U.S. patent application number 09/796582 was filed with the patent office on 2001-07-26 for control-rod actuated axle assembly.
Invention is credited to Cross, Gary A..
Application Number | 20010009632 09/796582 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 22816210 |
Filed Date | 2001-07-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010009632 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Cross, Gary A. |
July 26, 2001 |
Control-rod actuated axle assembly
Abstract
An axle is made-up of a left and a right axle halves which
axially engage to form a completed axle assemble for supporting a
roller skate wheel or other rotating member. A control rod is
positioned and enabled for axial translation within the axle and
may be moved by physical contact with the rod through an access
hole at one end of the axle. A spring normally positions the
control rod so that a set of ball bearings mounted within radial
holes in the axle are forced into outward positions for engaging
the axle halves to form a unitary unit. When the control rod is
translated against spring tension, however, the bearings are able
to move radially inwardly so as to disengage the axle halves for
quick disassembly for replacing a wheel or other need. The axle
provides a spring bias enabled for forcefully separating the axle
halves once released. A threaded cap is adjustable in its position
to moderate the separating force.
Inventors: |
Cross, Gary A.; (Santa Ana,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GENE SCOTT
PATENT LAW & VENTURE GROUP ITTT
3151 AIRWAY AVE
SUITE K 105
COSTA MESA
CA
92626
US
|
Family ID: |
22816210 |
Appl. No.: |
09/796582 |
Filed: |
February 28, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
09796582 |
Feb 28, 2001 |
|
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09218716 |
Dec 22, 1998 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
403/322.2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 403/592 20150115;
Y10T 403/599 20150115; F16B 21/165 20130101; Y10T 403/581 20150115;
A63C 17/226 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
403/322.2 |
International
Class: |
F16D 001/00; B25G
003/18; F16B 021/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A control-rod actuated axle apparatus comprises a pair of
cylindrical axle portions with one of the axle portions adapted for
receiving the other of the axle portions for mutual engagement in
unitary axial alignment, thereby imparting a first spring potential
energy to a first biasing means within the one of the axle
portions; and a control rod engaged within the other of the axle
portions and positioned by a second biasing means for forcing a
plurality of locking elements into radial positions for locking the
pair of axle portions; the control rod axially movable for
positioning a reduced diameter portion of the control rod for
enabling the locking elements to unlock the axle portions for
separation thereof, the first biasing means projecting the axle
portions apart by releasing the first spring potential energy
thereof.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a retaining means
engaged within the other of the axle portions for retaining the
second biasing means therewithin.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the retaining means is a
retaining ring of a spring temper material, removably fitted into a
circular retaining slot within the other of the axle portions.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of locking
elements are ball bearings.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the one of the axle portions
terminates with a cap threadedly joined thereto and axially
positionable therein, the cap engaging the first biasing means for
adjustable compression thereof.
6. A combination comprising a control-rod actuated axle apparatus
engaged with a skate wheel mounting frame, wherein the axle
apparatus includes a pair of cylindrical axle portions with one of
the axle portions adapted for receiving the other of the axle
portions for mutual engagement in unitary axial alignment, thereby
imparting a first spring potential energy to a first biasing means
within the one of the axle portions; and a control rod engaged
within the other of the axle portions and positioned by a second
biasing means for forcing a plurality of locking elements into
radial positions for locking the pair of axle portions; the control
rod axially movable for positioning a reduced diameter portion of
the control rod for enabling the locking elements to unlock the
axle portions for separation thereof, the first biasing means
projecting the axle portions apart by releasing the first spring
potential energy thereof.
Description
[0001] This application claims the priority date of a previously
filed utility patent application having Ser. No. 09/218,716 and an
assigned filing date of Dec. 22, 1998 and which contains subject
matter substantially the same as the present application.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] This invention relates generally to wheel axles, and more
particularly to such an axle capable of being disassembled and
reassembled by snapping two halves of the device apart or together
respectively.
