Bicycle quick release device
By designing the spindle and locking mechanism of the bicycle quick-release device, the problem of aligning the quick-release handlebars with the rear fork tube is solved, enabling quick fixing of the rear wheel and free adjustment of the handlebar position, thus improving the safety and convenience of bicycle assembly and use.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- J D COMPONENTS CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-08-11
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-10
Smart Images

Figure CN224477023U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to a quick-release device for bicycles, and more particularly to a quick-release mechanism for connecting the rear wheel and rear fork of a bicycle. It has a simple structure and is easy to operate, and can adjust the handlebars to a suitable position. Background Technology
[0002] In the past, bicycles were mostly designed as a means of transportation, so their design focused on durability. In recent years, with changes in usage, bicycle design has begun to emphasize quick-release mechanisms that allow for easy disassembly and reassembly. This allows users to easily and quickly disassemble components such as the front and rear wheels so that the bicycle can be placed in a car or public transportation. When riding is needed, users can also easily reassemble the components to restore them to their original state. In other words, the quick-release mechanism makes bicycles more versatile in their use.
[0003] Traditional quick-release mechanisms mainly consist of a shaft passing through the axle, a nut screwed to one end of the shaft, and a quick-release handle fixed to the other end of the shaft and operable. This mechanism allows the quick-release handle to be rotated to shorten the distance between the nut and the handle to a predetermined clamping length, and then a clamping force is generated by flipping the eccentric axle of the quick-release handle. However, after the quick-release mechanism is tightened, the ideal position of the quick-release handle should be aligned with the rear fork tube to avoid catching on other parts of the bicycle and causing a hazard.
[0004] Therefore, the applicant is considering how to provide a quick-release mechanism that can quickly fix the rear wheel of a bicycle to the rear fork of the frame, and allow the quick-release handle of the quick-release mechanism to be freely rotated to adjust the quick-release handle to the position aligned with the rear fork. Utility Model Content
[0005] Given the numerous shortcomings of existing quick-release mechanisms for bicycles, the main objective of this invention is to provide a quick-release device for bicycles that can quickly connect the rear wheel to the rear fork of the frame, and through the design of a locking mechanism, allow the handlebars to be freely adjusted or fixed in a specific position.
[0006] To achieve the aforementioned main objectives, this utility model provides a bicycle quick-release device, which includes a spindle, a handlebar, and a locking element. The spindle has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end forms a first engaging portion and a locking portion adjacent to the first engaging portion. The locking portion includes a small-diameter section and a large-diameter section connecting the small-diameter section. The outer peripheral surface of the second end forms an external thread. The handlebar has a sleeve and a grip connecting the sleeve. The sleeve forms at least one through hole penetrating the inside and outside of the sleeve, and the sleeve is fitted onto the first end of the spindle and can move along the spindle between an engaged position and a rotating position. The locking member has an operating part and a rod part connecting the operating part. The rod part passes through the through hole of the handle, and the locking member can move along the through hole between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, the rod part is engaged with the locking part of the spindle, and the sleeve of the handle is engaged with the first engaging part of the spindle. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the rod part is not engaged with the locking part of the spindle, so that the sleeve can selectively disengage from the first engaging part of the spindle, and the handle can rotate relative to the spindle.
[0007] Through the aforementioned technical features, the user can pass the spindle through the rear wheel and rear fork of the bicycle and continuously rotate the handlebars until the external thread locks into the locking hole of the rear fork, thus fixing the rear wheel to the rear fork. If the handlebars are not aligned with the rear fork tube at this point, the locking lever can be moved to the unlocked position, allowing the handlebars to move freely. During the movement from the engaged position to the rotating position, the locking element is not restricted by the large diameter of the locking part of the spindle, allowing the handlebar sleeve to smoothly disengage from the first engagement part of the spindle, thus enabling free adjustment of the handlebar position. After adjustment, moving the locking lever to the locked position will restrict the lever's position by the large diameter of the locking part of the spindle, preventing the handlebar sleeve from disengaging from the first engagement part of the spindle. This indicates that the handlebar position is securely fixed, ensuring that the handlebars will not loosen due to vibration or shaking during cycling.
