Repositioning clutch for clamping support head and indexing collar for telescoping mast

Abstract

The clamping support head disclosed herein provides a clampable mouth having jaws that can securely hold and allow movement of objects of various different sizes and / or shapes. The objects can be quickly attached to and removed from the clamping support head. A repositioning clutch allows for rotational repositioning of the clamped object. A swivel collar enables quick and easy adjustment of the associated telescoping support while preventing various underlying components from falling out of 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 July 12, 2022, entitled “Repair Stand with Clamping Support Head,” which is specifically incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0003] Repair stands are extremely useful for bicycle maintenance and repair, allowing objects to be stably and securely attached to a clamping support head. Traditional bicycle repair stands typically include a clamping support head to hold the bicycle in place and allow it to rotate, facilitating manipulation of any part of the bicycle. The improved bicycle repair stand disclosed herein, along with its associated clamping support head and indexed collar, addresses various user experience issues present in traditional repair stands and their associated clamping support heads. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments described and claimed herein address the aforementioned problems by providing an apparatus comprising: a support including a rod extending along a first axis; a clamping support head including a clutch shaft extending from the clamping support head along a second axis; and a repositioning clutch that allows the clamping support head to selectively rotate about the second axis. The repositioning clutch includes: a clutch body attached to the rod; a friction ring disposed on the clutch body; a support plate sharing a support interface with the friction ring; the clutch shaft extending through the clutch body, the friction ring, and the support plate to an end; and a clutch adjusting handle screwed onto the end of the clutch shaft. Rotation of the clutch adjusting handle adjusts the pressure applied to the support interface between the friction ring and the support plate.

[0005] The embodiments described and claimed herein address the aforementioned problems by further providing a telescopic support comprising 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 and outer tubes and adjacent to the compliance cut, and a displacement clamp located on the outer tube and further adjacent to the compliance cut. The bushing includes a protrusion that allows the bushing to be displaced into a hole in the outer tube and into a groove in the displacement clamp.

[0006] Other implementation methods are also described and documented in this article. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 A perspective view of an example maintenance bracket is shown, including a clamping support head and a rotation clamp for height adjustment.

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

[0009] Figure 3 An exploded perspective view of an example repositioning clutch inside the clamping support head for a maintenance bracket is shown.

[0010] Figure 4 A partial perspective view of an example telescopic rod for a maintenance bracket is shown. The telescopic rod includes a compliant cutout and an inner bushing.

[0011] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The telescopic rod in the middle also includes a displacement clamp.

[0012] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 An exploded 3D view of the telescopic rod, which includes Figure 5 The rotation clamp in the middle.

[0013] Figure 7 An example operation using an example maintenance bracket including a clamping support head with a repositioning clutch is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 An example operation of deploying a telescopic bracket using more than one indexing clamp is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0015] This disclosure relates to bicycle repair brackets and related clamping support heads, including methods of using them. The disclosed clamping support head provides a clamping opening with grippers capable of securely holding objects of various sizes and / or shapes and allowing for the movement of such objects. Furthermore, objects can be quickly attached to and removed from the clamping support head, enabling easy use of the associated bicycle repair bracket.

[0016] This disclosure provides an object support device and a method for clamping an object. The object can include any object, such as, but not limited to: a bicycle; bicycle parts, such as the seatpost, a portion of the frame, etc.; a bracket; a tubular member; a circular object; an irregularly shaped object; a power device, such as a lawnmower, a chainsaw, etc.; a motorcycle; motorcycle parts; a wheelchair; ski equipment; building materials; automotive parts, etc. The discussion in this disclosure uses a bicycle as an example, but it should be understood that various objects can be used with the maintenance bracket and associated clamping support head and rotation clamp described herein.

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

[0018] The support 102 includes a base 103 and a rod 104, the rod 104 extending to connect 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), the legs extending outward from leg fittings 176 for stability, and the height of the support 102 can be adjusted via the height-adjustable rod 104. The height-adjustable rod may include a telescopic section at which an inner tube 184 of the rod 104 can be received into an outer tube 185 of the rod 104 to telescopically adjust the height of the support 102 along an axis 194 (also referred to herein as a first axis or support axis). A rotation clamp 109 selectively secures the inner tube 184 to the outer tube 185 at the desired height of the support 102.

