Patent Publication Number: US-2023147077-A1

Title: Composite bicycle rim

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/156,897, filed on Oct. 10, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     1. FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The present disclosure is generally directed to a bicycle rim, and more particularly, to a composite bicycle rim. 
     2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART 
     A traditional bicycle wheel may include a rim formed of extruded metals or other materials that are bent and bonded into a circular shape having consistently shaped cross sections. Recently, other materials, such as fiber reinforced plastics, have been used in the manufacture of bicycle rims, which may be formed into circular shapes through non-extrusion based processes. Carbon fiber reinforced plastics may, for example, be used. 
     A method for manufacturing a fiber based, such as carbon fiber based, bike wheel relies on the stacking of individual sheets of carbon fiber material to form structures such as a side wall of the rim. The carbon fiber sheets may be pre-impregnated with a resin or other matrix material that undergoes a curing process to form the rim. The stacked layers of a sheet of carbon fiber typically include fibers oriented in different directions, respectively. At least some of the fibers of the stacked layers are oriented outside of a critical angle error, which reduces the ability of such fibers to support stresses and loads. The use of sheets of carbon fiber to manufacture a composite rim also results in a large amount of border scrap associated with cutting the sheets of carbon fiber to fit a shape of the composite rim, which increases the cost of manufacturing the rim. 
     SUMMARY 
     In one example, a rim for a bicycle wheel includes a radially inner portion disposed along an inner circumference of the rim, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend radially outward from the radially inner portion. The rim also includes a radially outer tire engaging portion disposed along an outer circumference of the rim. The radially outer tire engaging portion extends from the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. The radially inner portion includes a stack of strips of material. The stack of strips includes a plurality of strips and a hole through the plurality of strips. The plurality of strips are nonparallel to each other. The plurality of strips are positioned about the hole through the plurality of strips 
     In one example, at least one strip of the plurality of strips is made of a composite material having unidirectional fiber orientation in a direction along a length of the respective strip. 
     In one example, each strip of the plurality of strips of the composite material includes fibers that are parallel to the direction along the length of the respective strip. The fibers are carbon fibers. 
     In one example, the plurality of strips includes a first strip and a second strip. The second strip is made of a different material than the first strip, the second strip has a greater length than the first strip, the second strip has a greater width than the first strip, or any combination thereof. 
     In one example, the plurality of strips form at least part of the first sidewall and at least part of the second sidewall. 
     In one example, each strip of the plurality of strips extends to the outer circumference of the rim at the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. 
     In one example, the plurality of strips is a plurality of first strips, and the hole is a first hole. The radially inner portion further includes a stack of second strips of material. The stack of second strips includes a plurality of second strips and a second hole through the plurality of second strips. The plurality of second strips are nonparallel to each other. The plurality of second strips are positioned about the second hole through the plurality of second strips. The second hole is positioned at a distance from the first hole along the inner circumference of the rim. 
     In one example, at least one first strip of the plurality of first strips is made of a different composite material than at least one second strip of the plurality of second strips. 
     In one example, at least one first strip of the plurality of first strips overlaps at least one second strip of the plurality of second strips. 
     In one example, at least one strip of the plurality of strips extends beyond the outer circumference defined by the radially outer tire engaging portion. 
     In one example, a rim for a bicycle wheel includes a radially outer tire engaging portion disposed along an outer circumference of the rim. The radially outer tire engaging portion has a first side and a second side spaced apart from the first side. The rim also includes a plurality of strips of a composite material arranged about a hole through the plurality of strips. The hole is radially inner relative to the radially outer tire engaging portion. Each strip of the plurality of strips of the composite material has substantially unidirectional fiber orientation in a direction along a length of the respective strip, such that at least a portion of the fibers of the respective strip are parallel to the direction along the length of the respective strip. One or more fibers of the portion of the fibers of the respective strip extend from the outer circumference of the rim, at the first side of the radially outer tire engaging portion, past the hole, to the outer circumference of the rim, at the second side of the radially outer tire engaging portion 
     In one example, the fibers of the respective strip are carbon fibers. 
     In one example, the plurality of strips partially form a first sidewall, a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall, and a radially inner portion disposed along an inner circumference of the rim. Each of the first sidewall and the second sidewall extends between the radially inner portion and the radially outer tire engaging portion. 
     In one example, the plurality of strips of the composite material is a plurality of first strips, and the hole is a first hole. The rim further includes a plurality of second strips of the composite material and a second hole through the plurality of second strips. The plurality of second strips are nonparallel to each other. The plurality of second strips are positioned about the second hole through the plurality of second strips. The second hole is positioned at a distance from the first hole along the inner circumference of the rim. 
     In one example, at least one first strip of the plurality of first strips overlaps at least one second strip of the plurality of second strips. 
     In one example, a wheel for a bicycle includes a central hub configured for rotational attachment to the bicycle. The wheel also includes a plurality of spokes attached to the central hub and extending radially outward from the hub. The plurality of spokes consist of a number of spokes. The wheel includes a rim. The rim includes a radially inner portion disposed along an inner circumference of the rim, a first sidewall, and a second sidewall spaced apart from the first sidewall. The first sidewall and the second sidewall extend radially outward from the radially inner portion. The rim also includes a radially outer tire engaging portion disposed along an outer circumference of the rim. The radially outer tire engaging portion extends from the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. The radially inner portion includes a plurality of strips of one or more materials and a spoke hole through the plurality of strips. The plurality of strips are nonparallel to each other. The plurality of strips are positioned about the spoke hole through the plurality of strips. One of the number of spokes is attached to the rim via the spoke hole. 
     In one example, the plurality of strips includes a first strip and a second strip. The second strip is made of a different material than the first strip, the second strip has a greater length than the first strip, the second strip has a greater width than the first strip, or any combination thereof. 
     In one example, each strip of the plurality of strips extends to the outer circumference of the rim at the first sidewall and the second sidewall, respectively. 
     In one example, the plurality of strips is a plurality of first strips, the spoke hole is a first spoke hole, and the one spoke is a first spoke. The radially inner portion further includes a plurality of second strips of the one or more materials and a second spoke hole through the plurality of second strips. The plurality of second strips are nonparallel to each other. The plurality of second strips are positioned about the second spoke hole through the plurality of second strips. The second spoke hole is positioned at a distance from the first hole along the inner circumference of the rim. A second spoke of the number of spokes is attached to the rim via the second spoke hole. 