[0004] 2. DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART
[0005] The following art defines the present state of this
field:
[0006] Poddig et al., U.S. Pat. No. 3,038,567 describes a
telescopic antenna movable between a collapsed and extended
position, in combination, a tubular outer section formed in its
inner surface with a recess; an inner antenna section arranged in
the collapsed position of the antenna entirely in said outer
section and slidable in longitudinal direction thereof to an
extended position; a head also arranged in the collapsed position
of the antenna in said outer section and being connected to said
inner section for movement therewith, said head being formed with a
stepped longitudinal bore having an inner small diameter portion
and at its outer end a large diameter portion, and said head being
formed with a transverse bore communicating with said small
diameter portion, and said head being formed with a transverse bore
communicating with said small diameter bore portion for
longitudinal movement relative to said head, said holding member
being spring biased into holding position; a locking member
arranged in said transverse bore portion and cooperating with said
holding member so as to be urged outwardly thereby, when said
holding member is in said holding position thereof, into a locking
position wherein said locking member projects into said recess of
said outer section; and key means having a stem portion and a bit
portion projecting radially from said stem portion spaced from the
free end of the end of the latter, said key means being movable
between and active position in which said stem portion thereof is
located in said small diameter bore portion and engages said
holding member for moving the same longitudinally out of said
holding position, thereby permitting said locking member to leave
said locking position and in which said bit portion is out of
alignment with said keyhole-shaped opening and engages said closure
plate to hold said key means in said inner section out of said
outer section, and an inactive position in which said bit is
aligned with said keyhole-shaped opening so that said key means may
be withdrawn from said longitudinal bore.
[0007] Allen et al, U.S. Pat. No. 3,277,767 describes a quick
release pin which consists of a main body, or head, made of quality
steel. The shape is optional and preferably generally cylindrical
and has a stepped cylindrical passage extending longitudinally
throughout its length. The fore end of the passage is a counterbore
of substantial depth and the aft end of the hollow shank fits
closely in the counterbore. The shank is permanently secured or
bounded in place by the use of meltable metal; that is, may be
welded or brazed, including the type of brazing known as
"sweating." Instead of forming the head with an integral lateral
handle by machining or forging, or welding a handle to it, the
hollow head is cross bored to form a lateral passage and extends
into and preferably through the longitudinal passage. The handle
portion which is located within the longitudinal passage is then
swaged to modify its shape and prevent it from being removed
through the lateral passage. Thus it effectively becomes integral
with the head without the necessity of welding or similar
operations. In the presently preferred form it is swaged
sufficiently to make it conform at least partially to the
cylindrical shape of the longitudinal passage, thus preventing
rotation as well as axial movement. A central opening is formed in
the handle portion and a spring loaded spindle extends through it
and through the guideway in the hollow shank to operate
conventional lock balls. In a modification of the invention, the
intermediate and aft portions of the longitudinal passage in the
head are larger than the fore portion. The shank is formed with a
cylindrical abutment at its aft end and the shank is inserted
forwardly through the head, being pressed tightly into the forward
portion of the longitudinal passage until the abutment seats on the
shoulder formed at the juncture of the passage portions of
different diameters. The fit may be made so tight that nothing
additional is needed to make the connection permanent. The lateral
passage is formed immediately behind the abutment, and a handle is
inserted and swage locked in substantially the same way as in the
first embodiment. The shank cannot move rearwardly. The abutment
may have a trough shaped aft face partially surrounding the handle,
which very effectively prevents any rotation of the shank.
[0008] Desmarchais, U.S. Pat. No. 3,507,528 describes a locking
mechanism using a pair of locking longitudinal members with a
locking device formed on the adjacent inner parts of the members
for coupling them together. One of the members is annular with an
element extending through it to position the coupling device in
locked arrangement and is moveable to decouple the elements.
[0009] Liedholm, U.S. Pat. No. 3,884,589 describes a locking joint
for concrete piles. Facing end surfaces are joined by outwardly
projecting pins or openings communicating with pin receiving
spaces. The receiving spaces and each pin has a transverse hole to
receive a wedge device inserted in the hole and through a bore
projecting through the side of the pile sections into which the pin
is inserted. This holds the pile sections in firm abutting
relationship.
