The present invention relates to a set of an axle and a cap that can be attached to the axle.

The principle of a bolt and a nut which can be attached to the bolt to attach components, elements or the like to each other is already known.

To this end the bolt and the nut are provided with complementary threads.

A disadvantage of such system is that to attach the elements to each other, the bolt or the nut must be rotated several times to attach them to each other.

This is time-consuming.

Furthermore, loosening the bolt and nut again is an equally time-consuming job. The purpose of the present invention is to offer an alternative to the known bolt-and-nut system, which can be attached and loosened again.

The object of the present invention is a set of an axle and cap that can be attached to the axle, characterised in that the axle is provided with at least one recess or groove in the form of a hook with a straight section which extends axially from a second end of the axle in the direction of a first end of the axle and connecting therewith a curved section which bends back in the direction of the second end of the axle, whereby the cap is intended to be mounted over the second end of the axle, whereby on the inside the cap is provided with at least one semi-spherical bulge, whereby the semi-spherical bulge is such that it can slide into said recess or groove.

Semi-spherical bulge also refers to a bulge here which is also slightly bigger or slightly smaller than half a semisphere. This means that the height of the bulge does not have to be exactly equal,to the radius of the sphere, but can for example also be 20% to 25% bigger or smaller than the radius of the sphere.

This provides the advantage that the cap can very simply be attached to the axle by mounting the second end of the axle in the cap.

The spherical bulge of the cap will slide into the recess or groove, first in the straight section of the recess and subsequently, by rotating the axle, in the curved section.

Consequently the second end will be fixed in the cap, i.e. the second end can no longer be slid out of the cap, such that the axle is fixedly mounted in the cap.

This provides the advantage that this is not only a very simple way to attach the cap to the axle, but that it is also a quick way to loosen everything again. Indeed, to loosen the cap again, only the axle needs to be rotated back to be able to slide the second end of the axle out of the cap. The set according to the invention thus forms an alternative for the classic bolt with nut, whereby attaching and loosening will be much quicker with the set according to the invention.

Preferably, the set is provided with a spring element, whereby the spring element is mounted either in the cap or around the axle, whereby said spring element is intended to press against the second end of the axle when the second end of the axle is mounted in the cap or whereby said spring element is intended to press against the cap when the second end of the axle is mounted in the cap.

Said spring element is a spring or a rubber ring for example.

This has the advantage that the spring will then exercise a force on the second end of the axle or on the cap, such that the cap is pushed from the second end as it were.

However, because the pegs are located in the curved section which bends back in the direction of the second end, the semi-spherical bulges will not slide back via the straight section of the groove, but are anchored as it were in the curved section. This offers an extra security against the second end unintentionally coming off.

To be able to loosen the cap from the axle, a small compressive force will have to be exercised on the axle, toward the cap, or vice versa, on the cap toward the axle, such that the pegs can be slid out of the curved section when rotating the axle.

In an alternative embodiment the axle is provided with three said recesses or grooves in the form of a hook which are positioned along the contour of the axle, and the cap is provided with three semi-spherical bulges which are positioned along the contour of the cap.

The advantage of such embodiment is that any forces acting on the set, for example when the set is used like a bolt-and-nut connection to attach two components or elements to each other, are distributed over the three semi-spherical bulges.

Obviously, it is not excluded that the set is provided with two or more than three grooves and corresponding semi- spherical.bulges.

In yet another alternative embodiment, the recess or groove is provided with several curved sections along its straight section which connect with the groove and the cap is provided with several corresponding semi-spherical bulges which are located axially behind each other, whereby the semi-spherical bulges are such that they can slide into said recess and groove and each of the semi-spherical bulges into a corresponding curved section.

In this way a type of uncoupled thread is created. Furthermore, the forces are distributed over the semi- spherical bulges in this case too.

The present invention also relates to a method for manufacturing a cap of a set according to the invention, characterised in that the method comprises the following steps:

- providing a solid cylindrical element from which the cap will be manufactured, said solid cylindrical element being provided with a bottom surface and a base and a casing extending between the bottom surface and base;

- providing at least one peg with a semi-spherical head or at least one ball;

- milling at least one cavity in the casing of the solid cylindrical element with a diameter equal to the diameter of the peg or the ball, with a depth equal to the length of the peg or the diameter of the ball and with a semi-spherical base;

- milling an opening in the bottom surface of the solid cylindrical element to form the cap, whereby the diameter of said opening is chosen such that at least a section of the semi-spherical base of the cavity in the casing is milled out and at least a section of the semi- spherical base of the cavity in the casing is retained;

- placing the at least one peg or at least one ball in the at least one cavity in the casing by means of a press fit;

- mounting a ring or the like around the cap by a press fit, whereby said ring has an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the cap, ensuring that said ring covers the at least one cavity in the casing.

