Quick release mechanism having a tightening force indicator

Abstract

A quick release mechanism for tightening a hub assembly having a tubular shaft between prongs of a bicycle frame fork. This mechanism includes a tightening rod extending axially through the tubular rod, a first clamp and a second clamp mounted on the tightening rod, and a control lever mounted on the tightening rod for moving the clamps between a tightening position and a release position. This mechanism further includes a device for indicating that the tightening force applied from the first and second clamps exceeds a predetermined value. The indicating device includes a shift member shiftable between a first position and a second position, a receiving member for receiving the tightening force from the clamps through the frame fork, an interlocking member for shifting the shift member to the second position when the receiving member receives a force exceeding the predetermined value, and a spring for urging the shift member to the first position. The indicating device outputs a message through the medium of sound or light when the shift member is shifted to the second position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.