Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
Bicycle Stand and a Method of Assembling a Bicycle
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to a bicycle stand, and
more particularly, to a
bicycle stand for supporting a bicycle or bicycle frame during assembly or
repair, and a method
of assembling a bicycle
Background
[0002] Bicycle stands for displaying bicycles, performing bicycle
maintenance, or parking a
bicycle are known. Bicycle stands for the assembly or repair of a bicycle
typically use one or
more articled arms to grip the bicycle frame, typically by the top bar and
optionally one of the
wheels of the bicycle. Even with the use of existing bicycle stands, bicycle
assembly and repair
remains a time-consuming and labour-intensive process. There is a need for an
improved bicycle
stand which facilitates bicycle assembly and/or repair.
Summary
[0003] The present disclosure provides a bicycle stand for supporting a
bicycle or bicycle
frame during assembly or repair, and a method of assembling a bicycle. The
bicycle stand of the
present disclosure can securely support a bicycle and is collapsible, allowing
the stand to be very
transportable. The bicycle stand is designed to support the entire weight of a
bicycle and hold the
bicycle (or a frame) in an upside-down or inverted position at a convenient
height, allowing the
assembly, maintenance or repair of the bicycle in the upside-down or inverted
position in which
at least some parts of the bicycle may be more readily accessible to an
assembler or repairer. In
addition, the bicycle stand allows the bicycle to be rotated or spun while
being held by the stand,
allowing an assembler to access parts of the bicycle that were previously
inaccessible from an
assembler's position without having to make complicated adjustment to articled
arms or
requiring the assembler to move. This increases the speed of assembly,
maintenance and repair
and reduces the labour-intensive nature, reducing the fatigue and risk of
injury to human
assembler and better enabling automation while ensuring a high quality in
bicycle assembly,
maintenance and repair work.
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[0004] A method of assembling a bicycle when supported in the upside-down
or inverted
position using the bicycle stand of the present disclosure is also provided.
The method is
believed to be more efficient than known approaches. Furthermore, known
assembly stands are
unable to hold or support a bicycle in the upside-down or inverted position,
nor has this
capability even been suggested. Indeed, part of the present invention exists
in the inventor's
realization that assembling a bicycle when supported in the upside-down or
inverted position
may be advantageous in that certain parts of the bicycle may be more
accessible and that, when
supported by an annular seat of a substantially vertical post, the bicycle can
be freely rotated
upon a central axis of the post while being supported by the bicycle stand in
the upside-down or
inverted position, thereby allowing the assembler to access the other side of
the bicycle when
necessary or desirable while an assembler remains stationary. This obviates
the need for the
assembler to move, thereby facilitating simpler, more efficient and faster
assembly. Known
assembly stands are unable to hold or support a bicycle in the upside-down or
inverted position
because such stands use articulating arms to grip the top bar, and holding the
bicycle in this
position would result in a top heavy and unstable load.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, there is
provided a bicycle
stand. The bicycle stand comprises a base for contact with a ground surface,
and a post extending
substantially vertical from the base and being supported by the base. The post
includes a
cylindrical receiving portion located at an upper end thereof for engaging a
seat tube of a bicycle
frame while the bicycle is in an upside-down or inverted position. The
cylindrical receiving
portion has a diameter of greater than 0.5 inches and less than 0.75 inches. A
seat adapted for
supporting the bicycle frame is located below the cylindrical receiving
portion. The seat is
positioned between 30 inches and 60 inches above the ground surface, wherein
the bicycle can
be freely rotated about a central axis of the post while being supported by
the bicycle stand in the
upside-down or inverted position.
[0006] In accordance with some embodiments, the seat is provided by a
flange or collar
extending radially outward from the post.
[0007] In accordance with some embodiments, the post comprises a first
portion and a
second portion, the first portion being the cylindrical receiving portion, the
second portion being
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located below the cylindrical receiving portion and having a larger cross-
sectional area, wherein
the seat is provided by a top of the second portion.
[0008] In accordance with some embodiments, the seat is provided by a clamp
or collar
releasably secured about an outer surface of the cylindrical receiving
portion.
[0009] In accordance with some embodiments, the bicycle stand further
comprises: a
removable tool tray removably mounted to the post so that the tool tray
accessible by an
assembler while the bicycle frame is received on the bicycle stand.
[0010] In accordance with some embodiments, the tool tray comprises a base
having a rim
extending around the periphery thereof, and a tubular hub at the centre of the
base, wherein the
tubular hub defines a central passage through which the cylindrical receiving
portion of the post
is received and a seat surrounding the central passage upon which the tool
tray rests, wherein the
seat of the post supports the tool tray via the seat of the tool tray.
[0011] In accordance with some embodiments, the post is telescoping to
provide an
adjustable length.
[0012] In accordance with some embodiments, the post is received in an
outer tube, the post
being movable within the outer tube, wherein the post comprises a lock
mechanism for
releasably securing the position of the post relative to the outer tube.
[0013] In accordance with some embodiments, the lock mechanism is a lock
clamp or a set
screw.
[0014] In accordance with some embodiments, the base comprises a pair of
legs rotatably
connected to a connecting member.
[0015] In accordance with some embodiments, the pair of legs are rotatably
connected to the
connecting member, wherein the bicycle stand further comprises a lock
mechanism for
releasably securing the position of the legs.
[0016] In accordance with some embodiments, the cylindrical receiving
portion has a
diameter of between 0.70 and 0.74 inches.
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[0017] In accordance with some embodiments, the seat is positioned between
34 inches and
38 inches above the ground surface with which the base is in contact.