By ensuring that a section of the semi-spherical base of the cavity in the casing is milled out, it is ensured that, after mounting the peg or ball, said peg or ball protrudes partly.

By at the same time ensuring that a section of the semi- spherical base of the cavity in the casing is retained, it is prevented that the peg or the ball can be completely slid through the cavity. The remaining section of the base will ensure that the opening of the cavity in the casing is smaller than the diameter of the peg or the ball.

Because the depth of the cavity in the casing is equal to the length of the peg or the diameter of the ball, the peg or the ball after insertion in said cavity shall be flush with the outer surface of the cap, such that it is completely locked or anchored in the cap after mounting the ring.

The present invention also relates to a through axle for a bicycle.

In particular, the invention is intended to provide a through axle which will allow the wheel to be removed and exchanged quickly and easily from the bicycle fork.

Traditionally, two ways are known to attach a wheel to a bicycle fork.

The first known way is the quick release system.

Such quick release comprises an axle with a locking lever at one end and a removable cap at the other end.

By removing the cap from the axle, the quick release can be mounted in the wheel hub. This is done before the wheel is put in the bicycle fork still. Subsequently, the cap is put back on the axle.

The bicycle fork is provided with two ϋ-shaped recesses, which the wheel hub, with quick release, is slid into. Subsequently, the quick release is clamped around the bicycle fork with the locking lever provided for this purpose, to thus clamp the wheel in the bicycle fork.

By loosening the lever provided for this purpose, the wheel can be removed easily and quickly.

A disadvantage of such system is that the lever may unintentionally come loose, which can lead to the unwanted loss of the wheel, possibly resulting in accidents, damage and injuries.

The second known system relates to the through axle. Such axle has a thread at one end and a lever at the other end.

In this case the bicycle fork is provided with two round passages. A thread is mounted in one of said passages.

First the wheel hub is mounted and aligned with the round passages in the bicycle fork.

Subsequently, the through axle is mounted through said passages and the wheel hub, ensuring that the threaded end goes into the threaded passage.

Subsequently, the through axle is rotated or turned such that the threads screw into each other. Said lever can be used to turn the through axle.

An advantage of such through axle is that the wheel cannot fall out of the bicycle fork, as the through axle is now anchored in round passages. A disadvantage of such through axle is that it is more difficult to remove the wheel from the bicycle fork, as instead of only loosening the locking lever, the through axle also needs to be unscrewed.

Particularly in bicycle races, where it is important to lose as little time as possible in case of a wheel change, this is seen as a major drawback.

The purpose of the present invention is to provide a solution to at least one of the aforementioned and other disadvantages .

The object of the present invention is therefore a through axle for a bicycle, characterised in that the through axle is provided with a set according to the invention, whereby the axle is provided at one first end with means to be able to rotate the axle.

The cap can be attached in the fork of the bicycle, or, alternatively, the cap is part of the fork of the bicycle.

The axle can be mounted in the bicycle fork and through the wheel hub, whereby the second end of the axle is mounted in the cap.

The peg of the cap will hereby slide into the recess or groove, first in the straight section of the recess and subsequently, by rotating the axle, in the curved section. Consequently the second end will be fixed in the cap, i.e. the second end can no longer be slid out of the cap, such that the through axle is fixedly mounted in the bicycle fork. This provides the advantage that this is not only a very simple way to mount the wheel in the bicycle fork, but that this also entails a quick way to loosen the wheel again.

Indeed, to loosen the wheel again, only the axle needs to be rotated again, the second end of the axle slid out of the cap and subsequently the axle removed from the bicycle fork.

Note that it is not necessary to unscrew the cap from the bicycle fork, as said cap can remain in place.

Mounting a new wheel is also very quick, as, again, only the axle needs to be inserted into the bicycle fork and subsequently rotated such that the pegs in the cap slide into the recesses or grooves.

Preferably the axle is provided at its second end with a section with a narrower cross-section, whereby the spring element is mounted around said narrower section, whereby said spring element is intended to press against the cap when the second end of the axle is mounted in the cap.