[0010] Metz, U.S. Pat. No. 3,945,744 describes an extendable and
collapsible telescoping strut construction comprising inner and
outer tubular members adapted to be slidably received in one
another. The inner member is provided with rolled-in portions
constituting annular locking grooves, respectively. The outer
member has radially extending slots to receive locking dogs which
are advanceable toward the inner member in predetermined, fixed
positions with respect to the outer member. The latter further
carries a springbiased, slidable collar member which retains the
locking dogs in positions of engagement with any one of the annular
grooves. Positive, cooperable locking means on the collar member
and on the outer tubular member are provided for retaining these
two parts in a predetermined, fixed position against accidental
bumping or jarring, whereby the locking dogs are firmly held in
their advanced, locking positions. The arrangement is such that the
spring automatically advances the collar member to its locked
position with respect to the outer tubular member as soon as the
collar member is released.
[0011] Hollmann, U.S. Pat. No. 4,453,449 describes a hold down
apparatus having a sleeve with a plurality of fingers, the reactive
length of which is varied in order to provide any predetermined
engaging and release force to detents which engage a groove in a
shaft that is attached to a missile to form a passive hold down
apparatus which is reusable.
[0012] Schott, U.S. Pat. No. 4,616,952 describes a shaft coupling
joining together a coupling sleeve and a power takeoff shaft,
wherein a plurality of locking bodies guided in radial openings in
the coupling sleeve engage within an annular groove in the power
takeoff shaft to axially retain the members coupled together. An
axially movable lock ring holds the locking bodies in engagement
within the annular groove and when in the released position a
gripping sleeve axially fixed with the lock ring, but rotatable
relative thereto extending about the coupling sleeve, is engaged
within the radial openings of the coupling sleeve to hold the
coupling in the released position. The gripping sleeve is formed
with an annular part extending axially inwardly of the gripping
sleeve, a radially inwardly directed hooked projection provided on
the annular part and a plurality of longitudinally extending slots
uniformly circumferentially distributed on the annular part
dividing it into a plurality of individual radially inwardly
extending locking brackets having hooked projections formed thereon
engaging within the radial openings. The quantity of the locking
brackets provided is divisible by the quantity of the radial
openings and the width of the locking brackets in the
circumferential direction corresponds to no more than half the
corresponding width of an opening.
[0013] Suzuki, U.S. Pat. No. 4,645,372 describes a power
transmitting coupling includes a hub member such as a yoke and a
shaft such as a splined shaft fitted therein axially slidably but
nonrotatably relative to each other, and detent balls accommodated
in the hub member and partially extending into a ball setting
groove of the shaft for preventing the shaft from removing from the
hub member. According to the invention, the coupling comprises
slide means slidable on the hub member into a ball holding position
where the detent balls partially extending into the ball setting
groove of the shaft are held and a ball non-holding position where
the detent balls are not held, spring means for urging the slide
means in one direction, holding position holding means for holding
the slide means at the ball holding position in cooperation with
the spring means, and non-holding position holding means for
holding the slide means at the ball non-holding position in
cooperation with the spring means but releasing the slide means
when the detent balls move outwardly, thereby enabling the shaft
and the hub member to be connected and disconnected only by once
sliding the slide means without holding the slide means by a hand
of an operator during the connecting and disconnecting
operation.
[0014] Finnefrock, U.S. Pat. No. 4,865,485 describes a socket
extension with a release mechanism for an included lock ball
wherein the release mechanism is positioned on side of the lock
ball and an included safety wedge is positioned on the opposite
side of the lock ball aligned with the release mechanism. The
safety wedge is resiliently biased against the lock ball by a
captured spring therebehind and the safety wedge being displaced
upon displacement of the release mechanism to disengage said lock
ball from an associated socket.
