U.S. patent application number 09/870020 was filed with the patent office on 2002-12-05 for bicycle hub.
Invention is credited to Tabe, Koshi.
Application Number | 20020180254 09/870020 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25354628 |
Filed Date | 2002-12-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020180254 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tabe, Koshi |
December 5, 2002 |
BICYCLE HUB
Abstract
A bicycle hub is provided for use with tangential bicycle
spokes. The bicycle hub includes a hub axle and a hub body. The hub
axle has a set of spoke openings. The spoke openings are
circumferentially arranged around the hub body and extend between
the external and internal surfaces. Each of the spoke openings has
an enlarged insertion portion and a retaining portion. An internal
head receiving seat is preferably located adjacent each of the
retaining portions. An internal abutment is preferably arranged
between each of the insertion portions and each of the head
receiving seats. The external surface, the head receiving seats and
the abutments are configured to retain the bent ends of the spokes.
The external surface preferably has a flute portion extending from
each of the retaining portions. The retaining portions and the
flute portions are configured to retain the bent ends of the
spokes.
Inventors: |
Tabe, Koshi; (Osaka,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SHINJYU GLOBAL IP COUNSELORS, LLP
1233 20TH STREET, NW, SUITE 700
WASHINGTON
DC
20036-2680
US
|
Family ID: |
25354628 |
Appl. No.: |
09/870020 |
Filed: |
May 31, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
301/59 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60B 27/0005 20130101;
B60B 27/026 20130101; B60B 1/041 20130101; B60B 21/04 20130101;
B60B 27/047 20130101; B60B 27/0078 20130101; B60B 1/044 20130101;
B60B 1/042 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
301/59 |
International
Class: |
B60B 021/06 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A bicycle hub for use with tangential bicycle spokes having a
straight section and a bent end with an enlarged head such that
straight section extends at an angle of about 95.degree. relative
to the bent end, said bicycle hub comprising: a hub axle having a
center axis extending between a first end and a second end; and a
hub body having an interior passageway with said hub axle being
rotatably supported therein, an external surface, an internal
surface and a set of first spoke openings circumferentially
arranged around said hub body and extending between said external
and internal surfaces, each of said first spoke openings having an
insertion portion with a large width that is so dimensioned to
permit the enlarged head of a tangential spoke to pass therethrough
and a retaining portion with a width that is so dimensioned smaller
than said width of said insertion portion to retain the enlarged
head of the tangential spoke therein, said internal surface having
an internal head receiving seat located adjacent each of said
retaining portions of said first spoke openings and an internal
abutment arranged between each of said insertion portions and each
of said head receiving seats.
2. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein each of said
internal abutments being spaced a distance from said outer surface
of said hub body larger than a length of the bent end of each of
the spokes to retain the bent ends of the spokes in said retaining
portions of said first spoke openings.
3. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein each of said head
receiving seats includes a recess extending inwardly from said
internal surface along a center axis of each of said retaining
portions.
4. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein each of said head
receiving seats includes a contact surface spaced radially
outwardly from said internal surface of said hub body such that
said internal surface of said hub body forms said abutments.
5. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein said internal
surface of said hub body includes a pair of said abutments arranged
between said retaining portion and said insertion portion of each
of said first spoke openings.
6. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein said hub body has
a thickness adjacent said first spoke openings larger than the
length of the bent portions of the spokes.
7. The bicycle hub according to claim 1, wherein said external
surface has a flute portion extending from each of said retaining
portions to form a recess in said external surface adjacent each of
said retaining portions.
8. The bicycle hub according to claim 7, wherein each of said head
receiving seats includes a head contact surface spaced a distance
from each of said flute portions not larger than the length of the
bent portions of the spokes.
9. A bicycle hub for use with tangential bicycle spokes having a
straight section and a bent end with an enlarged head such that
straight section extends at an angle of about 95.degree. relative
to the bent end, said bicycle hub comprising: a hub axle having a
center axis extending between a first end and a second end; and a
hub body having an interior passageway with said hub axle being
rotatably supported therein, an external surface, an internal
surface and a set of first spoke openings circumferentially
arranged around said hub body and extending between said external
and internal surfaces, each of said first spoke openings having an
insertion portion with a large width that is so dimensioned to
permit the enlarged head of a tangential spoke to pass therethrough
and a retaining portion with a width that is so dimensioned smaller
than said width of said insertion portion to retain the enlarged
head of the tangential spoke therein, said internal surface having
an internal head receiving seat located adjacent each of said
retaining portions of said first spoke openings and an internal
abutment arranged between each of said insertion portions and each
of said head receiving seats, said external surface, said head
receiving seats and said abutments being dimensioned and configured
to retain the bent ends of the spokes in said retaining portions of
said first spoke openings.