[0019] In some embodiments, the rod 104 includes an internal stop sleeve that limits the distance the inner tube 184 can retract into the outer tube 185. This limits the total extension and retraction of the telescopic rod 104 by limiting the length of the inner tube 184. This facilitates meeting loading specifications by limiting the overall possible extension of the telescopic rod 104.

[0020] The legs of the tripod base 103 are joined together at leg fittings 176. Leg fittings 176 serve as hubs for both the tripod legs and the telescopic rod 104. Leg fittings 176 are engaged with indexing clamps 189 to selectively lock the leg fittings 176 to the outer tube 185, allowing them to be selectively locked in the fully extended position (as shown), the fully retracted position (legs substantially parallel to axis 194), and any desired position in between. More specifically, in the depicted extended position, the legs extend outward from the rod 104 in a hub-and-spoke manner, providing stability to the maintenance bracket 102. In the retracted position, the legs are retracted to be substantially adjacent to and parallel to the rod 104.

[0021] In some embodiments, when used in conjunction with the indexing clamp 189, the outrigger fitting 176 can serve as the outer tube, while the outer tube 185 can serve as the inner tube. The indexing clamp 189 can be used to secure the outrigger fitting 176 to the outer tube 185 when the outriggers of the tripod base 103 are fully extended, fully retracted, or in any desired position in between. In such cases, the outrigger fitting 176 may include a compliance cutout or omit the compliance cutout, as the outrigger fitting itself may be sufficiently compliant to eliminate the need for a compliance cutout. Support connectors (e.g., support connector 119) further support their associated outriggers in the depicted extended and retracted positions.

[0022] The leg fitting 176 also includes handles (e.g., handles 177) located between each tripod leg. In the case of a tripod-type support, since there are three legs, there are three handles integrally formed within the leg fitting 176 between the three legs. The handles allow the user to easily lift the support 102 with one hand at or near the bottom, and the user can stabilize the support 102 with the other hand. In various embodiments, the leg fitting 176 is made of cast aluminum or other alloys, or in some cases, injection-molded plastic. Regardless of the material composition, the leg fitting 176 is made of a sufficiently robust material to maintain basic rigidity within the range of the expected forces applied to the support 102.

[0023] The adjustable opening 106 is rotatable, thus providing adjustability for positioning and holding an object. More specifically, the head 105 can be rotated about axis 150 (also referred to herein as a second axis or head axis) using a repositioning clutch 128, allowing the head 105 to rotate and selectively hold to a desired rotational position. As shown, in various embodiments, axis 150 extends through axis 194 and is substantially perpendicular to the first axis. The head 105 can further pivot at the repositioning clutch 128 to provide compact storage, allowing the adjustable opening 106 attached to the head 105 to be folded along the rod 104 of the support 102.

[0024] Figure 2 The service bracket is shown (most of it is not shown, see, for example, see...). Figure 1 An exploded perspective view of an example clamping support head 205 used in the bracket 102. The clamping support head 205 is attached to the bracket (not shown, see, for example, see...). Figure 1The bracket 102 has a rod 204. The height-adjustable rod may include a telescopic section where the inner tube 284 of the rod 204 is received into the outer tube 285 of the rod 204 to telescopically adjust the height of the bracket. A rotation clamp 209 selectively secures the inner tube 284 to the outer tube 285 at the desired height of the bracket. The gripping opening 206 of the clamping support head 205 includes a retaining jaw 207 and a translating jaw 208. The jaws 207 and 208 selectively close to hold or press an object (e.g., a bicycle frame, not shown) without damaging the object or to minimize damage to the object. The jaws 207 and 208 selectively open to release the object from the clamping support head 205.

