Land vehicles: wheels and axles – Wheel – Spoke
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-12
2001-02-20
Stormer, Russell D. (Department: 3617)
Land vehicles: wheels and axles
Wheel
Spoke
C301S058000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189978
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a straight-type metal spoke for a cycle wheel. The invention also relates to a wheel equipped with such spokes.
The invention also relates to a method for making such a metal spoke for a cycle wheel, as well as a method for making a wheel having such spokes.
2. Description of Background and Relevant Information
Current commercially available metal spokes are made of stainless steel or zinc-coated steel. Such spokes have an elongated spoke body, with a head at one of the ends. In spokes of the straight type, the head is in the direct extension of the tapered body. The other end of the spoke is threaded, and it is provided to engage into a spoke nipple.
One of the main mechanical properties of a spoke is its elastic resistance and tractional rigidity. Another characteristic is its fatigue strength. Further, reference can be made to the weight that influences the inertia of the wheel, and the penetration into the air.
To improve the elastic resistance of the spoke, it is common to use a worked-hardened stainless steel. However, this has a disadvantage in that the shaping of the spoke is not carried out under good conditions. This shaping consists of forming the head, and if necessary, of flattening the filament to improve its penetration into the air. Indeed, because of the work hardening, only small sized heads can be obtained, which therefore have a limited bearing. This induces zones of very high stresses in the fastening zones, especially on the hub. Furthermore, their fatigue strength is not very good because of hairline cracks that may occur during shaping of the spoke.
Another disadvantage of the current spokes is that the spoke nipple which is used for fastening the spoke on the side of the rim is an independent element. Thus, the mounting of a spoke requires handling of two separate elements which must be presented on the rim from two different sides.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the invention is to propose a spoke that is easier to shape.
More particularly, an object of the invention is to make it possible to obtain spokes having heads with a larger size.
Another object of the invention is to propose a spoke that has improved mechanical properties of elastic resistance and fatigue strength.
Yet another object of the invention is to propose a spoke which facilitates the mounting operations of the wheel.
Other objects and advantages will become apparent along the description that follows.
The metal spoke for a cycle wheel according to the invention has a tapered portion and two ends for fastening to a hub and to a rim, respectively. It is made from a heat treated light alloy, the tapered portion is smooth and free of any thread along its entire length, it has an enlarged head at each of its ends, and at least one recessed fastening end piece is freely pivotally mounted between the two enlarged heads.
The method for making a spoke for a cycle wheel according to the invention includes the following:
cutting a filament of predetermined length from a wire of light alloy with precipitation hardening in the annealed state,
fitting on the segment a hollow screw made out of an alloy of the same grade as the alloy of the wire,
punching both ends to form an enlarged head at each end of the segment,
subjecting the assembly to tempering heat treatment.
According to another manufacturing mode, the method of the invention includes the following:
placing a wire or filaments of aluminum alloy in a solution at 475° C.,
cold water quenching,
preserving in the solution-treated state,
fitting of the hollow screw,
shaping of both enlarged heads.
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Lacombe Jean-Pierre
Mercat Jean-Pierre
Greenblum & Bernstein P.L.C.
Mavic S.A.
Stormer Russell D.
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