A vehicle stand and method of use thereof

Abstract

There is provided a vehicle stand (10) for supporting a vehicle (40) in an upright position. The vehicle stand (10) includes a base (12) having a ground-engaging portion (20a), a rigid first arm (14a) and a rigid second arm (14b). Each arm (14) has a terminal end (24) and a connection end (26). The connection end (26) of at least one of the rigid first arm (14a) and the rigid second arm (14b) being connected or connectable to the base (12). At least one of the rigid first arm and the rigid second arm is movable relative to the base (12). The vehicle stand (10) has a supporting condition in which the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) in-use extend at least in part towards each other so that the terminal ends (24) of the rigid first arm and second arm (14b) engage with a vehicle (40) positioned therebetween for supporting the vehicle (40) in an upright position.

Description

[0001] A Vehicle Stand and Method of Use Thereof

[0002] The present invention relates to a stand for immobilising, and optionally securing, a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or a bicycle, in an upright position. The present invention also relates to a method of immobilising a vehicle in an upright position.

[0003] A vehicle, such as a bicycle or motorcycle, may need to be moved from a first location to a second location. Whilst the bicycle or motorcycle can be ridden to the desired location, this may not always be possible. Reasons may include the weather being inclement, the distance being too great, or the terrain being impracticable. Increasing the mileage of the vehicle may be undesirable. If a number of vehicles needs to be moved simultaneously, there may not be a sufficient number of riders. If delivering a motorcycle or bicycle to a second location, the user may need another mode of transport to return to the first location.

[0004] An existing solution to all the above is to transport the vehicle in a second, transportation vehicle such as a van, lorry or trailer.

[0005] The transported vehicle may be simply laid or stacked in the transportation vehicle but this is likely to cause damage to the either or both the vehicle and the transportation vehicle during transportation. To immobilise the vehicle, straps are typically used to connect the front wheel to the transportation vehicle and tensioned until sufficiently taut. Similarly, straps are used to connect the rear wheel to the transportation vehicle and tensioned until sufficiently taut. However, this presents a number of issues. At least four strap-connection elements within the transportation vehicle are required. The user needs to remember to bring the straps. The four strap-connection elements must be suitably positioned so as to enable the straps to extend in different directions from the wheels. The attachment points in the transportation vehicle need to have sufficient strength so as to withstand the forces being applied by the straps. Each strap needs to be tensioned. As tensioning may require substantial strength, a range of potential users lacking the required strength are excluded from using straps to secure their bicycle or motorcycle. Applying unequal tension to each strap connecting to a same wheel may result in one strap become loose such that the forces acting in opposing directions on the same wheel are no longer equal. Rotation of the wheel can result in the whole motorcycle or bicycle becoming movable. If forces of different magnitude are experienced by the front and back of the bicycle or motorcycle, the rear of the bicycle or motorcycle may experience wear and tear at a different rate relative to the front. Excessive force acting on one wheel may cause the wheel to deflate at a different rate to the rear wheel.

[0006] The present invention seeks to provide a solution to these problems.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle stand for supporting a vehicle in an upright position, the vehicle stand comprising: a base having a ground-engaging portion; a rigid first arm; a rigid second arm, each arm having a terminal end and a connection end, the connection end of at least one of the rigid first arm and the rigid second arm being connected or connectable to the base, at least one of: the rigid first arm and rigid second arm being movable relative to the base; wherein the vehicle stand has a supporting condition in which the first arm and the second arm in-use extend at least in part towards each other so that the terminal ends of the rigid first and second arms engage with a vehicle positioned therebetween for supporting the vehicle in an upright position.

[0008] The stand enables a vehicle, such as a bicycle, motorcycle or other similar vehicle, to be maintained in an upright position. The stand is simple and more robust than existing solutions. The arms extending at least in part towards each other when in the supporting condition means the distance between the connection ends is greater than the distance between the terminal ends. The greater spacing of the connection ends results in a wider base or bases which are more spaced apart, compared to a stand in which the arms do not extend at least in part toward each other. A wider base or spaced-apart bases facilitates moving a vehicle into and out of position between the arms. Additionally, the bases or wider base engage with the ground-surface at engagement points which are relatively more spaced-apart than in prior art stand, thereby providing greater stability. The rigidity of the arms may prevent or inhibit undesirable elongation if an arm is under tension. Rigidity also enables an arm to provide a bracing support against which a vehicle can lean. The vehicle stand is strapless, in other words, no straps are required. By having at least one movable arm, the position of the arm or arm can be adjusted to accommodate a range of different vehicles. The movable arm or arms may be moved out of the way when positioning the vehicle between the arms.

[0009] Preferably, at least one of: the first arm and the second arm may be pivotable relative to the base. One or both of the arms can be moved by being pivoted around a pivot. The arm may be moved through a range of angles such that the positions of the terminal end of the arm may be located on an arcuate path. The range of angles may be continuous or discrete.