[0015] Stillwagon, U.S. Pat. No. 4,900,182 describes a lock and
release apparatus comprising an integrally cooperating bar and
collar combination which provides a variety of gripping and
releasing arrangements; wherein the bar of such combination defines
a plurality of circumferentially alternating surfaces, including at
least one flat surface and one arcuate surface; and, wherein the
collar of such combination defines a ball and cam relationship
which cooperates with the arcuate surface of the bar to provide a
gripping action between the bar and collar, which is releasable by
variety of arrangements made functional by the present
invention.
[0016] Flux, U.S. Pat. No. 4,988,248 describes a plug-in connector
device comprising a ring-like head portion and a hollow shank. The
shank has locking balls which can be held to project outwardly of
the shank in a locked condition of the device, and can also move to
a retracted position under the control of an axially slidable
probe, the movement of which is controlled by an actuator lever on
the head portion which can only be moved to release the locking
balls from their locked condition on a separate manipulation of a
second lever, or in other embodiments a safety catch button, also
mounted on the head portion.
[0017] Fox III et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,390,571 describes a shaft
drive which includes a push button locking mechanism for
releasingly locking the shaft drive to the attachment cavity of an
attached tool. The locking mechanism can be used to positively
couple one tool, such as a wrench drive or another tool. A push
button includes an inner end having a concave surface that
interacts with the convex surface of a sliding locking bolt inside
the shaft such that depression of the button moves the locking bolt
to a release position. A spring in the locking bolt bore biases the
bolt in its locking position.
[0018] Quiring, U.S. Pat. No. 5,398,946 describes a chuck device
having a one-step lock and release mechanism for conveniently
coupling a power bit to a drill having a Jacobs-style chuck. The
chuck device includes a body having a centrally-positioned bore
which is adapted to receive the power bit shank. The power bit
shank includes a circumferentially-extending groove which is
positioned inside the bore. The body has an inclined cam channel
which includes an aperture for communicating with the bore. The
body further includes a longitudinally-extending slot communicating
with the inclined cam channel. A detent ball is disposed within the
inclined cam channel for partial penetration through the aperture
for engaging the circumferentially-extending groove of the power
bit shank. A spring having an end encircles the body where the end
is slidably positioned within the slot for biasing the detent ball
rearwardly along the inclined cam channel during the unlocking and
withdraw of a power bit from the chuck device. The position of the
spring is confined on the body by a retaining ring positioned
proximate to the inclined cam channel and by a sleeve which
encircles a portion of the body. The retraction of the sleeve in a
rearward direction compresses the spring and rearwardly biases the
spring end within the slot for movement of the detent ball from
locking engagement to the circumferentially-extending groove.
Release of the sleeve permits the expansion of the spring and the
biasing of the sleeve and detent ball in a forward direction for
locking engagement to a power bit.
[0019] Ferreol-Ragotin, U.S. Pat. No. 5,458,431 describes a modular
franking machine which comprises first and second modules. A module
assembly device holds the first module in alignment with the second
module. It comprises at least one projecting shaft fixed to the
first module and a sheath in the second module. The shaft is
inserted in the sheath by translatory movement. The shaft is locked
in position relative to the sheath when inserted in it. The locking
system comprises a piston mobile axially inside the shaft to
displace a retractable member housed inside the shaft so that it
projects towards the exterior of the shaft and an opening in sheath
to receive the projecting member in order to immoblize the shaft in
the sheath.
[0020] Crainich, U.S. Pat. No. 5,464,300 describes a medical
instrument including a handle for manipulating the instrument, a
tool head, and a tube element for joining the handle and the tool
head, the tube element having a first end and a second end, a first
coupling for releasably coupling the first end of the tube element
and the handle, and a second coupling for releasably coupling the
second end of the tube element and the tool head, whereby the tool
head, tube element and handle are all readily separable from each
other.
[0021] Dobbins, U.S. Pat. No. 5,518,335 describes a lock-up device
for a firearm which utilizes a ball and cam arrangement to
interlock two members. The interlocked members include ball
arrangement surfaces which are curved so that a substantial portion
of the ball surface is in contact with the engagement surfaces. The
lock-up device disposed in a firearm absorbs recoil forces and
utilizes the absorbed recoil force to cycle the firearm.
