Patent Publication Number: US-2023150302-A1

Title: Vehicle wheel rim assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/988,666 filed Aug. 9, 2020 and currently pending; 
     U.S. Patent application Ser. No. 16/988,666 claims priority of Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/884,684, filed Aug. 9, 2019. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     (1) Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to spoked vehicle wheels and bicycle wheels in particular. More specifically, this invention relates to an insert utilized to provide a high strength connection between a spoke and rim of a vehicle wheel. 
     (2) Description of the Related Art 
     In the development of a tension-spoked wheel, the geometry of interaction between the spoke and the rim is of particular importance as it relates to the strength, stiffness, and longevity of the completed wheel structure. The overlie engagement between the under-head surface of the nipple and the spoke bed of the rim serves to provide the requisite bracing to resist the spoke tension forces of the wheel. 
     Heretofore, most rims do not commonly include reinforcement of the spoke hole to support spoke tensile loads. In the case where such rim reinforcement is desired, this is most commonly achieved with an eyelet secured to the spoke hole. Such an eyelet is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,651,591, which shows a common “double eyelet” reinforcement that includes a cup portion that extends between the spoke bed and tire bed, and an eyelet surrounding the spoke hole and securing the cup portion to the spoke bed. The double eyelet is an example of a rim reinforcement that is mechanically connected to the rim by the flaring of the eyelet. This arrangement is generally heavy and time-consuming to install, adding weight and cost to the rim. Further, the contour of the cup and eyelet are not well-matched to the outboard surface of the spoke bed, resulting in poor reinforcement of the spoke bed. 
     Another prior art example of rim reinforcement would be a simple washer that is fitted between the spoke nipple and the spoke bed. The washer is not retained to the rim, making the installation clumsy and tedious. Further, the washer is not well matched to either the outboard surface or the nipple, resulting in poor reinforcement of the spoke bed. 
     Another prior art example is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,307 where an insert is affixed to the exposed inboard surface of the rim at a brazed or soldered interface. Since the insert is secured to the inboard surface and the spoke is threadably connected to the insert, the spoke tensile loads serve to apply very large tensile load to the insert and the soldered interface. The spoke tensile load effectively works against this interface to strip the insert from the rim. This requires a very large surface area of interface and a large insert, which adds weight to the assembly. Further, this arrangement requires an interface that has very high strength, which adds to the manufacturing cost. This high stress reduces the reliability of the joinder, increasing the propensity for failure during use. The complexity of the insert further adds to the manufacturing cost. Still further, the insert does not truly reinforce the rim, since the spoke tensile load tries to pull the insert away from the rim. Finally, the insert does not provide any self-aligning between the spoke and the rim, which may add to the stress in the spoke, resulting in premature failure of the wheel. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention includes vehicle wheel rim having a spoke bed wall with openings therein to receive the mating spokes. The spoke bed wall includes a radially outboard surface and a radial inboard surface with a spoke bed thickness therebetween and a rim opening therethrough, such as a spoke hole. The rim includes a reinforcement insert adhered to the radially outboard surface and/or the sidewalls of the spoke hole. The insert has an insert opening therein that overlaps the rim opening such the resulting combined opening therethrough is configured to receive a spoke, where the spoke includes a bearing surface to brace and bear against the insert and the insert is bearing and bracing against the spoke bed. 
     The insert is adhered to the spoke bed by means of an adhesive joinder therebetween. The adhesive may be nonmetallic, such as an epoxy or acrylic adhesive, or may be metallic, such as solder or brazing filler. The adhesive may be applied as a liquid, a paste, a supported tape, a molten solid or some other form. 
     In accordance with the present invention, it has now been found that the forgoing objects and advantages may be readily obtained. 
     The adhesive joinder serves to retain the insert to the spoke bed. This restricts the insert from being dislodged from the spoke bed and additionally may serve to maintain lateral alignment between the rim opening and the insert opening. By retaining the insert to the spoke bed, the adhesive joinder provides for easy assembly of the spoke(s) to the rim without the insert becoming dislodged. 
     Also, the insert may be conformable to fill any recesses and or gaps or surface irregularities at the interface where the insert and spoke bed meet. This effectively serves to match the surface of the insert to the surface of the rim at this interface. This also results in a stable interface between the insert and rim, limiting any possible movement therebetween. By filling any mismatch or gaps, the adhesive interface provides a full surface area of interface, thus distributing the spoke tensile loads evenly across a greater area of interface, correspondingly reducing stresses in the rim. Further, by filling any mismatch or gaps, the adhesive interface conforms and accommodates surface inconsistencies without requiring an additional manufacturing operation to finish or smooth these mismatched surfaces. 
     Additionally, the adhesive joinder permits the utilization of an insert in cases where it would otherwise be difficult or impossible to utilize an insert. For example, if the insert were not adhesively joined or retained to the spoke bed, the otherwise free-floating insert would render the assembly of the spokes to the rim as exceedingly difficult or impossible. 
     Furthermore, the insert may now be utilized to provide optimal geometry to engage the spoke and support spoke loads. This is particularly advantageous in a case where the spoke bed cannot easily provide such optimized geometry. The adhesive interface may serve to optimize the interface between the insert and spoke bed, thereby enhancing the functionality of the insert. 
     Still further, the rim may be made more easily without requiring a perfectly smooth surface that is perfectly matched to the insert. This results in reduced manufacturing cost. For example, carbon fiber rims are commonly produced through a bladder-molding process where it is difficult to control the interior surface of the rim such that the outboard surface of the spoke bed may have bumps, recesses, or wrinkles after molding. The adhesive may be utilized to fill any gaps between the insert and rim due to these bumps, recesses, or wrinkles. 
     Yet further, the insert serves to distribute spoke loads over a broader area of the rim. This allows the rim to be made thinner and lighter since the insert serves to reinforce and thicken the rim only in the localized area of the spoke load. The result is a completed wheel assembly that is lighter and/or stronger. 
     Further still, by positioning the adhesive interface at the outboard surface of the spoke bed, the spoke tensile loads serve to drive and press the insert against the outboard surface, thus the tensile load effectively serves to augment and support the adhesive joinder, pressing the insert against the rim, rather than trying to pull these two elements apart. As a result, the adhesive interface does not require exceptionally high strength. This saves cost, since a lower performance adhesive may be utilized. Depending on the application, the insert may need only to provide a retaining feature, simply to hold the insert in place as a matter of convenience, rather than requiring a high performance structural connection. 