[0010] Optionally, at least one of: the first arm and the second arm may be connected or connectable to the base via a pin. A pin providing a pivot is a simple mechanism, which is easy to manufacture, assemble and disassemble. A pin is easy and cheap to replace.

[0011] Beneficially, the vehicle stand may have a non-supporting condition in which the terminal ends of the arms are spaced-apart from each by a greater extent than in the supporting condition. The arrangement of the terminal ends in the non-supporting condition may provide a greater gap which may facilitate insertion and / or removal of the vehicle from between the arms. However, the stand may not have a non-supporting condition. Instead, the stand may only have a supporting condition.

[0012] Furthermore, the terminal end of at least one of: the first arm and the second arm comprises a terminal-end engagement element. A terminal-end engagement element provides a connector. Preferably the terminal-end engagement element is integrally formed or connected to the terminal end for greater structural integrity. However, connectable may be an option, such as for ease of replacement and / or modularity. The terminal-end engagement element may even be selectable from a range of possible terminal-end engagement elements. This may enable a greater range of vehicles to be accommodated.

[0013] Advantageously, the or at least one terminal-end engagement element may include a hook. A hook is easy to manufacture and simple to use. Any alternative to a hook may be envisioned however, such as a ring or hoop, or pincers.

[0014] Furthermore, the first arm and / or the second arm may comprise metal. Additionally or alternatively, the base may comprise metal. Optionally, the metal may include steel. More preferably, the metal may include stainless steel. Metal, such as steel, has high strength so may be able to withstand greater forces. A metal base is less likely to be deformed or damaged by a vehicle being rolled over the base, at least compared to a plastics base. Stainless steel reduces the likelihood of rust developing.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally, the first arm and / or the second arm may include plastics. Plastics may be cheaper and / or lighter than metal.

[0016] Any part of the stand, such as either or both arms, and / or the base may be formed by extrusion. At least one arm and / or the base may be hollow. A hollow structure may reduce the quantity of materials required during manufacture, which may decrease costs and be environmentally friendlier. A hollow arm may also be lighter and thus easier to move when engaging with the vehicle.

[0017] Beneficially, the base may further include a fastener-receiver for engaging with a fastener. The fastener-receiver may include a through-bore. A through-bore enables the base to be secured to the ground-surface such as via with a fastener, such as a bolt or screw. A through-bore is simple to manufacture. A through-bore is generally also integrally formed with the base.

[0018] Preferably, the fastener-receiver may comprise a plurality of spaced-apart through-bores. A plurality of through-bores provides a choice of through-bores to use. This may be beneficial if the through-bore is positioned above a location in the ground-surface which is unsuitable to receive a fastener, for example, due to being structurally weaker or electrical cables extending on, in or below the ground-surface at that location.

[0019] Additionally, at least two through-bores of the plurality of spaced-apart through-bores may have different dimensions relative to each other for providing a range of different through bores to accommodate a range of different fasteners. A range of through-bores accommodates a range of possible fasteners.

[0020] Optionally, the base may comprise a fastener. One or more fasteners, such as screws or bolts can be accommodated. Preferably, both the first arm and the second arm may be connected or connectable to the base via respective connection ends. The term “connected” is intended to include integrally formed. Here, both arms are either connected or both are connectable. However, one arm may be connected and one arm may be connectable.

[0021] Furthermore, the base may have a central bar and at least one side bar. Optionally, the base may have a shape in plan view, said shape being or including an H-shape. An H-shape has portions that extend in two different directions, such that the H-shape contacts the ground-surface in at three, non-colinear locations which provides a greater stability.

[0022] Alternatively, the vehicle stand may further comprise a further base having a ground-engaging portion, wherein one of the first arm and second arm may be connected or connectable to the base, and the other of the first arm and second arm may be connected or connectable to the further base. Each arm connects to a distinct base, rather than the same, common base. Two distinct bases provide modularity and thus customisability. The user can select how far apart to position the bases from each other. Furthermore, in the case of arms connecting to a common base, the user typically needs to wheel the vehicle over the base so as to position the vehicle between the arms. However, this requires more effort from the user. Furthermore, the weight of the vehicle can damage the base over time. On the other hand, two distinct bases have no connecting portion that the vehicle needs to be wheeled over in order to be positioned correctly. The effort required from the user is reduced, as is the risk of damage to the bases.

[0023] Preferably, the vehicle stand may be devoid of straps. The stand is strapless.

[0024] Optionally, the vehicle may have at most three wheels such that the vehicle stand may be a threewheeled vehicle stand. A three-wheeled motorcycle may be immobilised using the stand.

[0025] Preferably, the vehicle may have at most two wheels such that the vehicle stand may be a twowheeled vehicle stand. The vehicle is preferably a bicycle or a motorcycle. A unicycle could be envisioned.