[0008] Preferably, the inner circumferential surface of the handle sleeve forms a second engaging portion. When the handle is in the engaged position, the second engaging portion of the sleeve engages with the first engaging portion of the spindle. When the handle is in the rotating position, the second engaging portion of the sleeve disengages from the first engaging portion of the spindle. This allows the sleeve and spindle to fit tightly together, and when the user rotates the handle, the entire spindle can be smoothly rotated for quick locking or unlocking.
[0009] Preferably, the sleeve of the handle has an opening inside, which connects to a through hole. When the locking member is in the locked position, the rod protrudes outward from the opening to engage with the locking part of the spindle. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the rod does not protrude outward from the opening, i.e., it is not engaged with the locking part of the spindle. Thus, depending on the operation of the locking member, when the rod protrudes from the opening, the large-diameter section of the locking part can restrict the movement of the rod, preventing the sleeve from disengaging from the spindle.
[0010] Preferably, the locking element further includes an elastic element disposed within the through hole of the handle, with one end abutting against the sleeve. The rod portion also has a recessed section, a protruding section, and an end wall. The sleeve of the handle is recessed on its outer peripheral surface to form an operating area, located outside the through hole, allowing the operating part to be accommodated within and displaced within the operating area. One end of the rod portion passes through the elastic element, with the other end of the elastic element abutting against the end wall, allowing the locking element to move relative to the through hole along its axial direction, switching between a locked position and an unlocked position. Thus, the user unlocks the handle by pushing the locking element, disengaging it from the spindle and adjusting the grip position. When the handle is in the engaged position and the user does not continuously apply force to push the locking element, the tension of the elastic element automatically pushes the locking element back to the locked position, achieving an automatic locking effect.
[0011] Preferably, the locking member also has a positioning piece disposed in a positioning groove formed at one end of the rod. Thus, when the locking member is in the locked position, the positioning piece restricts the position of the locking member, preventing the locking member from completely disengaging from the handle.
[0012] Preferably, the locking member has a recessed section on one side of the rod, and the sleeve of the handle has an inwardly recessed operating area on its outer peripheral surface. The operating area is located outside the through hole, allowing the operating part to be accommodated within the operating area and rotated within it to switch between the locked and unlocked positions. In this way, the locking member can switch between the locked and unlocked positions in a convenient manner, assisting the user in quickly disengaging the sleeve of the handle from the spindle.
[0013] Preferably, the sleeve of the handle is further recessed in the operating area to form two positioning recesses, and the protrusion of the operating part of the locking member forms a positioning protrusion. Depending on the position of the locking member, the positioning protrusion engages with one of the positioning recesses. In this way, the locking member can be positioned in the locked or unlocked position, preventing the locking member from moving arbitrarily.
[0014] Preferably, the first end of the spindle also forms a shoulder adjacent to the first engagement portion, and a washer is fitted onto the shoulder, with the washer simultaneously abutting against the shoulder. In this way, the spindle can increase stability when assembled to the rear wheel and rear fork via the washer.
[0015] The detailed structure, features, assembly, and usage of the bicycle quick-release device provided by this utility model will be described in the subsequent detailed description of the embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should understand that these detailed descriptions and the specific embodiments listed for implementing this utility model are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of this utility model. Attached Figure Description
[0016] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking member in the locked position;
[0017] Figure 2 This is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing... Figure 2 Another perspective;
[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing only a partial structure;
[0020] Figure 5 This is a perspective view of the first embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking member in the unlocked position;
[0021] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking member in the locked position;
[0022] Figure 7 This is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the structure of the handle and the locking component;
[0023] Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing... Figure 7 Another perspective;
[0024] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking member in the locked position;
[0025] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the second embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking member in the unlocked position;
[0026] Figure 11 This is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking member in the locked position;
[0027] Figure 12 This is a perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking member in the unlocked position;
[0028] Figure 13This is an exploded perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing the structure of the handle and the locking component;
[0029] Figure 14 This is an exploded perspective view of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing... Figure 12 Another perspective;
[0030] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking member in the locked position; and
[0031] Figure 16 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the third embodiment of the present invention, showing the locking member in the unlocked position.