     Another advantage is that pressure sensitive adhesives may be utilized at the adhesive interface. These adhesives are exceptionally simple and fast to apply, do not require curing or hardening, and require little, if any, cleanup or finishing. This further reduces manufacturing 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   a    is a perspective view schematically illustrating the general configuration of a vehicle wheel as applied to a bicycle wheel. 
         FIG.  1   b    is a cross-sectional view along  3 - 3  of the wheel of  FIG.  1     a.    
         FIG.  2   a    is a partial perspective exploded view of a wheel of prior art design, with the rim shown in cross-section along an axial plane. 
         FIG.  2   b    is an enlarged perspective detail of a portion of the rim of  FIG.  2   a   , with the rim shown in cross-section along an axial plane. 
         FIG.  2   c    is a partial perspective view, with the rim in cross-section along an axial plane, showing the wheel of  FIG.  2   a    with the spoke and nipple assembled to the rim. 
         FIG.  2   d    is a detail view of the wheel of  FIG.  2   a   , with the rim shown in cross-section along an axial plane. 
         FIG.  2   e    is a cross-section detail view along  57  of  FIG.  2     d.    
         FIGS.  3   a - b    are partial perspective views, describing the sequential assembly steps involved in assembling a reinforcement insert to a rim, including an adhesive joinder therebetween. 
         FIG.  3   a    is a partial perspective exploded detail view of the rim of a first embodiment of the present invention, with the rim shown in cross-section along an axial plane, including a rim insert and adhesive. 
         FIG.  3   b    is a partial perspective detail view, with the rim shown in cross-section along an axial plane, showing the embodiment of  FIG.  3   a   , with the insert next adhesively assembled and joined to the spoke bed of the rim. 
         FIG.  3   c    is a cross-section detail view, taken along  114 - 114 , of the embodiment of  FIG.  3   a    and showing a spoke and nipple as next assembled to the assembly of  FIG.  3     b.    
         FIGS.  4   a - b    are partial perspective views of a second embodiment of the present invention, describing the sequential assembly steps involved in assembling a reinforcement insert to a rim, including an adhesive joinder therebetween. 
         FIG.  4   a    is a partial perspective exploded detail view with the rim shown in cross-section along an axial plane, including a rim insert and adhesive film. 
         FIG.  4   b    is a partial perspective detail view, with the rim shown in cross-section along an axial plane, showing the embodiment of  FIG.  4   a   , with the insert next adhesively assembled and joined to the spoke bed of the rim by the adhesive film. 
         FIGS.  5   a - c    describe the sequential assembly steps involved in assembling a rim insert to a rim, including an adhesive joinder therebetween. 
         FIG.  5   a    is an exploded detail view of a third embodiment of the present invention, with the rim and insert shown in cross-section along an axial plane. The outboard surface of the spoke bed has an irregular and configured surface. 
         FIG.  5   b    is a partial cross-section detail view of the embodiment of  FIG.  5   a   , showing the insert as next adhesively joined to the outboard surface. 
         FIG.  5   c    is a partial cross-section detail view of the embodiment of  FIG.  5   a   , showing the spoke hole as next drilled through both the insert and the spoke bed. 
         FIG.  6   a    is a cross-section detail view along an axial plane, of a fourth embodiment of the present invention, showing the insert as adhesively joined to the spoke bed, where the insert includes a collar that longitudinally overlaps the spoke hole and the insert is configured to provide a swivel connection with a spoke nipple. 
         FIG.  6   b    is an exploded cross-section detail view along an axial plane, of the embodiment of  FIG.  6   a   , showing the spoke and spoke nipple as aligned prior to assembly with the insert and rim. 
         FIG.  6   c    is a cross-section detail view along an axial plane, of the embodiment of  FIG.  6   a   , showing the spoke and spoke nipple as next assembled to the insert and rim, including a self-aligning swivel engagement between the insert and spoke nipple. 
         FIG.  6   d    is a cross-section detail view along an axial plane, of the embodiment of  FIG.  6   a    and corresponding to the view of  FIG.  6   a   , showing an alternate adhesive interface wherein the adhesive interface is between the outside of the collar and the sidewall the spoke hole. 
         FIG.  7   a    is a cross-section detail view taken along an axial plane, of a fifth embodiment of the present invention, showing the insert as adhesively joined to the spoke bed, where the insert is contoured to include a bearing surface and outboard edge that are skewed to be aligned with the tensile axis of the spoke. 
         FIG.  7   b    is a cross-section detail view taken along an axial plane, of the embodiment of  FIG.  7   a   , showing the spoke and spoke nipple as next assembled to the insert and rim, where overlie engagement interface between the insert and spoke nipple is angled and aligned with the tensile axis of the spoke. 
         FIG.  8   a    is a cross-section detail view taken along an axial plane, of a sixth embodiment of the present invention, showing the insert as adhesively joined to the spoke bed during formation of the rim, also including mechanical retaining of the insert to the rim. 
         FIG.  8   b    is a cross-section detail view taken along an axial plane, of the embodiment of  FIG.  8   a   , showing the insert as next internally threaded, with an externally threaded spoke aligned for subsequent threadable assembly thereto. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       FIGS.  1   a - b    describe 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   a  and  16   b , each of which include a means for connecting with a multiplicity of spokes  2  connected thereto. 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 flanges  16   a  and  16   b  may be contiguous with the hub shell  14  or may be separately formed and assembled to the hub body  12  portion of the hub shell  14 . Each spoke  2  is affixed to its respective hub flange  16   a  or  16   b  at its first end  4  and extend to attach the rim  8  at its second ends  6 . The tire  10  is fitted to the outer periphery of the rim  8 . The wheel  1  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. 
     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. The spoke is braced between its anchor points at the rim and hub. 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. Additionally, a tension-spoke wheel will usually be pre-tensioned during assembly to create a pre-tensioned 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 or side-to-side loads, only a single hub flange may be employed. 
     As shown in  FIG.  1 B , the radial axis  19  of the wheel  1  is a radial axis axially positioned midway between the flanges  16   a  and  16   b . The spokes  2  connected to their respective flanges  16   a  and  16   b  commonly converge axially (by bracing angles  18   a  and  18   b ) to their connection point with the rim  8 . 
