Rotatable spindle assembly utilizing two-piece spindle
US6116114A · kind A · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 23, 1996 |
| Grant date | Sep 12, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 23, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T74/2165
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A light-weight, strong and rigid rotatable spindle assembly utilizing a two-piece spindle suitable for employment in a variety of spindle applications, and in particular in a bicycle crankshaft assembly. Each spindle piece is integrally joined to a crank arm, and this joint, as well as the joint of the crank arm and the pedal tube, is reinforced with gussets. The two spindle pieces themselves are connected by means of a simple allen bolt within the interior of the bottom bracket shell, and this connection is thereby protected from the elements. As the two spindle pieces are pulled together by the allen bolt, they exert opposing forces on the inner race of a cartridge bearing, thereby fixing the lateral location of the spindle within the bottom bracket without exerting pre-load on the bearings. Proper alignment is easily accomplished by means of one or more spacers placed on either side of this inner race of the cartridge bearing. The two-piece spindle arrangement is also suitable for utilization in a bicycle wheel hub assembly or handlebar stem assembly.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.