[0026] Optionally, the vehicle stand may be provided as a kit of parts. The vehicle stand can be provided in separate, assembleable parts for ease of manufacture, transport and assembly. The ease of replacement of parts of a kit also provides modularity and / or customisability.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of immobilising a vehicle in an upright position using a stand, the method comprising the steps of: a] obtaining a vehicle stand having a base having a ground-engaging portion; a rigid first arm; a rigid second arm, each arm having a terminal end and a connection end, the connection end of at least one of the rigid first arm and the rigid second arm being connected or connectable to the base, at least one of: the rigid first arm and rigid second arm being movable relative to the base; wherein the vehicle stand has a supporting condition in which the first arm and the second arm in-use extend at least in part towards each other so that the terminal ends of the rigid first and second arms engage with one or more connection points of a vehicle positioned therebetween for supporting the vehicle in an upright position; b] positioning the vehicle between the connection ends; c] moving the first arm so as to engage the terminal end of the first arm with the or a first connection point of the vehicle and moving the second arm so as to engage the terminal end of the second arm with the or a second said connection point of the vehicle.

[0028] The stand is easy to use to immobilise a vehicle, such as a motorcycle or bicycle, in an upright position.

[0029] Preferably, the vehicle may have a front wheel and a rear wheel connected by a frame portion, and in step c] the terminal ends may be engaged with the frame portion of the vehicle between the front wheel and the rear wheel. The engagement between the front and rear wheels may provide greater stability than connecting the stand to the front wheel or the rear wheel. Furthermore, if any force directed toward the ground-surface is applied to the vehicle, the force may be distributed equally or substantially equally to the front and rear wheels.

[0030] Furthermore, the vehicle may comprise a foot pedal and / or a foot peg extending outwardly from each side of the vehicle and in step c] the terminals ends may be engaged with the foot pedals and / or with the foot pegs. The stand can be connected to existing parts of the vehicle; thus no modification of the vehicle is required.

[0031] Beneficially, the vehicle may comprise suspension means, the terminal end may be spaced apart from the ground-surface by a height H1 extending perpendicularly to the ground-surface, and the or a said connection point may be spaced apart from the ground-surface by a height H2 extending perpendicularly to the ground-surface, the height H1 being smaller than the height H2 such that the vehicle stand may provide a force acting on the suspension means. The vehicle is further stabilised by the interaction of the stand and the suspension means.

[0032] According to a third aspect of the invention, a vehicle stand for supporting a vehicle in an upright position, the vehicle stand comprising: a base having a ground-engaging portion; a first arm; a second arm, at least one of the first arm and second arm being connected or connectable to the base; wherein the vehicle stand has a supporting condition in which the first arm and the second arm in-use extend at least in part towards each other so as to engage with a vehicle positioned therebetween for supporting the vehicle in an upright position. A vehicle, such as a bicycle or motorcycle can be easily immobilised using the base.

[0033] The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 shows a perspective front view of an embodiment of a stand in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, in a compact condition, with fasteners omitted for clarity;

[0035] Figure 2 illustrates a top plan view of the stand of Figure 1 ; Figure 3 shows a close up perspective side view of part of an arm and part of the base of the stand of Figure 1;

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates a front representation of the stand of Figure 1 , in-use, with the doubleheaded arrows indicating the pivoting motion of the arms;

[0037] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the stand of Figure 1 , in-use, with the stand being in an open condition;

[0038] Figure 6 illustrates the stand of Figure 5, in-use, after pivoting the arms around their pivots;

[0039] Figure 7 shows a close-up front view of the stand of Figure 6 and part of vehicle, in-use, after a user has wheeled a vehicle to be positioned between the arms;

[0040] Figure 8 shows the close-up front view of Figure 7, in-use, with the user leaning the vehicle in a first direction towards the right arm so as to engage the right foot peg of the vehicle with the right arm;

[0041] Figure 9 is a close-up view of the stand of Figure 8 and part of the vehicle, in-use, with the hook of the right arm being engaged with the right foot peg of the vehicle;

[0042] Figure 10 illustrates a close-up view of the stand of Figure 8 and part of the vehicle, in- use, with the user engaging the hook of the left arm with the left foot peg of the vehicle whilst leaning the vehicle in a second direction, towards the left arm; and

[0043] Figure 11 shows a front view of the stand of Figure 10 and the vehicle, in-use, the stand being in a supporting condition and secured to the ground-surface of a van, the vehicle being supported in an upright position by the stand.

[0044] Referring firstly to Figure 1, there is shown a stand indicated generally at 10. A plan view of the stand 10 is illustrated in Figure 2. The stand 10 in-use enables a vehicle to be supported in an upright position. Thus, the stand 10 may be referred to as a vehicle stand or vehicle upright support. The stand 10 preferably enables the vehicle to be secured, for example, during transport in or on a van, lorry or towed trailer. In the preferred embodiment, the vehicle is a motorcycle. However, the vehicle could alternatively be a bicycle, which is an example of a two-wheeled vehicle devoid of a motor.

[0045] The stand 10 or any part thereof, may comprise a rigid material, though non-rigid or part rigid materials may be envisioned. The stand 10 or any part thereof may comprise plastics, metal, carbon fibre, glass fibre, concrete, cement, ceramics, any further suitable material, and any combination thereof. In the preferred embodiment, the stand 10 comprises metal. The metal may include steel, more preferably stainless steel. Any other metal may be considered, such as aluminium. The stand may optionally be galvanised. The stand may be powder coated.

