AU2004202133A1 - Spoked wheel for a bicycle - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION NAME OF APPLICANT(S):: Campagnolo S.R.L.

ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: DAVIES COLLISON CAVE Patent Attorneys Level 10, 10 Barrack Street,Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 2000 INVENTION TITLE: Spoked wheel for a bicycle The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to me/us:- 5102 P:\WPDOCS\AMflDSpmificatsX]226681.dom.20 May 2004 -1- Spoked wheel for a bicycle

DESCRIPTION

The present invention concerns a bicycle spoked wheel, a rim and a spoke set for such a wheel, a process intended for manufacturing a spoked wheel for a bicycle, as well as a kit of parts intended to cooperate with the wheel.

A spoked wheel for a bicycle comprises a peripheral crown or rim, a central hub and a plurality of spokes extending between the hub and the rim, the tension of which must preferably be adjustable at the hub and/or at the rim.

To allow tension adjustment, usually a threading is provided at an end of the spokes and a threaded hole attachment is provided at the hub or the rim, respectively. The second end of the spokes can be provided with a second threading or a head, for example rectangular or circular, housed in a suitable seat, for example hooked in a hub flange or inserted in a bayonet coupling at the rim, respectively.

Rims having a channel, with fins where the beads of the tire are coupled and at the base of which a plurality of holes are made, are known. The holes receive a spoke attachment element provided with a hole with a shaped seat or with a threaded hole. The length of the hole threading of the spoke attachment element can be equal to the spoke threading, or else longer to also allow tension adjustment of the spoke by varying the screwing in depth of the spoke in the threaded hole of the spoke attachment element.

The spoke attachment elements are also called "nipples", if they allow the tension adjustment of the spoke, or else "barrels" if they do not allow this.

Such type of single channel rims have low structural stiffness and therefore greater deformability from lateral and radial loads. Moreover, such single channel rims are not suitable for use with tubeless tires since the coupling channel is not airtight.

To increase structural stiffness, rims having a circumferentially external tire coupling channel and a circumferentially internal spoke attachment chamber are also known. More specifically, such rims are made up of two side walls connected or filleted to one end by a circumferentially internal wall or lower bridge and at an intermediate point by a circumferentially external wall or upper bridge or partition, so as to have a substantially inverted A-shaped cross-section. The circumferentially external portions of the side walls, P:\WPDOCS\AMD\Sprificatioo 1225668 .do-20 May 2004 -2typically provided with a border, form the tire coupling channel with the upper bridge or partition, whereas the circumferentially internal portions of the side walls form, with the lower bridge and the upper bridge, a spoke attachment chamber.

Instead of a single chamber, two or more chambers can be provided through one or more partition walls, extending substantially parallel to the upper bridge or substantially transverse to it. Each wall (upper bridge, lower bridge, side and partition walls), can also be shaped in various ways, forming an even remarkably complex cross section of the rim.

Rims of this type can be manufactured by casting of carbon fibre (see for example the European patent application of the same Applicant published with No. 1.231.077 A2).

Alternatively, such rims are manufactured by extrusion of an aluminium profiled bar. The profiled bar is shaped as a circle typically by calendering and its terminal ends are joined by welding, for example flash welding or TIG welding, by cementing after insertion of a metallic sleeve, by pin-connection or otherwise.

In this type of rims there is the problem of how to attach spokes in respective spoke attachment seats provided in the spoke attachment chamber(s), normally through the aforementioned spoke attachment elements.

In a first solution, described in US patent No. 5.975.646 of Campagnolo, this is carried out by forming a plurality of access openings in the upper bridge, each at a respective spoke attachment seat. Such access openings allow insertion of the spoke attachment elements (nipples or barrels) and of the tool for screwing them onto the spokes or for holding them during the attachment of the spokes. To preserve a suitable structural stiffness of the rim, the upper bridge must however be formed with a remarkable thickness, with a consequent undesirable weight increase of the rim. Moreover, such a rim is not suitable for tubeless tires since the tire coupling channel is not airtight due to the aforementioned access openings.

US patent application US2001/0019222 Al of Campagnolo, to avoid this and to provide a rim in which the upper bridge has only the hole for the inflation valve for the tire and therefore sufficiently rigid and light, as well as suitable for use with tubeless tires, proposes to use supports having a seat for supporting a respective nipple at least partially outside of the rim section. Each nipple support more specifically comprises a substantially U-shaped bracket having said seat and hung on a pivot extending transversally between a pair of non-threaded holes formed in the side walls of the circumferentially internal P:\WPDOCS'MD\Spificadm122S66SI.dmc.2O May 2004 -3chamber, or in flanges protruding from the side walls of the circumferentially internal chamber.

