Abstract:
A one-piece double-step offset axle with an offset center section located between two eccentric steps is disclosed. The offset center section locates and supports the front wheel and may be adjusted to a plurality of locations relative to the forks by rotating the axle in the fork axle housings before the axle pinch bolts or nuts are tightened. The axle facilitates adjustments to the front wheel location and allows riders, mechanics, and designers to alter the chassis or frame geometry, and thus the manner, in which any given motorcycle or bicycle steers and handles according to personal preference.

Description:
PRIORITY 
       [0001]    This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/068,897, filed May 23, 2011, and titled, “Double-Step Offset Axle,” which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/396,240, filed May 24, 2010, and titled “Step-Tapered Offset Axle for Motorcycle Front Wheel,” each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety into this application. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Motorcycles frequently use straight or step axles to connect the wheels to the frame or suspension components. Typically, the front wheel suspension components are front forks, while the rear wheel suspension components are swing arms. The three attributes commonly associated with the geometry of the front end of a motorcycle are the trail, the length of the fork, and the rake of the steering stem, also referred to as the steering axis angle or castor. The axis of rotation fixed by the axle is the transverse axis about which the wheel rotates or spins. 
         [0003]    The location of the front wheel axis of rotation relative to the steering stem and the rake are significant factors in how a motorcycle handles and steers. Previous methods for changing the front end geometry of motorcycles utilized different offset retrofit triple clamps, adjustable offset triple clamps, fork bottoms with adjustable axle carriers, and adjustable eccentric front motorcycle axles. However, these approaches involve additional manufacturing costs and assembly steps to make adjustments to the front wheel location. They also utilize a multi-piece design that is more difficult to manufacture and service than a one-piece axle. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0004]    The inventive one-piece, double-step offset axle, with an offset center section located between two eccentric steps, embodiments of which are described herein, can be readily manufactured and serviced, and can be installed easily from one side of the wheel. Rotation of the axle in the fork axle housings, before the axle bolt or nut and axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts are tightened, adjusts the location of the offset center section and the front wheel axis of rotation relative to the forks and steering stem. Adjusting the location of the front wheel axis of rotation relative to the forks and steering stem alters the chassis or frame geometry and affects the manner in which any given motorcycle steers and handles. This easily executed adjustment permits riders to easily alter the handling and steering characteristics of a motorcycle to meet their individual preferences. 
         [0005]    In one embodiment there is provided an axle design for motorcycles and bicycles that is a one-piece double-step axle with an offset center section that allows the wheel center axis of rotation to be located and secured in a plurality of positions relative to the frame or suspension components. For descriptive purposes only, the embodiments of this invention for the front wheel are presented herein to illustrate how the double-step offset axle might be applied to a motorcycle or bicycle with front forks. The application for the front wheel is most likely to be adopted first because it facilitates adjustments in the handling and steering characteristics to meet individual rider preferences. 
         [0006]    In one embodiment there is provided a double-step offset axle with three separate cylindrical sections referred to as the large end, the center section, and the small end. The large end longitudinal axis and the small end longitudinal axis are along the same longitudinal axis while the center section longitudinal axis is offset from and parallel to the large and small end axes. The rotation of the axle about the large end and small end axes causes the offset center section to adjust to a plurality of locations, after which it can be secured in a particular position. 
         [0007]    In one embodiment there is provided a method for installation of a one-piece axle by insertion from one side of the motorcycle or bicycle through the first fork, then through the wheel hub and any accompanying spacers or bushings, and lastly into the remaining fork. Removal is accomplished using the reverse steps of installation. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment there is provided a design method for different size axle diameters to accommodate commonly produced wheel bearing internal diameters. Examples of these bearing sizes include, but are not limited to, the following internal diameters expressed in millimeters: 20 mm, 22 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm and 30 mm. This invention can also utilize other current or future wheel bearing sizes including those in the metric system, inch system, or any other measurement system. 
         [0009]    In one embodiment there is provided a version of a double-step offset axle wherein the large end of the axle floats laterally within the large end fork housing after it is assembled but before the large end axle pinch bolts or nuts are tightened. The floating large end allows the forks to be aligned by compressing them through their strokes several times after which the large end pinch bolts or nuts are tightened. 
         [0010]    In one embodiment there is provided a version of a double-step offset axle wherein the large end of the axle is fixed laterally within the large end fork housing before the large end axle pinch bolts or nuts are tightened. This embodiment has a large end cap to apply an axial force to the large end fork when the axle nut or bolt is tightened at the small end fork outer face. This axial force tightly draws the large end fork, the wheel hub, and any bushings or spacers against the small end fork and positions the large end fork relative to the small end fork, after which the small and the large end fork pinch bolts or nuts are tightened. 