[0018] In accordance with some embodiments, the seat is positioned between
35 and 37
inches above the ground surface with which the base is in contact.
[0019] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a
bicycle stand, comprising: a base for contacting a ground surface; holding
means coupled to the
base for holding a bicycle in an upside-down or inverted position; and
rotating means coupled to
the base for rotating the bicycle in the upside-down or inverted position
while being held by the
holding means.
[0020] In accordance with some embodiments, the bicycle stand further
comprises: height
adjusting means for adjusting a height at which the bicycle is held in the
upside-down or inverted
position.
[0021] In accordance with some embodiments, the holding means is adapted
for engaging a
seat tube of a frame of the bicycle.
[0022] In accordance with some embodiments, the holding means and rotating
means
provide a seat adapted for supporting the bicycle frame via the seat tube of
the frame of the
bicycle, wherein the height adjusting means cooperates with the holding means
so that a height
of the seat is moveable between 30 inches and 60 inches above the ground
surface.
[0023] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a kit
for a bicycle stand, comprising: a base for contact with a ground surface; and
a post to be
supported by the base and extending substantially vertical from the base. The
post includes: a
cylindrical receiving portion located at a distal end thereof for engaging a
seat tube of a bicycle
frame while the bicycle is in an upside-down or inverted position, the
cylindrical receiving
portion having a diameter of greater than 0.5 inches and less than 0.75
inches; and a seat adapted
for supporting the bicycle frame a distance from the distal end of the
cylindrical receiving
portion, wherein, when post is supported by the base and extending
substantially vertical from
the base, the seat is positioned between 30 inches and 60 inches above the
ground surface,
wherein the bicycle can be freely rotated about a central axis of the post
while being supported
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by the bicycle stand in the upside-down or inverted position.
[0024] In accordance with some embodiments, the seat is provided by a
flange or collar
extending radially outward from the post.
[0025] In accordance with some embodiments, the post comprises two
portions, a first of the
two portions being the cylindrical receiving portion and a second of the two
portions being
located below the cylindrical receiving portion and having a larger cross-
sectional area, wherein
the seat is provided by an upper end of the second portion.
[0026] In accordance with some embodiments, the seat is provided by a clamp
or collar
releasably secured about an outer surface of the cylindrical receiving
portion.
[0027] In accordance with some embodiments, the kit further comprises a
removable tool
tray for removably mounting to the post so that the tool tray is accessible by
an assembler while
the bicycle frame is received on the bicycle stand.
[0028] In accordance with some embodiments, the tool tray comprises a base
having a rim
extending around the periphery thereof, and a tubular hub at the centre of the
base, wherein the
tubular hub defines a central passage through which the cylindrical receiving
portion of the post
is received and a seat surrounding the central passage upon which the tool
tray rests, wherein the
seat of the post supports the tool tray via the seat of the tool tray.
[0029] In accordance with a further aspect of the present disclosure, there
is provided a kit
for a bicycle stand, comprising: a base for contacting a ground surface;
holding means coupled to
the base for holding a bicycle in an upside-down or inverted position; and
rotating means
coupled to the base for rotating the bicycle in the upside-down or inverted
position while being
held by the holding means.
[0030] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a
method of assembling a bicycle, comprising: providing a bicycle stand as
described herein;
positioning the bicycle frame in an upside-down position; positioning a seat
tube of the bicycle
frame on the cylindrical receiving portion of the bicycle stand; while the
bicycle is received on
the cylindrical receiving portion of the bicycle stand: installing and
aligning a front wheel of the
CA 2999586 2018-03-28
bicycle, installing pedals on a crank of the bicycle, aligning front brakes of
the bicycle, installing
and aligning a rear wheel of the bicycle, aligning rear brakes of the bicycle,
adjusting a rear
derailleur of the bicycle, adjusting a front derailleur of the bicycle, and
inflating tires of the front
wheel and rear wheel; removing the partially assembled bicycle from the
bicycle stand; while the
bicycle is on the ground surface: aligning handlebars of the bicycle with the
bicycle frame,
inserting a seat post into the opening of the seat tube, aligning the seat
with the bicycle frame,
and securing the seat post to the bicycle frame.
[0031] In accordance with yet a further aspect of the present disclosure,
there is provided a
method of assembling a bicycle, comprising: providing a bicycle stand as
described herein;
positioning the bicycle frame in an upside-down position; positioning a seat
tube of the bicycle
frame on the cylindrical receiving portion of the bicycle stand; performing a
first set of assembly
operations while the bicycle is received on the cylindrical receiving portion
of the bicycle stand;
removing the partially assembled bicycle from the bicycle stand; and
performing a second set of
assembly operations while the bicycle is on the ground surface.
[0032] Other aspects and features will be apparent to those skilled in the
art having regard to
the following description.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0033] FIG. I is a perspective view of a bicycle stand in accordance with a
first embodiment
of the present disclosure with the bicycle stand in a collapsed position.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a tool tray for the bicycle stand of
FIG. 1 in a closed
position.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the tool tray of FIG. 2 in an open
position.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a cover for the tool tray of FIG. 2.
[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bicycle stand of FIG. 1 in an
expanded position with
the tool tray of FIG. 2 mounted thereon.
[0038] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a bicycle stand of FIG. 5 with a
bicycle frame
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received on the bicycle stand.
[0039] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a part of the bicycle stand of FIG. 1.
[0040] FIG. 8A shows an inner post in accordance with the first embodiment
of the present
disclosure.
[0041] FIG. 8B shows an inner post in accordance with a second embodiment
of the present
disclosure.