Regarding such a solution, the Applicant observes that, besides the nipples, additional elements are necessary, with consequent additional assembling steps and greater weakness points in the wheel.

Other known solutions for providing a rim in which the upper bridge has just the hole for the inflation valve of the tire and therefore sufficiently rigid and light, as well as suitable for use with tubeless tires, are described in European patent applications EP 0 896 886 Al, EP 1 101 631 Al, EP 1 167 078 Al, all ofMavic S.A. In all three of such documents it is proposed to form the spoke attachment seats as threaded holes in which to screw, from the outside of the chamber, a threaded end of a spoke, a spoke attachment element such as a nipple or a barrel, or an insert in which to insert a nipple or a barrel. Since the thickness of the rim walls must be small for weight reasons, it is necessary to form the threaded holes by material deformation, so that a "chimney" is created in which a threading of the required length can be formed.

Regarding these solutions, the Applicant observes that they are very complex and expensive since forming the threaded holes in the lower bridge or in any case in the walls of the circumferentially internal chamber is a difficult and complex process.

Therefore, a simple and cost-effective solution to manufacture a spoked wheel for a bicycle, sufficiently strong whilst still being light, is still desirable.

Consequently, the present invention, in a first aspect thereof, concerns a spoked wheel for a bicycle, comprising a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes tensed between the rim and the hub, each provided with a spoke attachment element for attachment to the rim, a plurality of seats, such seats being openings formed in the rim, each to house one of said spoke attachment elements, characterised in that the shape and size of the spoke attachment elements and of the seats of the rim are such that: the spoke attachment element is suitable for taking up a first configuration in which its insertion through the seat is possible; P:\WPDOCS\AMD\Spcificati.s\1225668 I.doc-20 May 2004 -4the spoke attachment element inserted in the seat is in a second configuration in which it is not possible to remove such a spoke attachment element through the seat.

In a wheel made in this way assembling the spoke attachment elements on the rim is very simple and cost-effective, from the outside. Moreover, the wheel has no portions which protrude in an anomalous manner: in practice, the wheel looks like a normal wheel.

The two configurations of the spoke attachment elements can be obtained in different ways.

For example, the spoke attachment element can comprise a shank and a head which is widened with respect to the shank, the head having a minimum width in a first direction and a maximum width in a second direction different to the first. The seat has a minimum width in a first direction and a maximum width in a second direction different to the first, the minimum width of the head is less than the minimum width of the seat and is greater than the minimum width of the seat.

Still as an example, the spoke attachment element can comprise a shaft and foldable wings attached to the shaft, the wings being mobile between a folded position in which they allow the insertion of the spoke attachment element in the inner chamber through the seat and an extended position in which they prevent the removal of the spoke attachment element through the seat.

Both of these embodiments allow an easy insertion of the head of the spoke attachment element in the opening in the rim, and an easy passage to the blocking configuration, through rotation of the spoke attachment element in the first case and through extension of the wings in the second case.

The invention is suitable for any type of spoked wheel for a bicycle, however it is particularly important for tubeless tires, i.e. when the rim has two sides joined together on a base and a bridge extending between the two sides so as to define an inner chamber enclosed between the bridge, the sides and the base, the openings of the seats being formed in the base, open to the inner chamber. Indeed, in this case, the impossibility of access to the inner chamber does not create any particular difficulty in assembling the spokes, which are in any case attached to the rim by inserting the attachment elements thereof from the outside in the respective seats.

In a more preferred embodiment the spoke attachment element comprises a shank, a head P:\WPDOCSd\AMD\Spcifations\12256681.doc-20 May 2004 which is widened with respect to the shank, and a support plate provided with a hole. The hole in the plate is narrow enough to prevent the slipping of the head from the plate, and large enough to allow the plate to take on both an attachment position substantially perpendicular to the shank in the second configuration of the spoke attachment element, and an insertion position which is tilted with respect to the attachment position in the first configuration of the spoke attachment element.

The plate can thus be inserted through the seat of the rim by simply tilting it and exploiting the clearances between the hole of the plate and the spoke (or else a false-spoke used in the assembling step), whereas once inserted it is in a transverse position. In this position it cannot come out of the seat and thus prevents the slipping of the head from the seat itself.

Preferably, in the attachment position the shank is free to rotate about a longitudinal axis of the spoke. This possibility of rotation can be exploited for the adjustment of the tension of the spoke, for example through a threaded coupling.