     In one example, at least one first strip of the plurality of first strips overlaps at least one second strip of the plurality of second strips. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side view schematic of a bicycle that may be constructed to utilize a composite rim; 
         FIG.  2    is a perspective view of a wheel for a bicycle, such as the bicycle of  FIG.  1   , with a wheel cover installed; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a cross-section of a rim for a bicycle, such as the bicycle of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  4    is a perspective view of a wheel for a bicycle, such as the bicycle of  FIG.  1   , with the wheel cover removed; 
         FIG.  5    is a side view of the wheel of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  6    is a perspective view of a rim for a wheel, such as the wheel of  FIG.  4   ; 
         FIG.  7    is a top view of a first layup pattern of strips for a portion of the rim of  FIG.  6   ; 
         FIG.  8    is a side view of one of the strips of  FIG.  7   ; 
         FIG.  9    is a close-up side view of a composite rim formed by strips positioned in a second layup pattern; 
         FIG.  10    is a side view of a wheel for a bicycle, such as the bicycle of  FIG.  1   , including a composite rim formed by strips positioned in a third layup pattern; 
         FIG.  11    is a side view of a wheel for a bicycle, such as the bicycle of  FIG.  1   , including a composite rim formed by strips positioned in a fourth layup pattern; 
         FIG.  12    is a side view of a wheel for a bicycle, such as the bicycle of  FIG.  1   , including a composite rim formed by strips positioned in a fifth layup pattern; 
         FIG.  13    is a side view of an uncured sidewall of a composite rim formed by strips positioned in a first woven pattern; 
         FIG.  14    is a close-up side view of the uncured sidewall of  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a side view of an uncured sidewall of a composite rim formed by strips positioned in a second woven pattern; 
         FIG.  16    is a close-up side view of the uncured sidewall of  FIG.  15   ; 
         FIG.  17    is a side view of an uncured sidewall of a composite rim formed by strips positioned in a third woven pattern; and 
         FIG.  18    is a close-up side view of the uncured sidewall of  FIG.  17   . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     The use of sheets of carbon fiber to manufacture a composite rim of the prior art does not allow for the discreet positioning of the carbon fibers within the rim. The present disclosure provides examples of rims and wheels that solve or improve upon one or more of the above-noted and/or other disadvantages with prior known rims and wheels. The disclosed rims are at least partially formed by strips of one or more composite materials. The strips are arranged in a stacked, fan-like pattern radially around each of the spoke holes through the rim. Continuous fibers, fiber strands, or other fiber structures, of the strips extend from a position at one side of the rim, at or adjacent to an outer diameter of the rim, tangential or adjacent to a respective spoke hole, to a position at the other side of the rim, at or adjacent to the outer diameter of the rim. Any number of strips may be stacked at each of the spoke holes of the rim so as to distribute loads from spokes at the spoke holes, respectively, or to direct any distributed loads from the outer diameter of the rim from road impacts towards load-bearing pathways in the rim. 
     The strips may be unidirectional fiber strips that include a number of parallel fibers providing a maximum strength in a direction of the fiber grain. The fibers are substantially aligned with concentrated load points of the spokes, and are highly diffusive with blunt loads of tire impacts. Strip placement extends radially from the respective spoke hole, and each strip after an initially placed strip at a respective spoke hole is placed on top of a last placed strip in a progressive fan pattern about the respective spoke hole. This places the fibers tangential to the respective hole. The fibers of the fan pattern extend tangentially or adjacent to the respective fan hole at a number of different angles, thus optimally reinforcing the respective spoke hole with maximum fiber interface, load dissipation, and bending stiffness. The fiber interface helps create a tougher laminate that is less prone to crack propagation or delamination, thereby increasing a pull-through strength of the respective spoke hole. Bending stiffness and load dissipation help retain an original outer rim shape under spoke tension. 
     An advantage of the disclosed rims is that the use of strips of one or more composite materials to form at least a portion of the rim produces a rim with a higher strength to weight ratio compared to prior art rims. Placement error in fiber orientation significantly reduces the ability of the fiber to support stresses and loads. Precisely oriented fibers allow for a higher strength-to-weight ratio of the layup, leading to increases in strength and/or decreases in weight by creating nodal reinforcements at each spoke hole location of the rim. Another advantage of the disclosed rims is that the use of strips of one or more composite materials to form at least a portion of the rim may produce a layup optimized for specific applications. For example, positioning of composite strips within a layup for a sidewall of the rim may be based on whether the sidewall is included in a front wheel or a rear wheel, whether the rim is subjected to wheel braking or rim braking, and/or whether the wheel is constructed using tangential lacing or radial lacing. 
     Other advantages of the disclosed rims are the ease of using multiple materials to form the rim. For example, different strips within a stack at a respective spoke hole and/or strips within different stacks may be made of different materials having different properties, respectively. Also, raw material scrap is reduced by using long, thin strips cut directly from a material roll, which eliminates border scrap that results from an intermediate cut table layup using sheets of carbon fiber of the prior art. Further, due to strip placement being optimized, material may be removed from the sidewalls of the rim, between the spoke holes. This material removal may reduce weight by, for example, up to 25% without greatly affecting strength or stiffness of the rim. 
     Although fiber-reinforced composites including carbon fibers are described above and below, other fiber-based materials may also be used. For example, polyamide polymer fibers, aluminum oxide based fibers, silicon carbide fibers, other fibers, or any combination thereof may be used. 
