GB2437505A

GB2437505A - Bicycle stand

Info

Publication number: GB2437505A
Application number: GB0608197A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mark John Wilde; Clare Marie Wilde
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2006-04-26
Filing date: 2006-04-26
Publication date: 2007-10-31
Also published as: GB0608197D0

Abstract

A bike stand (1) of the type for raising a bike off the ground for maintenance purposes or the like comprises a rotatable support member, such as a rotatable planer platform (3) and a support frame (5). The rotatable support member is capable of supporting the weight of a bike positioned on the bike stand and rotating the bike about an axis of rotation of the rotatable support member. The bike stand may be capable of raising a bike off the ground by means of elevation means (15, 17). Rotating the bike about the axis of rotation of the rotatable support member manoeuvres the bike to an alternative position for performing the maintenance procedure.

Description

IMPROVED BIKE STAND

The present invention relates to a bike stand, and more particularly concerns a bike stand of the type for raising a bike off the ground for maintenance purposes or the like.

Bike stands of this type, or lift stands as they are commonly known, have been known for many years now. A bike stand is disclosed in patent US 5,518,224 which describes a foot operated motorcycle lift stand. In this arrangement, the cyclist is able to actuate a foot lever to shift the stand platform into lifting engagement with the underside of the motorcycle by means of legs which pivotally secure the platform to a base and which, in motion, describe a parallelogram. In doing so, the bike may be secured in a stable and raised position so that maintenance work may be performed safely.

Although stands of this type are able to perform their primary function of elevating a bike to a convenient height for maintenance procedures to be performed, there are, however, disadvantages associated with this type of arrangement due to the limited ways in which the stand may be adjusted to reposition the bike to a more convenient working position.

For example, during the maintenance of a bike, often, work will be performed on both sides of the bike. Accordingly, if a stand of the type, as described above, was used to elevate the bike whilst performing the maintenance work, then it would be necessary for a person to move round the bike in order to work on the other side.

This is because the stand is limited, in adjustment terms, to vertical adjustment only. It is possible that during such maintenance work a person may be required to periodically travel from side to side of the bike to, for example, improve the accessibility to the regions to where the work is to be performed. Travel of this kind, especially periodically, can be tiring for a person, as well as being a time consuming exercise and therefore is generally inconvenient.

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a bike stand of the type for raising a bike off the ground for maintenance purposes or the like, characterised in that the bike stand comprises a support frame and at least one rotatable support member rotatable with respect to the support frame, said rotatable support member being capable of supporting a bike positioned on the stand and rotating the said bike about the axis of rotation of the rotatable support member.

The bike stand according to this aspect of the invention may be used with different types of bike, including but not limited to, a bicycle, a touring bike, a sport touring bike, a sport bike, a standard bike, a cruiser, an enduro bike, a dual-sport bike, an off-road bike or a quad bike, for example.

The bike may be positioned on the bike stand so that the bike stand contacts the bike on its underside. By virtue of being able to rotate a bike about a vertical axis of rotation, a stand according to the present invention provides a much more user friendly and efficient system by which to maintain a bike. Accordingly, a bike stand formed according to the present invention is able to address the aforementioned problems associated with known bike stands.

The bike stand of the present invention is more suitable for manoeuvring a bike within a workshop, garage or other confined area. In this way, the need to reverse or manoeuvre a motorbike so that it points in the opposite direction may be avoided by use of a stand of the present invention. This is particularly important if the workshop or the area available on which to work on the bike is a confined space, which would make the task of manoeuvring the bike difficult if not impossible.

The bike stand may further comprise means for fixing the position of the rotatable support member with respect to the support frame. Such fixing means may be provided by a nut and bolt, screw, latch, hook, strap or the like. Fixing means of this type may prevent the bike from rotating undesirably when positioned on the bike stand, thus providing an additional safety measure during use.

The support member may be rotatable by means of a ball bearing arrangement.

The ball bearings may, for example, be installed between the support frame and the rotatable support member, thereby allowing rotary movement of the rotatable support member with respect to the support frame. Other means of rotating the rotatable support member with respect to the support frame may be provided as would be readily apparent to the skilled person.

The bike stand of the present invention may be capable of raising a bike off the ground with the aid of elevation means. For instance, a lever may be provided on the stand so that the stand can be adjusted to a convenient height, corresponding to the required height of the bike being supported by the stand. Other elevation means may include hydraulic jacks, mechanical screw jacks, electric drive lifts or the like.

