Repositioning clutch for clamping a support head and indeposition clamp for a

Abstract

The gripping support heads disclosed herein provide a grippable mouth having gripping jaws capable of securely gripping objects of a variety of different sizes and / or shapes and permitting movement of objects of a variety of different sizes and / or shapes. The object may be quickly attached to, and quickly removed from, the gripping support head. The repositioning clutch permits rotational repositioning of the gripped object. The indexing clamp enables rapid and easy adjustment of the associated telescopic bracket while preventing various underlying components from falling off from their respective positions over time.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 368,226, filed on July 12, 2022, entitled “Repair Stand with Clamping Support Head,” which is specifically incorporated herein by reference. Background Art

[0003] A repair stand is very useful for maintaining and repairing a bicycle, and the repair stand enables an object to be stably and securely attached to a clamping support head. Conventional bicycle repair stands generally include a clamping support head for clamping a bicycle and enabling the bicycle to be rotated, thereby facilitating access to any component of the bicycle. Various user experience issues existing in conventional repair stands and their associated clamping support heads are resolved by the improved bicycle repair stand and its associated clamping support head disclosed herein. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments described and claimed herein solve the above problems by providing a device comprising: a bracket, the bracket comprising a rod extending along a first axis; a clamping support head, the clamping support head comprising a clutch shaft extending from the clamping support head along a second axis; and a repositioning clutch, the repositioning clutch enabling the clamping support head to selectively rotate about the second axis. The repositioning clutch comprises: a clutch body, the clutch body attached to the rod; a friction ring, the friction ring is mounted to the clutch body; a support plate, the support plate shares a support interface with the friction ring, the clutch shaft extends to a terminal end through the clutch body, the friction ring and the support plate; and a clutch adjustment handle, the clutch adjustment handle is tightened on the terminal end of the clutch shaft. Rotation of the clutch adjustment handle adjusts the pressing force on the support interface between the friction ring and the support plate.

[0005] The embodiments described and claimed herein solve the above problems by further providing a telescoping stent including an inner tube, an outer tube partially overlapping the inner tube (wherein the overlapping end of the outer tube includes a compliance cut), a bushing located between the inner tube and the outer tube and adjacent to the compliance cut, and an indexing clip located on the outer tube and further adjacent to the compliance cut. The bushing includes a protrusion that indexes the bushing to a hole in the outer tube and to a slot in the indexing clip.

[0006] Other implementations are also described and documented herein. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example repair stand including a clamping support head and an indexing clamp for height adjustment is shown.

[0008] Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an example clamping support head for a repair stand is shown.

[0009] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an example repositioning clutch within a clamping support head for a service stand is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A partial perspective view of an example telescoping rod for a repair stand is shown, the telescoping rod including a compliant cutout and an inner sleeve.

[0011] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 The telescopic rod further comprises a transfer clamp.

[0012] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 A perspective exploded view of the telescopic rod in FIG. Figure 5 The transfer clamp in the.

[0013] Figure 7 Example operations using an example repair stand including a clamping support head with a repositioning clutch are shown.

[0014] Figure 8 Example operations for deploying a telescoping stent utilizing more than one indexing clip are shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0015] The disclosed technology relates to bicycle repair stands and associated clamping support heads, including methods of using the same. The clamping support heads disclosed herein provide a clampable mouth having a clamping jaw that can securely hold objects of various sizes and / or shapes and allow for movement of the objects of various sizes and / or shapes. In addition, objects can be quickly attached to and removed from the clamping support head, enabling easy use of the associated bicycle repair stand.

[0016] The technology of the present disclosure provides an object support device and a method for clamping an object. The object may include any object, such as but not limited to: a bicycle; parts of a bicycle, such as a seat post, a portion of a frame, etc.; a bracket; a tubular member; a round object; a special-shaped object; power equipment, such as a lawn mower, a chainsaw, etc.; a motorcycle; motorcycle parts; a wheelchair; ski equipment; construction supplies; automotive parts, etc. The discussion in the present disclosure uses a bicycle as an example, but it should be understood that a variety of objects can be used with the repair bracket described herein and the associated clamping support head and indexing clamp.

[0017] Figure 1 A first perspective view of an example repair stand 102 is shown, which includes a clamp support head 105 and an indexing clamp 109, 189 for adjusting the height and / or unfolding the base 103. The clamp support head 105 includes a pliers-like structure with an adjustable mouth 106 that enables the clamp support head 105 to secure an object, such as a bicycle frame (not shown). In various embodiments, the mouth 106 can be used to attach the repair stand 102 to, for example, a bench, a wall, a surface, a car or other vehicle, etc.

[0018] The stand 102 includes a base 103 and a rod 104 that extensibly connects a clamping support head 105 to the tripod base 103. The base 103 may include three (forming a tripod, as shown) or more or fewer legs (e.g., legs 191) that extend outwardly from a leg fitting 176 for stability, and may provide for height adjustment of the stand 102 via an adjustable height rod 104. The adjustable height rod may include a telescoping portion where an inner tube 184 of the rod 104 may be received into an outer tube 185 of the rod 104 to telescopically adjust the height of the stand 102 along an axis 194 (also referred to herein as a first axis or stand axis). An indexing clamp 109 selectively secures the inner tube 184 to the outer tube 185 at a desired height for the stand 102.