In an alternative embodiment, the spoke attachment clement comprises a widened head formed on the spoke, and a support plate provided with a hole. The hole in the plate is narrow enough to prevent the slipping of the head from the plate and is large enough to allow the plate to take on both an attachment position substantially perpendicular to the spoke in the second configuration of the spoke attachment element, and an insertion position inclined with respect to the attachment position in the first configuration of the spoke attachment element. In this embodiment, the ways of attaching the spoke to the rim do not change, whereas the tensioning of the spoke must be obtained with other means, for example associated with the hub.

Preferably, in attachment position the plate cannot rotate with respect to the rim, thus ensuring the stability of the attachment.

The opening which forms a seat in the rim can have different shapes. To simultaneously promote both the insertion of the plate in the first condition and its blocking in the second position, the opening preferably has an elongated shape, even more preferably elongated in a transverse direction with respect to the circumferential extension of the rim.

Preferably, the head has a conical contact surface with the plate and the plate has a corresponding conical contact surface with the head. Such a contact ensures better transmission of the traction forces between the spoke and the rim, stability of the attachment, and the spontaneous correct positioning of the various parts during assembling.

P:\WPDOCS'AiD\Spcifatioms\1225668I.doc-20 Mly 2004 -6- Preferably, the hole in the plate has at least one notch for receiving the spoke in the insertion position, even more preferably two opposite notches. By notch a cut is meant, extending on the plate from the hole towards the periphery of the plate itself, being of a shape and size such as to at least partly receive the spoke (or a false spoke) during assembling, when the plate is tilted to be inserted through the opening of the rim. The presence of one or more notches made in this way allows the plate to take on a more inclined position with respect to the spoke attachment element, making insertion of the plate through the seat easier.

Preferably, the spoke attachment element comprises a contact washer between the head and the plate. In such a way, the hole in the plate can be particularly wide, even wider than the head, thus at the same time ensuring a correct attachment and a wide possibility of inclination of the plate during insertion through the opening.

The spoke attachment element can be of different types. In a preferred embodiment the spoke attachment element of each spoke comprises a nipple, in adjustable screwing engagement with the spoke, the nipple including the head and the shank and being coupled to the plate. This embodiment thus allows the classic configuration with nipples of a normal bicycle wheel to be present on the wheel according to the invention.

In another preferred embodiment, the spoke attachment element of each spoke comprises a barrel, in attached engagement with the spoke, the barrel including the head and the shank and being coupled to the plate. This embodiment thus allows, on the wheel according to the invention, the configuration with barrels, in which the adjustment of the tension of the spokes is carried out at the attachment on the hub.

In a second aspect thereof, the present invention concerns a rim of a spoked wheel for a bicycle suitable for a tubeless tire, suitable for being used in a wheel according to that which has been outlined above, comprising a plurality of seats consisting of openings formed in the rim, each suitable for housing a spoke attachment element, characterised in that the seats have an elongated shape.

The elongated shape of the openings of the seats (instead of the conventional circular holes), preferably in a transverse direction with respect to the circumferential extension of the rim, allows the insertion from the outside of spoke attachment elements such as those described above.

In a third aspect thereof, the present invention concerns a spoke set for a bicycle wheel P:\WPDOCSAMDSpmi6utios \1225668.dom-20 May 2004 -7suitable for being used with a rim according to that which has been outlined previously, comprising: a stem, a spoke attachment element for attaching the spoke to the rim, characterised in that: the spoke attachment element is suitable for taking up a first configuration in which its insertion through a seat in the rim is possible; the spoke attachment element is suitable for being put in a second configuration in which the removal of such a spoke attachment element through the seat is not possible.

In a fourth aspect thereof, the present invention concerns a process intended for manufacturing a spoked wheel for a bicycle, comprising the steps of: a) providing a rim with a plurality of seats formed by openings in the rim, each suitable for housing a spoke attachment element, b) providing a spoke attachment element for the attachment to the rim; c) having the spoke attachment element take on a first configuration, d) in such a first configuration, inserting the spoke attachment element in the inner chamber through a predetermined opening, e) holding the spoke attachment element facing said predetermined opening.

This process allows the spoke attachment elements to easily be associated with the rim, even when the rim structure has an inner chamber which is not accessible from the inside.

The process can be carried out according to different embodiments depending on the wheel which it is intended to manufacture.

According to a preferred embodiment, the following step can be provided: bl) providing a false-spoke associated with the respective spoke attachment element before having the spoke attachment element take on its first configuration.