[0046] The stand 10, or any part thereof, may be formed by extrusion. Welding and / or additive manufacturing may also be considered. The whole stand 10 may weigh less than 10 kilograms (kg), and more preferably less than 8 kg. Most preferably, the stand 10 weighs around 6 kg, and most preferably yet, weighs 6.7 kg.

[0047] The stand 10 preferably includes a base 12 and a plurality of arms 14, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The stand 10 may be provided as a kit of parts. The stand 10 is preferably strapless, in other words, devoid of straps.

[0048] The base 12 in-use enables the stand 10 to engage with a ground-surface and optionally, secure the stand 10 to the ground-surface to prevent or inhibit movement of the stand 10 relative to the ground-surface. The base 12 preferably comprises metal, and more preferably steel. The base 12 has a shape. Preferably, the shape in plan view is or includes a T-shape, an L-shape, or an H-shape. However, the exact shape is not critical. In plan view, front view and / or side view, the base could, for example, be an X-shape, circular, oval, a line or any other shape. In the shown embodiment, the base 12 preferably has a central bar 16 and, optionally, at least one side bar 18. More preferably, the base 12 has two said side bars 18.

[0049] The central bar 16 is connectable, connected or joined at or adjacent each end thereof with a said side bar 18. The junction between the central bar 16 and a side bar 18 may be spaced-away from at least one, and more preferably both ends of each side bar 18. The central bar 16 is here welded, and more preferably fillet welded to the side bars 18. The, each or at least one side bar 18 is preferably perpendicular with the central bar 16. The central bar 16 and / or the or each side bar 18 may be 4 cm wide by 4 cm tall. The metal or plastic sheet thickness may optionally be 2.5 mm. The central bar 16 and each side bar 18 is preferably of fixed length, for simplicity. The length of the side bars 18, the central bar 16 and / or the arms 14 are preferably selected so as to be engageable with the vehicle and more preferably, with a wide range of possible vehicles.

[0050] In the shown embodiment, the length of each side bar 18 may be less than 1 metre (m), although greater than 1 m may be an option. More preferably, each side bar 18 is preferably less than 75 centimetres (cm), and preferably less than 60 cm. The preferred length of each side bar 18 is 56 cm.

[0051] Similarly, the central bar 16 may be less than 1 metre, although greater than 1 m may be an option. More preferably, the central bar 16 is preferably less than 90 centimetres, and preferably less than 80 cm. The preferred length of the central bar 16 is 71 cm.

[0052] In an alternative embodiment, the central bar and / or one or a plurality of the side bars may have a non-fixed length. The length may be selectable, such as to accommodate a greater range of vehicles. For instance, the central bar and / or side bar or bars may be extensible or extendable, such as by being modular, telescopic, or foldable. The base 12 further has a ground-engaging portion 20a, a fastener-receiver 20b, a fastener 20c, and an arm-connection portion 20d, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The ground-engaging portion 20a in-use provides an interface between the stand 10 and a ground-surface. The ground-engaging portion 20a is preferably a surface that faces or, preferably, contacts the ground-surface. Optionally, one or more feet may be provided. The feet and / or ground-engaging portion 20a may have a second function of accommodating an uneven groundsurface. The ground-engaging portion 20a may even comprise an anti-slip coating for preventing or inhibiting relative movement of the base 12 relative to the ground-surface. The anti-slip coating may comprise an elastomeric material, such as ruber, by way of example.

[0053] The ground-surface is preferably the floor of a van, lorry or trailer. In other words, the stand 10 may be used to immobilise the vehicle, such as a motorcycle, during transport within a van. However, the ground-surface could be any other suitable surface, such as a transportation vehicle roof for storing a vehicle such as a bicycle, on the roof of a car, van or lorry. The groundsurface may even be a vertical wall, so as to enable more compact storage of the vehicle by using vertical space. The ground-surface may be mobile or non-mobile. The ground-surface may be indoors and / or outdoors.

[0054] The fastener-receiver 20b in-use enables receiving a fastener 20c therethrough. The fastenerreceiver 20b may be provided anywhere on the base 12. For example, the fastener-receiver 20b may be provided in the central bar 16 and / or in at least one side bar 18. More preferably, the fastener-receiver 20b includes a through-bore 22. More preferably yet, the fastener-receiver 20b may include a plurality of through-bores 22. The through-bores 22 are preferably spaced-apart from each other. In the preferred embodiment, there is at least one, and more preferably a plurality of through-bores 22 in one or more of the side bars 18. In the case of a plurality of through-bores 22 in a same side bar 18, the through-bores 22 are spaced-apart. Six through-bores 22 are shown per side bar 18 but any alternative number, including none, one, or at least two. No through-bores are provided in the central bar but this alternative could easily be envisioned. Optionally, at least two through-bores may have different dimensions relative to each other. The differently-sized through-bores may optionally be in or on the same side bar 18. This may beneficially provide a range of different-sized through-bores from which the user can select, based on the type and / or size of fastener 20c available. One or more through-bores may be threaded or non-threaded.