10. The bicycle hub according to claim 9, wherein each of said head
receiving seats includes a recess extending inwardly from said
internal surface along a center axis of each of said retaining
portions.
11. The bicycle hub according to claim 9, wherein each of said head
receiving seats includes a contact surface spaced radially
outwardly from said internal surface of said hub body such that
said internal surface of said hub body forms said abutments.
12. The bicycle hub according to claim 9, wherein said internal
surface of said hub body includes a pair of said abutments arranged
between said retaining portion and said insertion portion of each
of said first spoke openings.
13. The bicycle hub according to claim 9, wherein said hub body has
a thickness adjacent said first spoke openings larger than the
length of the bent portions of the spokes.
14. The bicycle hub according to claim 9, wherein said external
surface has a flute portion extending from each of said retaining
portions to form a recess in said external surface adjacent each of
said retaining portions.
15. The bicycle hub according to claim 14, wherein each of said
head receiving seats includes a head contact surface spaced a
distance from each of said flute portions not larger than the
length of the bent portions of the spokes.
16. A bicycle hub for use with tangential bicycle spokes having a
straight section and a bent end with an enlarged head such that
straight section extends at an angle of about 95.degree. relative
to the bent end, said bicycle hub comprising: a hub axle having a
center axis extending between a first end and a second end; and a
hub body having an interior passageway with said hub axle being
rotatably supported therein, an external surface, an internal
surface and a set of first spoke openings circumferentially
arranged around said hub body and extending between said external
and internal surfaces, each of said first spoke openings having an
insertion portion with a large width that is so dimensioned to
permit the enlarged head of a tangential spoke to pass therethrough
and a retaining portion with a width that is so dimensioned smaller
than said width of said insertion portion to retain the enlarged
head of the tangential spoke therein, said external surface having
a flute portion extending from each of said retaining portions to
form a recess in said external surface adjacent each of said
retaining portions, said retaining portions and said flute portions
being dimensioned and configured to retain the bent ends of the
spokes in said retaining portions of said first spoke openings.
17. The bicycle hub according to claim 16, wherein each of said
flute portions includes a concave curved surface.
18. The bicycle hub according to claim 16, wherein each of said
flute portions extends at substantially a right angle relative to a
center longitudinal axis of each of said retaining portions.
19. The bicycle hub according to claim 18, wherein said internal
surface has an internal head receiving seat located adjacent each
of said retaining portions and an internal abutment arranged
between each of said insertion portions and each of said head
receiving seats.
20. The bicycle hub according to claim 19, wherein each of said
head receiving seats includes a head contact surface spaced a
distance from each of said flute portions not larger than the
length of the bent portions of the spokes.
21. The bicycle hub according to claim 16, wherein said internal
surface includes a head contact surface adjacent each of said
retaining portions that is spaced a distance from each of said
flute portions not larger than the length of the bent portions of
the spokes.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention generally relates to a bicycle hub. More
specifically, the present invention relates to a bicycle hub that
uses conventional tangential spokes.
[0003] 2. Background Information
[0004] Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of
recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover,
bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport. Whether the
bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the
bicycle industry is constantly improving their components.
Recently, the braking systems for bicycles have included the use of
disc brakes. The use of disc brakes has resulted in modifications
to the bicycle hub of the bicycle wheel so that a brake rotor can
be mounted thereon.
[0005] The most basic bicycle wheels have a hub, a plurality of
spokes and an annular rim. The hub is attached to a part of the
frame of the bicycle for relative rotation. The inner ends of the
spokes are coupled to the hub and extend outwardly from the hub.
The annular rim is coupled to the outer ends of the spokes and has
an outer portion for supporting a pneumatic tire thereon.
Typically, the spokes of the bicycle wheel are thin metal wire
spokes. The ends of the hub are provided with flanges that are used
to couple the spokes to the hub. In particular, holes are provided
in the hub flanges. The wire spokes are usually bent on their inner
end and provided with an enlarged head or flange that is formed in
the shape of a nail head. The inner end is supported in one of the
holes in one of the hub flanges. The outer ends of the spokes
typically are provided with threads for engaging spoke nipples,
which secure the outer ends of the wire spokes to the rim. In
particular, the spoke nipples have flanges, which engage the
interior surface of the rim.
[0006] With a spoke constructed in this manner, the nipples are
installed in nipple holes formed in the rim. The spokes are
inserted sideways through the holes in the hub flange until the
enlarged heads of the spokes engage the areas surrounding the holes
in the hub flange. The male threads on the ends of the spokes are
threaded into the female threads of the spoke nipples installed in
the openings of the rim.
