WO2019175754A1

WO2019175754A1 - Vehicles wheel rim

Info

Publication number: WO2019175754A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/051976
Authority: WO
Inventors: Alfonso PULLARA
Original assignee: Pullara Alfonso
Priority date: 2018-03-12
Filing date: 2019-03-12
Publication date: 2019-09-19
Also published as: IT201800003448A1

Abstract

A modular rim (1) for vehicle wheels having an outer peripheral edge (2) and a plurality of substantially radial wheel spokes (3), the rim (1) comprising a plurality of modular elements (7) each having an arc- shaped peripheral portion (8) and a pair of radial spokes (9) defining a circular sector, means (16) for coupling the modular elements (7) together wherein, in the assembled configuration, each spoke (9) of a modular element (7) contacts a spoke (9') of an adjoining modular element (7') and is coupled thereto by the coupling means (16) to define each of the wheel spokes (3) and the peripheral portions (8) of the modular elements (7) are adapted to define the outer peripheral edge (2). The modular rim (1) comprises at least one stiffening member (22) which is adapted to be placed over the wheel spokes (3) and be coupled thereto by the coupling means (16).

Description

VEHICLES WHEEL RIM

Field of The Invention

[0001] The present invention generally finds application in the field of parts for vehicles, preferably bicycles, and particularly relates to a modular rim for vehicle wheels.

Background art

[0002] Wheel rims for both motor vehicles and bicycles, are essential parts which ensure connection of the tire to the vehicle.

[0003] These rims generally have a one-piece, monolithic construction and, in the case of bicycles, comprise a peripheral edge for supporting the tire and a plurality of wheel spokes for connecting the edge with a central hub.

[0004] A first drawback of these rims is that when one of the wheel spokes or the peripheral edge is damaged, the user has to replace the entire rim.

[0005] Another drawback of these rims is that their large space requirements when transported separate from the vehicle.

[0006] In an attempt to at least partially obviate these drawbacks modular rims have been developed, which comprise a plurality of modular elements adapted to be coupled together by suitable coupling means.

[0007] Each of the modular elements comprises a central portion which is adapted to be coupled to the hub of a wheel and an arc-shaped peripheral portion which is joined to the hub by means of a plurality of radial spokes.

[0008] Furthermore, the outer surface of the peripheral portions of the modular elements forms the circular edge of the rim and comprises a channel for housing a tire.

[0009] 202010901797754 discloses a wheel rim for a vehicle other than a bicycle, i.e a wheelchair, comprising a plurality of modular elements coupled together.

[0010] Each modular element is made of an aluminum alloy and comprises an arc-shaped peripheral portion and a pair of radial spokes, defining a circular sector.

[0011] The modular elements are designed to be coupled together in side- by-side relationship by suitable coupling means. The latter comprise a plurality of pins formed along the spokes of the modular elements and designed to interact with each other.

[0012] A first drawback of this arrangement is that the special configuration of the spokes and the peripheral portions causes the rim to have limited deformation resistance.

[0013] A further drawback is that the assembly and disassembly of the modular elements is very complex.

[0014] Another drawback of this arrangement is that all the rims of this type are identical and do not include representative elements that might allow a user to distinguish them, for instance according to their final use.

[0015] A further drawback is that this type of rims cannot be exteriorly customized according to user requests.

Technical Problem

[0016] In view of the prior art, the technical problem addressed by the present invention consists in providing wheel rims for vehicles, preferably bicycles, that have a high deformation resistance and can be distinguished from each other.

Disclosure of the invention

[0017] The object of the present invention is to solve the above mentioned problem, by providing a modular rim for vehicle wheels that is highly efficient and relatively cost-effective.

[0018] A particular object of the present invention is to provide a modular rim for vehicle wheels that has a high deformation resistance.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular rim for vehicle wheels that can be immediately distinguished by a user, based on its exterior appearance, from another similar rim.

[0020] Another object of the present invention is to provide a modular rim for vehicle wheels in which the technical characteristics or the final purpose are directly related to predetermined distinctive elements.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide a modular rim for vehicle wheels that can be customized according to user requirements.

[0022] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a modular rim for vehicle wheels that can be simply and quickly assembled and disassembled.

[0023] The aforementioned objects, as well as others that will be more clearly explained hereinafter, are fulfilled by a modular rim for vehicle wheels as defined in claim 1 , which comprises a plurality of modular elements each having an arc-shaped peripheral portion and a pair of radial spokes, defining a circular sector, as well as means for coupling the modular elements together.

[0024] In the assembled configuration, each spoke of a modular element is in mutual contact with a spoke of an adjacent modular element and is coupled thereto by the coupling means (16) to define the rim spokes, whereas the peripheral portions of the modular elements are adapted to define the outer peripheral edge.