[0055] The fastener 20c in-use enables the base 12 to be secured to the ground-surface. The fastener 20c is preferably engageable with and / or receivable in the or a said through-bore 22. Examples of a suitable fastener 20c include a bolt or a screw. Fasteners 20c are omitted for clarity from Figures 1 to 10, but are shown in Figure 11 .

[0056] The plurality of arms 14 in-use connects the base 12 to the vehicle, and more preferably to connection points thereof. At least two, and more preferably, all arms 14 are similar or identical in shape and size; but different shapes and / or sizes may be envisioned. A first of the plurality of arms 14 may be referred to as a left arm or a first arm 14a for clarity. Similarly, a second of the plurality of arms 14 may be referred to as a right arm or a second arm 14b for clarity. Additional arms may be provided, if desirable.

[0057] The arms 14 are preferably rigid, but non-rigid or part rigid may be envisioned. More preferably, the arms 14 are formed at least in part of, and optionally solely, metal, such as aluminium or steel, more preferably stainless steel. Plastics may additionally or alternatively be considered for one or both the first arm 14a and the second arm 14b.

[0058] One or both of the first arm 14a and second arm 14b are connected or connectable to the base 12. The term “connected” is intended to include integrally formed as well as non-integrally formed, such as non-separably connected. Preferably, both the first arm 14a and the second arm 14b extend from the same base 12 but a plurality of bases may be envisioned and an arm may extend from each base 12. The first arm 14a or part thereof is movable, preferably pivotably, relative to the base 12. Additionally or alternatively, the second arm 14b or part thereof is movable, preferably pivotably, relative to the base 12. Figure 4 illustrates, via dashed double-headed curved arrows A and B, how each arm 14 is pivotable. Each arm 14 has a terminal end 24 and a connection end 26.

[0059] The connection end 26 of a said arm 14 in-use enables the arm 14 to be connected or connectable to the base 12. The connection end 26 comprises a connector 28 which is complementary to the or a said arm-connection portion 20d of the base 12. The connection end 26 of at least one of the arms 14 includes at least one pin-receiving aperture 30. The arm-connection portion 20d comprises at least one complementary pin-receiving aperture. A pin 32 is received or receivable in the at least one pin-receiving aperture 30 and the at least one complementary pin-receiving aperture.

[0060] The pin 32 may be part of the arm 14 or the base 12 or neither. Figure 3 shows a close-up of the pin 32. The pin arrangement is simple to assemble and disassemble, easy to manufacture and easy to replace if needed. A pin 32 also provides a pivot axis. However, any alternative suitable engagement elements may be envisioned. Examples include a hook and bar engagement portions, two interlinked rings, or a hinge. Inter-engaging male and female parts may be envisioned. The arm 14 may be engaged with the base 12 via interference fit.

[0061] Optionally, the pin 32 and / or engagement elements may function as a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism may enable the arm 14 to be temporarily secured at a selected angle relative to the base 12. The angle may be selectable from a continuous range or from a subset of discrete angles.

[0062] The terminal end 24 of a said arm 14 in-use enables the arm 14 to connect to the vehicle. Preferably, the terminal end 24 of at least one of the arms 14 includes a terminal-end engagement element 34. In the shown embodiment, the terminal-end engagement element or portion 34 includes a hook. However, any suitable alternative or additional terminal-end engagement element to a hook may be envisioned, such as a clamp, or locking mechanism, by way of examples.

[0063] Each arm 14 is preferably linear or substantially linear, though part curved or non-curved may be options. Thus, each arm 14 preferably extends along an arm axis 36, shown as a dashed line in Figure 3. Preferably, the terminal-end engagement element 34, here a hook, generally extends along or parallel with the arm axis 36.

[0064] Each arm 14 has a length L, indicated by a dashed double-headed arrow in Figure 2. The length L is preferably fixed, although non fixed may be possible. For example, the arm may be extensible, such as by being modular, foldable, or telescopic.

[0065] Each arm 14 forms an angle C with the base 12, and more preferably the central bar 16 thereof. The angle C between each arm 14 and the central bar 16 is most clearly shown in Figure 4. When the arms 14 extend at least in part towards each other, the terminal end 24 is spaced apart from the ground-surface by a distance extending perpendicularly to the ground-surface, referred to as height H1 for clarity. In other words, if the base 12, the terminal end 24 and the connection end 26 of the same arm 14 form or substantially form a right-angled triangle, the arm 14 forms the hypothenuse. The base 12 forms the adjacent side. The height H1 forms the opposite side of the triangle.

[0066] In-use, the user obtains a stand 10, preferably as described above. The user selects a suitable site on a ground-surface to position the stand 10. If the stand 10 is provided without one or more fasteners 20c, and / or without a pin 32, the user may optionally obtain one or more fasteners 20c and / or a pin 32, if required.