     Turning now to the drawings,  FIG.  1    generally illustrates a bicycle  50  that employs rims constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The bicycle  50  includes a frame  52 , a front wheel  54  and a rear wheel  56  each rotatably attached to the frame  52 , and a drivetrain  58 . A front brake  60  is provided for braking the front wheel  54 , and a rear brake  62  is provided for braking the rear wheel  56 . The bicycle  50  also generally has a seat  64  near a rear end of the frame  52  and carried on an end of a seat post  66  connected to the frame  52 . The bicycle  50  also has handlebars  68  near a forward end of the frame  52 . A brake lever  70  is carried on the handlebars  68  for actuating the front brake  60 , the rear brake  62 , or both the front brake  60  and the rear brake  62 . If the brake lever  70  actuates only one of the front brake  60  and the rear brake  62 , a second brake lever (not shown) may also be provided to actuate the other brake. A front and/or forward riding direction or orientation of the bicycle  50  is indicated by the direction of the arrow A in  FIG.  1   . As such, a forward direction for the bicycle  50  is indicated by the direction of arrow A. While the illustrated bicycle  50  depicted in  FIG.  1    is a road bike having drop-style handlebars  68 , the present disclosure may be applicable to bicycles of any type, including mountain bikes with full or partial suspensions. 
     The drivetrain  58  has a chain C and a front sprocket assembly  72 , which is coaxially mounted with a crank assembly  74  having pedals  76 . The drivetrain  58  also includes a rear sprocket assembly  78  coaxially mounted with the rear wheel  56  and a rear gear change mechanism, such as a rear derailleur  80 . 
     As is illustrated in  FIG.  1   , the front sprocket assembly  72  may include one or more coaxially mounted chainrings, gears, or sprockets. In this example, the front sprocket assembly  72  has one or more sprockets F 1 , F 2  each having teeth  82  around a respective circumference. As shown in  FIG.  1   , the rear sprocket assembly  78  may include a plurality (e.g., eleven) of coaxially mounted gears, cogs, or sprockets G 1 -G 11 . Each sprocket G 1 -G 11  also has teeth  84  arranged around a respective circumference. The number of teeth  82  on the smaller diameter front sprocket F 2  may be less than the number of teeth on the larger diameter sprocket F 1 . The numbers of teeth  84  on the rear sprockets G 1 -G 11  may gradually decrease from the largest diameter rear sprocket G 1  to the smallest diameter sprocket G 11 . Though not described in any detail herein, a front gear changer  85  may be operated to move from a first operating position to a second operating position to move the chain C between the front sprockets F 1 , F 2 . Likewise, the rear derailleur  80  may be operable to move between eleven different operating positions to switch the chain C to a selected one of the rear sprockets G 1 -G 11 . In an embodiment, the rear sprocket assembly  72  may have more or fewer sprockets. For example, in an embodiment, a rear sprocket assembly may have twelve or thirteen sprockets. Dimensions and configuration of the rear derailleur  80  may be modified to accommodate a specific implemented plurality of sprockets. For example, an angle and length of the linkage and/or the configuration of the cage of the derailleur may be modified to accommodate specific sprocket combinations. 
     The rear derailleur  80  is depicted as a wireless, electrically actuated rear derailleur mounted or mountable to the frame  52 , or frame attachment, of the bicycle  50 . The electric rear derailleur  80  has a base member  86  (e.g., a b-knuckle) that is mounted to the bicycle frame  52 . A linkage  88  has two links L that are pivotally connected to the base member  86  at a base member linkage connection portion. A movable member  90  (e.g., a p-knuckle) is connected to the linkage  88  at a moveable member linkage connection portion. A chain guide assembly  92  (e.g., a cage) is configured to engage and maintain tension in the chain and has one or more cage plates  93  with a proximal end that is pivotally connected to a part of the movable member  90 . The cage plate  93  may rotate or pivot about a cage rotation axis in a damping direction and a chain tensioning direction T. Other gear changing systems, such as mechanically or hydraulically controlled and/or actuated systems may also be used. 
     A motor module may be carried on the electric rear derailleur  80  with a battery. The battery supplies power to the motor module. In one example, the motor module is located in the movable member  90 . However, the motor module may instead be located elsewhere, such as in one of the links L of the linkage  88  or in the base member  86 . The motor module may include a gear mechanism or transmission. As is known in the art, the motor module and gear mechanism may be coupled with the linkage  88  to laterally move the cage plate  93  and thus switch the chain C among the rear sprockets (e.g. G 1 -G 11 ) on the rear sprocket assembly  78 . 
     The cage plate  93  also has a distal end that carries a tensioner cog or wheel. The wheel also has teeth around a circumference. The cage plate  93  is biased in the chain tensioning direction T to maintain tension in the chain C. The chain guide assembly  92  may also include a second cog or wheel, such as a guide wheel disposed nearer the proximal end of the cage plate  93  and the movable member  90 . In operation, the chain C is routed around one of the rear sprockets (e.g. G 1 -G 11 ). An upper segment of the chain C extends forward to the front sprocket assembly  72  and is routed around one of the front sprockets F 1  or F 2 . A lower segment of the chain C returns from the front sprocket assembly  72  to the tensioner wheel and is then routed forward to the guide wheel. The guide wheel directs the chain C to the rear sprockets (e.g. G 1 -G 11 ). Lateral movement of the cage plate  93 , tensioner wheel, and guide wheel may determine the lateral position of the chain C for alignment with a selected one of the rear sprockets (e.g. G 1 -G 11 ). 
     The bicycle  50  may include one or more bicycle control devices mounted to handlebars  68 . The bicycle control devices may include one or more types of bicycle control and/or actuation systems. For example, the bicycle control devices may include brake actuation systems to control the front brake  60  and/or the rear brake  62 , and/or gear shifting systems to control the drivetrain  58 . Other control systems may also be included. For example, the system may be applied, in some embodiments, to a bicycle where only a front or only a rear gear changer is used. Also, the one or more bicycle control devices may also include suspension and/or other control systems for the bicycle  50 . 
     The front wheel  54  and/or the rear wheel  56  of the bicycle  50  may include a tire  120  attached to a radially outer tire engaging portion of a rim  122 . As shown in  FIGS.  1  and  2   , a plurality of spokes  124  are attached directly to the rim  122 . Alternatively, the spokes  124  may be attached and/or secured to the rim  122  with other structural components. The spokes  124  extend from the rim  122  and attach to a central hub  126 . The spokes  124  are maintained with a tension between the rim  122  and the central hub  126  to provide the respective wheel  54 ,  56  with an operational rigidity for use on the bicycle  50 . The central hub  126  is configured for rotational attachment to the bicycle frame  52 . 
