Abstract:
An adapter includes a first arm and a second arm that is pivotably connected to the first arm. A first portion of the first and second arms cooperate to form a contour which generally matches a contour of a portion of a bicycle frame. A second portion of the first and second arms are constructed to engage one another such that, during a clamping process, the adapter engages the bicycle frame with a desired gripping pressure. Preferably, the gripping pressure is less than a pressure that would crush or otherwise deform the frame of the bicycle.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to bicycles and, more particularly, to an adapter constructed to be operatively disposed between a repair clamp and a bicycle. 
     The primary structural component of a conventional two-wheel bicycle is the frame. On a conventional road bicycle, the frame is typically constructed from a set of tubular members assembled together to form the frame. For many bicycles, the frame is constructed from members commonly referred to as the top tube, down tube, seat tube, seat stays and chain stays, and those members are joined together at intersections commonly referred to as the head tube, seat post, bottom bracket and rear dropout. The top tube usually extends from the head tube rearward to the seat tube. The head tube, sometimes referred to as the neck, is a short tubular structural member at the upper forward portion of the bicycle which supports the handlebar and front steering fork, which has the front wheel on it. The down tube usually extends downwardly and rearward from the head tube to the bottom bracket, the bottom bracket usually comprising a cylindrical member for supporting the pedals and chain drive mechanism which powers the bicycle. The seat tube usually extends from the bottom bracket upwardly to where it is joined to the rear end of the top tube. The seat tube also usually functions to telescopically receive a seat post for supporting a seat or saddle for the bicycle rider to sit on. 
     The handlebars, accessories, front and rear wheel assemblies, and drive assembly of the bicycle are attached to the respective portions of the frame. Occasionally, these systems require periodic maintenance or repair. Frequently, it is desired to suspend the bicycle from the frame to manipulate any of the various components that are commonly supported by the frame. Often, a technician or user uses a clamp or repair clamp that is constructed to engage the frame of the bicycle and suspend the bicycle above the ground. The repair clamps come in a variety of configurations. Some include a movable jaw that compresses an area of the frame of the bicycle between the moveable jaw and a fixed jaw. Others provide an expandable jaw that is constructed to be received within a cavity of the frame, such as the seat tube, and expanded therein. Each of these clamp types are not without their respective drawbacks. 
     The expandable type of clamp requires the removal of a structure of the bicycle to expose the frame cavity. That is, for the clamp to engage the seat tube, the seat post must be removed from the seat tube. Such requirements increase the service time associated with using such types of clamps. The moveable jaw types of clamps also present several drawbacks to their utilization. It is commonly desired to engage the clamp proximate a gravitational axis of the bicycle to prevent tipping of the clamp supporting structure and to evenly distribute the weight of the bicycle across the structure of the clamp. A user must commonly elevate a bicycle to engage it with the clamp. Mounting the bicycle in a balanced orientation in the clamp requires the user to offset their gripping of the frame such that their hands do not interfere with the engagement of the clamp with the frame. Additionally, once positioned loosely in the clamp, the user must maintain the position of the bicycle with one hand while manipulating the clamping operation of the clamp with the other hand. Such activity can be trying and the user is generally wary that inadvertent translation of the bicycle relative to the clamp jaws can mare or otherwise blemish the finish of the frame of the bicycle 
     Another consideration of such clamp systems is the structure of the bicycle frame. Commonly, such clamps are provided with generally planar or only slightly curved jaw faces. Although such clamps are adequate to provide sufficient clamping forces for generally round frame structures, the advent of non-round bicycle frame structures has presented several additional shortcomings of these clamping devices. 
     Many bicycle manufactures provide frame or bicycle elements formed from carbon fiber materials. The carbon fiber materials are used to provide lightweight durable frame structures. In addition to the strength of the material, many prefer carbon fiber materials for the ability to easily form elements having a non-circular cross-section. To increase the aerodynamic performance of the bicycle, bicycles have been provided with frame, seat tube, and seat post assemblies formed of carbon fiber material in an aerodynamic shape. These shapes generally include a teardrop, airfoil, or other non-circular sections. Although such structures enhance the aerodynamic function of the bicycle, they also complicate usage of the clamping devices. 
     Due in part to the non-corresponding contours of the frame sections and the clamp jaws; such frame elements are susceptible to damage due to over clamping. That is, as a user increases the clamping pressure in an effort to secure the frame element in the clamp, the un-matching contours of the clamp and the frame concentrate the clamping forces in the areas of contact between the clamp and the frame. Such over clamping can readily be seen as a deformation or other marring in metal material frame elements and can even result in total failure of carbon fiber frame elements. Accordingly, it is desired to provide an adapter that has a contour that generally matches the contour of a frame element. It is also desired to provide an adapter that limits the clamping force that can be imparted to a portion of a bicycle frame. 