[0007] When the hub is a brake disc hub or is a rear hub,
installation and/or replacement of the spokes can be difficult. In
the case of a disk brake hub, one end of the hub usually has a
rotor mounting portion. Often, the rotor mounting portion is a
plurality of blind bores that receive bolts to directly mount the
brake disc rotor to the end of the hub. Thus, the brake disc rotor
makes it difficult to insert the spokes in a sideways direction.
Likewise, if the hub is a rear hub, the sprockets can be obstacles
to install or replace spokes.
[0008] In view of the above, there exists a need for a bicycle hub
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
[0009] One object of the present invention is to provide a bicycle
hub in which the spokes are easily installed.
[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
bicycle hub that can use conventional tangential spokes.
[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
bicycle hub that is relatively lightweight in that no spoke flanges
are needed.
[0012] Another object of the present invention is to provide a
bicycle hub that can be used to mount a brake disc rotor
thereto.
[0013] The foregoing objects can basically be attained by providing
a bicycle hub for use with tangential bicycle spokes having a
straight section and a bent end with an enlarged head such that
straight section extends at an angle of about 95.degree. relative
to the bent end. The bicycle hub includes a hub axle and a hub
body. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first end
and a second end. The hub body has an interior passageway with the
hub axle rotatably supported therein, an external surface, an
internal surface and a set of first spoke openings. The first spoke
openings are circumferentially arranged around the hub body and
extend between the external and internal surfaces. Each of the
first spoke openings has an insertion portion and a retaining
portion. Each insertion portion has a large width that is so
dimensioned to permit the enlarged head of a tangential spoke to
pass therethrough. Each retaining portion has a width that is so
dimensioned smaller than the width of the insertion portion to
retain the enlarged head of the tangential spoke therein. The
internal surface has an internal head receiving seat located
adjacent each of the retaining portions of the first spoke openings
and an internal abutment arranged between each of the insertion
portions and each of the head receiving seats.
[0014] The foregoing objects can also basically be attained by
providing a bicycle hub for use with tangential bicycle spokes
having a straight section and a bent end with an enlarged head such
that straight section extends at an angle of about 95.degree.
relative to the bent end. The bicycle hub includes a hub axle and a
hub body. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first
end and a second end. The hub body has an interior passageway with
the hub axle being rotatably supported therein, an external
surface, an internal surface and a set of first spoke openings. The
first spoke openings are circumferentially arranged around the hub
body and extend between the external and internal surfaces. Each of
the first spoke openings has an insertion portion and a retaining
portion. Each insertion portion has a large width that is so
dimensioned to permit the enlarged head of a tangential spoke to
pass therethrough. Each retaining portion has a width that is so
dimensioned smaller than the width of the insertion portion to
retain the enlarged head of the tangential spoke therein. The
internal surface has an internal head receiving seat located
adjacent each of the retaining portions of the first spoke openings
and an internal abutment arranged between each of the insertion
portions and each of the head receiving seats. The external
surface, the head receiving seats and the abutments are dimensioned
and configured to retain the bent ends of the spokes in the
retaining portions of the first spoke openings.
[0015] The foregoing objects can also basically be attained by
providing a bicycle hub for use with tangential bicycle spokes
having a straight section and a bent end with an enlarged head such
that straight section extends at an angle of about 95.degree.
relative to the bent end. The bicycle hub includes a hub axle and a
hub body. The hub axle has a center axis extending between a first
end and a second end. The hub body has an interior passageway with
the hub axle being rotatably supported therein, an external
surface, an internal surface and a set of first spoke openings. The
first spoke openings are circumferentially arranged around the hub
body and extend between the external and internal surfaces. Each of
the first spoke openings has an insertion portion and a retaining
portion. Each insertion portion has a large width that is so
dimensioned to permit the enlarged head of a tangential spoke to
pass therethrough. Each retaining portion has a width that is so
dimensioned smaller than the width of the insertion portion to
retain the enlarged head of the tangential spoke therein. The
external surface has a flute portion extending from each of the
retaining portions to form a recess in the external surface
adjacent each of the retaining portions. The retaining portions and
the flute portions are dimensioned and configured to retain the
bent ends of the spokes in the retaining portions of the first
spoke openings.