[0067] If provided in an at least partly disassembled condition, such as in a kit of parts, the user may need to carry out any or all the following assembly steps, not necessarily in the following order.

[0068] If not already connected therewith, the first arm 14a and / or second arm 14b is connected to the base 12, preferably via aligning the or each respective connection end 26 to the or each corresponding arm-connection portion 20d. The pin 32 is inserted to connect a said connection end 26 to a said corresponding arm-connection portion 20d. One or more further arms may be connected, if desired, such as for additional stability or redundancy. This may be facilitated by the base have one or more additional arm-connection portions.

[0069] Once the arms 14 are connected to the base 12, the stand 10 is in an assembled condition or configuration.

[0070] Before, during or after connecting the arms 14 to the base 12, the base 12 may be simply sited at the selected location. Preferably, however, the base 12 is secured to the ground-surface 38. In the present embodiment, securing the base 12 to ground-surface 38 involves using the one or more fasteners 20c and the one or more fastener-receivers 20b. If there is choice of fastener-receivers 20b, such as a plurality of through-bores 22, the user may select which through-bore or through-bores 22 to insert a fastener 20c into. The choice of through- bore 22 may potentially be dictated by the ground-surface 38. For example if the ground-surface 38 is weaker beneath one through-bore 22, the engagement between the fastener 20c extending through the through-bore 22 and into the ground-surface 38 may be weakened. Conversely, the ground-surface 38 may be marked, non-penetrable or strengthened so as to prevent or inhibit entry of a fastener 20c into the ground-surface 38 below a specific through-bore 22. This may be beneficial, for instance, to prevent or inhibit the fastener 20c damaging a structure on, through or below the ground-surface 38 such as piping, an electrical cable, a battery, or a fuel tank, by way of examples only.

[0071] If a range of different types of through-bores 22 is provided, the user may select the through-bore or through-bores 22 to use according to the type of fastener or fasteners 20c available.

[0072] When the user wants to store their vehicle 40, such as a motorcycle, in an upright position, they may use the stand 10.

[0073] The vehicle 40 preferably has at most three wheels such that the vehicle stand 10 may be referred to as a three-wheeled vehicle stand. An example of a three-wheeled vehicle is a three-wheeled motorcycle. However, a greater number of wheels may be envisioned, such as a bicycle with stabiliser wheels. A stand of sufficient size and strength may even be envisioned for use with a car. More preferably, the vehicle 40 has at most two wheels such that the vehicle stand 10 may be referred to as a two-wheeled vehicle stand, a bicycle stand or a motorcycle stand.

[0074] The vehicle 40 preferably comprises a front wheel 42, a rear wheel 44, a frame portion 46, one or more connection points 48 and suspension means 50, but any of the above may be omitted and / or a plurality of any of the above may be provided. The vehicle 40 may optionally comprise a motor.

[0075] The frame portion 46, also referred to as a frame, extends between and connects to the front wheel 42 and to the rear wheel 44, more preferably the hubs thereof.

[0076] The one or more connection points 48 are preferably provided on, and optionally extend from the frame portion 46 of the vehicle 40, even more preferably in opposite sides of the vehicle 40. The connection points 48 in the preferred embodiment are foot pegs. However, in alternative embodiments, the connection points could be foot pedals, hoops, ridges on the frame, or the tubes of the frame of the vehicle, such as a tube of a bicycle frame, by way of examples only. There may be one single connection point to which the stand may be connectable from both sides. The suspension means 50, also referred to as a suspension element, suspensor, or suspension, in-use enables relative motion between the front wheel 42 and / or rear wheel 44, and the frame portion 46 to absorb or dampen shocks. Preferably, the suspension means 50 includes a compressive element or portion such as one or more springs. The stand 10 has a supporting condition in which the first arm 14a and the second arm 14b extend at least in part towards each other so as to engage with a vehicle 40 positioned therebetween for supporting the vehicle 40 in an upright position. More preferably, in the supporting condition, the terminal end 24 of the first arm 14a and the terminal end 24 of the second arm 14b engage with the vehicle 40 positioned therebetween. Each arm 14 may be movable in a plane, referred to as a plane of action 52 for clarity. More preferably, the first arm 14a and second arm 14b are preferably movable in the same plane of action 52 as each other,; illustrated in Figure 2 as a dashed line, although parallel planes of action may be an option. The plane or parallel planes of action 52 preferably extend through or parallel with the central bar 16, though non parallel with the central bar may be envisioned.

[0077] Optionally, as the stand 10 preferably has a movable arm or arms 14, the stand 10 may also have at least one non-supporting condition in which the vehicle 40 cannot be supported by the stand 10. Figures 1 , 5 and 6 illustrate the stand 10 in different non-supporting conditions. In the nonsupporting condition shown in Figure 1 , the arms 14 are folded on top of the central bar 16. The tip of the hooks extend towards the ground-surface 38. For clarity, this non-supporting condition may be referred to as a compact condition, a closed condition or a safe condition.