     The spoke  2  is a generally long slender tensile element with a longitudinal axis  62  along its length and generally parallel to its sidewalls. The spoke  2  also has a tensile axis  61  of applied tensile load  58  that extends along the span portion  5  of the spoke  2  between its anchor points at the rim  8  and hub flange  16 . The tensile axis  61  is generally collinear to the longitudinal axis  62 , except where the spoke  2  is bent to deviate from the tensile axis  61 . For the purposes of definition, as relating to spokes  2  and connections thereto, the term “longitudinal” herein refers to alignment along the longitudinal axis  62 . A longitudinally inboard (or inward) orientation refers to an orientation proximal the midpoint of the span portion. Conversely, a longitudinally outboard (or outward) orientation refers to an orientation distal the midpoint of the span portion  5 . The term “lateral” herein refers to an orientation in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  62 . A laterally inboard (or inward) orientation refers to an orientation proximal the longitudinal axis. Conversely, a laterally outboard (or outward) orientation refers to an orientation distal the longitudinal axis  62 . 
       FIGS.  2   a - e    describe an exemplary rim  20  of generally conventional geometry. As detailed in  FIGS.  2   a  and  2   b   , rim  20  is of a generally hollow construction, commonly termed “double-wall” construction, and includes a radially inboard spoke bed  22  wall of thickness  23  and a radially outboard tire bed  24  wall and generally radially extending sidewalls  26   a  and  26   b  to define a generally hollow circumferential cavity  27 . Spoke bed  22  is a wall or web portion of the rim  20  that includes a radially inboard surface  32  and a radially outboard surface  34  and is defined herein as the portion of the rim to which the spoke is structurally connected and/or anchored. Hooked flanges  30   a  and  30   b  are adapted to engage the beads of a conventional tire (not shown). 
     The spoke bed  22  is pierced with a plurality of spoke holes  36  adapted for connection with their respective spokes  2  via spoke nipples  48 . The term “nipple” and “spoke nipple” are used interchangeably herein. It may be seen that the spoke hole  36 , which extends along hole axis  35 , has a radially inboard entrance  38  at its intersection with the radially inboard surface  32  and a radially outboard entrance  40  at its intersection with the radially outboard surface  34 . Spoke hole  36  is most commonly a circular cylindrical hole that is commonly produced by drilling along hole axis  35  or by other fabrication processes. The tire bed  24  wall is pierced by access hole  37  that is preferably aligned with spoke hole  36 , to permit the nipple  48  to be assembled as shown in  FIGS.  2   a  and  2   c   . Note that access hole  37  is merely one common means to permit the nipple  48  to be assembled to the rim; a wide range of alternative means may be substituted, including means that do not require a access hole. 
     It is useful to understand that it is common to manufacture the rim  20  by extruding the straight profile shown here and rolling the extrusion into a circumferential hoop with its ends joined by either a welded, sleeved or pinned connection. Spoke holes  36  and access holes  37  are then drilled in their proper locations. Another common rim manufacturing process includes bladder molding where an inflatable bladder is pressurized within the cavity  27 . 
       FIG.  2   a    shows an exploded view that describes the conventional arrangement by which the second end  6  of the spoke  2  is connected to the rim  20 . The second end  6  of spoke  2  includes external threads  46  to mate with internal threads  47  of spoke nipple  48 . Spoke nipple  48  includes an enlarged head  50  and a shank  52 , with a generally conical tapered transition portion  54  extending radially outwardly between the shank  52  and the underside of the head  50 . Spoke nipple  48  also includes flats  56  for engagement with a mating wrench (not shown) for manual manipulation to adjust the spoke pre-tension by adjusting the threaded engagement between external threads  46  and internal threads  47 . Nipple  48  is considered an “external” spoke nipple, since it has a shank  52  that extends through the spoke hole  36  so that its flats are exposed and may be manipulated externally to the rim  20 .  FIGS.  2   c - f    shows the spoke nipple  48  threadably assembled to the spoke  2  such that the transition portion  54  overlies and contacts the outboard entrance  40 . The spoke nipple  48  is thereby structurally braced against the spoke bed  22 , with transition surface  54  bearing against the outside edge  168  of spoke hole  36  and/or the outboard surface  34  to resist the spoke tension  58  of the spoke  2 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   e   , due to the bracing angle  18   b  of the spoke  2 , the spoke nipple  48  may not be perfectly aligned with the outboard surface  34  and/or the outboard entrance  40 . This results in very highly concentrated bearing stresses in the spoke bed  22  and nipple  48  due to tensile load  58 . This high contact stress may result in localized galling as the nipple  48  is rotatably manipulated with in its spoke hole  36 . Further, this high contact stress may cause excessive stress and deformation of the nipple  48  and/or spoke hole  36 . This very high localized stress also commonly causes cracking and failure of the rim due to fatigue. To resist the stress and minimize such failure, the spoke bed  22  needs to be very thick (thickness  23 ), which adds weight to the rim, detracting from the performance of the wheel. 
       FIGS.  3   a - c    describes an embodiment wherein a pre-formed reinforcement insert is adhesively joined and affixed to the spoke bed of a rim. This arrangement is particularly beneficial when utilizing an insert to provide localized reinforcement and/or provide specific geometry to the spoke bed of the rim. By adhering the insert to the spoke bed, the insert will not become dislodged from the spoke bed during the assembly of the spoke to the rim. Furthermore, the adhesives utilized may be conformable materials such that the adhesive serves as a filler to match the surface of the insert to the outboard surface of the spoke bed at the laterally-overlying engagement interface between the two. 
       FIG.  3   a    shows the components in exploded view prior to their assembly. Rim  150  is of generally conventional configuration and includes a spoke bed  154  with an outboard surface  152  that has a concave profile and an inboard surface  153 . Rim  150  includes a circumferential cavity  151  between the spoke bed  154  and tire bed  155 . The spoke bed  154  is pierced with a plurality of spoke holes  156  extending therethrough between outboard surface  152  and inboard surface  153 . Rim  150  also includes a tire bed  155  having an access hole  157  therethrough that is aligned with the spoke hole  156 . 
