Bicycle frame dropout designed to make the frame universal while facilitating the removal of the rear wheel.

Abstract

Bicycle frame dropout device, characterized by: - ​​a fixed assembly (a) attached to the seat stays, which receives at least two threaded oblongs (b and c), - a fixed assembly (d) placed on the two bases (e) receiving a threaded oblong (f), - a movable assembly (g) intended to connect the seat stay (a) and base (d) assemblies, as well as to receive the wheel axle. Figure from the abstract: [Fig 5]

Description

Title of the invention: Bicycle frame bracket intended to make the frame universal while facilitating the removal of the rear wheel.

[0001] The invention relates to frame brackets that receive the rear wheel of a bicycle. Its purpose is to overcome the limitations imposed by technological advancements in transmission components, thereby ensuring the longevity of the bicycle frame regardless of any changes made to its components. Furthermore, for bicycles equipped with mudguards, this invention facilitates the removal of the rear wheel without it being obstructed by the mudguards.

[0002] Frame technologies, at the wheel and transmission attachment points, vary considerably depending on whether a chain or belt drive is used, or whether there is a single speed or multiple speeds. In the latter case, the differences also depend on whether the gears utilize a multi-speed derailleur system or a rear hub with integrated gears (such as "Alfine"® or "Rollhoff"®). Consequently, if a bicycle frame has been designed for one of these technologies, it becomes impossible to modify its transmission to use different technologies than those used in its original design.In the case of handcrafted bicycles, and more specifically custom-made bicycles, the inability to upgrade the frame to keep pace with technological advancements presents a significant constraint, as the buyer wants to keep their bicycle for life and therefore upgrade its components without fear of technology rendering it obsolete. The present invention attempts to overcome this initial constraint.

[0003] It should be noted that while most bicycles are equipped with chain drives, some bicycles use belts (for transmission between the chainring and the rear hub, instead of the traditional chain). These belts offer the advantage of eliminating the need for any transmission maintenance; they are usually found on city bikes or touring bikes where maintenance-free operation is more important than performance (belts generate a lot of friction). In these cases, the bicycle frame must accommodate the belt (which cannot be detached, unlike a chain where a link must be removed to break the chain's circularity), which means that one of the frame's seat stays must be cut (in practice, this cut is then compensated for by a fastener that allows the seat stay to be reattached).The result is that the function of the seat stay, which is to provide both rigidity and a certain degree of flexibility to the frame in order to smooth out the bumps in the road, and thereby provide a certain degree of comfort, is thwarted by the attachment. which stiffens the shroud and prevents it from performing its function of dissipating vibrations. Furthermore, since only the shroud receiving the transmission is equipped with the attachment, this results in a degradation of the uniformity of operation of the right and left shrouds.

[0004] Furthermore, and regardless of the transmission choices, on other bicycles equipped with mudguards, when it comes to removing the rear wheel (particularly in the event of a puncture with a loaded bicycle), the presence of the mudguard prevents the wheel from coming off; it is then necessary either to force the mudguard or to remove it. It should be noted that on most bicycle frames, the rear wheel is removed by releasing the wheel axle from the rear, which results in a collision when a mudguard is present.

[0005] The invention tends to overcome all of these drawbacks.

[0006] State of knowledge and technology: Bicycles are mostly equipped with chain drive technology. The mechanical constraints of frame design mean that the wheel is attached to the frame by the wheel axle through the chainstays and seatstays. The chainstays are the frame component that connects the bottom bracket to the wheel axle, while the seatstays connect the same wheel axle to the seat tube. Therefore, with this technology, the wheel can only be removed either by dropping it vertically from its axle due to gravity, with an oblique movement that first causes the wheel to fall and then brings the wheel axle back below the chainstays, or by removing it from the rear of the wheel axle. However, these two technologies are incompatible, so the frame incorporates either one or the other.

[0007] When removing the rear wheel, it quickly rubs against the mudguard (in the case of angled removal on the part of the mudguard located near the bottom bracket, or for removal from the rear on the rear part of the mudguard) due to their close proximity, preventing the wheel from being removed. It then becomes necessary to resort to tricks, either deflating the tire to provide the necessary clearance for wheel removal, or applying excessive force to the brakes in the case of rim brakes, etc. This results in significant inconvenience for the user, who may also have to partially remove the mudguard fasteners to allow the wheel to pass.

[0008] Mountain bike technology has given rise to a technology that is spreading to fields other than mountain biking, particularly when disc brakes are present. This is due to the mechanical reinforcement of the wheel axle at its connection to the frame, as disc brake technology presents greater mechanical stresses during braking than rim brakes. This technology is characterized by two integrated screw threads aligned with each On the frame side, at the junction of the seat stays and chain stays on the wheel axle, a threaded rod is fixed between these threads. Under these conditions, the wheel is released by removing the threaded rod, which then frees the wheel by gravity. However, and again, once the frame is equipped with this technology, it cannot accommodate any other.

