Abstract:
A supporting member that carries at least 1 wheel and either rotates with the wheel to transmit mechanical power to and from it, and allows the wheel to rotate freely on it. The axle is an invention by itself and there is no prior art which has the axle attached to the housing. The axle and wheels can be removed and is therefore easier to ship. The axle can be used in a tricycle, trailer, caboose or any human or mechanical powered vehicle.

Description:
CLAIM OF PRIORITY 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 61/011,491 filed Jan. 17, 2008, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a detachable and extendable axle which can be used on a velocipede. The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing, and more specifically to an assembly which is attached to the driving mechanism of the vehicle being towed or moved. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Examples of the prior art are shown in the following: 
     U.S. Publication Number 20020180256 teaches an apparatus and method for attaching a wheel to an axle. The apparatus comprises a wheel with a hub for insertion into an indentation in the end of the axle and a non-cylindrically-symmetrical stud attached to the axle that is concentric with the axis of rotation of the wheel and axle, attaching the wheel to the axle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,582,448 teaches an assembly for allowing quick removal of a wheel from a vehicle is provided. The original wheel axle is replaced with an elongated axle which is adapted to extend through a block clamped to the vehicle frame. The block includes a spring-biased plunger which interfits with an annular groove at the end of the axle to lock the wheel and axle in place. The plunger is withdrawn from the groove to release the axle and allow one to readily remove the wheel. Alternately, an indented shaft fits within the groove to lock the axle. Upon rotation of the shaft to align the indentation over the groove, the axle may be released and withdrawn from the block. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 5,879,022 teaches a device and method for converting a golf bag to a golf cart. The device has a hardside rectangular shaped main portion. The bottom is canted with a plate having a connector for a removable axle. The axle is locked but can be attached or removed as desired. The top has tubing for receiving the clubs, accessories, and the axle when detached from the connector. Wheels can be joined to the axle or else stored in internal storage compartments within the device. A cover having zippered access to the clubs extends above the device. When opened, the cover falls to the side, out of the way. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,481,735 teaches an apparatus for carrying a load behind a bicycle. The apparatus includes a carriage adapted to carry a load, and at least one wheel rotatably connected to the carriage. A hitch assembly is coupled to the carriage and includes at least one latch mechanism removably connectable to a bicycle to couple the carriage to the bicycle. The latch mechanism is adapted to removably connect to a skewer assembly receivable in the hub of a rear wheel of the bicycle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,822,065 teaches a collapsible cargo carrier which comprises rigid framework for supporting cargo and an axle and wheel assembly for moving the cargo over a surface. A generally rectangular framework supports the cargo and is coupled with the axle by triangular supports which are releasably hinged to the cargo carrying framework. By removing two locking pins, the axle is released from the framework and the triangular supports can be collapsed against the cargo carrying portion of the framework. Mounting brackets are provided for storing the axle and wheel assembly on the side of the framework when the other components have been collapsed. Accessories are provided for accommodating larger loads and for facilitating movement of loads by providing elongated handles on the carrier. 
     The present invention relates to the field of manufacturing, and more specifically to an assembly which is attached to the driving mechanism of the vehicle being towed or moved. 
     Prior inventions are cumbersome to ship and limited to a fixed axle length. In the use of light-duty or portable vehicles, such as bicycles, trailer bikes, wagons, and the like, it is common to transport the vehicle within a car. However, given the energy shortage and price increase of gas, as well as downscaling of personal automobiles, it is very difficult to position the aforementioned portable vehicles within the trunk of a small car or the back seat thereof. 
     Having the ability to easily dismember the velocipede to fit into a smaller space greatly facilitates handling, movement and/or storage. Drivetrain components require less disassembly or specialized tools because of the unique way the extendible length axle and axle housing are structured. The axle housing can be taken apart by removing the pins or similar fixing mechanism, from the axle housing to free the axle. Since the axle has an adjustable length, when the pins are removed, it can decrease in size allowing for easier shipping. To reassemble, the axle easily slides back into the axle housing and the pins are reinserted. The wheels can be removable on either side of the axle, and the handlebars, seat and pedals are removed by unscrewing removable clamps. There are only five parts altogether, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 . 