         [0011]    The present embodiments are directed to motorcycles and bicycles for application to the front wheel, to suspension pivot points, rear wheels, rear axles, swing arms, and other components. The embodiments discussed herein apply to motorcycles and bicycles with front forks and are for illustrative purposes, but do not limit the application of this invention to other applications. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]    A more particular description of the present disclosure will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof that are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. Example embodiments of the invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1A  is a top view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0014]      FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0015]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective top view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0016]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective bottom view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0017]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective rear view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2D  is a perspective front view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0019]      FIG. 2E  is a top view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0020]      FIG. 2F  is a bottom view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0021]      FIG. 2G  is a rear view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 2H  is a front view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0023]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0024]      FIG. 4  is a perspective front view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0025]      FIG. 5A  is a close-up side view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5B  is a cross-sectional view of the double-step offset axle of  FIG. 5A ; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6A  is a close-up side view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0028]      FIG. 6B  is a cross-sectional view of the double-step offset axle of  FIG. 6A ; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7  is an end view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0030]      FIG. 8A  is a top view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0031]      FIG. 8B  is a cross-sectional view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0032]      FIG. 9A  is a top view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0033]      FIG. 9B  is a bottom view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0034]      FIG. 9C  is a rear view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0035]      FIG. 9D  is a front view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0036]      FIG. 9E  is an end view of the small end of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; 
           [0037]      FIG. 9F  is an end view of the large end of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a double-step offset axle configured in accordance with one embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0039]    Reference will now be made to figures wherein like structures will be provided with like reference designations. It is understood that the drawings are diagrammatic and schematic representations of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, and are neither limiting nor necessarily drawn to scale. 
         [0040]    The embodiments described herein relate to the axle used to connect the wheels and wheel hubs to motorcycles and bicycle frames and/or their suspension systems. For descriptive purposes only, the embodiments utilized to connect the front wheel to the front forks are presented to illustrate how the invention proposed herein could be applied to a motorcycle or bicycle and do not limit the application of this invention to other parts of a motorcycle or bicycle. 
         [0041]    A one-piece double-step offset axle includes three cylindrical sections referred to herein as the large end, the center section, and the small end. These three sections are separated by two eccentric reductions in diameters or steps referred to as the large end step and small end step. The longitudinal center axis of the large end and the longitudinal center axis of the small end are located on a common longitudinal axis that extends the length of the axle. This is referred to as the ends axis and serves as the axis of rotation for the large end and small end when the axle is located in the fork axle housings. 
         [0042]    The large end and small end are located and supported in the large end fork and small end fork housings, respectively, and are secured to the fork by tightening the axle pinch bolts or nuts, which compresses the split housings. The large end includes some shape or form that engages a tool that can be used to apply torque to the large end to either rotate the axle within the fork axle housings, or to secure the axle from rotating from an externally applied torque. The large end also includes a marking on the end to reference the rotated position of the axle with respect to the center section relative to the front forks when viewed from the side. The small end includes either a threaded tip extension for an axle nut, or a threaded hole for an axle bolt. 
         [0043]    The center section locates and supports the front wheel bearings and wheel hub. The longitudinal center axis of the center section is referred to as the center axis. The center axis is parallel to and offset from the ends axis. The perpendicular distance between the ends axis and the center axis is referred to as the axle offset. 