[0042] FIG. 8C shows an inner post in accordance with a further embodiment
of the present
disclosure.
[0043] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of a bicycle stand in accordance with
another
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] FIG. 9B is a perspective view of a bicycle stand in accordance with
a further
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0045] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a bicycle stand in accordance with
a further
embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0046] FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a method of assembling a bicycle stand in
accordance with
one embodiment of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description of Example Embodiments
[0047] The bicycle stand of the present disclose comprises a base for
contacting a ground (or
floor) surface, holding means coupled to the base for holding a bicycle in an
upside-down or
inverted position, and rotating means coupled to the base for rotating the
bicycle in the upside-
down or inverted position while being held by the holding means. The bicycle
stand may also
comprise height adjusting means for adjusting a height at which the bicycle is
held in the upside-
down or inverted position. In some examples, the bicycle stand provides a seat
adapted for
supporting the bicycle frame via the seat tube of the frame of the bicycle.
The height adjusting
means cooperates with the holding means so that a height of the seat is
moveable between 30
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inches and 60 inches above the ground surface.
[0048] In some embodiments, the holding means is adapted for engaging a
seat tube of a
frame of the bicycle.
[0049] In some embodiments, the base comprises a support structure. The
support structure
may be a base or a leg assembly. In some embodiments, the holding means and
rotating means
are provided by a post having a seat. The post extends substantially vertical
from the support
structure. When the bicycle is received upon the post via the seat tube of the
frame of the bicycle,
a distal end of the post engages the interior of the seat tube and the bicycle
rests upon the seat of
the post, allowing the bicycle be freely rotated about the post.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 1, a bicycle stand 100 in accordance with a first
embodiment of the
present disclosure will be described. The structural components of the bicycle
stand 100 may be
constructed primarily of a light-weight material such as aluminum, or a
combination of
aluminum and steel, to reduce the weight of the bicycle stand 100 while
keeping the bicycle
stand 100 strong and durable.
[0051] The bicycle stand 100 comprises a post 101 which is supported in a
substantially
vertical direction by a support structure for contact with a ground (or floor)
surface. The post 101
extends substantially vertical from the support structure. For example, in
some embodiments the
post 101 extends in a direction less than 10 degrees from the vertical, more
preferably less than 5
degrees from the vertical, more preferably less than 2 degrees from the
vertical, more preferably
1 degree or less from the vertical.
[0052] The support structure in the shown embodiment of FIG. 1 comprises a
pair of legs,
each leg being represented individually by the reference 120. In the shown
embodiment, the post
101 is telescoping. The post 101 includes an outer tube 102 and an inner post
104 movable
within the outer tube 102. The inner post 104 is solid in the shown embodiment
but may be a
tube (e.g., hollow) in other embodiments provided the inner post 104 has a
suitable combination
of material selection and material thickness. The inner post 104 can be moved
with respect to the
outer tube 102. In the shown embodiment, the inner post 104 can be moved
telescopically
upwardly within the outer tube 102. The length of the post 101 can be adjusted
by setting a
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telescoped length of the inner post 104 with respect to the outer tube 102 and
engaging a lock
mechanism 114 for releasably securing the position of the inner post 104
relative to the outer
tube 102. In the shown embodiment, the lock mechanism 114 is a set screw
(e.g., thumb screw)
which can be tightened to releasably secure the position of the inner post 104
relative to the outer
tube 102. In other embodiments, the lock mechanism 114 may be a lock clamp or
other suitable
mechanism.
[0053] A connecting member 130 is fixed to the outer tube 102 of the post
101 near a bottom
end of the outer tube 102 by welding or the like. The outer tube 102 and
connecting member 130
may be provided by a single structural component. The connecting member 130 is
a generally U-
shaped channel with an open end facing downwardly. In other embodiments, a
pair of base plates
may be used instead of the generally U-shaped channel.
[0054] The legs 120 each comprise a leg bar 124. The leg bars 124 are
rotatably mounted to
the connecting member 130 at different ends of the sides of the connecting
member 130. In the
shown example, the legs 120 are rotatably mounted to the connecting member 130
via fastener
132, such as a bolt, locking pin or the like, at a first end of the leg bar
124. A base bar 126 is
fixedly connected to at a second end of each leg bar 124 so that each leg is
generally T-shaped.
Alternatively, in other embodiments the base bars 126 may be rotatably
connected to the leg bars
124, for example via a hinge, allowing the base bars 126 to be collapsed when
the bicycle stand
100 is not in use. The legs 120 may be easily expanded for use when the
bicycle stand 100 is
being set up after transportation or storage, and easily collapsed 100 for
transportation or storage
after the bicycle stand 100 has been used.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 7, the leg bars 124 is rotatable about the fastener
132, which
defines an axis of rotation of each leg 120. The top of the leg bars 124 is
tapered in the shown
embodiment. The tapered top of the leg bars 124 provides a stop which the
limits the range
movement of the legs 120 when the bicycle stand 100 is in use by contacting
the outer tube 102
when the legs 120 are fully expanded, preventing further rotation of the leg
bars 124. In some
examples, the top of the leg bars 124 is tapered to between 65 degrees and 80
degrees relative to
the longitudinal axis of the leg bars 124 so that when the bicycle stand 100
is in use and the legs
120 are in an expanded (or unfolded) state, the legs 120 are positioned at an
angle of between 10
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and 25 degrees to the ground or floor, preferably at an angle of between 12
and 18 degrees, more
preferably at an angle of approximately 15 degrees. The
[0056] In some embodiments, the structural components of the bicycle stand
100 are made of
aluminum with the possible exception of the outer tube 102 and/or connecting
member 130. In
such embodiments, the leg bars 124 may be tubular and hollow except for a top
portion of the leg
bars 124, which is substantially solid. This increases the strength and
duration of the legs 120
and the bicycle stand 100, allowing the bicycle stand 100 to repeatedly
support the entire weight
of a bicycle (or frame), and allowing the bicycle stand 100 to be expanded and
collapsed
repeatedly without undue wear on the components of the bicycle stand 100. The
solid top portion
of the leg bars 124 may be 2 to 3 inches and may be formed by welding an
aluminum plug in the
top portion of an aluminum tube forming the leg bars 124 in some examples. In
some examples,
the total length of the leg bars 124 is between 20 to 24 inches whereas the
outer diameter of the
leg bars is between 1.2 and 1.4 inches.