[0019] In some embodiments, the rod 104 includes an internal stop sleeve that limits the distance that the inner tube 184 can be retracted into the outer tube 185. This limits the total telescopic travel of the telescoping rod 104 by limiting the length of the inner tube 184. This helps to meet loading specifications by limiting the overall possible extension of the telescoping rod 104.

[0020] The legs of the tripod base 103 are connected together at the leg fittings 176. The leg fittings 176 serve as a hub for the tripod legs and the telescoping pole 104. The leg fittings 176 incorporate indexing clamps 189 to selectively lock the leg fittings 176 to the outer tube 185, thereby enabling the leg fittings 176 to be selectively locked in a fully extended position of the tripod legs (as shown), a fully retracted position (with the legs substantially parallel to the axis 194), and any desired position therebetween. More specifically, in the depicted extended position, the legs extend outwardly from the pole 104 in a hub-and-spoke manner, thereby providing stability to the maintenance stand 102. In the stowed position, the legs are stowed substantially adjacent to and parallel to the pole 104.

[0021] In some embodiments, the leg fitting 176 can be used as an outer tube and the outer tube 185 can be used as an inner tube when used in conjunction with the indexing clamp 189. The indexing clamp 189 can be used to secure the leg fitting 176 to the outer tube 185 when the legs of the tripod base 103 are fully extended, fully retracted, or in any desired position therebetween. In such cases, the leg fitting 176 can include a compliant cutout or omit a compliant cutout because the leg fitting itself can be sufficiently compliant without the need for a compliant cutout. The support connector (e.g., support connector 119) further supports its associated leg in the depicted extended and stowed positions.

[0022] The leg assembly 176 also includes a handle (e.g., handle 177) located between each of the tripod legs. In the case of a tripod-style stand, since there are three legs, there are three handles integrally formed within the leg assembly 176 between the three legs. The handles enable a user to easily lift the stand 102 at or near the bottom of the stand 102 with one hand, and the user uses the other hand to steady the stand 102. In various embodiments, the leg assembly 176 is each made of cast aluminum or other alloys, or in some cases, of injection molded plastic. Regardless of the material structure, the leg assembly 176 is made of a sufficiently strong material to remain substantially rigid within the range of expected forces applied to the stand 102.

[0023] The adjustable mouth 106 is rotatable, thereby providing adjustability for positioning the clamped object. More specifically, the head 105 can be rotated around the axis 150 (also referred to herein as the second axis or head axis) using the repositioning clutch 128 so that the head 105 can be rotated and selectively maintained to a desired rotational position. As shown, in various embodiments, the axis 150 extends through the axis 194 and is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The head 105 can further be pivotable at the repositioning clutch 128 to provide compact storage, so that the adjustable mouth 106 attached to the head 105 can be folded along the rod 104 of the bracket 102.

[0024] Figure 2 A maintenance bracket is shown (mostly not shown, see for example Figure 1 102 in FIG. 104 . The clamping support head 205 is attached to the bracket (not shown, for example, see Figure 1The rod 204 of the support head 205 is provided with a support frame 102 (in the support frame 102). The height-adjustable rod may include a telescopic portion at which an inner tube 284 of the rod 204 is received into an outer tube 285 of the rod 204 to telescopically adjust the height of the support. An indexing clamp 209 selectively secures the inner tube 284 to the outer tube 285 at a desired height of the support. The clampable mouth 206 of the clamping support head 205 includes a fixed jaw 207 and a translating jaw 208. The jaws 207, 208 are selectively closed to hold or press an object (e.g., a bicycle frame, not shown) without damaging the object or minimizing damage to the object. The jaws 207, 208 are selectively opened to release the object from the clamping support head 205.

[0025] As shown, each jaw 207, 208 can include an inwardly inclined or curved contact surface, which may be referred to herein as a convex clamp. The convex clamp surface can enable objects of various sizes to be securely clamped. More specifically, it can provide clamping stability for smaller, commonly clamped objects (e.g., bicycle seat posts, etc.) without greatly sacrificing clamping stability for larger objects that may or may not be circular in cross-section (e.g., some bicycle frames). Objects from small to large having a circular or oval cross-section can engage with a contact surface on each jaw 207, 208, each jaw having at least two contact points. The shapes of the jaws 207, 208 of other embodiments may differ from those described above and Figure 2 The shape of the jaws shown in .

[0026] To enhance grip, the jaws 207, 208 can each be equipped with a removable and replaceable molded resilient pad 264, 265. The replaceable molded resilient pads 264, 265 can further have a textured contact surface (e.g., ribbed, scored, etc.) for additional grip. The textured contact surface can include raised bumps, horizontal or vertical raised lines, etc. This can provide an improved user experience because light pressure on the jaws 207, 208 will have a greater rebound force, while heavy pressure on the jaws 207, 208 will have a smaller rebound force. Alternatively, the contact surface of the replaceable molded resilient pads 264, 265 can be smooth.

[0027] The slider 211 is attached to the translating jaw 208 so that the slider 211 moves with the translating jaw 208, but slides away from the fixed jaw 207 when opening the mouth 206, and slides with the fixed jaw 207 when closing the mouth 206. The slider 211 selectively protrudes in a telescopic manner from the arm 251 of the clamping support head 205. The slider 211 includes replaceable molded elastic strips (e.g., strips 274) that occupy a portion or all (e.g., the top two) of the longitudinal edges of the slider 211, and the cross-section of the slider 211 is generally rectangular. By occupying more than two longitudinal edges of the slider 211, the replaceable molded elastic strips can effectively cushion any contact between the object to be clamped in the mouth 206 and the slider 211 as long as the object to be clamped in the mouth 206 is larger than the cross-sectional height or width dimensions of the slider 211.