This has the advantage that the spring will exercise a force on the cap, such that the cap is pushed from the second end as it were.

However, because the pegs are located in the curved section which bends back in the direction of the second end, the pegs will not be able to slide back via the straight section of the groove, but are anchored as it were in the curved section. This offers an extra security against the second end unintentionally coming off. To be able to loosen the through axle, a small compressive force will have to be exercised on the axle, toward the cap, such that the pegs can be slid out of the curved section when rotating the axle.

With the intention of better showing the characteristics of the invention, a few preferred embodiments of a set of an axle and cap that can be attached to the axle, a method for manufacturing a cap of such set and a through axle for a bicycle provided with such set are described by way of an example without any limiting nature, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: figure 1 schematically shows a perspective view of a through axle according to the invention; figure 2 shows the axle 2 of figure 1; figure 3 shows the cap of figure 2; figure 4 shows a cross-section according to line IV-IV of figure 3; figure 5 shows a variant of figure 1; figure 6 schematically shows a set according to the invention, figure 7 shows a variant of figure 6, figure 8 schematically shows a view according to the arrow F8 in figure 7, figures 9 to 12 schematically show the method according to the invention for the manufacture of a cap of the set; figure 13 shows a variant of figure 1. The through axle 1 schematically shown in figure 1 essentially comprises an axle 2 and a cooperating cap 3. The axle 2 is provided at a first end 4 with means 5 to be able to rotate the axle, once mounted or fitted in a bicycle fork.

In this case these means are executed as a lever 6.

The wording 'lever' 6 needs to be interpreted broadly here and can for example also concern a handle or a button-shaped element.

Alternatively, these means 5 can be executed as an especially formed first end 4 of the axle 2 which can be operated with a complementary tool. For example a hexagonal recess which can be operated with a hexagon key or a hexagonal protrusion that can be operated with an Allen key can be envisaged.

The other, second end 7 of the axle 2, as shown in figure 2, is provided with a number of recesses 8 or grooves, in this case three.

Of course one, two, four, five or more recesses 8 or grooves is not excluded.

The recesses 8 or grooves are positioned uniformly along the contour of the axle 2.

The recesses 8 or grooves are shaped like a hook with a straight section 9 which extends axially from the end face 10 of the second end 7 in the axial direction X-X' toward the first end 4.

Connecting with this straight section 9 is a curved section 11 which bends back in the direction of the second end 4, such that a hook-shaped groove or recess 8 is formed.

Hereby it is important to note that in this case the grooves or recesses 8 bend back more than 90° and preferably more than 135°, such that a stop 12 is created, which will be clarified later.

Just past the recesses 8, the second end 7 of the axle 2 is provided with a section 13 with a narrower cross-section, whereby a spring element 14 is mounted around said narrower section 13.

In this case but not necessarily for the invention, the spring element 14 concerns a spiral spring.

The goal or purpose of said spring element 14 is explained below.

The cap 3, shown in more detail in figure 3 and intended to be mounted over the second end 7 of the axle 2, is in this case, but not necessarily for the invention, provided with a thread 15 on its outside.

This thread 15 can cooperate with a thread provided on a bicycle fork.

On its inside, the cap 3 is provided with a number of semi- spherical.bulges 16, in this case three pegs. Preferably, there will always be as many semi-spherical bulges 16 as there are recesses 8, but in any case not more semi-spherical bulges 16 than there are recesses 8.

The semi-spherical bulges 16 extend radially from the edge or outer wall 17 of the cap 3.

All this such that the semi-spherical, bulges 16 are able to each slide into one of said recesses 8 or grooves, when the second end 7 is inserted in the cap 3. Think, for example, of the conditions that the semi-spherical bulges 16 are uniformly distributed over the contour of the cap 3, that they are not thicker than the width of the recesses 8 and that the height of the semi-spherical bulges 16 is big enough such that they all come to lie in the recesses 8 or grooves when the second end 7 of the axle 2 is in the cap 3.

In this case the axle 2 is a solid metal axle, for example aluminium or stainless steel.

It is also possible that the axle 2 is made of a thin rod with a cylinder with carbon fibres around it. This has the advantage that the axle 2 is strong, but at the same time very light.

The operation of the through axle 1 is very simple and as follows .

First, the cap 3 is mounted in a bicycle fork by means of its thread 15. It is important to note that this only needs to be done once and that this cap 3 is not removed afterwards either.