[0025] As shown in the figure, each gripper 207, 208 may include an inwardly inclined or curved contact surface, which may be referred to herein as a convex gripper. The convex gripper surface enables the secure clamping of objects of various sizes. More specifically, it provides clamping stability for smaller, typically clamped objects (e.g., bicycle seatposts), without significantly sacrificing clamping stability for larger objects whose cross-section may or may not be circular (e.g., some bicycle frames). Objects ranging in size with circular or oval cross-sections can engage with the contact surface on each gripper 207, 208, each gripper having at least two contact points. The shape of the grippers 207, 208 in other embodiments may differ from that described above. Figure 2 The shape of the gripper shown.

[0026] To enhance gripping strength, grippers 207 and 208 may each be equipped with removable and replaceable molded elastic pads 264 and 265. The replaceable molded elastic pads 264 and 265 may further have textured contact surfaces (e.g., ridges, grooves, etc.) for additional gripping strength. Textured contact surfaces may include raised bumps, horizontal or vertical raised lines, etc. This provides an improved user experience, as light pressure on grippers 207 and 208 results in greater rebound force, while heavy pressure results in less rebound force. Alternatively, the contact surfaces of the replaceable molded elastic pads 264 and 265 may be smooth.

[0027] The slider 211 is attached to the translational jaw 208 so that it moves together with the jaw 208, but slides away from the fixed jaw 207 when the opening 206 is open, and slides together with the fixed jaw 207 when the opening 206 is closed. The slider 211 selectively protrudes telescopically from the arm 251 of the clamping support head 205. The slider 211 includes replaceable molded resilient strips (e.g., strip 274) that occupy part or all (e.g., the top two) of the longitudinal edges of the slider 211, and the slider 211 has a generally rectangular cross-section. By occupying more than two longitudinal edges of the slider 211, the replaceable molded resilient strips can effectively cushion any contact between the object to be clamped in the opening 206 and the slider 211, provided that the object to be clamped in the opening 206 is larger than the cross-sectional height or width dimension of the slider 211.

[0028] Replaceable molded elastic pads 264, 265 and / or replaceable molded elastic strips may be made of materials including, but not limited to, natural or synthetic rubber, elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc., to enable them to clamp objects and / or prevent scratching or damage to objects. Replaceable molded elastic pads 264, 265 and replaceable molded elastic strips may be injection molded or otherwise manufactured as separate components from grippers 207, 208 and sliders 211, which are removably attached to the aforementioned components. In various embodiments, the user can replace pads 264, 265 and / or replaceable molded elastic strips using only their hands. Furthermore, pads 264, 265 and / or replaceable molded elastic strips may (through material structure) have various sizes, shapes, and hardnesses to adapt grippers 207, 208 and / or sliders 211 to the intended object to be clamped or within the range of objects to be clamped.

[0029] The auxiliary magnet 270 is embedded within or fixed to the arm 251 and serves as a location for quickly and conveniently storing ferromagnetic materials (e.g., tools, fasteners, and parts) that may be used when performing operations on objects to be clamped within the head 205. While the auxiliary magnet 270 typically protrudes upright on the arm 251, in the middle region of the auxiliary magnet 270, the arm 251 may be flush with the auxiliary magnet 270 to allow ferromagnetic materials larger than the auxiliary magnet 270 to contact the auxiliary magnet 270, thereby maximizing magnetism retention. Although the auxiliary magnet 270 is in… Figure 2 The head is depicted as elliptical, but the auxiliary magnet 270 can be any shape and size suitable for fitting the available space on the head 205. The auxiliary magnet 270 can be made of any permanent magnet material (e.g., rare earth magnets such as neodymium and samarium cobalt).

[0030] As in Figure 2 As can be seen, when the translation jaw 208 is in the open position relative to the fixed jaw 207, an object can be placed into the opening 206 of the clamping support head 205. The open position can be considered as the translation jaw 208 being in an extended position, allowing the object to be fitted at any position between the fixed jaw 207 and the translation jaw 208. Once the object is placed, the user moves the translation jaw 208 toward the fixed jaw 207 while holding the object between the translation jaw 208 and the fixed jaw 207. The user can apply force to the translation jaw 208 to retract the slider 211 into the clamping support head 205 and move the opening 206 from the open position to the closed position. The closed position can include positioning the translation jaw 208 tightly around the object to secure the object in the proper position within the opening 206, so that the object will not move within the opening 206 when the desired force is applied.