       FIG.  2    illustrates a bicycle wheel having a rim  122 , spokes  124 , and a central hub  126 , such as the front wheel  54  of  FIG.  1   , removed from the rest of the bicycle  50  and without a tire attached. Referring to  FIGS.  2  and  3   , the rim  122  includes a tire engaging portion  130  to engage with the tire  120 , as is shown in  FIG.  1   . The tire engaging portion  130  is configured radially outward of a spoke receiving surface  132  that is disposed along an inner circumference  134  of the rim  122 . In other words, the tire engaging portion  130  is a radially outer tire engaging portion. In an embodiment, the tire engaging portion  130  is disposed along an outer circumference  135  of the rim  122 . The tire engaging portion  130  is configured for attachment to tires using clincher tire attachment configurations for tires including beaded interlock attachments. Other configurations of the tire engaging portion  130  may also be provided to allow for the use of other types of tires on the rim  122 . For example, tubeless tires including beaded interlock attachment types may be used. 
     The rim  122  provides structure for attachment of the spokes  124  to the rim  122  at a receiving portion of the rim  122 , proximate to the spoke receiving surface  132 . As such, the spoke receiving surface  132  is part of a spoke engaging portion  136  (e.g., a radially inner portion) of the rim  122 . In an embodiment, the spoke engaging portion  136  of the rim  122  is disposed along the inner circumference  134  of the rim  122 . In another embodiment, the spoke receiving surface  132  and the spoke engaging portion  136  may be separate parts and/or portions of the rim  122 . For example, the spokes  124  may pass through the spoke receiving surface  132 , and the structure for attachment to the rim  122  may be provided proximate to the tire engaging portion  130 . 
     The rim  122  includes a first sidewall  138  and a second sidewall that extend between the tire engaging portion  130  and the spoke engaging portion  136 . For example, the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall extend radially outward from the spoke engaging portion  136  to the tire engaging portion  130 . The first sidewall  138  is spaced apart from the second sidewall. 
     At least part of the rim  122  (e.g., at least part of the spoke engaging portion  136  and/or at least part of the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall) is formed by one or more composite materials (see  FIG.  3   ). In one embodiment, the entire rim  122  is formed by carbon-fiber reinforced plastic. The rim  122  may, however, be formed of other materials and/or material combinations. In one example, carbon-fiber reinforced plastic forms a one-piece unitary rim of a singular collection of carbon-fiber layers including the tire engaging portion  130 , the first sidewall  138 , the second sidewall, and the spoke engaging portion  136 . Other configurations may also be provided. 
     The front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56  may include rims  122  configured for any size wheel. In an embodiment, the rims  122  are configured for use in wheels conforming to a 700C (e.g. a 622 millimeter diameter clincher and/or International Standards Organization 622 mm) bicycle wheel standard. 
     The front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56  may rotate about the central hub  126  in either direction. For example, as shown in  FIG.  2   , the front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56  may be configured to rotate in a particular rotational direction about the central hub  126 . In another example, the front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56  may be configured to rotate in a direction opposite the particular rotational direction. 
     Referring to  FIG.  3   , the spoke engaging portion  136 , the first sidewall  138 , and the second sidewall of the front wheel  54  and/or the rear wheel  56  of the bicycle  50  (e.g., the front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56  in the example  FIG.  1   ) are at least partially formed by one or more stacks  139  of strips  140  of the one or more composite materials. The one or more stacks of  139  of strips  140  of the one or more composite materials are centered about one or more spoke holes  141  through the spoke engaging portion  136  of the rim  122 , respectively. In one embodiment, the spoke engaging portion  136 , the first sidewall  138 , and the second sidewall of the front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56  of the bicycle  50 , respectively, are formed by the one or more stacks  139  of strips  140 . 
     The one or more stacks  139  include fabric plies of the one or more composite materials that are shaped as strips. In one embodiment, for each of the front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56 , separate stacks  139  of strips  140  form the spoke engaging portion  136  and are positioned about respective spoke holes  141  corresponding to the spokes  124  of the respective wheel  54 ,  56 . At least one strip  140  of each of the separate stacks  139  extends into and at least partially forms the first sidewall  138  and/or the second sidewall. In one embodiment, each strip  140  of the separate stacks  139  extends to the outer circumference  135  at the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall, respectively. In another embodiment, one or more strips  140  of the separate stacks  139  extend past the outer circumference  135  at the first sidewall  138  and/or the second sidewall. 
     In a manufacturing process, the strips  140  of the front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56 , respectively, are integrated with the tire engaging portion  130  of the respective wheel  54 ,  56  by, for example, a curing process, such that a one-piece unitary rim  122  is formed. The rims  122  of the front wheel  54  and rear wheel  56 , respectively, may be formed with other manufacturing processes. 
     The first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall of each of the front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56  may include covers  144 , respectively (See  FIG.  2   ). The covers  144  may be provided for aerodynamics and to protect the respective wheel  54 ,  56  from debris. The covers  144  may be made of the same composite material as the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall of the respective wheel  54 ,  56 , or may be made of a different material than the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall of the respective wheel  54 ,  56 . The covers  144  may be part of one-piece unitary rims  122  and may be integrated within the respective rim  122  during, for example, the curing process. In one embodiment, the covers  144  are separate parts from the one-piece unitary rims  122  and are connected to the rims  122  in any number of ways including, for example, with one or more connectors. In other embodiments, the front wheel  54  and/or the rear wheel  56  does not include covers  144 . 
       FIGS.  4 - 6    illustrate one embodiment of a rim  122  that includes eighteen stacks  139  of strips  140  positioned around the rim  122 . Rims  122  may include more or fewer stacks  139  of strips  140 . For example, a stack  139  may be positioned to correspond with every other spoke  124 , not every spoke  124 . Each of the eighteen stacks  139  of strips  140  includes a group of strips  140  fanned out about a respective spoke  124  extending through the respective stack  139  of strips  140 . In other words, each of the strips  140  within the respective group of strips  140  is nonparallel to the other strips  140  of the group of strips  140  (e.g., centerlines of the strips  140  within the group are nonparallel to each other). In one embodiment, the respective spoke hole  141  is centered relative to each strip  140  of the respective stack  139 . In another embodiment, for each strip  140  of the respective stack  139 , the respective spoke hole  141  is centered relative to the widths of the strips  140  or is centered relative to the lengths of the strips  140 . In other embodiments, for at least some of the strips  140  of the respective stack  139 , the respective spoke hole  141  is not centered relative to the width of the strip  140  or relative to the length of the strip  140 . 
