Element B: DOCUMENTATION AND ANALYSIS OF PRIOR SOLUTION ATTEMPTS

Presented below is the review of existing patents and products attempting to solve this problem or a similar problem. By using Google Patents and Amazon, several solutions were found. Each solution had pros and cons, which is further discussed in the summary.

Patent Name: Telescopic Bicycle Kickstand Structure

Patent Number: EP2353978B1

Date of Patent: Jan. 27, 2011

Patent Abstract: (No Abstract)

Pros:

• Telescopic- can be reduced in size while riding

• Large end piece- won't slip into the ground

• Retractable- won't drag while riding the bike

Cons:

• Holes may need to be drilled in bike for product to work

• Can reduce the integrity of the bike frame

• Adds weight to the bike

Patent Name: Portable Auxiliary Jack Stand for Two-Wheeled Vehicles

Patent Number: US8424895B1

Date of Patent: May 25, 2010

Patent Abstract: A portable auxiliary jack stand for a two-wheeled vehicle which provides the vehicle with additional stability when parked is disclosed. The stand comprises a ratchet or detent mechanism which provides a means for adjusting and locking its length. An upper end accommodates various interchangeable adapters intended to engage the frame, foot peg or other structural member of the vehicle. A lower end accommodates various interchangeable feet designed to provide the necessary friction against the prevailing texture of the ground surface. The stand can be applied to either side of the vehicle and is designed to allow the user to select the configuration which is best suited to the conditions of the parking space ground.

Pros:

• Can be used on both sides of the bike

• Adjustable for various heights

• Large foot prevents slipping on pavement

Cons:

• Very bulky

• Does not complement the sleek aesthetic of a motorcycle

• Ratchet mechanism not variable to fit all bikes

Patent Name: Motorcycle Parking Stand

Patent Number: US6640979B1

Date of Patent: Apr. 4, 2004

Patent Abstract: A motorcycle parking stand is disclosed that utilizes three shoes oriented to engage a motorcycle wheel at different points around the circumference of the wheel thus maximizing the stabilizing effect of the structure. The shoes are generally wedge shaped or of a shape that resembles the profile of the tire so as to come in contact with the outer edge of the treaded surface of the tire. The first two shoes are pivotally mounted to the stand structure and are fixed in relation to each other. A third shoe is affixed to the forward part of the stand structure to arrest the forward motion of the wheel and to provide support. Engagement occurs by pushing the motorcycle wheel into contact with the pivoting shoes which causes forward rotation of said shoes until the axle of the wheel is forward of the pivot point of the shoes thus enabling gravity to hold the wheel in contact with the front shoe. A variation of this stand is disclosed where each of the first two pivotally mounted shoes are in halves with both right and left half respectively fixed to a common pivot point oriented at some angle from the perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stand structure. The shoes are interconnected so as to provide concomitant rotation of the right and left sides. Rotation of the shoes results in a clamping effect on the wheel and increased stability.

Pros:

• Base provides support for front and back ends of motorcycle

• Clamps the wheel on both sides

• Motion is constrained when wheel is locked in product

Cons:

• Not easily relocated

• Allows for lateral movement

• Wheel can become stuck after long periods of rest

Patent Name: Motorcycle Stand

Patent Number: US918922B2

Date of Patent: June 13, 2013

Patent Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods involve a motorcycle stand for adjustably securing a motorcycle, such as for storing or transporting a motorcycle in an immobilized, upright position. A motorcycle stand in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention may include a stand base connected to an axle support post. At a top end of the axle support post, the axle support post includes an axle bar slot having a self-engaging latch. An axle bar may be inserted into the axle bar slot and engage the self-engaging latch. The self-engaging latch may include a release mechanism to disengage the latch, to release the axle bar from the axle bar slot, and to reset the self-engaging latch. A stand may include two axle support posts for engagement on either side of a wheel axle. A motorcycle stand system may include one or more stands and an axle bar.

Pros:

• Locks wheel into design

• Adjusts to any height of motorcycle

• Does not attach permanently

Cons:

• Bulky

• Could damage spokes of wheel

• Cannot be easily relocated

Researching existing solutions to this and similar problems revealed several patents and products. The costs and benefits of these solutions were analyzed to help determine the specifications for the problem statement solution. A common theme between these products and patents was that they all hold the item upright. However, some of the solutions could not be moved or were too bulky, making it difficult for the cyclist to use. Some of the attachable kickstands drilled into the bike frame or clamped on, which can damage the bike. Additionally, not all of the products can be used with all types and sizes of bikes. The solutions did not solve this specific problem statement, so a better solution shall be pursued.

BV. (n.d.). BV Alloy Adjustable Height Rear Side Bicycle Kick Stand. Retrieved 2020, November 11 from https://www.amazon.com/BV-Bike-Kickstand-Adjustable-Mountain.

ByCyclogical. (n.d) Gripster. Retrieved 2020, November 12, from https://www.bycyclogical.com/gripster

Overholt, Z. (2017, February 2). A new way to lean - Bike storage solutions from Motomat and Cyclogical. Retrieved 2020, October 27, from https://bikerumor.com/2017/02/02/new-way-lean-bike-storage-solutions-motomat-cyclogical/