[0078] In the non-supporting condition shown in Figures 5 and 6, the terminal ends 24 of the arms are spaced-apart from each by a greater extent than in the supporting condition. In other words, the terminal ends 24 are spaced-apart from each by a distance D1 in the supporting condition and by a distance D2 in the non-supporting condition, and the distance D2 being greater than D1. At least one of the first arm 14a and the second arm 14b extends from the or each respective base 12 and preferably away from the other arm 14. The non-supporting conditions shown in Figures 5 and 6 may be referred to as open conditions or intermediate conditions, for clarity.

[0079] If the stand 10 has a non-supporting condition and is not already in the non-supporting condition when the user wants to engage the vehicle 40 with the stand 10, the stand 10 is preferably reconfigured to be in the non-support condition as this may beneficially facilitate insertion of the vehicle 40 between the arms 14 of the stand 10.

[0080] The vehicle 40 is positioned between the connection ends 26 of the arms 14 as shown in Figure 7. Preferably, the frame portion 46, and more preferably, the connection points 48, such as the foot pegs of the vehicle 40 are positioned to be in the plane of action 52. The plane of action 52 preferably extends through or intercepts the frame portion 46 away from the hub of the at least one front wheel 42 and / or away from the hub of the at least one rear wheel 44. More preferably, the plane of action 52 intercepts or extends through the frame portion 46 between the at least one front wheel 42 and the at least one rear wheel 44. In other words, the at least one front wheel 42 and the at least one rear wheel 44 are on either side of the plane of action 52. The user moves each arm 14 so that the terminal end 24 of each arm 14 is adjacent to the or each respective connection point 48. The user engages each terminal end 24, and more preferably, the terminal-end engagement element 34 of each arm 14 with the or the respective connection point 48. In the preferred embodiment, this involves engaging the hook of the first arm 14a with the left foot peg and engaging the hook of the second arm 14b with the right foot peg. This results in the vehicle 40 being supported by the stand 10 and extending in a plane perpendicular or substantially perpendicular with the ground-surface 38. As the ground-surface 38 is preferably horizontal or substantially horizontal, the vehicle 40 is supported in an upright position.

[0081] The or a said connection point 48 is spaced apart from the ground-surface by a height H2 extending perpendicularly to the ground-surface 38. If the vehicle 40 has suspension means 50 and if the height H1 is smaller than the height H2, the vehicle stand 10 provides a force acting on the suspension means 50. In other words, the suspension means 50 or the at least one spring thereof may be at least in part compressed in order to enable the terminal ends 24 to connect with the connection points 48. As a typical user may not have sufficient weight and / or may not be able to exert a sufficient force to depress the suspension means 50 to a sufficient extent to enable the arms 14 being connected to the vehicle 40, one method of engaging the arms 14 and simultaneously depressing the suspension means 50 may be to lean the vehicle 40 in one direction so as to be able to engage one arm 14 with one connection point 48. This is illustrated in Figure 8, where the user is leaning the vehicle 40 towards the right arm 14b. After engaging the hook and the right foot peg as shown in Figure 9, the user may then lean the vehicle 40 in the opposite direction so that the opposite connection point 48 is lowered, as shown in Figure 10. The opposite terminal end 24 is rotated until it can engage with the opposite connection point 48. Upon moving the vehicle 40 back into an upright orientation, both arms 14 pull in opposite directions on the vehicle 40.

[0082] The vehicle 40 is repositioned in an upright position as shown in Figure 11. Each arm 14 applies on the vehicle 40 an outward and optionally downward force of preferably equal magnitude to each other.

[0083] This provides a method of immobilising a vehicle 40, such as a motorcycle or bicycle, in an upright position using a stand 10.

[0084] As the stand 10 provides two spaced-apart points of contact with the ground-surface 38 defining a common axis and at least one of the wheels 42,44 provides a third point of contact which is not on the common axis, the at least three points of contact provide stability to maintain the vehicle 40 in an upright position. If the vehicle 40 includes suspension means 50 and the stand 10 provides a grounding force directed at least in part towards the ground-surface 38 that opposes at least in part a force in the opposite direction away from the ground-surface 38 provided by the suspension means 50, the two opposed forces may reduce the likelihood of the terminal ends 24 and / or the hooks thereof, from accidentally becoming disengaged from the vehicle 40. Where the stand 10 is additionally secured to the ground-surface 38, the two opposed forces may further stabilise the vehicle 40 in an upright position, for example by forcing the wheels 42,44 to be aligned with the frame portion 46 and / or with each other.

[0085] If the frame portion 46 connects to the frame portion 46 of the vehicle 40 between the front wheel 42 and the rear wheel 44 and provides a grounding force to the frame portion 46, the frame portion 46 distributes the grounding force equally or substantially equally to each wheel 42,44. This may beneficially reduce the likelihood of the or each front wheel 42 and / or any suspension means 50 associated therewith experiencing wear and tear or material fatigue at a different rate to that experienced by the or each rear wheel 44 and / or associated suspension means 50.