         [0044]      FIG. 1A  shows a top view of the axle as it would be found on an upright motorcycle in a pair of motorcycle front fork bottom ends with the axle rotated to a position where the offset center section is directed forward toward the front of the motorcycle.  FIG. 1A  shows an axle nut  39 , axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 , a left fork bottom end  9 , the small end step  34 , a small end step fillet  8 , a small end bushing or spacer  11 , a double-step offset axle  16 , a wheel hub  13 , a large end bushing or spacer  17 , a large end step  36 , a right fork bottom end  10 , and axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 . The direction of this view is parallel to the front forks, rake, and steering stem, and the top of this view is oriented toward the front of the motorcycle. A wheel hub  13  is installed on the center section and is centered between the front forks by the small end bushing or spacer  11  and the large end bushing or spacer  17 . The small end of the axle is installed in the axle housing in the left fork bottom end  9  and the large end is installed in the axle housing in the right fork bottom end  10 . The axle is positioned with the offset center section directed forward toward the front of the motorcycle. The axle is secured by the axle nut  39  and the axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 . 
         [0045]      FIG. 1B  is a cross-sectional view of  FIG. 1A  looking forward from the center of the axle. This figure shows a threaded tip  32 , an axle nut  39 , axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 , a left fork bottom end  9 , a small end  33 , a small end step  34 , a center section  35 , a small end bushing or spacer  11 , wheel bearings  12 , a wheel hub  13 , a wheel bearing center spacer sleeve  14 , a large end wheel bearing face  15 , a large end bushing or spacer  17 , a large end step  36 , a large end  37 , a right fork bottom end  10 , and axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 . For clarity purposes, the axle is shown in outline in order to contrast with the other sections in this figure shown in cross hatches.  FIG. 1B  also shows the large end step range  19 , which is the portion of the axle between the inside face of the right fork bottom end  10 , and the large end wheel bearing face  15 . This distance represents the possible locations of the large end step. 
         [0046]      FIGS. 2A-2H  are different views of a double-step offset axle as it would be found in an upright motorcycle with the large end installed in the right front fork bottom. The axle is in the position where the center section  35  is offset toward the bottom. The large end bushing or spacer and the wheel hub shown in  FIG. 1A  are omitted for clarity purposes. These figures are intended to illustrate the double-step offset concept claimed herein, and are not intended to represent, nor preclude, all possible views of various rotations of the proposed axle within the front fork bottom ends. The minor images of  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C,  2 D,  2 E,  2 F,  2 G, and  2 H would show the other primary embodiments of this invention wherein its position would be reversed and the large end  37  would be housed in the left front fork bottom and the small end  33  would be housed in the right front fork bottom. 
         [0047]      FIG. 2A  is a perspective top view from the left and shows the axle nut  39 , the small end bushing or spacer  11 , the threaded tip  32 , the small end  33 , the small end step  34 , the center section  35 , the large end step  36 , and the large end  37 . An embodiment may include a slotted bushing  40  to go over the small end  33  and into the small end fork axle housing. The top of this figure is oriented toward the front of the motorcycle. 
         [0048]      FIG. 2B  is a perspective bottom view from the right and shows the large end  37 , the large end step  36 , the center section  35 , the small end step  34 , the small end  33 , the threaded tip  32 , the small end spacer or bushing  11 , and the axle nut  39 . An embodiment may include a slotted bushing  40  to go over the small end  33  and into the small end fork axle housing. The top of this figure is oriented toward the front of the motorcycle. 
         [0049]      FIG. 2C  is a perspective rear view from the left and shows the threaded tip  32 , the small end  33 , the small end step  34 , the center section  35 , the large end step  36 , and the large end  37 . The small end bushing or spacer, the axle nut, and the slotted bushing are not shown as they are symmetrical in all views and have already been shown in prior views. The top of this figure is oriented toward the top of the motorcycle. 
         [0050]      FIG. 2D  is a perspective front view from the right and shows the large end  37 , the large end step  36 , the center section  35 , the small end step  34 , the small end  33 , and the threaded tip  32 . The small end spacer or bushing, the axle nut, and the slotted bushing are not shown as they are symmetrical in all views and have already been shown in prior views. The top of this figure is oriented toward the top of the motorcycle. 
         [0051]      FIG. 2E  is a top view and shows the threaded tip  32 , the small end  33 , the small end step  34 , the small end step fillet  8 , the center section  35 , the large end step  36 , and the large end  37 . The top of this figure is oriented toward the front of the motorcycle. 
         [0052]      FIG. 2F  is a bottom view and shows the large end  37 , the large end step  36 , the center section  35 , the small end step  34 , the small end step fillet  8 , the small end  33 , and the threaded tip  32 . The top of this figure is oriented toward the front of the motorcycle. 
         [0053]      FIG. 2G  is a rear view and shows the threaded tip  32 , the small end  33 , the small end step  34 , the small end step fillet  8 , the center section  35 , the large end step  36 , the large end  37 , and the minor large end step  38 . The top of this figure is oriented toward the top of the motorcycle. 
         [0054]      FIG. 2H  is a front view and shows the minor large end step  38 , the large end  37 , the large end step  36 , the center section  35 , the small end step  34 , the small end step fillet  8 , the small end  33 , and the threaded tip  32 . The top of this figure is oriented toward the top of the motorcycle. 
