Quick release, especially for bicycles

• US 20070154286A1
• Filed: 12/20/2006
• Published: 07/05/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 12/24/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Dt Swiss Inc.
• Original Assignee: Dt Swiss Inc.
• Inventors: Spahr, Stefan
• Granted Patent: US 8,186,768 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 411/402
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 2206/00 Quick release mechanisms adapted for cycles
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 25/02 for mounting axles rigidly on cycle frame or fork, e.g. adjustably
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7069 Axially oriented
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 403/7071 Lever actuator

Abstract

A quick release for bicycles comprising a pull rod extending in the axial direction, an end element at a first end of the pull rod, a clamping element at the second end of the pull rod, and a tensioning device for tensioning the clamping element. The tensioning device comprises a lever for applying the clamping force and a tensioning sleeve with a transmitter portion for transmitting the clamping force to an engaging portion of the clamping element. The lever is positioned to be movable relative to the clamping element in the axial direction of the pull rod and against the biasing force of a biasing spring is movable outwardly in the axial direction of the pull rod from an engaged position to a turn position. In the turn position an angular position of the lever can be set independently of the state of tensioning.

Claims

1. A quick release, in particular for bicycles,

comprising:

a pull rod extending in the axial direction, an end element at a first end of the pull rod, a clamping element at the second end of the pull rod, and a tensioning device for tensioning the clamping element;

wherein the tensioning device comprises a lever for applying the clamping force and a tensioning sleeve with a transmitter portion for transmitting the clamping force to an engaging portion of the clamping element; and

wherein the lever is positioned to be movable relative to the clamping element in the axial direction of the pull rod and is movable against the biasing force of a biasing spring outwardly in the axial direction of the pull rod from an engaged position to a turn position in which an angular position of the lever can be set independently of the state of tensioning.

2. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion is configured as an internal toothing.

3. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the transmitter portion is configured as an external toothing.

4. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the clamping force is independent of the biasing spring.

5. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element comprises an internal thread interacting with an external thread of the pull rod.

6. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the end element comprises an internal thread interacting with an external thread of the pull rod.

7. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the tensioning device comprises a safety device to support the tensioning sleeve on the clamping element to be axially movable and secure against loss.

8. The quick release according to claim 7, wherein the safety device comprises an external thread interacting with an internal thread of the clamping element.

9. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the biasing spring is supported between the safety device and the end element.

10. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein an axial annular gap is provided between the engaging portion of the tensioning device and the clamping element.

11. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the lever is at least partially made of plastic.

12. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the lever is at least partially made of a fibrous composite material.

13. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein at least one tensioning spring is provided.

14. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the clamping element comprises a knurled wheel.

15. The quick release according to claim 14, wherein the knurled wheel is positioned to be rotatable and secure against loss.

16. The quick release according to claim 15, wherein the knurled wheel is positioned to be rotatable by way of a sealing ring.

17. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein an outer diameter in the region of an undercut of the clamping element and/or the end element is smaller than the inner diameter of the knurled wheel, and wherein the inner diameter of the knurled wheel is smaller than the outer diameter of the clamping element or the end element before the undercut such that the knurled wheel is supported to be rotatable and secure against loss.

18. The quick release according to claim 14, wherein the knurled wheel comprises a chamfered edge.

19. The quick release according to claim 1, wherein the lever is removable after removing the safety device to inhibit illicit removal of a wheel.

20. A wheel having a rim and a hub wherein a quick release is provided for mounting the wheel to a bicycle wherein the quick release comprises a pull rod extending in the axial direction and an end element at a first end of the pull rod, and a clamping element at the second end of the pull rod and a tensioning device for tensioning the clamping element;

wherein the tensioning device comprises a lever for applying the clamping force and a tensioning sleeve with a transmitter portion for transmitting the clamping force to an engaging portion of the clamping element; and

wherein the lever is positioned to be movable relative to the clamping element in the axial direction of the pull rod and against the biasing force of a biasing spring is movable outwardly in the axial direction of the pull rod from an engaged position to a turn position in which the angular position of the lever can be set independently of the state of tensioning.

21. (canceled)