Spoke attachment assembly for a bicycle wheel, wheel and manufacturing process thereof

Abstract

The present invention relates to a spoke attachment assembly for a bicycle wheel, a wheel and a manufacturing process thereof. A spoke attachment assembly (80) is configured to be coupled to a rim of a spoked bicycle wheel. Such an assembly (80) comprises a nipple (40), at least one shaped washer (50) and a retaining device (90), wherein the nipple has an enlarged head (44) and a stem (42) provided with a coupling portion (47) for coupling with a spoke, the at least one shaped washer is associated with the nipple (40) and is configured to abut, on one side, the enlarged head (44) of the nipple (40) and, on the other side, a rim (10), the retaining device is configured to retain the at least one shaped washer (50) in association with the nipple (40). The aforementioned assembly (80) is used in the spoked bicycle wheel.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a spoke attachment assembly configured to be attached to a rim of a spoked bicycle wheel, and to a spoked bicycle wheel using such an assembly.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a process for manufacturing such wheels. Background Technology

[0003] The aforementioned wheel can be the front or rear wheel of a bicycle. This bicycle can be a mountain bike, a recreational bike, or a racing bike.

[0004] A spoked bicycle wheel consists of a rim, a hub, and multiple spokes extending between the hub and the rim.

[0005] It is known to connect the rim to multiple spoke caps (one for each spoke) and to connect each spoke to the rim via the corresponding spoke caps.

[0006] A spoke nipple can be configured to allow adjustment of the spoke tension at the rim. In contrast, a spoke nipple can simply allow the spokes to be attached to the rim. In this case, the spoke tension can be adjusted at the hub.

[0007] The spoke cap includes an enlarged head and a post, wherein the enlarged head is configured to abut against the rim when the spokes are tensioned, and the post is provided with a connecting portion configured to be connected to the spokes.

[0008] When the spoke cap is configured to allow adjustment of spoke tension, the connecting portion includes a threaded hole open at the free end of the post.

[0009] Spokes include an end configured to be conventionally attached to the hub and an opposite end configured to be attached to the rim.

[0010] When the spoke cap is configured to allow adjustment of spoke tension, the aforementioned opposite ends of the spoke have external threads configured to screw into the threaded hole of the corresponding spoke cap. The length of the aforementioned external thread can be equal to the length of the threaded hole of the spoke cap, but the length of the aforementioned external thread is generally greater than the length of the threaded hole of the spoke cap, such that the spoke tension can be adjusted by screwing the spoke into or out of the spoke cap. This screwing in / out is achieved by rotating the spoke cap. Due to this screwing in / out, the depth of the spoke screwed into the threaded hole of the spoke cap changes, and therefore, the total longitudinal extension length of the assembly formed by the spoke and the spoke cap increases or decreases.

[0011] The following definitions apply throughout this specification and the appended claims.

[0012] The terms “axial,” “axially,” and similar terms are used to refer to a direction that is substantially coincident with or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0013] The terms “radial,” “radially,” and similar terms are used to refer to a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheel and incident on the axis of rotation of the wheel.

[0014] The terms “circumferential,” “circumferentially,” and similar terms are used to refer to the direction oriented along a line extending around the axis of rotation of a wheel.

[0015] The terms “axial interior” and “axial exterior” and similar terms are used to refer to positions near and away from the lateral midplane of the wheel, respectively, while the terms “radial interior” and “radial exterior” and similar terms are used to refer to positions near and away from the axis of rotation of the wheel, respectively.

[0016] On the other hand, the term "longitudinal" is used to refer to the main direction of extension of the bicycle component under consideration.

[0017] The term "composite material" is used to refer to a material comprising structural fibers incorporated within a polymer material. The structural fibers are preferably selected from the group consisting of carbon fibers, glass fibers, boron fibers, aramid fibers, ceramic fibers, and combinations thereof. The polymer material can be thermoplastic or thermosetting.

[0018] Wheel rims having radially external tire coupling channels and radially internal spoke attachment chambers are known. For example, this type of wheel rim is shown in US 2007 / 0158996 A1, issued to the same applicant.

[0019] Typically, wheel rims are made of aluminum or its alloys (in which case they can be obtained by extrusion of profile bars) or of composite materials (in which case they can be obtained by injection or compression molding).

[0020] The spoke attachment chamber includes a lower bridge member in which multiple spoke attachment through holes are formed, each spoke attachment through hole being configured to receive a corresponding spoke cap, and a through hole for a passage to an inflation valve for the tire chamber of the wheel is also formed in the lower bridge member, or, in the case of a tubeless tire, a through hole for an inflation valve for the tire itself is formed.

[0021] The spoke attachment chamber also includes an upper bridging member in which a through-hole is formed for passage to the aforementioned inflation valve. In many solutions, additional through-holes are formed on the upper bridging member, with one additional through-hole at each spoke attachment through-hole, to allow the spoke cap to be inserted into the corresponding spoke attachment through-hole.

[0022] The post of each spoke cap is inserted radially outward from the lower bridge member relative to the rim into the corresponding spoke attachment through hole, while the enlarged head of the spoke cap remains radially outward relative to the lower bridge member and abuts against the lower bridge member after the spokes have been attached to the spoke cap (usually screwed into the threaded hole of the spoke cap) and tensioned.

[0023] When the rim is made of aluminum (or its alloy), the enlarged head of the spoke cap is typically abutted on a suitable abutment seat formed in a recess (typically formed by mechanical chip removal) in the lower bridge of the rim at least at each spoke attachment hole.

[0024] When the rim is made of composite material, the aforementioned recesses are not easily formed due to the difficulty in processing the composite material. Therefore, the enlarged head of the spoke cap is usually adjacent to a perforated insert specially arranged on the lower bridge of the rim at the attachment hole of each spoke. The perforated insert is usually co-molded with the rim, as described, for example, in EP3495161 A1 granted to the same applicant, and can be made, for example, of polyetherimide, which is commercialized by Sabic of Riyadh under the trade name Ultem 2400.

[0025] The disadvantage of the last solution, due to the specific materials used, is the cost of the perforated insert.

[0026] Similarly, when the rim is made of composite material, a more cost-effective solution is known to use multiple shaped washers made of steel instead of the aforementioned perforated inserts, each shaped washer positioned at each spoke attachment through-hole. In this case, the lower bridge has a substantially flat circumferential surface on which the aforementioned shaped washer rests. On the other hand, the upper bridge has multiple service holes, one at each spoke attachment through-hole, to allow the shaped washer and the corresponding spoke cap to be inserted into the spoke attachment chamber and positioned at the corresponding spoke attachment through-hole using, for example, a suitable slender tool.

[0027] The drawback of this solution is that it requires applying a strip to the upper bridge connector to seal the aforementioned service hole, thus eliminating the risk of damaging or puncturing the tire's air chamber while allowing for an airtight seal when using rims constructed for use with tubeless tires.