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides an adapter assembly that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. An adapter according to a number of aspects of the invention includes a first arm and a second arm that is pivotably connected to the first arm. A first portion of the first and second arms cooperate to form a contour which generally matches a contour of a portion of a bicycle frame. A second portion of the first and second arms are constructed to engage one another such that, during a clamping process, the adapter engages the bicycle frame with a desired gripping pressure. Preferably, the gripping pressure is less than a pressure that would crush or otherwise deform the frame of the bicycle. 
     One aspect of the invention discloses a bicycle clamp adapter that includes a first arm and a second arm pivotably connected to the first arm. Each first arm and second arm has a frame section and a clamp section. The frame sections are constructed to cooperate to grip a frame portion of a bicycle and the clamp sections are constructed to engage a clamp and define a maximum grip pressure of the frame sections. Such a construction prevents unintentionally over clamping of the frame portion. 
     A bicycle support device according to another aspect of the invention is disclosed that includes a first portion that is constructed to engage a seat post of a bicycle and a second portion that is constructed to engage a bicycle clamp. The first portion and the second portion are connected such that when the first portion is engaged with the seat post, the second portion extends in a crossing direction from an axis of the seat post. Such a construction allows a user to conveniently manipulate the position of the bicycle with the support device. 
     A further aspect of the invention is disclosed as a method of forming a bicycle repair stand adapter. The method includes forming a first section and a second section. The first section is formed with a contour that generally matches a contour of a portion of a bicycle frame and the second section is formed to extend from the first section and constructed to be engaged by a repair clamp. A pivotable link is formed such that the first and second sections can be opened to allow the bicycle frame to pass therebetween and closed to generally surround the bicycle frame. 
     These and various other features and advantages of the present invention will be made apparent from the following detailed description and the drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The drawings illustrate one preferred embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. 
       In the drawings: 
         FIG. 1  is an elevational view of a bicycle equipped with a clamp adapter according to the present invention and elevated by a repair stand. 
         FIG. 2  is a elevation view of the clamp adapter shown in  FIG. 1  supporting the bicycle in the clamp. 
         FIG. 3  is a top plan view of the clamp adapter shown in  FIG. 1  supporting a bicycle in another type of clamp. 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the clamp adapter shown in  FIG. 1  with the adapter oriented in a closed position about a seat stem of the bicycle. 
         FIG. 5  is a view of the adapter similar to  FIG. 4  with the clamp adapter oriented in an open position. 
         FIG. 6  is a partial exploded view of the bicycle clamp adapter shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       FIG. 1  shows a bicycle  10  engaged with a clamp adapter or adapter  12  according to the present invention. Bicycle  10  includes a seat  14  and handlebars  16  that are attached to a frame assembly  18 . A seat post or seat stem  20  is connected to seat  14  and slidably engages a seat tube  22  of frame assembly  18 . A top tube  24  and a down tube  26  extend forwardly from seat tube  22  to a head tube  28  of frame assembly  18 . Handlebars  16  are connected to a stem  30  that passes through head tube  28  and engages a fork crown  32 . A pair of forks  34  extend from generally opposite ends of fork crown  32  and are constructed to support a front wheel assembly  36  at an end of each fork or a fork tip  38 . Fork tips  38  engage generally opposite sides of an axle  40  that is constructed to engage a hub  42  of front wheel assembly  36 . A number of spokes  44  extend from hub  42  to a rim  46  of front wheel assembly  36 . A tire  48  is engaged with rim  46  such that rotation of tire  48 , relative to forks  34 , rotates rim  46  and hub  42 . 
     A rear wheel assembly  58  is rotationally attached to bicycle  10  and supported by a chain stay  64  and a seat stay  62  that extend generally rearward from seat tube  22 . Rear wheel assembly  58  includes a tire  64  that is positioned about a rim  66 . Rim  66  includes a number of spokes  68  that extend from a hub  70 . A rear axle  72  engages hub  70  and rotationally attaches hub  70  to frame assembly  18 . 
     A gear cluster  74  is positioned proximate hub  70  and is operationally connected to a crankset  76 . Crankset  76  includes a set of pedals  78  that is operationally connected to a chain  80  via a chain ring or sprocket  82 . Operation of pedals  78  rotates chain  80  and communicates a drive force to gear cluster  74 . Gear cluster  74  is generally concentrically orientated with respect to rear axle  72  and includes a number of variable diameter gears. Gear cluster  74  is operationally connected to hub  70  of rear wheel assembly  58 . As is commonly understood, rider operation of pedals  78  drives chain  80  thereby driving rear wheel  58  which in turn propels bicycle  10 . 