In such a way it is possible to easily handle the spoke attachment element, without risking inadvertently making it fall in the inner chamber but also without having handling bulkiness due to the length of a spoke.

Preferably, the following step can also be provided: f) applying a holding element to the spoke attachment element held facing.

Thanks to such a provision, it is possible to easily mount the spoke attachment elements P:\WPDOCSAMD\Spificatios225668.doc-m20 May 2004 -8one after another, progressively blocking them as they are positioned, each of them waiting for a respective spoke to be fixed thereto.

Preferably, the following step can also be provided: g) repeating steps b) to f) for all the spokes of the wheel.

In such a way a semi-finished product is obtained which consists of a rim provided with all the spoke attachment elements, ready to be associated with a hub.

For the manufacture of the complete bicycle wheel, it is also preferably provided that there be the steps of: h) providing a hub, k) associating all the spokes of the wheel with the hub, 1) associating each spoke with a respective spoke attachment element.

Moreover, to complete such a manufacture, the following steps are preferably provided: m) having the spoke attachment element inserted in the seat take on a second configuration in which it cannot be removed through the seat, n) tensioning the spoke.

Finally, there is nothing to prevent the possible used holding elements from being left in the position in which they had been placed in step However, once the wheel has been completely assembled, such elements are totally useless and therefore the following step is preferably provided: p) removing the possible holding elements from the spoke attachment elements.

The invention also refers to a kit of parts intended for cooperation with a wheel or with a rim of the aforementioned type, to implement a process as stated above, comprising a spoke set of the aforementioned type and a false-spoke consisting of a stem provided with a threading which matches that of the spoke set.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention shall become clearer from the following description of some embodiments thereof, made with reference to the attached drawings. In such drawings: fig. 1 is a perspective view of a portion of wheel according to the invention, in a first step during assembling; fig. 2 is a further perspective view of the portion of wheel of fig. 1 in the same first step during assembling, taken from a different angle; P:\WPDOCS\AMD\Speificaions\225668.doc-20 May 2004 -9fig. 3 is a partially sectioned perspective view of the portion of wheel of the previous figures in a second step during assembling; fig. 4 is a perspective view of the portion of wheel of fig. 3 in the same second step during assembling; fig. 5 is a perspective view of the portion of wheel of the previous figures in a third step during assembling; fig. 6 is a perspective view of the portion of wheel of fig. 5, taken from a different angle, at the end of the assembling step; figs. 7 and 8 are views of the plate illustrated in the wheel of figs. 1-6; figs. 9 and 10 are views of a different plate; fig. 11 is a section view of a spoke and its attachment elements in the wheel of figures 1 to 8; fig. 12 is a section view of a false spoke used in assembling a wheel according to the invention; fig. 13 is a partial perspective section view of a rim according to the invention; fig. 14 is a section view of a spoke and its attachment elements, according to an alternative embodiment of the invention; fig. 15 is a perspective view in partial section of the spoke of figure 14; fig. 16 is a perspective view of a spoke according to a different embodiment of the invention; figs. 11, 12, 13 and 14 show different embodiments of the invention.

In the figures (in particular, see figures 6 and 13), a spoked wheel for a bicycle is wholly indicated with 10, comprising a hub 11, a rim 12 and a plurality of spokes 13, tensed between the rim 12 and the hub 11.

The rim 12 has a profiled structure having a substantially inverted A-shaped section, with two sides 21 which converge and are joined together to form a base 22, and a bridge 23 extending between the two sides 21. Thus an outer peripheral channel 24 for coupling to a tire, which is defined by the bridge 23 and by tire-holding fins 25 formed from the radially outer portions of the sides 21, and an inner chamber 26, defined by the bridge 23 and by the base 22, are defined on the rim 12. It should be noted that with the term base is meant not only the inner peripheral joining zone 27 between the two sides 21 (which in turn can be relatively narrow as in the illustrated example or else more or less wide), but more generally the portion of the sides 21 below the bridge 23.

The rim 12 is provided (in a per se known way) with an inflation valve, mounted in P:\WPDOCS'MD\Spdifi,.io\1225668I.dc-20 May 2004 respective aligned holes 14a and 14b, the first formed in the base 22, the second in the bridge 23. It should be noted that if a tubeless tire (not illustrated) is mounted on the wheel the valve 14 is mounted airtight on the hole 14b. If, on the other hand, a non-tubeless tire, with an inner tube is provided, the valve 14 is associated with the tube itself.