[0009] Belt-drive bicycles require less maintenance because they have no cassette, metal chain, or chainrings. Since there are no metal transmission parts to grease, the ride and the bicycle itself stay cleaner. A belt-drive bicycle is easy to pedal, even in everyday clothing. This technology is particularly attractive for city bikes, electric bikes, or touring bikes where the daily distance is limited. However, this technology has a drawback: the friction of the belt on the crankset and hub sprocket is greater. This results in higher energy consumption, making this technology unsuitable for long-distance rides.The problem posed to bicycle frame technology by this type of transmission is that, because the belt has to pass through the frame, the right seat stay is cut to allow this passage.

[0010] To avoid the presence of dropouts that hinder the mechanical action of the seat stays, manufacturers are attempting to find solutions related to the design of a dropout fixed at the intersection of the seat stays and chain stays, using a mechanism that allows the dropout to retract by sliding from the rear of the frame. While this maintains the flex and vibration-dampening qualities of the seat stay, this technology becomes ineffective when a mudguard is present. Since the wheel needs to be removed for various reasons (the most obvious being a flat tire), it is then necessary to remove the mudguard before removing the wheel. This results in maintenance drawbacks that inconvenience the cyclist and discourage them from adopting belt drive technology.

[0011] Consequently, the invention aims to address all situations encountered: belt or chain drive, depending on the presence or absence of mudguards, in order to avoid all the aforementioned drawbacks of frame comfort and wheel removal when mudguards are present. Furthermore, it should be added that a conventional bicycle frame, once manufactured, cannot be separated from the initially chosen wheel mounting technology; the present invention also aims to overcome this constraint by developing the transmission or braking technology. Under these conditions, bicycles equipped with the invention ensure the frame remains compatible with any future developments.

[0012] Presentation of the invention: the invention is characterized by a bicycle frame bracket, placed on either side of the frame between the two chainstay and seatstay elements of the bicycle frame, consisting of: - a first fixed sub-assembly (a) attached to each of the stays ([Fig.l]), which receives at least two oblong screw threads (b and c), themselves placed to the right and left at the bottom of said stay sub-assembly (a), - a second fixed sub-assembly (d) placed on each of the two bases (e) - also called the base sub-assembly ([Fig.2]) - which receives an oblong with a screw thread (f) at the end of the sub-assembly opposite the base (e), as well as another oblong intended to block the translation (k) of a third movable sub-assembly (g), - the third movable sub-assembly (g) intended to connect the stay (a) and base (d) sub-assemblies, as well as to receive the wheel axle ([Fig.3]); this sub-assembly has: an opening (h) allowing the wheel axle (i) to be placed above the wheel axle (i) and in line with the oblongs (b and c) of the stay sub-assembly (a); a semi-circular tunnel oblong (j), with another opening called a translation opening (k) located at the bottom left of the figure, and another threaded fixing oblong (1) in line with the oblong (f) of the second sub-assembly connected to the bases (d) of the frame, - screws (m, m', m”, m'”) intended to assemble and lock the three sub-assemblies (a, d and g) together, according to the principle that: = a first screw (m) ensures the locking and translation of the third movable sub-assembly (g) by being placed on the oblong (c) itself located at the bottom right (in the figure) of the first sub-assembly (a), and the semi-circular oblong (j) of the movable sub-assembly, = a second screw (m') ensures the locking and opening of the translation of the movable sub-assembly, by being placed in the translation opening (k) of the movable sub-assembly (g) and being fixed on the threaded oblong (f) of the base sub-assembly (d), = a third screw (m”) ensures the final fixing of the third movable sub-assembly (g) with the second base sub-assembly (d), = a fourth fixing screw (m'”) ensures the final fixing of the mobile sub-assembly (g) with the first fixed sub-assembly of the stays (a).

[0013] The method of operating the dough device is characterized in that: - relative to the brackets receiving the rear wheel in its final operating position, the movable sub-assembly (g) is fixed to the two fixed sub-assemblies (a and d) by means of four fixing screws (m, m', m”, m'”), - When removing the wheel, the fixing screws (m”, m'”) are removed from the device, while the translation screws (m and m') are simply unscrewed, leaving the fixed sub-assemblies (a, d, and g) with the movable sub-assembly (g) free. The latter can then be translated via its semi-circular oblong (j), which allows, for example, the opening (h) to be placed in the lower position ([Fig. 5]), simultaneously freeing the wheel axle (i) vertically. As a result, the wheel no longer interferes with any mudguard. - When the bicycle has a belt drive and this transmission component needs to be replaced, the four screws (m, m', m”, m'”) are removed, thus removing the moving sub-assembly (g) and leaving a gap between the fixed sub-assemblies (a and d), which allows the drive belt to pass through. Under these conditions, the frame design no longer requires interrupting the seat stay, and the desired mechanical qualities of the frame remain optimal.