[0031] The opening 206 (translational pawl 208) can be held in a desired closed position to keep the object clamped without applying additional force. For example, the translational pawl 208 can move freely in one direction, so that the translational pawl 208 can move in the closing direction and prevents the translational pawl 208 from moving in the opposite opening direction. For example, a ratchet mechanism (not shown) engages with the slider 211 and provides unidirectional free movement of the translational pawl 208. The ratchet mechanism may include a rack, such as, but not limited to, a threaded lead screw, a toothed ratchet, etc. When used as a ratchet, the thread on the lead screw can act as teeth, and the pawl can move along the teeth. The pawl can be adapted to engage with the teeth of the ratchet mechanism, for example, adapted to engage with the thread of the lead screw, etc., to prevent movement in the opening direction.

[0032] The technology disclosed herein can provide selective fine-tuning (e.g., tightening and loosening) of the translating jaws 208 around an object after the translating jaws 208 are in the closed position. This fine-tuning can, for example, use a rotational force adjustment knob 225 to change the force applied by the jaws 207, 208 around the object. For example, knob 225 can be used to tighten or loosen the translating jaws 208 when the object is held against the retaining jaws 207, and to apply the desired fine-tuning (tightening or loosening) of the translating jaws 208 according to the direction of rotation of the knob. In other embodiments, other jaw force adjustment elements can be used instead of the described and shown knob 225 with similar effects. Furthermore, knob 225 can also have various configurations to assist the user in gripping and rotating knob 225.

[0033] The object can be released from the opening 206 using the quick-release mechanism 212. The quick-release mechanism 212 can be a relatively low-force button that disengages the pawl from the lead screw, allowing the translational jaws 208 and slider 211 to move bidirectionally under the action of a closing or opening force applied by the user to the translational jaws 208. The user can selectively use the quick-release mechanism 212 to open the opening 206 holding the support head 205 to release the object. Although a relatively low-force button is shown and described, in various embodiments, the quick-release mechanism 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 a ratchet mechanism that holds the object in place. When the quick-release mechanism 212 is triggered, the translational jaws 208 and slider 211 can move substantially simultaneously to open the opening 206. Thus, the opening 206 can open almost simultaneously with the triggering of the quick-release mechanism 212. For example, the opening 206 can open within a few seconds or even less than a second after the quick release 212 is triggered.

[0034] The clamping support head 205 is rotatable, thus providing adjustability for positioning the object to be clamped. More specifically, the head 205 can rotate about axis 250 and may include a repositioning clutch 228 that allows the arm 251 of the clamping support head 205 to rotate relative to the lever 204 and selectively hold in a desired rotational position. In other embodiments, the head 205 may be pivotable at the repositioning clutch 228 to provide compact storage, such that the clamping support head 205 can be folded to move substantially parallel to the lever 204 and the associated support.

[0035] The repositioning clutch 228 includes two-part bodies 252 and 253, a support plate 257, and a friction ring 255. The friction ring 255 includes a ramp (not shown, see, for example, see...) that matches a corresponding ramp 261 in the support plate 257. Figure 3 (The inclined plane 360 ​​in the middle). During assembly, the clutch shaft 256 holding the support head 205 extends sequentially through the support plate 257, friction ring 255, bodies 252 and 253, and roller bearing 259 to engage with the rotary handle 254. The roller bearing 259 includes a set of flat washers, thereby providing a support surface for wear on the body 253 and the rotary handle 254. The roller bearing 259 enables the rotary handle 254 to rotate smoothly and minimizes the resistance provided by the body 253 and wear on the body 253. The rotary handle 254 is tightened onto the clutch shaft 256, thereby adjusting the pressing force within the repositioning clutch 228, which in turn affects the force required for the holding support head 205 to rotate relative to the rod 204 and the associated support about axis 250.

