Motorcycle stand
A removable motorcycle stand comprises a post member, cross beam, and handlebar beam. Post member, crossbeam and handlebar beam positions are adjustable to suit various shapes and sizes of motorcycle handlebars. Shafts and screws can be used to lock the post member, cross beam, handlebar beam, and handlebar holder in position. The motorcycle stand can be removed from the base plate, disassembled and conveniently stored in a compact manner when not in use.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/679,837, filed May 10, 2005, entitled “Motorcycle Trailer” now abandoned. U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/679,837 is hereby incorporated herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention relates to the field of motor vehicle accessories. More specifically, the present invention relates to a new adjustable motorcycle stand.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONExisting motorcycle stands have several problems, the most serious being instability. For example, existing motorcycle stands such as “over the center pedal lifts”, “under-engine lifts” (whereby a rod is passed through an unused engine mount hole and the stand is used like a center stand), and stands that lift under the motorcycle frame and below the engine do not safeguard against a person or object bumping into the side of the motorcycle and knocking it over. Furthermore, these and other motorcycle stands are not adjustable to accommodate exotic or unique motorcycle handlebars (for further support) without damage.
Existing motorcycle trailers also lack stability for the reasons previously mentioned. In addition to the threat of being knocked over, motorcycles on trailers during transportation face the potentially destructive elements of strong winds and bumpy roads, increasing the likelihood of being knocked down.
Additionally, transportation of motorcycles on trailers or in the back of pickups presents several problems. During transport, vibration and bumps make it essential that the motorcycle be secured in some fashion to prevent the motorcycle from being knocked over. Motorcycles have become very expensive. If the motorcycle fell, it could cause a significant amount of damage to the motorcycle and be very expensive to repair. For example costs to fix dent damage, damage to the paint and chrome, broken side view mirrors, torn leather seats, damaged handgrips and brake levers could be very expensive.
The center of gravity and weight leave an owner with a difficult task if a typical 300 pound motorcycle should fall over. Returning the bike to an upright position can therefore be extremely difficult for one person alone.
As an alternative to a stand, a motorcycle can also be held upright with straps or ropes. Present harnessing methods leave much to be desired. One method is to tie the bike down by using two separate ropes, one tied to each end of the handlebar (one handlebar has two ends each with a hand grip). However, when tie-downs are used the front suspension of the motorcycle is compressed resulting in failures with the springs and seals. These failures are exacerbated with frequent or long periods of travel. Furthermore, this form of a tie-down can lead to damage to the handgrips from chaffing with the ropes. Another problem is the difficulty in trying to distribute the weight equally to the tie downs and adjusting the ropes so that the motorcycle is held securely upright. If the bike is not exactly upright the ropes may be unevenly loaded and slip causing instability and more movement. Added tie-down ropes may contact the surface of the gas tank that frequently is decoratively painted. Additional padding is needed to prevent chaffing and damage to the tank's paint. Another problem with using harnesses and straps, the angle required to adequately “tie-down” the motorcycle also reduces the number of motorcycles that can be transported.
Furthermore, harnessing methods based on the wheels, wheelbase, or axle alone, such as placing a holding rod through an engine mount hole or through either wheel, securing the axles with metal clamps, or tying rope or a similar tether through either wheel can cause damage to the motorcycle. When secured by a harness alone, the weight of the motorcycle is not properly distributed, and during transportation, the constant bumps and vibration can ruin the alignment of the wheels. Accordingly, it is desirable that to increase stability, further harnessing methods include a motorcycle's handlebars and front wheel.
A major problem with traditional stands and trailers that have handlebar supports is that they do not fit custom made motorcycles and choppers with unique and exotic handlebars such as “ape hangers,” “springer apes,” “Z-Bars,” “drag bars,” “dresser bars,” “long horn bars,” etc. As a result, owners of custom-made motorcycles with unique handlebars cannot provide adequate support to keep the motorcycle securely upright during transportation and storage.
