EP3148865A1

EP3148865A1 - Quick release fastener

Info

Publication number: EP3148865A1
Application number: EP15730059.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Johan Gantois
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2014-06-02
Filing date: 2015-06-01
Publication date: 2017-04-05
Also published as: BE1022278B1; WO2015185206A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a quick release fastener for releasably fastening a front fork of a bicycle or another vehicle wherein the axis is configured in two parts as a bolt portion and a nut portion. The invention further relates to a method for fastening or detaching a front fork on such a quick release fastener. The invention also relates to the use of such a quick release fastener.

Description

Quick release fastener

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a quick release fastener for a bicycle fork. The invention further relates to a method for mounting a bicycle fork on said quick release fastener.

Such a quick release fastener can be used for fast and simple mounting or dismounting of a wheel in a front fork of a bicycle. Thereto the quick release fastener is fastened in the wheel hub of the wheel. Such a quick release fastener can also be used for transporting a bicycle where the front fork is fastened in the quick release fastener that is part of the transportation means, like a roof rack of a car or the cargo space of a vehicle. Another application is for example mounting a bicycle, via the front fork, on a quick release fastener that is part of a work stand. Background Art

Known fasteners for a front fork consist of a wire axis with two nuts at the ends. The front fork is placed onto the wire axis and then the nuts are tightened to clamp the front fork. This method is time consuming and devious because two hands are needed to tighten the nuts. Other variants provide a fixed head at one of the ends of the wire axis and a nut at the other end. The wire axis can also comprise a clamping means at one end and an adjusting nut at the other end. The clamping means is fixed to one end while the position of the nut is adjustable. The clamping means can be adjusted from an open position, for removing the front fork of the quick release fastener, to a closed position, for clamping the front fork.

A disadvantage of such quick release fasteners is that the use of a wrench is required for fastening and loosening. Another disadvantage is however that in practice, when opening the quick release fastener, there is insufficient free space to remove the front fork easily from the quick release fastener, or conversely that there is insufficient free space to mount the front fork on the quick release fastener. As a result, it will be necessary in practice to unscrew the adjusting nut in order to obtain a larger amount of slack. While for the purpose of securely clamping the adjusting nut must be tightened for the clamping to be sufficiently exercised by the clamping means. Yet another drawback is that the front fork is not inserted and clamped in an upright position onto the quick release fastener thereby causing tensions.

To obtain a larger backlash for mounting/dismounting the front fork one can use a quick release fastener as described in US5383176. This quick release fastener includes a wire axis and rotatable clamping means at either end for both opening and fastening. Once the distance between the clamping means is set up properly, the front fork can be mounted/dismounted. In practice, however, this does not proceed as smoothly as the clamping means have a tendency to pull at an angle relative to each other. Such a quick release fastener is also difficult to adjust to different distances, given that the clamping means must be rotated a full screw turn and do not always achieve the optimum clamping.

BE1018485 (EP2303675) describes a quick release fastener comprising a wire axis and two rotatable clamping means in which the opposite ends are provided with external screw thread. However, a disadvantage here is that the clearance is not the same for the two ends of the front fork. This can cause an asymmetric position with one front fork end fitting and the other not.

EP1934086 describes a quick release fastener comprising a wire axis with a fixed head on one end, and an adjusting nut and clamping means on the other end, also equipped with a biasing element which ensures that the ends of the axis are moved opposite to one another. A disadvantage of this quick release fastener is, however, that two operations are needed for fastening the front fork: first, the adjusting nut must be operated to adjust the space for receiving the front fork after which the front fork can be placed on the axis, then the clamping means must be pushed down to clamp the front fork sufficiently tight. If it turns out that the grip is insufficient, the clamping means must be loosened again, the control nut must be tightened further, after which the clamping means must be turned again. Thus at least two operations are required for clamping the front fork, and there is no guarantee that even then it is clamped sufficiently. The operations must be repeated if necessary, until there is a sufficient clamping force.

As such there is a need for a quick release fastener for fastening a front fork of a bicycle whereby the quick release fastener can be clamped and undamped with one hand and in one movement, and whereby at all times there is sufficient clearance as well to mount and dismount the front fork.

Disclosure of invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a solution for said need, by providing a quick release fastener for releasably fastening a front fork of a bicycle, comprising an axis for receiving the front fork, and a base piece provided on the axis between the two fork elements, wherein the axis in the longitudinal direction is movable in the base piece, and wherein said base piece is provided with a compensating system for applying a bi- directional force towards the ends of the axis, wherein the axis is configured in at least two parts as a bolt portion and a nut portion.