     Understandably, front wheel assembly  36  and rear wheel assembly  58  could be equipped with any of a number of brake system configurations and related components. That is it is understood that one or both of the front and rear wheel assemblies of bicycle  10  be equipped any of a number of brake systems including caliper brake systems which engage the tire rims of rotor brake systems which include a rotor positioned proximate the hub for engaging a hydraulic or other powered caliper. It is further envisioned that bicycle  10  may include any of a number of accessories or accessory mounting systems attached to frame assembly  18 . Bicycle  10  could also be equipped with a number of suspension elements or shock absorbers. These shock arresting systems could be integrated into any of frame assembly  18 , forks  34 , head tube  28 , seat and chain stays  62 ,  64 , or the like. 
     Regardless of the amenities and features of bicycle  10 , periodic service and or maintenance of bicycle  10  is inevitable. Servicing of bicycle  10  is more convenient when a technician can manipulate the various parts and assemblies of bicycle  10  without interference from a bicycle supporting surface such as the ground  84 . Accordingly, many technicians and riders employ a repair stand  86  that is constructed to secure bicycle  10  and elevate the bicycle  10  above the ground  84 . 
     Repair stand  86  includes a body  88  having a number of legs  90 ,  92 ,  94  pivotably attached thereto. Body  88  preferably includes a telescopic portion  96  having a clamp head  98  positioned that an end  100  thereof. Clamp head  98  includes a first jaw  102  and a second jaw  104  that are secured to end  100  of body  88  such that the first jaw  102  and second jaw  104  can be cooperatively closed about an object. Preferably clamp head  98  is constructed as a clamp-type of clamp wherein manipulation of a lever or handle displaces one or both of first and second jaws  102 ,  104  to enclose about an object. Understandably, as shown in  FIG. 3 , the present invention is usable with a variety of clamp types. 
     Clamp head  98  is constructed to engage adapter  12  such that the adapter extends generally forward or rearward of seat stem  20 . Such a construction ensures that a user can both maintain the desired positioning of adapter  12  relative to stem  20  and manipulate the operator associated with the respective clamping device. Such an orientation also ensures that the gravitational loading of bicycle  10  upon repair stand  86  maintains a center of gravity of the combined repair stand  86  and bicycle  10  at least between the outermost points of leg  90 ,  92 ,  94 . Preferably, the center of gravity of the loaded repair stand is generally aligned with an axis of body  88 . Such a construction and orientation ensures that adapter  12  and bicycle  10  can be efficiently positioned in a variety of clamp configurations while reducing the potential that the loaded repair stand will tip over upon loading or servicing of bicycle  10 . 
     A shown in  FIG. 2 , first jaw  102  and second jaw  104  of clamp head  98  operatively engage adapter  12  such that jaws  102 ,  104  do not directly engage bicycle  10 . Adapter  12  includes a first portion or stem portion  106  that is constructed to operationally engage seat stem  20  and a second portion or clamp portion  108  that extends from the stem portion. An optional bushing  110  is disposed between stem portion  106  of adapter  12  and seat stem  20 . Preferably, optional bushing  110  is constructed of a rubber or foam-like material with a relatively high coefficient of friction such that adapter  12  fixes the position of stem  20  with respect to repair stand  86  without marring or otherwise damaging the finish of stem  20 . Alternatively, an interior surface of stem portion  106  could be constructed or coated with a material having such properties. 
     Clamp portion  108  of adapter  12  extends from stem portion  106  and is operatively engaged by clamp head  98 . Clamp portion  108  includes a contour  112  that is constructed to generally cooperate with a contour  114  associated with an interior surface  116  of jaws  102 ,  104 . Preferably, contour  112  of adapter  12  is configured to operatively interact with a variety of clamp head constructions. As shown in  FIG. 3 , adapter  12  is constructed to also operatively interact with a screw-type of repair stand clamp  118 . Clamp  118  includes a knob  120  that is operationally connected to one or both of a first jaw  122  and a second jaw  124  to vary the distance between the jaws  122 ,  124 . Continued manipulation of knob  120  gradually increases or decreases a clamping force or pressure, indicated by arrow  126 , associated with jaws  122 ,  124 . As described further below, adapter  12  is constructed to provide a selected clamping pressure to seat stem  20  independent of the continued tightening of either of clamp head  98  or clamp  118 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , adapter  12  includes a first arm  128  and a second arm  130  that are connected to be pivotable about a pivot axis or pivot pin  132 . Each of first and second arms  128 ,  130  include a frame section  133  and a clamp section  135 . Pivot axis  132  is positioned proximate stem portion  136  of adapter  12 . Stem  20 , shown in phantom, passes through an opening  138  formed in stem portion  136 . Opening  138  has a contour  140  constructed to generally match a contour  142  of stem  20 . Optional bushing  110  has a shape or deformable shape that generally corresponds to contour  140  and is constructed to be disposed between stem  20  and an interior surface  144  of stem portion  136 . Although stem contour  142  and adapter contour  140  are shown as having a generally aerodynamic, teardrop, or airfoil shape, other shapes such as round, elliptical, or airfoil shapes more pronounces than that shown, are envisioned and within the scope of the claims. That is, it is envisioned that contour  140  of adapter  12  be provided in a number of configurations to operationally engage various frame section or seat stem profiles or cross-sections. It is further envisioned that contour  140  be configured to engage a section of a seat stem as shown or any other desired structure of bicycle  10 . 
