Patent Publication Number: US-4732060-A

Title: Clamp for bicycle crank bearing wrench

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to the installation or removal of the bearing race of a bicycle crank. The invention is applicable to bicycles in which the bearing races are installed into an internally threaded housing of the frame. The invention relates to the period of installation or removal of the bearing race when sufficient torque must be applied to lock the bearing race into place or to break it loose. 
     Conventional methods of installation or removal require more time or produce inadequate torque capacity. A means of overcoming these problems is provided by this invention. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention provides the user with a fast, efficient means of installing or removing the fixed bearing race (fixed-cup) of a bicycle crank set. The torque capacity of a standard spanner wrench is limited only by the user&#39;s ability to maintain its location on the wrench flats of the fixed-cup. The object of this invention is a means of providing positive location of the wrench on the flats of the fixed-cup. 
     A requirement for this invention is to be compatible with the majority of existing crank bearings and tools. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     This invention may be more readily described by reference to the accompanying drawings. 
     FIG. 1 is a side view showing the three components separated. 
     FIG. 2 is a side view showing the three components assembled. 
     FIG. 3 is an axial view from the &#34;outside&#34; of FIG. 2. 
     FIG. 4 is an axial view from the &#34;inside&#34; of FIG. 2. 
     FIG. 5 is a half section of the invention in place. 
     FIG. 6A is a view of the invention in use. 
     FIG. 6B is a view of the invention assembly. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring more particularly to the drawings by characters of reference, FIG. 1 discloses the three components of the invention. The body 2 is composed of an internally and externally threaded member. The adjusted ring 3 is internally threaded the same as the external threads of the body 2. Both pieces are knurled to provide the user a good grip. The adapter bolt is externally threaded with two sizes of threads as required. 
     Referring to FIG. 5, a standard fixed cup installation (removal) wrench 4 is shown attached to the fixed-cup 6. It is clamped in place between the internally threaded bicycle frame crank housing 5 and the adjusting ring 3 of the invention. The adjusting ring 3 of the invention is threaded on the body 2, which is then held in place on the spindle 8 by the adapting bolt 1, or simply threads onto spindles provided with an externally threaded stud. The spindle 8 carries the tension back to the bearing 7, which are in turn transferred to the fixed cup and thusly into the crank housing of the bicycle frame. 
     The outer ring 3 of the invention is turned relative to the body 2, until it contacts the wrench 4, thereby providing adjustment of the tool to various length spindles 8, and providing clamping pressure against the wrench 4 to provide a positive location on the fixed cup 6.