[0028] Replaceable molded elastic pads 264, 265 and / or replaceable molded elastic strips can be made of materials including but not limited to natural rubber or synthetic rubber, elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, etc., so that it can clamp objects and / or prevent scratching or damaging objects. Replaceable molded elastic pads 264, 265 and replaceable molded elastic strips can be injection molded or otherwise manufactured as parts separated from jaws 207, 208 and sliders 211, and jaws 207, 208 and sliders 211 are removably attached to the above-mentioned parts respectively. In various embodiments, users can replace pads 264, 265 and / or replaceable molded elastic strips only by the user's hands. In addition, pads 264, 265 and / or replaceable molded elastic strips can have various sizes, shapes and hardnesses (through material structure) so that jaws 207, 208 and / or sliders 211 are suitable for the expected objects to be clamped or the objects within the range to be clamped.

[0029] The auxiliary magnet 270 is embedded in the arm 251 or fixed to the arm 251 and serves as a place to quickly and conveniently store ferromagnetic materials (e.g., tools, fasteners, and parts) that may be used when performing operations on the object to be clamped in the head 205. Although the auxiliary magnet 270 is generally protruding upright on the arm 251, in the middle area of ​​the auxiliary magnet 270, the arm 251 can be flush with the auxiliary magnet 270 so that ferromagnetic materials larger than the auxiliary magnet 270 can contact the auxiliary magnet 270, thereby maximizing the retention of magnetism. Although the auxiliary magnet 270 is in Figure 2 Although depicted as an oval in FIG. 2 , the auxiliary magnet 270 may be any shape and size suitable for fitting into the available space on the head 205. The auxiliary magnet 270 may be constructed of any permanent magnetic material (eg, a rare earth magnet such as neodymium, samarium cobalt).

[0030] As in Figure 2 As can be seen in the figure, when the translating jaw 208 is in an open position relative to the fixed jaw 207, an object can be placed into the mouth 206 of the clamping support head 205. The open position can be considered to be the translating jaw 208 in an extended position so that the object can fit anywhere between the fixed jaw 207 and the translating jaw 208. Once the object is placed, the user moves the translating jaw 208 toward the fixed jaw 207 with the object clamped therebetween. The user can apply a force to the translating jaw 208 to retract the slider 211 into the clamping support head 205 and move the mouth 206 from the open position to the closed position. The closed position can include placing the translating jaw 208 tightly around the object to secure the object in place within the mouth 206 so that the object does not move within the mouth 206 when the desired force is applied.

[0031] The mouth 206 (and the translation jaw 208) can be maintained in a desired closed position to keep the object clamped without applying additional force. For example, the translation jaw 208 can be free to move in one direction, so that the translation jaw 208 can move in a closing direction and prevent the translation jaw 208 from moving in the opposite opening direction. For example, a ratchet mechanism (not shown) engages with the slider 211 and provides free movement of the translation jaw 208 in one direction. The ratchet mechanism can include a rack, such as but not limited to a lead screw with threads, a ratchet with teeth, etc. When used as a ratchet, the threads on the lead screw can act as teeth and the pawl can move along the teeth. The pawl can be suitable for engaging with the teeth of the ratchet mechanism, for example, suitable for engaging with the threads of the lead screw, etc., to prevent movement in the opening direction.

[0032] The technology of the present disclosure can provide selective fine adjustment (e.g., tightening and loosening) of the translating jaw 208 around the object after the translating jaw 208 is placed in the closed position. Such fine adjustment, for example using the rotation of the force adjustment knob 225, can change the force applied by the jaws 207, 208 around the object. For example, the knob 225 can be used to tighten or loosen the translating jaw 208 when the object is clamped against the fixed jaw 207, and the desired fine adjustment (tightening or loosening) is applied to the translating jaw 208 according to the rotation direction of the knob. In other embodiments, other jaw force adjustment elements can be used in place of the knob 225 described and shown with similar effects. In addition, the knob 225 can also have a variety of configurations to help the user grasp and turn the knob 225.

[0033] The object can be released from the mouth 206 using a quick release 212. The quick release 212 can be a relatively low-force button that disengages the pawl from the lead screw, thereby enabling the translation jaw 208 and the slider 211 to move bidirectionally under the action of the closing force or opening force applied by the user to the translation jaw 208. The user can selectively use the quick release 212 to open the mouth 206 of the clamping support head 205 to release the object therefrom. Although shown and described as a relatively low-force button, in various embodiments, the quick release 212 can be a button, knob, latch, handle, lever, etc., which can be pulled, pressed, pushed, slid, etc. to disengage the pawl from the lead screw, or otherwise release the ratchet mechanism that holds the object tightly. When the quick release 212 is triggered, the translation jaw 208 and the slider 211 can move substantially simultaneously to open the mouth 206. In this way, the mouth 206 can be opened almost simultaneously with the triggering of the quick release 212. For example, the mouth 206 may open within a few seconds or even less than a second after the quick release 212 is triggered.