[0014] Note that the shape of the opening (h) of the moving sub-assembly can change depending on the wheel fixing technology used (wheel axle).

[0015] Finally, and specifically in the case where the bicycle is equipped with disc brakes, the second basic subassembly (d) receives, opposite the transmission element (which is located on the right, this concerns the left basic subassembly), a straight tunnel-shaped oblong (n) onto which the disc brake caliper (o) is fixed. Under these conditions, it is possible to adjust the position of the brake caliper (o) with respect to the disc diameter, which varies depending on the reference; the device allows adaptation to any dimensional situation.

[0016] [Fig.1]: view of the fixed subassembly of stay (a),

[0017] [Fig.2]: view of the basic fixed subset (d),

[0018] [Fig.3]: view of the moving subassembly (g),

[0019] [Fig.4]: Overview of the device in its final operating position,

[0020] [Fig. 5]: Overview of the device with the subassembly in translation for release the wheel

[0021] Glossary: a) first fixed sub-assembly attached to the stays, b) oblong of the fixed sub-assembly attached to the stays, oblong intended to receive a fixing screw, c) oblong of the fixed sub-assembly attached to the stays, oblong intended to receive a translation screw, d) second fixed subset attached to the bases of the frame, e) base, f) oblong with screw thread at the end of the second fixed sub-assembly attached to the basic elements of the frame, g) a third movable sub-assembly designed to perform the translation and fixed onto the fixed sub-assemblies, h) opening in the movable sub-assembly (g) for placing the wheel axle, i) wheel axle, j) oblong semi-circular tunnel allowing the translation of the moving sub-assembly (g), k) so-called translation opening on the third moving sub-assembly (g), 1) oblong, called the fixing piece (bottom right in the figure), on the moving sub-assembly (g), m, m', m”, m”') Vis n) oblong tunnel-shaped on the base subassembly (d) to receive the disc brake caliper, o) disc brake caliper.

Claims

Demands

1. Bicycle frame dropout device placed on either side of the frame between the two chainstay and chainstay elements of the bicycle frame, characterized by: - ​​a first fixed assembly (a) attached to each of the chainstays, which receives at least two threaded oblongs (b and c), themselves placed to the right and left at the bottom of said chainstay assembly (a), - a second fixed assembly (d) placed on each of the two chainstays (e) - also called base sub-assembly - which receives a threaded oblong (f) at the end of the assembly opposite the base (e), - a third movable assembly (g) intended to connect the chainstay assemblies (a) and chainstay assemblies (d), as well as to receive the wheel axle; This assembly has: an opening (h) allowing the wheel axle (i) to be placed above the wheel axle (i) and in line with the oblongs (b and c) of the shroud assembly (a) is arranged an oblong tunnel of semi-circular shape (j), with another opening called translation (k),and another oblong screw-type fixing bracket (1) aligned with the oblong (f) of the second sub-assembly connected to the bases (d) of the frame, - screws (m, m', m”, m'”) intended to assemble and lock the three assemblies (a, d, and g) together, according to the principle that: = a first screw (m) ensures the locking and translation of the third movable assembly (g) by being placed on the oblong (c) itself located at the bottom right of the first assembly (a), and the semi-circular oblong (j) of the movable assembly, = a second screw (m') ensures the locking and opening of the translation of the movable assembly, by being placed in the translation opening (k) of the movable assembly (g) and being fixed to the oblong screw-type bracket (f) of the base sub-assembly (d), = a third screw (m”) ensures the final fixing of the third movable assembly (g) with the second base assembly (d), = a fourth fixing screw (m”’) ensures the fixing final assembly of the moving part (g) with the first fixed part of the stays (a).

2. A method for attaching the moving assembly (g) to the fixed sub-assemblies (a and d) of a device according to claim 1, by means of four fixing screws (m, m', m”, m”') when The legs receive the rear wheel in its final operating position.

3. Method of dismantling the wheel on a bicycle equipped with a device according to claim I in which the fixing screws (m”, m”') are removed from the device, while the translation screws (m and m') are simply unscrewed leaving the fixed assemblies (a, d and g) with the moving assembly (g) free, it can then carry out its translation by means of its semi-circular oblong (j), which allows for example the opening (h) to be placed in a low position, which simultaneously frees the axle of the wheel (i) vertically.

4. Method of changing an element of a belt drive element on a bicycle equipped with a device according to claim 1, wherein the four screws (m, m', m”, m'”) are removed, so that the moving assembly (g) is removed and leaves a free space between the fixed assemblies (a and d), which allows the drive belt to pass through.

5. Bicycle equipped with disc brakes fitted with a frame dropout device according to claim 1 wherein the second basic assembly (d) receives opposite the transmission element a straight tunnel-shaped oblong (n) on which the disc brake caliper (o) is fixed, which allows the position of this caliper (o) to be adjusted with respect to the diameter of the disc.

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