[0057] When the bicycle stand 100 is not in use, the legs 120 are generally
parallel to the
post 101 as shown in solid lines in FIG. 1. This is referred to as the
collapsed (or folded) state of
the bicycle stand 100. When the bicycle stand 100 is in use, the legs 120 are
rotated to be
transverse to the post 101 as shown by stippled lines in FIG. 1. This is
referred to as the
expanded (or unfolded) state of the bicycle stand 100. In the expanded state,
the legs 120 are
positioned at an angle of between 10 and 25 degrees to the ground or floor,
preferably at an angle
of between 12 and 18 degrees, more preferably at an angle of approximately 15
degrees. This
position allows the bicycle stand 100 to stably and securely support the
entire weight a bicycle
(or frame) in a balanced condition, with the legs 120 less than 12 inches
above the floor.
[0058] In some embodiments, the bicycle stand 100 may comprise a lock
mechanism 122 for
releasably securing the position of the legs 120. For example, a tensioner may
be provided by the
connecting member 130. The tensioner may have two states: an enabled or "on"
state (or
position) in which the movement of the legs 120 is restricted and a disabled
or "off' state (or
position) in which the legs 120 may move freely. When the tensioner is
enabled, the legs 120
will not move freely even under the weight of a bicycle mounted on the bicycle
stand. When the
tensioner is not enabled, the legs 120 may move freely. In some embodiments,
stops or limiters
CA 2999586 2018-03-28
may be provided by the connecting member 130, limiting the range of movement
of the legs 120.
[0059] The base bars 126 include pads (also known as feet or grips) 128 at
the respective
ends thereof for reducing or preventing slippage. The pads 128 are made of a
high friction rubber
such as rigid synthetic resin or other suitable material, and grip the ground
(or floor) surface
when the bicycle stand 100 is in use, increasing the stability of the bicycle
stand 100 and
restricting lateral movement of the bicycle stand 100 when in use.
[0060] The inner post 104 includes a cylindrical receiving portion 106,
also known as a
dowel post, located at an upper, distal end thereof for engaging a seat tube
of a bicycle frame.
The cylindrical receiving portion 106 has a diameter of greater than 0.5
inches and less than 0.75
inches, preferably between 0.70 and 0.74 inches, more preferably between 0.72
and 0.73 inches
in some embodiments. The present inventor has found that a diameter of between
0.70 and 0.74
inches more preferably between 0.72 and 0.73 inches, is suitable for use with
a wide selection of
commercial seat tubes, if not all, the diameter of which may vary between
different bicycles. At
a diameter of between 0.70 and 0.74 inches, more preferably between 0.72 and
0.73 inches, the
diameter of the post 101 is small enough to be received relatively securely
within a wide
selection of commercial seat tubes while having enough clearance for a reduced
friction spin of
the bicycle about the post 10 and while holding the bicycle substantially
vertical.
[0061] The top edge of the cylindrical receiving portion 106 may be rounded
for safety and
to provide easier mounting and removal of a bicycle. The inner post 104 also
includes a seat 108
adapted for supporting the bicycle (or frame) via the seat tube of the bicycle
frame. The seat 108
is located below the cylindrical receiving portion 106. The cylindrical
receiving portion 106 has
a length (height) of at least 2 inches relative to the seat 108. For example,
the height of the
cylindrical receiving portion 106 has a length (height) between 2 and 6 inches
relative to the seat
108 inches in some embodiments, preferably 3 to 6 inches, and more preferably
4 to 6 inches. In
some embodiments, the height of the outer tube 102 is between 12 and 16 inches
and the height
of the inner post 104 is between 40 and 54 inches, with the seat 108 located
between 2 and 6
relative from the top, distal end of the inner post 104, preferably 3 to 6
inches, and more
preferably 4 to 6 inches
[0062] The seat 108 is positioned between 30 inches and 60 inches above the
ground (or
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floor) surface when the bicycle stand 100 is in use. For example, in some
embodiments the seat
108 is positioned between 34 inches and 48 inches above the ground (or floor)
surface when the
bicycle stand 100 is in use, and in some embodiments the seat 108 is
positioned between
approximately 36 and approximately 60 inches above the ground surface when the
bicycle stand
100 is in use. Thus, a bicycle is elevated off the ground when mounted on the
bicycle stand 100
so that bicycle assembly, repair or maintenance can be easily performed
thereon. The height to
the post 101, and therefore the seat 108, can be adjusted as described herein,
allowing greater
flexibility in the configuration of the bicycle stand 100, thereby
accommodating the particular
assembler using the bicycle stand 100 and the particular assembly environment.