     Included is insert  160  that serves to provide a localized convex outboard surface at the location surrounding the spoke  2 . Insert  160  includes a convex outward surface  162  and a convex inward surface  164  and a nipple hole  166  extending through the insert  160  to provide passage for the shank  52  of the spoke nipple  48 . The intersection with the outward surface  162  and the spoke hole  166  (i.e. entrance to the spoke hole  166 ) creates an outside edge  168 . Inward surface  164  is a radially-inboard facing convex surface with a generally constant radius of curvature to provide a matched surface with the concave outboard surface  152  of the rim  150 . Thus, the nested concave/convex surfaces provide that insert  160  may swivel with respect to the outboard surface  152  to create a self-aligning capability between the insert  160  and the rim  150 . Spoke  2  and nipple  48  are of the conventional type and identical to those described in  FIGS.  2   a - e   . Both the insert  160  and rim  150  are pre-formed elements as shown in  FIG.  3     a.    
     Prior to assembling the insert  160  to the spoke bed  152 , an adhesive  158  (such as a 2-part epoxy paste adhesive, for example) is applied to the inward surface  164 . The adhesive  158  is shown as representational, but it is understood that the adhesive may have any type of form that adhesives are known to have. The insert  160  is then assembled to the spoke bed  152  through the access hole  157  in direction  167  as shown in  FIG.  3   b    such that inward surface  164  (with adhesive applied thereto) is brought to interface and abut against the outboard surface  152  ,with the adhesive  158  sandwiched therebetween in the conventional manner. It is noted that this assembly method is but one option, the adhesive  158  may alternatively or additionally be applied to the outboard surface  152 . Further, the adhesive  158  and/or the insert  160  may alternatively be introduced through the spoke hole  156  or through the cavity  151  or by any other means. 
     Nipple hole  166  is aligned with spoke hole  156  such that the two holes overlap. Depending on the adhesive used, the adhesive  158  may be conformable to follow the contour of the inward surface  164  and outboard surface  152  at the adhesive interface  165 . Once the adhesive is dried, cured, cooled, or is otherwise completed, the insert  160  becomes adhesively joined to the spoke bed  154  at the adhesive interface  165  therebetween. In the case of an epoxy paste adhesive, the adhesive is allowed to cure and harden to adhesively join the inward surface  164  of the insert  160  with the outboard surface  152  of the spoke bed  154 . The epoxy adhesive has a softened state prior to curing that is a flowable, so it may flow to fill any voids, gaps, or inconsistencies between the inward surface  164  and outboard surface  152 . Upon subsequent curing and hardening, these voids or gaps now are filled with hardened material, serving to create a perfectly matched rigid surface interface between the inward surface  164  and outboard surface  152 . It is noted that the contour of inward surface  164  is arcuate as shown and closely matched to the mating arcuate outboard surface  152  while leaving sufficient space therebetween for bondline thickness  159  of the adhesive  158 . This matching of contours, to the degree possible, is preferable to insure that any variation in bondline thickness  159  is minimized and that the optimum bondline thickness  159  is achieved. For optimal adhesive performance, it is most preferable that any variation in bondline thickness  159  is less than 0.4 millimeters at the adhesive interface  165 . It is understood that, for visualization purposes in this and other embodiments herein, the bondline thickness  159  is shown as considerably thicker than may be commonly employed. 
     The adhesive  158  is positioned within the laterally overlying engagement interface between the inward surface  164  of the insert  160  and the outboard surface  152  of the spoke bed  154 . Depending on the adhesive type and bondline thickness  159 , the inward surface  164  may not have direct contact with the outboard surface  152 , but instead the inward surface  164  contacts the adhesive  158  and the adhesive  158  contacts the outboard surface  152 , as shown in  FIG.  3   c   . An additional feature of the adhesive is that it may be utilized to create a galvanic barrier and/or galvanic sealing between the insert  160  and rim  150  to prevent or otherwise mitigate any galvanic corrosion therebetween. 
     Once the insert(s)  160  have been adhesively joined to the rim  150  at the adhesive interface  165 , the insert  160  is retained to the rim  150  in the assembly  161  such that the insert  160  will not inadvertently be displaced and the proper alignment of the insert is maintained relative to the rim  150 . Spoke hole  156  is preferably overlapping and aligned with nipple hole  166  to facilitate the subsequent assembly shown in  FIG.  3     c.    
     Next, the spoke  2  and nipple  48  may be assembled to the assembly  161  of  FIG.  3   b    in the conventional manner, as shown in  FIG.  3   c   , with an overhanging overlie engagement between the transition portion  54  and the outer edge  168  where the head  50  overhangs the outward surface  162 . There is also an overlie engagement between the inboard surface  164  and the outboard surface  152  to support spoke tension load  58 . As shown here, there is a single spoke  2  associated with a single insert  160 . Since a complete wheel assembly includes several individual spokes  2 , it is envisioned that a plurality of spokes  2  of the wheel may be connected and anchored to the rim  150  in a similar manner, with an individual insert  160  associated with each individual spoke  2 . Nipple  48  may be considered as an intermediate connecting element, where the spoke  2  is connected to the nipple  48  by the threadable engagement therebetween and the nipple  48  is connected to the insert  160  by the overhanging overlie engagement therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3   a - c   , it may be seen that the intersection between the cylindrical nipple hole  166  and the outward surface  162 , creates outer edge  168 . Transition portion  54  of spoke nipple  48  contacts and bears against the outer edge  168  of the nipple hole  166 . The spoke nipple  48  is thereby braced against the spoke bed  154  via the insert  160  to resist the spoke tensile load  58  of the spoke  2 . The inward surface  164  bears longitudinally inwardly against the outboard surface  152  such that the tensile load  58  serves to augment the adhesive joinder and to press the inward surface  164  against the outboard surface  152 , placing the adhesive  158  in compression, rather than in tension. As such, the tensile load  58  serves to augment the adhesive joinder, rather than resist it. 
       FIGS.  3   a - b    show the adhesive  158  as applied to the inward surface  164  for subsequent assembly to the outboard surface  152 . The insert  160  may be fixtured to the rim  150  by a fixturing method known in industry for alignment therebetween and to maintain alignment while the adhesive cures, hardens, solidifies, or otherwise completes its cycle to provide the adhesive joinder. Alternatively, the spoke  2  and nipple  48  may be assembled to the rim  150  and insert  160  prior to curing, hardening, or completion of its adhesive cycle, such that the completion of the adhesive curing or hardening cycle occurs after the assembly shown in  FIG.  3   c   . In any case, the result is the assembly  161  between the rim  150  and insert  160  by adhesive  158  as shown in  FIGS.  3   b   - c.    