The axis is configured in at least two parts as a nut and bolt portion in which one of the two portions is rotatable relative to the base piece and the other portion is not, and wherein the compensating system relates relative to on the one hand the base piece and on the other hand, respectively, said bolt and nut portion, such that the tightening of the bolt and nut portion provides for a clamping of the front fork between the base piece and the ends of the axis, and the loosening provides for it coming loose. The advantage of such a quick release fastener is that no use is made of a clamping means and a separate adjusting nut. There is only one operation required for clamping, namely the tightening of the bolt or nut portion, and this always with the 100% guarantee that there is sufficient clamping force. This allows that the quick release fastener can be operated with one hand and the other hand is free to hold the bike (front fork) during mounting on the quick release fastener.

An important advantage of the quick release fastener of the invention is that the tightening or loosening of the quick release fastener results in a simultaneous in and out movement of the axis ends, or in other words in a simultaneous clamping or loosening of the two fork elements, with the same clamping force, and that this also happens over an identical axis distance for the two fork elements, i.e. with the same clearance. The other axis portion hereby does not have to be fixed in place manually for this purpose, as is the case with previous quick release fasteners. A very minor difference may occur in the simultaneous in and out movement, but this is negligible and is only brought about by material inertia and / or friction.

Except for the simplicity of operation, the simplicity of implementation is also another advantage of the quick release fastener. There is only a minimum of parts required and these are robust in order to guarantee a long-term proper operation with a minimum of maintenance.

Yet another advantage of this quick release fastener is that when fully unscrewing the quick release fastener it is impossible for the axes to come loose at both ends of the base piece, in other words, the parts can not fall apart by turning the nut and bolt section too far apart for example, considering the fact that limiting means are provided for this purpose.

An advantage of the quick release fastener of the present invention is that when tightening or loosening the bolt and nut, the respective spaces on the axis for receiving the respective fork elements are adjusted simultaneously and over the same distance.

The compensating system is provided with two identical spring elements, preferably two coil springs provided around the axis at the level of the base piece, wherein the resilient elements are provided symmetrically on the one hand between the center of the base piece, and on the other hand, left and right thereof, between a fixed point respectively on the bolt and nut portion, in such a way that these resilient elements act oppositely on the axis ends, and the base piece at all times assumes a central position on the axis. The system could also make use of non-identical springs or an asymmetrically tuned compensating system configured such that the effect of clamping the front fork is the same, but this is a less advantageous embodiment.

The compensating system is configured such that the base piece always assumes a central position on the axis with respect to the axis ends. As a result, the space for receiving the front fork is always identical for both fork elements. The axis ends are to be interpreted as the ends which define the projection with the front fork. Examples of resilient elements are also elements with a spring force such as rubber, plastic or compressed air.

The fixed point on the bolt and nut portion is preferably located on the cylindrical part of both portions. When the bolt and nut are completely screwed in, these fixed points should still exist. However, it is not recommended that the bolt and nut can be screwed in completely, as this may hinder optimal tightening. Therefore, the thread portion in the bolt and nut needs to be sufficiently large to avoid complete screwing in. The fixed points, respectively, on the bolt and nut portion are preferably located at equal distance from the respective axis ends, and at equal distance from the center of the base piece. The system could also work when this distance would not be equal, but this is a less advantageous embodiment. In a preferred embodiment, the base piece on the respective ends is confined by two identical stopping elements which have been configured such that they limit the fixed points of respectively the bolt and nut portion during a movement that brings the axis ends apart. The base piece is preferably cylindrical.

The base piece is preferably made of aluminum, steel or plastic.

In a specific embodiment, the base piece is provided on the ends with two caps that clamp on the inner diameter of the base piece and support the axis laterally movable through the base piece, wherein the rotatable axis portion and complementary inner diameter of the cap is cylindrical and the non-rotatable axis portion and complementary inner diameter of the cap is partially flattened, wherein the caps form a projection against which the front fork can lean.

The cap is preferably pressed on the inner side of the ends of the base piece. Alternatives include welding, gluing or screwing. The cap end preferably has the same diameter as that of the base piece. The cap is preferably manufactured from plastic, steel or aluminum. The non-rotatable portion is preferably mounted by means of a partially flattened side which is configured complementary in the part in which the axis may not rotate. Other examples for the non-rotatable fitting are, for example, a notch, slit or complementary carving in the shape of a polygon such as, for example, square, hexagonal, octagonal or an oval, or any other way to mount an axis non-rotatably in another part.