     In the example shown in  FIGS.  4 - 6   , each of the eighteen stacks  139  of strips  140  includes six strips  140 . In other embodiments, at least some of the stacks  139  of strips  140  may include more or fewer strips  140 . Each of the stacks  139  of strips  140  partially overlaps at least one adjacent stack  139  of strips  140 . For example, the eighteen stacks  139  of strips  140  include: a first stack  139   a  of strips  140  with a first spoke  124   a  extending through a first spoke hole  141   a  through the first stack  139   a  of strips  140 ; a second stack  139   b  of strips  140  with a second spoke  124   b  extending through a second spoke hole  141   b  through the second stack  139   b  of strips  140 ; and a third stack  139   c  of strips  140  with a third spoke  124   c  extending through a third spoke hole  141   c  through the third stack  139   c  of strips  140 . At least the first stack  139   a  of strips  140 , the second stack  139   b  of strips  140 , and the third stack  139   c  of strips  140  (e.g., all of the stacks  139  of strips  140 ) each include a first strip  140   a , a second strip  140   b , a third strip  140   c , a fourth strip  140   d , a fifth strip  140   e , and a sixth strip  140   f . The first strips  140   a  of the first stack  139   a  of strips  140 , the second stack  139   b  of strips  140 , and the third stack  139   c  of strips  140  are adjacent to each other or overlap, and partially form the spoke engaging portion  136  of the rim  122 . 
     As an example, the first strip  140   a  of the first stack  139   a  abuts, on opposite ends, the first strip  140   a  of the second stack  139   b  and the first strip  140   a  of the third stack  139   c , respectively. Other overlapping may be provided. For example, the first strip  140   a  of the second stack  139   b  overlaps the first strip  140   a  of the first stack  139   a , and the first strip  140   a  of the first stack  139   a  overlaps the first strip  140   a  of the third stack  139   c . The pattern is repeated to form the spoke receiving surface  132  of the rim  122 . 
     The strips  140  of each of the stacks  139  extend from the respective spoke hole  141  towards the tire engaging portion  130  at the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall, respectively. At least some of the strips  140  may extend to the outer circumference  135  of the rim  122 , beyond the outer circumference  135  of the rim  122 , or short of the outer circumference  135  of the rim. In one embodiment, less than all of the strips  140  extend beyond the outer circumference  135  of the rim  122 . 
     The strips  140  of each of the stacks  139  extending into the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall provide that the strips  140  at least partially form the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall. Adjacent stacks  139  of strips  140  overlap to strengthen the rim  122  at the first sidewall  136  and the second sidewall, respectively. For example, the sixth strip  140   f  of the first stack  139   a  partially overlaps at least one strip  140  of the third stack  139   c . Referring to the example shown in  FIGS.  5  and  6   , the sixth strip  140   f  of the first stack  139   a  partially overlaps the second strip  140   b  and the third strip  140   c  of the third stack  139   c . In other embodiments, the sixth strip  140   f  of the first stack  139   a  partially overlaps additional or fewer strips  140  of the third stack  139   c , and/or other strips  140  of the first stack  139   a  partially overlap strips  140  of the third stack  139   c.    
     The sixth strip  140   f  of the second stack  139   b  partially overlaps at least one strip  140  of the first stack  139   a . Referring to the example shown in  FIG.  5   , the sixth strip  140   f  of the second stack  139   b  partially overlaps the second strip  140   b  and the third strip  140   c  of the first stack  139   a . In other embodiments, the sixth strip  140   f  of the second stack  139   b  partially overlaps additional or fewer strips  140  of the first stack  139   a , and/or other strips  140  of the second stack  139   b  partially overlap strips  140  of the first stack  139   a . The overlapping pattern is repeated around the rim  122 . 
       FIG.  7    illustrates an exemplary layup pattern for an uncured stack  139  (e.g., the first stack  139   a ) of strips  140  that partially forms one embodiment of the rim  122 . The first strip  140   a , which partially forms the spoke receiving surface  132  of the rim  122 , is positioned on the bottom of the first stack  139   a , for example, and the sixth strip  140   f  is positioned on top of the first strip  140   a . The fifth strip  140   e  is positioned on top of the sixth strip  140   f , and the fourth strip  140   d  is positioned on top of the fifth strip  140 . The third strip  140   c  is positioned on top of the fourth strip  140   d , and the second strip  140   b  is positioned on top of the third strip  140   c . The strips  140  are fanned out relative to each other, about the respective spoke hole  141 . The strips  140  may be positioned at any number of angles relative to each other. The strips  140  are, for example, nonparallel relative to each other. 
     For example, the first strip  140   a  has a centerline C 1 , the fourth strip  140   d  has a centerline C 4 , the fifth strip  140   e  has a centerline C 5 , and the sixth strip  140   f  has a centerline C 6 . The sixth strip  140   f  is angled relative to the first strip  140   a , such that the centerline C 6  of the sixth strip  140   f  is at a 45 degree angle relative to the centerline C 1  of the first strip  140   a , the fifth strip  140   e  is angled relative to the first strip  140   a , such that the centerline C 5  of the fifth strip  140   e  is at a 67.5 degree angle relative to the centerline C 1  of the first strip  140   a , and the fourth strip  140   d  is angled relative to the first strip  140   a , such that the centerline C 4  of the fourth strip  140   d  is at a 90 degree angle relative to the centerline C 1  of the first strip  140   a . In other words, the centerline C 5  of the fifth strip  140   e  is at an angle α 1  of 22.5 degrees relative to the centerline C 4  of the fourth strip  140   d , and the centerline C 6  of the sixth strip  140   f  is at an angle α 2  of 45 degrees relative to the centerline C 4  of the fourth strip  140   d.    
