CAMBRIDGE, MA (BRAIN)—The U.S. Patent Office has granted a patent covering CLIX Systems, Inc.'s new wheel quick release.
The patent includes claims for “secondary retention that is automatically engaging when the wheel enters the wheel mounts” as well as a system where “the primary locking system and the secondary retention system may be exclusively operated for wheel removal on one and the same side of the wheel."
In addition, the patent claims also cover the “method” of operation of these systems. Trek, Gary Fisher, Cannondale, a number of Accell Group companies and Louis Garneau currently use the CLIX quick release, among others.
“We believe this is an important patent for the industry,” said David Montague (pictured), president of CLIX and inventor of the system. Montague also owns the folding bike company Montague Bikes. "Quick release wheels are a popular feature found on most quality bicycles, but adjusting cam tension can be challenging. CLIX eliminates the need for cam tension adjustment each time, so the consumer simply clicks the wheel onto the fork, and throws the lever—no adjustment needed.”
Joe Vadeboncoeur, director of product development of Trek said, "We've been using CLIX on a number of our bikes for several years now and, among the other benefits the system offers, our dealers appreciate not having to try to teach consumers how to properly adjust cam tension. With CLIX, the clamping force is very consistent every time it is used."
CLIX is adjusted initially by the dealer, then the adjustment is locked, and no further adjustment is needed each time the wheel is removed. Montague said his new system is "great for recreational cyclist, because it is operated with one hand on one side of the bike, and great for enthusiasts, because it allows for a very quick wheel swap."