[0028] A solution to the problem of having multiple service holes on the upper bridge of a rim is described in US 2007 / 0158996 A1, issued to the same applicant. This document discloses a rim in which the upper bridge has only one through-hole for a tire inflation valve or a limited number of service holes. The document also describes a process intended for manufacturing a spoked bicycle wheel. This process includes the steps of inserting a spoke cap into a spoke attachment chamber through an opening (which may be a through-hole for a tire inflation valve or a specially manufactured different opening) and guiding the spoke cap along the spoke attachment chamber toward and to the corresponding spoke attachment seat. The process also includes the step of inserting the post portion of the spoke cap into the spoke attachment seat until the head of the spoke cap abuts against the lower bridge of the rim.

[0029] The spoke cap described in US 2007 / 0158996 A1 is made of aluminum and, during the aforementioned process, is attached to a corresponding insert made of a ferromagnetic material. Each ferromagnetic insert has a head and a threaded post that screws into the threaded hole of the spoke cap. In this way, once the assembly of the spoke cap and the ferromagnetic insert is inserted into the spoke attachment chamber, it is guided and moved along the spoke attachment chamber by magnetic attraction, which is applied, for example, manually or automatically, along the rim and outside the rim until a predetermined spoke attachment seat is reached. Once such a spoke attachment seat is reached, the post of the spoke cap is removed from the spoke attachment seat due to the magnetic connection between one end of the magnet and the head of the ferromagnetic insert. Thereafter, the magnet is removed from the ferromagnetic insert, the ferromagnetic insert is screwed out of the threaded hole of the spoke cap, and the threaded end of the spoke is screwed onto the spoke cap.

[0030] The aforementioned process can be used for wheel rims made of steel, aluminum (or its alloys), magnesium (or its alloys) or composite materials.

[0031] The applicant has focused its attention on rims of the type described in US 2007 / 0158996 A1, or rims that do not require the formation of maintenance holes at each spoke attachment on the upper bridge and thus the application of a belt on the upper bridge, in order to allow the rim to be used with tubeless tires, or in order to avoid damage to the tire's air chamber.

[0032] The applicant has observed that in cases where the aforementioned molded washers are used to maintain the cost-effectiveness of the wheel rim, the process described in US 2007 / 0158996 A1 cannot be directly applied. In fact, there is a risk that once these molded washers are inserted into the spoke attachment chamber, they may become scattered within such chambers, or, if inserted, have been applied to the post of the spoke cap, potentially slipping off the spoke cap, thus complicating wheel assembly and / or manufacturing operations.

[0033] The technical problem based on this invention is to provide a system that allows for easy positioning of the spoke cap and corresponding shaped washer at the spoke attachment of the lower bridge of the wheel rim, in cases where the upper bridge of the wheel rim does not have a service hole at each spoke attachment. Summary of the Invention

[0034] Therefore, the present invention relates in a first aspect to a spoke attachment assembly configured to be attached to a rim of a spoked bicycle wheel, the spoke attachment assembly comprising: a spoke cap having an enlarged head and a post having a connecting portion configured to be attached to a spoke; at least one molded washer associated with the spoke cap and configured to abut the enlarged head of the spoke cap on one side and abut the rim on the opposite side; characterized in that the spoke attachment assembly includes a retaining device configured to retain the at least one molded washer associated with the spoke cap.

[0035] Throughout this specification and the claims, when the term "associated" is used with reference to the connection between at least one molded washer and the spoke cap, it is intended to indicate both a direct connection between the at least one molded washer and the spoke cap (e.g., similar to the case where the at least one molded washer is applied to the post portion of the spoke cap) and an indirect connection between the at least one molded washer and the spoke cap (e.g., similar to the case where the at least one molded washer is directly connected to another component, which in turn is directly connected to the spoke cap). The distinction between direct and indirect connections will become apparent in the detailed description, particularly when different embodiments of the spoke attachment assembly according to the invention are discussed.

[0036] Because of the aforementioned retaining device, at least one shaped washer can be associated with the spoke cap before the spoke is attached to the spoke cap, and particularly before the spoke cap and the at least one shaped washer are inserted into the rim. The at least one shaped washer remains associated with the spoke cap until the spoke cap is positioned at the corresponding spoke attachment. This greatly simplifies the wheel assembly and / or manufacturing operations. In practice, the at least one shaped washer is positioned at the spoke attachment simultaneously with the spoke cap.

[0037] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a spoked bicycle wheel, comprising: a rim including a tire coupling channel and at least one spoke attachment chamber, the at least one spoke attachment chamber being provided with at least one opening and a spoke attachment surface including a plurality of spoke attachment seats, the at least one opening including a number of openings less than the number of spoke attachment seats; a plurality of spoke caps, each spoke cap having an enlarged head and a post, wherein the enlarged head is disposed in the at least one spoke attachment chamber and the post is inserted into a corresponding spoke attachment seat and provided with a connecting portion configured to be connected to a corresponding spoke; a plurality of spokes, each spoke having an end end connected to a connecting portion of the post of a corresponding spoke cap; characterized in that, for each of the spoke caps, at least one shaped washer is included, the at least one shaped washer being applied to the post of the spoke cap and abutting on one side the enlarged head of the spoke cap and on the opposite side the spoke attachment surface.

[0038] Such wheels are easy to assemble because at least one shaped washer can be associated with the spokes before they are attached to the spoke cap, as stated above. Providing a limited number of openings (such a number is particularly less than the number of spoke attachments and may even be equal to one) makes it possible to assemble and / or manufacture wheels with tubeless tires without applying a belt to the rim, or to avoid damaging the tire's air chamber.

[0039] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a process for manufacturing a spoked bicycle wheel, the process comprising the steps of: a) providing a rim element having a tire coupling channel and at least one spoke attachment chamber, the at least one spoke attachment chamber being provided with at least one opening and having a spoke attachment surface including a plurality of spoke attachment seats; b) inserting a spoke attachment assembly through the at least one opening into the at least one spoke attachment chamber, the spoke attachment assembly comprising: a spoke cap having an enlarged head and a post portion having a connecting portion, the connecting portion... The spoke attachment assembly is configured to be coupled to a corresponding spoke; at least one shaped washer; a retaining device configured to retain the at least one shaped washer associated with the spoke cap; c) moving the spoke attachment assembly along the spoke attachment surface toward and to one of the spoke attachment seats; d) inserting the post portion of the spoke cap of the spoke attachment assembly into the spoke attachment seat; e) constraining the spoke attachment assembly to the spoke attachment seat; f) repeating steps b) to e) to couple the corresponding spoke attachment assembly to each other spoke attachment seat.

[0040] Advantageously, the aforementioned process allows for the assembly of rim elements by arranging all spoke attachment components on the corresponding spoke attachment seats, thereby enabling the subsequent manufacture of spoked bicycle wheels according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0041] The movement of the spoke attachment assembly toward and to the corresponding spoke attachment seat is achieved through the relative movement of the spoke attachment assembly relative to the rim element. Such relative movement can be achieved by moving the spoke attachment assembly without moving the rim element, or by moving (rotating) the rim element without moving the spoke attachment assembly, or by a combination of the two movements.

[0042] Wheel rim components can be obtained by molding composite materials.

[0043] Alternatively, the wheel rim element can be made of aluminum (or its alloy) or magnesium (or its alloy) and is typically obtained through an extrusion step.