In accordance with the invention, the rim 12 is also provided with a plurality of seats for coupling to the spokes 13, consisting of openings arranged in a regular manner along the base 22. In the preferred example illustrated, such seats 15 are aligned with each other at the inner peripheral zone 27. Alternatively, two or more series of seats, staggered from each other, can be provided. More generally, the number and distribution of the seats for coupling to the spokes 13 can vary. For example, the seats 15 could be grouped together in groups of two, three or four and/or could be made on many planes, different from the middle plane of the rim 12. The seats 15 have an elongated shape, in a transverse direction with respect to the circumferential direction of extension of the rim 12, but they could be elongated in any direction and they could be orientated so as to help the attachment of the spokes with different inclinations.

Each of the spokes 13 comprises an elongated stem 31 and is provided at the opposite ends with two spoke attachment elements, one spoke attachment element 32 facing towards the rim 12 and another spoke attachment element 33 facing towards the hub 11. With the term spoke attachment element a component is meant that is associated with the spoke 13, or else a set of components associated with the spoke 13 or even a particular configuration of the spoke 13 itself which allows the spoke 13 to be attached to the rim 12 or to the hub 11 so that the necessary traction force can be transmitted.

The spoke attachment elements 32 and 33 can take on different configurations according to the different embodiments of the invention. In the preferred embodiment, shown in figures 1-6, the spoke attachment element 32 comprises a nipple 40 and a plate The nipple 40 has a shank 41, elongated in the direction of the spoke 13 to which it is coupled, and a head 42 protruding from the shank 41. The shank 41 is provided with a threaded axial inner hole 43, in a screw-adjustable coupling to a corresponding threaded portion 34 of the stem 31 of the spoke 13. The head 42 has a smooth conical contact surface 44 with the plate 50, and a polygonal peripheral surface 45. The shank 41 also has a polygonal peripheral surface 46, which can be operated with a suitable key.

The plate 50 (also see figures 7 and 8) has a flattened rectangle overall configuration, with P:\WPDOCSAMD\Spaiitoim\225668.dc-20 May20G4 -11an inner hole 51, flanked by notches 52, or else cuts extending from the hole 51 towards the outside of the plate. More precisely, such cuts are oriented in the direction of the largest dimension of the plate 50, and they have a function linked to wheel assembling, as shall be seen hereafter. Around the inner hole 51, from the side facing towards the seat the plate 50 is provided with a collar 53, which protrudes from the plate 50 itself and is housed in the seat 15. Around the collar 53, the plate 50 is preferably shaped to match the inner shape of the base 22 of the rim 12. On the other side, conversely, around the same inner hole 51, the plate 50 has a smooth conical contact surface 54 to the nipple 40, in contact engagement with the corresponding conical surface 44 of the nipple 40. Given the contact between the two conical surfaces 44 and 54, the nipple 40 is free to rotate about the axis of the spoke 13, even when the spoke 13 is tensed. The plate 50, instead, is not free to rotate with respect to the rim 12, being shaped so as to match the inner shape of the base 22 ofthe rim 12.

Advantageously, it can be provided to insert slideable sealing gaskets 18 (preferably made from rubber), of a suitable shape and size which, at the end of the attachment process of the spokes 13 to the rim 12, are displaced so as to be inserted in the openings 15 and to completely close any empty space. Alternatively, the empty spaces could be sealed with a suitable material, for example silicone. In this way, external agents like water, dust, etc., are prevented from entering into the rim 12 of the wheel Figures 9 and 10 illustrate a different embodiment of a plate, numbered with 50', without a collar but provided with the other characteristics described above (and indicated by the same reference numerals). Of course, other different shapes could be used.

The spoke attachment element 33 comprises a simple widened flattened head 62, protruding with respect to the stem 31 and formed integral with it.

Assembling of the just described wheel 10 preferably takes place in the following way, with the help of a false-spoke 16, which comprises a stem 61 with a threaded portion 62 analogous to the threaded portion 34 of the stem 31 of a spoke 13. In particular, see figures 1-4.

Initially, the spoke attachment elements 32 are provided. In this step, to ease the subsequent steps, the nipple 40 with the plate 50 (correctly inserted on the shank 41 of the nipple 40) is mounted on the false-spoke 16. By displacing the plate 50 above the falsespoke 16, it is possible to incline the plate 50 itself and hold it inclined against the false- P:AWPDOCS'AMD\Spmifclaions\1225668.dmc-20 May 2004 12spoke 16, arranging it with its long side along the false-spoke 16 and exploiting the clearance between the hole 51 and the stem 31 and the notches 52. This condition, illustrated in figures 1-4, corresponds to a first configuration of the spoke attachment element 32, in which it is possible to insert the spoke attachment element 32 in the inner chamber 26 of the rim 12 through the seat 15. Indeed, the plate 50 inclined in the aforementioned manner has a bulk compatible with the seat 15, as illustrated in detail mainly in figures 3 and 4.