[0063] The post 104 comprises two portions: a first, upper portion and a
second, lower
portion. The first portion is a cylindrical receiving portion 106 and the
second portion 110 is
located below the cylindrical receiving portion 106. FIG. 8A shows the inner
post in accordance
with a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In FIG. 8A, the second
portion 110A has a
larger diameter than the upper, cylindrical receiving portion 106. This
increases the strength of
the post 104. A top surface of the second portion 110A forms an annulus or
ring which provides
the seat 108 upon which the seat tube of the bicycle frame is supported. In
some examples, the
annulus has an outer diameter of between 1.5 and 1.75 inches and an inner
diameter of between
0.5 and 0.75 inches. In some embodiments, the outer diameter is 1.75 and the
inner diameter is
0.75 inches.
[0064] FIG. 8B shows an inner post in accordance with a second embodiment
of the present
disclosure. The post differences from that of FIG. 8A in that the second
portion 110B has a
square cross-sectional area. However, the second portion 110B has a larger
diameter than the
upper, cylindrical receiving portion 106 as in FIG. 8A. The embodiment of FIG.
8B can be used
with an outer tube having a matching square cross-sectional area. The seat 108
is provided by a
flange (or collar 116) extending radially outward from the inner post between
the upper,
cylindrical receiving portion 106 and the lower, square, larger diameter
portion. A top surface of
the flange 116 forms an annulus or ring which provides the seat 108 upon which
the seat tube of
the bicycle frame is supported.
[0065] FIG. 8C shows an inner post in accordance with a further embodiment
of the present
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disclosure. In FIG. 8C, the second portion 110C has the same diameter as the
upper, cylindrical
receiving portion 106. The seat 108 is provided by a flange or collar 116
extending radially
outward from the inner post.
[0066] FIGs. 2 to 4 show a tool tray 200 for the bicycle stand 100. FIG. 2
shows the tool tray
200 in a closed position with the cover 210 installed (or mounted) on the base
254. FIG. 3 shows
the tool tray 200 in an open position with the cover removed. FIG. 4 shows the
cover for the tool
tray 200 in isolation. The tool tray 200 comprises a base 254 with a rim (or
lip) 250 extending
around the periphery thereof. In the shown embodiment, the tool tray 200
including the base 254
and cover 210 are circular. In other embodiments, the tool tray 200 may be
rectangular, square or
otherwise suitable shape. A tubular hub 260 is located at the centre of the
tool tray 200. The
tubular hub 260 defines a central passage 262 through which the cylindrical
receiving portion
106 of the inner post 104 can be received, and a seat 264 defined by annulus
or ring surrounding
the central passage 262. The tool tray 200 rests upon the seat 264 when
installed on the post 101.
The central passage 262 has a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of
the cylindrical
receiving portion 106. In some embodiments, the diameter of the central
passage 262 is slightly
larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical receiving portion 106, for
example, a few
hundredths or thousandths of an inch larger, to allow clearance. The tool tray
200 is rotatably
mounted so that the tool tray 200 can be freely rotated about the central axis
of the post 101. This
allows a necessary or desirable tool located in the tool tray 200 that was
previously inaccessible
from an assembler's position to be accessed by the assembler without requiring
the assembler to
move.
[0067] The seat 108 of the post 101 supports the tool tray 200 via the seat
264 when mounted
on the bicycle stand 100. A number of dividers or separators 252 are provided
to organize tools
upon the tool tray 200. In the shown embodiment, the tool tray 200 comprises
three, equally
spaced apart dividers 252 to create three compartments or storage areas. A
different number or
configuration of dividers may be provided in other embodiments. The hub 260
also defines a
through hole 266 just above the rim 250.
[0068] As shown in FIGs. 2 and 4, the cover 210 has a central passage 214
having a diameter
corresponding to the outer diameter of the hub 260. In some embodiments, the
diameter of the
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central passage 214 is slightly larger than the outer diameter of the hub 260,
for example, a few
hundredths or thousandths of an inch larger. The tool tray 200 also includes a
lock pin for
releasably securing the cover 210, for example, during transportation when the
bicycle stand is
not in use. In the shown embodiment, the lock pin 212 is generally L-shaped
having a shaft 216
and a handle 218 at one end. The lock pin 212 is attached to the cover 212 by
a cable (or wire)
220 in the shown embodiment for safekeeping. The cable 220 connects to the
handle 218 of the
lock pin 212 and an attachment point 224 on the cover 210 via suitable
connection means. When
the cover 210 is installed on the tool tray 200, it can be releasably secured
by inserting the lock
pin 212 through the through hole 266 in the hub 260.
[0069] The tool tray 200 may be easily installed (e.g., mounted) on the
bicycle stand 100
when the bicycle stand 100 is to be used, and easily removed when the bicycle
stand 100 is not to
be used, allowing the bicycle stand 100 to be very transportable. The tool
tray 200 may be pre-
loaded with a selection of tools (not shown) that may be required during
bicycle assembly. The
tools may be secured within the tool tray 200 by the cover 210 when the tool
tray 200 is in the
closed position, for example, for easy transportation or storage. The tools
may be located in
designated compartment of the tool tray 200 based on tool type, bicycle type,
an associated color
(described below), or assembly stage (i.e., step or set of two or more steps).
The tools in the tool
tray 200 may be color coded for faster selection to speed up the bicycle
assembly process. The
tools may be color coded via the respective handle grip. For example, the
entire handle grip may
be color coded or a portion of the handle grip may be color coded, for
example, a colored stripe
may be presented in the form of colored tape, paint, or the like. In one
embodiment, wrench and
socket are colored as follows: black for 8 mm (used for gear adjustments);
white for 9 mm (used
for gear adjustments); blue for 10 mm (used for brake adjustments); red for 13
mm (used for
handle bars and seat to frame bolts); yellow for 14 mm (used for seat
adjustments and sometimes
handlebars); green for 15 mm (used for installing wheel nuts and sometimes
handlebars); black
for 17 mm (used for wheel nuts on bicycle motocross (BMX) bicycles). In one
embodiment,
Allen key and socket Allen keys are colored as follows: blue for 4 mm (used
for brake
adjustments); red for 5 mm (used for brake levers and pad adjustments); green
for 6 mm (used
for handle bars and seats when needed); and black for 8 mm (used for kick
stand adjustments).