Subsequently, the wheel is positioned between the bicycle fork with its wheel hub.

Subsequently, the second end 7 of the axle 2 can be mounted through the cavities, provided for this purpose, in the bicycle fork and through the wheel hub.

The moment the second end 7 is in the cap 3, the spring element 14 will press against the cap 3, as shown in figure 4. Consequently, the spring element 14 will exercise a force which presses the axle 2 out of the cap 3 as it were.

By pressing the cap 3 further in the second end 7 against said force, the three semi-spherical bulges 16 will end up in the recesses 8 or grooves at a certain moment. When the semi-spherical bulges 16 are located at the transition from the straight section 9 to the curved section 11, the axle 2 is rotated one third rotation by manipulation of the lever 6.

Consequently, the semi-spherical bulges 16 will slide further into the curved section 11. The moment the semi-spherical bulges 16 end up in the section of the recess 8 or groove which is bent back in the other direction, the axle 2 will slide outward a little.

The force of the spring element 14 presses and anchors the axle 2 as it were in this position. The aforementioned stop 12 will prevent the semi- spherical bulges 16 from sliding out of the grooves and the second end 7 from coming out of the cap in the event of a mere rotation of the axle 2.

Indeed, the stop 12 will prevent this rotation.

Thus, the axle 2 can be attached in the cap 3 and the wheel mounted in the bicycle fork using the through axle 1 according to the invention.

To be able to remove the axle 2, it will be necessary to exercise an axial force on the axle 2 against the force of the spring element 14.

In this way the semi-spherical bulges 16 come past said stop 12, and they can be slid out of the recesses 8 or grooves by rotation of the axle 2, such that the axle 2 can be removed from the bicycle fork and the wheel hub.

The through axle 1 according to the invention thus guarantees a secure attachment of the through axle 1 and at the same time a quick dismantling.

Figure 5 shows a variant according to figure 2, whereby in this case the axle 2 is provided with a section 13 with a smaller or narrower diameter on the level of the second end 7, whereby said section 13 continues completely to the end face 10 of the second end 7, unlike the embodiment of figure 2. This means that the section 12 with the grooves or recesses 8 also possesses a smaller diameter, such that the cap 3 can be executed smaller.

The means 5 to be able to rotate the axle are also executed as a hexagonal recess 18.

For the rest the embodiment of figure 5 and the use thereof are the same as figure 2.

Although in the aforementioned and shown embodiments, the cap 3 is always described and shown as a separate element, it is not excluded that said cap is integrated in the bicycle fork.

Said through axle 1 is a possible application of a set lb according to the invention. However, a set lb according to the invention can be used in many different applications, for example as an alternative for a bolt-and-nut connection.

Figure 6 shows a set lb according to the invention.

The set lb comprises an axle 2 and a cap 3 which can be attached to the axle 2.

The axle 2 is provided with at least one recess 8 or groove in the form of a hook, In this case there are two such recesses 8.

The recess 8 or groove is provided with a straight section 9 which extends axially from a second end 7 of the axle 2 in the direction of a first end 4 of the axle 2 and connecting therewith a curved section 11 which bends back in the direction of the second end 4 of the axle 2. Thus, a hook is formed.

This is identical to the recess 8 as shown in the embodiments of figures 2 and 5 of the through axle 1 for a bicycle.

The cap 3 is intended to be mounted over the second end 7 of the axle 2, whereby the cap 2 is provided on the inside with at least one semi-spherical bulge 16 and in this case two spherical bulges 16.

The semi-spherical bulges 16 are such that they can slide into said recess 8 or groove, this means their location and dimensions are such that they, when the cap 3 is mounted over the second end 7 of the axle 2, slide into the recesses 8.

The set lb is also provided with a spring element 14, which in this case is executed as a spring, but this could also be a rubber ring.

The spring element 14 is mounted in the cap 3, whereby it is secured by the semi-spherical bulges 16 such that the spring element 14 is fixed in the cap 3.

The spring element 14 is intended to press against the second end 7 of the axle 2 when the second end 7 is mounted in the cap 3.

It is possible that the spring element 14 is mounted around the axle 2, whereby the spring element 14 will press against the cap 3, as shown and explained with the example of figure

4. The operation of the set lb is similar to the operation of the through axle 1 described above.

By mounting the second end 7 of the axle 2 in the cap 3, the semi-spherical bulges 16 will slide into the recesses 8, whereby, by rotating the axle 2, the semi-spherical bulges 16 will slide into the bent back section 11 of the recess 8. The operation of the spring 14 will subsequently push the axle 2 out of the cap 3 somewhat, such that the semi-spherical bulges 16 are fixed in the bent back section 22 of the recess 8. A rotation of the axle 2, and thus loosening the connection, is no longer possible.