Accordingly, what is needed is a motorcycle stand and trailer with adjustable handlebar supports to accommodate a wide variety of handlebar shapes and sizes, that provides stability for the motorcycle and is easy to store.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONIt is an objective of the present invention to securely hold a motorcycle with any variety of handlebar shapes and sizes in an upright position. The present invention enables a user to rapidly secure a motorcycle in about 10-12 seconds and rapidly unsecure it in about 60-7 seconds. The present invention also provides a stand that can be used in a garage, allowing the user to work on the motorcycle in or around one's workplace while providing stability to the motorcycle. The stand is not cumbersome and does not hide the features of the motorcycle, making it perfect for showroom or tradeshow displays. The stand is adjustable in height, length, and width to suit motorcycles of different sizes and shapes. However the stand is ideal for mini (50 cc) to open class (650 cc) motorcycles. The stand permits motorcycles to be secured without unnecessary fatigue to various parts. The elimination of awkward strapping and harnessing methods enables a larger number of motorcycles to be secured and transported.
In accordance with the invention, these and other objects are accomplished by providing a motorcycle stand comprising of a height adjustable post member and a retractable crossbeam. The crossbeam is coupled to an adjustable handlebar beam by a length adjustment sleeve. The handlebar beam can be locked in positioned along the crossbeam by a length adjustment shaft, length adjustment set screw, or a series of holes along the crossbeam. The handlebar beam is coupled to an adjustable handlebar receiver to receive various motorcycle handlebar shapes and sizes. The handlebar receiver is comprised of a handlebar adjustment shaft, handlebar nut, handlebar pin, and handlebar holder. In the preferred embodiment, the handlebar holder is a ring, but can also be clamp or other tethering device that securely holds its ends.
The stand can also be adapted to be removable from the base plate. Extending from the bottom end of the post member is an inserting member that can be inserted into the cavity of the base plate. In this manner, the stand can be put away for storage when not in use.
The stand can also be folded in half about the post member and crossbeam coupling. In this manner, the stand creates more work space for the user when not in use.
The present invention can also be mounted on a trailer, flat bed, truck or other form of transportation. The stand can be bolted or similarly secured to the mobile surface. Alternatively, the stand can be used in its removable embodiment on the mobile surface. This way, the stand can be removed when not in use as discussed above.
These and other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the following detailed description of the invention and studying the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following is a detailed description of the presently preferred embodiments of the present motorcycle stand and motorcycle trailer invention. However, the present invention is in no way intended to be limited to the embodiments discussed below or shown in the drawings. Rather, the description and the drawings are merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.
The components of this embodiment are constructed of steel, aluminum, or a combination of both, or similar high strength material, possibly even carbon fiber. However the invention is not limited to these materials. Any materials that combine the qualities of strength and being lightweight are acceptable. To enhance the flexibility and usefulness of the present invention, it is recognized that stand 100 is lightweight. In the preferred embodiment, stand 100 is constructed from aluminum, and weighs less than 30 lbs. Stand 100 can be easily moved and transported due to its lightweight. Also, when disassembled, the total weight of any one component of stand 100 is less than 20 lbs. Thus a single person can easily lift any one member for transporting purposes. To further enhance the flexibility and usefulness of the present invention, stand 100 does not require any bending or reaching by the user to secure stand 100 after initial installation of the motorcycle. A motorcycle 500 can be easily and effortlessly secured while standing up in a comfortable and relaxed position, eliminating any chance of possible injury to the user. To enhance the aesthetic qualities of the present invention, stand 100 is available in numerous colors to cater to the different tastes and styles of enthusiasts.
Member 103 is comprised of post insert 105 inserted into post support sleeve 101. Post support sleeve 101 is hollow and may have a square or rectangular cross section. Post insert 105 has a slightly smaller cross section and fits within post support sleeve 101. Post insert 105 can slide freely within post support sleeve 101. Because post insert 105 and post support 101 are square or rectangular in cross section, post insert 105 cannot rotate relative to post support 101. In the preferred embodiment, the height of the post insert 105 is 36 inches and the height of the post support sleeve 101 is 36 inches. The height of member 103 is adjusted by loosening height adjustment screw 130, raising or lowering post insert 105 to the desired height, and locking in the desired height by tightening shaft 135 coupled to member 103 to prevent movement of post insert 105 within post support sleeve 101. In another embodiment, height adjustment screw 130 may be in the shape of a hexagonal bolt head. Loosening or tightening height adjustment screw 130 with a wrench or other similar tool can then adjust height of member 103.