[0044] In this case, during actuation of part or all of the process according to the invention, the rim element may still be in a straight state, or may already be in rim shape, still open at both ends or already closed. Forming into a circle can typically be done via a calendaring step. The ends are typically joined by welding (e.g., flash welding or TIG welding) or by inserting sleeves and gluing, or by pin connections or other methods.

[0045] In at least one of the foregoing aspects, the invention may have, individually or in combination, the preferred features described below, unless otherwise expressly stated.

[0046] Preferably, the retaining device is removable.

[0047] Specifically, the retaining device is active at least before the spoke cap is arranged at the corresponding spoke attachment, and these retaining devices are removed before or after the spokes are installed in the spoke cap.

[0048] In a preferred embodiment, the connecting portion of the spoke cap's post includes a threaded hole that opens at the free end of the post. In this case, the spoke includes external threads at its end, which are configured to screw into the threaded hole in the spoke cap's post to allow adjustment of the spoke tension by rotating the spoke cap.

[0049] In the components of this invention, one or more shaped washers may be associated with each spoke cap, for example, using two shaped washers. In the latter case, the shaped washers are arranged substantially concentrically to allow for better alignment between the spoke cap and the spokes mounted therein, particularly in the case of wheels whose spokes are not radially arranged.

[0050] For the sake of simplicity, reference will generally be made to the molded washer associated with the strip cap. However, this also applies to cases where multiple molded washers are associated with the strip cap, unless otherwise explicitly stated.

[0051] Preferably, the spoke attachment assembly includes a portion made of a magnetic material (e.g., similar to steel and / or its alloys).

[0052] More preferably, this portion made of magnetic material is defined in or by the cap, and / or defined in or by at least one molded washer, and / or defined in or by other elements associated with or by the cap and / or the at least one molded washer.

[0053] In this case, it is preferable that the retaining device is of a magnetic type. Therefore, these retaining devices are adapted to interact with the portion of the spoke attachment assembly made of a magnetic material in order to retain the shaped washer attached to the spoke cap.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the holding device includes a maneuvering magnet configured to be operated by an operator near the spoke attachment assembly.

[0055] For example, the forming washer can be held applied to the post portion of the strip cap and adjacent to the head of the strip cap by arranging a manipulating magnet at the head of the strip cap and providing a forming washer (or an element attached to the forming washer) made at least partially of magnetic material.

[0056] The molded washer can also be held in place on the pillar of the cap (rather than adjacent to the head of the cap) by providing an actuating magnet whose outer dimensions are larger than the inner diameter of the molded washer, arranging such an actuating magnet at the end of the pillar of the cap, and making the cap (or the element attached to the cap) at least partially made of a magnetic material. In this case, it is not necessary for the molded washer to be made of a magnetic material.

[0057] The external dimensions of the actuating magnet can be less than or equal to the inner diameter of the molded washer. In this case, if the actuating magnet is positioned at the end of the post portion of the cap, the molded washer can move along the post portion of the cap until it reaches the actuating magnet and may travel onto it (this is achieved by gravity if the molded washer is not made of a magnetic material, or by magnetic attraction applied by the actuating magnet if the molded washer is at least partially made of a magnetic material). Therefore, it is necessary for the cap (or the element attached to the cap) to be made of a magnetic material to keep the actuating magnet in contact with the cap and thus with the molded washer attached to the cap (through the actuating magnet).

[0058] Preferably, the spoke attachment assembly includes an insert made of a magnetic material that is removably associated with the spoke cap.

[0059] Advantageously, once associated with the spoke cap, the insert allows the spoke cap to be attracted by the aforementioned manipulator magnet. This is particularly useful in the wheel assembly and / or manufacturing processes, as better described below.

[0060] Preferably, the insert has a head and a rod portion, the rod portion being removably accommodated in the post portion of the cap.

[0061] More preferably, in embodiments where the post portion of the cap includes a threaded hole, the shank portion of the insert includes external threads so that the shank portion of the insert can be screwed into the post portion of the cap.

[0062] Advantageously, it is possible to use particularly simple inserts (similar to conventional screws).

[0063] In some embodiments, the at least one molded washer has a predetermined inner diameter, and the head of the insert has an outer dimension larger than the inner diameter of the at least one molded washer. In this case, the retaining device is defined by the head of the insert, which, due to the size of the insert, prevents the molded washer from slipping off the post portion of the cap.

[0064] In other embodiments, the at least one molded washer is fitted to the post portion of the strip cap using an interference connection. In this case, the retaining device is defined by the interference between the molded washer and the post portion of the strip cap.

[0065] In some preferred embodiments, the free end of the rod is magnetized. In this case, the forming washer remains in place on the post of the cap due to the fact that after the forming washer is applied to the post of the cap and the rod of the insert is received in the post of the cap, the magnetized free end of the rod of the insert is positioned close to the forming washer and applies an attractive force to the forming washer.

[0066] In other preferred embodiments, the at least one shaped washer has a predetermined inner diameter, and the retaining device includes a flexible washer applied to the rod portion of the insert and positioned between the free end of the post portion of the cap and the head of the insert, the flexible washer having an outer dimension larger than the inner diameter of the at least one shaped washer.

[0067] Therefore, the flexible washer is sized to, for example, prevent the shaped washer from slipping off the post of the spoke cap. Due to the flexibility of the flexible washer, it can flex to pass through the aforementioned opening during the insertion of the post of the spoke cap into the corresponding spoke attachment.

[0068] The flexible washer can be attached to the head or shank of the insert using an adhesive material (such as a glue). Thus, when the insert is detached from its corresponding cap for reuse on another cap, the flexible washer remains constrained to the insert.

[0069] In some preferred embodiments, the at least one molded washer has a predetermined inner diameter, and the retaining device includes a retaining washer mounted in a groove formed on the outer surface of the post portion of the strip cap on the opposite side of the enlarged head of the at least one molded washer relative to the strip cap, wherein the retaining washer has an outer dimension larger than the inner diameter of the at least one molded washer. This prevents the molded washer from slipping off the strip cap.

[0070] Preferably, the retaining washer is made of a water-soluble material to allow it to be removed after the post of the spoke cap has been inserted into the corresponding spoke attachment, either before or after the spokes are installed on the spoke cap.

[0071] Such water-soluble materials can be, for example, polyvinyl alcohol.

[0072] In some preferred embodiments, the retaining device includes an adhesive substance (e.g., similar to an adhesive) placed between the head and / or post of the at least one molded washer and the cap.

[0073] Preferably, the adhesive substance is water-soluble.

[0074] Such adhesive substances can be, for example, vinyl glue.

[0075] Preferably, in the spoked wheel according to the invention, there is a single opening.

[0076] More preferably, such a single opening is a through-hole configured to accommodate the tire's inflation valve.

[0077] Preferably, in the spoked wheel according to the invention, the rim is made of aluminum or its alloy, or more preferably of a composite material.

