Crank preload collar assembly

A crank preload collar assembly is disclosed. The crank preload collar assembly includes a preload collar body having an axial opening therein to fit around a spindle of a crank assembly. The crank preload collar assembly also includes a clampable opening formed in a portion of the preload collar body. A cam lever is coupled with both sides of the clampable opening, wherein the cam lever provides a clamping force to the preload collar body with respect to the spindle.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a crank preload collar for a pedal driven vehicle.

BACKGROUND

On a pedal vehicle, such as a bicycle, electric bicycle (eBike), moped, or the like, crankset/bottom bracket assemblies need some amount of axial load applied between the crank arms and the bottom bracket to take up manufacturing tolerances and prevent unwanted movement. Many of the current embodiments of crank preloaders utilize a threaded interface along the same axis of the crank spindle. This threaded interface allows for precise adjustment of axial load applied to the assembly. To fix the position of the preloader on the threads current embodiments use a spring or elastomeric to apply an axial load and hence friction to the threads, a split in the threads and a second threaded fastener which applies circumferential load to the threads across the split, or a detent system that isolates the preload collar from rotation forces. The threaded fastener solutions provide adequate fixing of the preloader's position though their problem is the secondary fastener is often small and requires a tool to adjust, which can be a hassle for the user. The current solutions that don't use fasteners often do not provide adequate positional fixing for the preloader and can be knocked out of place easily.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to represent the only embodiments in which the present invention is to be practiced. Each embodiment described in this disclosure is provided merely as an example or illustration of the present invention, and should not necessarily be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. In some instances, well known methods, procedures, objects, and circuits have not been described in detail as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present disclosure.

Embodiments described herein provide a preload collar assembly for a pedal driven vehicle. In general, a pedal driven vehicle refers to a vehicle that includes a crank assembly with at least one pedal arm and a drive ring (such as a chain ring, belt drive ring, shaft ring, etc.). The crank assembly receives an input force (from an engine, a human working the pedals, or the like) that causes the drive ring to rotate (at a certain speed, with a certain amount of force, etc.). The drive ring is coupled to a transfer system (such as a roller chain, belt, shaft, or the like), which transfers the force from the drive ring to the drive system of the vehicle. In different embodiments, the force transfer could be backward, forward, up, down, or a combination thereof. In one embodiment, the drive system is another chainring, a sprocket, a cassette, or the like which is mechanically coupled to at least one drive wheel.

In one embodiment, unlike prior secondary fastener solutions, the disclosed crank preload collar assembly utilizes a split thread with a “quick release” cam lever to apply a load across the split and circumferentially load the thread to fix the preloader in place. In one embodiment, the cam lever can be actuated without a tool to provide ease of use to the user but can provide a robustness of positional fixing not found in other tool-free preloader solutions.

In one embodiment, unlike prior secondary fastener solutions, the disclosed crank preload collar assembly utilizes a multi-pivot link system, e.g., a 3-piece system, a 2-piece non-pivot system which relies on flex of base material or the like. In one embodiment, instead of a cam lever an integral fastener or snap-fit type system is used.

In the following discussion, and for purposes of clarity, a bicycle is utilized as the example vehicle. However, in another embodiment, the preload collar assembly could be used on any one of a variety of vehicles such as, but not limited to, a bicycle, an electric bicycle (e-bike), a moped, or the like.

Referring now toFIG.1, a perspective view of a bicycle50having a real-time, accurate, adjustable component movement measuring system integrated therewith is shown in accordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment, bicycle50has a frame24with a suspension system comprising a swing arm26that, in use, is able to move relative to the rest of frame24; this movement is permitted by, inter alia, rear shock assembly38. The front fork assembly34also provide a suspension function via a shock assembly in at least one fork leg.

In one embodiment, bicycle50is a full suspension bicycle. In another embodiment, bicycle50has only a front suspension and no rear suspension (e.g., a hard tail). In different embodiments, bicycle50could be a road bicycle, a mountain bicycle, a gravel bicycle, an electric bicycle (e-bike), a hybrid bicycle, a motorcycle, or the like.

In one embodiment, swing arm26is pivotally attached to the frame24at pivot point12which is located above the bottom bracket axis11. Although pivot point12is shown in a specific location, it should be appreciated that pivot point12can be found at different distances from bottom bracket axis11depending upon the rear suspension configuration. The use of the specific pivot point12herein is provided merely for purposes of clarity. Bottom bracket axis11is the center of the pedal and front sprocket assembly13. Although pivot point12is shown in a specific location, it should be appreciated that pivot point12can be found at a different location depending upon the rear suspension configuration. The use of the pivot point12herein is provided merely for purposes of clarity.