[0036] Figure 3 A service bracket is shown (not shown, see, for example, see...). Figure 1 The clamping support head (not shown, for example, see bracket 102) is used for the bracket 102. Figure 2 An exploded perspective view of an exemplary repositioning clutch 328 within the clamping support head 205. Two-part bodies 352 and 353 are clamped tightly to opposite sides of a rod 304 (e.g., the inner or outer tube of a telescopic bracket) to secure the repositioning clutch 328 to the rod. During assembly, the clutch shaft 356 of the clamping support head passes sequentially through a support plate 357, a friction ring 355, the two-part bodies 352 and 353, a hole 358 in the rod 304 of the service bracket, and a roller bearing (not shown, see e.g., see [reference needed]). Figure 2 The roller bearing 259 in the middle extends to the rotating handle (not shown, see, for example, see...) Figure 2 The rotating handle 254 is connected to the rod 304. The main body 353 provides a base for the rotating handle, and the main 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 engages with a protrusion 363 in the body 352. When the friction ring 355 is mounted 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. Compared to embodiments lacking the matching ramps 360, 361, the matching ramps 360, 361 provide a self-centering function for the repositioning clutch 328 (especially when it is tightened), and increase the area of ​​the support surface region between the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357. The tilt angle is used in part to define the surface area between the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 for the intended application of the most closely matched repositioning clutch 328.

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

[0039] The friction ring 355 can be slidably or press-fitted within the support plate 357, thus allowing for removable replacement from the body 352. This enables the friction ring 355 to be replaced if damaged or worn. Furthermore, different high-friction or low-friction materials and / or surface treatments can be used for the friction ring 355 to optimize for specific applications. For example, the friction ring 355 can be customized for a specific application, and then replaced for different applications, thus optimally utilizing the higher or lower coefficient of friction between the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357. Finally, the removable friction ring 355 minimizes its material thickness (thus minimizing total material consumption) because it can be designed for replacement rather than for repositioning the clutch 328's service life.

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

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

[0042] In various embodiments, as discussed above, the materials and 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. Furthermore, one or both of the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 can be surface-treated in the contact area between them to increase or decrease the coefficient of friction. The selection of the material structure and / or surface treatment of the friction ring 355 and the support plate 357 and the contact area between them is based on the desired pressing force required to generate the desired resistance to the rotation of the clamping support head relative to the rod 304.

[0043] Figure 4 A service bracket is shown (not shown, see, for example, see...). Figure 1 A partial perspective view of an example telescopic rod 404 used in the bracket 102, the telescopic rod 404 including a compliant cutout 486 and an inner liner 487. In various embodiments, the clamping support head disclosed herein (e.g., Figure 1 The clamping support head 105 can be attached to one end of the telescopic rod 404, while the base disclosed herein (e.g., Figure 1 The base 103 can be attached to the opposite end of the telescopic rod 404. Figure 4 The portion of the telescopic rod depicted is where the inner tube 484 of the telescopic rod 404 meets the outer tube 485, which partially overlaps with the telescopic rod 404 (e.g., at the top and / or bottom of the telescopic rod 404), for example, where the telescopic rod 404 can extend and retract.

[0044] A compliant cut 486 extends axially downward along the length of the outer tube 485 and then radially across a portion of the circumference of the outer tube 485. The compliant cut 486 allows the outer tube to press against the inner bushing 487 and the inner tube 484 by occupying part or all of the space within the axial cut downward along the length of the outer tube 485. The bushing 487 occupies and fills the space between the inner tube 484 and the outer tube 485, and provides compliance between the inner tube 484 and the outer tube 485. The bushing 487 includes protrusions 488 and 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, both axially downward along the outer tube 485 and radially across the outer tube 485. In some embodiments, bushing 487 is made of two parts, each of which includes one of the protrusions 488, 491. Bushing 487 may be made of materials including but not limited to natural or synthetic rubber, elastomers, thermoplastic polyurethane, etc., thereby providing the required compliance between inner tube 484 and outer tube 485.

[0045] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The telescopic rod 404 also includes a displacement clamp 589. In the bushing (not shown, see, for example, see...) Figure 4With the bushing 487 positioned between the inner tube 584 and the outer tube 585, an indexing clamp 589 is arranged on the overlapping ends of the inner tube 584 and the outer tube 585. The indexing clamp 589 allows the user to apply and maintain a clamping force on the outer tube 585 using a mechanical lever, which locks the telescopic rod 504 in place. A protrusion 588 of the bushing extends outward from the outer tube 585 and mates with a groove 590 in the indexing clamp 589. The groove 590 allows the indexing clamp 589 to be held in place on the outer tube 585, both axially downward along the outer tube 585 and radially across the outer tube 585.