[0022] Chow, U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,140 describes socket wrench
extension including an axial bore for receiving a rod and including
an opening and an orifice for receiving a ball and an actuator. The
actuator includes a tapered surface for moving the rod inward of
the axial bore. The rod includes an aperture for engaging with the
actuator and a cavity for receiving the ball. A spring biases the
rod to move the ball partially outward of the opening so as to
engage with a socket member. The ball is received in the cavity
when the rod is moved inward by the actuator. The elements may be
easily assembled in the extension.
[0023] Butkovich et al, U.S. Pat. No. 5,658,087 describes a locking
mechanism for releasably fixing an externally splined power
take-off shaft to an output shaft of offhighway equipment such as a
tractor. The output shaft has a hollow, internally splined hub
portion adapted to axially receive the externally splined power
take-off shaft to prevent relative rotational movement between the
power take-off and output shafts. The locking mechanism includes a
locking member supported within a radial opening in the power
take-off shaft so as to be radially movable between an outer
locking position and an inner locking position. In the outer
locking position, the locking member is engagable with a recess
formed in the hub portion of the output shaft to prevent relative
axial movement between the power take-off shaft and the output
shaft. In the inner unlocking position, the locking member is
disengaged from the recess in the output shaft to permit such
relative axial movement. An elongated actuator is positioned within
an inner bore of the power take-offshaft and has a cam surface
thereon. The actuator is movable between a first position in which
the actuator operably maintains the locking member in its locking
position, and a second position which permits radial movement of
said locking member to its unlocking position. Upon return of the
actuator to the first position, the cam surface operably engages
the locking member to move the locking member to its locked
position.
[0024] Pace, U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,851 describes a connector for an
elongated member which is composed of a male part and a female
part. The female part is fixedly mounted onto an end of an
elongated member with the male part being fixed onto a separated
structure or vice versa. The male part includes a fluid operated
piston, which is to be supplied fluid pressure from a remote
source. Axially pressing of the female member in contact with the
male member will result in the connector being located in a locked
relationship. Application of the fluid pressure from the remote
source will cause the connector to move to an unlocked relationship
permitting locating of the female part in a spaced apart
relationship from the male part.
[0025] Whittington et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,007,268 describes an
axial and radial locking release collar adapted to be axially
received on and to be removably fixed at any selected location
along the length of an elongated shaft and radially locked in at
least one direction around the shaft. The release collar includes
an axially movable sleeve. Moveable balls are cammed into
frictional engagement with the shaft. A tension ring includes
angled segments removed from the inner surface thereof such that
said movable balls are held in the angled segments to prevent
radially movement around the shaft. The release collar may also be
easily slid onto a threaded shaft and locked into place.
[0026] The prior art teaches several devices such as struts,
shafts, and buttons which may be released by the use of ball
bearings and other moveable engagement elements. However, the prior
art does not teach that an axle may be formed by the engagement of
two axle halves joined by radially positionable ball bearings which
are controlled by an axially movable control rod accessed from one
end of the axle and wherein the two halves may be forcefully
separated once the locking means is released, by a biasing element.
The present invention fulfills these needs and provides further
related advantages as described in the following summary.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0027] The present invention teaches certain benefits in
construction and use which give rise to the objectives described
below.
[0028] The present invention provides an axle made-up of a left and
a right axle halves which axially engage to form a completed axle
assemble for supporting a roller skate wheel or other rotating
member. A control rod is positioned and enabled for axial
translation within the axle and may be moved by physical contact
with the rod through an access hole at one end of the axle. A
spring normally positions the control rod so that a set of ball
bearings mounted within radial holes in the axle are forced into an
outward position for engaging the axle halves to form a unitary
unit. When the control rod is translated against spring tension,
however, the bearings are able to move radially inwardly into the
axle so as to disengage the axle halves for quick disassembly for
replacing a wheel or other need. The axle provides a spring bias
enabled for forcefully separating the axle halves once released. A
threaded cap is adjustable in position to moderate the separating
force.
