Lightweight spoke construction

Claim 1

Extruded spoke construction for an irrigation system wheel, said spoke comprising, a tubular body portion extending intermediate hub and rim components of the wheel, said tubular body portion having a uniform crossectional configuration throughout its length, internal end segments of said tubular body portion having screw threads formed therealong for the reception of threaded elements extending axially into the spoke for attachment of the spoke to other wheel components, said threaded elements serving additionally to reinforce said end segments against shear loads, said tubular body portion terminating in integral annular bosses for registration with corresponding openings in hub and rim components of the wheel prior to the insertion of the threaded elements therethrough, said bosses also reinforced against shear loads by passage therethrough of the threaded elements, and circumferentially spaced ribs of uniform section integral with said body portion and extending the length thereof, each of said ribs terminating in a transversely extending end wall adapted for abutment with arcuate hub and rim surfaces, said ribs reinforcing the tubular body portion against both axial and radial wheel loads.