Abstract: A control rod (20) through a hollow axle (30) has a lever-operated cam (2) on one end which pushes a follower (8) against a first safety drop-out (50). On the opposite end of the control rod is an adjustment nut (15) surrounded by a safety interlock slide (11). When the cam is loose, a compression spring (19) urges the safety slide inward toward the second drop-out (50) where it is retained by a conventional safety tab or lip (51). The compression spring imparts enough tension on the control rod to pull the cam follower against the first drop-out, thus retaining the axle in the drop-outs despite a loose cam. To release the axle, first the cam is opened, then the slide is pulled outward with the fingers while the thumb pushes the adjustment nut inward, as with a hypodermic needle. Installation of the axle is the reverse of these steps, ending with closing the cam, with no need to readjust the nut.

Abstract: A tension adjustment and retention device for a cam/lever quick-release bicycle axle fastener, having a washer (8) that provides two different thicknesses via two alternate rotational positions. When the cam is loose, rotating the washer 90 degrees with the fingers causes a quick change in clearance between the washer and the drop-out, for removal or mounting of the axle. For axle mounting, a pre-set clamping clearance is restored precisely. A safety interlock slide (60) may optionally be added for automatic, undefeatable, secondary engagement between the axle and safety drop-outs. To remove the wheel, the cam is loosened, washer (8) is rotated to maximize clearance, then the slide is pulled away from the drop-out against a spring. In all embodiments, no tools are needed to quickly remove or re-attach the axle to the drop-outs, and no readjustment of cam tension is needed as with current quick-release adjustment nuts.

Abstract: A quick-release bicycle axle fastener for standard hollow axles and standard safety drop-outs, comprising a control rod through the axle; a mount attached to one or both ends of the control rod; a cam lever attached to each mount; a washer with a finger grip, slidably mounted on the control rod inboard of the mount, shaped to engage the safety drop-out when pressed against it; and a spring urging the washer against the drop-out at all times. The cam forces the washer inward against the drop-out for clamping attachment of the wheel axle to the drop-out. When cam pressure is released, the interlock washer continues to be urged against the drop-out by the spring for safety until the washer is pulled outward by the fingers of a user. When the wheel is re-installed, the washer automatically shifts into engagement with the coupling surface of the drop-out, providing an automatic, undefeatable safety backup for the cam.

Abstract: A quick-release axle attachment mechanism for velocipeds and motorcycles. It has a cam lever 1-5 on each end of the axle 49. The cam rotation axis is perpendicular to the axle. The cam pushes a slide 15 inward against the drop-out 43, clamping the drop-out against the bearing jam nut 51. When the cam is rotated for wheel removal, a spring 13 continues to hold the slide against the drop-out. A safety tab 47, or other coupling surface on the drop-out, engages the slide to prevent wheel removal until the slide is pulled outward with the fingers. To remove a wheel, both cams are rotated to the slack position, then both slides are pulled outward. The double safety interlock of the two slides prevents accidental wheel release. The cam lever can be made of plastic.