[0016] 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
[0017] Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of
this original disclosure:
[0018] FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a conventional bicycle
with front and rear brake disc hubs in accordance with a first
embodiment of the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of the rear wheel of the
bicycle illustrated in FIG. 1 with the sprockets removed;
[0020] FIG. 3 is partially exploded perspective view of the rim,
one of the spokes and one of the spoke nipples of the bicycle
illustrated in FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the rear brake disc hub
of the rear wheel illustrated in FIG. 2 with the sprockets
removed;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a side elevational view of the rear brake disc hub
of the rear wheel illustrated in FIG. 3 with certain portions
broken away for purposes of illustration;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a left end elevational view of the rear brake disc
hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 with the brake disc rotor
bolts mounted thereto;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a left end elevational view of the rear brake disc
hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 with the brake disc rotor
bolts removed;
[0025] FIG. 8 is an enlarged side elevational view of the rear
brake disc hub body of the rear brake disc hub illustrated in FIGS.
4 and 5 with the rotor removed;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the
rear brake disc hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 as seen
along section line 9-9 of FIG. 8;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the
rear brake disc hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 as seen
along section line 10-10 of FIG. 8;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the
rear brake disc hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 as seen
along section line 11-11 of FIG. 8;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the
rear brake disc hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 as seen
along section line 12-12 of FIG. 8;
[0030] FIG. 13 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the
rear brake disc hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 as seen
along section line 13-13 of FIG. 8;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the
rear brake disc hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 as seen
along section line 14-14 of FIG. 8;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the
rear brake disc hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 as seen
along section line 15-15 of FIG. 8;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a partial transverse cross-sectional view of the
rear brake disc hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 as seen
along section line 16-16 of FIG. 8;
[0034] FIG. 17 is an enlarged, partial outside elevational view of
one of the spoke openings of the rear brake disc hub body
illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8;
[0035] FIG. 18 is an inside elevational view of the spoke opening
illustrated in FIG. 17; and
[0036] FIG. 19 is an enlarged, schematic view of portion of the
rear brake disc hub body illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5 and 8 with two
spokes extending outwardly therefrom.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0037] Referring initially to FIGS. 1-3, a bicycle 10 is
illustrated with certain parts being modified in accordance with
the present invention as discussed below. The bicycle 10 basically
has a frame 12 with a front fork 13 movably coupled thereto. A rear
wheel 14 is rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the frame 12,
while a front wheel 16 is rotatably coupled to the front fork 13.
The frame 12 also has a seat 18 adjustably coupled to frame 12, a
handlebar 19 coupled to the front fork 13 for turning the front
wheel 16 and a drive train 20 for propelling the bicycle 10. The
bicycle 10 is also provided with a pair of disc brake assemblies 21
having a caliper 21 a and a brake lever 21b.
[0038] Since these parts of the bicycle 10 are well known in the
art, these parts will not be discussed or illustrated in detail
herein, except as they are modified in accordance with the present
invention. Moreover, various conventional bicycle parts such as
brakes, derailleurs, additional sprocket, etc., which are not
illustrated and/or discussed in detail herein, can be used in
conjunction with the present invention.
[0039] As seen in FIG. 2, the rear wheel 14 has a rear hub 22, a
plurality of spokes 24 extending outwardly from the rear hub 22, a
rim 26 coupled to the outer ends of spokes 24 by spoke nipples 28,
and a tire 30 located on the outer surface of rim 26. The rear hub
22 is also provided with a brake disc rotor 32 that is attached to
the rear hub 22 by six bolts 32a and six nuts 32b, as explained
below. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this
disclosure that a variety of spoke arrangements are possible
without departing from the present invention. For example, a
twenty-four spoke wheel, a twenty-eight spoke wheel, a thirty-two
spoke wheel, a thirty-six spoke wheel or a forty spoke wheel can be
constructed in accordance with the present invention without
departing from the present invention. Basically, the number of
spokes depends upon the rim (which is conventional) and the
arrangement (number) of spoke openings of the hub of the present
invention. In any event, conventional spoking arrangements are
utilized with the hub of the present invention.
[0040] Preferably, the spokes 24, the rim 26 and spoke nipples 28
are all conventional parts that are used with the rear hub 22 of
the present invention as seen in FIG. 3. In other words, the unique
design of the rear hub 22 allows it to be used with conventional
parts, e.g., tangential spokes 24 and a conventional rim 26.
Accordingly, when the rear wheel 14 is assembled, the spokes 24
extend tangentially from an imaginary circle centered on the center
axis of rotation of rear hub 22. Preferably an even number of
spokes 24 are coupled to rim 26 in a conventional spoking
arrangement (with the outer ends circumferentially equally spaced
from each other). Moreover, the number of spokes corresponds to two
times the number of spoke openings of rear hub 22, as discussed
below in more detail.