[0078] Preferably, in the rim of the wheel of the present invention, the spoke attachment chamber is defined between an upper bridge member and a lower bridge member of the rim, wherein the upper bridge member separates the tire connection channel from the spoke attachment chamber, and the lower bridge member includes a spoke attachment surface.

[0079] In this case, during the process of the present invention, step b) of inserting the spoke attachment assembly into at least one spoke attachment chamber is performed until the at least one shaped washer is abutted against the lower bridge member and the enlarged head of the spoke cap is abutted against the at least one shaped washer.

[0080] In the process of this invention, the connection between the retaining washer and the strip cap can be maintained in various ways, depending on the type of retaining device provided, such as those previously described.

[0081] In particular, such retention can be achieved by gluing the at least one molded washer to the head and / or post of the cap.

[0082] Alternatively, or in addition to the aforementioned adhesive bonding, the aforementioned retention can be achieved by providing the aforementioned flexible gasket and / or the aforementioned retaining gasket.

[0083] Alternatively, or in addition to what has been described above, the aforementioned retention can be achieved by setting the external dimension of the head of the insert to be larger than the inner diameter of the at least one shaped washer, or by magnetizing the free end of the rod of the insert.

[0084] Preferably, the spoke attachment assembly used in the process of the present invention includes a portion made of a magnetic material.

[0085] In this case, step b) of inserting the spoke attachment assembly into the at least one spoke attachment chamber includes the following steps: attaching the actuating magnet to the spoke attachment assembly due to the magnetic interaction between the actuating magnet and the portion made of magnetically absorbing material; inserting the actuating magnet into the at least one spoke attachment chamber through the at least one opening; removing the actuating magnet from the at least one spoke attachment chamber through a second opening substantially aligned with the at least one opening; and disengaging the actuating magnet from the spoke attachment assembly.

[0086] Preferably, step c) of moving the spoke attachment assembly is performed due to the magnetic interaction between the portion made of magnetic material and the guide magnet, and includes moving the guide magnet along the spoke attachment surface toward one of the spoke attachment seats and to that one of the spoke attachment seats.

[0087] Preferably, prior to step c) of moving the spoke attachment assembly, the following steps are performed: keeping the spoke attachment assembly in contact with the spoke attachment surface by disengaging the manipulator magnet from the spoke attachment assembly while simultaneously magnetically attaching the spoke attachment assembly to the guide magnet.

[0088] Preferably, step d) of inserting the post portion of the spoke cap into the spoke attachment seat is performed due to the magnetic connection between the guide magnet and the portion made of magnetic material.

[0089] Preferably, once the aforementioned insert made of magnetic material is removably attached to the cap, the portion made of magnetic material is defined by the insert.

[0090] The process of the present invention can be used to constrain the spoke attachment assembly in the corresponding spoke attachment seat of a rim element (which is either a profile bar still to be formed into a circle or a profile bar already formed into a circle) or to manufacture the wheel of the present invention.

[0091] In cases where the operation of constraining each spoke attachment assembly to the corresponding spoke attachment seat is not performed simultaneously with wheel manufacturing—that is, before each spoke cap is attached to the corresponding spoke, after the insert (if provided) is removed from the spoke cap, an anchoring element is attached to a portion of the spoke cap's post, said portion protruding from the spoke attachment surface on the opposite side to the side where the enlarged head of the spoke cap is disposed. The anchoring element is larger than the spoke attachment seat. Such anchoring elements are subsequently removed during wheel manufacturing to associate the corresponding spoke with the spoke cap. The aforementioned anchoring element may be, for example, an elastic ring or clamp arranged around the post of the spoke cap or around the shank of the insert (if provided); or the head of the insert, which is larger than the spoke attachment seat.

[0092] On the other hand, if the operation of constraining each spoke attachment assembly to the corresponding spoke attachment seat is performed during the manufacture of the wheel, step e) of constraining the spoke attachment assembly to the spoke attachment seat includes connecting the end of the spoke to the connecting portion of the post of the spoke cap inserted into the spoke attachment seat.

[0093] Preferably, the retaining device is removed from the spoke attachment assembly after step e) of constraining the spoke attachment assembly to the spoke attachment seat and before or after the step of attaching the end of the spoke to the connection portion of the post of the spoke cap.

[0094] Preferably, in the case where the spoke attachment assembly includes two molded washers, in the wheel of the present invention, the first molded washer is placed between the enlarged head of the spoke cap and the spoke attachment seat, and the second molded washer is placed between the enlarged head of the spoke cap and the first molded washer. Attached Figure Description

[0095] Other features and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0096] Figure 1 This is a schematic perspective view of a portion of a spoked bicycle wheel according to the present invention;

[0097] Figure 2 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a first preferred embodiment of the spoke attachment assembly according to the present invention;

[0098] Figure 3 It is formed Figure 2A schematic perspective view of a molded washer as part of a spoke attachment assembly;

[0099] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a variant of the spoke attachment assembly, in which two shaped washers are provided instead of one;

[0100] Figure 5 This is a schematic perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the spoke attachment assembly according to the present invention;

[0101] Figure 6 It is used in Figure 7 A schematic perspective view of the metal insert and the flexible gasket applied thereon in the spoke attachment assembly;

[0102] Figure 7 This is a schematic perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the spoke attachment assembly according to the present invention;

[0103] Figure 8 yes Figure 7 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a variant of the spoke attachment assembly, in which two shaped washers are provided instead of one;

[0104] Figure 9 It is inserted at Figure 1 In the steps of the spoke attachment seat of the lower bridge component of the wheel rim, Figure 7 Longitudinal cross-sectional view of the spoke attachment assembly;

[0105] Figure 10 This is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a fourth preferred embodiment of the spoke attachment assembly according to the present invention;

[0106] Figures 11 to 14 It is used for manufacturing Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram and a partial cross-sectional view of the successive steps of the wheel-making process. Detailed Implementation

[0107] First refer to Figure 1 Reference numeral 5 in the accompanying drawings generally indicates a first embodiment of a spoked bicycle wheel according to the present invention.

[0108] The wheel 5 includes a rim 10, a hub 20, and multiple spokes 30 extending between the hub 20 and the rim 10. For clarity, reference numeral 30 is associated with only one of the spokes shown.

[0109] The wheel rim 10 can be made of aluminum or its alloy by extrusion of a profile rod.

[0110] Preferably, the wheel rim 10 is at least partially made of composite material. More preferably, the wheel rim 10 is entirely made of composite material.

[0111] The rim 10 is configured for use with a tubeless tire (not shown).

[0112] The rim 10 is formed by two opposing sidewalls 16a, which are connected to the radially inner end by a radially inner circumferential wall or a lower bridging member 16b. The two sidewalls 16a are also connected at their midpoint by a radially outer circumferential wall or an upper bridging member 16c, thus having a substantially inverted "A" shaped cross section.

[0113] Preferably, the lower bridging member 16b and the upper bridging member 16c have a generally cylindrical shape.

[0114] The sidewall 16a includes a corresponding radially outer portion or wing 16d, which forms a tire connection channel 12 with the upper bridge member 16c. The wing 16d is provided with a corresponding folded end 16e for retaining the bead of the tire connected to the rim 10.