     The positioning of the third strip  140   c  and the second strip  140   b  is symmetrical to the positioning of the fifth strip  140   e  and the sixth strip  140   f , respectively, about the centerline C 4  of the fourth strip  140   d  (e.g., a centerline of the second strip  140   b  is at a 45 degree angle relative to the centerline C 1  of the first strip  140   a , and a centerline of the third strip  140   c  is at a 67.5 degree angle relative to the centerline C 1  of the first strip  140   a ). Other positioning may be provided. For example, the centerline C 6  of the sixth strip  140   f  may be at a 33.3 degree angle relative to the centerline C 1  of the first strip  140   a , the centerline C 5  of the fifth strip  140   e  may be at a 66.6 degree angle relative to the centerline C 1  of the first strip  140   a , and the centerline C 4  of the fourth strip  140   d  may be at a 90 degree angle relative to the centerline C 1  of the first strip  140   a . The positioning of the second strip  140   b  and the third strip  140   c  may again be symmetrical to the positioning of the sixth strip  140   f  and the fifth strip  140   e , respectively, relative to the centerline C 4  of the fourth strip  140   d . Other angular positioning may be provided. 
     The strips  140  within a stack  139  may be any number of sizes, shapes, and/or materials. Each of the strips  140  within a stack  139  may have a same length L, a same width W, and/or may be made of a same material. Alternatively, at least two subsets of strips  140  within a stack  139  may have different lengths, different widths W, and/or may be made of different materials. In one embodiment, all strips  140  within one stack  139  may have a different length L, a different width W, and/or may be made of a different material than all strips  140  within another stack  139  (e.g., an adjacent stack  139  of strips  140 ). 
     Referring to  FIG.  7   , some of the strips  140  are shaped as non-rectangular parallelograms (e.g., the second strip  140   b , the third strip  140   c , the fifth strip  140   e , and the sixth strip  140   f ), and two of the strips  140  are shaped as rectangles (e.g., the first strip  140   a  and the fourth strip  140   d ). The second strip  140   b , the third strip  140   c , the fifth strip  140   e , and the sixth strip  140   f , for example, are shaped as parallelograms so that when the strips  140  of the stack  139  are wrapped up and towards the tire engaging portion  130 , at least partially forming the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall, material of the strips  140  does not extend beyond the outer circumference  135  of the rim  122 . In one embodiment, all of the strips  140  of the stack  139  are rectangular. In other embodiments, one or more of the strips  140  of the stack  139  are shapes other than parallelograms. 
       FIG.  8    illustrates one embodiment of a strip  140  of the composite material. The composite material includes a matrix  146  of a polymer-based material and fibers  148  of a reinforcing material. The polymer-based material may be any number of materials including, for example, a plastic, an acrylic, a resin, an epoxy, another polymer-based material, or any combination thereof. The fibers of the reinforcing material may be carbon fibers. Other polymer-based materials and/or other reinforcing fibers may be used. 
     The fibers  148  extend along a finite length L of the strip  140 . The strip  140  includes the spoke hole  141 , and the fibers  148  extend along the finite length L of the strip  140  tangential or adjacent to the spoke hole  141 . In one embodiment, the fibers  148  extend in a primary strength direction of the strip  140  (e.g., along the length L of the strip  140 ). For example, the strip  140  has unidirectional fiber orientation along the length L. The strips  140 , for example, provide ultimate strength in a direction of fiber grain. In one embodiment, a portion of the fibers  148  (e.g., one or more of the fibers; more than 75 percent of the fibers, more than 90 percent of the fibers, or more than 95 percent of the fibers) within a strip  140  extend along the finite length L. In another embodiment, all of the fibers  148  substantially extend along the finite length L (e.g., within 3 degrees of a line parallel to the centerline of the strip  140 , which is parallel to the length L of the strip  140 ). 
     The strip  140  may be any number of shapes and/or sizes. For example, the strip  140  is shaped as a parallelogram (e.g., rectangular or as a non-rectangular parallelogram). Other shapes (e.g., square shaped) may be provided. The strip  140  also includes a width W that is perpendicular to the length L. The strip  140  may be any number of different lengths L and widths W. The length L may be defined by a size of, for example, the spoke engaging portion  136 , and the first sidewall  138  and/or the second sidewall of the rim  122 . In one embodiment, the width W of the strip  140  is between 10 mm and 30 mm. For example, the width W of the strip  140  is 20 mm. In other embodiments, the strip  140  is wider or narrower. Smaller strip widths better optimize fiber orientation but come with a cost of added manufacturing complexity. In one embodiment, at least one strip  140  within a stack  139  has a different length L and/or a different width W than another strip  140  within the same stack  139 . In another embodiment, every strip  140  within a stack  139  has a different length L and a different W than every other strip  140  within the stack  139 . The different strip lengths L and/or widths W within a stack  139  may apply to one or more stacks  139  (e.g., all stacks  139 ) within the rim  122 . 
     Other positioning and overlapping of adjacent stacks  139  of strips  140  and/or other relative positioning of strips  140  within individual stacks  139  may be provided. Referring to  FIG.  9   , the second strip  140   b  of the first stack  139   a , for example, partially overlaps the fifth strip  140   e  and the sixth strip  140   f  of the second stack  139   b , the third strip  140   c  of the first stack  139   a  partially overlaps the sixth strip  140   f  of the second stack  139   b , the second strip  140   b  of the third stack  139   c  partially overlaps the fifth strip  140   e  and the sixth strip  140   f  of the first stack  139   a , and the third strip  140   c  of the third stack  139   c  partially overlaps the sixth strip  140   f  of the first stack  139   a . The ordering of the strips  140  within each stack  139  is different compared to the example shown in  FIGS.  4 - 7   , as the second strip  140   b  is positioned on the first strip  140   a , the third strip  140   c  is positioned on the second strip  140   b , the fourth strip  140   d  is positioned on the third strip  140   c , the fifth strip  140   e  is positioned on the fourth strip  140   d , and the sixth strip  140   f  is positioned on the fifth strip  140   e . Additionally, each of the spoke holes  141  extends through the first strip  140   a  of the respective stack  139  adjacent to one end of the first strip  140   a . In other words, the spoke holes  141  are not centered relative to the first strips  140   a , respectively (e.g., with respect to the length of the first strip  140   a ). 