In another embodiment, post member 103 can also include quick disconnects to aid in the quick attachment, adjustment and/or disassembly of the members to one another. One example of a quick disconnect that does not require tools for assembly is a cam member and a lever. The cam member can be coupled to support sleeve 101. Rotating the lever in one direction tightens the cam, rotating the lever in an opposite direction loosens the cam. In this manner, the desired height of member 103 can be achieved with a cam member and lever. In another embodiment, post member 103 can have a series of vertically aligned holes or slots along one or two sides of sleeve 101 and insert 105. Inserting a pin or screw into a hole or slot through sleeve 101 and insert 105 can adjust the height of post member 103.
The shaft of post insert 105 may have markings that would allow the user to gauge the height of the stand relative to the insertion point of support sleeve 101. This would provide a great benefit to the user in determining a specific desired height corresponding to the height of the motorcycle and motorcycle handlebars.
To further enhance the flexibility and usefulness of the present invention front wheel stabilizer 115 is coupled to post support sleeve 101 to receive front the front wheel of a motorcycle. In the preferred embodiment, stabilizer 115 is rectangular shaped and bent so that it is oriented in an outward manner from sleeve 101 so that it can receive an variety of increasingly wide front wheels. Where the wheel is smaller in diameter, it rests against sleeve 101. Where the wheel is wide in diameter, it rests against the outer edges of stabilizer 115. Stabilizer 115 is welded to sleeve 101. Alternatively, stabilizer 115 can be bolted or otherwise similarly secured to sleeve 101. To further enhance stability of the motorcycle, a harness such as a rope, Velcro®, or other similar tethering device can used to further secure the front wheel to the stabilizer 115 and sleeve 101.
One end of post member 103 is coupled to one end of beam 110 in a cantilever manner within housing 141. In an embodiment, housing 141 is comprised of two plates 147 rigidly attached to opposite sides of the rectangular cross section of post insert 105. Plates 147 are welded to insert 105. Alternatively, plates 147 can be bolted or otherwise similarly secured to insert 105. Although in the preferred embodiment, plates 147 are rectangular in shape, plates 147 can alternatively be of any suitable shape.
Cross beam 110 is attached to housing 141 at pivot point 143 by a steel bolt 144 or rod held in place with a nut. Bolt 144 penetrates through both housing 141 and cross beam 110. Cross beam 110 is held in the horizontal position, perpendicular to member 103, with a removable pin 140, which can be a steel rod or bolt, placed in hole 148 through housing 141 and hole 149 through beam 110. To keep pin 140 from accidentally being removed, causing cross beam 100 to drop, pin 140 may have a head on one end and a ring on the other end to hold it in place in hole 148.
Cavity chamber 215 is hollow chamber and may have a square or rectangular cross section. Inserting member 220 has a slightly smaller cross section and fits within cavity 215. Inserting member 220 can slide freely into and out of cavity 215. Because inserting member 220 and cavity 215 are square or rectangular in cross section, inserting member 220 cannot rotate relative to cavity 215. Cavity 215 can be welded to the bottom surface of base plate 120. Alternatively, cavity 215 can be bolted or otherwise similarly secured to base plate 120. Cavity 215 is deep enough to accommodate inserting member 220.
This embodiment has the additional advantage of allowing the user to remove post member 104 when not in use. Furthermore, when not in use, as previously discussed in
The position of crossbeam 110 is adjusted by loosening length adjustment screw 330, sliding crossbeam 110 to the desired position, and locking in the desired position by tightening shaft 340 coupled to screw 330, through slot 317 (not shown) of sleeve 315 and engaging holes 350 or slots of beam 110. In another embodiment, as previously described with regards to member 103 in
Handlebar beam 305 is also hollow and may have a square or rectangular cross section. Handlebar beam 305 has a slightly smaller cross section and is laterally inserted into a second cavity of sleeve 315 so that beam 110 and beam 305 are perpendicular to one another. Handlebar beam 305 can slide freely within adjustment sleeve 315. In another embodiment, once in place, beam 305 can be welded or otherwise secured to sleeve 315. Because handlebar beam 305 and adjustment sleeve 315 are square or rectangular in cross section, beam 305 cannot rotate relative to sleeve 315. Handlebar beam 305 can also have a series of aligned predetermined holes or slots to receive pins or screws for alignment.