The bike stand of the present invention may include a padding member. A padding member of this type may protect the bike stand, particularly the rotatably support member, and accordingly may be suitably resistant to wear and tear which may result from, for example, placing the chassis of a bike on the bike stand.

Accordingly, the padding member is most likely to be situated at the point of contact between the bike and the bike stand. It may be preferred that the padding member is formed from a material, such as rubber, which does not damage the bike by abrasion, for example.

The padding member may be slip resistant. The padding member may be formed from material, the surface of which is capable of retaining the friction with the bike even in the event of an oil leak, for example. The slip resistance may alternatively or additionally be provided by grooves or ribs formed on the padding member.

The bike stand may further comprise securing means such as a hook, latch, strap or the like. The securing means may enable the bike to be secured to the bike stand, for example, before rotating the bike. This may prevent the bike being inadvertently pushed off the bike stand, when in an elevated position, which could cause damage to the vehicle.

The present invention also comprehends a method of maintaining a bike, comprising the steps of: a) positioning a bike on a bike stand, comprising a support frame and at least one rotatable support member; and b) rotating the bike about the axis of rotation of the rotatable support member to manoeuvre the bike to an alternative position for performing the maintenance procedure.

The present invention will now be described more particularly, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a bike stand formed according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the bike stand of Figure 1, showing the rotatable support member turned by a 45 angle; Figure 3 is the bike stand of Figure 1, showing the rotatable support member turned by a 90 angle; Figure 4 is a perspective view of the bike stand of Figure 1 shown from its underside; Figure 5 is a perspective side view of the bike stand of Figure 1; Figure 6a is a side view of the bike stand of Figure 1, shown in a vertically retracted configuration; Figure 6b is a side view as shown in 6a, showing the bike stand in a vertically extended configuration; Figure 7 is a side view of the bike stand of Figure 1 shown in use; and Figure 8 is a side view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention, in use.

Referring first to Figure 1, there is shown a bike stand, generally indicated 1, formed according to an embodiment of the present invention. The bike stand 1 comprises a rotatable support member, here shown as a rotatable planar platfonn 3, a support frame, generally indicated 5, and a padding member 7. The support frame 5 comprises a planar support platform 9. The nature and structure of the support frame 5 will be described in more detail below.

The support platform 9 of the support frame 5 takes the form of a thin rectangular metal plate and is positioned so that the plane of the plate lies substantially horizontally in the normal orientation of the stand. The rotatable platform 3, which has substantially the same dimensions as the support platform 9, rests on top of the support platform 9 so that its lower planar surface lies adjacent the upper planer surface of the support platform 9. The rotatable platform 3 is rotatably mounted with respect to the support platform 9 by means of a ball bearing connection (not shown) positioned between the two plates 3 and 9, such that the rotatable platform 3 is able to rotate about a centrally positioned vertical axis perpendicular to the plane of the plates 3 and 9. The ball bearing connection is provided by ball bearings situated between circular grooves formed on the lower surface of the rotatable platform 3 and the adjacent upper surface of the support platform 9. The rotatable platform 3 is also provided with a padding member 7, having dimensions similar to the rotatable platform 3 and the support platform 9. The padding member 7 is provided with four small apertures 11, one located in each of its four corners, which extend part way through the padding member 7. The apertures 11 of the padding member 7 accommodate screws 13, which releasably secure the padding member 7 to the rotatable platform 3. In this example, the padding member 7 is formed from a rubber material which provides protection to the rotatable platform 3, and the underside of a bike located on the stand, during the mounting and dismounting of the bike.

Referring now to Figure 4, which shows the support frame 5 more clearly from below. The support frame 5 comprises a H-shape base 18, a pair of spaced apart telescopic legs 15 and 17 extending from the H-shape base 18 on either side thereof a H-shape bracket 24 attached at the opposite ends of the telescopic legs and 17. The support platform 9 is fixed to the opposite side of the H-shape bracket 24 to that of the telescopic legs. The H-shape base 18 comprises two spaced apart parallel base foot members 19 and 21 joined at their mid points by a laterally extending member 23. The telescopic legs 15 and 17 extend vertically from the base foot members 19 and 21 respectively when the stand is in its normal upright orientation. Respective elongate bracket members 25 and 27 which constitute respective sides of the H-shape bracket 24, are attached at the opposite ends of the telescopic legs 15 and 17. The telescopic legs 15 and 17 extend perpendicularly between the respective foot members 19 and 21 and the corresponding elongate bracket members 25 and 27. The parallel elongate bracket members 25 and 27 are joined at their respective mid points by an elongate lateral bracket member 29. The rectangular plate support platform 9 is secured to the bracket members 25 and 27 of the H-shape bracket 24 by means of fixing means such as nuts and bolts 31. Further, a laterally extending member 33 is provided between the telescopic legs 15 and 17 to enhance the stability of the support frame 5.