The axis is preferably provided at the ends with end members that have a diameter that is greater than that of the axis, in such a way that they form a projection against which the front fork can lean.

The end members of the axis may be made in one piece with the axis portions, such as the head of a bolt and nut. The end members may also be pressed, glued, welded or screwed to the axis ends. The end members have a diameter which is larger than the axis diameter and determine the projection against which the fork elements are limited and will be tightened. One end member can be integrally configured as a lever.

In a particular embodiment, the fixed points in the bolt and nut portion are formed by clips which are clamped in a groove on the axis, such that the external diameter of the clips is greater than that of the axis and the spring elements are limited by the clips.

The clip is preferably configured as a pinion with an opening in order for to be clipped on a round axis. The clips are preferably clipped in a slot of the axis, so that the clips can not move in the longitudinal direction of the axis. The clip has a larger diameter than the axis diameter and forms a projection against which a spring element can lean. Other embodiments are possible, wherein an increase in the diameter of the axis is obtained against which a resilient element can be limited. Optionally, the axis member may be manufactured in one piece with a widening at the location of the fixed point. The middle of the base piece preferably consists of a narrowing of the internal diameter of the base piece, such that the spring elements are limited by the constriction. The base piece is preferably configured as a hollow tube with internally, in the middle of its longitudinal axis, a narrowed opening to allow the axis to move centered in the longitudinal direction. Alternatives to a narrowing integrated as part of the base piece is to apply subsequently a constricting ring into the hollow tube or to configure the hollow tube in two parts that can be screwed together, or glued or welded or attached in some other way, wherein one part is narrowed internally. It is important that the narrowing has two projections which are located centrally with respect to the center of the longitudinal axis of the base piece. The system could also work, with custom parts, with two projections which are not centrally located with respect to the center of the longitudinal axis of the base piece, but this is a less advantageous embodiment.

In a preferred embodiment, the nut portion is configured rotatable and the bolt portion is not rotatable. In another embodiment, the bolt portion is configured rotatable and the nut portion is not rotatable.

The end of the rotatable portion is preferably configured with a lever. Other examples of a lever or turnlever are a knob handle, wing nut or hex head bolt.

The invention also relates to a method for fastening a front fork of a bicycle on a quick release fastener as described above, comprising the following steps: a) optionally opening of the lever so that the space between the base piece and the axis ends is sufficiently open to receive the front fork, b) placing the front fork on the axis, and c) tightening of the lever in order to fasten the front fork between the base piece and the axis ends.

A significant aim is that no additional clamping means (or clamping movement) and no adjustments are required.

The invention also relates to a method for detaching a front fork of a bicycle on a quick release fastener, as described above, comprising the step of: opening the lever until the space between the base piece and the axis ends is sufficient to allow dismounting of the front fork from the axis.

The invention further relates to the use of a quick release fastener, such as described above for releasably fastening a front fork of a bicycle, motorcycle or another vehicle in a bicycle carrier or other bicycle storage, in the load compartment of a transportation means for bicycle transport or in a working stand, or to releasably fasten a wheel in a bicycle or another means. For fastening of a wheel, the quick release fastener is integrated in the wheel hub.

Brief Description of Drawings and Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

The invention will now be further explained with reference to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of a quick release fastener. In the detailed description reference is made by means of reference numbers to the attached drawings, in which

• figure 1 shows a front view of a preferred quick release fastener in open and closed position,

• figure 2 shows the bolt portion,

· figure 3 shows the nut portion,

• figure 4A en 4B (with caps) shows the base piece in longitudinal section,

• figure 5 shows a preferred quick release fastener in explosion view, and

• figure 6 shows a preferred quick release fastener in longitudinal section in open and closed position.

The preferred quick release fastener as shown in Figure 1 is provided with an axis (3A, 3B) on which a front fork (2A, 2B), for example, of a bicycle can be mounted in the free spaces left and right (9A, 9B) of a base piece (4) and two respective end elements (6A, 6B). Via a swivel lever (10) on one end of the axis both free spaces are tightened or loosened simultaneously and over the same distance, and the front fork is clamped or loosened. To achieve this effect, the axis is configured in two parts that are rotated towards or away from each other, as a bolt (3A) and a nut portion (3B), wherein the nut portion is rotatably mounted on the bolt portion via a lever (10) . The bolt portion (3A) is configured such that it does not rotate during this movement, and is fixedly mounted relative to the base piece (4).

