Patent Document

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention generally relates to a noise reduction device that can be easily installed onto a spoke of a bicycle wheel. More specifically, the present invention relates to a noise reduction device that reduces noise between spokes. When magnetic material is utilized with the noise reduction device, it can work with a speed monitoring device. 
     2. Background Information 
     Bicycling is becoming an increasingly more popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. This has resulted in many different types of bicycle wheels. 
     The strength of wheel depends on a number of factors, including the number of spokes, the size of the spokes, the shapes of the spokes and other things. Racers use fewer spokes in order to decrease wind resistance. Using fewer spokes also decreases the weight of the wheel. Thus, avid cyclists are continually experimenting with the number of spokes. 
     A relatively conventional wheel has thirty-six spokes, with adjacent spokes intersecting each other at approximately 27°. Such spokes are typically approximately two millimeters in diameter. More recently, bicycle wheels have been designed with fewer spokes to improve the performance of the bicycle wheel. For example, bicycle wheels have been developed with sixteen spokes. A bicycle wheel with sixteen spokes typically has its spokes intersecting at approximately 54°. 
     One problem common among bicycles with intersecting spokes is that there is noise during flexing of the wheel. Previously, the typical way this problem was eliminated was to solder the crossed parts of the two spokes. But sometimes soldering did not hold the spokes with sufficient tightness. Other fastening means were developed, but had the limitation of being restricted to wheels with a specific number of spokes. This is a problem because not all bicycles have the same number of spokes. 
     It is also an advantage for modem cyclists to know how fast they are going. This is true in both non-competitive and competitive cycling. To that end, speedometer devices for bicycles have become commercially popular. Early forms of these devices had various mechanical disadvantages. One source of difficulty was the means by which the speedometer device sensed that the wheel had rotated. Many speedometers attached a counting device that protruded from the spoke, and would advance a gear or a counter every time the wheel rotated. But these devices were not reliable and subject to breakdown, bending, stiffening, and shifting loose from the appropriate position. This led to inductive-type sensors, which did away with the requirement of actual contact between spoke-attachment and sensor. But these were not always reliable either, due to magnets weakening, slippage on the spoke, tools required for installation, inability to sustain a satisfactory level of tightness, and other reasons. 
     In view of the above, there exists a need for noise reduction device or a magnetic device which overcomes the above mentioned problems in the prior art. This invention addresses this need in the prior art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     One object of the present invention is to provide a noise reduction device that is relatively easy to install between two spokes. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a noise reduction device that includes magnetic properties to operate with a bicycle monitoring device. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a noise reduction device that is inexpensive to manufacture. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a noise reduction device that can be installed in one step. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a noise reduction device that requires no tools for installation. 
     Another object of the present invention is to provide a noise reduction device that works with a range of spoke angles. 
     The foregoing objects can be attained by providing a noise reduction device adapted to be mounted between a first spoke and a second spoke at a point of intersection therebetween, comprising a body portion having a first side and a second side, the first side having at least one first spoke-receiving recess extending in a first direction to receive a portion of the first spoke therein, and the second side having at least one second spoke-receiving recess extending in a second direction to receive a portion of the second spoke therein, the first direction forming an angle with the second direction. 
     The foregoing objects can also be attained by providing a monitoring device for a bicycle, comprising a sensing device adapted to be coupled to a portion of the bicycle that is adjacent a wheel of the bicycle; a display unit adapted to be mounted on handlebars of the bicycle; and a magnetic device adapted to be mounted on wheel spokes, the magnetic device having a body portion with magnetic material, the body portion having a first side and a second side, the first side having a first spoke-receiving recess extending in a first direction to receive a portion of the first spoke therein, and the second side having a second spoke-receiving recess extending in a second direction to receive a portion of the second spoke therein, the first direction forming an angle with the second direction. 