[0070] FIG. 5 shows the bicycle stand 100 with the tool tray 200 mounted
thereon. This
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represents the normal operating configuration of the bicycle stand 100. FIG. 6
shows the bicycle
stand 100 with the tool tray 200 mounted thereon and a bicycle frame received
thereon. As
shown in FIG. 6, the bicycle stand 100 holds a bicycle in an upside-down or
inverted position.
When the tool tray 200 is mounted to the bicycle stand 100, the tool tray 200
is located at a
convenient height for an assembler and is readily accessible by the assembler
for assembly,
repair or maintenance of the bicycle. By adjusting the height of the post 101,
the height of the
tool tray 200 can be adjusted as well as the height of the bicycle. This
allows the configuration of
the bicycle stand 100 to be adjusted in accordance with the assembler. For
example, when a
human assembler is using the bicycle stand 100, the configuration of the
bicycle stand 100 can
be adjusted in accordance with the height of the individual, health and
ergonomic preferences of
the user, and the general comfort and working preferences of the individual.
For example, when
a robotic assembler is using the bicycle stand 100, the configuration of the
bicycle stand 100 can
be adjusted in accordance with the size, configuration and capabilities of the
unit.
[0071] When
the stand is not in use or when relocation of the bicycle stand 100 is
described,
the tool tray 200 can be removed and the bicycle stand 100 may be collapsed.
To collapse the
bicycle stand 100, the lock mechanism 114 for releasably securing the position
of the inner post
104 is unsecured (e.g., untightened) and the inner post 104 is lowered to its
lowest position to
shorten the post 101. The lock mechanism 114 is then re-secured (e.g.,
tightened) to releasably
secure the outer tube 102 to the inner post 104 and hold the post 101 in its
shortest (smallest
position) so that at least some (or in some embodiments more) of the inner
post 104 of the post
101 pushed into the outer tube 10,2 and protrudes out of the outer tube 102.
Next, the lock
mechanism 122 (e.g., tensioner) for releasably securing the position of the
legs 120 is set to "off'
position so that the legs 120 may move freely. Next, the legs 120 are
collapsed by the assembler.
The legs 120 are pivoted from the expanded state in which the legs 120 are
generally transverse
to the post 101 to the collapsed state in which the legs 120 are substantially
parallel to the post
101. In some examples, substantially parallel is less than 5 degrees from the
reference position.
Next, the lock mechanism 122 (e.g., tensioner) is set to the "on" position to
restrict the
movement of the legs 120. Alternatively, in other embodiments the legs 102 may
be collapsed
before the post 101 is shortened. The collapsed bicycle stand can be stored in
a bag, case or
similar carrying means if desired The collapsed bicycle stand is compactly
folded for easier
transportation or storage in narrow spaces.
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[0072] Variations of the bicycle stand 100 described above are possible
without departing
from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the length of the legs
120, post 101 and
the position of the seat 108 on the post 101 may vary between embodiments so
long as when the
bicycle stand 100 is assembled and in its operating stage, the seat 108 is
positioned between 30
inches and 60 inches above the ground surface. For another example, each leg
120 could be Y-
shaped, or three or more legs may be provided instead of a pair of legs 120,
thereby eliminating
the base bars 126.
[0073] FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate bicycle stands in accordance with further
embodiments of
the present disclosure. FIGs. 9A and 9B illustrate bicycle stands in which the
connecting member
130 and legs 120 of the embodiment of FIG. 1 are replaced with a tripod
assembly comprising
three adjustable legs 160 (e.g., telescoping legs). Each adjustable leg 160
has a plurality of shaft
segments. Each of the plurality of shaft segments has a top and a bottom and
each of the plurality
of shaft segments, except for an end shaft segment, is capable of fitting
inside an immediately
adjacent shaft segment. Each adjustable leg 160 may be telescopically extended
to adjust the
length of the respective leg 160 from a retracted position to one of a
plurality of extended
positions, each extended position being defined by the position of the shaft
segments of the
respective leg 160. A lock mechanism for each of the shaft segments releasably
secures the shaft
segments in a given position relative to the immediately adjacent shaft
segment into which it is
capable of fitting.
[0074] The bicycle stand of FIG. 9A uses a fixed post to support the
bicycle rather than a
telescoping post. The post comprises two portions: a first, upper portion and
a second, lower
portion. The first portion is a cylindrical receiving portion 106 and a
second, larger diameter
cylindrical receiving portion 150 located below the cylindrical receiving
portion 106. A seat 152
is provided by a flange (or collar) extending radially outward from the post.
A top surface of the
flange forms an annulus or ring which provides the seat 152 upon which the
seat tube of the
bicycle frame is supported. In some examples, the annulus has an outer
diameter of between 1.5
and 1.75 inches and an inner diameter of between 0.5 and 0.75 inches. In some
embodiments, the
outer diameter is 1.75 and the inner diameter is 0.75 inches. The bicycle
stand of FIG. 9B uses a
telescoping post similar to that used in FIG. 1.