[0025] According to a peculiar aspect of the invention, the rim comprises at least one stiffening member (22) which is adapted to be placed over the wheel spokes and be coupled thereto by the coupling means.

[0026] The stiffening member imparts greater deformation resistance to the rim structure and may have different configurations, allowing a user to customize the rim or distinguish from other similar rims.

[0027] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are obtained in accordance with the dependent claims.

Brief Description of The Drawings

[0028] Further features and advantages of the invention will be more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred, non-exclusive embodiment of a modular rim for vehicle wheels, which is described as a non limiting example with the help of the annexed drawings, in which:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective top and bottom views of the modular rim of the invention;

FIG. 3 shows perspective top and bottom views of the modular elements that form the rim of the invention; FIG. 4 is a perspective top view of the stiffening member of the rim of the invention;

FIGS. 5 to 8 are top perspective views of the steps for assembling the modular rim of Fig. 1 ;

FIG. 9 shows an exploded perspective view and an exploded top view of the modular rim of Fig. 1 ;

FIGS. 10A to 10E are perspective views of different configurations of the stiffening member.

Detailed description of a preferred exemplary embodiment

[0029] Particularly referring to the figures, there is shown a modular wheel rim, generally designated by numeral 1 , for vehicles, preferably bicycles.

[0030] As is known per se, the rim 1 has an outer peripheral edge 2 and a plurality of wheel spokes 3 for connecting the edge 2 with a support bushing 4 at an axis of rotation X of the rim 1 .

[0031] The bushing 4 is adapted to support the hub and the axle of the vehicle, not shown, and the peripheral rim 2 has an outer surface 5, i.e. facing away from the wheel spokes 3, comprising a channel 6 for housing the tire of the wheel, not shown.

[0032] The rim 1 of the invention has a predetermined thickness s and defines and extension plane p substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation X.

[0033] In particular, when the rim 1 is mounted to a bicycle frame, the axis of rotation X is substantially horizontal and parallel to the ground whereas the plane p is substantially vertical and perpendicular to the ground.

[0034] The modular rim 1 may be also used for vehicles other than bicycles, as long as it is appropriately changed as needed.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the modular rim 1 comprises a plurality of modular elements 7, as best shown in FIG. 3, each having an arc-shaped peripheral portion (8) and a pair of radial spokes 9, defining a circular sector.

[0036] In the illustrated embodiment, the rim 1 comprises four modular elements 7 defining circular sectors with orthogonal sides.

[0037] Nevertheless, this configuration is only given by way of example, and a different number of modular elements 7 may be also provided, defining circular sectors with different angles.

[0038] Each modular element 7 is hollow and the spokes 9 and the peripheral portion 8, delimit a cavity 10 which also has the shape of a circular sector.

[0039] As best shown in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6, each modular element 7 comprises a pair of opposed main faces 1 1 , 12, substantially parallel to the plane p of the rim 1 .

[0040] The faces 1 1 , 12 are at a distance d from each other that is equal to the thickness s of the rim 1 and are joined by connecting walls 13 substantially perpendicular to the faces 1 1 , 12.

[0041] Therefore, the connecting walls 13 have a dimension that is substantially close to the thickness s of the rim 1 and are parallel to the central axis of rotation X.

[0042] Furthermore, one of the two opposed faces 1 1 of each spoke 9 may have a number of projections 14 which extend toward the cavity 10 of each modular element 7 from a corresponding connecting wall 13.

[0043] Conveniently, each of the spokes 9 has a plurality of first through holes 15 at its connecting wall 13, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, which are radially offset toward the outer peripheral portion 8.

[0044] The rim 1 further comprises means 16 for coupling the modular elements 7 together and, in the assembled configuration as shown in FIG. 6, each spoke 9, 9’ of a modular element 7, 7’ is in mutual contact with a spoke 9, 9' of an adjoining modular element 7, 7’ and is coupled thereto by the coupling means 16.

[0045] The spokes 9 so coupled define the wheel spokes 3 of the rim 1 , whereas the contiguously arranged peripheral portions 8 of the modular elements 7 define the outer peripheral edge 2 of the rim 1 .

[0046] Each modular element 7 has a portion of the channel 6 for housing the tire at the outer surface 5 of each peripheral portion 8. In the assembled configuration, the modular elements 7 in side-by-side relationship define the complete tire-housing channel 6.

[0047] During assembly, the first through holes 15 of a spoke 9 will be aligned with the first through holes 15' of the adjoining spoke 9' to receive the coupling means 16, particularly the first screw or pin-like coupling means 16A.

[0048] As best shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, each modular element 7 may have a substantially cylindrical recess, at the connection area 17 for the spokes 9, which extends throughout the thickness s of the modular element 7.