When the plate 50 with the rest of the spoke attachment element 32 is completely inserted in the inner chamber 26, just the release of the plate 50 is sufficient to make it take on a second configuration no longer inclined, and it is then sufficient to apply a traction to ensure that the plate 50 (guided by the collar 53 and by the surrounding shape of the inside of the chamber 26) is arranged facing the seat 15. The nipple 40 has its head 42 held in the chamber 26 by the plate 50 and its shank 41 protruding from the seat At this point, if assembling a single spoke 13 in an already complete wheel 10 to replace a broken spoke), it shall be necessary to unscrew the false-spoke 16 from the nipple 40 and to screw in the spoke 13 in its place, said spoke 13 having previously been attached to the hub 11 by simply slipping the stem 31 in a suitable hole 20 on the hub 11, leaving the enlarged head 62 attached behind such a hole 20. It should be noted that the mutual screwing of spoke 13 and nipple 40 takes place by rotating not the spoke 13, which is locked on the hub 11, but rather the nipple 40, which is free to rotate.

On the other hand, if making a complete wheel 10, it is appropriate to hold the nipple 40 in a position facing from the seat 15, through a suitable holding element, e.g. an elastic ring 17, and to then remove the false-spoke 16. In the same way, one should proceed to position all the nipples When the rim 12 is provided with all the nipples 40 in facing position from the respective seats 15, one can proceed and assemble onto the hub 11. For such a purpose, a hub 11 shall be also arranged with all the spokes 13 attached. One after another, all the spokes 13 can then be screwed into the respective nipples 40, until the wheel 10 is completed. When coupling of the spokes 13 to the nipples 40 is completed, one can proceed to spokes tensioning, by acting in rotation upon the polygonal surfaces 46 of the nipples In the just described assembling procedure, it is also possible to use a normal spoke 13 instead of the false-spoke 16, and in the same identical way. Such a spoke 13, during this P:\WPDOCS\AMDSpaifiations\122568I.doc-20 May 2004 13anomalous use thereof, is clearly free, not bound to the hub 11.

The stem 61 of the false-spoke 16, for reason of simplicity, can have a section which is the same as that of the spoke 13. Preferably, such a stem 61 has the smallest possible section, compatible with the requirement of keeping a certain stiffness as well as of including the threaded portion 62, so as to allow the maximum deviation of the plate 50. Moreover, it can be provided that the heads 42 and 142 of the nipple 40 and of the barrel 140, be cut along two ends, so as to obtain oblong sections. With these two provisions, openings 15 of a very small size can be formed in the rim 12.

The invention just described is, of course, susceptible of many different embodiments.

In a different embodiment, illustrated in figures 14 and 15, the spoke attachment element (indicated with 132) towards the rim 12 comprises a plate 150 (equal to the plate 50) and a barrel 140. The barrel 140 has a shank 141, elongated in the direction of the spoke 113 to which it is coupled, and a head 142 protruding from the shank 141. The shank 141 is provided with an axial inner hole 143, with a rectangular section. The head 142 has a smooth conical contact surface 144 with the plate 150. The spoke 113 has a stem 131 and attaches to the barrel 140 through its own hammer-head 134, engaged in an attachment seat 149 formed transversally to the opening 143 of the barrel 140. The barrel 140 thus forms a protruding head of the spoke attachment element 132, which rests upon the plate 150.

Unlike the nipple, the barrel 140 allows just attachment and not tension adjustment.

Consequently, the spoke 113 is provided at the other end (towards the hub 11) with a spoke attachment element 133 which allows such an adjustment, e.g. a threaded coupling between a threading 161 on the stem 131 and a threaded plate 162.

Another different embodiment is illustrated in figure 16. In this case, the spoke 213 is so to say inverted with respect to the spoke 13: indeed, the spoke attachment element 232 towards the rim 12 comprises besides a plate 250 equal to the plate 50 a widened head 262, protruding with respect to the stem 231 and formed integral with it, whereas the spoke attachment element towards the hub (not shown) must allow tension adjustment, in the same way as the spoke attachment element 133 of the previous embodiment.