[0034] The clamp support head 205 is rotatable to provide adjustability for positioning the object to be clamped. More specifically, the head 205 can rotate about an axis 250 and can include a repositioning clutch 228 that enables an arm 251 of the clamp support head 205 to rotate relative to the rod 204 and selectively remain in a desired rotational position. In other embodiments, the head 205 can be pivotable at the repositioning clutch 228 to provide compact storage, whereby the clamp support head 205 can be folded to move substantially parallel to the rod 204 and associated bracket.

[0035] The repositioning clutch 228 includes a two-part body 252 and 253, a support plate 257, and a friction ring 255. The friction ring 255 includes a ramp surface that matches a corresponding ramp surface 261 in the support plate 257 (not shown, for example, see Figure 3 360 in the ramp). When assembled, the clutch shaft 256 of the clamp support head 205 extends through the support plate 257, the friction ring 255, the main body 252 and 253 and the roller bearing 259 in sequence to connect with the rotating handle 254. The roller bearing 259 includes a set of flat washers to provide a bearing surface for the wear of the main body 253 and the rotating handle 254. The roller bearing 259 enables the rotating handle 254 to rotate with smooth operation and minimize the resistance provided by the main body 253 and the wear on the main body 253. The rotating handle 254 is tightened onto the clutch shaft 256 to adjust the pressing force in the repositioning clutch 228, which in turn affects the force required to rotate the clamp support head 205 relative to the rod 204 and the associated bracket about the axis 250.

[0036] Figure 3 A maintenance bracket is shown (not shown, for example, see Figure 1 The bracket 102) is used to clamp the support head (not shown, for example, see Figure 2 205 of the clamping support head). The two-part body 352, 353 is clamped tightly to opposite sides of the rod 304 (e.g., the inner tube or outer tube of the telescoping support) to secure the repositioning clutch 328 to the rod. When assembled, the clutch shaft 356 of the clamping support head passes through the support plate 357, the friction ring 355, the two-part body 352 and 353, the hole 358 in the rod 304 of the maintenance support, and the roller bearing (not shown, for example, see Figure 2 The roller bearing 259 in the embodiment of the present invention extends to the rotating handle (not shown, for example, see Figure 2 The body 353 provides a base for the rotating handle, and the body 352 provides a base for the friction ring 355 on the other side of the rod 304.

[0037] The friction ring 355 includes a groove 362 that is keyed to a protrusion 363 in the body 352. When the friction ring 355 is seated on the body 352, the groove 362 and the protrusion 363 prevent the friction ring 355 from rotating relative to the body 352. The friction ring 355 also includes a ramp 360 that matches a corresponding ramp 361 in the support plate 357. The matching ramps 360, 361 provide a self-centering function for the repositioning clutch 328 (especially when it is tightened), and the area of ​​the bearing surface area between the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 is increased compared to an embodiment lacking matching ramps 360, 361. The ramp angle is used in part to define the surface area between the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 that best matches the intended application of the repositioning clutch 328.

[0038] In other embodiments, if the self-centering function and increased surface area are not needed or desired, the friction ring 355 and the bearing plate 357 each lack their respective matching ramps 360, 361. The coefficient of friction and the bearing contact area between the friction ring 355 and the bearing plate 357 define the pressing force required to produce the desired resistance to rotation of the clamp support head relative to the rod 304 and the associated bracket about the axis 350. The repositioning clutch 328 can be rotated to any desired position and can have potentially infinite adjustability within a range of 360 degrees.

[0039] The friction ring 355 can be slidably fitted or press-fitted into the support plate 357, so that it can be removably replaced from the body 352. This allows the friction ring 355 to be replaced if it is damaged or worn. In addition, different high-friction materials or low-friction materials and / or surface treatments can be used for the friction ring 355, so that it can be optimized for a specific application. For example, the friction ring 355 can be customized for a specific application, and then the friction ring 355 can be replaced for different applications, which will best utilize the higher or lower friction coefficient between the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357. Finally, the removable friction ring 355 can minimize its material thickness (and thus the overall material consumption) because it can be designed for replacement rather than designed for repositioning the service life of the clutch 328.

[0040] In various embodiments, the two-part body 352, 353 components are made of cast aluminum or other alloys, or in some cases, injection molded plastic. Regardless of the material structure, the two-part body 352, 353 components are made of a sufficiently strong material to maintain substantial rigidity within the range of expected forces applied to the two-part body 352, 353 (e.g., compression forces applied by tightening the rotating handle and bending forces applied by the weight of an object mounted in the mouth of the associated clamping support head).

[0041] In various embodiments, the friction ring 355 is made of an injection molded plastic part (e.g., polyetherimide), which, in combination with the material structure of the support plate 357, provides a desired coefficient of friction over the entire contact area (e.g., matching ramps 360, 361) between the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357. Similarly, the support plate 357 can be made of a cast zinc or other metal alloy part (or include a base for the friction ring 355 made of a cast zinc or other metal alloy part), which, in combination with the material structure of the friction ring 355, provides a desired coefficient of friction over the entire contact area between the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357.

[0042] In various embodiments, from the above discussion, the material structures of the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 can be interchanged, or both the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 can be injection molded plastic or metal alloy. In addition, one or both of the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 can be surface treated at the contact area between the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 to increase or reduce the friction coefficient therebetween. The selection of the material structure and / or surface treatment of the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 and the contact area therebetween is selected based on the desired pressing force required to produce the desired resistance to rotation of the clamping support head relative to the rod 304.