For example, in a hardtail bicycle embodiment, there would be no pivot point12. In one embodiment of a hardtail bicycle, frame24and swing arm26would be formed as a fixed frame.

Bicycle50includes a front wheel28which is coupled with the front fork assembly34via axle85. In one embodiment, front fork assembly34includes a crown31. In one embodiment, a portion of front fork assembly34(e.g., a steerer tube) passes through the frame24and couples with handlebar assembly36. In so doing, the front fork assembly and handlebars are rotationally coupled with the frame24thereby allowing the rider to steer the bicycle50.

In one embodiment, bicycle50includes a rear wheel30which is coupled to the swing arm26at rear axle15. A rear shock assembly38is positioned between the swing arm26and the frame22to provide resistance to the pivoting motion of the swing arm26about pivot point12. Thus, the illustrated bicycle50includes a suspension member between swing arm26and the frame24which operate to substantially reduce rear wheel30impact forces from being transmitted to the rider of the bicycle50.

In one embodiment, bicycle50is driven by a chain19that is coupled with both front sprocket assembly13and rear sprocket18. As the rider pedals, the rotational input to pedal arms14cause the front sprocket assembly13to rotate about bottom bracket axis11. This rotation applies a force to chain19which transfers the rider generated rotational energy to rear sprocket18which results in the rotation of rear wheel30. Chain tension device17provides a variable amount of tension on chain19. The need for chain19length variation can be due to a number of different gears that may be on one or both of front sprocket assembly13and/or rear sprocket18and/or changes in chain stay length as the distance between bottom bracket axis11(where front sprocket assembly13attaches to frame24) and the rear axle15changes due to suspension articulation.

In one embodiment, saddle32is connected to the frame24via seatpost33. In one embodiment, seatpost33is a dropper seatpost.

Referring now toFIG.2, an exploded view of a crank assembly200is shown in accordance with an embodiment. InFIG.2, crank assembly200is shown in conjunction with a portion of bicycle frame24. In one embodiment, bicycle frame24includes a bottom bracket shell36aand a bottom bracket shell36b.

In one embodiment, crank assembly200includes a left-hand non-drive side crank assembly234which includes a left-hand crank arm14b, crank preload collar assembly300, bottom bracket222, and a spindle212that, in one embodiment includes a spindle interface213. Some of the components of left-hand non-drive side crank assembly234are shown in further detail inFIGS.3A,3B,4A, and4B.

In one embodiment, crank assembly200includes a right-hand drive side crank assembly236which includes a right-hand drive side crank arm14awith a spindle receiving interface217, a chainring201with opening209, and a roller chain19. In one embodiment, crank assembly200includes additional parts such as, pedals, pedal washers, dust caps, spindle spacers, bearings, hex nuts, and the like. Those parts are not shown for purposes of clarity.

In one embodiment, e.g., during manufacture, assembly, maintenance, rebuild, component replacement, and the like of left-hand non-drive side crank assembly234, spindle212is coupled with left-hand crank arm14b. In one embodiment, spindle212is fixedly coupled with left-hand crank arm14bat the time of manufacture and/or assembly. In one embodiment, spindle212and left-hand crank arm14bare manufactured as a single component. In one embodiment, spindle212and left-hand crank arm14bare two distinctly different components removably coupled at the time of assembly.

In one embodiment, e.g., during manufacture and/or assembly of the right-hand drive side crank assembly236, chainring201is coupled with right-hand drive side crank arm14a. In one embodiment, chainring201is fixedly coupled with right-hand drive side crank arm14aat the time of manufacture and/or assembly. In one embodiment, chainring201and right-hand drive side crank arm14aare manufactured as a single component. In one embodiment, chainring201and right-hand drive side crank arm14aare two distinctly different components removably coupled at the time of assembly.

In one embodiment, crank preload collar300is fitted to either the spindle212or the crank arm14b. In one embodiment, crank preload collar300is threaded onto crank arm14band the spindle would just fit into the crank arm.