In all of the aforementioned embodiments, the plate can possibly be provided with an auxiliary washer 55, placed between the plate and the head of the spoke attachment element. Such a washer 55 is illustrated in the embodiment of figure 16, but it can be provided in all the other embodiment. Its function is that of allowing a wider hole on the P:\WDOCSAMDSpaificatir 2256681 ldoc-20 May 204 -14plate, so as to allow the plate itself to take on a more inclined position in the first condition.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in Australia.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Claims (42)

1. Spoked wheel for a bicycle, comprising a rim, a hub, a plurality of spokes tensed between the rim and the hub, each provided with a spoke attachment element for attachment to the rim, a plurality of seats, such seats being openings formed in the rim, each to house one of said spoke attachment elements, characterised in that the shape and size of the spoke attachment elements and of the seats of the rim are such that: the spoke attachment element is suitable for taking up a first configuration in which its insertion through the seat is possible; the spoke attachment element inserted in the seat is in a second configuration in which it is not possible to remove such a spoke attachment element through the seat.

2. Wheel according to claim 1, wherein the rim has two sides joined together on a base and a bridge extending between the two sides so as to define an inner chamber enclosed between the bridge, the sides and the base, the openings of the seats being formed in the base, open to the inner chamber.

3. Wheel according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the spoke attachment element comprises a shank, a head which is widened with respect to the shank, and a contact plate provided with a hole; the hole in the plate is narrow enough to prevent the slipping of the head from the plate, and large enough to allow the plate to take on both an attachment position substantially perpendicular to the shank in the second configuration of the spoke attachment element, and an insertion position which is inclined with respect to the attachment position in the first configuration of the spoke attachment element.

4. Wheel according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein: the spoke attachment element comprises a widened head formed on the spoke, and a contact plate provided with a hole; the hole in the plate is narrow enough to prevent the slipping of the head from the plate, and large enough to allow the plate to take on both an attachment position P:\WPDOCS\AMDSpcificatios\1225668I.doc.20 May 2004 -16- substantially perpendicular to the spoke in the second configuration of the spoke attachment element, and an insertion position inclined with respect to the attachment position in the first configuration of the spoke attachment element.

Wheel according to claim 3, wherein in the attachment position the shank is free to rotate with respect to the plate, about a longitudinal axis of the spoke.

6. Wheel according to any of claims 3 to 5, wherein in the attachment position the plate cannot rotate with respect to the rim.

7. Wheel according to any of the previous claims, wherein the seat has an elongated shape.

8. Wheel according to claim 7, wherein the shape of the seat is elongated in a transverse direction with respect to the circumferential extension of the rim.

9. Wheel according to any of claims 3 to 8, wherein the head has a conical contact surface with the plate and the plate has a corresponding conical contact surface with the head.

10. Wheel according to any of claims 3 to 9, wherein the hole in the plate has at least one notch for receiving the spoke in the insertion position.

11. Wheel according to any of claims 3 to 10, wherein the spoke attachment element comprises a contact washer between the head and the plate.

12. Wheel according to any of claims 3 and from 5 to 11, wherein the spoke attachment element of each spoke comprises a nipple, in adjustable screwing engagement with the spoke, the nipple including the head and the shank and being coupled to the plate.

13. Wheel according to any of claims 3 and from 5 to 11, wherein the spoke attachment element of each spoke comprises a barrel, in attaching engagement with the spoke, the barrel including the head and the shank and being coupled to the plate.

14. Wheel according to any of the previous claims, comprising a sealing gasket in each seat of the rim, around each spoke and/or spoke attachment element.

Rim of a spoked wheel for a bicycle, suitable for being used in a wheel according to any of claims 1 to 14, comprising a plurality of seats consisting of openings formed in the P:AWPDOCS\AMD\Spmificatims\1226681.do-20 May 2004 -17- rim, each seat being suitable for housing a spoke attachment element, characterised in that the seats have an elongated shape.

16. Rim according to claim 15, wherein the shape of the seats is elongated in a transverse direction with respect to the circumferential extension of the rim.

17. Rim according to any of claims 15 to 16, comprising two sides joined together on a base and a bridge extending between the two sides so as to define an inner chamber enclosed between the bridge, the sides and the base, the openings of the seats being formed in the base, open to the inner chamber.

18. Spoke set for a bicycle wheel suitable for being used with a rim according to any of claims 15 to 17 in a wheel according to any of claims 1 to 14, comprising: a stem, a spoke attachment element for attaching the spoke to the rim, characterised in that: the spoke attachment element is suitable for taking up a first configuration in which its insertion through a seat in the rim is possible; the spoke attachment element is suitable for being put in a second configuration in which the removal of such a spoke attachment element through the seat is not possible.