The horizontal position of beam 305 is adjusted by loosening length adjustment screw 330, sliding handlebar beam 305 to the desired position, and locking in the desired position by tightening shaft 340 coupled to screw 330, through sleeve 315 and engaging holes 350 or slots of beam 305.
In another embodiment, as described with regards to beam 110, a cam and lever assembly similarly coupled to sleeve 315 can be used to lock a desired position on beam 305. Rotating the lever in one direction tightens the cam, while rotating the lever in an opposite direction loosens the cam. In another embodiment, as also described with regards to beam 110, screw 330 may be in the shape of a hexagonal bolt head. Loosening or tightening screw 330 with a wrench or other similar tool can then adjust position of handlebar beam 305.
Beams 306 and 307 are held in place within cavities 320 by a removable pivot screw 310 placed in pivot screw holes 405 which extend through cavity 320 and beam 305. Pivot screws 310 are locked by pivot screw bolts 415 (not shown) at the end of screws 310. An advantage of this embodiment is that handlebar beams 306 and 307 can laterally pivot about pivot screws 310 adapting to an even wider range of motorcycle handlebar positions. In another embodiment, as previously described in regards to member 103 in
To further adapt to a wide variety of shapes and sizes of motorcycle handlebars, coupled to the ends of handlebar beams 306 and 307 are width adjustment sleeves 160. As previously discussed, handlebar beams 306 and 307 are hollow and have a square or rectangular cross section. Handlebar beams 306 and 307 have slightly smaller cross sections than the cavities of width adjustment sleeves 160. As a result, sleeves 160 can slide freely over handlebar beams 306 and 307. Because handlebar beams 306 and 307 and the cavities of width adjustment sleeves 160 are square or rectangular in cross section, beams 306 and 307 cannot rotate relative to sleeves 160. Sleeves 160 are slid into place on beams 306 and 307 and are positioned in relation to the width of handlebars 505. Sleeves 160 are locked in the desired position by tightening adjustment shafts 150 that guides screws 153 through handlebar nuts 155 and sleeves 160 and onto the surface of beams 306 and 307. In another embodiment, handlebar beams 306 and 307 can have a series of holes or slots for receiving a pin or screw. Inserting pins or screws into the designated holes or slots through sleeves 160 can lock sleeves 160. In another embodiment, as previously described with regards to beam 110, a cam and lever assembly similarly coupled to sleeves 160 can be used to lock a desired position on beams 306 and 307. Rotating the lever in one direction tightens the cam, while rotating the lever in an opposite direction loosens the cam. Sleeves 160 are further kept in position and are prevented from sliding off beams 306 and 307 by locking pins 165 placed in locking pinholes 170 at the end of beams 306 and 307.
Coupled to sleeves 160 are handlebar receivers 173. Handlebar receivers 173 can be welded, or similarly secured to the opposite sides of sleeves 160. Handlebar receivers 173 are threaded to receive handlebar pins 157 coupled to handlebar holders 175. The height of handlebar pins 157 can be adjusted by rotating pins 157 in receivers 173. In another embodiment, handlebar receivers 173 can have a series of holes or slots for receiving pins or screws. Inserting pins or screws into the designated holes or slots through receivers 173 can lock receivers 173. In another embodiment, a cam and lever assembly similarly coupled to receivers 173 can be used to lock the receivers in a desired position. Rotating the lever in one direction tightens the cam, while rotating the lever in an opposite direction loosens the cam.
In the preferred embodiment, handlebar holders 175 are rings for receiving the ends of motorcycle handlebars. Handlebar holders 175 may be of varying widths and sizes to accommodate unique and exotic grips, gears, and break assemblies. Handlebar holders 175 can be collapsible so that the ring can tighten around motorcycle handlebars. Handlebar holders 175 can be lined with rubber, plastic, or other similar material to prevent scratches to the motorcycle handlebar grips, gears, and break assemblies. Handlebar holders 175 can be coupled to a pad lock or a key lock as a precautionary measure to prevent theft of the motorcycle. Although in the preferred embodiment, handlebar holders 175 are adjustable rings, in another embodiment, it may be a clamp, or other similar tethering device.
