a configured surface in the spoke and/or the mating hole, both the outer surface of the spoke  2  and the hole  196  have generally smooth sidewalls. When the connector  198  is crimped to create a crimped joinder with the spoke  2 , the smooth hole  196  squeezes and impinges on the smooth outer surface of the spoke  2  and causes the second end  6  to neck slightly in its impinged region  191 , with its cross section shrinking slightly. However, the degree of mechanical interlock between the connector  198  and the spoke  2  is minimal, as compared with several of the previous embodiments that utilize a configured surface, and the crimped joinder relies primarily on a gripped frictional connection at connecting interface  200 . It is noted that the exposed portion  199  external to the impinged region  191  maintains its original cross section, so that there exists a slight transition surface  197  between the impinged region  191  and the exposed portion  199 . This transition surface  197  provides a secondary overlie engagement between the spoke  2  and connector  198 . 
     With the application of spoke tension  30  along tensile axis  36 , the spoke is drawn in direction  195  so that bearing surface  194  bears against bracing face  193  in an overlie engagement as shown in  FIG. 24   c . Thus the spoke  2  is firmly anchored against the bracing element  190  via the connector  198 . This embodiment is illustrative of how the connector  198  may directly engage the bracing element  190  to support and brace against spoke tension  30 . Of course, any manner of intermediate elements may alternatively be utilized between the spoke  2  and the bracing element  190  to optimize the interface between these two components. For example, it may be desirable to incorporate a flat washer (not shown) between the bearing surface  194  and the bracing face  193  to distribute this contact interface stress due to spoke tension  30  loads over a broader surface area of the bracing element  190 . This embodiment also shows a general arrangement where the connector  198  includes a bearing surface  194  that creates a projected area of overlie that is generally perpendicular to the tensile axis  36  to create an overlie engagement to effectively terminate the spoke  2 . 
     It should be noted that, the bearing surface  194  provides engagement geometry to engage the connector  198  directly to the bracing element  190 . Bearing surface  194  has similar function to transition surface  32  of  FIGS. 3   a - b,  however bearing surface  194  extends directly to the surface of the spoke  2 , whereas transition surface  32  extends only to the shank portion  29 . Such an arrangement with bearing surface  194  may be preferable, since there is no shank (i.e. shank portion  29  of  FIGS. 3   a - b ) required, which allows the surface area of bearing surface  194  to be maximized and extend to the outer surface  191  of spoke  2 . 
       FIGS. 25   a - b  describe an example illustrating how an intermediate connecting element, such as threaded ferrule  206 , may be incorporated in the present invention. Connector  208  includes shank portion  209 , enlarged portion  210  and a transition surface or flared shoulder  212  therebetween. One end of the connector  208  includes splines  214  to create a non-circular surface that may mate with a wrench (not shown) for rotational manipulation of the connector  208 . Threaded ferrule  206  includes opening  211  therethrough and external threads  216  and flats  218  to mate with a wrench (not shown) for rotational manipulation of the threaded ferrule  206 . The opening  211  includes a bearing surface or step  220  to create a closely matched bearing surface to mate with the flared shoulder  212  of the connector  208 . Connector  208  is joined to the spoke  2  by means of a crimped joinder at an engagement interface  226 . Engagement interface  226  is shown in  FIGS. 25   a - b  to be generally schematic and to be merely representative of a wide range of engagement interfaces described variously herein. A bracing element, such as a rim  222  or hub flange (not shown), includes a threaded hole  224  to accept external threads  216 , as shown in  FIG. 25   b.    
     As shown in  FIG. 25   b , threaded ferrule  206  is threadably assembled and engaged to the threaded hole  224 . Spoke tension  30  is then applied to the spoke  2 , which draws the flared shoulder  212  to bear against step  220  in an overlie engagement. The spoke  2  is now engaged to the spoke bed  207  by means of the connector  208  and the threaded ferrule  206 . By utilizing separate wrenches on splines  214  and flats  218 , the threaded ferrule  206  may be rotated independently from the connector  208  about the longitudinal axis  26 . Threaded ferrule  206  may be rotated relative to rim  222  to adjust the effective length of the spoke  2 , thus adjusting the spoke tension  30 . Thus, it may be seen that the threaded ferrule  206  serves as an intermediate connecting element to facilitate the connection between the spoke  2  and the bracing element or rim  222 . It is noted that the embodiment of  FIGS. 25   a - b  employs a threaded engagement between the intermediate connecting element (threaded ferrule  206 ) and the bracing element (rim  222 ). 