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[0075] FIG. 10 illustrates a bicycle stand 270 in accordance with a further
embodiment of the
present disclosure. The bicycle stand 270 has a post 272 of fixed height that
is received within a
central passage 274 of a base 276. The post 272 may be removeably secured with
the base 276 or
fixed. The base 276 may be cylindrical. The base 276 is typically weighted so
that the bicycle
stand 270 is stable and can support the entire weight of a bicycle. The base
276 may define a
reservoir or cavity for holding a liquid, sand or weighting material. When the
base 276 includes a
reservoir for a weighting material, a removable cap or lid may be provided to
enclose the
weighting material within the reservoir.
[0076] An adjustable clamp (or collar) 282 is releasably secured about the
post 272. A top
surface of the clamp 282 forms an annulus or ring which provides a seat 278
upon which the seat
tube of the bicycle frame is supported. Other configurations are possible. For
example, in other
embodiments, the inner post from one of the embodiments of FIG. 8A, 8B or 8C
may be used
instead of the post 272 and clamp 282. By adjusting the height of the clamp
282, the height of
the bicycle can be adjusted.
[0077] A tool tray 290 is removeably secured to the post. The tool tray 290
comprises a base
292 with a rim (or lip) extending around the periphery thereof. The tool tray
200 may be circular,
rectangular, square or otherwise suitable shape. A tubular hub 296 is located
at the centre of the
tool tray 290. The tubular hub 296 defines a central passage through which the
post 272 is
received. The height of the tool tray 290 and its position on the post 272 can
be adjusted by
moving the tool tray 290 up and down the post 272 and engaging a lock
mechanism 298 for
releasably securing the tool tray 290 to the post 272. In the shown
embodiment, the lock
mechanism 298 is a set screw (e.g., thumb screw) which can be tightened to
releasably secure the
tool tray 290 to the post 272. This allows the height of the tool tray 290 to
be adjusted. In other
embodiments, the lock mechanism 298 may be a lock clamp or other suitable
mechanism. For
example, an adjustable clamp (or collar) may be releasably secured about the
post 272 below the
base 292 instead of the lock mechanism 298. In alternatives, a top surface of
the tubular hub 296
forms an annulus or ring which provides the seat 278 upon which the seat tube
of the bicycle
frame is supported and the adjustable clamp 282 may be omitted.
[0078] A method 300 of assembling a bicycle using the bicycle stand in
accordance with one
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embodiment of the present disclosure will now be described. The method may be
performed by
completely or at least partially with a robot (not shown) having at least one,
preferably two or
more, articulating arms, such as those provided by FANUC Corporation of Japan.
For
convenience, the method will be described as being performed by an assembler.
The term
assembler is not intended to be restrictive to the use of robots or in any
other way. For example,
the method 300 is intended to be covered by human assembly and human-assisted
robotic
assembly as well as robotic assembly. The bicycle is provided from a
manufacturer in a partially
assembly state, which may vary between manufacturers and/or between bicycle
models of a
given manufacturer. In a first step 302, a bicycle stand such as the bicycle
stand 100 is provided.
[0079] Next, in step 304 the bicycle frame of the bicycle is positioned in
an upside-down or
inverted position and the seat tube of the bicycle frame is positioned on the
cylindrical receiving
portion 106 (e.g., dowel post) of the bicycle stand 100 via the seat tube
opening. The cylindrical
receiving portion 106 of the bicycle stand 100 is received in the seat tube of
the bicycle frame,
whereby the bicycle is securely supported by the bicycle stand 100. While
supported by the
bicycle stand 100, the bicycle may be freely rotated about a central axis of
the post 101 at any
time, thereby allowing the assembler to access the other side of the bicycle
when necessary or
desirable while the assembler remains stationary. This obviates the need for
the assembler to
move, thereby facilitating simpler, more efficient and faster assembly.
[0080] Next, in step 306 the front wheel of the bicycle is positioned on
the front forks of the
bicycle frame, typically via a front dropout, and the front wheel is
releasably secured to the front
forks via a fastener (e.g., screw, bolt or the like) by tightening the
fastener to the manufacturer's
torque specification. The front brake may require loosening during this
process to allow for
clearance of the front wheel during installation. If the front forks are not
already attached, the
front forks must be installed prior to this step.
[0081] Next, in step 308 the handle bars are installed on the bicycle frame
in a temporary
position so other adjustments required for the bicycle to function properly
can be completed.
[0082] Next, in step 310 the pedals are installed on the crank of the
bicycle using a pedal
wrench, and the pedals are secured to the crank via fasteners (e.g., screws,
bolts or the like) by
tightening the fasteners to the manufacturer's torque specifications.
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[0083] Next, in step 312 the front wheel is spun and inspected for any
misalignments,
imperfections, and the front wheel is aligned using visual references when
needed to be trued
from imperfections. In some embodiments, the alignment may be assisted by
means of an optical
inspection system comprising a sensor, such as camera, and optionally optical
reference markers
located on the bicycle with the optical sensor being connected or a part of a
computer of optical
inspection system. The computer may be a general purpose computer programmed
to perform a
specific set of instructions. The computer may be trained using machine
learning or artificial
intelligence using techniques known in the art. The computer may in turn be
connected to a
robotic assembler. The computer captures images of the bicycle, which may have
optical
reference markers located on the bicycle. The computer compares the captured
images to a
reference image to determine whether the front wheel is aligned. When optical
reference markers
are located on the bicycle, the location of the optical reference markers will
be determined and
used in determining whether the front wheel is aligned, thereby increasing the
accuracy.