         [0055]    As shown in  FIG. 2A  and  FIG. 2B , the double-step offset axle is comprised of a threaded tip  32 , a small end  33 , a small end step  34 , a center section  35 , a large end step  36 , and a large end  37 . Also shown are axle parts consisting of an axle nut  39  and a small end bushing or spacer  11 . Some applications of this embodiment, particularly those applications used to retrofit existing motorcycles with step axles, could include a slotted bushing  40  to go over the small end  33  and into the small end fork axle housing. 
         [0056]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view to illustrate how a bolt and a threaded hole in the small end could be utilized in lieu of the threaded tip and the bolt. The double-step offset axle could utilize a threaded hole in lieu of a threaded tip in which case it would be comprised of the large end  37 , the large end step  36 , the center section  35 , the small end step  34 , the small end  33 , and the threaded hole  41  in the small end for an axle bolt  42 . 
         [0057]      FIG. 4  is a perspective front view from the right and shows the double-step offset axle housed in a pair of front fork bottom ends.  FIG. 5A  is a detailed side view of the large end  37 , the large end step  36  and the center section  35 .  FIG. 5B  is a section view of  FIG. 5A  and shows the large end  37 , the large end step  36  and the center section  35 .  FIG. 6A  is a detailed side view of the large end  37 , the large end step  36 , the center section  35  and the minor large end step  38 .  FIG. 6B  is a section view of  FIG. 6A  and shows the large end  37 , the large end step  36 , the center section  35 , and the minor large end step  38 .  FIG. 7  is an end view of the axle and shows the large end  37 , the large end step  36 , the center section  35 , the small end step  34 , the minor large end step  38 , and the small end  33 . 
         [0058]    The axle can be rotated in the front fork axle housings in the fork bottoms with a tool before the axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts are tightened. The rotation moves the center axis about a circle relative to the front forks when viewed from the side of the forks. This circle has a radius equal to the axle offset and has a center located on the ends axis when viewed from the side. This circle is referred to as the offset circle with a diameter that is equal to twice the axle offset. The diameter of the circle is referred to as the offset range. 
         [0059]    In the preferred embodiment the axle can be rotated 360 degrees in the front fork axle housings after the axle and front wheel are assembled but not secured. The axle can then be secured by tightening the fork pinch bolts or nuts fixing the front wheel axis of rotation in a particular position along the offset circle. Each position along the offset circle imposes a unique combination of the following settings on the front end geometry: the trail, the height of the front wheel, and the steering rake, which is sometimes referred to as the steering angle or castor. These settings influence the way a motorcycle or bicycle steers and handles. 
         [0060]    In the preferred embodiment the axle is installed and removed from one side of the front forks, which is particularly important in racing and field applications. The axle is installed by inserting the axle, starting with the small end, through the front fork axle housing that houses the large end, then through the wheel hub, and lastly through the remaining fork axle housing which houses the small end. The axle might also pass through bushings or spacers located on either or both sides of the wheel hub to locate and support the wheel hub laterally. An axle nut or an axle bolt is then threaded on, but not tightened, onto or into the small end. 
         [0061]    Steering and handling adjustments are accomplished by rotating the axle in the front fork axle housings with a tool that engages the large end. The rotation moves the location of the center axis and the front wheel axis of rotation along the offset circle when viewed from the side. Once the desired position along the offset circle is obtained, the axle nut or axle bolt is tightened to secure the axle from rotation while the axle pinch bolts or nuts are tightened. The forks are then aligned, after which the axle is rigidly and rotationally secured to the front forks by tightening the axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts. 
         [0062]    The one-piece axle can be made from various suitable materials, such as titanium, steel, or aluminum, and is compatible with commonly produced ball bearing sizes and custom bearing sizes. The axle can also be designed to have a hollow longitudinal center to decrease its weight. The axle is reversible and can be oriented with the large end housed in the right front fork and the small end in the left front fork, or oriented with the large end housed in left front fork and the small end housed in the right front fork provided the two forks are designed accordingly. 
         [0063]    The axle design presented herein can be utilized on different motorcycles or bicycles of various sizes and weights by utilizing different diameters and offset distances. Embodiments here present a method of designing a double-step offset axle to optimize the dimensions for achieving a desired offset range given a particular center section diameter. The method initiates with establishing the diameter of the center section, which is equal to the desired wheel bearing internal diameter. Next, the desired offset range is established. The large end diameter is then established and it is equal to or greater than the sum of the center section diameter and the desired offset range. The large end transitions to the center section at the large end step. If the large end diameter is greater than the sum of the center section diameter and the desired offset range, then the large end step is continuous around its circumference and has a minor large end step  38  as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . The minor large end step is equal to one-half of the difference between the large end diameter and the sum of the center section diameter and the desired offset range, or: 
         [0000]      ½×[large end diameter−(center section diameter+desired offset range)].
 