For example, in one embodiment, to install the crank assembly200into frame24of bicycle50, crank preload collar assembly300is placed on spindle212close to the left-hand crank arm14b. Bottom bracket222is then placed on spindle212. Spindle212is inserted through a portion of bicycle frame24(including bottom bracket shell36aand bottom bracket shell36b) and opening209of chainring201. Spindle interface213is coupled with spindle receiving interface217on right-hand drive side crank assembly236.

In one embodiment, to install the crank assembly200into frame24of bicycle50, crank preload collar assembly300is placed on a portion of crank arm14b. At one end, spindle212fits into the crank arm14b. Bottom bracket222is then placed on spindle212. Spindle212is inserted through a portion of bicycle frame24(including bottom bracket shell36aand bottom bracket shell36b) and opening209of chainring201. Spindle interface213is coupled with spindle receiving interface217on right-hand drive side crank assembly236.

During the installation of crank assembly200into frame24, one or more bearings (or the like) will be placed around spindle212and between bottom bracket222and bottom bracket shell36abefore spindle212is inserted into frame24. Once spindle212is passed through frame24, one or more bearings (or the like) will be placed around spindle212and between spindle receiving interface217and bottom bracket shell36b.

The one or more bearings (or the like) allow the rotational movement of spindle212within the frame24while also maintaining a fixed and proper orientation of spindle212within frame24. Once crank assembly200is installed, crank preload collar assembly300is tightened about spindle212or a portion of crank arm14b. The tightening of crank preload collar assembly300will provide a predefined amount of force (or preload force) onto the exterior side of bottom bracket222which will translate into a preload force between bottom bracket222—bottom bracket shell36aand spindle receiving interface217—bottom bracket shell36b.

In other words, if the preload force is not large enough there may be axial movement of the crank arms though the spindle212. In contrast, if the preload force is too large, bearings may be shredded, e.g., lower bearing life, higher drag, and the like.

For example, the preload force is large enough to maintain the relative positions of bottom bracket222—bottom bracket shell36aand spindle receiving interface217—bottom bracket shell36b.

The preload force is also large enough to form and maintain an environmental type seal to keep contaminants, water, and the like out of the interior of frame portion24, the bearings, and the like.

However, in one embodiment, the preload force is a small enough to not cause binding, drag, friction, or other detrimental interactions between one or more of the components of crank assembly200and one or more of the components of frame24. For example, a preload force small enough to not cause binding between one or both of bottom bracket222—bottom bracket shell36aand spindle receiving interface217—bottom bracket shell36b.

In one embodiment, some or all of the components of crank assembly200are made from a material such as ceramic, a metal or metal alloy, for e.g. aluminum, titanium, steel, or the like. In one embodiment, some or all of the components of crank assembly200comprise a composite material such as a composite material with a thermoset or thermoplastic matrix, a long or short fiber thermoplastic or thermoset composite, injection molded carbon fiber, carbon fiber reinforced nylon, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin, glass filled nylon, a compression molded material, composite layering, chopped carbon fibers, a plastic, polymer, long fiber-reinforced plastics, short-fiber reinforced plastics, or the like. In one embodiment, one, some, or all of the components of crank assembly200could be formed from a combination of any of these materials.

Referring now toFIG.3Ais a perspective view of the crank preload collar assembly300, in accordance with an embodiment. In one embodiment, crank preload collar assembly300includes a preload collar body301, an inner diameter (ID) opening303within preload collar body301, an expandable ring portion321, a link305, retainer307aand retainer307b, a cam lever393, a clampable opening311, and one or more openings317therethrough.

With reference now toFIG.3Bis an exploded view of crank preload collar assembly300, in accordance with an embodiment. InFIG.3B, the components are shown in an exploded view to obtain a view of each of the preload collar body301, ID opening303within preload collar body301, expandable ring portion321, link305, retainer307aand retainer307b, cam lever393, clampable opening311, and one or more openings317therethrough.

Referring now toFIGS.3A and3B, in one embodiment one, some or all of the components of crank preload collar assembly300comprise a single material type, such as ceramic, plastics, a polymer, a metal or metal alloy, for example, aluminum, titanium, steel, or the like, a composite material such as a composite material with a thermoset or thermoplastic matrix, a long or short fiber thermoplastic or thermoset composite, injection molded carbon fiber, carbon fiber reinforced nylon, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin, glass filled nylon, a composite material with chopped carbon fibers, long fiber-reinforced plastics, short fiber-reinforced plastics, or the like. In one embodiment, one, some, or each of the components of crank preload collar assembly300could be formed from different ones of these materials. In one embodiment, one, some, or each of the components of crank preload collar assembly300could be formed from a combination of any of these materials.