[0032] The meanings of the reference numerals in the above figures are as follows:
[0033] 10. Quick-release device for bicycles;
[0034] 20. Mandrel;
[0035] 21. First end;
[0036] 211. First connecting part;
[0037] 212. Locking part;
[0038] 2121, Small-diameter section;
[0039] 2122. Large diameter section;
[0040] 213. Shoulders;
[0041] 214. Gasket;
[0042] 22. Second end;
[0043] 221. External thread;
[0044] 30. Handle;
[0045] 31. Sleeve;
[0046] 311. Second locking part;
[0047] 312. Operating area;
[0048] 313. Locate the recess;
[0049] 32. Handle;
[0050] 33. Perforation;
[0051] 34. Opening;
[0052] 40. Locking components;
[0053] 41. Operations Department;
[0054] 411. Positioning bump;
[0055] 42. Rod section;
[0056] 421. Depressed section;
[0057] 422. Convex segment;
[0058] 423. End wall;
[0059] 424. Positioning groove;
[0060] 43. Elastic components;
[0061] 44. Positioning pad;
[0062] PL1, Lock position;
[0063] PL2, unlock position;
[0064] PS1, engagement position;
[0065] PS2, Rotate position. Detailed Implementation
[0066] The applicant first clarifies that in the embodiments and accompanying drawings described below, the same reference numerals denote the same or similar components or structural features thereof. It should be noted that the components and structures in the drawings are for illustrative purposes and are not drawn to scale or in quantity; moreover, features of different embodiments may be used interchangeably if feasible in practice. Secondly, when it is stated that a component is disposed on another component, it means that the aforementioned component is directly disposed on the other component, or indirectly disposed on the other component; that is, one or more other components are disposed between the two components. Conversely, when it is stated that a component is "directly" disposed on another component, it means that no other components are disposed between the two components.
[0067] Please see Figures 1 to 5 The bicycle quick-release device 10, which is the first embodiment of this utility model, mainly includes a spindle 20, a handlebar 30, and a locking member 40.
[0068] The spindle 20 has a first end 21 and a second end 22 opposite to the first end 21. The first end 21 forms a first engaging portion 211, a locking portion 212 adjacent to the first engaging portion 211, and a shoulder portion 213 adjacent to the first engaging portion 211. The first engaging portion 211 may be, for example, hexagonal in shape. The locking portion 212 and the shoulder portion 213 are located on opposite sides of the first engaging portion 211. The locking portion 212 includes a small diameter section 2121 and a large diameter section 2122 connecting the small diameter section 2121. The small diameter section 2121 is located inside the large diameter section 2122. An external thread 221 is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second end 22. A washer 214 is fitted onto the shoulder portion 213, and the washer 214 abuts against the shoulder portion 213.
[0069] The handle 30 has a sleeve 31 and a grip 32 connecting the sleeve 31. The sleeve 31 has a through hole 33 extending through both the inside and outside of the sleeve 31. The through hole 33 is located on the side of the sleeve 31. A groove may be formed on the side of the sleeve 31 opposite to the through hole 33, for example. The sleeve 31 is fitted onto the first end 21 of the spindle 20 and can move along the spindle 20 between an engaged position PS1 and a rotating position PS2. A second engaging portion 311 is also formed on the inner circumferential surface of the sleeve 31 of the handle 30. The shape of the second engaging portion 311 may be, for example, an inner dodecagonal shape, so that the second engaging portion 311 can engage with the first engaging portion 211. Furthermore, an opening 34 is formed inside the sleeve 31 of the handle 30, and the opening 34 communicates with the through hole 33.