     The adhesive  158  may be utilized to create a structural connection between the insert  160  and rim  150  or it may be utilized to simply provide a non-structural retaining and/or alignment therebetween. Similarly, the adhesive  158  may be utilized to create a permanent joinder between the insert  160  and rim  150  or it may be utilized to provide a temporary connection therebetween such that the insert  160  may be subsequently disconnected from the rim  150 . An “adhesive joinder” may include a structural connection, where the two adherends or substrates are structurally connected and secured to each other by adhesive at an adhesive interface, or it may be a non-structural retaining connection, where the two adherends are non-structurally retained to each other to maintain their relative position. 
     For the purposes of definition herein, the term “adhesive” refers to a material that, when applied to surfaces of materials, can retain and/or secure them together to resist their separation through the mechanism of adhesion or surface interaction. Some examples of adhesive include thermosetting adhesives (such as epoxy) that include a curing cycle, molten adhesives that are subsequently cooled and hardened (such as braze, solder, or thermoplastic), tacky adhesives that provide stickiness between surfaces (such as pressure sensitive tape, etc.), drying adhesives that cure through flashing or evaporation of a constituent (such as rubber cement, etc.), among others. Adhesives may be grouped into several types and classes, each may have its own unique advantage as known in industry. Adhesives are commonly considered to be nonmetallic, but for definition purposes herein, the term “adhesive” may also include metallic adhesives that attach through intermetallic bonding such as solder or braze. The adhesive joinder described herein is applicable to any of the types or classes, dependent on the requirements or convenience of a particular application. An adhesive joinder is in contrast to a mechanical connection, such as threaded fasteners, eyelets, rivets, snap engagements, etc. 
     The term “adhesive interface” herein generically describes the interface between the insert and the rim that includes the adhesive therebetween. As is commonly understood in industry, this adhesive interface actually includes two interfaces, the interface between the insert and the adhesive and the interface between the adhesive and the rim, with the adhesive itself shared in common between the two. 
     As shown in  FIGS.  3   a - c   , there is a single insert  160  that interfaces with a single spoke  2  and/or portion thereof (i.e. nipple  48 ). As an alternative, it is envisioned that a single insert may interface with a plurality of spokes. 
     As shown in  FIG.  3   c   , the spoke  2  and nipple  48  are assembled to the assembly  161  in the conventional manner. The transition surface  54  is bearing against the outside edge  168  to support spoke tensile load  58 . Because outward surface  162  is arcuate, outside edge  168  is saddle shaped, which provides a rocker contour that permits the nipple  48  to rock and pivot as shown to provide self-aligning accommodation of the bracing angle  163  between longitudinal axis  62  and a radial axis  19 . As such, the outward surface  162  and outer edge  168  are designed for optimal engagement with the nipple  48 , which serves as a portion of the spoke  2 , to permit the nipple  48  to be aligned with the longitudinal axis  62  and the span of the spoke  2 . 
     To support tensile load  58 , the inward surface  164  is bearing against the spoke bed  154  in a first bearing interface, while the transition surface  54  is bearing against outside edge  168  in a second bearing interface. The area of the first bearing interface is preferably greater than the area of the second bearing interface. Thus, the insert  160  serves to distribute the high stresses of the second bearing interface over the larger surface area of the first bearing interface, which correspondingly serves to reduce the corresponding bearing stress at the spoke bed  154 . In this way, the insert  160  of this embodiment, as well as the inserts utilized in other embodiments herein, may serve to reduce stress and otherwise reinforce the mating spoke bed in a localized area surrounding the spoke. It may be preferable that the insert may have greater overall radial thickness and/or rigidity than the adjacent spoke bed, since this rigidity may serve to minimize any deformation of the insert and transmit the bearing loads though the adhesive interface most effectively. These features provide significant benefit by allowing the spoke bed to be thinner and lighter. 
     The bearing interface between insert  160  and spoke bed  154  preferably has a greater area than if the transition surface  54  were bearing directly against the spoke bed  154  and/or spoke hole  156 . The insert  160  is shown to be thicker than spoke bed  154  and may have greater rigidity, thereby serving to minimize any deflection of insert. Thus, the insert  160  serves to distribute bearing loads over a larger area of the spoke bed  154 , thus reducing bearing stress in the rim  150 . Further, the insert  160  is shown here to provide optimized bearing interface (i.e. rocker contour) with the nipple  48 . 
     The geometry of the spoke bed  154 , outboard surface  152  and insert  160  are shown here as providing exemplary geometries and interface therebetween, including interface with the spoke nipple  48 . A wide range of alternate geometries and interfaces may be substituted herein. Further, the present invention may be adapted to “internal nipples” where the spoke nipple is completely concealed by the exposed surface of the rim. Still further, the present invention may alternatively be adapted to “single wall” rims, where the spoke bed and tire bed are combined as a single common wall, without a cavity  151  therebetween. 
     It is noted that spoke tensile load  58  serves to press inward surface  164  against outboard surface  152  to generally compress the adhesive  158 . Thus, the tensile load  58  generally serves to mechanically augment the adhesive joinder between the insert  160  and rim  150 , with little or any tensile load therebetween. This means that the present invention is adaptable to an arrangement whereby the adhesive joinder of the present invention may be utilized in circumstances where a structural joinder is not necessary and only a retaining (i.e. positional) joinder will suffice. This is in contrast to U.S. Pat. No. 7,090,307, where spoke tensile load serves to apply tensile load to the “reinforcement member” that is joined to the rim, thus serving to pull the “reinforcement member” away from the rim. As such, any joinder therebetween must be able to support the entire spoke tensile load  58 . 
     The embodiment of  FIGS.  4   a - b    is identical to that of  FIGS.  3   a - c    with the exception that a double-sided tape or adhesive film is substituted for the adhesive  158  of  FIGS.  3   a - c   . Rim  150  and insert  160  are identical to those described in  FIGS.  3   a - c   . Adhesive washer  170  includes an outboard surface  172   a  and inboard surface  172   b , with thickness  171  therebetween, and hole  174  therethrough. 