In one embodiment, one, some, or each of the components of crank preload collar assembly300could be formed from a mold, an extrusion, machined, milled, forged, cast, or the like.

In one embodiment, preload collar body301has a width (e.g., from the OD of ID opening303to the exterior diameter of the preload collar body301) that is similar to the width of the bottom bracket222.

In one embodiment, the thickness of preload collar body301is based on the application. For example, one manufacturer's crank assembly200(or another model of a manufacturer's crank assembly200) might need a first thickness for the preload collar body301, while another manufacturer's crank assembly200(or another model of a manufacturer's crank assembly200) might call for a preload collar body301having a different second thickness.

In one embodiment, ID opening303is a diameter that is large enough to fit about the outside diameter (OD) of spindle212or about a portion of crank arm14b. The diameter of preload collar body301could be different based on the application. For example, one manufacturer's crank assembly200spindle212(or another model of a manufacturer's crank assembly200spindle212) might have a first thickness thereby requiring ID opening303to be of a first diameter, while another manufacturer's crank assembly200spindle212(or another model of a manufacturer's crank assembly200spindle212) might have a different second thickness requiring ID opening303to be of a second diameter.

In one embodiment, clampable opening311provides the clampable capability for clamping down (e.g., reducing the diameter of ID opening303) to hold crank preload collar assembly300with spindle212or a portion of crank arm14b.

In one embodiment, retainer307aand retainer307bare pins. Although pins are shown in the Figures, it should be appreciated that in another embodiment, one or both of retainer307aand retainer307bmay be the same type of retention device, or two different retention devices selected from a retaining group such as, but not limited to, a pin, a rivet, a screw, a bolt, a threaded bolt, or the like.

In one embodiment, one side (half, quarter, etc.) of link305is used in combination with retainer307ato couple link305with preload collar body301. The other side (half, quarter, etc.) of link305is used in combination with retainer307bto couple link305with cam lever393. In one embodiment, when installed and coupled with retainer307aand/or307b, link305mechanically couples cam lever393with preload collar body301about clampable opening311. In so doing, the operation of cam lever393provides leverage to modify the size of clampable opening311thereby adjusting the diameter of ID opening303.

For example, when cam lever393is closed the diameter of ID opening303will be reduced and crank preload collar assembly300will be fixedly held in position with respect to spindle212or crank arm14b. In contrast, when cam lever393is opened the diameter of ID opening303will be increased as clampable opening311expands and crank preload collar assembly300will be movable with respect to spindle212or crank arm14b.

In one embodiment, link305and/or cam lever393are adjustable to modify the clamping force applied to/across clampable opening311. In one embodiment, the cam lever393is finger adjustable, e.g., a user can use their finger, a stick, or the like to open and close cam lever393and adjust the preload provided by crank preload collar assembly300without requiring a specific tool or even a tool at all.

In one embodiment, cam lever393includes an opening394therein. In general, opening394provides a purchase point for a rider to gain leverage on cam lever393. For example, if the rider is unable to get a good grasp of cam lever393in order to move it into an open position, the user can insert something (e.g., a stick, nail, Allen wrench, pencil, pen, screw, screwdriver, etc.) into the opening394to gain a better grip (better leverage, etc.) on cam lever393for purposes of assisting in the opening of cam lever393.

In one embodiment, crank preload collar assembly300includes threading that is used in conjunction with threading on spindle212or on a portion of crank arm14bto modify the location and thus the amount of preload force applied by crank preload collar assembly300against bottom bracket222. For example, once the crank assembly200is installed into frame24, the crank preload collar assembly300is rotated (e.g., counter clock wise and/or clockwise) to add axial preload to bottom bracket222. In one embodiment, the rotation of crank preload collar assembly300is continued until an appropriate preload force is provided onto the exterior side of bottom bracket222. This preload force between crank preload collar assembly300and bottom bracket222will translate into a preload force between bottom bracket222—bottom bracket shell36aand spindle receiving interface217—bottom bracket shell36b.