Figures 7 and 8 show another embodiment. In this case the recess 8 or groove is provided along its straight section 9 with several curved sections 11 which connect with the straight section 9. In this case two such curved sections 11 are provided. Accordingly, the cap 3 is provided with several corresponding semi-spherical bulges 16 which are located axially behind each other, whereby the semi-spherical bulges 16 are such that they can slide into said recess 8 or groove and each of the semi-spherical bulges 16 into a corresponding curved section 11.

Furthermore, the cap 3, as shown in figure 8, is provided with three semi-spherical bulges 16 which are positioned along the contour of the cap 3.

In total, the cap 3 will thus be provided with six semi- spherical bulges 16. Accordingly, the axle 2 will be provided with three recesses 8 which are mounted around the axle 2 at corresponding locations. Each of said three recesses 8 will be provided along its straight section 9 with two curved sections 11 which connect with the straight section 9 of the recess 8.

Furthermore, the axle 2 is provided with a thread 19 which is intended to cooperate with a thread 20 which is provided in the cap 3.

Said threads 19 and 20 are only very short threads and will allow for the axle 2 to move out of the cap 3 under the influence of the spring element 14.

Instead of this thread 20 being provided in the cap 3, it can also be provided in a component or element which is fixed or attached by means of the set lb.

Figures 9 to 12 schematically show a method for the manufacture of the cap 3 of a set lb according to the invention.

The method comprises the following steps:

First a solid cylindrical element 21 is provided from which the cap 3 will be manufactured, said solid cylindrical element 21 being provided with a bottom surface and a base and a casing 22 extending between the bottom surface and base. At least one peg with a semi- spherical head or at least one ball 23 is provided as well. In the example shown a ball 23 is used. Subsequently at least one cavity 24 is milled in the casing 22 of the solid cylindrical element 21 with a diameter D equal to the diameter D of the peg or the ball 23, with a depth d equal to the length of the peg or the diameter D of the ball 23 and with a semi-spherical base 25.

This is shown in figure 9 for a ball 23 by way of an example, and with three cavities 24 which are milled in the casing 22.

Subsequently an opening 26 is milled in the bottom surface of the solid cylindrical element 21 to form the cap 3, whereby the diameter of said opening is chosen such that at least a section of the semi-spherical base 25 of the cavity 24 in the casing 21 is milled out and at least a section of the semi- spherical base 25 of the cavity 24 in the casing 21 is retained. This is shown in figure 10.

As shown in figure 11, subsequently, the at least one peg or at least one ball 23 is mounted in the at least one cavity 24 in the casing 22 by means of a press fit.

Finally, a ring 27, sleeve, bush or the like is mounted around the cap 3 by a press fit, whereby said ring 27 has an inner diameter equal to the outer diameter of the cap 3, ensuring that said ring 27 covers the at least one cavity 24 in the casing 22. This is shown in figure 12.

In this way the balls 23, or as the case may be the pegs, can be secured in the cap 3. The protruding section of the balls 23 in the opening 26 then form the semi-spherical bulges 16 of the cap 3. How much of the semi-spherical base 25 of the cavity 24 in the casing 21 is milled out will determine how far the semi- spherical bulges 16 protrude in said opening 26.

Such method offers a simple and quick alternative for milling out semi-spherical bulges 16 departing from a solid cylindrical element or for 3D-printing such cap.

Figure 13 shows an alternative of figure 1, whereby in this case the means 5 to rotate the axle 2, once mounted or fitted in a bicycle fork, are executed in the form of a sunken socket screw 28.

The first end 4 of the axle 2 has a hexagonal cross-section, which is complementary with the sunken socket screw 28. By sliding the sunken socket screw 28 over the first end 4 of the axle, the axle 2 can be rotated by rotating the sunken socket screw 28.

For the rest, the execution and the operation of said through axle 1 is similar to that of figure 1.

The present invention is by no means limited to the embodiments described as an example and shown in the figures, but a set of an axle and cap that can be attached to the axle, a method for manufacturing a cap of such set and a through axle for a bicycle provided with such set according to the invention can be realised in all kinds of variants without departing from the scope of the invention.