[0049] In the assembled configuration, these recesses 18 form a circular housing 19 for the bushing 4, as best shown in FIG. 6.

[0050] Furthermore, as best shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, each spoke 9 of each modular element 7 may have a recess 20 substantially parallel to the axis of rotation X, at the connecting wall 13 and proximate to the recess 18.

[0051] In the assembled configuration of the rim 1 , these recesses 20 will be adapted to form a plurality of, preferably four second through holes 21 , for second screw or pin-like coupling means 16B, similar to what has been described above concerning the first coupling means 16A.

[0052] Nevertheless, the first coupling means 16A will be adapted to fit into the first through holes 15 in a direction parallel to the plane TT, whereas the second connection means 16B will be adapted to fit in a direction perpendicular to the plane TT.

[0053] According to a peculiar aspect of the invention, the rim 1 comprises at least one stiffening member 22 which is adapted to be placed over the wheel spokes 3 and be coupled thereto by the coupling means 16.

[0054] This stiffening element 22 imparts deformation resistance to the assembled modular elements 7 and keeps them stably coupled together over time.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E, the stiffening member 22 may have different configurations, as described in greater detail below.

[0056] These configurations may have different shapes, colors and decorative patterns, which may be customized and changed as requested by the user.

[0057] Furthermore, the different configurations of the stiffening member 22 allow a user to quickly and simply distinguish a modular rim 1 from another.

[0058] For example, all the modular rims designed to support tires with a predetermined pressure might comprise stiffening members with a particular shape, whereas the rims that are designed to support tires with a pressure below the predetermined pressure might comprise stiffening members having a different shape.

[0059] By this arrangement, as a particular wheel is mounted to the vehicle, the operator would not be required to check the tire pressure but might simply verify the shape or decorative patterns of the stiffening member of the rim.

[0060] The stiffening member 22 may comprise at least one arm 23 having a substantially U-shaped section, which is designed to be fitted onto a respective pair of spokes 9 defining a wheel spoke 3.

[0061] In the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10E, a pair of stiffening members 22A, 22B are provided, which may be independently coupled to the modular elements 7. Each of these stiffening members 22A, 22B comprises a pair of orthogonally extending arms 23, which are designed to be placed over half of the wheel spokes 3 of the modular rim 1.

[0062] Alternatively, the stiffening member 22 may have a one-piece construction, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10D, and may comprise a plurality of rigidly joined arms 23 adapted to be placed over all the wheel spokes 3 of the same rim 1.

[0063] Each U-shaped arm 23 comprises a front wall 24 and a pair of side walls 25 with radial edges 26, irrespective of the configuration of the stiffening member 22.

[0064] The side walls 25 may have a thickness similar to the thickness s of the connecting walls 13 of the modular elements 7.

[0065] The radial edges 26 are intended to abut the projections 14 of one of the opposed faces 1 1 of each spoke 9 once the arm 23 has been placed over the respective wheel spoke 3, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 9.

[0066] In this position, the inner surface 27 of the front wall 24 of each arm 23 abuts the face 12 for the spokes 9 opposite to the face in which the projections 14 are formed.

[0067] The side walls 25 and the front wall 24 of each arm 23 may comprise third 28 and fourth through holes 29 adapted to be aligned with the first 15 and the second through holes 21 respectively as described above and adapted to receive the first 16a and second screw or pin-like coupling means 16B once the stiffening member 22 has been placed over the modular elements 7.

[0068] Then, the first 16a and second coupling means 16b have the purpose of coupling the modular elements 7 together and the stiffening member 22 to the modular elements 7.

[0069] Furthermore, at the intersection 30 of the arms 23, the stiffening member 22 comprises an additional through hole 31 that can be aligned with the housing 19 formed by the modular elements 7 to receive the bushing 4.

[0070] In the embodiments as shown in FIGS. 4 and 10E each pair of stiffening members 22A, 22B may comprise a half-hole which is adapted to form the additional through hole 31 to receive the bushing 4.

[0071] The front walls 24 and/or the side walls 25 of the arms 23 may be painted or have decorative patterns, not shown, which may be possibly customized by the user.

[0072] As shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E, the stiffening member 22 may comprise annular 32 or circular 32 portions to rigidly join the arms 23 together.

[0073] These annular 32 or circular 33 portions are adapted to also entirely or partially cover the cavities 10 between the spokes 9 of each modular element 7 and afford further reinforcement of the structure of the stiffening member 22.

[0074] Furthermore, in combination with the decorative patterns or painting as mentioned above, these annular 32 and circular 33 portions allow a user to simply and readily distinguish each modular rim from a similar rim.