     Adhesive washer  170  may be stamped out of a double-sided tape material having adhesive on both the outboard surface  172   a  and inboard surface  172   b . This type of adhesive may have a carrier layer between the two adhesive layers or it may just include adhesive without a carrier. This adhesive may simply be a pressure-sensitive adhesive (commonly termed “PSA”) that joins the adherends (i.e. inward surface  164  and outward surface  152 ) through its own tackiness and without any external activation, hardening, or curing to provide the adhesive joinder. Alternatively, the tape may be a structural adhesive tape, such as an epoxy film adhesive, that requires curing and/or activation in order provide the adhesive joinder. PSA may be especially advantageous in this application, since it may not require curing or hardening and may be quickly and easily applied, commonly with little or no cleanup of excess required. 
     The adhesive washer  170  may preferably include pressure-sensitive adhesive (“PSA”) because this type of adhesive is particularly easy to apply and may not require subsequent curing or hardening, thus reducing manufacturing time. An example of such an adhesive is commonly termed “double-sided tape”. The PSA commonly includes a carrier, but may otherwise be unsupported. This type of adhesive is commonly self-supporting such that it will not drip or sag during application, as such its form may be controlled such that it does not require clean-up of excess adhesive during manufacturing—further saving manufacturing time. The insert  160  may simply be pressed against the outboard surface  152  with the adhesive washer  170  therebetween, such that the tack of the PSA serves to affix the insert  160  to the rim  150 . This assembly utilizes the adhesive washer  170  to retain and/or secure the insert  160  to the spoke bed  154  at an adhesive interface  173 . The adhesive interface  173  is actually made up of two interfaces: a first adhesive interface between the inward surface  164  and outboard surface  172   a ; and a second adhesive interface between the inboard surface  172   b  and outboard surface  154 . As an alternative to PSA, the washer  170  may be a curable film adhesive that is commonly provided in sheet form that may be cut in any desired profile. The film adhesive may include a carrier or may be unsupported. 
       FIG.  4   a    corresponds to  FIG.  3   a    and shows the rim  150 , insert  160 , and adhesive washer  170  in exploded view prior to their assembly.  FIG.  4   b    corresponds to  FIG.  3   b    and shows the insert  160  as adhered to the rim  150  by adhesive washer  170  to create assembly  176 . 
     The adhesive washer  170  is positioned within the laterally overlying engagement interface between the inward surface  164  of the insert  160  and the outboard surface  152  of the spoke bed  154 . Depending on the adhesive type and bondline thickness  175 , the inward surface  164  may not have direct contact with the outboard surface  152 , but instead the inward surface  164  contacts and is adhered to the adhesive washer  170  at a first adhesive interface and the adhesive washer  170  contacts and is adhered to the outboard surface  152  at a second adhesive interface. The bondline  175  thickness may correspond to washer thickness  171 . The adhesive washer  170  is thus sandwiched between the insert  160  and the rim  150 . Inward surface  164  is now adhered to outboard surface  172   a  and inboard surface  172   b  is now adhered to outboard surface  152  to create the adhesive joinder between insert  160  and rim  150  shown in  FIG.  4   b    and to create assembly  176 . 
     Once the insert(s)  160  have been adhesively joined to the rim  150  by respective adhesive washer(s)  170 , the spoke (not shown) and nipple (not shown) may be assembled thereto in the conventional manner, as shown in  FIG.  3   c   , with an overlie engagement between the transition portion  54  and the outward surface  162  or outer edge  168  and an overlie engagement between the inward surface  164  and the outboard surface  152  to support spoke tensile load  58 . 
       FIGS.  5   a - c    describe an embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIGS.  3   a - c   , however the insert and spoke bed do not include a hole therethrough, such that the hole is drilled or otherwise formed after the adhesive joinder therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   a   , rim  180  is generally identical to rim  150  except that it does not include spoke holes  156 . Rim  180  is of generally conventional configuration and includes a spoke bed  184  with an outboard surface  182  and an inboard surface  183 , a tire bed  185  with access hole  187  therein, and a cavity  186  therebetween. The cavity  186  is shown to have an uneven and configured surface, which may be representative of the uneven surface sometimes left by the bladder utilized in bladder molding of composite cycle rims, a common manufacturing process. Thus it may be seen that outboard surface  182  is also an uneven surface having multiple raised peaks with recesses therebetween. 
     Included is insert  190  that is identical to insert  160  except that it does not include nipple hole  166 . Insert  190  includes a convex outward surface  192  and a convex inward surface  194 . Inward surface  194  is a radially-inboard facing convex surface with a generally constant radius of curvature to provide a matched surface with the concave outboard surface  182  of the rim  180 . 
     Prior to assembling the insert  190  to the spoke bed  192 , an adhesive  188  (such as a  2 -part epoxy paste adhesive, for example) is applied, in its softened state, to the inward surface  194  and or outboard surface  182 . The insert  190  is then assembled in direction  193  to the spoke bed  182  as shown in  FIG.  5   b    such that inward surface  194  is brought to interface and press against the outboard surface  182  with adhesive  188  therebetween. Once the adhesive  188  is subsequently dried, cured, cooled, or otherwise activated or completed, the insert  190  is now adhesively joined and affixed to the spoke bed  184  at the adhesive interface  195  therebetween. In the case of an epoxy paste adhesive, the adhesive is allowed to cure and harden to create an adhesive joinder between the inward surface  194  of the insert  190  with the outboard surface  182  of the spoke bed  184 . It is noted that adhesive  188  is preferably flowable in its softened state and serves as a gap-filler to fill the aforementioned recesses of the outboard surface  182  at the adhesive interface  195 . Once cured and hardened, these recesses or gaps now are filled with hardened adhesive material, serving to create a matched surface interface between the inward surface  194  and outboard surface  182 . The result is a solid adhesive interface  195  with any voids, recesses, or gaps between the outboard surface  182  and the inward surface  194 . As such, in addition to an adhesive joinder that the adhesive interface  195  additionally serves to provide a solidly filled and supported bearing interface between the insert  190  and outboard surface  182 . The insert  190  is now solidly joined and stable relative to spoke bed  184  to which it is joined. 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   b   , the insert  190  is now joined to the rim  180  at adhesive interface  195  between inward surface  194  and outboard surface  182 . Adhesive  188  is used to adhesively bond and to connect or retain the inward surface  194  to the outboard surface  182  to create the adhesively joined assembly  191  in a manner similar to that described in  FIGS.  3   a - c   . Due to the conforming of the adhesive  188  to the uneven outboard surface  182 , the bondline thickness  196  is shown to be variable. The adhesive  188  is allowed to harden, cure, or otherwise complete, to create an adhesive joinder between insert  190  and rim  180 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG.  5   c   , both the spoke bed  184 , the adhesive  188 , and the insert  190  are drilled through by drill  197  in direction  198  to create an aligned common spoke hole  199  therethrough. A spoke (not shown) and nipple (not shown) may now be assembled to assembly  191  in the manner described in  FIG.  3     c.    