As shown in Figure 2, the bolt portion (3A) consists of an external threaded section (13) and a partly circular (11) and partially flattened (12) section. As shown in Figure 3, the nut portion (3b) comprises an internal threaded section (13) and a circular section (11). The external thread of the bolt portion (3A) is complementary to the internal thread (13) of the nut portion (3B).

Both the bolt portion (3A) and the nut portion (3B) comprise a notch (8A ', 8B') in the region of the (partly) circular section (11) to fit a clip (8A, 8B).

The two-piece axis (3A, 3B) is mounted in the base piece (4). As shown in Figure 4A, the base piece has a cylindrical shape and is configured as a hollow tube with a narrowing (4C) of the inner circumference of the hollow tube in the middle of the length direction. The axis comprises two ends (4A, 4B).

As shown in Figure 4B the base piece (4) comprises caps (9A, 9B) at the ends (4A, 4B) which provide that the axis is laterally slidably supported in the base piece (4). The caps (9A, 9B) are preferably pressed into the ends of the base piece so that they are fixed to the base piece. One end of the base piece is thus configured on the bolt portion (3A), while the other end is configured on the nut portion (3B), as shown in Figure 5.

The internal shape of the caps (9A, 9B) is complementary to the external shape of the nut and bolt portion (3A, 3B). For mounting the bolt portion (3A) in a non-rotatable manner, the bolt portion is configured with a (partially) flattened side (12) which fits into the (partially) flattened opening (12) of the corresponding cap (9A). The nut portion (3b) is rotatably mounted in the base piece by a cylindrical shape of the nut portion and the corresponding cylindrical opening of the respective cap (9B). Figure 5 is a representation of a preferred quick release fastener (1) in explosion view.

As shown in Figure 6, the preferred quick release fastener comprises in mounted state the partly screwed in bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B) as an axis with the base piece (4) centrally mounted thereon. In the notch (8A ', 8B') of the bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B) a clip (8A, 8B) fits which, among others, ensures that both the bolt portion (3A) and the nut portion (3B) can not detach from the base piece (4) when turning apart. The clip is configured such that it can not slide past the cap (9A, 9B). The clip (8A, 8B) is configured as a pinion having an aperture to clamp on the axis. The outer periphery of the clip is larger than that of the surrounding portion of the bolt portion and the nut portion, respectively. The nut portion (3B) has a length such that it fits through the narrowed section (4C) of the base piece, and is supported there. The bolt portion is screwed into the nut portion nearby the narrowing.

The quick release fastener further comprises a compensating system (5), comprising two springs (7A, 7B) which are mounted on the axis (3A, 3B) and in the base piece (4). The springs are configured between and lean against the narrowing (4C) of the base piece (4) on the one hand and the respective clips (8A, 8B) of the bolt portion (3A) and nut portion (3B) on the other hand. Both springs (7A, 7B) are identical and ensure that both during the tightening as during the unscrewing the bolt portion (3A) and the nut portion (3B) move simultaneously and over the same distance. The springs work both when loosening as when tightening. During both loosening and tightening the springs move simultaneously. When loosening the bolt (3A) and nut (3B) via the lever (10) the clips (8A, 8B) are parted further from each other and the springs unwind (lower Figure 6). This causes both ends of the axis to part. The fork can now be placed in the openings. In fully open position, the clips move (8A, 8B) up against the caps (9A, 9B). With the tightening of the lever (10) the nut and bolt portion (3A, 3B) are screwed inwards and the clips (8A, 8B) move towards each other so that the springs (7A, 7B) are put under strain (upper Figure 6). As a result, the fork is fastened between the end elements (6A, 6B) of the axis and the ends (9A, 9B) of the base piece (4). The quick release fastener mechanism, and in particular, the compensating system (5) is configured symmetrically. The distance d1 between the ends of the axis (6A, 6B) and the clips (8A, 8B) remains the same in open and closed position. The distance d2 between the ends of the base piece (9A, 9B) and the ends of the axis (6A, 6B), being the space for receiving the front fork, varies to the same extent when tightening or loosening of the lever (10). Thus also the distances d3, and respectively d4, always vary to the same extent.