[0070] The locking member 40 may be, for example, a pin having an operating part 41 and a rod part 42 connecting the operating part 41. The user can move the entire locking member 40 along the axis of the through hole 33 between a locked position PL1 and an unlocked position PL2 simply by operating the operating part 41.
[0071] In the first embodiment, when the rod 42 of the locking member 40 passes through the through hole 33 of the handle 30 and is fixed in the groove of the sleeve 31 of the handle 30, i.e., in the locked position PL1, and the sleeve 31 of the handle 30 is in the engaged position PS1, a part of the structure of the rod 42 will protrude outward from the opening 34 of the sleeve 31 of the handle 30, so that the rod 42 is engaged with the locking part 212 of the spindle 20, and the sleeve 31 is engaged with the first engaging part 211 of the spindle 20. At this time, since the rod 42 is located in the small diameter section 2121 between the large diameter section 2122 and the first engaging part 211, when the sleeve 31 is to be moved, the rod 42 will be restricted by the large diameter section 2122, so that the sleeve 31 cannot be disengaged from the first engaging part 211. Therefore, the sleeve 31 can only remain in the engaged position PS1 in this state.
[0072] When the user removes the locking member 40 from the through hole 33 of the handle 30 through the operating part 41, the locking member 40 is in the unlocked position PL2. At this time, the rod part 42 does not protrude outward from the opening 34 of the sleeve 31 of the handle 30, which means that the rod part 42 is already outside the small diameter section 2121 of the spindle 20 and will not be locked in the locking part 212 of the spindle 20. Therefore, when the sleeve 31 is moved, the locking member 40 will not be restricted by the large diameter section 2122, so that the sleeve 31 can disengage from the first engaging part 211 of the spindle 20 and move from the engaging position PS1 to the rotating position PS2, so that the user can manipulate the handle 30 to rotate relative to the spindle 20 through the grip 32.
[0073] Please see again Figures 6 to 10 The bicycle quick-release device 10 of the second embodiment of the present utility model differs from the first embodiment mainly in the structure of the locking member 40. In addition, the sleeve 31 of the handle 30 of the second embodiment is recessed on the outer peripheral surface to form an operating area 312. A through hole 33 is formed in the operating area 312, and another through hole 33 is formed on the other side of the sleeve 31. These through holes 33 are interconnected.
[0074] In the second embodiment, the locking member 40, in addition to having an operating part 41 and a rod part 42 connecting the operating part 41, also has an elastic member 43 and a positioning piece 44. The rod part 42 has a recessed section 421, a convex section 422 and an end wall 423. The recessed section 421 and the convex section 422 are arranged adjacent to each other, and one end of the convex section 422 forms the end wall 423. The elastic member 43 is disposed in the through hole 33 of the handle 30 and one end abuts against the inside of the sleeve 31. One end of the rod part 42 passes through one of the through holes 33 and then through the elastic member 43, and finally passes out from the other through hole 33. The positioning piece 44 is disposed in a positioning groove 424 formed at one end of the rod part 42. The other end of the elastic member 43 abuts against the end wall 423 of the rod part 42. The locking member 40 can then move relative to each other along the axial direction of the through hole 33 to switch between the locked position PL1 and the unlocked position PL2.
[0075] When the locking member 40 is in the locked position PL1 and the sleeve 31 of the handle 30 is in the engaged position PS1, a portion of the protrusion 422 of the rod 42 will protrude outward from the opening 34 of the sleeve 31 of the handle 30, so that the protrusion 422 is engaged with the locking part 212 of the spindle 20, and the sleeve 31 is engaged with the first engaging part 211 of the spindle 20. At this time, since the protrusion 422 of the rod 42 is located in the small diameter section 2121 between the large diameter section 2122 and the first engaging part 211, when the sleeve 31 is to be moved, the protrusion 422 will be restricted by the large diameter section 2122, so that the sleeve 31 cannot be disengaged from the first engaging part 211. Therefore, the sleeve 31 can only remain in the engaged position PS1 in this state.