[0029] A primary objective of the present invention is to provide a
wheel axle having advantages not taught by the prior art.
[0030] Another objective is to provide such an axle capable of
being removed from its mount by depressing on a control rod from
one end of the axle.
[0031] A further objective is to enable the axle to be assembled by
merely pressing the two halves of the axle together while
depressing the control rod.
[0032] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from the following more detailed description, taken
in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which illustrate, by
way of example, the principles of the invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
[0033] The accompanying drawings illustrate the present invention.
In such drawings:
[0034] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of the preferred
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0035] FIGS. 2-4 are sectional view taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1
and showing the invention as fully assembled, control rod
depressed, and axle portions separated respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0036] The above described drawing figures illustrate the
invention, a control-rod actuated axle apparatus shown in a
sectional view in FIG. 2 and referenced by numeral 10. The
apparatus comprises a control-rod actuated axle comprising a pair
of cylindrical axle portions 20 and 30, with one of the axle
portions 20 adapted for receiving the other of the axle portions 30
for mutual engagement in unitary axial alignment as shown in FIG.
2. As can be seen in FIGS. 2-4, the adaptation of the one axle 20
comprises an interior diameter suitable for receiving the other
axle portion 30. The fit between these two parts is a tight
tolerance sliding fit. When so engaged, as shown in FIG. 2, a
spring potential energy is imparted to a first biasing means 40,
preferably a coil spring, within the one of the axle portions 20
compresses the biasing means 40. A control rod 50 is engaged within
the other of the axle portions 30 and positioned by a second
biasing means 60, preferably, again, a coil spring, as shown. The
control rod forces a plurality of locking elements 70, preferably
ball bearings, into radial positions for locking the pair of axle
portions 20, 30 as shown in FIG. 2. For this purpose, the interior
surface of the one axle portion 20 has an annular internal groove
21. The control rod 50 is axially movable, as shown by the arrow in
FIG. 3, for positioning a reduced diameter portion 52 of the
control rod 50 in a position enabling the locking elements 70 to
move inwardly, radially, to unlock the axle portions 20, 30 so they
may be separated as shown in FIG. 4. The first biasing means 40
acts to project the axle portions 20, 30 apart by releasing the
first spring potential energy as shown by the arrow in FIG. 4.
[0037] A retaining means 80 such as a common spring tempered
retaining ring, is engaged within the other of the axle portions 30
for retaining the second biasing means 60 therewithin. This is
clearly shown in FIGS. 2 and 4 where a head 54 of the control rod
50 is sized for abutting the retaining means 80 so that it cannot
be removed from the apparatus without first removing the retaining
means 80. The retaining means 80 is preferably fitted into a
retaining slot 82 within the other of the axle portions 30 as shown
in FIG. 4.
[0038] The one of the axle portions 20, preferably terminates with
a cap 22 threadedly joined thereto and axially positionable
therein. The cap 22 engages the first biasing means 40 for
adjustable compression. This compression also acts to prevent the
cap 22 from rotating after being set at an appropriate tension of
the biasing measn 40. The internal surface 24 of the cap 22 presses
against the first biasing means 40 at its left end as shown. The
right end of the first biasing means 40 presses, in turn, against
one end 32 of the other of the axle portions 30. Thus, when the two
axle portions 20, 30 are no longer engaged, they are projected
apart. This is to great advantage in certain applications such as
with roller skates where the terminal ends of the axle may use
countersunk type flared flanges, wherein it is difficult to remove
the axle portions even when they are disengaged. This is
illustrated in FIG. 4 where two side portions of a skate frame 100
is shown with the apparatus 10. The skate frame 100 may be
considered an important element of the present invention as the
frame 100 works with the apparatus 10 to provide an improved skate
wheel mounting assembly.
[0039] While the invention has been described with reference to at
least one preferred embodiment, it is to be clearly understood by
those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited thereto.
Rather, the scope of the invention is to be interpreted only in
conjunction with the appended claims.
* * * * *