     As another example, referring to  FIG.  10   , the sixth strip  140   f  of the second stack  139   b  partially overlaps the second strip  140   b  and the third strip  140   c  of the first stack  139   a , and the sixth strip  140   f  of the first stack  139   a  partially overlaps the second strip  140   b  and the third strip  140   c  of the third stack  139   c . The ordering of the strips  140  within each stack  139  is different compared to the examples shown in  FIGS.  4 - 7  and  9   , respectively, as the fourth strip  140   d  is positioned on the first strip  140   a . One of the third strip  140   c  and the fifth strip  140   e  is positioned on the fourth strip  140   d , and the other of the third strip  140   c  and the fifth strip  140   e  is positioned on the stack  139  next. One of the second strip  140   b  and the sixth strip  140   f  is positioned on the stack  139  next, and the other of the second strip  140   b  and the sixth strip  140   f  follows. 
     As another example, referring to  FIG.  11   , the sixth strip  140   f  of the first stack  139   a  partially overlaps the second strip  140   b  and the third strip  140   c  of the third stack  139   c , and the sixth strip  140   f  of the second stack  139   b  partially overlaps the second strip  140   b  and the third strip  140   c  of the first stack  139   a . The ordering of the strips  140  within each stack  139  is different compared to the examples shown in  FIGS.  4 - 7   ,  FIG.  9   , and  FIG.  10   , respectively, as the sixth strip  140   f  is positioned on the first strip  140   a , the second strip  140   b  is positioned on the sixth strip  140   f , the fifth strip  140   e  is positioned on the second strip  140   b , the third strip  140   c  is positioned on the fifth strip  140   e , and the fourth strip  140   d  is positioned on the third strip  140   c.    
     Additional strips  140 , combined with the first strips  140   a  of the stacks  139 , may define the inner circumference  134  of the rim  122 . Referring to  FIG.  12   , the fourth strip  140   d  of each of the stacks  139  may be positioned on the bottom of the respective stack  139 , and the first strip  140   a  of each of the stacks  139  may be positioned on the top of the respective stack  139 . The stacks  139  may thus form a spoke receiving surface  132  with a varying radius, as the fourth strips  140   d  defines the spoke receiving surface  132  at and adjacent to each of the spoke holes  141 , and the first strips  140   a  define the spoke receiving surface  132  between each of the stacks  139 . 
     In other embodiments, nodal reinforcement may be provided at each spoke hole  141  location of the rim  122  with one or more layers of one or more composite materials at least partially forming the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall. Each layer of the composite material includes fabric plies of the composite material that are shaped as strips  150 . The strips  150  of the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall of the front wheel  54  may be disposed about the central hub  126  of the front wheel  54 , respectively, and the strips  150  of the first sidewall  138  and the second sidewall of the rear wheel  56  may be disposed about the central hub  126  of the rear wheel  56 , respectively. In a manufacturing process, the strips  150  of the front wheel  54  and the rear wheel  56 , respectively, are integrated with a separate spoke engaging portion  136  and a separate tire engaging portion  130  of the respective wheel  54 ,  56  by, for example, a curing process, such that a one-piece unitary rim  122  is formed. The rims  122  of the front wheel  54  and rear wheel  56 , respectively, may be formed with other manufacturing processes. 
       FIGS.  13  and  14    illustrate one embodiment of a layup pattern of strips  150  for the first sidewall  138  or the second sidewall prior to the curing process. The strips  150 , after the curing process, may be part of a one-piece unitary rim  122 . The layup pattern (e.g., for the first sidewall  138 ) includes a first layer  160  of the composite material, a second layer  162  of the composite material, a third layer  164  of the composite material, a fourth layer  166  of the composite material, and a fifth layer  168  of the composite material. The layup pattern may include more or fewer layers of the composite material. 
     The first layer  160 , the second layer  162 , the third layer  164 , the fourth layer  166 , and the fifth layer  168  of the composite material include fabric plies (e.g., the strips  150 ). In other embodiments, one or more strips  150  of the first layer  160 , the second layer  162 , the third layer  164 , the fourth layer  166 , and/or the fifth layer  168  are made of one or more materials different than the composite material (e.g., another composite material). 
     The layup pattern for the first sidewall  138 , for example, prior to the curing process, is circular in shape. The strips  150  are arranged around a center C, between an inner circumference of the layup pattern defined by a first radius R 1  and an outer circumference of the layup pattern defined by a second radius R 2 . The inner circumference and the outer circumference of the layup pattern may, for example, define the inner circumference  134  of the rim  122  and the outer circumference  135  of the rim  122 , respectively. Alternatively, the spoke engaging portion  136  and the tire engaging portion  130  may define the inner circumference  134  of the rim  122  and the outer circumference  135  of the rim  122 , respectively. Referring to  FIGS.  13  and  14   , the strips  150  may extend beyond the second radius R 2 , and the material extending beyond the second radius R 2  may not be removed, such that a the outer circumference  135  of the rim  122  has a variable radius. The first sidewall  138  may include any number of strips  150 . For example, the first sidewall  138  may include 90 strips  150 . More or fewer strips  150  may be included within the first sidewall  138  depending on a size and/or a shape of the strips  150 , and/or a size of the rim  122 . 
     The first layer  160 , the second layer  162 , the third layer  164 , the fourth layer  166 , and the fifth layer  168  of the composite material form a woven layup pattern that is aligned with the spokes  124  of the rim  122 . The first layer  160  includes first strips  150   a , the second layer  162  includes second strips  150   b , the third layer  164  includes third strips  150   c , the fourth layer  166  includes fourth strips  150   d , and the fifth layer  168  include fifth strips  150   e . Referring to  FIG.  14   , centerlines Ca of the first strips  150   a  of the first layer  160  are aligned with the spokes  124  of the rim  122 , respectively. For each first strip  150   a  aligned with a spoke  124 , a second strip  150   b  of the second layer  162 , a third strip  150   c  of the third layer  164 , a fourth strip  150   d  of the fourth layer  166 , and a fifth strip  150   e  of the fifth layer  168  overlap and are angled relative to the respective first strip  150   a . For example, the second strips  150   b  and the third strips  150   c  are positioned relative to the first strips  150   a , respectively, such that centerlines Cb of the second strips  150   b  and centerlines Cc of the third strips  150   c  are at 15 degree angles and −15 degree angles relative to the centerlines Ca of the first strips  150   a , respectively. The fourth strips  150   d  and the fifth strips  150   e  are positioned relative to the first strips  150   a , respectively, such that centerlines Cd of the fourth strips  150   d  and centerlines Ce of the fifth strips  150   e  are at 30 degree angles and −30 degree angles relative to the centerlines Ca of the first strips  150   a , respectively. Other angular positioning of the strips  150  may be provided. 