[0115] The wing 16d is constrained by its geometry and dimensions, both for the purpose of attaching the tire and for providing a suitable sliding surface externally for any possible brake pads. In the case of a tubeless tire, the upper bridge member 16c is constrained by the need to form an airtight seal with the tire. In the example shown, the upper bridge member 16c has a single opening 15c for passage and housing of the tire's inflation valve (not shown) or tire chamber.

[0116] like Figure 11 As shown, the rim 10 includes a spoke attachment chamber 14 at a radially inward position relative to the tire connection channel 12. Specifically, the spoke attachment chamber 14 is defined by the radial interior 16f of the sidewall 16a, by the lower bridge member 16b, and by the upper bridge member 16c.

[0117] The radial interior 16f of the sidewall 16a and the lower bridging member 16b are not constrained by a particular geometry or size, and therefore can be replaced by a single wall with a circular arc cross-section or by multiple walls to form a cross-section with a more complex shape than that shown, possibly defining multiple annular spoke attachment chambers (not shown).

[0118] therefore, Figure 1 and Figures 11 to 14 The specific shape of the wheel rim 10 shown is for illustrative purposes only and not for limiting the invention.

[0119] like Figure 11 As shown, the lower bridge member 16b includes a spoke attachment surface 17, on which an opening 15b is formed. The opening 15b is substantially aligned in the radial direction with the opening 15c formed on the upper bridge member 16c and also provides passage and housing for a tire inflation valve or tire air chamber.

[0120] In one embodiment of the wheel rim 10, the aforementioned openings 15b and 15c are defined by corresponding through holes with a diameter between about 6 mm and about 9 mm, for example, equal to 7 mm.

[0121] like Figure 1 As shown, the spoke attachment surface 17 includes a plurality of spoke attachment seats 18, each defined by a corresponding through hole. For clarity of illustration, reference numeral 18 is associated with only one of the spoke attachment seats shown.

[0122] In embodiments different from those shown, the spoke attachment 18 is formed in one or both of the radial interior 16f of the sidewall 16a of the rim 10.

[0123] The spoke attachment seats 18 are equidistantly spaced and evenly distributed along the center plane of the rim 10. However, the number and distribution of such spoke attachment seats 18 can be quite different from those in the embodiments shown herein. For example, the spoke attachment seats 18 may be divided into two, three, or four groups and / or formed on multiple planes other than the center plane of the rim 10.

[0124] Preferably, each spoke attachment 18 has a generally circular cross-section and is defined by a through hole with a diameter smaller than that of the through holes defining the openings 15b and 15c. The diameter of the through hole defining the spoke attachment 18 is preferably between about 2.5 mm and about 7 mm, for example, equal to about 5 mm.

[0125] To insert the spoke attachment assembly 80 into the spoke attachment chamber 14, it is also conceivable to forgo the opening 15c and instead form a dedicated opening (not shown) on the upper bridge 16c. In this way, a broken or damaged spoke attachment assembly 80 can be replaced without disassembling and reinstalling the tire's inflation valve. This dedicated opening is preferably provided with a removable cover configured to close when not in use.

[0126] exist Figure 1 In the rim 10, the spokes 30 are connected to the rim 10 at the respective spoke attachment seats 18 via corresponding spoke caps 40. For clarity, the reference numeral 40 is associated with only one of the spoke caps shown.

[0127] like Figure 2 As shown, the spoke cap 40 includes a post 42 and an enlarged head 44 (i.e., having an outer dimension larger than that of the post 42), wherein the post is configured to extend through the spoke attachment seat 18 and the enlarged head is configured to remain inside the spoke attachment chamber 14.

[0128] The first end 32 of the spoke 30 is attached to the spoke cap 40. On the other hand, the second end 34 of the spoke 30 is attached to the hub 20. Figure 1).

[0129] The cap 40 is preferably made of aluminum (or its alloy), brass or steel.

[0130] In the embodiments shown herein, each spoke cap 40 allows for tension adjustment of its associated spoke 30.

[0131] The post portion 42 of the spoke cap 40 includes a connecting portion 47 configured to connect to the spoke 30. This connecting portion 47 includes a threaded hole 47a open at the free end 42a of the post portion 42. The length of the threaded hole allows the first end 32 of the spoke 30 to be screwed in to different depths. The latter has an external thread that matches the threaded hole 47a, thereby enabling adjustment of the tension of the spoke 30 by rotating the spoke cap 40.

[0132] In the non-limiting example shown herein, the threaded hole 47a is a through hole and extends along the entire cap 40, i.e., at the post 42 and at the enlarged head 44.

[0133] The post portion 42 of the spoke cap 40 is configured to insert into the corresponding spoke attachment 18, such that the radially inner end portion 41 protrudes radially from the lower bridge member 16b inside the rim 10, as... Figure 1 As shown, for the sake of simplicity, reference numerals 40 and 41 are associated with only one of the strip caps shown.

[0134] like Figure 2 As shown, the forming washer 50 is applied to the post portion 42 of each strip cap 40.

[0135] When the spokes 30 are tensioned, the forming washer 50 is concentrically abutted against the spoke attachment surface 17 of the lower bridge member 16b of the rim 10, inside the spoke attachment chamber 14 and in a radially external position relative to the lower bridge member 16b, serving as a support for the enlarged head 44 of the spoke cap 40.

[0136] The forming washer 50 has an external dimension larger than that of the spoke attachment 18 and allows for better stress distribution on the lower bridge 16b of the rim 10 surrounding the spoke attachment 18 when the spokes 30 are tensioned.

[0137] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the shaped washer 50 has an annular shape, having a central through hole 52, a substantially flat radial inner surface 54, and a radial outer surface 56. The radial inner surface is configured to abut against the spoke attachment surface 17 of the lower bridge member 16b of the rim 10, and the radial outer surface is configured to abut against the enlarged head 44 of the spoke cap 40.

[0138] exist Figure 2 and Figure 3 In the non-limiting example shown, the radial outer surface 56 has a generally truncated conical or spherical shape. Correspondingly, the enlarged head 44 of the cap 40 has a support portion 46 with a generally truncated conical or spherical shape.

[0139] A system designed to prevent the spoke cap 40 from unspinning from the spoke 30 (e.g., due to vibration) is foreseeable. For example, an adhesive can be used between the thread on the end 32 of the spoke 30 and the threaded hole 47a of the spoke cap 40. Alternatively, at the head of the threaded end 32 of the spoke 30, particularly at a radially outer position relative to the threaded hole 47a, a perforated ball (not shown), for example made of nylon, can be arranged in a suitable seat 45a formed in the enlarged head 44 (e.g., in...). Figure 2 (as shown in the image).

[0140] exist Figure 4 In a modified example, the post portion 42 of the cap 40 has an additional shaped washer 60 applied thereon. The additional shaped washer 60 is positioned between the enlarged head 44 of the cap 40 and the shaped washer 50.

[0141] The other molded gasket 60 has an annular shape and a central through-hole 62 configured to be coaxially arranged with the central through-hole 52 of the molded gasket 50. In this way, the molded gasket 50 is arranged at least partially around the other molded gasket 60.