[0076] When the user pushes the operating part 41 of the locking member 40, the operating part 41 is displaced along the operating area 312, and the end wall 423 of the lever 42 pushes against the elastic member 43, causing the elastic member 43 to be compressed. The locking member 40 is then in the unlocked position PL2. At this time, the lever 42 is in the position of the recessed section 421 relative to the opening 34. Therefore, the recessed section 421 will not protrude outward from the opening 34 of the sleeve 31 of the handle 30, and the protruding section 422 is hidden in the through hole 33. So when the sleeve 31 is moved, the locking member 40 is not restricted by the large diameter section 2122. The recessed section 421 goes around the large diameter section 2122, so that the sleeve 31 can disengage from the first engaging part 211 of the spindle 20 and move from the engaging position PS1 to the rotating position PS2, so that the user can operate the handle 30 to rotate relative to the spindle 20 by gripping the handle 32.
[0077] Please see again Figures 11 to 16 The bicycle quick-release device 10 of the third embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment mainly in the structure of the locking member 40. In the third embodiment, the sleeve 31 of the handle 30 is recessed on the outer peripheral surface to form an operating area 312. Two positioning recesses 313 are formed in the operating area 312 and a through hole 33 is formed adjacent to these positioning recesses 313. Another through hole 33 is formed on the other side of the sleeve 31, and these through holes 33 are connected to each other.
[0078] The locking member 40 of the third embodiment has an operating part 41 and a lever part 42 connected to the operating part 41. The operating part 41 has the shape of a toggle switch. A recessed section 421 is formed on one side of the lever part 42. The lever part 42 maintains an arc shape relative to the side with the recessed section 421. A positioning protrusion 411 is formed on the inner side of the operating part 41 of the locking member 40. One end of the lever part 42 of the locking member 40 passes through one through hole 33 and then exits from the other through hole 33. The operating part 41 is accommodated in the operating area 312 and can rotate in the operating area 312 to switch between the locked position PL1 and the unlocked position PL2.
[0079] When the locking member 40 is in the locked position PL1 and the sleeve 31 of the handle 30 is in the engaged position PS1, the positioning protrusion 411 of the operating part 41 is engaged with one of the positioning recesses 313. In this state, a portion of the recessed section 421 of the rod 42 protrudes outward from the opening 34 of the sleeve 31 of the handle 30 and is located in the small diameter section 2121 of the locking part 212 of the spindle 20. The sleeve 31 is engaged with the first engaging part 211 of the spindle 20. Since the recessed section 421 of the rod 42 is located in the small diameter section 2121 between the large diameter section 2122 and the first engaging part 211, when the sleeve 31 is to be moved, the recessed section 421 will be restricted by the large diameter section 2122, so that the sleeve 31 cannot disengage from the first engaging part 211. Therefore, the sleeve 31 can only remain in the engaged position PS1 in this state.
[0080] When the user moves the operating part 41 of the locking member 40, the locking member 40 rotates 90 degrees in the operating area 312, and the locking member 40 is in the unlocked position PL2. After the lever part 42 rotates 90 degrees, the recessed section 421 will be completely facing the position of the small diameter section 2121 of the spindle 20. At this time, the recessed section 421 will not protrude outward from the opening 34 of the sleeve 31 of the handle 30. Therefore, when the sleeve 31 is moved, the locking member 40 will not be restricted by the large diameter section 2122. The recessed section 421 goes around the large diameter section 2122, so that the sleeve 31 can disengage from the first engaging part 211 of the spindle 20 and move from the engaging position PS1 to the rotating position PS2, so that the user can operate the handle 30 to rotate relative to the spindle 20 by gripping the handle 32.
[0081] In summary, the bicycle quick-release device 10 provided by this utility model has at least the following advantages compared with the prior art:
[0082] 1. The bicycle quick-release device 10 provided by this utility model utilizes the configuration of the spindle 20 and the handlebar 30 to allow the rear wheel of the bicycle to be quickly assembled to the rear fork. A first engaging part 211 and a locking part 212 are provided at the first end 21 of the spindle 20, so that the handlebar 30 can engage or disengage from the first engaging part 211, and the position of the grip 32 of the handlebar 30 can be independently adjusted to a suitable position to prevent the grip 32 from getting caught on other parts of the bicycle.
