A hub and spoke assembly includes a hub body having a first end and a second end. Projections are on each end. The projections are spaced apart from each adjacent projection about a rotational axis of the hub. Each projection comprises a base portion joined to the hub body and a support extending from the base portion to a free end. A plurality of spokes is provided. Each spoke comprises an elongated braided fiber having a loop at a first end and a second end configured for attachment to a rim. At least one spoke is joined to each support of each projection.

A low-speed vehicle wheel assembly includes a rim, at least three spokes, connectors, a central bearing seat, and bearings. Outer ends of the spokes are fixedly connected to an inner side wall of the rim through the connectors, respectively. Inner ends of the spokes are fixedly connected to an outer wall of the central bearing seat. The bearings are fitted in bearing holes of the central bearing seat, respectively. Because the rim and the central bearing seat are independent components, each component can be made with an independent mold and assembled according to the diameter of the wheel. The cost of the mold is lower, and the components are more versatile.

A wheel equipped with a sensing device includes a wheel and a sensing device. The sensing device includes a displacement extraction member, a to-be-detected part, and a detecting part. One radial end portion of the displacement extraction member is supported to one radial end-side portion of the wheel. The other radial end portion of the displacement extraction member is a free end. The to-be-detected part is provided to one of the other radial end-side portion of the wheel and the other radial end portion of the displacement extraction member. The detecting part is provided to the other of the other radial end-side portion of the wheel and the other radial end portion of the displacement extraction member, and is arranged in a vicinity of the to-be-detected part. An output of the detecting part changes in association with a change in positional relationship between the detecting part and the to-be-detected part.

A wheel equipped with a sensing device includes a wheel and a sensing device. The sensing device includes a displacement extraction member, a to-be-detected part, and a detecting part. One radial end portion of the displacement extraction member is supported to one radial end-side portion of the wheel. The other radial end portion of the displacement extraction member is a free end. The to-be-detected part is provided to one of the other radial end-side portion of the wheel and the other radial end portion of the displacement extraction member. The detecting part is provided to the other of the other radial end-side portion of the wheel and the other radial end portion of the displacement extraction member, and is arranged in a vicinity of the to-be-detected part. An output of the detecting part changes in association with a change in positional relationship between the detecting part and the to-be-detected part.

An apparatus for assembling a non-pneumatic tire is provided that includes a plurality of spokes attached to a hub, a frame, and a plurality of mechanical elements disposed between and engaging successive spokes. The spokes extend to locations radially inward and radially outward of the locations of engagement with the mechanical elements. A radial movement member moves the mechanical elements in a radial direction. The spokes are compressed by the mechanical elements, and retaining elements engage the mechanical elements to hold them and the spokes in this position. Release by the retaining elements and outward radial movement of the mechanical elements urge the spokes toward a shear band that is outward in the radial direction. Adhesive located between the spokes and the shear band is pressed there between through this urging to result in the spokes being attached to the shear band in a state of pre-compression.

A tire and wheel assembly includes a tire, a circular hub member for securing to a rotatable axle of a vehicle, the rim piece having a first annular ring flange for engaging the tire, a rim piece for engaging the hub member, a second annular ring flange for engaging the tire, and a plurality of cylindrical shafts for each axially engaging the first annular ring flange at one axial end of each of the shafts and the second annular ring flange at another opposite axial end of each of the shafts.

A composite wheel assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The composite wheel assembly includes a lightweight annular fiber-reinforced barrel having an inner surface and an outer surface configured to support a tire thereon. A lightweight metal central hub assembly is fixed to the barrel. The metal central hub assembly includes a central hub portion and plurality of support spokes extending outwardly from the metal central hub portion. A wheel cladding contrasting in at least one of material type, color, texture and surface finish to an outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly is fixed to the outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly.

A composite wheel assembly and method of construction thereof is provided. The composite wheel assembly includes a lightweight annular fiber-reinforced barrel having an inner surface and an outer surface configured to support a tire thereon. A lightweight metal central hub assembly is fixed to the barrel. The metal central hub assembly includes a central hub portion and plurality of support spokes extending outwardly from the metal central hub portion. A wheel cladding contrasting in at least one of material type, color, texture and surface finish to an outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly is fixed to the outwardly facing surface of the central hub assembly.

A wheel component, method, and tool device for a bicycle, including a plurality of integrally interconnected component parts, which form a spoked rim, wherein the rim and spokes are manufactured of a fibrous composite material by an injection molding process with fluid injection, wherein the liquefied fibrous composite material is injected into a cavity of a tool device, and a fluid is injected into the partially liquid fibrous composite material within the cavity to form at least one hollow space within the component part. A further component part forming a spoke, is manufactured by an injection molding process, wherein a mold core device for forming a hollow space within the spoke is disposed within a further cavity of the tool device. The fibrous composite material is injected into the further cavity. The mold core device is retracted from the fibrous composite material to form a cavity in the spoke.

A wheel component, method, and tool device for a bicycle, including a plurality of integrally interconnected component parts, which form a spoked rim, wherein the rim and spokes are manufactured of a fibrous composite material by an injection molding process with fluid injection, wherein the liquefied fibrous composite material is injected into a cavity of a tool device, and a fluid is injected into the partially liquid fibrous composite material within the cavity to form at least one hollow space within the component part. A further component part forming a spoke, is manufactured by an injection molding process, wherein a mold core device for forming a hollow space within the spoke is disposed within a further cavity of the tool device. The fibrous composite material is injected into the further cavity. The mold core device is retracted from the fibrous composite material to form a cavity in the spoke.