     Once the insert(s)  190  have been affixed and adhesively joined to the rim  180  at the adhesive interface  195 , the insert  190  is retained to the rim  180  such that the insert  190  will not inadvertently be displaced and the proper alignment of the spoke hole  186  is maintained relative to the rim  150  to facilitate the subsequent assembly with the spoke  2  and nipple  48  in a manner identical to that shown in  FIG.  3     c.    
       FIGS.  6   a - c    describe an embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIGS.  3   a - c   , however the insert  140  includes a spherical recess  142  of radius  147  to mate with the spoke nipple in a swivel arrangement. Insert  140  also includes a collar  141  that longitudinally overlaps the spoke hole  137 . The nipple  120  is shown here as an “internal” nipple that is concealed by the rim  130  and does not extend radially inwardly of the spoke bed  134 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   a   , rim  130  is generally identical to rim  150 , however the outboard surface  132  is generally flat in the axial direction. Rim  130  is of generally conventional configuration and includes a spoke bed  134  with an outboard surface  132  and an inboard surface  133 , a tire bed  135 , and a cavity  136  therebetween. Spoke bed  134  includes spoke hole  137  therethrough. 
     Insert  140  includes: an outward surface  143  with a spherical recess  142  to mate with the spherical surface  122  of nipple  120 ; a radially-inwardly facing bearing face  144  to bear against the outboard surface  132 ; a collar  141  extending radially inwardly from bearing face  144 ; and an opening  146  extending through the collar  141  and the remainder of insert  140 . 
       FIG.  6   a    shows the insert  140  as adhesively joined to the spoke bed  134 , with adhesive  138  providing an adhesive interface  145  between the bearing face  144  and the outboard surface  132  to create an adhesively connected assembly  148  in a manner similar to that described in previous embodiments herein. Collar  141  and opening  146  extend longitudinally inwardly from the outboard surface  132  within spoke hole  137  to longitudinally overlap the spoke bed  134 . 
       FIG.  6   b    shows the nipple  120  and spoke  2  as aligned for assembly with the assembly  148  described in  FIG.  6   a   . Nipple  120  is considered an “internal” or “hidden” nipple as described hereinabove and as known in industry. Nipple  120  includes internal threads (not shown) to threadably mate with the external threads  46  of spoke  2  in the conventional manner, and flats  125  to facilitate manual manipulation with a mating wrench. Nipple  120  includes a bearing surface  122  that has a convex spherical contour of radius  149  that is matched to radius  147  and is shown in  FIG.  6   c    to nest and mate with the concave spherical recess  142  to permit the nipple  120  to swivel with respect to the insert  140  and rim  130 . 
     Next, as shown in  FIG.  6   c   , the spoke  2  and nipple  120  are assembled to the assembly of  FIG.  6   a   , with the internal threads (not shown) threadably assembled to external threads  46 . Nipple  120  may swivel in a ball-and-socket arrangement between bearing surface  122  and recess  142 , which permits the spoke to be self-aligned to accommodate a bracing angle  127  (between longitudinal axis  62  and radial axis  19 ) or other desirable spoke  2  alignment. 
     The bearing surface  122  is bearing against spherical recess  142  in a surface-to-surface overlie engagement therebetween. The insert  140  is also matched and bearing against the spoke bed  134  to support tensile load  58 . The bearing interface between insert  140  and spoke bed  134  preferably has a greater area than if the spoke bearing surface  122  were bearing directly against the spoke bed  134 . The insert  140  may also have greater rigidity than spoke bed  154 . Thus, the insert  140  serves to distribute bearing loads over a larger area of the spoke bed  134 , thus reducing bearing stress in the rim  130 . Further, the insert  140  is shown here to provide matched and optimized bearing interface (i.e. swivel) with the nipple  120 . 
       FIG.  6   d    describes a variation on the embodiment of  FIGS.  6   a - c   , where the adhesive interface  145  is not between the bearing face  144  and the outboard surface  132 , but is instead between the outside diameter of the collar  141  and the sidewalls of the spoke hole  137 . Rim  130  and insert  140  are identical to those described in  FIGS.  6   a - c   . Adhesive  138  is positioned between the outside diameter of the collar  141 and the sidewalls of the spoke hole  137  to provide an adhesive interface  145  therebetween and to create an adhesively connected assembly  178  in a manner similar to that described in previous embodiments herein.  FIG.  6   d    provides an example where the insert  140  has an adhesive interface  145  with the spoke hole  137 . As a further variation on the embodiment of  FIGS.  6   a - c   , the adhesive may be positioned both between the outside diameter of the collar  141 and the sidewalls of the spoke hole  137  and between the bearing face  144  and the outboard surface  132 . This would result in an even greater adhesive interface between insert  140  and rim  130 . 
       FIGS.  7   a - b    describe an embodiment similar to the embodiment of  FIGS.  6   a - c   , except that insert  210  is substituted for insert  140 . Rim  130  is identical to that described in  FIGS.  6   a - c   . Insert  210  includes a radially outward surface  212 , a bearing surface  214 , and an opening  216  therethrough. Opening  216  has a radially outward entrance having a perimeter edge  218  at its intersection with outward surface  212 . Insert  240  is shown to be wedge shaped and asymmetrical about the radial axis  19 , with angle  228  between outward surface  212  and bearing surface  214  such that, upon joinder with the rim  130 , the bearing surface  214  and perimeter edge  218  are tilted by angle  228  to be skewed and non-orthogonal relative to the radial axis  19  as shown. 
       FIG.  7   a    shows the insert  210  as adhesively joined to the spoke bed  134  by using adhesive  220  to create an adhesive joinder at adhesive interface  222  between the bearing surface  214  and the outboard surface  132  to create an adhesively connected assembly  226  in a manner described in previous embodiments herein. Opening  216  is laterally overlapping spoke hole  137  to create aperture  224  therethrough to receive the nipple  148  as shown in  FIG.  7   b   . The nipple  148  and spoke  2  are identical to those described in  FIG.  3     c.    