     These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure: 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle with a monitoring device mounted thereto in accordance with the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a partial rear perspective view of a noise reduction device or magnetic device mounted on two spokes in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a partial front perspective view of a noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIG. 2 while mounted on a pair of spokes; 
     FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3; 
     FIG. 5 is a front elevational view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIGS. 2-4; 
     FIG. 6 is a right side view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIGS. 2-5 as viewed along the axis of the third spoke-receiving groove; 
     FIG. 7 is a left bottom view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 as viewed along the axis of the second spoke-receiving groove; 
     FIG. 8 is a right bottom view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIGS. 2-7 as viewed along the axis of the first spoke-receiving groove; 
     FIG. 9 is a top plan view of a noise reduction device or magnetic device in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 10 is a front elevational view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIG. 9; 
     FIG. 11 is a right side view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 10 as viewed along the axis of the third spoke-receiving recess or groove; 
     FIG. 12 is a left bottom view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device as illustrated in FIGS. 9-11 as viewed along the axis of the second spoke-receiving recess or groove; 
     FIG. 13 is a right bottom view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device as illustrated in FIGS. 9-12 as viewed along the axis of the first spoke-receiving recess or groove; 
     FIG. 14 is a top plan view of a noise reduction device or magnetic device in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 15 is a front elevational view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device as illustrated in FIG. 14; 
     FIG. 16 is a right side view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device as illustrated in FIGS. 14 and 15 as viewed along the axis of the third spoke-receiving recess or groove; 
     FIG. 17 is a left bottom view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device as illustrated in FIGS. 14-16 as viewed along the axis of the second spoke-receiving recess or groove; 
     FIG. 18 is a right bottom view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device as illustrated in FIGS. 14-17 as viewed along the axis of the first spoke-receiving recess or groove; 
     FIG. 19 is a front elevational view of a noise reduction device or magnetic device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 20 is a side edge view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIG. 19; and 
     FIG. 21 is a partial cross-sectional view of the noise reduction device or magnetic device illustrated in FIGS. 19 and 20 as viewed along the section line  21 — 21  of FIG.  19 . 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring initially to FIG. 1, a bicycle  10  is illustrated with a noise reduction device  12  mounted thereon in accordance with the present invention. In the most preferred embodiment of the present invention, the noise reduction device  12  is a magnetic device that is used in conjunction with a monitoring device  14 . Monitoring device  14  is coupled to the bicycle  10  in a conventional manner. In this preferred embodiment, the noise reduction device  12  performs two functions. First, noise reduction device  12  reduces noise during riding of the bicycle  10 . Second, noise reduction device  12  acts as part of the monitoring device  14 . 
     Bicycles and their various components are well known in the art, and thus, bicycle  10  and its various components will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein, except for the components that relate to the present invention. In other words, only noise reduction device  12  and monitoring device  14  and the various components of bicycle  10  relating thereto will be discussed and/or illustrated herein. 
     Bicycle  10  basically includes a frame  15 , a pair of wheels  16  and a handlebar  17 . Handlebar  17  is movably attached to frame  15  for turning front wheel  16 . Each of the wheels  16  are conventional wheels that are rotatably coupled to frame  15  in a conventional manner. Each of the wheels  16  has a hub  18 , a plurality of spokes  19  and a rim  20 . Spokes  19  of each of the wheels  16  extend between hub  18  and rim  20 . While the hubs  18  for the wheels  16  are different in the front and rear wheels, these differences are not important to this invention. 
     Monitoring device  14  basically includes a display unit  24 , a wire  25 , a sensor  26  and the noise reduction device  12  mentioned above. All the parts are basically conventional parts that are well known in the bicycle art, except for noise reduction device  12  that is the subject of the present invention. Therefore, display unit  24 , wire  25  and sensor  26  will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. 
     One example of a prior art monitoring device is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,264,791 which is assigned to Cateye, Inc. This U.S. patent is hereby incorporated herein by reference for the purpose of understanding one particular use of the noise reduction device  12  in accordance with the present invention. Of course, display unit  24  mentioned above can be of the type mentioned in this U.S. patent or any other prior art device. Similarly, the sensor  26  can be a reed switch or any other type of magnetic sensor that is known in the art. 