[0046] In some implementations, such as Figure 5 As shown, the slot 590, which is excessively large compared to the protrusion 588, allows for a certain tolerance in the radial movement of the indexing clamp 589 across the outer tube 585 (e.g., a movement of up to 30 degrees). In other embodiments, the slot 590 is not excessively large, but rather substantially matches the protrusion 588, which prevents any substantial radial movement of the indexing clamp 589 across the outer tube 585. While the indexing clamp 589 is depicted as a variant of a quick-release skewer, other adjustable clamping mechanisms that can be indexed as described above are also considered herein. Figure 5 The indexing clamp 589 and / or Figure 4 The compliant cutout 486 and inner liner 487 below can be applied to different locations on the service bracket (e.g., Figure 1 The position occupied by one or both of the indexing clamps 109 and 189 in the middle). Furthermore, when with outriggers (e.g., Figure 1 The base of the outrigger 191 (e.g., Figure 1 When used in conjunction with the base 103, the indexing clamp 589 can be used to lock the outrigger in the retracted position relative to the outer tube 585 (e.g., the outrigger is substantially parallel to the outer tube 585). Figure 1 The orientation of axis 194 in the middle) and the unfolding position (e.g., such as Figure 1 One of the positions shown in the diagram.

[0047] Figure 6 It shows Figure 4 An exploded perspective view of the telescopic rod 404, which includes Figure 5 The indexing clamp 589. In various embodiments, the clamping support head disclosed herein (e.g., Figure 1 The clamping support head 105 can be attached to the depicted end of the telescopic 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, which is not depicted in the text. Figure 6The portion of the telescopic rod 604 depicted is where the inner tube 684 of the telescopic rod 604 meets the 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 extend and retract.

[0048] A conforming notch 686 extends axially downward along the length of the outer tube 685 at the depicted distal end of the outer tube 685, and then extends radially across a portion of the circumference of the outer tube 685. The conforming notch 686 allows the outer tube to press against an inner bushing consisting of two bushings 687, 693, and an inner tube 684 by occupying part or all of the space within the axial notch extending downward along the length of the outer tube 685. During assembly, the two bushings 687, 693 are combined together to substantially surround the inner tube 684.

[0049] The bushing occupies and fills the space between the inner tube 684 and the outer tube 685, and provides conformability between the inner tube 684 and the outer tube 685. Bushing components 687 and 693 include protrusions 688 and 691 that mate with corresponding holes 694 and 695 in the outer tube 685, respectively. This holds the bushing in place between the inner tube 684 and the outer tube 685, both axially downward along the outer tube 685 and radially across the outer tube 685.

[0050] During assembly, with the bushing positioned between the overlapping ends of the inner tube 684 and the outer tube 685, an indexing clamp 689 is arranged on the overlapping ends of the inner tube 684 and the outer tube 685. The indexing clamp 689 allows the user to provide and maintain a clamping force on the outer tube 685 using mechanical levers, which locks the telescopic rod 604 in place. Protrusions 688 and 691 of the bushing extend outward through the outer tube 685 and engage with slots 690 and 696 in the indexing clamp 689, respectively. Slots 690 and 696 hold the indexing clamp 689 in place on the outer tube 685, both axially downward along the outer tube 685 and radially across the outer tube 685. In some embodiments, slots 690 and 696, being larger than the protrusions 688 and 691, allow for a certain tolerance in the radial movement of the indexing clamp 689 across the outer tube 685. In other embodiments, the dimensions of the slots 690 and 696 are not excessive, but rather substantially match those of the protrusions 688 and 691, which prevents any substantial movement of the indexing clamp 689 radially across the outer tube 685.