[0142] like Figure 4 As shown, the other shaped washers 60 have a basic truncated conical or spherical shape, having a radially inner truncated conical or spherical surface 64 and a radially outer truncated conical or spherical surface 66, wherein the radially inner truncated conical or spherical surface is configured to abut against the radially outer surface 56 of the shaped washer 50, and the radially outer truncated conical or spherical surface is configured to abut against the support portion 46 of the enlarged head 44 of the cap 40.

[0143] Preferably, the shaped washer 50 and other shaped washers 60 are made of a metallic material, such as steel.

[0144] like Figure 5 As shown, the enlarged head 44 of the cap 40 includes a gripping portion 48 at a radially outer position relative to the support portion 46, which in particular has a flat side 48a.

[0145] The post portion 42 of the spoke 40 includes a generally cylindrical portion 43 at a radially outer position relative to the end portion 41, where a forming washer 50 is applied, while the end portion 41 has a longitudinal gripping spline 41a, which is configured to be engaged by a suitable tool (not shown) during the tensioning of the spoke 30 in order to rotate the spoke 40.

[0146] Figure 1, Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 as well as Figures 7 to 14 The strip caps 40 shown in the figure are basically always of the same type and have the features described above.

[0147] Figures 2 to 5 as well as Figures 7 to 14 The molded washers 50 shown in the figure are generally of the same type and have the features described above.

[0148] Figure 4 , Figure 8 as well as Figure 10 The other molded washer 60 shown in the figure is essentially always of the same type and has the features described above.

[0149] Figure 2 A first preferred embodiment of a spoke attachment assembly 80 is shown, which is configured to be attached to a rim 10. The spoke attachment assembly 80 includes a spoke cap 40, a shaped washer 50, and a retaining device 90 configured to retain the shaped washer 50 associated with the spoke cap 40.

[0150] Figure 2 The retaining device 90 shown includes a retaining washer 92, which is received in a groove 43a located radially inward relative to the forming washer 50 and thus formed on the outer surface of the generally cylindrical portion 43 of the post portion 42 of the strip cap 40 on the opposite side of the forming washer 50 relative to the enlarged head 44 of the strip cap 40.

[0151] The retaining washer 92 has an annular and flat shape. The retaining washer has an outer dimension larger than the inner diameter of the molded washer 50 in order to prevent the molded washer 50 from slipping off the post portion 42 of the cap 40.

[0152] Preferably, the retaining washer 92 is made of a water-soluble material to allow it to be removed after the post 42 of the spoke cap 40 has been positioned in the spoke attachment seat 18. Such a water-soluble material can be, for example, polyvinyl alcohol (PVOH or PVA), such as one available in sheets produced by ECOMAVI in Massalmbada, Italy.

[0153] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A variation of the spoke attachment assembly 80, which is coupled with... Figure 2 The main difference of the spoke attachment assembly is that it includes another molded washer 60.

[0154] exist Figure 4 In the middle, the spoke attachment assembly 80 and Figure 2Those parts and portions of the spoke attachment assembly 80 that are similar to or functionally equivalent are indicated by the same reference numerals and should be referred to in the relevant description above.

[0155] exist Figure 4 In the variant, the radial inner surface 54 of the shaped washer 50 has an inner diameter larger than that of the shaped washer 50. Figure 2 The diameter of the molded washer is 50.

[0156] In addition, Figure 4 In the variation, the outer dimensions of the retainer 92 are larger than the inner diameter of the molded washer 50 to prevent the molded washer 50 and thus another molded washer 60 from slipping off the post portion 42 of the cap 40.

[0157] Figure 5 It shows Figure 2 Another variation of the spoke attachment assembly 80, which is coupled with... Figure 2 The main difference of the spoke attachment assembly is the absence of retaining washer 92 and groove 43a, and the provision of a different type of retaining device 90 for retaining the shaped washer 50 on the spoke cap 40.

[0158] exist Figure 5 In the middle, the spoke attachment assembly 80 and Figure 2 Those parts and portions of the spoke attachment assembly 80 that are similar to or functionally equivalent are indicated by the same reference numerals and should be referred to in the relevant description above.

[0159] exist Figure 5 In a variant, the aforementioned retaining device 90 includes an adhesive substance (e.g., an adhesive) placed between the molded washer 50 and the enlarged head 44 (particularly the support 46) and / or the post portion 42 (particularly the substantially cylindrical portion 43) of the cap 40.

[0160] The aforementioned adhesive substance is used, for example, in the first positioning step of positioning the spoke attachment assembly 80 at the corresponding spoke attachment seat 18 of the rim 10 to adhere the forming washer 50 to the spoke cap 40. In subsequent steps, when the spokes 30 are tensioned, the aforementioned adhesive substance must allow relative rotation between the forming washer 50 and the spoke cap 40.

[0161] Preferably, the adhesive material is water-soluble. Such an adhesive material can be, for example, a vinyl adhesive, which is preferably removed before the spokes are tensioned.

[0162] Figure 7 It shows Figure 2 Another variation of the spoke attachment assembly 80, which is coupled with... Figure 2The main difference in the spoke attachment components is the absence of retaining washer 92 and groove 43a, and the provision of a different type of retaining device 90 for retaining the shaped washer 50 on the spoke cap 40.

[0163] exist Figure 7 In the middle, the spoke attachment assembly 80 and Figure 2 Those parts and portions of the spoke attachment assembly 80 that are similar to or functionally equivalent are indicated by the same reference numerals and should be referred to in the relevant description above.

[0164] exist Figure 7 In a variation, the aforementioned retaining device 90 includes a flexible washer 192, which is applied to... Figure 6 The insert 200 shown is removably associated with the strip cap 40.

[0165] The insert 200 is made of a metallic material, preferably steel.

[0166] The insert 200 includes a head 204 and a rod 202.

[0167] The rod portion 202 includes an external thread that matches the internal thread of the threaded hole 47a of the post portion 42 of the bar cap 40, so that the rod portion 202 of the insert 200 can be screwed into the post portion 42 of the bar cap 40.

[0168] The flexible washer 192 is applied to the rod 202 of the insert 200, for example, at a circumferential groove 203 formed on the rod 202 at a position adjacent to the head 204.

[0169] The flexible washer 192 can be attached to the head 204 or the rod 202 of the insert 200 by means of an adhesive substance (such as an adhesive).

[0170] like Figure 7 As shown, the flexible washer 192 is positioned between the free end 42a of the post portion 42 of the cap 40 and the head 204 of the insert 200. Preferably, the rod portion 202 is screwed into the post portion 42 of the cap 40 until the flexible washer 192 is abutted against the free end 42a of the post portion 42 of the cap 40.

[0171] The head 204 has a basically cylindrical shape, and its diameter is preferably smaller than the lateral dimension of the column portion 42 of the cap 40 and smaller than the diameter of the basically cylindrical portion 43 of the column portion 42.

[0172] The flexible washer 192 has an annular and flat shape. The outer dimension of the flexible washer is larger than the inner diameter of the molded washer 50 to prevent the molded washer 50 from slipping off the post portion 42 of the cap 40.