         [0064]    If the large end diameter is equal to the sum of the center section diameter and the desired offset range, then the large end step is not continuous around its circumference and is interrupted at one point. This interruption is shown in  FIG. 5B  where the diameters of the large end and the center section share a tangency when viewed from the small end of the axle and in  FIG. 5A  where the side of the large end and side of the center section are located on the same line when viewed from the side perpendicular to the axle offset. This embodiment does not have a minor large end step and the resulting eccentric step could introduce additional bending moments on the axle, in some designs, as the axle nut or axle bolt is tightened. 
         [0065]    Utilizing a minor large end step in a laterally floating design will provide a more uniform force to draw the wheel hub and axle spacers, or bushings, against the small end fork when the axle nut or axle bolt is tightened. For illustrative purposes, a minor large end step of 1.0 mm has been used in portions of Table 1, Example Double-Step Offset Axle Dimensions. In addition, a minor large end step has been shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , except  FIGS. 5A and 5B .  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show an axle with the large end diameter equal to the sum of the center section diameter and the offset range, so a minor large end step is not present in this embodiment. The decision to utilize a minor large end step, and if so, how large the minor step should be, is based on design objectives and preferences. 
         [0066]    The large end step can be located laterally approximately anywhere in the large end step range  19  as shown in  FIG. 1B . The large end step range is defined as the portion of the axle between the inside of the large end fork and the outside face of the wheel bearing on the large end fork side of the wheel hub. One or more spacers or bushings may be utilized between the large end step and the wheel bearing adjacent to the large end fork. The large end step could also extend to the outside face of the wheel bearing on the large end fork side of the wheel hub, in which case a large end axle bushing or spacer would not be utilized. 
         [0067]      FIG. 8A  shows a top view of the axle as it would be found on an upright motorcycle in a pair of motorcycle front fork bottom ends with the axle rotated to a position where the offset center section is directed forward toward the front of the motorcycle.  FIG. 8A  shows an axle nut  39 , axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 , a left fork bottom end  9 , the small end step  34 , the small end step fillet  8 , a small end bushing or spacer  11 , the double-step offset axle  16 , a wheel hub  13 , a large end bushing or spacer with flange  50 , the large end step  36 , the large end step fillet  51 , a right fork bottom end  10 , axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 , and the large end cap  52 . The direction of this view is parallel to the front forks and the top of this view is oriented toward the front of the motorcycle. 
         [0068]    A wheel hub  13  is installed on the center section and is centered between the front forks by the small end bushing or spacer  11 , and the large end bushing or spacer with flange  50 . The small end of the axle is housed in the left fork bottom end  9  and the large end is housed in the right fork bottom end  10 . The axle is secured by the axle nut  39  and the axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 . 
         [0069]      FIG. 8B  is a section view of  FIG. 8A  looking forward from the center of the axle. This figure shows the threaded tip  32 , an axle nut  39 , axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 , a left fork bottom end  9 , the small end  33 , the small end step  34 , a small end bushing or spacer  11 , the center section  35 , wheel bearings  12 , a wheel hub  13 , a wheel bearing center spacer sleeve  14 , a large end wheel bearing face  15 , a large end bushing or spacer with flange  50 , the large end step  36 , a right fork bottom end  10 , axle pinch bolts or pinch nuts  18 , the large end cap  52 , the large end  37 , and the large end pin  53 . For clarity purposes, the axle is shown in outline in order to contrast with the other sections in this figure shown in cross hatches. 
         [0070]      FIGS. 9A-9F  are different views of the laterally fixed double-step offset axle as it would be found in an upright motorcycle with the large end installed in the right front fork bottom. The axle is in the position where the center section is directed, or offset, toward the bottom. 