[0084] When the front wheel is not aligned, an indication may be displayed
on a display
screen of the computer. When the computer is connected to a robotic assembler,
the computer
may generate and send instructions to the robotic assembler to align the front
wheel, the robotic
assembler then aligning the front wheel in accordance with the received
instructions. When the
computer is not connected to a robotic assembler, the computer generates and
displays
instructions on a display screen of the computer for use by a human assembler.
The process may
be repeated until it is determined that the front wheel is aligned. When the
front wheel is not
aligned, an indication may be displayed on the display screen of the computer.
[0085] Next, in step 314 the front brakes are aligned to ideal position,
ensuring safety and
reliability as well as maintaining proper clearance for the front wheel to
spin freely. When the
front brake is a disc brake rather than a pad brake, the front disc brake is
aligned using visual
references when needed to be trued from imperfections. Alignment of the front
brakes may be
performed by an optical inspection system in a manner analogous to that
described above in
connection with the front wheel. If the front brakes are not already
installed, the front brakes
must be installed prior to this step.
[0086] Next, in step 316 the rear wheel of the bicycle is positioned on the
rear of the bicycle
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frame, typically via a rear dropout, and the rear wheel is releasably secured
to the frame via a
fastener (e.g., screw, bolt or the like) by tightening the fastener to the
manufacturer's torque
specification. The rear brake may require loosening during this process to
allow for clearance of
the rear wheel during installation. Alternatively, if the rear wheel was pre-
installed, this step may
be omitted.
[0087] Next, in step 318 the rear wheel is spun and inspected for any
misalignments,
imperfections, and the rear wheel is aligned using visual references when
needed to be trued
from imperfections. Alignment of the rear wheel may be performed by an optical
inspection
system in a manner analogous to that described above in connection with the
front wheel.
[0088] Next, in step 320 the rear brakes are aligned to ideal position,
ensuring safety and
reliability as well as maintaining proper clearance for the rear wheel to spin
freely. When the rear
brake is a disc brake rather than a pad brake, the rear disc brake is aligned
using visual references
when needed to be trued from imperfections. Alignment of the rear brakes may
be performed by
an optical inspection system in a manner analogous to that described above in
connection with
the front wheel. If the rear brakes are not already attached, the rear brakes
must be installed prior
to this step
[0089] Next, in step 322 the crank is spun and the rear derailleur is set
to specifications while
the chain is in motion. To make adjustments to the rear derailleur, set screws
and a tensioning
screw at the rear of the bicycle are adjusted to ensure all gears are working
correctly. Gear
operation is checked by changing gears (by adjusting the position of the
corresponding gear
changer on the handlebar). The rear derailleur is adjusted until all gears are
operating correctly,
operating parameters are within operating tolerances, such as those specified
by the
manufacturer. Alignment of the rear derailleur may be performed by an optical
inspection system
in a manner analogous to that described above in connection with the front
wheel. Gears are
optionally positioned at their bottom position to preserve the cables by
elevating the cables and
thereby limiting contact with the ground surface.
[0090] Next, in step 326 the crank is spun and the front derailleur is set
to specifications
while the chain is in motion. To make adjustments to the front derailleur, the
front gear cable is
adjusted by resetting the cable position. Gear operation is checked by
changing gears (by
CA 2999586 2018-03-28
adjusting the position of the corresponding gear changer on the handlebar).
The front derailleur
is adjusted until all gears are operating correctly, operating parameters are
within operating
tolerances, such as those specified by the manufacturer. Alignment of the
front derailleur may be
performed by an optical inspection system in a manner analogous to that
described above in
connection with the front wheel. Gears are optionally positioned at their
bottom position to
preserve the cables by elevating the cables and thereby limiting contact with
the ground surface.
[0091] Next, in step 328 inflate the tires to the proper specifications and
check again to see
that they are both moving freely and check for imperfections.
[0092] Next, in step 330 the partially assembled bicycle is lifted and
removed from the
bicycle stand 100 and positioned in an upright position on the ground.
[0093] Next, in step 332 the handlebars are aligned with the bicycle frame
and tightened to
manufacturer's specifications. This includes proper alignment of the
handlebars to the front
wheel. Alignment of the handlebars may be performed by an optical inspection
system in a
manner analogous to that described above in connection with the front wheel.
[0094] Next, in step 334 the brake levers and gear selectors are positioned
in an operable or
comfortable position, and tightened.
[0095] Next, in step 336 the seat assembly is installed by inserting the
seat post into the
opening of the seat tube, aligned the seat with the bicycle frame and
tightening a clamp or bolt of
the bicycle frame to manufacturer's specifications to releasably secure the
seat post of the seat
assembly to the bicycle frame, typically with the seat post in the lowest
position atop the seat
tube. Alignment of the seat assembly may be performed by an optical inspection
system in a
manner analogous to that described above in connection with the front wheel.
[0096] Lastly, in step 338 any reflectors and accessories, such as a
kickstand, bell or horn,
headlight, taillight, basket, etc. are installed on the bicycle.
[0097] The steps and/or operations in the flowchart and method described
herein are for
purposes of example only. There may be many variations to these steps and/or
operations
without departing from the teachings of the present disclosure. For instance,
some of the steps
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may be performed in a differing order, or steps may be added, deleted, or
modified.
[0098] The present disclosure may be embodied in other specific forms
without departing
from the subject matter of the claims. The described example embodiments are
to be considered
in all respects as being only illustrative and not restrictive. The present
disclosure intends to
cover and embrace all suitable changes in technology. The scope of the present
disclosure is,
therefore, described by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing
description. The scope
of the claims should not be limited by the preferred embodiments set forth in
the examples, but
should be given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as
a whole.
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