The position of crossbeam 110 is adjusted by loosening length adjustment screw 330, sliding crossbeam 110 through sleeve 315 to the desired position, and locking crossbeam 110 by tightening adjustment screw 330. When tightened, plate 630 of screw 330 is compressed against beam 110 holding beam 110 in a fixed position. In another embodiment, as previously described in
Additionally, in this embodiment, beams 306 and 307 are held in place within cavities 320 by a removable pivot screw 310 placed in pivot screw holes 405 which extend through cavity 320 and beam 305. Pivot screws 310 are locked in place by inserting horizontal pins (not shown) through pivot screw holes 635.
While the present invention has been described in terms of a preferred embodiment above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that numerous modifications, substitutions and additions may be made to the disclosed embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. For example, although the stand has been described above for use with a trailer, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that the trailer may be utilized in any similar two or three wheeled mobile unit and that the present invention is in no way limited to mechanisms described above. It is intended that all such modifications, substitutions and additions fall within the scope of the present invention that is best defined by the claims below.
Claims
1. A motorcycle stand comprising:
- a vertical post member mounted on a surface;
- a cross beam attached to the post member;
- a handlebar beam attached to the cross beam;
- a first handlebar holder attached to one side of the handlebar beam; and
- a second handlebar holder attached to another side of the handlebar beam.
2. The device of claim 1 wherein the post member is removable from the surface.
3. The device of claim 1 wherein the height of the post member is adjustable.
4. The device of claim 3 wherein the post member comprises a post insert and a post support sleeve, further comprising an adjustment sleeve that is attached to a center portion of the handlebar beam and surrounds a portion of the crossbeam.
5. The device of claim 1 wherein the handlebar beam is attached to the cross beam by an adjustment sleeve, further comprising an adjustment sleeve that is attached to a center portion of the handlebar beam and surrounds a portion of the crossbeam.
6. The device of claim 1 wherein the handlebar holder is attached to the handlebar beam by an adjustment sleeve and is held in an adjustable position by a shaft and screw or cam.
7. The device of claim 8 wherein the adjustment sleeve can be moved horizontally along the handlebar beam to a desired location.
8. The device of claim 1 wherein the first cross beam can pivot downward relative to the post.
9. A motorcycle stand comprising:
- a vertical post member mounted on a surface;
- a cross beam attached to the post member;
- a first handlebar beam attached to the cross beam;
- a second handlebar beam attached to the cross beam;
- a first handlebar holder attached to a distal end of the first handlebar beam; and
- a second handlebar holder attached to a distal end of the second handlebar beam.
10. The device of claim 9 wherein the post member is removable.
11. The device of claim 9 wherein the height of the post member is adjustable.
12. The device of claim 11 wherein the post member comprises a post insert and a post support sleeve and the height of the post member is locked by a tightening shaft and a screw or cam on the post member.
13. The device of claim 9 wherein the first and second handlebar beams are attached to the cross beam by adjustment sleeves and are held in an adjustable position by shafts and screws or cams.
14. The device of claim 9 wherein the first and second handlebar beams are attached to the length adjustment sleeve by pivot screws.
15. The device of claim 14 wherein the first and second handlebar beams pivot about the pivot screws enabling the handlebar holders to adjust to the angle of a motorcycle's handlebars.
16. The device of claim 1 wherein the handlebar holders are attached to the handlebar beam by adjustment sleeves and are held in an adjustable position by shafts and screws or cams.
17. The device of claim 15 wherein the adjustment sleeve can be moved horizontally along the second cross beam to a desired location.
18. The device of claim 9 wherein the cross beam can pivot relative to the post.
Type: Application
Filed: May 8, 2006
Publication Date: Jan 25, 2007
Inventor: Mark Aiken (Brentwood, CA)
Application Number: 11/430,737
International Classification: A47F 7/00 (20060101);