[0043] Figure 4 A maintenance bracket is shown (not shown, for example, see Figure 1 102 in FIG. 10A ) for use with an exemplary telescoping rod 404, the telescoping rod 404 including a compliant cutout 486 and an inner sleeve 487. In various embodiments, the clamping support head (e.g., Figure 1 The clamping support head 105 in the embodiment of the present invention can be attached to one end of the telescopic rod 404, and the base disclosed in this article (e.g., Figure 1 The base 103 in can be attached to the opposite end of the telescopic rod 404. Figure 4 The portion of the telescopic rod depicted in FIG. 4 is where the inner tube 484 of the telescopic rod 404 meets the partially overlapping outer tube 485 of the telescopic rod 404 (e.g., at the top and / or bottom end of the telescopic rod 404), e.g., where the telescopic rod 404 can be extended or retracted.

[0044] The compliant cutout 486 extends axially down the length of the outer tube 485 and then extends radially across the outer tube 485 over a portion of the circumference of the outer tube 485. The compliant cutout 486 enables the outer tube to crimp the inner bushing 487 and the inner tube 484 by occupying part or all of the space within the axial cutout down the length of the outer tube 485. The bushing 487 occupies the space between the inner tube 484 and the outer tube 485 and serves to fill the space and provide compliance between the inner tube 484 and the outer tube 485. The bushing 487 includes protrusions 488, 491 that mate with corresponding holes in the outer tube 485. This holds the bushing 487 in place between the inner tube 484 and the outer tube 485, allowing the bushing 487 to be both axially down the outer tube 485 and radially across the outer tube 485. In some embodiments, the bushing 487 is made of two parts, each of which includes one of the protrusions 488, 491. The bushing 487 can be made of materials including, but not limited to, natural or synthetic rubber, elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc., to provide the desired compliance between the inner tube 484 and the outer tube 485.

[0045] Figure 5 Shows Figure 4 The telescopic rod 404 also includes a transfer clamp 589. In the bushing (not shown, for example, see Figure 4With the bushing 487 (in the embodiment of the present invention) located between the inner tube 584 and the outer tube 585, the indexing clamp 589 is disposed on the overlapping ends of the inner tube 584 and the outer tube 585, and the indexing clamp 589 allows the user to use mechanical leverage to provide and maintain a clamping force on the outer tube 585, which locks the telescoping rod 504 in place. The protrusion 588 of the bushing extends outward from the outer tube 585 and registers with the groove 590 in the indexing clamp 589. The groove 590 can keep the indexing clamp 589 in place on the outer tube 585, both axially down along the outer tube 585 and radially across the outer tube 585.

[0046] In some embodiments, Figure 5 As shown, the slot 590, which is oversized compared to the protrusion 588, allows a certain tolerance for a predetermined range of movement (e.g., up to 30 degrees of movement) of the indexing clip 589 radially across the outer tube 585. In other embodiments, the slot 590 is not oversized, but is substantially matched with the protrusion 588, which prevents any substantial movement of the indexing clip 589 radially across the outer tube 585. Although the indexing clip 589 is depicted as a variation of a quick release skewer, other adjustable clamping mechanisms that can be indexed as described above are also contemplated herein. Figure 5 The transfer clamp 589 and / or Figure 4 The lower compliant cutout 486 and inner sleeve 487 in the repair bracket can be applied to different locations on the repair bracket (e.g., Figure 1 In addition, when the indexing clamp 109, 189 is connected to the base 106, the base 106 is connected to the base 107, the base 108 is connected to the base 109, the base 109 is connected to the base 108. Figure 1 The base of the legs 191) (e.g., Figure 1 When used in conjunction with the base 103 in the embodiment of the present invention, the indexing clamp 589 can be used to lock the leg in a stowed position relative to the outer tube 585 (for example, the leg is substantially parallel to the outer tube 585). Figure 1 194 in the orientation) and the deployed position (e.g., as Figure 1 ) in one of the locations shown in .

[0047] Figure 6 Shows Figure 4 The telescopic rod 404 is a perspective exploded view, which includes Figure 5 In various embodiments, the clamping support head (e.g., Figure 1 The clamping support head 105) can be attached to the depicted end of the telescoping rod 604, while the base disclosed herein (e.g., Figure 1 The base 103) can be attached to Figure 6 The opposite end of the telescopic rod 604 is not depicted. Figure 6The portion of the telescopic rod 604 depicted is where the inner tube 684 of the telescopic rod 604 connects to the partially overlapping outer tube 685 of the telescopic rod 604 (e.g., at the top and / or bottom end of the telescopic rod 604), for example, where the telescopic rod 604 can be extended or retracted.

[0048] The compliant cutout 686 extends axially downward along the length of the outer tube 685 at the depicted distal end of the outer tube 685 and then radially across the outer tube 685 over a portion of the circumference of the outer tube 685. The compliant cutout 686 enables the outer tube to be crimped with the inner sleeve consisting of the two sleeves 687, 693 and the inner tube 684 by occupying some or all of the space within the axial cutout down the length of the outer tube 685. When assembled, the two sleeves 687, 693 are combined to substantially surround the inner tube 684.

[0049] The bushing occupies the space between the inner tube 684 and the outer tube 685 and serves to fill the space and provide compliance between the inner tube 684 and the outer tube 685. The bushing members 687, 693 include protrusions 688, 691 that mate with corresponding holes 694, 695, respectively, in the outer tube 685. This holds the bushing in place between the inner tube 684 and the outer tube 685, both axially down the outer tube 685 and radially across the outer tube 685.