     As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3, noise reduction device  12  is located at the intersection of two spokes  19 . More specifically, noise reduction device  12  is pinned between two spokes  19  to retain noise reduction device  12  thereon. The adjacent spokes  19  can no longer rub against each other when noise reduction device  12  is located therebetween. Therefore, noise due to flexing of wheel  16  is reduced when noise reduction devices  12  are located between the spokes  19 . Noise reduction device  12  basically includes a body portion  28  with a magnet  30  fixedly coupled thereto. Body portion  28  is integrally formed as a one-piece, unitary member, preferably of lightweight material. For example, body portion  28  can be molded as a one-piece, unitary member from plastic types of materials that can accomplish the essence of the present invention. Body portion  28  can alternatively be made of magnetic or magnetized material eliminating the need for a separate magnet  30 . For example, body portion  28  can be constructed of a plastic material with magnetic particles embedded therein. Body portion  28  can also have no magnetic properties whatsoever, and serve as a noise-reduction device only. 
     Preferably, body portion  28  has a cylindrical magnetic portion with a magnet cavity  33  for receiving magnet  30  as seen in FIG.  3 . Magnet  30  can be either frictionally or adhesively secured within cavity  33 . Magnet  30  should have a magnetism that is strong enough to properly operate sensor  26  during rotation of wheel  16 . 
     Body portion  28  is a substantially oval-shaped member having a first side  34  with a first spoke-receiving recess  35 , and a second side  36  with second and third spoke-receiving recesses  37  and  38  as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. These spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  are designed such that spoke-receiving recess  35  is utilized with either spoke-receiving recess  37  or spoke-receiving recess  38  so that a pair of spokes  19  are coupled to body portion  28  at their intersection. Magnet  30  extends outwardly from first side  34 . 
     While spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  are shown as elongated grooves, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the spoke-receiving recesses can be formed by pins or protrusions extending outwardly from a body member. Accordingly, the term “spoke-receiving recess” should not be limited to a groove as shown in the figures. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the term “spoke-receiving recess” should be construed to include any space located between a pair of opposed surfaces that define a spoke-receiving space. 
     These three spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  extend diagonally through a center section of body portion  28 . The three spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  have depths such that the bottoms of the recesses lie substantially in the same plane. Accordingly, at the center section of body portion  28 , a small diamond-shaped hole or film  39  is formed at the intersection of spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  as seen in FIG.  5 . It is important that the noise reduction device  12  does not bow or otherwise stress the spokes  19 . Accordingly, spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  should be configured such that the spokes  19  are not stressed when received therein. If the bottoms of spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  lie in planes that are slightly offset from each other such that a small film of material  39  is formed between the bottoms of the spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  at their intersection. This thin film  39  is preferably no greater than approximately one millimeter in thickness. 
     In this embodiment, spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  have uniform widths of approximately three millimeters for accommodating flat spokes that are approximately three millimeters in width or diameter. Of course, noise reduction device  12  can be used with smaller diameter spokes. Moreover, the size and shape of spoke-receiving recesses  35 ,  37  and  38  can be designed to accommodate various spoke diameters and/or shapes. 
     Referring to FIGS. 4-8, first spoke-receiving recess  35  is a continuous elongated groove that receives one of the spokes  19 . Second and third spoke-receiving recesses  37  and  38  of second side  36  that receive another spoke  19  intersect with each other at the center section of body portion  28 . Accordingly, second and third spoke-receiving recesses  37  and  38  are discontinuous elongated grooves. Second spoke-receiving recess  37  has a pair of sections  47  and  49 . Third spoke-receiving recess  38  has a pair of sections  53  and  55 . 
     First spoke-receiving recess  35  is located on first side  34  and has a center axis A extending in a first radial direction. Second spoke receiving recess  37  has a center axis B extending in a second radial direction that forms an angle θ 1  with center axis A of first spoke-receiving recess  35 . Third spoke-receiving recess  38  has a center axis C extending in a third radial direction. Third center axis C forms an angle θ 2  with second center axis B and forms an angle θ 1  with first center axis A. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, angles θ 1  measure approximately 54°, while angle θ 2  measures approximately 72°. 