Claims

Quick release fastener (1) for releasably fastening a front fork (2) of a bicycle, comprising an axis (3) for receiving the front fork (2), and a base piece (4) provided on the axis between the two fork elements (2A, 2B), wherein the axis (3) in the longitudinal direction is movable in the base piece (4), and wherein said base piece (4) is provided with a compensating system (5) for applying a bi-directional force towards the ends of the axis (6A, 6B), characterised in that the axis is configured in at least two parts as a bolt portion (3A) and a nut portion (3B).

Quick release fastener according to claim 1 characterised in that one of the two portions is rotatable relative to the base piece (4) and the other portion is not, and wherein the compensating system (5) relates relative to on the one hand the base piece (4) and on the other hand, respectively, said bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B), such that the tightening of the bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B) provides for a clamping of the front fork (2) between the base piece (4) and the ends of the axis (6A, 6B), and such that the loosening of the bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B) provides for the front fork (2) coming loose.

Quick release fastener according to claims 1 or 2 characterised in that when tightening or loosening the bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B), the respective spaces on the axis for receiving the respective fork elements (2A, 2B) are adjusted simultaneously and over the same distance.

Quick release fastener according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the compensating system (5) is provided with two identical spring elements (7A, 7B), preferably two coil springs configured around the axis (3) at the level of the base piece (4), wherein the resilient elements are configured symmetrically on the one hand between the center of the base piece (4C), and on the other hand, to the left and right thereof, between a fixed point (8A, 8B) respectively on the bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B), such that said resilient elements act oppositely on the axis ends (6A, 6B) and the base piece (4) at all times assumes a central position on the axis (3).

5. Quick release fastener according to claim 4 characterised in that the fixed points (8A, 8B) respectively on the bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B) are located at equal distance from the respective axis ends (6A, 6B) and at equal distance from the center of the base piece (4C).

6. Quick release fastener according to claims 4 or 5 characterised in that the base piece (4) on the respective ends (4A, 4B) is limited by two identical stopping elements (9A, 9B) which are configured such that they limit the fixed points (8A, 8B) of the bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B), respectively, during a movement that brings the axis ends (6A, 6B) apart.

7. Quick release fastener according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the base piece (4) is cylindrical.

8. Quick release fastener according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the base piece (4) comprises on the ends two caps (9A, 9B) that clamp on the inner diameter of the base piece (4) and support the axis (3) laterally movable through the base piece (4), wherein the rotatable axis portion (3B) and complementary inner diameter of the cap is cylindrical (11) and the non-rotatable axis portion (3A) and complementary inner diameter of the cap is partially flattened (12), wherein the caps (9A, 9B) form a projection against which the front fork elements (2A, 2B) can lean.

9. Quick release fastener according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the axis (3) is preferably configured at the ends with end members (6A, 6B) having a diameter that is greater than that of the axis (3), such that they form a projection against which the front fork (2) can lean.

10. Quick release fastener according to claim 4 or 5 characterised in that the fixed points in the bolt and nut portion (3A, 3B) are formed by clips (8A, 8B) which are clamped in a groove (8A, 8B') on the axis (3), such that the external diameter of the clips is greater than that of the axis (3) and the spring elements (7A, 7B) are limited by the clips.

11. Quick release fastener according to claim 4 characterised in that the middle of the base piece (4) consists of a narrowing (4C) of the internal diameter of the base piece (4), such that the spring elements (7A, 7B) are confined by the narrowing (4C).

12. Quick release fastener according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the nut portion (3B) is configured rotatable and the bolt portion (3A) is not rotatable.

13. Quick release fastener according to one of the preceding claims characterised in that the end of the rotatable portion is configured as a lever (10).

14. Method for fastening a front fork (2) of a bicycle on a quick release fastener (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 13, comprising the steps:

a. optionally opening the lever (10) so that the space between the base piece (4) and the axis ends (6A, 6B) is sufficient to receive the front fork (2), b. placing the front fork (2) on the axis (3),

c. tightening the lever (10) in order to fasten the front fork (2) between the base piece (4) and the axis ends (6A, 6B).

15. Method for detaching a front fork (2) of a bicycle on a quick release fastener (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 13, comprising the step:

a. opening the lever (10) until the space between the base piece (4) and the axis ends (6A, 6B) is sufficient to allow dismounting of the front fork (2) from the axis (3).

16. Use of a quick release fastener (1) according to one of the claims 1 to 13 for releasably fastening a front fork (2) of a bicycle, motorcycle or another vehicle in a bicycle carrier or other bicycle storage, in the load compartment of a vehicle for bicycle transport or in a working stand, or to releasably fasten a wheel in a bicycle or another means.