         [0071]      FIGS. 9A-9D  show the threaded tip  32 , the small end  33 , the small end step  34 , the small end step fillet  8 , the center section  35 , the large end step  36 , the large end  37 , the large end cap  52 , the large end pin  53  and the large end step fillet  51 .  FIG. 9E  is an end view of the small end and shows the large end step  36 , the large end cap  52 , the large end  37 , the center section  35 , the small end  33 , and the small end step  34 .  FIG. 9F  is an end view of the large end and shows the large end pin  53 , and the large end cap  52 . 
         [0072]      FIGS. 9A-9D  are presented to illustrate the double-step offset concept claimed herein, and are not intended to represent, nor preclude, all possible views of various rotations of the proposed axle within the front fork bottom ends. The minor images of  FIGS. 9A-9D  would show the other primary applications of this embodiment wherein its position would be reversed and the large end  37  would be housed in the left front fork bottom and the small end  33  would be housed in the right front fork bottom. 
         [0073]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view to illustrate how a bolt and a threaded hole in the small end could be utilized in lieu of the threaded tip and axle nut.  FIG. 10  shows the large end cap  52 , the large end pin  53 , the large end  37 , the large end step  36 , the center section  35 , the small end step  34 , the small end  33 , the threaded hole  41  and the axle bolt  42 . 
         [0074]    The axle design presented herein can be utilized on different motorcycles or bicycles of various sizes and weights by utilizing different diameters and offset distances. This invention presents a method of designing a laterally fixed double-step offset axle to optimize the dimensions for achieving a desired offset range given a particular wheel bearing internal diameter. This method begins with establishing the diameter of the center section which is equal to the desired or selected wheel bearing internal diameter. Next, the desired offset range is selected based on designer preferences and limitations. 
         [0075]    The large end diameter is then established by adding the desired or selected offset range to the center section diameter. The large end transitions to the center section at the large end step and the large end step is not continuous around its circumference but is interrupted at one point where the circumferences of the large end  37  and the center section  35  share a tangency as shown in  FIG. 9E . The large end also has a ridge or rim at the distal end referred to as the large end cap  52  in  FIGS. 9A-9E  and also includes a shape or form to engage a tool to apply torque to the large end to either rotate the axle within the fork axle housings, or to secure the axle from rotating from an externally applied torque. For illustrative purposes only, engagement for this embodiment utilizes a large end pin  53  fixed transversely across a hollow large end along the direction of the offset which also serves to indicate rotational position of the axle and location of the center section relative to the front forks when viewed from the side. 
         [0076]    The large end step is laterally located approximately where the large end fork inner face meets the flange on the large end bushing or spacer. The large end step may have a fillet or other means of tapering to ease the inside corner of the large end step to relieve stress concentrations. The large end bushing or spacer with flange may be relieved on the outer end of the bore to conform closely to any large end fillet. One or more spacers or bushings may be utilized between the large end step and the wheel bearing adjacent to the large end fork. A flanged bushing or spacer  50  is required to mate against the large end fork inner face as shown in  FIG. 8B  and this flange needs sufficient diameter and thickness to effectively bridge the large end housing bore in the large end fork. 
         [0077]    The small end diameter is then established and it is equal to or less than the difference between the center section diameter and the desired offset range. The center section transitions to the small end at the small end step. As shown in  FIG. 1A , the small end step  34  is located approximately where the inside face of the left fork bottom end  9  mates against the small end bushing or spacer  11 . A small end step is optional as is a small end fillet to ease the inside corner of the small end step and relieve stress. The decision to have a minor small end step and/or small end fillet is based on design objectives and preferences. The embodiments shown herein do not have a small end step as the small end diameter is equal to the difference between the center section diameter and the desired offset range. Table 1, Example Double-Step Offset Axle Dimensions, shows axles with a minor large end step and other axles without a minor large end step. 