[0041] The term "tangential spokes" are spokes that have a straight
section 24a and a bent end 24b with an enlarged head 24c such that
straight section 24a extends at an angle of about 95.degree.
relative to the bent end 24b. Such spokes are well known in the
bicycle art. As seen in FIG. 3, the spokes 24 of the illustrated
embodiment each have an outer threaded end 24d that is located at
the opposite end of the center straight section 24a from the bent
end 24b (inner end portion) with the enlarged head 24c. The bent
end 24b has a center axis that forms an angle of about 95.degree.
with the center axis of the straight section 24a. The bent ends 24b
of the spokes 24 are designed to be received within the first and
second spoke openings. In particular, the enlarged heads 24c of the
spokes 24 engage an interior surface of the hub body 38 with the
straight sections 24a extending substantially tangentially to an
imaginary circle with a center on the center axis of rotation of
the rear hub 22.
[0042] The rim 26 can be any conventional rim that has a plurality
of spoke holes 34 for receiving the spoke nipples 28 for attaching
the outer threaded ends 24d of the spokes 24 thereto. In the
illustrated embodiment, the rim 26 is a conventional steel or alloy
rim having a U-shaped cross section with the spoke holes 34 formed
therein. The spoke holes 34 are equally spaced apart in a
circumferential direction. The spoke holes 34 preferably lie in a
single plane P that divides the cross section in half as seen in
FIG. 3. Of course, rims with fewer or more spoke holes 34 can be
used with a hub of the present invention, if needed and/or desired.
For example, the rim 26 can have twenty-four, twenty-eight, thirty
two, thirty-six or forty spoke holes depending on the number of
spoke openings of the rear hub 22 as explained below.
[0043] As best seen in FIG. 5, the rear hub 22 basically includes a
hub axle 36, a hub body or shell 38, a freewheel 44 and a quick
release mechanism 46. Of the parts of rear hub 22, only the hub
body 38 is a non-conventional part. The remaining parts of rear hub
22 are relatively conventional, and thus, the remaining parts of
rear hub 22 will not be discussed or illustrated in detail
herein.
[0044] Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art
that the front hub 22' is preferably constructed in accordance with
the present invention. In other words, the front hub 22' has the
same basic construction of the rear hub 22, except that the front
hub 22' does not have a freewheel. Thus, the construction of the
front hub 22' will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein
As seen in FIG. 5, the hub axle 36 has a center axis A extending
between a first end 36a and a second end 36b. The quick release
mechanism 46 extends through a center bore 36c of the hub axle 36
such that the quick release mechanism 46 is coupled to the hub axle
36 in a conventional manner. The first and second ends 36a and 36b
of the hub axle 36 are threaded for receiving a pair of nuts 50a
and 50b that apply an axial force on the hub body 38, the bearing
assemblies 40a and 40b and the freewheel 44. The first and second
bearing assemblies 40a and 40b rotatably mount the hub body 38 with
the freewheel 44 on the hub axle 36. The freewheel 44 allows the
hub body 38 to rotate freely relative to the rear sprockets (not
shown) in one direction, but fixedly couples the rear sprockets
relative to the hub body 38 in the opposite rotational direction in
a conventional manner.
[0045] The hub body 38 is illustrated in accordance with the
present invention. In this embodiment, the hub body 38 is a hollow
member that defines an interior passageway 52 with the hub axle 36
being rotatably supported therein by the first and second bearing
assemblies 40a and 40b. Thus, the hub body 38 is a substantially
tubular member. Specifically, the hub body 38 has a center tubular
portion 38c with first and second end sections 38a and 38b being
integrally formed with the center tubular portion 38c as a
one-piece, unitary member. The first end section 38a has an
integrally mounted brake rotor attachment portion 38d, while a
second end section 38b has the freewheel 44 fixedly coupled
thereto.
[0046] As seen in FIGS. 8-19, the hub body 38 has a set of first
spoke openings 60a provided at the first end section 38a of the hub
body 38 for receiving the bent ends 24b of the spokes 24.
Similarly, the second end section 38b of the hub body 38 is
provided with a second set of spoke openings 60b for receiving the
bent ends 24b of the spokes 24. The number of spoke openings 60a
and 60b will depend on the configuration of the rim 26 and the
number of spokes 24. The total number of spoke openings 60a and 60b
is half the total number of spokes 24. First end section 38a
preferably has a slightly smaller diameter (internal and external
diameters) than second end section 38b. The first and second end
sections 28a and 28b preferably have the same radial thickness and
are relatively thick, as discussed below in more detail. The spoke
openings 60a and 60b are equally spaced apart about the
circumference of the hub body 38. Preferably, the number of first
spoke openings 60a is equal to the number of second spoke openings
60b. Of course, the number of first spoke openings 60a can be
different from the number of second spoke openings 60b. In any
event, each of the spoke openings 60a and 60b are designed to
receive two spokes 24 as explained below. Accordingly, the rear hub
22 is designed to have a plurality of spokes extending outwardly
therefrom in a generally tangential direction.