In one embodiment, when the cam level393is in the closed position, the cam level393will fit within a portion of crank preload collar assembly300such that the cam lever393is maintained in the closed position. In one embodiment, when the cam level393is in the closed position, the cam level393will rotate past a geometric shape of the detent in preload collar body301such that the force applied on preload collar body301by the closing of cam lever393will keep cam lever393maintained in the closed position. In one embodiment, cam lever393is sprung to keep the cam lever393in the closed position. In one embodiment, cam lever393is sprung to keep the cam lever393in the open position.

In one embodiment, when the cam level393is in the open position, the crank preload collar assembly300is easily rotated on the spindle212or a portion of crank arm14b. In contrast, when the cam level393is in the closed position, the crank preload collar assembly300is non-rotatably fixed with respect to spindle212or a portion of crank arm14b.

In one embodiment, if cam level393is moved further open passed the open position, the cam lever393will move into a non-connected position that is free from the detent in preload collar body301thereby providing a complete opening of crank preload collar assembly300. In one embodiment, when cam lever393is in the non-connected position crank preload collar assembly300can be moved along spindle212without requiring interactions with the threads.

Referring now toFIG.3C, a perspective view of the preload collar assembly300with a hinge352is shown in accordance with an embodiment.FIG.3Dis an exploded view of the preload collar assembly300ofFIG.3Cshown in accordance with an embodiment.

Referring now toFIGS.3C and3D, in one embodiment, crank preload collar assembly300has a hinge352(pivot point, or the like) at a location such that when the clamping member is in the non-connected position, crank preload collar assembly300can be opened wide enough to be removed from (or inserted into) the proper location about spindle212or a portion of crank arm14bwithout having to disassemble crank assembly200or remove crank assembly200from bicycle frame24.

In one embodiment, the clamping member is the link305and/or cam lever393as shown inFIGS.3A and3B. In one embodiment, as shown inFIGS.3C and3D, instead of using a link305and/or cam lever393to provide the clamping forces, one embodiment utilizes another type of clamping member (e.g., bolt383and nut382or the like) to provide the input needed to close the clampable opening311and hold crank preload collar assembly300in its preload position.

In one embodiment, instead of (or in addition to) being threaded, expandable ring portion321is formed from a material that will expand horizontally (e.g. along the axis of spindle212) as cam lever393is closed. For example, expandable ring portion321may be comprised of an expandable material (e.g., rubber, polymer, or the like) and act like an O-ring to provide a preload force between left-hand crank arm14band bottom bracket222(shown and described in more detail inFIGS.4A and4B).

In one embodiment, instead of a cam lever393, crank preload collar assembly300will utilize an integral fastener or snap-fit type system.

In one embodiment, one or more openings317are provided to reduce the weight of preload collar body301. In one embodiment, preload collar body301will have no openings317therein. In one embodiment, the shape, size, and/or number of openings317will be dependent upon the material utilized to manufacture preload collar body301. For example, the openings317may be larger in a preload collar body301formed from a stronger material such as aluminum, titanium, carbon fiber, or the like. In another example, the openings317may be smaller in a preload collar body301formed from a lighter weight material.

In one embodiment, the shape, size, and/or number of openings317will be dependent upon the structural design/geometry/weight requirements/strength requirements/wear resistance/or the like, of preload collar body301.

In one embodiment, the shape, size, and/or number of openings317will be dependent upon the structural design (e.g., with respect to thickness) of preload collar body301. For example, a thicker preload collar body301may have one or more openings317therein to reduce the weight of the thicker preload collar body301. In contrast, a thinner preload collar body301may have none, one, or more different shaped openings317therein based on the structural requirements of the thinner preload collar body301.

In one embodiment, link305and preload collar body301are manufactured as one piece to eliminate one of the retainers (e.g., retainer307a). In one embodiment, when link305and preload collar body301are manufactured as one piece, the opening and closing of the preload collar assembly will rely on the flex of the preload collar body301and the clampable opening311.

With reference now toFIG.4A, a perspective view of crank preload collar assembly300installed on a portion of a left-hand non-drive side crank assembly234, in an open position, is shown in accordance with an embodiment. Referring now toFIGS.2and4A, in one embodiment, left-hand non-drive side crank assembly234includes a left-hand crank arm14b, crank preload collar assembly300, bottom bracket222, and a spindle212that, in one embodiment includes a spindle interface213.