     Each clamp section  135  of first arm  128  and second arm  130  includes an interface edge  146 ,  148 , respectively. The interface edge  146  of first arm  128  is constructed to operationally engage the interface edge  148  of second arm  130  such that clamp sections  135  define a maximum clamping pressure  126  independent of continued operation of knob  120 . Furthermore, adapter  12  is operable with clamps which generate clamping pressure in the direction indicated by arrow  126  and clamps which generate a clamping pressure in other directions, such as a direction generally normal thereto, as shown by the clamping pressure indicated by arrow  150  as shown in  FIG. 2 . Such a construction allows adapter  12  to operably interact with a variety of repair stand configurations. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 , adapter  12  is capable of a closed orientation  151 , as shown in  FIG. 4 , and an open orientation  152 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , when adapter  12  is closed  151 , interface edge  146  of clamp section  135  of first arm  128  and second arm  130  are generally aligned and in abutting engagement to define a maximum closed position of frame sections  133  of first arm  128  and second arm  130 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , adapter  12  can be opened  152  by pivoting first arm  128  and/or second arm  130  about pivot axis  132  such that an opening or gap  154  is formed between interface edge  146  of first arm  128  and interface edge  148  of second arm  130 . Gap  154  allows adapter  12  to translate in a direction, indicated by arrow  156 , relative to stem  20 . Such a configuration allows adapter  12  to be quickly and efficiently engaged and disengaged from stem  20  or other desired structure of bicycle  10 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 6 , a number of hinge barrels  158 ,  160  extend from each frame section  133  of first and second arms  128 ,  130 , respectively. Hinge barrels  158  of first arm  128  are constructed to generally align with hinge barrels  160  of second arm  130 . Pivot pin  132  is constructed to operatively engage hinge barrels  158 ,  160  thereby pivotably connecting first arm  128  and second arm  130 . Each of hinge barrels  158 ,  160  include exposed faces  162  which cooperatively engaged exposed faces  162  of adjacent hinge barrels  158 ,  160 . Each of exposed faces  162  has a generally planar surface such that the interaction between adjacent exposed faces  162  provides generally coplanar movement of first arm  128  relative to second arm  130 . Such a construction ensures that interface edge  146  of first arm  128  and interface edge  148  of second arm  130  are generally aligned when adapter  12  is closed  151 . Such a construction further ensures that adapter  12  determines the maximum clamping pressure that can be imparted to stem  20  regardless of continued tightening of the associated repair stand clamp and independent of the orientation of the jaws of the repair stand clamp to the arms  128 ,  130  of adapter  12 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , optional bushing  110  includes a first portion  166  and a second portion  168 . First portion  166  is constructed snuggly engage frame section  133  of first arm  128  and second portion  168  is constructed to snugly engage frame section  133  of second arm  130 . Such a construction allows adapter  12 , with bushing  110  positioned therein, to be removably positioned and engaged with bicycle  10 . Such a construction provides a clamp adapter that can be quickly and efficiently implemented, does not jeopardize the finish, quality, or structure integrity of the bicycle component being clamped, and maintains the gravitational orientation of the bicycle with respect to a repair stand. 
     Therefore, a bicycle clamp adapter according to one embodiment of the invention includes a first arm and a second arm. The second arm is pivotably connected to the first arm and each first arm and second arm has a frame section and a clamp section. The frame sections are constructed to cooperate to grip a frame portion of a bicycle and the clamp sections are constructed to engage a clamp. The clamp sections are also constructed to define a maximum grip pressure of the frame sections. 
     A bicycle support device according to another embodiment includes a first portion that is constructed to engage a seat post of a bicycle and a second portion that is constructed to engage a bicycle clamp. The first portion and the second portion are connected such that when the first portion is engaged with the seat post, the second portion extends in a crossing direction from an axis of the seat post. Such a construction allows a user to conveniently manipulate the position of the bicycle with the support device. 
     A method of forming a bicycle repair stand adapter according to another embodiment includes forming an adapter with a number of sections. The adapter includes a first section that is formed with a contour that generally matches a contour of a portion of a bicycle frame and a second section that is formed to extend from the first section and constructed to be engaged by a repair clamp. A pivotable link is formed such that the first and second sections can be opened to allow the bicycle frame to pass therebetween and closed to generally surround the bicycle frame. 
     The present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.