[0047] Preferably, the first and second sets of spoke openings 60a
and 60b are substantially identical. The first and second spoke
openings 60a and 60b are designed to be used with conventional
tangential spokes 24. Of course, it is possible that the first and
second sets of spoke openings 60a and 60b can be different such
that tangential spokes 24 are used in one end of the hub body 38
and different types of spokes are used in the other end of the hub
body 38. The first spoke openings 60a are circumferentially
arranged around the hub body 38 adjacent to the brake rotor
attachment portion 38d. Preferably, the first spoke openings 60a
are spaced axially inward of the brake rotor attachment portion 38d
so that brake disc rotor 32 can be easily attached with the bolts
32a and nuts 32b.
[0048] In this embodiment, the first and second spoke openings 60a
and 60b are elongated slots that are each provided with an
insertion portion 61 and a pair of retaining portions 62.
Accordingly, each of the spoke openings 60a and 60b is designed to
have a pair of spokes 24 retained therein with the spokes 24
extending in opposite directions.
[0049] The insertion portion 61 of each spoke opening is located
between the pair of retaining portions 62 of each spoke opening.
Each insertion portion 61 is formed by a pair of opposed curved
surfaces 64 that are spaced apart so as to be equal to or slightly
larger than the widths or diameters of the enlarged heads 24c of
the spokes 24. Thus, the inner ends (bent ends 24b with enlarged
heads 24c) of the spokes 24 can be easily inserted into the spoke
openings 60a and 60b through the insertion portions 61.
[0050] The retaining portions 62 have smaller widths or diameters
than the insertion portions 61. More specifically, the diameters or
widths of the retaining portions 62 are smaller than the diameters
or widths of the enlarged heads 24c of the spokes 24 so as to
retain the spokes 24 within the spoke openings 60a and 60b. The
retaining portions 62 are each preferably defined by a partial
cylindrical surface 66 that is connected to the curved surfaces 64
of the associated insertion portion 61 by a pair of straight
surfaces 68.
[0051] The internal surface of hub body 38 preferably includes a
plurality of internal head receiving seats 63 located adjacent the
retaining portions 62 of the first and second spoke openings 60a
and 60b. An internal abutment 65 is arranged between each of the
insertion portions 61 and each of the head receiving seats 63.
Preferably, two internal abutments 65 are arranged between each of
the insertion portions 61 and each of the head receiving seats 63.
Each of the internal abutments 65 are spaced a distance from the
outer surface of the hub body 38 larger than a length of the bent
ends 24b of each of the spokes 24. Thus, the bent ends 24b of the
spokes 24 are retained in the retaining portions 62 of the first
and second spoke openings 60a and 60b.
[0052] Each of the head receiving seats 63 is basically formed as a
recess with a head contact surface 63a. The head contact surface
63a of the head receiving seat 63 is spaced a distance from the
external surface of the hub body 38 not larger than the
corresponding length of the bent ends 24b of the spokes 24. Each of
the head receiving seats 63 extends inwardly from the internal
surface of the hub body 38 along a respective center axis C.sub.2
of the respective retaining portion 62. More specifically, each
head contact surface 63a is spaced from flute portions 67 formed in
the external surface of the hub body 38, as discussed in more
detail below. Each of the head contact surfaces 63a is spaced
radially outwardly from the internal surface of the hub body 38
such that the internal surface of the hub body 38 forms the
internal abutments 65. Preferably, the head contact surfaces 63a
are frustoconical surfaces that correspond to the shapes of the
bent ends 24b of the spokes 24 The hub body 38 has a thickness
adjacent the first and second spoke openings 60a and 60b larger
than the length of the bent portions 24b of the spokes 24. However,
the effective thickness of the hub body 38 is reduced due to the
head receiving seats 63 and the flute portions 67. In any event,
the external surface of the hub body 38, the head receiving seats
63 and the abutments 65 are dimensioned and configured to retain
the bent ends 24b of the spokes 24 in the retaining portions 62 of
the first and second spoke openings 60a and 60b. In other words,
each of the head contact surfaces 63a of the head receiving seats
63 is spaced a distance from each of the flute portions 67 not
larger than the length of the bent portions 24b of the spokes 24.
Thus, the flute portions 67 hold the spokes 24 at the correct
orientation.