     Shipping charges are reduced because the parts can be disassembled to fit a smaller shipping container. The time to ship the item to consumers is expedited because a standard UPS truck can be used as opposed to a freight truck. 
     In other embodiments, the extendable length axle also allows width between back wheels to be expanded in order to accommodate heavier or wider load and also provide more stability by evenly distributing weight between the back wheels for better traction and a lower center of gravity. 
     Often there is one drive wheel controlling the movement of the velocipede, but with the axle housing having the ability to attach directly through the axle, this allows both wheels to engage in the driving process—like having rear wheel drive in a car. Therefore, the braking can be directly applied to the axle housing from the pedals as opposed to directly on the wheels from a cable running from the handlebars. 
     One preferred embodiment of this invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings and will be described in more detail herein below. Also included in the illustrated drawings is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the invention, there is disclosed an axle assembly, comprising an axle housing, having a drive mechanism attached thereto, a removable axle disposed within the axle housing, and a fixing mechanism which keeps the removable axle within the axle housing when the fixing mechanism is actuated, and allows the removable axle to be withdrawn from the axle housing when the fixing mechanism is deactivated. 
     The axle assembly containing the removable axle has a means for attaching at least one wheel to the removable axle. The removable axle has at least one extendable axle assembly, and a sub axle fixing assembly. The drive mechanism is a gear or sprocket, the axle housing has first and second ends, and said first and second ends are tapered, and the axle housing has first and second rotation assemblies attached. The fixing assembly comprises a hole in the housing assembly, an aligned hole in the removable axle, and a pin or bolt which may be simultaneously inserted through said housing assembly hole and the aligned hole. 
     Also disclosed, is an article of manufacture comprising a velocipede having an axle assembly, wherein the axle assembly has an axle housing, a removable axle disposed within the axle housing, and a fixing mechanism which keeps the removable axle within the axle housing when the fixing mechanism is actuated, and allows the axle to be withdrawn from the axle housing when the fixing mechanism is deactivated. 
     The velocipede can be a trailer bike, quadracycle, a quadracycle with two separate and attachable frames, a tricycle or any other appropriate alternate embodiment. The velocipede can be powered with human power, gas or electric power and contains a removable axle with a means for attaching at least one wheel to the removable axle. The drive mechanism is a gear or sprocket, the axle housing has first and second rotation assemblies are attached. The fixing assembly comprises a hole in the housing assembly, an aligned hole in the removable axle, and a pin or bolt which may be simultaneously inserted through said housing assembly hole and aligned hole. The removable axle has at least one extendable axle assembly. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the invention which shows parts disassembled 
         FIG. 4  is a detailed cut away and enlarged view of the removable axle of the present invention 
         FIG. 5  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention also showing a bicycle attached. 
         FIG. 6  is a front view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a rear view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to  FIG. 1-8  of the drawings. Identical elements in the various figures are identified with the same reference numerals. It is to be understood, however that the present invention may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis for the claims to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed system, structure or manner. 
     While the dimensions of the parts are not critical, preferred dimensions for the wheels and frame are  — 20 inch diameter wheels_having a frame of length 48 inches, a width 7 inches and a height 20 inches. 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The figures shows a trailer bike of the type available from Morgan Cycle of New Jersey. It can be compacted to fit in a shipping carton of the size 40 inches in length by 9 inches in width, and 20 inches in height. The attachment assembly  250 , handlebars  270 , frame  260 , and pedals  310  are shown, but it should be understood that the invention covers any kind of power train, including but not limited to electric or gas, or another powered mechanical means. The frame  260  is made of a material including but not limited to steel alloy or aluminum tubing assembled by brazing, welding, or nuts and bolts. The chain guard  330  protects clothing and moving parts from oil and spray and a protective covering for the chain  340  (not seen). Also shown are the left removable wheel  350  and right removable wheel  360 . 