     The layup pattern is a woven layup pattern in that the strips  150  aligned with a respective spoke  124  overlap at and/or adjacent to ends  170  of the strips  150 , respectively. For example, for the strips  150  aligned with a respective spoke  124 : at least a portion of the end  170  of the second strip  150   b  of the second layer  162  overlaps the first strip  150   a  of the first layer  160 ; at least a portion of the end  170  of the fifth strip  150   e  of the fifth layer  168  overlaps the second strip  150   b ; at least a portion of the end  170  of the third strip  150   c  of the third layer  164  overlaps the fifth strip  150   e ; and at least a portion of the end  170  of the fourth strip  150   d  of the fourth layer  166  overlaps the third strip  150   c . The positioning of the first layer  160 , the second layer  162 , the third layer  164 , the fourth layer  166 , and the fifth layer  168  provides a fan-like arrangements of strips  150  aligned with each of the spokes  124  of the rim  122 , respectively, to provide nodal support in line with the spokes  124 . Other woven patterns may be provided. 
     For example,  FIGS.  15  and  16    show a layup pattern of strips  150  for the first sidewall  138  or the second sidewall prior to the curing process that includes more layers of composite material than is included in the example of  FIGS.  13  and  14   . The layup pattern (e.g., for the first sidewall  138 ) includes a first layer  160  of the composite material, a second layer  162  of the composite material, a third layer  164  of the composite material, a fourth layer  166  of the composite material, a fifth layer  168  of the composite material, a sixth layer  172  of the composite material, and a seventh layer  174  of the composite material. The first layer  160  includes the first strips  150   a , the second layer  162  includes the second strips  150   b , the third layer  164  includes the third strips  150   c , the fourth layer  166  includes the fourth strips  150   d , the fifth layer  168  includes the fifth strips  150   e , the sixth layer  172  includes sixth strips  150   f , and the seventh layer  174  includes seventh strips  150   g . The layup pattern may include more or fewer layers of the composite material and/or one or more other materials. 
     The layup pattern for the first sidewall  138 , for example, prior to the curing process, is circular in shape. A portion of the strips  150  extend beyond the first radius R 1  and/or the second radius R 2 , respectively, and the material extending beyond the first radius R 1  and the second radius R 2  may not be removed, such that the inner circumference  134  and/or the outer circumference  135  of the rim  122  have variable radii, respectively. The first sidewall  138  may include any number of strips  150 . For example, the first sidewall  138  may include 84 strips  150 . More or fewer strips  150  may be included within the first sidewall  138  depending on a size and/or a shape of the strips  150 , and/or a size of the rim  122 . 
     The first layer  160 , the second layer  162 , the third layer  164 , the fourth layer  166 , the fifth layer  168 , the sixth layer  172 , and the seventh layer  174  of the composite material form a woven layup pattern that is aligned with the spokes  124  of the rim  122 . Different subsets of layers are aligned with different subsets of the spokes  124 . For example, a first subset of the layers (e.g., the first layer  160 , the second layer  162 , the third layer  164 , and the fourth layer  166 ) are aligned with a first subset of the spokes  124   d , and a second subset of the layers (e.g., the fifth layer  168 , the sixth layer  172 , and the seventh layer  174 ) are aligned with a second subset of the spokes  124   e . Strips  150  of the first subset of the layers (e.g., the third strips  150   c  and the fourth strips  150   d ) overlap strips of the second subset of the layers (e.g., the fifth strips  150   e ), respectively. Referring to  FIG.  16   , the first subset of the layers form first fan-like layup patterns  176  arranged about the center C and aligned with the first subset of spokes  124   d , respectively, and the second subset of the layers form second fan-like layup patterns  178  arranged about the center C and aligned with the second subset of spokes  124   e . The first fan-like layup pattern  176  and the second fan-like layup pattern  178  are not symmetrical about any strips  150  within the respective layup pattern. In the example shown in  FIGS.  15  and  16   , no centerlines of respective strips  150  exactly align with any of the spokes  124 . Adjacent first and second fan-like layup patterns  176 ,  178  spread out (e.g., fan) towards each other to provide the nodal support. 
       FIGS.  17  and  18    show a layup pattern of strips  150  for the first sidewall  138  or the second sidewall prior to the curing process that includes fewer layers of composite material than is included in the example of  FIGS.  13  and  14    and  FIGS.  15  and  16   , respectively. The layup pattern (e.g., for the first sidewall  138 ) includes a first layer  160  of the composite material, a second layer  162  of the composite material, a third layer  164  of the composite material, and a fourth layer  166  of the composite material. The layup pattern may include more or fewer layers of the composite material and/or one or more other materials. 
     Referring to  FIG.  18   , Centerlines Ca of the first strips  150   a  of the first layer  160  are aligned with the spokes  124 , respectively. At the spokes  124 , second strips  150   b  of the second layer  162  and third strips  150   c  of the third layer  164  are angled relative to the first strips  150  in opposite directions, respectively. The fourth layer  166  includes, at each spoke  124 , a plurality of fourth strips  150   d  of different lengths (e.g., decreasing lengths from the second radius R 2  to the first radius R 1 ). For example, at each spoke  124 , the fourth layer  166  includes three fourth strips  150   d  positioned, such that the centerlines Cd of the fourth strips  150   d  are perpendicular to the centerline Ca of the first strip  150   a . An additional third strip  150   c  of the third layer  164  overlapping an additional second strip  150   b  of the second layer  162  are positioned between each of the spokes  124  to provide further support for the first sidewall  138  or the second sidewall of the rim  122 . 
     The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive. 
     While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination. 
     Similarly, while operations and/or acts are depicted in the drawings and described herein in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that any described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. 
     One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, are apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description. 
     The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b) and is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in the foregoing Detailed Description, various features may be grouped together or described in a single embodiment for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. This disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter may be directed to less than all of the features of any of the disclosed embodiments. Thus, the following claims are incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as defining separately claimed subject matter. 
     It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.