     The embodiment of  FIGS. 26   a - b  may be considered as a as a combination of the embodiment of  FIGS. 6   a - b  and the embodiment of  FIGS. 6   c - d.  As shown in  FIGS. 26   a - b,  connector  386  includes a shank portion  387  with external dimension  389  and an enlarged head portion  388  with a transition surface  390  therebetween. Connector  386  also includes a blind cavity or hole  392  with an internal configured surface shown as internal ribs  394 . Spoke  2  is shown here to be generally round in cross-section and includes longitudinal axis  26  and second end  6  with an external configured surface shown as external ribs  384  which are sized to have a clearance fit with the inside diameter of internal ribs  394 . As shown in  FIG. 26   a , the second end  6  is first aligned with hole  392 . Next, the spoke  2  is inserted into hole  392  in direction  391  and positioned such that the connector  386  overlaps the spoke  2  along the longitudinal axis  26  to create a pre-assembly between the spoke  2  and the connector  386 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG. 26   b , the connector  386  is crimped onto the spoke  2  with external crimp force  396  applied to the shank portion  387  of the connector  386  to cause this portion of the connector  386  to plastically deform and shrink to a reduced external dimension  389 ′. This deformation of the shank portion  387  causes the hole  392  to shrink such that the internal ribs  394  are shrunk into nested engagement with external ribs  384 . Thus, external ribs  384  now have an overlie engagement with the internal ribs  394  at connecting interface  397  to securely join the connector  386  to the spoke  2  and to resist spoke tension loads  30 . The connector  386  may then be connected to the rim  8  as described in  FIGS. 3   a - b  or may alternatively be connected to the hub. 
     The embodiment of  FIGS. 6   a - b  and  6   c - d  utilized the deformation of the softer spoke ( FIGS. 6   a - b ) or the softer connector ( FIGS. 6   c - d ) to create the conformed interlocking overlie engagement with the harder configured surface joined thereto. While this hardness differential may be utilized in the embodiment of  FIG. 26   a - b,  this is not a requirement and both the connector  386  and second end  6  may be of similar hardness, since the interlocking internal ribs  394  and external ribs  384  are pre-formed prior to their crimped joinder. 
     While a clearance fit between internal ribs  394  and external ribs  384  may permit easy pre-assembly between the spoke  2  and the connector  386 , the resultant clearance therebetween requires a relatively high degree of crimped shrinkage of the hole  392 . In an alternative arrangement, the hole  392  may be originally sized to have an interference fit with the second end  6  of th spoke  2 . The second end  6  may then be forcibly inserted into hole  392 , with the crimp force  396  serving to cinch and tighten the fit between the hole and the second end  6 . Or, for example, hole  392  may include internal threads that are sized to threadably engage with mating external threads of the second end  6  of the spoke. The second end is first threadably assembled to the hole and the resulting clearance between these internal threads and external threads is now comparatively small. The connector is then crimped as described above, which forces the internal threads of the connector to constrict on the external threads of the spoke to further secure this connection and eliminate any looseness or clearance between the two. 
     While my above description contains many specificities, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as exemplifications of embodiments thereof. 
     While the connecting element of the present invention may be directly connected to the bracing element (such as the rim or the hub), there are many cases where it is desirable to include one or more intermediate connecting elements to facilitate this connection. For example, the connector may engage the intermediate connecting element and the intermediate connecting element may engage the bracing element. 
     While the embodiments described herein do not mention the use of adhesive or bonding agent to join the connecting element to the spoke, it is envisioned that the use of adhesive within the engagement interface may be utilized to augment the strength of the crimped joinder. In an exemplary arrangement, an epoxy paste adhesive may be applied to the internal hole of the connector and/or the external surface of the spoke prior positioning the spoke within the hole. The spoke is then inserted in the hole and the connector is crimped as previously described, thus trapping and compressing the adhesive within the connecting interface. After the adhesive is cured, the adhesive serves to further augment the joinder between the spoke and the connector. 
     The embodiments shown here show the spokes being held in tension, in the construction of tension-spoke wheels. This is for common illustration purposes only. It is understood that the spokes of these embodiments may alternatively be configured to be held in compression, in construction of compression-spoke wheels. 
     While several of the embodiments shown describe a single connector to anchor a single spoke, it is also envisioned that a multiplicity of connectors may be utilized to anchor a single spoke. For example, a multiplicity of connecting elements may be crimped to a single spoke, each having its own corresponding engagement interface. Alternatively, a single spoke may be joined to a single connecting element at a multiplicity of discreet engagement interfaces. 
     While the above description is particularly focused on bicycle or vehicle wheel spokes as tensile elements, and this is the preferred embodiment of the present invention, however it is envisioned that the present invention may be adapted to applications involving a wide range of tensile element applications outside of vehicle wheel applications. Some example applications may include control cables, guy wires, fiber optic cables, overhead high-tension lines, architectural and infrastructure cabling, pre-stressed rebar, etc. 
     Thus, the present invention provides a vehicle wheel that is inexpensive to produce, lends itself easily to high-volume manufacturing methods, is light in weight and is strong and reliable. Further, the present invention allows the connector to include geometry to optimize its engagement with the bracing element and/or an intermediate element. Further still, the present invention reduces wheel weight by facilitating the utilization of light weight materials, by allowing greater freedom in geometry to optimize the design, by facilitating the use of fiber reinforced spokes. Yet further, the present invention increases the strength and reliability of the wheel by reducing stresses in components and connections and by eliminating any clearances or relative movement between the hub and spokes. 
     It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown herein, which are deemed to be merely illustrative of the best modes of carrying out the invention, and which are susceptible of modification of form, size, arrangement of parts and details of operation. The invention rather is intended to encompass all such modifications that are within its spirit and scope as defined by the claims.