       FIG. 2  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 2  contains the axle assembly  10  shown covered by the axle housing  20  which is connected to a brake  160  and removable axle  60 . The removable axle connects the left removable wheel  350  and the right removable wheel  360 . Also shown are the attachment assembly  250 , handlebars  270 , frame  260 , seat  280 , pedals  310 , and chain  340 . The axle housing can be quite narrow, as small as 7 inches. 
       FIG. 3  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the invention which shows parts disassembled, and contains the axle assembly  10  shown covered by the axle housing  20  which is connected to a brake  160  and removable axle  60 . The attachment assembly  250 , frame  260 , handle bars  270 , seat  280 , pedals  310 , chain  340 , left removable wheel  350 , and right removable wheel  360 . 
       FIG. 4  is a detailed cut away and enlarged view of the removable axle of the present invention, showing the extendible length axle.  FIG. 4  includes the removable axle  60  which is shown contained within the axle housing  20 , which has a first rotation assembly  170 , and second rotation assembly  180 . The first rotation assembly  170  has a first frame attachment point  200 , where the rotation point attaches to the frame  260 , and a second rotation assembly  180 , has a second frame attachment point  220  where the rotation point attaches to the frame  260 . The first rotation assembly  170  and second rotation assembly  180  are assemblies that connect to the frame of the velocipede and allow housing  20  and axle  60  to rotate. The first rotation assembly  170  and second rotation assembly  180  may contain a machine part such as a bearing or bushing  25  which allows the axle housing  20  to rotate freely. The bearing or bushing could also be a removable piece of plastic, soft metal or graphite-filled sintered metal that lines support for the axle housing  20 . The axle housing  20  also has a brake  160  designed to slow down or stop motion by steadily or evenly applying force from pedals or hand brake. The drive mechanism  150  is attached to the axle housing  20  to transmit mechanical power from the chain  340  to the sprocket  320  which has a tooth on the periphery of a wheel or cylinder to engage the links of a chain. The axle housing  20  contains a pin hole  50  which serves as a place for the first sub axle pin  90  to enter to provide a fixing mechanism which keeps the removable axle  60  within the axle housing  20  when the fixing mechanism is activated and allows the removable axle  60  to be withdrawn from the axle housing  20  when the fixing mechanism is deactivated. In another embodiment, the removable axle  60  also contains a second sub axle pin  130  to enter providing a fixing mechanism which keeps the second sub axle  120  to be elongated when deactivated. The first sub axle  80  and second sub axle  120  will contain a device such as threads, as shown, cotter pins or like means to provide a method of removably attaching the wheels. 
       FIG. 5  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the invention attached to a bicycle. 
       FIG. 5  also contains a view of a bike  235 , trailer  240 , attachment assembly  250 , frame  260 , handle bars  270 , seat  280 , seat post claim  290 , power train conventional personal computer  300 , and right removable wheel  360 . 
       FIGS. 6 and 7  show the front and rear view of the preferred embodiment of the invention respectively. Specific parts are the axle assembly  10  shown covered by the axle housing  20  which contains the removable axle  60 . Also shown are pedals  310 , left removable wheel  350 , right removable wheel  360 , attachment assembly  250 , frame  260 , handle bars  270 , seat  280 , and seat post clamp  290 . 
       FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the invention. This view shows a top diagonal view of a quadracycle  370 . Parts shown include the left frame  390 , right frame  400 , separator  410 , steering assembly  420 , seats  425 , power trains  430 , pedals  440 , sprocket  450  (not shown), chain guards  460 , chain  470 , left front removable wheel  480 , right front removable wheel  490 , left rear removable wheel  500 , and right rear removable wheel  510 . While left frame  390  and right frame  400  may be one piece, in another embodiment, left frame  390  and right frame  400  can be taken apart by removing the separator  410 . The steering assembly  420  provides the directional control of the vehicle and is connected to the left frame  390 . Seats  425  are connected to each frame side. Each side of the vehicle has a power train  430  providing movement to the vehicle, and includes the pedals  450 , chain  470 , sprocket  450 , and chain guard  460 . 
     Although this invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of illustration and that numerous changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.