[0051] Although the indexing clamp 689 is described as a variant of the quick-release clamp, other adjustable clamping mechanisms that can be indexed as described above are also considered in this paper. Figure 6 The indexing clamp 689 and / or the compliant cutout 686 and bushing below can be applied to various locations on the service bracket (e.g., Figure 1The position occupied by one or both of the indexing clamps 109 and 189 in the middle). Furthermore, when with outriggers (e.g., Figure 1 The base of the outrigger 191 (e.g., Figure 1 When used in conjunction with the base 103, the indexing clamp 689 can be used to lock the outrigger in the retracted position relative to the outer tube 585 (e.g., the outrigger is substantially parallel to the outer tube 585). Figure 1 The orientation of axis 194 in the middle) and the unfolding position (e.g., such as Figure 1 One of the positions shown in the diagram.

[0052] Figure 7 An example operation 700 using an example maintenance bracket including a clamping support head with a repositioning clutch is 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. Placement operation 705 places the object between the fixed jaws and the translational jaws of the clamping support head's open, grippable opening. The clutch shaft extends from the clamping support head along its 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 performed by pressing the ratchet mechanism to close the opening around the object. Then, a fastening mechanism can be used to fasten the translating jaw against the fixed jaw after the clampable opening is placed in the closed position.

[0054] Release operation 715 releases the repositioning clutch by loosening the clutch adjusting handle screwed onto the end of the clutch shaft, thereby allowing the clamping support head to selectively rotate about its head axis. This allows the clamping support head to rotate independently of the rest of the service bracket (which in some embodiments includes a base (e.g., a tripod)). 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 advantageous for inspection, maintenance, and / or repair operations.

[0055] The fixing operation 725 applies pressure to the support interface between the friction ring and the support plate within the repositioning clutch by tightening the clutch adjusting handle to the end of the clutch shaft, thereby securing the clamping support head in its rotational position. Even if the weight of the object or other anticipated forces applied to the object cause it to move away from the desired position, the pressure applied to the support interface is sufficient to hold the clamping support head and the object in the desired position. The rotation operation 720 and the fixing operation 725 can be repeated repeatedly to move the object and ensure that the object remains in the proper position.

[0056] Figure 8An example operation 800 of deploying a telescopic support using one or more indexing clamps is shown. A first release operation 805 releases the leg indexing clamps for deploying the legs of the telescopic support. The leg indexing clamps are located on the leg fittings that overlap with the outer tube of the telescopic support. The telescopic support includes a bushing located between the outer tube and the leg fitting, wherein the bushing includes a protrusion that indexes the bushing into a hole in the leg fitting. The protrusion of the bushing further indexes the bushing into a groove in the leg indexing clamp.

[0057] Movement operation 810 moves at least three outriggers extending radially from the outer tube of the telescopic bracket from the retracted position to the deployed position by sliding the outrigger fitting downwards along the outer tube of the telescopic bracket. Locking operation 815 locks the outrigger rotation clamps, thereby securing the outrigger fittings to the outer tube of the telescopic bracket. This secures the outriggers in the deployed position. Operations 805, 810, and 815 can be repeated to slide the outrigger fitting upwards along the outer tube of the telescopic bracket, moving the outriggers from the deployed position to the retracted position, or to any position in between.

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

[0059] Adjustment operation 825 adjusts the height of the telescopic support by extending the inner tube of the telescopic support relative to the outer tube. The adjusted height is designed to allow the user to move the telescopic support effectively and use it comfortably. Locking operation 830 locks the lever's rotation clamp, thereby securing the outer tube of the telescopic support to the inner tube. This fixes the lever at the adjusted height of the telescopic support. Operations 820, 825, and 830 can be repeated to slide the inner tube up and / or down relative to the outer tube to adjust the height of the telescopic support. In some embodiments, the height of the telescopic support can be minimized for transporting or storing the telescopic support.

[0060] The foregoing description, examples, and data provide a complete description of the structure and use of exemplary embodiments of the technology disclosed herein. Since many embodiments of the technology disclosed herein can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the technology disclosed, the invention is encompassed in the following appended claims. Furthermore, structural features of different embodiments can be combined to form another embodiment without departing from the stated claims.