       FIG.  7   b    shows the spoke nipple  48  and spoke  2  as assembled to the assembly  226  described in  FIG.  7   a   . Angle  228  serves to skew and align the outward surface  212  and perimeter edge  218  to be asymmetric about the radial axis  19  as shown in  FIG.  7   a   . The spoke  2  and nipple  48  are assembled and connected to the assembly  226  in a manner previously described herein. The transition surface  54  is bearing against edge  218  in an overhanging overlie engagement where the head  50  overhangs and overlies the outward surface  212 . The insert  240  is also bearing against the spoke bed  134  to support tensile load  58 . It is preferred that the angle  228  serves to skew outward surface  212  and perimeter edge  218  to be generally (i.e. within 3 degrees) orthogonal to the longitudinal axis  62 . As such, the perimeter edge  218  is aligned with the transition surface  54  to maximize contact at the bearing interface therebetween and to accommodate bracing angle  230  as shown. 
     The bearing interface between insert  240  and spoke bed  134  preferably has a greater area than if the spoke nipple  48  were bearing directly against the spoke bed  134  and also greater area than the bearing interface between transition surface  54  and perimeter edge  218 . Thus, the insert  240  serves to distribute bearing loads over a larger area of the spoke bed  134 , thus reducing bearing stress at the rim  130 . Further, the insert  240  is shown here to provide optimized bearing interface (i.e. angle  228 ) with the nipple  48 . 
     The embodiments shown hereinabove describe an adhesive joinder between a pre-formed insert and a pre-formed rim. As an alternative, it is envisioned that the insert may be adhesively joined during the molding and/or forming of the rim itself. For example, and as is well known in industry for the molding of composite rims, the rim is molded from a “layup” of “prepreg” sheets. These prepreg sheets contain the requisite reinforcement fiber in combination with uncured resin, such as epoxy resin. The resin of the layup is then cured within a mold to create a fully-formed rim. The insert (s) of the present invention may be incorporated within the layup prior to molding such that the resin will adhesively join the insert to the rim during the molding process. Upon completion of the molding cycle and hardening of the resin, the insert is adhesively joined to the fully-formed rim. Such an arrangement is commonly termed “insert molding”. 
     An example of such a molded composite rim and insert-molded insert is described in  FIGS.  8   a   -b. As shown in  FIG.  8   a   , rim  280  is schematically identical to rim  150  except that it does not include spoke holes  156 . Rim  280  is molded from a “layup” of uncured “prepreg” sheets that includes the insert  290 . The layup is then cured and hardened within a mold to create the fully-formed rim  280  that now includes the insert  290 . The epoxy resin within the prepreg is then cured against the insert  290  in a conventional bladder molding process. The resin, such as epoxy, also has excellent adhesive properties, resulting in an adhesive joinder between the external surfaces of the insert  290  and the rim  280  at adhesive interface  295  therebetween. The fully cured rim  280  is of generally conventional configuration and includes a spoke bed  284  with an outboard surface  282  and an inboard surface  283 , a tire bed  285 , and a cavity  286  therebetween. Simultaneously, assembly  291  is created to include both the rim  280  and insert  290 . In contrast to the previously described embodiments,  FIG.  8   a    describes the adhesive joinder being created during the forming of the rim  280  as opposed to after the forming of the rim. 
     Insert  290  is similar to insert  190  and does not include a nipple hole. Insert  290  includes an outward surface  292  and an inward surface  294 . Inward surface  294  is matched to the adjoining outboard surface  282 . As shown, an overwrap portion  289  of the composite material of the rim  280  surrounds the insert  290  and wraps over the outward surface  292 . As such, the overwrap portion  289  serves to mechanically capture and/or retain the insert  290 , thus augmenting the adhesive interface  295  in joining and retaining the insert  290  to the rim  280 . Alternatively, this overwrap portion  289  may be omitted and the joinder between spoke bed  284  and insert  290  is limited to the adhesive interface  295 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  8   b   , the spoke bed  284 , insert  290 , and overwrap portion  289  have been drilled and tapped therethrough to include an internally threaded spoke hole  299 . It is preferable that insert  290  be made of aluminum, since it is a lightweight metal that may be easily tapped to form strong threads. Spoke hole  299  is aligned at bracing angle  276 . Spoke  270  includes first end  272  and external threads  274 . Spoke  270  may next be joined to assembly  291  by a threadable engagement between external threads  274  and the internal threads of spoke hole  299  such that spoke  270  is solidly anchored to the insert  290  and to the spoke bed  284  to support spoke tensile load  58 . The composite material commonly is softer and does not provide high-strength threads, so the aluminum insert  290  may be the primary means of thread support. In contrast to the overhanging overlie engagement between the spoke nipple  48  and insert  160  described in  FIG.  3   c   , the spoke  274  has a threaded engagement with the spoke hole  299  portion of the insert  290 . This threaded engagement may not overhang the outward surface  292 . 
     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. For example: 
     The embodiments shown herein describe a single insert that interfaces and is associated with a single spoke  2  and/or portion thereof (i.e. nipple  48 ). This is often preferable , as this allows the insert to be optimally positioned to align with the span of its associated spoke. Further, this allows that the weight of the insert may be minimized in comparison with an insert that extends to bridge between two or more spokes. However, as an alternative, it is envisioned that the insert may be configured to interface with a plurality of spokes. 
     The embodiments shown here describe an adhesive joinder directly between an insert and a rim and a direct engagement between the insert and the associated spoke (or nipple). It is envisioned that this assembly may include additional intermediate connecting elements between the spoke and the insert such that the spoke is engaged to the intermediate connecting element and the intermediate connecting element is engaged to the spoke. 
     The embodiment described herein describe the insert as having an opening or hole therethrough that surrounds the spoke about the longitudinal axis. As an alternative arrangement, it is envisioned that the opening of the insert only partially surrounds the spoke about the longitudinal axis. For example, the insert may include a U-shaped notch therein, where the notch is open at the lateral perimeter of the insert. The spoke may be engaged to the notch in much the same manner as described in the embodiments herein. 
     The inserts described herein may be configured to provide alignment of the spoke or nipple to accommodate a bracing angle. Bicycle wheel spokes are commonly laced in a “crossed” configuration where the spokes cross each other to also have circumferentially skewed angle as viewed in the plan view. It is preferable that the insert be configured to also accommodate this circumferentially skewed angle as well. 
     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.