[0053] As best seen in FIGS. 9 and 10, the flute portions 67 are
formed in the external surface of the hub body 38 and extend
tangentially outward from each of the retaining portions 62. Thus,
the flute portions 67 form a plurality of recesses in the external
surface adjacent each of the retaining portions 62 as best seen in
FIGS. 17 and 18. The retaining portions 62 and the flute portions
67 are dimensioned and configured to retain the bent ends 24b of
the spokes 24 in the retaining portions 62 of the first and second
spoke openings 60a and 60b. More specifically, each flute portion
67 includes a concave curved surface configured to allow the inner
end of each straight section 24a of each spoke 24 to be recessed
and retained therein. Each of the flute portions 67 extends at
substantially a right angle relative to respective center
longitudinal axes C.sub.2 of each of the retaining portions 62. The
flute portions 67 are angled relative to the overall length of the
spoke openings 60a and 60b so that any axial force on the spokes 24
does not cause the spoke to move into the insertion portions 61.
Moreover, the flute portions 67 are angled relative to a plane that
is perpendicular to the axis A.
[0054] The spokes 24 are installed in the spoke openings by first
inserting the inner ends (bent ends 24b with enlarged heads 24c) of
the spokes 24 into the insertion portions 61 of the spoke openings
60a and 60b. Next, the spokes 24 are pulled into the retaining
portions 62 of the spoke openings 60a and 60b such that the
straight portions 24a of the spokes 24 rest in the flute portions
67. The internal abutments 65 and the flute portions 67 cooperate
together to hold the spokes 24 in the retaining portions 62 of the
spoke openings 60a and 60b at the correct orientation.
[0055] The spoke openings 60a and 60b are formed as elongated slots
that are angled relative to the axis A. Accordingly, the insertion
portions 61 are arranged in a circumferential pattern with one set
of the retaining portions 62 being located axially outward from the
insertion portions 61 and the other set of retaining portions 62
being spaced axially inward from the insertion portions 61. In
other words, a first set of retaining portions 62 form an outer
circumferential row of the retaining portions 62, and a second set
of the retaining portions 62 form an inner circumferential row of
retaining portions 62 with the insertion portions 61 being located
between the rows of retaining portions 62.
[0056] Preferably, the insertion portion 61 and the retaining
portions 62 of each spoke opening are formed simultaneously. Also
preferably, the inner and outer ends of the retaining portions 62
of the spoke openings 60a and 60b are tapered to avoid sharp edges
engaging the spokes 24. Each retaining portion 61 has a length
L.sub.1 slightly smaller than a length of each bent end 24b of each
spoke 24 received therein. The thickness of each end portion 38a
and 38b has a thickness larger than the length of each bent end 24b
of each spoke 24. The length L.sub.1 is measured between the
internal and external edges of the external and internal tapered
surfaces of each retaining portion 62, respectively. As mentioned
above, the retaining portions 62 of the spoke openings 60a and 60b
are preferably equally spaced apart in the circumferential
direction. Thus, the center points of the retaining portions 62 of
the spoke openings 60a and 60b are spaced apart by an angle
.theta.. The valve of angle .theta. depends on the number of spokes
being used. The insertion portions 61 are also are spaced apart by
an angle .theta..
[0057] Each of the insertion portions 61 has a center longitudinal
axis C.sub.1 that passes through the center axis A of the hub axle
36 as best seen in FIGS. 12 and 15. The retaining portions 62, on
the other hand, have center longitudinal axes C.sub.2 do not pass
through the center axis A of the hub axle 36. Rather, the center
longitudinal axes C.sub.2 of the retaining portions 62 are parallel
to the center longitudinal axis C.sub.1 of the insertion portion 61
for each of the spoke openings 60a and 60b. This angled
configuration of the retaining portions 62 results in the straight
sections 24a of the spokes 24 being easily arranged in a tangential
direction relative to an imaginary circle centered on the hub body
38. Moreover, this angled configuration of the retaining portions
62 allows the straight sections 24a of the spokes 24 to be easily
aligned with the spoke holes 34 of the rim 26 without significant
bending of the spokes 24. In the illustrated embodiment, the spokes
24 are not bent more than about five degrees. Of course, the less
the spokes 24 are bent the better.
[0058] If the retaining portions 62 were formed with their center
axis passing through the center axis A of the hub axle 36, then the
conventional spokes 24 would be placed under excessive bending
forces, which could result in the spokes 24 breaking during use of
the wheel. In contrast, with the retaining portions 62 of the
spokes 24 being angled, the amount of bending of the spokes 24 can
be reduced and/or eliminated.
[0059] Referring to FIGS. 5-7, the brake rotor attachment portion
38d is integrally formed with the center tubular portion 38c of the
hub body 38 as a one-piece, unitary member. In the illustrated
embodiment, the brake rotor attachment portion 38d is formed with
six attachment members or points with threaded through bores 70.