Claims

1. A telescopic support, comprising: Inner tube; An outer tube that partially overlaps with an inner tube, wherein the overlapping end of the outer tube includes a compliant cut. A bushing, located between the inner tube and the outer tube and adjacent to the conformal cut, wherein the bushing includes a protrusion that allows the bushing to be rotated into a hole in the outer tube; and An indexing clamp is located on the outer tube and is also adjacent to the conformal cut, wherein the protrusion protruding from the bushing further indexes the bushing into the groove in the indexing clamp.

2. The telescopic bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The compliant cut extends axially downward along the length of the outer tube and extends radially across a portion of the circumference of the outer tube.

3. The telescopic bracket according to claim 2, wherein, The compliant cut allows the outer tube to press against the bushing and the inner tube by occupying part or all of the space within an axial cut downwards along the length of the outer tube.

4. The telescopic bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion extending from the bushing holds the bushing in place between the inner tube and the outer tube, such that the bushing is both axially downward along the outer tube and radially across the outer tube.

5. The telescopic bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The protrusion extending from the bushing holds the indexing clamp in place on the outer tube, such that the indexing clamp is both axially downward along the outer tube and radially across the outer tube.

6. The telescopic bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The groove is too large to allow the clamping assembly to move radially across a predetermined range of the outer tube.

7. The telescopic bracket according to claim 1, wherein, The inner tube and the outer tube together form the rod of the telescopic support.

8. The telescopic bracket according to claim 1, further comprising: At least three outriggers extend radially from the outer tube, wherein the outriggers are locked relative to the outer tube in one of a retracted position and an extended position using the indexing clamps.

9. The telescopic bracket according to claim 8, wherein, The inner tube is housed within the outer tube of the rod of the telescopic support, the outer tube being a leg fitting that serves as a hub for the at least three legs.

10. The telescopic bracket according to claim 1, further comprising: A clamping support head is fixedly attached to the inner tube.

11. The telescopic bracket according to claim 7, wherein, The rod includes an internal stop sleeve that limits the extension and retraction of the rod.

12. A telescopic support, comprising: Inner tube; An outer tube that partially overlaps with an inner tube, wherein the overlapping end of the outer tube includes a compliant cut. A first bushing, located between the inner tube and the outer tube and adjacent to the compliant cut, wherein the first bushing includes a first protrusion that causes the bushing to be rotated into a hole in the outer tube; A first indexing clamp is located on the outer tube and is also adjacent to the conformal cut, wherein the first protrusion of the first bushing further indexes the first bushing into a groove in the first indexing clamp. Outrigger fittings, wherein the outrigger fittings overlap with the outer tube; A second bushing, located between the outer tube and the outrigger fitting, wherein the second bushing includes a second protrusion that causes the second bushing to rotate into a hole in the outrigger fitting; and A second indexing clamp is located on the outrigger fitting, wherein the second protrusion of the second bushing further indexes the second bushing into a groove in the outrigger fitting.

13. The telescopic bracket according to claim 12, wherein, The compliant cut extends axially downward along the length of the outer tube and extends radially across a portion of the circumference of the outer tube.

14. The telescopic bracket according to claim 13, wherein, The compliant cut allows the outer tube to press against the first bushing and the inner tube by occupying part or all of the space within an axial cut downwards along the length of the outer tube.

15. The telescopic bracket according to claim 12, wherein, The first protrusion extending from the first bushing holds the first bushing in place between the inner tube and the outer tube, such that the first bushing is both axially downward along the outer tube and radially across the outer tube.

16. The telescopic bracket according to claim 12, wherein, The second protrusion extending from the second bushing holds the second bushing in place between the outer tube and the leg fitting, such that the second bushing is both axially positioned on the leg fitting and radially spans the leg fitting.

17. The telescopic bracket according to claim 12, wherein, The first protrusion, protruding from the first bushing, holds the first indexing clamp in place on the outer tube, such that the first indexing clamp is both axially downward along the outer tube and radially across the outer tube.

18. The telescopic bracket according to claim 12, wherein, The second protrusion extending from the second bushing holds the second indexing clamp in place on the outrigger fitting, such that the second indexing clamp is both axially positioned on the outrigger fitting and radially spans the outrigger fitting.

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