Supports: racks – Special article – Velocipede type
Reexamination Certificate
2000-01-21
2001-02-27
Gibson, Jr., Robert W. (Department: 3634)
Supports: racks
Special article
Velocipede type
C211S022000, C248S176100, C254S088000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06193078
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to devices for supporting motor cycles during repair or service procedures and particularly to a rack that supports the motorcycle in a locked elevated position that provides convenient access to a mechanic to locations on the motorcycle such as oil drains and parts that are otherwise difficult to access.
The typical motorcycle periodically requires well known maintenance procedures such as scheduled maintenance or repair operations. A number of these procedures are difficult to perform because access to fittings and parts such as drain plugs are located on the underside of the chassis. The mechanic is required to kneel or lie down and reach under the motorcycle in positions that are awkward and uncomfortable. The kickstand used to support the motor cycle in an upright position is often in the way or unreliable to maintain the motor cycle in an upright position.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,857,230 discloses a hammock and jack which lifts the rear wheels but does not provide the accessibility of the present invention.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,639,067 to Johnson discloses a stand including a pivotable rotating support surface that is positionable beneath the frame of the motorcycle near the front or rear wheel for lifting the rear or front wheel off the ground for servicing.
U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,305 to Yamazaki discloses a stand device for a two wheel motorcycle which enables the motorcycle to be positively supported by the motorcycle stand disposed in an operative position in which the stand tilts forwardly as the motorcycle remains stationary and rests against the stand and automatically moves the stand from its operative position to its neutral position when the motor cycle is brought to an upright position.
Numerous motorcycle lifts are available for elevating the motor cycle to a level that is more convenient for working on the motor cycle. These lifts are typically scissors jacks that are mechanically, hydraulically or electrically actuated. The lift is rolled or slid under the chassis between the front and rear wheels so that, when power is applied to the lift, the lift comes up under the central region of the frame and elevates the motorcycle.
See, for example, the Easyroller™ Lift disclosed in “Thunder Press” Scotts Valley, Calif., Dec. 1999, page 103.
The problem with this arrangement is that the lift itself obstructs the mechanics total access to the underside of the chassis and frequently interferes with the mechanics job of dismantling some parts.
In another arrangement, a ramp is mounted on a scissors lift and the motorcycle is rolled up on the ramp. The lift is then actuated to elevate the motorcycle to a higher location. This arrangement is also characterized by the problem that the ramp extending between the front and rear wheels interferes with complete access to the parts targeted for service or replacement. Furthermore, rolling the heavy motorcycle up onto a ramp requires more strength than some motorcyclists can exert.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of this invention to provide a method and device for supporting an elevated motorcycle such as to provide complete freedom of access to a mechanic required to service the motor and chassis between the wheels.
According to the method of this invention, the motorcycle is elevated by a jack that is placed under the frame between the wheels. The motorcycle is then elevated to the desired height. One stand of this invention is then positioned under the front wheel another stand of this invention positioned under the rear wheel. The jack is then released so that the motorcycle is lowered to rest on the stands. A wheel clamp on either wheel is then adjusted to secure the motorcycle in an upright position. The clamp is adjustable to accommodate variations in the width of the wheel. One or more straps are provided extending between the handlebar or frame and at least one stand to further stabilize the motorcycle in its elevated position.
In one embodiment, each stand is a metal construction, fashioned, for example from metal tube sections. In another embodiment, either one or both stands are a plastic construction amenable to manufacture by extruded plastic processes.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4073505 (1978-02-01), Yamazaki et al.
patent: 4324384 (1982-04-01), Elser
patent: 4420164 (1983-12-01), Mitchell
patent: 4531712 (1985-07-01), Christian et al.
patent: 4662617 (1987-05-01), Ditterline et al.
patent: 4723756 (1988-02-01), Stumpf
patent: 5562215 (1996-10-01), Blakey et al.
patent: 5639067 (1997-06-01), Johnson
patent: 5857230 (1999-01-01), Dowdy
patent: 5988402 (1999-11-01), Mayfield
Thunder Press, Dec. 1999 p. 103, Scotts Valley, Ca.
Gibson , Jr. Robert W.
Smith Robert Samuel
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