In one embodiment, e.g., during manufacture, assembly, maintenance, rebuild, component replacement, and the like of left-hand non-drive side crank assembly234, spindle212is coupled with left-hand crank arm14b. During installation of the crank assembly200with frame24of bicycle50, crank preload collar assembly300is placed on spindle212close to the left-hand crank arm14bor on a portion of crank arm14b. Bottom bracket222is then placed on spindle212. Spindle212is inserted through a portion of bicycle frame24(including bottom bracket shell36aand bottom bracket shell36b) and opening209of chainring201. Spindle interface213is coupled with spindle receiving interface217on right-hand drive side crank assembly236.

During the installation of crank assembly200into frame24, one or more bearings (or the like) will be placed around spindle212and between bottom bracket222and bottom bracket shell36abefore spindle212is inserted into frame24. Once spindle212is passed through frame24, one or more bearings (or the like) will be placed around spindle212and between spindle receiving interface217and bottom bracket shell36b.

The one or more bearings (or the like) allow the rotational movement of spindle212within the frame24while also maintaining a fixed and proper orientation of spindle212within frame24.

Referring now toFIG.4Bis a perspective view of crank preload collar assembly300installed on a portion of a left-hand non-drive side crank assembly234, in a closed position, is shown in accordance with an embodiment.

As described herein, cam lever393is coupled with preload collar body301about clampable opening311. In so doing, the operation of cam lever393provides leverage to modify the size of clampable opening311thereby adjusting the diameter of ID opening303.

In one embodiment, when cam lever393is opened the diameter of ID opening303will be increased as clampable opening311expands and crank preload collar assembly300will be movable with respect to spindle212or to crank arm14b. In contrast, when cam lever393is closed the diameter of ID opening303will be reduced and crank preload collar assembly300will be fixedly held in position with respect to spindle212or to crank arm14b. In one embodiment, link305and/or cam lever393are adjustable to modify the clamping force applied to/across clampable opening311.

In one embodiment, crank preload collar assembly300includes threading that is used in conjunction with threading on spindle212or on a portion of crank arm14bto modify the location and thus the amount of preload force applied by crank preload collar assembly300against bottom bracket222. For example, once the crank assembly200is installed into frame24, the crank preload collar assembly300is rotated (e.g., counter clock wise and/or clockwise) to add axial preload to bottom bracket222. In one embodiment, the rotation of crank preload collar assembly300is continued until an appropriate amount of preload force is provided onto the exterior side of bottom bracket222. This amount of preload force between crank preload collar assembly300and bottom bracket222will translate into an appropriate amount of preload force between bottom bracket222—bottom bracket shell36aand spindle receiving interface217—bottom bracket shell36b.

In general, the preload force is large enough to maintain the relative positions of bottom bracket222—bottom bracket shell36aand spindle receiving interface217—bottom bracket shell36b. The preload force is also large enough to form and maintain an environmental type seal to keep contaminants, water, and the like out of the interior of frame portion24, the bearings, and the like.

However, in one embodiment, the preload force is small enough to not cause binding between one or more of the components of crank assembly200and one or more of the components of frame24. For example, a small enough preload force to not cause binding between one or both of bottom bracket222—bottom bracket shell36aand spindle receiving interface217—bottom bracket shell36b.

In one embodiment, as disclosed herein, the crank preload collar assembly300utilizes a split thread with a “quick release” cam lever to apply a load across the split and circumferentially load the thread to fix the preloader in place. In one embodiment, the cam lever can be actuated without a tool to provide ease of use to the user but can provide a robustness of positional fixing not found in other tool-free preloader solutions.

In one embodiment, instead of (or in addition to the threads) expandable ring portion321is formed from a material that will expand horizontally (e.g. along the axis of spindle212) as cam lever393is closed. For example, expandable ring portion321may be comprised of an expandable material (e.g., rubber, polymer, or the like) and act like an O-ring to provide a preload force between left-hand crank arm14band bottom bracket222.

The examples set forth herein were presented in order to best explain, to describe particular applications, and to thereby enable those skilled in the art to make and use embodiments of the described examples. However, those skilled in the art will recognize that the foregoing description and examples have been presented for the purposes of illustration and example only. The description as set forth is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the embodiments to the precise form disclosed. Rather, the specific features and acts described above are disclosed as example forms of implementing the Claims.

Reference throughout this document to “one embodiment,” “certain embodiments,” “an embodiment,” “various embodiments,” “some embodiments,” “various embodiments”, or similar term, means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of such phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any embodiment may be combined in any suitable manner with one or more other features, structures, or characteristics of one or more other embodiments without limitation.