[0173] exist Figure 6and Figure 7 In the unrestricted example, the flexible washer 192 has a basic quadrilateral outer contour.

[0174] like Figure 9 As shown, during the manufacture of the wheel 5, or during the prior assembly and / or manufacturing operation of the rim 10 intended to manufacture the wheel 5, the flexible washer 192 can flex to pass through the spoke attachment 18 during the process of inserting the post portion 42 of the spoke cap 40 into the aforementioned spoke attachment 18.

[0175] The flexible washer 192 is preferably made of a plastic material, such as polyester (PET) (especially...). It is made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) or Mylar.

[0176] Figure 8 It shows Figure 7 A variation of the spoke attachment assembly 80, which is coupled with... Figure 7 The main difference of the spoke attachment assembly is that it includes another molded washer 60.

[0177] exist Figure 8 In the middle, the spoke attachment assembly 80 and Figure 7 Those parts and portions of the spoke attachment assembly 80 that are similar to or functionally equivalent are indicated by the same reference numerals and should be referred to in the relevant description above.

[0178] exist Figure 8 In the variant, the inner diameter of the radial inner surface 54 of the formed washer 50 is greater than... Figure 7 The diameter of the molded washer is 50.

[0179] In addition, Figure 8 In the variant, the flexible washer 192 has an outer dimension larger than the inner diameter of the molded washer 50 to prevent the molded washer 50 and another molded washer 60 from slipping off the post portion 42 of the cap 40.

[0180] Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 A variation of the spoke attachment assembly 80, the spoke attachment component being... Figure 8 The main difference in the spoke attachment components is the absence of the flexible washer 192 and the provision of a different type of retaining device 90 for holding the shaped washer 50 on the spoke cap 40.

[0181] exist Figure 10 In the middle, the spoke attachment assembly 80 and Figure 8 Those parts and portions of the spoke attachment assembly 80 that are similar to or functionally equivalent are indicated by the same reference numerals and should be referred to in the relevant description above.

[0182] Figure 10 The retaining device 90 of the spoke attachment assembly 80 is defined in the rod portion 202 of the insert 200, and specifically includes the free end 205 of the rod portion 202, which is pre-magnetized using techniques known per se (e.g., by friction, contact or magnetic induction).

[0183] After the insert 200 is screwed into the threaded hole 47a of the post portion 42 of the cap 40 (preferably until the head 204 is adjacent to the free end 42a of the post portion 42), the molding washer 50 and another molding washer 60 are held in place on the post portion 42 of the cap 40 due to the magnetic attraction applied to the molding washers 50 and 60 by the magnetized free end 205 of the rod portion 202. In fact, the magnetized free end is arranged close to the molding washers 50 and 60.

[0184] In the following text, for the sake of simplicity, reference will be made to the spoke attachment assembly 80 which includes only the forming washer 50, but the same applies to the case where the spoke attachment assembly 80 also includes the forming washer 60.

[0185] Wheels 5 can be easily manufactured and / or assembled by using one of the aforementioned spoke attachment components 80.

[0186] The retaining device 90 is active at least before the spoke cap 40 is arranged at the corresponding spoke attachment 18, and the retaining device is removed before or after the spoke 30 is installed in the spoke cap 40.

[0187] Figures 11 to 14 The steps are shown to insert the spoke cap 40 and the corresponding shaped washer 50 into the rim 10 and position them in the spoke attachment seat 18.

[0188] Figure 11 The insertion step is shown, in which the spoke attachment assembly 80 is inserted into the opening 15c of the upper bridge member 16c of the rim 10 of the wheel 5.

[0189] Specifically, the spoke attachment assembly 80 shown is a reference. Figure 2 This is one of the embodiments described, but it can also be any of the variations described above.

[0190] In addition to the spoke cap 40 and the shaped washer 50 held on the spoke cap 40 by the retaining washer 92, the spoke attachment assembly 80 also includes a reference Figure 6 The insert 200 is described (without the flexible washer 192). The insert 200 is screwed into the post portion 42 of the strip cap 40.

[0191] A manipulating magnet 300 is magnetically attached to the head 204 of the insert 200. In the illustrated example, the manipulating magnet 300 has a generally elongated shape (e.g., cylindrical) and is arranged such that its end 302 is magnetically locked to the head 204 of the insert 200. Specifically, the manipulating magnet 300 is arranged to be substantially aligned with the post 42 of the cap 40 and to contact the head 204 of the insert 200.

[0192] The external dimensions of the manipulating magnet 300 may be substantially equal to or different from the external dimensions of the post portion 42 of the cap 40.

[0193] The manipulating magnet 300 is first inserted into the opening 15c provided in the upper bridge member 16c of the rim 10, and then inserted into the opening 15b provided in the lower bridge member 16b of the rim 10, thereby pulling the spoke attachment assembly 80 into the spoke attachment chamber 14 of the rim 10.

[0194] Figure 12 The procedure for removing the operating magnet 300 from the opening 15b of the lower bridge connector 16b of the rim 10 is shown.

[0195] After this, the manipulator 300 disengages from the head 204 of the insert 200.

[0196] Simultaneously, the guide magnet 310 is oriented toward the opening 15b. The guide magnet 310 forms a magnetic interaction with the insert 200 (particularly with the head 204 of the insert 200).

[0197] like Figure 13 As shown, the guide magnet 310 moves along and outside the spoke attachment surface 17 of the lower bridge member 16b of the rim 10, thereby pulling the spoke attachment assembly 80 along the spoke attachment chamber 14 of the rim 10 by magnetic attraction until it reaches the spoke attachment seat 18 in which the spoke cap 40 and the forming washer 50 are to be arranged.

[0198] At this time, as Figure 14 As shown, the guide magnet 310 is magnetically locked to the head 204 of the insert 200. Specifically, the guide magnet 310 contacts the head 204 of the insert 200 and remains in contact with it due to the magnetic interaction between the guide magnet 310 and the insert 200.

[0199] Subsequently, the guide magnet 310 is moved radially toward the inside of the rim 10 so as to insert the post portion 42 of the spoke cap 40 into the spoke attachment seat 18 until the forming washer 50 is abutted against the spoke attachment surface 17 of the lower bridge member 16b of the rim 10.

[0200] Therefore, during the manufacture of wheel 5, guide magnet 310 can be disengaged from head 204 of insert 200, and insert can be removed from spoke cap 40 to continue mounting and tensioning spoke 30 on spoke cap 40, or to continue mounting anchoring elements configured to hold spoke cap 40 in the proper position in the corresponding spoke attachment 18 until the moment such anchoring elements are removed during the manufacture of wheel 5 to continue mounting spoke 30 on spoke cap 40.

[0201] The installation of spokes 30 on spoke cap 40 requires temporarily holding spoke cap 40 with fingers or a gripping tool.

[0202] Of course, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations to the present invention to meet specific and occasional needs, all of which are within the scope of protection defined by the appended claims in any case.

[0203] In particular, any combination of features described with reference to the different variations of the spoke attachment assembly 80 described above may be provided.

[0204] The wheel 5 of the present invention can receive both a tire with an air chamber and a tubeless tire.