The adjustment means of the support frame 5 is best seen in Figure 5, which shows a perspective side view of the bike stand 1. A pivot support bar 35 extends vertically from one end of the laterally extending member 23 to a position just beyond the lateral member 33. The pivot support bar 35 is about half the length of the telescopic legs 15 and 17. Towards the free end of the pivot support bar 35 there is provided a pivot pin 37, about which a height adjustment lever 39 may be pivoted. An adjustment wheel 41 is rotatably secured to one end of the height adjustment lever 39. The height adjustment lever 39 is positioned such that part of the adjustment wheel 41 sits inside a groove provided along the underside of the lateral bracket member 29 of the H-shape bracket 24. The lever 39 comprises a linear part which extends between the pivot 37 and the wheel 41 and an arcuate part on the other side of the pivot. An arcuate tubular auxiliary extension lever 43 is releasably secured to the support frame 5 by means of a holding pin 45. The auxiliary lever 43 may be attached to the free end of the height adjustment lever 39 to provide additional leverage during the height adjustment of the support frame 5.

Referring now to Figures 6a and 6b, which show, respectively, the bike stand 1 in an initial retracted configuration and in an extended or raised configuration.

Referring first to Figure 6a, which shows a side view of the bike stand 1 in its retracted position, the height adjustment lever 39 is in an inclined position so that the adjustment wheel 41 rests against the side of telescopic leg 15 on the side of the stand furthest from the pivot 37. Accordingly, when the height adjustment lever 39 is in this position the telescopic legs are retracted, and accordingly the bike stand 1 is in its retracted configuration.

Referring to Figure 6b, the height adjustment lever 39 of the support frame 5 is in a more upright position, that is to say movement of the lever 39 from the position of Figure 6a shown about the pivot 37 causes the wheel to move from one end of its guide to the other to a position adjacent the other telescopic leg 17. Accordingly, the height adjustment wheel 41, attached at the end of the adjustment lever 39, rests against the opposite telescopic leg 17, when compared to the position of the adjustment wheel 41 in Figure 6a. Accordingly, Figure 6b shows the support frame 5 extended and consequently the bike stand 1 in its raised configuration.

It will be understood that to extend the support frame 5 as shown in Figure 6b from its unextended state shown in Figure 6a, it is necessary that a downward pressure is applied on the free end of the height adjustment lever 39 in the direction of arrow D. This has the effect of rotating the height adjustment lever 39 in a clockwise manner about the pivot pin 37 so that the height adjustment lever 39 is moved from an inclined position to a more upright position, leading to an increase in the height of the support frame 5. A smooth movement of the height adjustment lever 39 is ensured by the adjustment wheel 41 which is able to roll along the length of the groove along the underside of the lateral bracket member 29 (not shown). To provide further leverage during this height adjustment the tubular auxiliary lever 43 may be disconnected from the frame, by removing a holding pin 45, and connected to the free end of the height adjustment lever 39. Due to this effective increase in length of the height adjustment lever 39, a greater downward pressure may be applied making the movement of the height adjustment lever 39 easier.

When not in use the tubular auxiliary lever 43 may be disconnected from the height adjustment lever 39 and reattached to the support frame 5 by the holding pin 45. The holding pin 45 is attached to the foot member 19.

Conversely, to arrive at the initial contracted state of the support frame 5, as shown in Figure 6a, from the extended state, as shown in Figure 6b, an upward force may be applied on the height adjustment lever 39 in the direction of arrow U shown in Figure 6b.

Referring now to Figure 2 which illustrates the rotatable platform 3 turned through an angle of 45 about the centrally positioned vertical axis of rotation. Figure 2 more clearly shows the separate support platform 9 and the rotatable platform 3, with the padding member 7 attached to the rotatable platform 3, also shown more clearly.