     During installation of noise reduction device  12 , the two adjacent spokes  19  are pulled apart and body portion  28  is inserted at the intersection of the two spokes  19 . In particular, one of the spokes  19  is received in spoke-receiving recess  35 , while the other spoke  19  is received in spoke-receiving recess  37  or  38 . Body portion  28  is retained between the two spokes  19  by the natural pressing force or tension that exists between the two spokes  19 . Hole or thin film  39  minimizes the pressing force or tension between the spokes  19 . Therefore, bowing or bending of spoke  19  does not occur, or occurs to a lesser extent because of hole or thin film  39 . Also, longitudinal movement of noise reduction device  12  along the longitudinal axis of either spoke  19  is resisted by the intersection of spoke-receiving recess  35  with spoke-receiving recess  37  or  38 . Because body portion  28  is secured by the tension of the two spokes  19 , no further securing means, such as a screw or a cover, is necessary. Accordingly, noise reduction device  12  can be installed in one step, and requires no tools for installation. 
     Second Embodiment 
     Referring now to FIGS. 9-13, a noise reduction device  12 ′ is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of this invention. Noise reduction device  12  can be used with monitoring device  14  of FIG.  1 . In view of the similarities between this embodiment and the prior embodiment, this embodiment will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that descriptions of similar parts of the prior embodiments also apply to the similar or identical parts of this embodiment. 
     Preferably, noise reduction device  12 ′ has a body portion  28 ′ with a magnet  30 ′ coupled in a cylindrical magnetic portion. Specifically, a magnet cavity  33 ′ is provided for receiving magnet  30 ′. Magnet  30 ′ can be either frictionally or adhesively secured within cavity  33 ′. Magnet  30 ′ should have a magnetism that is strong enough to properly operate sensor  26  during rotation of wheel  16  (FIG.  1 ). 
     Body portion  28 ′ is a substantially oval-shaped member having a first side  34 ′ with a first spoke-receiving recess  35 ′, and a second side  36 ′ with second and third spoke-receiving recesses  37 ′ and  38 ′ as shown in FIGS. 10-13. Magnet  30 ′ extends outwardly from first side  34 ′. These spoke-receiving recesses  35 ′,  37 ′ and  38 ′ are designed such that spoke-receiving recess  35 ′ is utilized with either spoke-receiving recess  37 ′ or spoke-receiving recess  38 ′ so that a pair of spokes  19  are coupled to body portion  28 ′ at their intersection. 
     While spoke-receiving recesses  35 ′,  37 ′ and  38 ′ are shown as elongated grooves, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the spoke-receiving recesses can be formed by pins or protrusions extending outwardly from a body member. Accordingly, the term “spoke-receiving recess” should not be limited to a groove as shown in the figures. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the term “spoke-receiving recess” should be construed to include any space located between a pair of opposed surfaces that define a spoke-receiving space. 
     These three spoke-receiving recesses  35 ′,  37 ′ and  38 ′ extend diagonally through a center section of body portion  28 ′. The three spoke-receiving recesses  35 ′,  37 ′ and  38 ′ have a depth such that the bottom of the recesses lie substantially in the same plane. Accordingly, at the center section of body portion  28 ′, a small diamondshaped hole or thin film  39 ′ is formed at the intersection of spoke-receiving recesses  35 ′,  37 ′ and  38 ′. It is important that the noise reduction device  12 ′ does not bow or otherwise stress the spokes  19 . Accordingly, spoke-receiving recesses  35 ′,  37 ′ and  38 ′ should be configured such that the spokes  19  are not stressed when received therein. The bottoms of spoke-receiving recesses  35 ′,  37 ′ and  38 ′ lie in planes that are slightly offset from each other such that a small film of material  39  is formed between the bottoms of the spoke-receiving recesses  35 ′,  37 ′ and  38 ′ at their intersection. This thin film  39  is preferably no greater than approximately one millimeter in thickness. 
     In this embodiment, spoke-receiving recesses  35 ′,  37 ′ and  38 ′ have uniform widths of approximately two millimeters for accommodating regular round-shaped spokes that are approximately two millimeters in diameter. Of course, noise reduction device  12 ′ can work with smaller diameter spokes. 
