Safe quick-release bicycle axle fastener

• US 6,260,931 B1
• Filed: 09/23/1997
• Issued: 07/17/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 09/23/1997
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John V. Stewart
• Original Assignee: John V. Stewart
• Inventors: Stewart, John V.
• Primary Examiner(s): Morano, S. Joseph
• Assistant Examiner(s): NGUYEN, LONG B
• Application Number:
  US08/935,655
• Time in Patent Office: 1,393 Days
• Field of Search: 301/124.2, 301/110.5, 301/110.6, 301/124.1, 301/105.1
• US Class Current: 301/124.2
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 27/0078 characterised by the fixation of bearings
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 27/0094 one or more of the bearing races are formed by the hub
• CPC Class Codes: B60B 27/026 comprising quick release devices
• 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

Abstract

A quick-release bicycle axle fastener comprising a lever-operated cam which presses a follower disc inward against the outer surface of a conventional safety dropout. The dropout has an outer surface with retention means for the disc, such as a concavity, tab, or ridge. A spring urges the cam lever toward its dosed position. If the cam is left open by the user, the spring causes it to hold the follower against the retaining surface of the dropout, preventing accidental release of the axle. This safety feature is constant, automatic, and convenient. No action is needed beyond normal operation of the lever. The cam provides full clearance for releasing the axle, so the adjustment nut is only needed for initial installation, not for operation.

Claims

1. An improved bicycle wheel axle assembly for bicycles of a type having two opposed axle mounting plates with open-ended slots and safety retention surfaces, a hollow wheel axle, a spindle passing through the hollow axle, an adjustment nut on one end of the spindle, a cam on the other end of the spindle, the cam having a closed position that clamps the axle between the mounting plates, the improvement comprising a spring attached to the cam that urges the cam to rotate to its dosed position.

2. A quick-release bicycle axle fastener for attaching a hollow axle between two safety dropouts on a bicycle, comprising:

a spindle having a first end and a second end, the spindle extending through the hollow axle;

a cam pivotally mounted on the first end of the spindle;

a lever attached to the cam;

a cam follower slidably mounted on the spindle adjacent to, and inboard of, the cam, the cam operating against the follower to move the follower axially along the spindle during pivoting of the cam; and

a spring acting between the spindle and the cam, urging the cam to pivot in a direction that moves the follower inward toward the second end of the spindle.