[0205] The upper bridge member 16c of the wheel rim may or may not include other openings and opening 15c. In any case, the number of openings formed on the upper bridge member 16c is less than the number of spoke attachment seats 18 formed on the spoke attachment surface 17 of the lower bridge member 16b.

[0206] The manipulating magnet 300 may have an external dimension that is larger than the inner diameter of the shaped washer 50. In this case, even if the shaped washer 50 is attracted by the manipulating magnet 300, the shaped washer remains on the post portion 42 of the cap 40.

[0207] The head 204 of the insert 200 may have an external dimension larger than the inner diameter of the molded washer 50. In this case, the retaining device 90 is defined by the head 204 of the insert 200.

[0208] The shaped washer 50 can be fitted onto the post 42 of the cap 40 via an interference connection. In this case, the retaining device 90 is defined by such interference.

[0209] The function of the aforementioned guide magnet 310 can also be performed by the manipulation magnet 300 itself, so that in this modified example, only the manipulation magnet 300 is used in the manufacturing process of the wheel 5.

[0210] To move the spoke attachment assembly 80 along the spoke attachment chamber 14 of the rim 10 until it reaches the predetermined spoke attachment seat 18, instead of the guide magnet 310, a semi-rigid cable can be used, i.e., a cable that is flexible enough to conform to the shape of the spoke attachment chamber 14, but rigid enough to be pushed along the spoke attachment chamber 14, such as the cable described in US 2007 / 0158996 A1.

Claims

1. A spoke attachment assembly (80) configured to be attached to a rim (10) of a spoked bicycle wheel (5), the spoke attachment assembly (80) comprising: A spoke cap (40) having an enlarged head (44) and a post (42) having a connecting part (47) for connecting to a spoke (30); At least one molded washer (50, 60) is associated with the strip cap (40) and is configured to be adjacent to the enlarged head (44) of the strip cap (40) on one side and to the rim (10) on the opposite side. The spoke attachment assembly (80) includes a retaining device (90) configured to retain at least one shaped washer (50, 60) associated with the spoke cap (40). The spoke attachment assembly (80) is characterized in that it includes a portion made of magnetic material, and the retaining device (90) is magnetic.

2. The spoke attachment assembly (80) of claim 1, wherein, The retaining device (90) is removable.

3. The spoke attachment assembly (80) according to claim 1, comprising an insert (200) made of a magnetic material, the insert (200) being removably associated with the spoke cap (40).

4. The spoke attachment assembly (80) of claim 3, wherein, The insert (200) includes a head (204) and a rod (202) removably accommodated in the post (42) of the cap (40), wherein the free end (205) of the rod (202) is magnetized, and wherein the retaining device (90) is defined by the magnetized free end (205).

5. The spoke attachment assembly (80) of claim 3, wherein, The insert (200) includes a head (204) and a rod (202), the rod being removably accommodated in the post (42) of the cap (40), the at least one shaped washer (50, 60) having a predetermined inner diameter, and the retaining device (90) including a flexible washer (192) fitted onto the rod (202) of the insert (200) and positioned between the free end (42a) of the post (42) of the cap (40) and the head (204) of the insert (200), the outer dimension of the flexible washer (192) being larger than the inner diameter of the at least one shaped washer (50, 60).

6. The spoke attachment assembly (80) according to claim 1, wherein, The at least one molded washer (50, 60) has a predetermined inner diameter, and the retaining device (90) includes a retaining washer (92) mounted in a groove (43a) formed on the outer surface of the post portion (42) of the strip cap (40) on the opposite side of the at least one molded washer (50, 60) relative to the enlarged head (44) of the strip cap (40), wherein the outer dimension of the retaining washer (92) is larger than the inner diameter of the at least one molded washer (50, 60), and wherein the retaining washer (92) is made of a water-soluble material.

7. The spoke attachment assembly (80) of claim 1, wherein, The retaining device (90) includes an adhesive substance disposed between the at least one molded washer (50, 60) and the head (44) and / or post (42) of the cap (40).

8. A process for manufacturing a spoked bicycle wheel (5), said process comprising the following steps: a) Provide a wheel rim element having a tire connection channel (12) and at least one spoke attachment chamber (14), the at least one spoke attachment chamber (14) being provided with at least one opening (15c) and a spoke attachment surface (17) including a plurality of spoke attachment seats (18). b) Inserting the spoke attachment assembly (80) through the at least one opening (15c) into the at least one spoke attachment chamber (14), the spoke attachment assembly (80) comprising: A spoke cap (40) having an enlarged head (44) and a post (42) having a connecting part (47) for connecting to a corresponding spoke (30); At least one molded washer (50, 60); A retaining device (90) configured to retain the at least one molded washer (50, 60) associated with the strip cap (40); c) causing the spoke attachment assembly (80) to move along the spoke attachment surface (17) toward one of the spoke attachment seats (18) and to reach the one of the spoke attachment seats (18); d) Insert the post (42) of the spoke cap (40) of the spoke attachment assembly (80) into the spoke attachment seat (18); e) Constrain the spoke attachment assembly (80) to the spoke attachment seat (18); f) Repeat steps b) to e) to attach the corresponding spoke attachment assembly (80) to each other spoke attachment seat (18). The spoke attachment assembly (80) is characterized in that it further includes a portion made of a magnetic material, and step b) of inserting the spoke attachment assembly (80) into the at least one spoke attachment chamber (14) includes the following steps: The maneuvering magnet (300) is attached to the spoke attachment assembly (80) by means of the magnetic connection between the maneuvering magnet (300) and the portion made of magnetic material; The manipulating magnet (300) is inserted into the at least one spoke attachment chamber (14) through the at least one opening (15c); The manipulating magnet (300) is pulled out from the at least one spoke attachment chamber (14) through the second opening (15b), which is substantially aligned with the at least one opening (15c); Disconnect the control magnet (300) from the spoke attachment assembly (80).

9. The process of claim 8, wherein, The portion made of magnetic material is defined by an insert (200) made of magnetic material, which is removably attached to the cap (40).

10. The process of claim 8, wherein, Step c) of moving the spoke attachment assembly (80) is performed due to magnetic interaction between the portion made of magnetic material and the guide magnet (310), and includes: moving the guide magnet (310) along the spoke attachment surface (17) toward one of the spoke attachment seats (18) and reaching the one of the spoke attachment seats (18), and Step d) of inserting the post portion (42) of the bar cap (40) into the spoke attachment seat (18) is performed due to the magnetic connection between the guide magnet (310) and the portion made of magnetic material.

11. The process according to claim 8, comprising the following steps: During or after the step of constraining the spoke attachment assembly (80) to the spoke attachment seat (18), the end (32) of the spoke (30) is connected to the connection portion (47) of the post portion (42) of the spoke cap (40) inserted into the spoke attachment seat (18).

12. The process of claim 11, comprising: After step e) of constraining the spoke attachment assembly (80) to the spoke attachment seat (18) and before or after step of attaching the end (32) of the spoke (30) to the connection (47) of the post (42) of the spoke cap (40), the retaining device (90) is removed.

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