     Referring to FIGS. 9-13, first spoke-receiving recess  35 ′ is located on first side  34 ′ and has a center axis A′ extending in a first radial direction. First spoke-receiving recess  35 ′ is a continuous elongated groove that receives one of the spokes  19 . Second and third spoke-receiving recesses  37 ′ and  38 ′ of second side  36 ′ intersect with each other at the center section of body portion  28 ′. Accordingly, second and third spoke-receiving recesses  37 ′ and  38 ′ are discontinuous elongated grooves. Second spoke receiving recess  37 ′ has a center axis B′ extending in a second radial direction that forms an angle θ 3  with center axis A′ of first spoke-receiving recess  35 ′. Second spoke-receiving recess  37 ′ has a pair of sections  47 ′ and  49 ′. Third spoke-receiving recess  38 ′ has a center axis C′ extending in a third radial direction. Third spoke-receiving recess  38 ′ has a pair of sections  53 ′ and  55 ′. Third center axis C′ forms an angle θ 3  with first center axis A′. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, angles θ 3  measure approximately 27°. 
     Third Embodiment 
     Referring now to FIGS. 14-18, a noise reduction device  112  is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of this invention. Noise reduction device  112  can be used with monitoring device  14  of FIG.  1 . In view of the similarities between this embodiment and the prior embodiment, this embodiment will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that descriptions of similar parts of the prior embodiments also apply to the similar or identical parts of this embodiment. 
     Noise reduction device  112  has a body portion  128  with a magnet  130  received in a cylindrical magnetic portion. A magnet cavity  133  is formed in the cylindrical magnetic portion of body portion  128  for receiving magnet  130 . Magnet  130  can be either frictionally or adhesively secured within cavity  133 . Magnet  130  should have a magnetism that is strong enough to properly operate sensor  26  during rotation of wheel  16  (FIG.  1 ). 
     Body portion  128  is a substantially oval-shaped member having a first side  134  with a first spoke-receiving recess  135 , and a second side  136  with second and third spoke-receiving recesses  137  and  138  as shown in FIGS. 14-18. These spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  are designed such that spoke-receiving recess  135  are utilized with either spoke-receiving recess  137  or spoke-receiving recess  138  so that a pair of spokes  19  are coupled to body portion  128  at their intersection. Magnet  130  extends outwardly from first side  134 . 
     While spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  are shown as elongated grooves, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the spoke-receiving recesses can be formed by pins or protrusions extending outwardly from a body member. Accordingly, the term “spoke-receiving recess” should not be limited to a groove as shown in the figures. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the term “spoke-receiving recess” should be construed to include any space located between a pair of opposed surfaces that define a spoke-receiving space. 
     These three spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  extend diagonally through a center section of body portion  128 . The three spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  have a depth such that the bottom of the recesses lie substantially in the same plane. Accordingly, at the center section of body portion  128 , a small diamond-shaped hole  139  is formed at the intersection of spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138 . It is important that the noise reduction device  112  does not bow or otherwise stress the spokes  19 . Accordingly, spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  be configured such that the spokes  19  are not stressed when received therein. Alternatively, the bottoms of spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  can lie in planes that are slightly offset from each other such that a small film of material is formed between the bottoms of the spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  at their intersection. This thin film  39  is preferably no greater than approximately one millimeter in thickness. 
     As shown in FIG. 15, first spoke-receiving recess  135  is a continuous elongated groove that receives one of the spokes  19 . Second and third spoke-receiving recesses  137  and  138  of second side  136  intersect with each other at the center section of body portion  128 . Accordingly, second and third spoke-receiving recesses  137  and  138  are discontinuous elongated grooves. Spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  are designed to accommodate a wide range of spoke sizes and shapes as well as different spoke intersecting angles. For example, spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  in the illustrated embodiment accommodates spokes ranging from two to three millimeters in width or diameter. Of course, the dimensions of spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138  can vary from those discussed below if needed and/or desired. 
     First spoke-receiving recess  135  has a pair of sections  141  and  143  that meet at the central section of body portion  128 . Section  141  has a pair of side surfaces  141   a  and  141   b . Section  143  also has a pair of side surfaces  143   a  and  143   b . Side surface  141   a  is substantially parallel to side surface  143   b . Side surfaces  141   a  and  143   b  preferably lie in planes that are spaced approximately three millimeters apart form each other. Similarly, side surface  141   b  is substantially parallel to side surface  143   a . However, side surfaces  141   b  and  143   a  preferably lie in planes that are spaced approximately two millimeters apart form each other. 