While six individual attachment points are illustrated, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that
fewer or more attachment points can be utilized. Moreover, it will
be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that
the attachment portions could be a continuous flange, if needed
and/or desired.
[0060] The through bore 70 can be threaded or unthreaded. By using
through bores 70 instead of blind bores, the rear hub 22 can be
easily manufactured at a relatively lower cost. In the case of
unthreaded through bores (not shown), the bolts 32a extend into
openings in the brake disc rotor 32 and then through the through
bores. The free ends of the bolts 32a have nuts 32b threaded
thereon for attaching the brake disc rotor 32 to the hub body 38.
This arrangement allows the hub body 38 and the brake rotor
attachment portion 38d to be formed out of the same a lightweight
material, such as aluminum. In this arrangement, the hub body 38
does not need to be replaced if the through bores 70 become
damaged.
[0061] In the case of threaded through bores 70 (of the illustrated
embodiment), the bolts 32a extend into openings in the brake disc
rotor 32 and then threaded into the through bores 70. Optionally,
the free ends of the bolts 32a can have the nuts 32b threaded
thereon for more securely attaching the brake disc rotor 32 to the
hub body 38. In this arrangement, if the threads of through bores
70 become damaged, the hub body 38 does not need to be replaced.
Rather, the bolts 32a and the nuts 32b securely attach the brake
disc rotor 32 to the hub body 38.
[0062] Bearing assemblies 40a and 40b rotatably supports hub body
38 on hub axle 36. The bearing assembly 40a basically includes a
plurality of balls 74a located between an inner race member 76a and
an outer race member 78a. Similarly, the bearing assembly 40b
basically includes a plurality of balls 74b located between an
inner race member 76b and an outer race member 78b. Since bearing
assemblies 40a and 40b are well known in the bicycle art, they will
not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.
[0063] A pair of spoke seals 42a and 42b are arranged in the
interior passageway 52 of the hub body 38 so as to be adjacent the
spoke openings 60a and 60b to isolate the spoke openings 60a and
60b from the hub axle 36, and/or parts of the freewheel 44. In
other words, the spoke seals 42a and 42b prevent contaminants from
entering the rear hub 22 through the spoke openings 60a and 60b.
The spoke seals 42a and 42b are preferably resilient members that
are constructed of rubber or the like. Of course, it will be
apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that the
seals could be created from other types of materials, depending
upon their shape and arrangement.
[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the spoke seal 42a has a
tubular section and a pair of ends. The ends are configured to
engage an abutment of the inner surface of the hub body 38 (at an
inner end), and an inner surface of the outer race of bearing
assembly 40a. Of course, the particular shape of the ends of spoke
seal 42a will vary depending on the shape of the hub body 38 and
its internal components. In any event, when the rear hub 22 is
assembled, an axial force is applied to the ends of the spoke seal
42a to form annular seals therebetween. Thus, the spoke seal 42a
forms an isolated area beneath the spoke openings 60a. This
isolated area beneath the spoke openings 60a is a continuous
annular space.
[0065] Similar to the spoke seal 42a, the spoke seal 42b forms an
isolated area beneath the spoke openings 60b. Thus, contaminates
are prevented from entering rear hub 22. The isolated area beneath
the spoke openings 60b is a continuous annular space. The exact
structure of seals 42a and 42b are not critical to the present
invention. Thus, seals 42a and 42b will not be discussed or
illustrated in detail herein.
[0066] The freewheel, such as the freewheel 44, are well known in
the bicycle art, and thus, the freewheel 44 will not be illustrated
or discussed in detail herein. The freewheel 44 is used to transmit
a driving force from the chain to the rear bicycle wheel in one
rotation direction only. The freewheel 44 allows the bicycle 10 to
advance freely without any rotation of the pedals. The freewheel 44
is fastened to the rear hub 22 as integral part of the rear hub 22
in a conventional manner. The freewheel 44 has an outer tubular
part 94, an inner tubular part 96 and a one-way clutch 98. The
inner tubular part 96 is installed radially inwardly of the outer
tubular part 94 so that the inner tubular part 96 is free to rotate
relative to the outer tubular part 94. The one-way clutch 98 is
installed between the outer tubular part 94 and inner tubular part
96 for transmitting the driving force from the outer tubular part
94 to the inner tubular part 96 in one rotational direction only.
The outer tubular part 94 has a plurality of gears or sprockets
(not shown) mounted thereon, while the inner tubular part 96 is
usually mounted on the hub axle 36.
[0067] The terms of degree such as "substantially", "about" and
"approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of
deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not
significantly changed. These terms should be construed as including
a deviation of at least .+-.5% of the modified term if this
deviation would not negate the meaning of the word it modifies.
[0068] While only selected 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.
* * * * *