19. Spoke set according to claim 18, wherein the spoke attachment element comprises a shank, a head which is enlarged with respect to the shank, and a contact plate provided with a hole; and wherein the hole in the plate is narrow enough to prevent the slipping of the head from the plate, and large enough to allow the plate to take on both an attachment position substantially perpendicular to the spoke in the second configuration of the spoke attachment element, and an insertion position inclined with respect to the attachment position in the first configuration of the spoke attachment element.

Spoke set according to claim 18, wherein: the spoke attachment element comprises a widened head formed on the spoke, and a contact plate provided with a hole; and wherein: the hole in the plate is narrow enough to prevent the slipping of the head from the plate, and large enough to allow the plate to take on both an attachment position substantially perpendicular to the spoke in the second configuration of the spoke P:\WPDOCS\AMDSpiftiotos\22566I.doc-20 May 2004 -18- attachment element, and an insertion position inclined with respect to the attachment position in the first configuration of the spoke attachment element.

21. Spoke set according to any of claims 19 and 20, wherein the shank is free to rotate with respect to the plate, about a longitudinal axis of the spoke.

22. Spoke set according to any of claims 19 to 21, wherein the head has a conical contact surface with the plate and the plate has a corresponding conical contact surface with the head.

23. Spoke set according to any of claims 19 to 22, wherein the hole in the plate has at least one notch for receiving the stem of the spoke in the insertion position.

24. Spoke set according to any of claims 19 to 23, wherein the spoke attachment element comprises a contact washer between the head and the plate.

Spoke set according to any of claims 19 and from 21 to 24, wherein the spoke attachment element of each spoke comprises a nipple, in adjustable screwing engagement with the spoke, the nipple including the head and the shank and being coupled to the plate.

26. Spoke set according to any of claims 19 and from 21 to 24, wherein the spoke attachment element of each spoke comprises a barrel, in attached engagement with the spoke, the barrel including the head and the shank and being coupled to the plate.

27. Spoke set according to any of claims 18 to 26, comprising a gasket around each spoke and/or spoke attachment element, intended for sealing the seat of the rim where the spoke is mounted.

28. Process intended for manufacturing a spoked wheel for a bicycle, comprising the steps of: a) providing a rim with a plurality of seats formed by openings in the rim, each suitable for housing a spoke attachment element, b) providing a spoke attachment element for the attachment to the rim; c) having the spoke attachment element take on a first configuration, d) in such a first configuration, inserting the spoke attachment element through a predetermined opening, e) holding the spoke attachment element facing said predetermined opening.

29. Process according to claim 28, also comprising the step of: P:\WPDOCS'\AMDSpificaios\1225668i.do-20 May 2004 -19- bl) providing a false-spoke associated with the respective spoke attachment element before having the spoke attachment element take on its first configuration.

Process according to any of claims 28 to 29, also comprising the step of: f) applying a holding element to the spoke attachment element held facing.

31. Process according to claim 30, also comprising the step of: g) repeating steps b) to f) for all the spokes of the wheel.

32. Process according to claim 31, also comprising the steps of: h) providing a hub, k) associating all the spokes of the wheel with the hub, 1) associating each spoke with a respective spoke attachment element.

33. Process according to claim 32, also comprising the steps of: m) having the spoke attachment element inserted in the seat take on a second configuration in which it cannot be removed through the seat, n) tensioning the spoke.

34. Process according to any of claims 30 to 33, also comprising the step of: p) removing the possible holding elements from the spoke attachment elements.

Process according to any of claims 29 to 34, wherein the false-spoke has a stem with a smaller section with respect to that of the spoke.

36. Kit of parts intended for cooperation with a wheel according to any of claims 1 to 14, or with a rim according to any of claims 15 to 17, to implement a process according to any of claims 28 to 35, comprising a spoke set according to claim 25 and a false-spoke consisting of a stem provided with a threading which matches that of the spoke set.

37. Kit according to claim 36, wherein the false-spoke has the stem with a smaller section with respect to that of the spoke.

38. A spoked wheel for a bicycle, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

39. A rim of a spoked wheel for a bicycle, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

P:\WPOCS'MD\Spmiicaio.,s\22566S.dom-2O May 2004 A spoke set for a bicycle wheel, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

41. A process for manufacturing a spoked wheel for a bicycle, substantially as herein described.

42. A kit of parts intended for cooperation with a wheel, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings. DATED this 20th day of May, 2004 CAMPAGNOLO S.R.L. By Their Patent Attorneys DAVIES COLLISON CAVE