     Second spoke-receiving recess  137  has a pair of sections  147  and  149 . Section  147  has a pair of side surfaces  147   a  and  147   b . Section  149  has a pair of side surfaces  149   a  and  149   b . Side surface  147   a  is substantially parallel to side surface  149   b . Side surfaces  147   a  and  149   b  preferably lie in planes that are spaced approximately two millimeters apart form each other. Similarly, side surface  147   b  is substantially parallel to side surface  149   a . However, side surfaces  147   b  and  149   a  preferably lie in planes that are spaced approximately three millimeters apart form each other. 
     Third spoke-receiving recess  138  has a pair of sections  153  and  155 . Section  153  has a pair of side surfaces  153   a  and  153   b . Section  155  has a pair of side surfaces  155   a  and  155   b . Side surface  153   a  is substantially parallel to side surface  155   b . Side surfaces  153   a  and  155   b  preferably lie in planes that are spaced approximately two millimeters apart form each other. Side surface  153   b  is substantially parallel to side surface  155   a . However, side surfaces  153   b  and  155   a  preferably lie in planes that are spaced approximately two millimeters apart form each other. 
     When noise reduction device  12  is installed on a wheel having thirty-six spokes  19 , the spokes  19  intersect at approximately  270  and are typically approximately two millimeters in diameter. When the spokes  19  intersect at approximately 27°, the spokes  19  engage side surfaces  141   b  and  143   a  of first spoke-receiving recesses  135  and side surfaces  147   a  and  149   b  of second spoke-receiving recesses  137  or side surfaces  153   b  and  155   a  of third spoke-receiving recesses  138 . 
     When noise reduction device  12  is installed on a wheel having sixteen spokes  19 , the spokes  19  intersect at approximately 54°. If the spokes are flat spokes, they would typically be approximately three millimeters in diameter or width. When three millimeter spokes  19  intersect at approximately 54°, the spokes  19  engage side surfaces side surfaces  141   a  and  143   b  of first spoke-receiving recesses  135  and side surfaces side surfaces  147   b  and  149   a  of second spoke-receiving recesses  137  or side surfaces side surfaces  153   a  and  155   b  of third spoke-receiving recesses  138 . 
     In the event that the noise reduction device  12  is installed on a wheel having spokes intersecting at angle between 27° and 54°, then the spokes will not firmly engage the side surfaces of spoke-receiving recesses  135 ,  137  and  138 . Accordingly, noise reduction device  12  of this third embodiment accommodates spokes that intersect at any angle between 27° and 54°. 
     Fourth Embodiment 
     Referring now to FIGS. 19-21, a noise reduction device  212  is illustrated in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. In view of the similarities between this embodiment and the prior embodiment, this embodiment will not be discussed or illustrated in detail. Rather, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the description of similar parts of the prior embodiments also apply to the similar identical parts of this embodiment. 
     Noise reduction device  212  has a body portion  228  with a magnet  230  secured in a cylindrical magnetic portion of the body portion  228 . In particular, the cylindrical magnetic portion of body portion  228  has a cylindrical cavity for either frictionally or adhesively securing magnet  230  therein. 
     In this embodiment, body portion  228  is a substantially ring-shaped member with a first side  234  having a plurality of first spoke receiving recesses  235 , and a second side  236  with a plurality of second spoke-receiving recesses  237 . The spoke-receiving recesses  235  and  237  are designed to be coupled between the intersection of a pair of spokes. Each spoke-receiving recess  235  or  237  includes a pair of sections that are aligned and located on opposite sides of the ring-shaped body portion  228 . Each spoke-receiving recess  235  or  237  is located approximately 20° relative to the adjacent spoke-receiving recess located on this respective side. Each of the spoke-receiving recesses  235  preferably has a depth that extends half of the thickness of the body portion  228 . Likewise, second spoke-receiving recesses  237  also have a depth that is substantially equal to half of the thickness of body portion  228 . Accordingly, the bottom surfaces of spoke-receiving recesses  235  and  237  lie in the center planes of body portion  228 . Accordingly, when noise reduction device  212  is positioned between a pair of spokes  19  at their intersection, no or little stress is applied to a pair of spokes  19 . 
     While only four embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Technology Category: b