[0050] When assembled, with the bushing located between the overlapping ends of the inner tube 684 and the outer tube 685, the indexing clamp 689 is disposed on the inner tube 684 and the overlapping ends of the outer tube 685, and the indexing clamp 689 allows the user to use mechanical leverage to provide and maintain a clamping force on the outer tube 685 that locks the telescoping rod 604 in place. The protrusions 688 and 691 of the bushing extend outward through the outer tube 685 and mate with the grooves 690 and 696 in the indexing clamp 689, respectively. The grooves 690 and 696 hold the indexing clamp 689 in place on the outer tube 685, both axially down along the outer tube 685 and radially across the outer tube 685. In some embodiments, the grooves 690 and 696 are oversized compared to the protrusions 688 and 691 to allow a certain tolerance within the predetermined range of movement of the indexing clamp 689 radially across the outer tube 685. In other embodiments, the slots 690 , 696 are not oversized but are substantially matched to the protrusions 688 , 691 , which prevents any substantial movement of the indexing collar 689 radially across the outer tube 685 .

[0051] While indexing clamp 689 is depicted as a variation of a quick release skewer, other adjustable clamping mechanisms that may be indexed as described above are also contemplated herein. Figure 6 The indexing clamp 689 in the middle and / or the compliant cutout 686 and bushing below can be applied to various locations on the repair bracket (e.g., Figure 1In addition, when the indexing clamp 109, 189 is connected to the base 106, the base 106 is connected to the base 107, the base 108 is connected to the base 109, the base 109 is connected to the base 108. Figure 1 The base of the legs 191) (e.g., Figure 1 When used in conjunction with the base 103 in the embodiment of the present invention, the indexing clamp 689 can be used to lock the leg in a stowed position relative to the outer tube 585 (for example, the leg is substantially parallel to the outer tube 585). Figure 1 194 in the orientation) and the deployed position (e.g., as Figure 1 ) in one of the locations shown in .

[0052] Figure 7 Example operations 700 of using an example repair stand including a clamping support head with a repositioning clutch are shown. The clamping support head is used to secure and position an object, such as a bicycle frame, for inspection, maintenance, and / or repair operations. A placement operation 705 places the object between a fixed jaw and a translating jaw of a clampable mouth of the clamping support head in an open position. A clutch shaft extends from the clamping support head along a head axis.

[0053] The clamping operation 710 clamps the object between the fixed jaw and the translating jaw by linearly moving the translating jaw relative to the fixed jaw. The clamping operation 710 can be first completed by depressing the ratchet mechanism to close the mouth around the object. The tightening mechanism can then be used to tighten the translating jaw against the fixed jaw after the clampable mouth is placed in the closed position.

[0054] A release operation 715 releases the repositioning clutch by loosening the clutch adjustment handle tightened on the end of the clutch shaft, thereby enabling the clamping support head to be selectively rotated about the head axis. This enables the clamping support head to rotate independently of the rest of the repair stand, which in some embodiments includes a base (e.g., a tripod). A rotation operation 720 rotates the clamping support head to reposition the object. The object can be repositioned in a manner that the user deems most conducive to performing inspection, maintenance, and / or repair operations on the object.

[0055] The securing operation 725 secures the clamping support head in its rotational position by tightening the clutch adjustment handle onto the end of the clutch shaft to apply a compressive force on the bearing interface between the friction ring and the bearing plate within the repositioning clutch. The compressive force applied to the bearing interface is sufficient to maintain the clamping support head and the object in the desired position even if the weight of the object or other expected forces exerted on the object act to move the object away from the desired position. The rotating operation 720 and the securing operation 725 can be repeated repeatedly to move the object and ensure that the object remains in the proper position.

[0056] Figure 8Example operations 800 for deploying a telescoping stent using one or more indexing clips are shown. A first release operation 805 releases a leg indexing clip for deploying a leg of the telescoping stent. The leg indexing clip is located on a leg fitting that overlaps an outer tube of the telescoping stent. The telescoping stent includes a bushing located between the outer tube and the leg fitting, wherein the bushing includes a protrusion that indexes the bushing to a hole in the leg fitting. The protrusion of the bushing further indexes the bushing to a slot in the leg indexing clip.

[0057] The moving operation 810 moves at least three legs extending radially from the outer tube of the telescoping support from a stowed position to a deployed position by sliding the leg fitting downward along the outer tube of the telescoping support. The locking operation 815 locks the leg indexing clamp to secure the leg fitting to the outer tube of the telescoping support. This secures the legs in the deployed position. Operations 805, 810, and 815 may be repeated to slide the leg fitting upward along the outer tube of the telescoping support to move the legs from the deployed position to the stowed position, or to any position therebetween.

[0058] The second release operation 820 releases a rod indexing clamp used to adjust the height of the telescoping bracket. The rod indexing clamp is located on the end of the outer tube that partially overlaps the inner tube of the telescoping bracket. The overlapping end of the outer tube includes a compliant cutout. The telescoping bracket also includes a bushing located between the inner tube and the outer tube and adjacent to the compliant cutout. The bushing includes a protrusion that indexes the bushing to the hole in the outer tube. The protrusion of the bushing further indexes the bushing to the slot in the rod indexing clamp.