[0075] It will be appreciated that these embodiments of the stiffening member 22 are only given by way of example and without limitation to the invention, and other embodiments may be provided, without departure from the scope of the present invention.

[0076] Referring to FIGS. 5 to 9, the assembly of the modular rim 1 first includes providing the modular elements 7 in side-by-side relationship, i.e. with the connecting walls 13 of the spokes 9 in contact with the walls 13' of the spokes 9 of the adjoining modular element 7' and with the first through holes 15 aligned to each other.

[0077] Then, the stiffening member/s 22 are placed above the modular elements 7 for each arm 23 to be fitted onto each pair of adjoining spokes 9, 9’ defining a wheel spoke 3.

[0078] In this position, each third through hole 28 of the stiffening member 22 is aligned with a corresponding first through hole 15 and every fourth through hole 29 is aligned with a corresponding second through hole 21.

[0079] Finally, the first coupling means 16a are inserted and locked in the first 15 and the third 28 through holes, the second coupling means 16b are inserted and locked in the second 21 and the fourth 29 through holes and the bushing 4 is inserted in the housing 19.

[0080] While the modular rim has been described with particular reference to the accompanying figures, the numerals referred to in the disclosure and claims are only used for the sake of a better intelligibility of the invention and shall not be intended to limit the claimed scope in any manner.

Industrial Applicability

[0081] The present invention may find application in industry, because it can be produced on an industrial scale in the field of accessories and parts for vehicles.

Claims

1 . A modular wheel rim (1 ) for vehicle wheels having an outer peripheral edge (2) and a plurality of substantially radial wheel spokes (3), which rim (1 ) comprises:

a plurality of modular elements (7) each having an arc shaped peripheral portion (8) and a pair of radial spokes (9) defining a circular sector;

coupling means (16) for coupling said modular elements (7) together; wherein, in the assembled configuration, each spoke (9) of a modular element (7) is placed in mutual contact with a spoke (9’) of an adjacent modular element (7’) and secured thereto by said coupling means (16) for defining each of said wheel spokes (3), the peripheral portions (8) of said modular elements (7) defining said outer peripheral edge (2);

characterized by comprising at least one stiffening member (22) designed to be superimposed to said spokes (3) and secured thereto with said coupling means (16).

2. Rim as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that said modular elements (7) have opposed main faces (1 1 , 12) which are substantially parallel to the extension plan (TT) of the assembled rim (1 ) and located at a distance (d) which is equal to the thickness (s) of the rim (1 ) and joined with connection walls (13) substantially perpendicular to said faces (1 1 , 12).

3. Rim as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that each spoke (9) has in said connection walls (13) a plurality of first through holes (15) designed to be registered with correspondent first through holes (15’) of an adjoining spoke (9’) for allowing the insertion of first screw or pin-like coupling means (16A).

4. Rim as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that each modular element (7) has in the intersection area (17) of the spokes (9) a substantially cylindrical recess (18) which extends over the overall thickness (s) of said modular element (7) to define with the recesses (18) of the other adjacent elements (7’) a central housing (19) for a support bushing (4) which supports a rotation axis (X) of the rim (1 ).

5. Rim as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that said spokes (9) have in correspondence of said connection walls (13) and next to the said recess (18) grooves (20) which are substantially parallel to said axis (X) and being designed to form with the grooves (20) of the adjacent spokes (9’) a plurality of second through holes (21 ) for second screw or pin-like coupling means (16B).

6. Rim as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that said at least one stiffening member (22) comprises at least one arm (23) having a substantially“U” shaped cross section and designed to be inserted into a respective pair of spokes (9, 9’) which define a wheel spoke (3), said arm (23) having a plurality of third through holes (28) designed to be registered with said first through holes (15) for allowing the passage of said first screw or pin-like coupling means (16A).

7. Rim as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that each arm (23) comprises a front wall (24) and a pair of side walls (25) with radial edges (26) designed to abut on projections (14) formed along one of said opposed faces (1 1 ) of each of said spokes (9).

8. Rim as claimed in claim 6, characterized by comprising four modular elements (7) defining circular sectors with orthogonal sides.

9. Rim as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said at least one stiffening member (22) comprises a plurality of arms (23) integral with each other and designed to be superimposed to all the wheel spokes (3) of the same modular rim (1 ).

10. Rim as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said at least one stiffening member (22) comprises a pair of arms (23) located at right angle and designed to be positioned over one half of the wheel spokes (3) of the same modular rim (1 )·

1 1 . Rim as claimed in claim 6, characterized in that said at least one stiffening member (22) comprises annular (32) or circular portions (33) for making said arms (23) integral with each other.

12. Rim as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that said at least one stiffening member (22) has front walls (24) and/or side walls (25) painted or provided with decorative elements optionally designed to be customized by the user.