         [0078]    An axle spacer  11  is located on the small end adjacent to the inside of the small end fork as shown in  FIG. 1A  and  FIG. 1B . The flange on the axle spacer can vary in thickness and diameter according to objectives for the rigidity of the connection between the front forks and the front wheel axle. 
         [0079]    Current motorcycle axles generally utilize two separate clamping actions to secure the front axle to the forks. The first clamping action is a longitudinal compression force of several thousand pounds along the length of the axle resulting from the axle nut or axle bolt being torqued to about 50-60 ft/lbs. This compression force squeezes everything between the axle head (axle cap) or step and the axle nut or axle bolt at the opposite end. In a laterally fixed axle, both forks, the axle spacers, and the hub are compressed, or clamped, tightly together. In a laterally floating axle, the hub and spacers/bushings are clamped to the small end fork. 
         [0080]    The second clamping action comes from tightening the axle pinch nuts, or pinch bolts, and this clamping action squeezes the fork axle housings around the axle ends securely locking them into place and further increasing the rigidity of the connection between the wheel hub and the forks. This clamping also prevents the axle from rotating in the axle housing when the front wheel absorbs impacts. 
         [0081]    In the laterally floating axle, the large end step is part of the clamping action and bears indirectly against the wheel hub bearings via the wheel spacers, or bushing, or directly against the wheel hub bearing. The large end step will have this direct or indirect bearing, regardless of where the large end step is located. Further, it is recommended that the large end step have a minor step of about 1 mm in a laterally floating axle design in order to provide uniform bearing around the step. 
         [0082]    On the laterally fixed axle, the large end cap applies the axial load to compress the wheel hub and spacers between the two forks. The large end step is not involved in the longitudinal clamping force. The large end step location on the laterally fixed axle should preferably be located near the inside face of the large end fork, but its exact location can vary, as long as the step is not involved in the longitudinal clamping action when the axle nut or axle bolt is torqued. Further, the large end step need not have a minor step since the step is not in a load bearing situation. 
         [0083]    Thus, the role of the large end step of important. In the laterally floating axle, the large end step bears the longitudinal compression load. In the laterally fixed axle, the large end step does not bear the longitudinal compression load, instead it is the large end cap that bears the longitudinal load. In both cases the actual location of the large end step can vary according to the overall design. 
         [0084]    The axle is intended primarily for the design and manufacture of future motorcycles or bicycles, but could also be utilized as a retrofit axle for some bicycles or motorcycles. Some applications of the double-step offset axle, particularly those intended for retrofitting existing motorcycle forks, might require the use of a slotted bushing  40  to go over the small end  33  as shown in  FIG. 2A  and into the small end fork. 
         [0085]    The axle can accommodate commonly manufactured wheel bearing sizes, and can also accommodate future wheel bearing sizes, or special wheel bearing sizes. Commonly produced wheel bearing sizes of possible use include, but are not limited to, the following internal diameters as expressed in millimeters (mm): 20 mm, 22 mm, 25 mm, 28 mm and 30 mm. The double-step offset axle examples described herein for illustrative purposes are grouped together by wheel bearing internal diameter size in millimeters. 
         [0086]    Table 1, Example Double-Step Offset Axle Dimensions, shows examples of possible dimensions, in millimeters, for various embodiments of this invention. The table is shown for illustrative purposes only and does not limit the other possible variations of this invention with the multitude of different dimensions possible. All such variations are considered part of this invention, including embodiments that use a larger or smaller minor large end step, embodiments that do not use a minor large end step, and embodiments that use a minor small end step. Table 1 illustrates how larger wheel bearing internal diameters provide a larger offset range than smaller diameters. 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Exemplary Double-Step Offset Axle Dimensions 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Wheel 
                 Minor 
               