Referring now to Figure 3 which shows the rotatable platform 3 turned through a further 45 , when compared to Figure 2, that is to say to an angle of 90 with respect to the base plate 9 about the centrally positioned vertical axis of rotation.

With reference to Figure 7, there is shown the bike stand, generally indicated 1, of the present invention, in use. The side elevation illustrates a motorcycle 47 in an elevated position, that is to say elevated by means of the bike stand 1 of the embodiment previously described. The mid section of the underside of the motorcycle chassis 49 rests on the rubber padding member 7 of the rotatable platform 3. Accordingly, in the full lift position, the front motorcycle wheel 51 and rear motorcycle wheel 53 are lifted free and clear of any other means of support. Elevation of the motorcycle 47 off the ground is achieved by extending the frame of the bike stand 1, in accordance with the method shown in Figures 6a and 6b. To perform maintenance work on the opposite side of the motorcycle 47, to that shown in Figure 7, the motorcycle 47 may be rotated about the central vertical axis of the rotatable platform 3. The weight of the motorcycle 47 ensures that it remains fixed to the rotatable platform 3 of the bike stand 1 during the rotational movement. The support frame 5, including the support platform 9, of the bike stand 1 remains in a fixed position whilst the rotational movement is actuated. The rotational movement of the rotatable platform 3, together with the padding member 7, about the support frame 5 is shown more clearly in Figures 2 and 3.

Referring now to Figure 8, there is illustrated a side elevation of an alternative embodiment of the bike stand, generally indicated 81, in use. The bike stand 81 is similar to the bike stand 1 of Figures 1 to 7 but further comprises securing means, here shown as a plurality of hooks 855, for securing the motorcycle 847 to the rotatable platform 83 of the bike stand 81. The arcuate securing hooks 855 extend from the sides of the rotatable platform 83 and around the underside of the chassis 849 of the motorcycle 847 to secure the motorcycle 847 during maintenance procedures and during the rotational movement of the motorcycle 847, about the central vertical axis of the bike stand 81. In this way the stability of the motorcycle 847, when resting on the bike stand 81, is enhanced. It will be observed that positioning the centre of gravity of the motorcycle 847 more towards the centre of the rotatable platform 83 further enhances the stability of the bike stand 81.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. A bike stand of the type for raising a bike off the ground for maintenance purposes or the like, characterised in that the bike stand comprises a support frame and at least one rotatable support member rotatable with respect to the support frame, said rotatable support member being capable of supporting a bike positioned on the stand and rotating the bike about the axis of rotation of the rotatable support member.

2. A bike stand as claimed in Claim 1, further comprising means for fixing the position of the rotatable support member with respect to the support frame.

3. A bike stand as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the fixing means are provided by a nut and bolt, screw, latch, hook, strap or the like.

4. A bike stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the rotatable support member is rotatable by means of a ball bearing connection between the support frame and support member. S. * S * *.. S... * I

* .* S 5. A bike stand as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said stand is S...

* S S capable of raising a bike off the ground by means of elevation means.

S S.

6. A bike stand as claimed in Claim 5, wherein the elevation means comprises S..

S

a lever.

7. A bike stand as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising a padding member for protecting the bike stand from wear and tear.

8. A bike stand as claimed in Claim 7, wherein the rotatable support member comprises a support surface on which the chassis of a bike can be placed and wherein said support surface comprises a protective material for protecting the said chassis of the bike supported thereon in use.

9. A bike stand as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the said protection material comprises an elastomeric material.

10. A bike stand as claimed in any of Claims 7 to 9, wherein said padding member and or said protection material is slip resistant.

11. A bike stand as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising securing means for securing a bike to the bike stand.

12. A bike stand as claimed in Claim 9, wherein the securing means is a hook, S. latch, strap or the like. S... * S

* .. S *1** * 13. A method of maintaining a bike, comprising the steps of: *..

a) positioning a bike on a bike stand, comprising a support frame and at least one rotatable support member; and *.*

S

b) rotating the bike about the axis of rotation of the rotatable support member to manoeuvre the bike to an alternative position for performing the maintenance procedure.

14. A method as claimed in Claim 13, wherein said bike stand is as claimed in any of Claims ito 12. S. * . * S.. * S * S **S. *S55 S...

S IS.

I I. 55 * S S S *

S S..

S