[0083] 2. The bicycle quick-release device 10 of this utility model restricts the position of the sleeve 31 of the handlebar 30 on the spindle 20 by locking member 40, preventing the handlebar 30 from separating from the spindle 20 at will. The user operates the operating part 41 of locking member 40 to switch locking member 40 from locked position PL1 to unlocked position PL2, so as to release the limiting effect of locking member 40 on sleeve 31, so that sleeve 31 can be disengaged from the first engaging part 211 of spindle 20, and the handlebar 30 is in a state of free rotation.
[0084] Finally, it must be stated again that the constituent components disclosed in the above embodiments of this utility model are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Substitutions or variations of other equivalent components should also be covered by the scope of the claims of this utility model.
Claims
1. A quick-release device for bicycles, characterized in that, Includes: A spindle has a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end forms a first engagement portion and a locking portion adjacent to the first engagement portion. The locking portion includes a small diameter section and a large diameter section connecting the small diameter section. An external thread is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the second end. A handle having a sleeve and a grip connected to the sleeve, the sleeve having at least one through-hole penetrating the inside and outside of the sleeve, and the sleeve being fitted onto a first end of a spindle and movable along the spindle between an engaged position and a rotating position; and A locking member has an operating part and a rod part connected to the operating part. The rod part passes through a through hole in the handle, and the locking member can move along the through hole between a locked position and an unlocked position. When the locking member is in the locked position, the rod part is engaged with the locking part of the spindle, and the sleeve of the handle is engaged with the first engagement part of the spindle. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the rod part is not engaged with the locking part of the spindle, so that the sleeve can selectively disengage from the first engagement part of the spindle, and the handle can rotate relative to the spindle.
2. The bicycle quick-release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner circumferential surface of the sleeve of the handle forms a second engaging portion. When the handle is in the engaged position, the second engaging portion of the sleeve engages with the first engaging portion of the spindle. When the handle is in the rotating position, the second engaging portion of the sleeve disengages from the first engaging portion of the spindle.
3. The bicycle quick-release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sleeve of the handle has an opening inside that connects to the through hole. When the locking member is in the locked position, the rod protrudes outward from the opening to engage with the locking part of the spindle. When the locking member is in the unlocked position, the rod does not protrude outward from the opening, i.e., it is not engaged with the locking part of the spindle.
4. The bicycle quick-release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking member also has an elastic element disposed in the through hole of the handle and one end abutting against the sleeve. The rod portion also has a recessed section, a protruding section and an end wall. The sleeve of the handle is recessed on its outer peripheral surface to form an operating area. The operating area is located outside the through hole, so that the operating part is accommodated in the operating area and can be displaced in the operating area. One end of the rod portion passes through the elastic element and the other end of the elastic element abuts against the end wall, so that the locking member can move relative to the through hole along the axial direction to switch between the locked position and the unlocked position.
5. The bicycle quick-release device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The locking element also has a positioning piece disposed in a positioning groove formed at one end of the rod.
6. The bicycle quick-release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The locking member has a recessed section on one side of the rod, and the sleeve of the handle has an operating area formed by the indentation on the outer peripheral surface. The operating area is located outside the perforation, so that the operating part is accommodated in the operating area and can rotate in the operating area to switch between the locked position and the unlocked position.
7. The bicycle quick-release device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The glove sleeve is further recessed in the operating area to form two positioning recesses, and the protrusion of the operating part of the locking member forms a positioning protrusion. Depending on the position of the locking member, the positioning protrusion engages with one of the positioning recesses.
8. The bicycle quick-release device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first end of the mandrel also forms a shoulder adjacent to the first engaging portion, and a gasket is fitted onto the shoulder, which simultaneously abuts against the shoulder.