[0059] Adjustment operation 825 adjusts the height of the telescoping stand by extending the inner tube of the telescoping stand relative to the outer tube of the telescoping stand. The adjusted height is intended to be a height at which the user can effectively move the telescoping stand and comfortably use the telescoping stand. Locking operation 830 locks the rod indexing clamp to secure the outer tube of the telescoping stand to the inner tube of the telescoping stand. This secures the rod at the adjusted height of the telescoping stand. Operations 820, 825, 830 may be repeated to slide the inner tube up and / or down relative to the outer tube to adjust the height of the telescoping stand. In some embodiments, the height of the telescoping stand may be minimized to transport or store the telescoping stand.

[0060] The above description, examples and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure. Since many embodiments of the technology of the present disclosure can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology of the present disclosure, the present invention is encompassed by the claims appended below. In addition, the structural features of different embodiments can be combined into another embodiment without departing from the claims recited.

Claims

1. A device comprising: a bracket including a rod extending along a first axis; a clamp support head including a clutch shaft extending from the clamp support head along a second axis; a repositioning clutch that enables the clamp support head to selectively rotate about the second axis, the repositioning clutch comprising: a clutch body attached to the rod; a removable friction ring mounted to the clutch body, wherein the friction ring is fixed to the clutch body to prevent the friction ring from rotating relative to the clutch body; a support plate, the support plate sharing a support interface with the friction ring, the clutch shaft extending to a distal end through the clutch body, the friction ring and the support plate; and A clutch adjustment handle is tightened to the end of the clutch shaft, wherein rotation of the clutch adjustment handle adjusts the pressing force on the bearing interface between the friction ring and the bearing plate.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The friction ring is made of plastic and the support plate comprises a metal seat for the friction ring.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The friction ring is made of a metal alloy and the support plate comprises a plastic seat for the friction ring.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The friction ring and the bearing plate include chamfers that provide matching of bearing surface areas between the friction ring and the bearing plate.

5. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping support head can be rotated around the second axis within a range of 360 degrees to any desired position.

6. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The friction ring is press-fitted or slide-fitted with the clutch body.

7. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The second axis extends through the first axis and is substantially perpendicular to the first axis.

8. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping support head also includes: a clampable mouth having a fixed jaw and a translating jaw; a slider fixed to the translating jaw and causing the translating jaw to move linearly relative to the fixed jaw; and A tightening mechanism tightens the translating jaw against the fixed jaw after the clampable mouth is placed in a closed position.

9. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The clamping support head also includes: A quick release selectively releases the slide and enables the grippable mouth to move to an open position.

10. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The clamp support head also includes a molded resilient pad removably attached to the stationary jaw and the translating jaw.

11. The device according to claim 8, wherein: The slider includes a molded elastic strip removably attached to two or more longitudinal edges of the slider.

12. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The bracket includes at least three legs extending radially from the rod.

13. The apparatus according to claim 12, further comprising: A leg fitting that serves as a hub for the legs and the rod extending perpendicularly from the legs, wherein the leg fitting includes one or more handles integrally formed with the leg fitting and disposed between the legs.

14. The device according to claim 1, wherein: The clamping support head also includes an auxiliary magnet.

15. A method of using a clamping support head, comprising: placing an object between a fixed jaw and a translating jaw of a clampable mouth of the clamping support head in an open position, wherein a clutch shaft extends from the clamping support head along a head axis; clamping the object between the fixed jaw and the translating jaw by linearly moving the translating jaw relative to the fixed jaw into a closed position; releasing the repositioning clutch by loosening a clutch adjustment handle tightened on the end of the clutch shaft, thereby enabling the clamping support head to selectively rotate about the head axis; rotating the clamping support head to reposition the object; The clamping support head is secured in its rotational position by tightening the clutch adjustment handle onto the end of the clutch shaft, applying a compressive force to the bearing interface between the friction ring and the bearing plate within the repositioning clutch.

16. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The clamping operation further includes tightening the translating jaw against the fixed jaw after the clampable mouth is placed in the closed position.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The friction ring is made of plastic and the support plate comprises a metal seat for the friction ring.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The friction ring is made of a metal alloy and the support plate comprises a plastic seat for the friction ring.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein: The friction ring and the bearing plate include chamfers that provide matching of bearing surface areas between the friction ring and the bearing plate.

20. A bicycle maintenance stand, comprising: a bracket comprising a rod extending along a first axis and at least three legs extending radially from the rod; A clamping support head, the clamping support head comprising: a clampable mouth having a fixed jaw and a translating jaw; a slider fixed to the translating jaw and causing the translating jaw to move linearly relative to the fixed jaw; a tightening mechanism for tightening the translating jaw against the fixed jaw after the clampable mouth is placed in a closed position; and a clutch shaft extending from the clamp support head along a second axis; and a repositioning clutch that enables the clamping support head to selectively rotate about the second axis, the repositioning clutch comprising: a clutch body attached to the rod; a friction ring, the friction ring being mounted to the clutch body; a support plate, the support plate sharing a support interface with the friction ring, the clutch shaft extending to a distal end through the clutch body, the friction ring and the support plate; and A clutch adjustment handle is tightened to the end of the clutch shaft, wherein rotation of the clutch adjustment handle adjusts the pressing force on the bearing interface between the friction ring and the bearing plate.