               
                 Axle 
                   
                   
                 Center 
                   
                 Bearing 
                 Large 
               
               
                 Off- 
                 Offset 
                 Large End 
                 Section 
                 Small End 
                 Internal 
                 End 
               
               
                 set 
                 Range 
                 Diameter 
                 Diameter 
                 Diameter 
                 Diameter 
                 Step 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 2.0 
                 4.0 
                 26 
                 20 
                 16 
                 20 
                 1 
               
               
                 2.5 
                 5.0 
                 27 
                 20 
                 15 
                 20 
                 1 
               
               
                 2.5 
                 5.0 
                 29 
                 22 
                 17 
                 22 
                 1 
               
               
                 3.0 
                 6.0 
                 30 
                 22 
                 16 
                 22 
                 1 
               
               
                 3.0 
                 6.0 
                 33 
                 25 
                 19 
                 25 
                 1 
               
               
                 3.0 
                 6.0 
                 31 
                 25 
                 19 
                 25 
                 0 
               
               
                 3.5 
                 7.0 
                 34 
                 25 
                 18 
                 25 
                 1 
               
               
                 4.0 
                 8.0 
                 35 
                 25 
                 17 
                 25 
                 1 
               
               
                 4.0 
                 8.0 
                 38 
                 28 
                 20 
                 28 
                 1 
               
               
                 4.0 
                 8.0 
                 36 
                 28 
                 20 
                 28 
                 0 
               
               
                 5.0 
                 10.0 
                 40 
                 28 
                 18 
                 28 
                 1 
               
               
                 5.0 
                 10.0 
                 42 
                 30 
                 20 
                 30 
                 1 
               
               
                 5.0 
                 10.0 
                 40 
                 30 
                 20 
                 30 
                 0 
               
               
                 6.0 
                 12.0 
                 44 
                 30 
                 18 
                 30 
                 1 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0087]    Although preferred embodiments of this invention have been described above with a certain degree of particularity, those skilled in the art could make numerous alterations to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention as described in the specification, drawings and claims. Different materials and design details could be used, such as a hollow axle design for weight reduction, without departing from the spirit or scope of this invention as described in the specification, drawings and claims. All references (e.g., large end, middle section, small end, offset, offset range, offset circle, large end fork, small end fork, side, ends axis, center axis, large end step, small end step, large end step range, minor large end step, small end step fillet, bushings and spacers) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader&#39;s understanding of the present invention, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of the invention. Joinder references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, secured, fixed, and the like) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a connection of elements and relative movement between elements. As such, such joinder references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. It is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims.