Patent ID: 6543308
Filing Date: 2003-04-08
Classification: B62M,F16D,Y10T

Abstract:
A quick change chain ring arrangement for use on a bicycle frame, the quick change chain ring arrangement comprising:a bicycle crank assembly having pedals, a spindle defining a crank assembly rotational axis around which the crank assembly is intended to rotate when the crank assembly is connected to the bicycle frame, and crank arms for connecting associated ones of the pedals to the spindle, the crank arms having a crank arm length extending from the spindle to the crank arms associated pedal that defines a crank arm longitudinal axis, the crank arms having a cross sectional shape along the crank arm length perpendicular to the crank arm longitudinal axis that defines a maximum cross sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the crank arm, the pedals having a pedal length that defines a pedal longitudinal axis around which the pedal is intended to rotate, the pedals having a cross sectional shape perpendicular to the pedal longitudinal axis that defines a maximum cross sectional area perpendicular to the longitudinal axis a chain ring adapter that is connected to and rotates with the crank assembly about the crank assembly rotational axis; a removable chain ring support that removably engages with the chain ring adapter, the chain ring support having a minimum inside opening formed into the chain ring support that is larger than the maximum cross sectional area of the crank arms, the chain ring support being configured to be installed onto and removed from the chain ring adapter while the chain ring adapter is attached to the crank assembly and while the crank assembly is attached to the bicycle frame without requiring the removal of the crank arms from the crank assembly and without requiring the removal of the crank assembly from the bicycle frame, the chain ring support having a shape that allows the chain ring support to mate with the chain ring adapter so that torque is transmitted between the chain ring adapter and the chain ring support about the crank assembly rotational axis when the crank arm is rotationally driven about the crank arm rotational axis without requiring the use of fasteners or other load bearing devices to transmit the torque between the chain ring adapter and the chain ring support; and a removable retaining device that retains the removable chain ring support engaged with the chain ring adapter.