21. A telescopic support, comprising: Inner tube; an outer tube that partially overlaps the inner tube, wherein the overlapping end of the outer tube includes a compliant cutout; a bushing located between the inner tube and the outer tube and adjacent the compliant cutout, wherein the bushing includes a protrusion that indexes the bushing to the hole in the outer tube; and An indexing clip is located on the outer tube and is also adjacent to the compliant cutout, wherein the protrusion of the bushing further indexes the bushing to the groove in the indexing clip.

22. The telescopic support according to claim 21, wherein: The compliant cutout extends axially downwardly along the length of the outer tube and radially across the outer tube over a portion of the circumference of the outer tube.

23. The telescopic support according to claim 22, wherein: The compliant cutout enables the outer tube to crimp the bushing and inner tube by occupying some or all of the space within the axial cutout down the length of the outer tube.

24. The telescopic support according to claim 21, wherein: The protrusions of the bushing hold the bushing in place between the inner tube and the outer tube, with the bushing both axially down the outer tube and radially across the outer tube.

25. The telescopic support according to claim 21, wherein: The protrusions of the bushing hold the indexing clip in place on the outer tube, positioning the indexing clip both axially down the outer tube and radially across the outer tube.

26. The telescopic support according to claim 21, wherein: The slot is oversized to permit radial movement of the clamp assembly across a predetermined range of the outer tube.

27. The telescopic support according to claim 21, wherein: The inner tube and the outer tube together form a rod of the telescopic support.

28. The telescopic bracket according to claim 21, further comprising: At least three legs extend radially from the outer tube, wherein the legs are locked relative to the outer tube in one of a stowed position and a deployed position using the indexing clamp.

29. The telescopic support according to claim 28, wherein: The inner tube is the outer tube of the rod of the telescopic support and the outer tube is a leg fitting serving as a hub for the at least three legs.

30. The telescopic bracket according to claim 21, further comprising: A clamping support head is fixedly attached to the inner tube.

31. The telescopic support according to claim 21, wherein: The rod includes an internal stop sleeve that limits the telescopic travel of the rod.

32. A method for deploying a telescopic support, comprising: releasing a first indexing clamp located on an outer tube that partially overlaps an inner tube of the telescoping bracket, wherein the overlapping end of the outer tube includes a compliant cutout, the telescoping bracket includes a first bushing located between the inner tube and the outer tube and adjacent the compliant cutout, wherein the first bushing includes a first protrusion that indexes the first bushing to a hole in the outer tube, wherein the first protrusion of the first bushing further indexes the first bushing to a slot in the first indexing clamp; adjusting the height of the telescopic support by extending the inner tube relative to the outer tube; and The first indexing clamp is locked to secure the outer tube of the telescoping bracket to the inner tube of the telescoping bracket.

33. The method for deploying a telescopic bracket according to claim 32, further comprising: releasing a second indexing clamp located on a leg fitting overlapping the outer tube of the telescoping bracket, the telescoping bracket further comprising a second bushing located between the outer tube and the leg fitting, wherein the second bushing comprises a second protrusion that indexes the second bushing to a hole in the leg fitting, wherein the second protrusion of the second bushing further indexes the second bushing to a slot in the second indexing clamp; deploying at least three legs extending radially from the outer tube of the telescoping support from a stowed position to a deployed position by sliding the leg fitting along the outer tube of the telescoping support; and The second indexing clamp is locked to secure the leg fitting to the outer tube of the telescoping bracket.

34. A telescopic support, comprising: Inner tube; an outer tube that partially overlaps the inner tube, wherein the overlapping end of the outer tube includes a compliant cutout; a first bushing positioned between the inner tube and the outer tube and adjacent the compliant cutout, wherein the first bushing includes a first protrusion that indexes the bushing into the hole in the outer tube; a first indexing clamp located on the outer tube and further adjacent the compliant cutout, wherein the first protrusion of the first bushing further indexes the first bushing to the slot in the first indexing clamp; a leg fitting, the leg fitting overlapping the outer tube; a second bushing positioned between the outer tube and the leg fitting, wherein the second bushing includes a second protrusion that indexes the second bushing into the hole in the leg fitting; and A second indexing clip is located on the leg fitting, wherein the second protrusion of the second bushing further indexes the second bushing to the slot in the leg fitting.

35. The telescopic support according to claim 34, wherein: The compliant cutout extends axially downwardly along the length of the outer tube and radially across the outer tube over a portion of the circumference of the outer tube.

36. The telescopic support according to claim 35, wherein: The compliant cutout enables the outer tube to crimp the first bushing and the inner tube by occupying some or all of the space within an axial cutout down the length of the outer tube.

37. The telescopic support according to claim 34, wherein: The first protrusion of the first bushing holds the first bushing in place between the inner tube and the outer tube so that the first bushing is both axially down the outer tube and radially across the outer tube.

38. The telescopic support according to claim 34, wherein: The second protrusion of the second bushing holds the second bushing in place between the outer tube and the leg fitting so that the second bushing is both axially on the leg fitting and radially across the leg fitting.

39. The telescopic support according to claim 34, wherein: The first protrusion of the first bushing holds the first indexing clip in place on the outer tube so that the first indexing clip is both axially down the outer tube and radially across the outer tube.

40. The telescopic support according to claim 34, wherein: The second protrusion of the second bushing holds the second indexing clip in place on the leg fitting so that the second indexing clip is both axially on the leg fitting and radially across the leg fitting.

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