[0086] The user can drive the transporting vehicle 40, such as a van, in which the vehicle 40 is supported by the stand 10 to a new location, if desired.

[0087] To be able to use the vehicle 40, the user disengages the arms 14 from the vehicle 40, here by unhooking the terminal ends 24 from the connection points 48 of the frame portion 46. This may involve leaning the vehicle 40 in the first and second directions.

[0088] If stored in a transportation vehicle and a ramp 54 is provided as shown in Figure 11 , the vehicle 40 may be wheeled down from within the transportation vehicle via the ramp 54.

[0089] If the stand 10 is secured to the ground-surface 38 by one or more fasteners 20c, the steps of finding a suitable location for the stand 10 can be omitted when the user next wishes to store the or a further vehicle 40 in an upright condition using the stand 10.

[0090] In the shown embodiment, the arms connect to the same, common base. In an alternative embodiment, the stand may comprise a further base having a ground-engaging portion. The first arm or second arm may be connected or connectable to the base, and the other of the first arm and second arm may be connected or connectable to the further base.

[0091] Preferably the shape and / or dimensions of each part of the stand are fixed. However, in an alternative embodiment, the shape and / or dimensions of any part or any combination of parts of the stand may be variable or varied. For example, part of the base may be extensible. The central bar and / or at least one side bar may be extensible, such as by being telescopic or modularly assembleable.

[0092] Similarly, one or a plurality of arms may be moveable by being extensible or extendable, in addition to or instead of being pivotable. The arm may be telescopic such that part of the arm may be extended and / or retracted. A said arm may be modularly assembleable such that part of the arm may be moved into and / or out of assembly. This enables the length of an arm to be variable. In turn, a variable arm length may beneficially accommodate a wider range of vehicles. An arm may even be spring loaded. It may even be envisioned that the arms are non-movable relative to the base.

[0093] The stand is preferably strapless, in other words, devoid of straps. In an alternative embodiment, one or more straps could be envisioned, instead or in addition to one or more rigid arms. The strap or straps could provided non-rigid arms.

[0094] Whilst a preferred shape may have been specified for any of the above-described features, any alternative shape may be envisioned in any of transverse or lateral cross-section, longitudinal cross-section, in side view, or in plan view. The shape may be any or any combination of: curved, part curved, non-curved, linear, part linear, non-linear, a broken line, any polygon, whether regular or irregular, having one or more chamfered and / or rounded corners, a triangle, a quadrilateral, such as a square, a rectangle, a trapezium, a trapezoid, a pentagon, a hexagon, a heptagon, an octagon, or any other polygon, a cross, an ellipse, a circle, part circular, an oval, or any abstract shape.

[0095] It is therefore possible to provide a stand for immobilising a vehicle such as a motorcycle or bicycle in an upright position. This may be beneficial for transporting the vehicle in a van or lorry. The arms of the stand are preferably movable such that they can be moved into a suitable position according to the vehicle which is to be immobilise. The stand is simple to use. Due to the arms being angled towards each other, the base is wider than a similar stand in which the arms extend from the base either away from each other or in parallel planes. A wider base provides greater stability.

[0096] It is also possible to provide a method of easily immobilising a vehicle perpendicularly to a groundsurface using a stand. No straps are required.

[0097] The words ‘comprises / comprising’ and the words ‘having / including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

[0098] It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

[0099] The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention as defined herein.

Claims

Claims1. A vehicle stand (10) for supporting a vehicle (40) in an upright position, the vehicle stand (10) comprising: a base (12) having a ground-engaging portion (20a); a rigid first arm (14a); a rigid second arm (14b), each arm (14) having a terminal end (24) and a connection end (26), the connection end (26) of at least one of the rigid first arm (14a) and the rigid second arm (14b) being connected or connectable to the base (12), at least one of: the rigid first arm (14a) and rigid second arm (14b) being movable relative to the base (12); wherein the vehicle stand (10) has a supporting condition in which the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) in-use extend at least in part towards each other so that the terminal ends (24) of the rigid first and second arms (14a, 14b) engage with a vehicle (40) positioned therebetween for supporting the vehicle (40) in an upright position.

2. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in claim 1 , wherein at least one of: the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) is pivotable relative to the base (12).

3. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein at least one of: the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) is connected or connectable to the base (12) via a pin (32).

4. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle stand (10) has a non-supporting condition in which the terminal ends (24) of the arms are spaced-apart from each by a greater extent than in the supporting condition.

5. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the terminal end (24) of at least one of: the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) comprises a terminal-end engagement element (34).

6. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the or at least one terminal-end engagement element (34) includes a hook.

7. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first arm (14a) and / or the second arm (14b) comprises metal.

8. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (12) comprises metal.

9. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the metal includes steel.

10. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (12) further includes a fastener-receiver (20b) for engaging with a fastener (20c).

11. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein the fastener-receiver (20b) comprises a plurality of spaced-apart through-bores (22).

12. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in claim 11 , wherein at least two through-bores (22) of the plurality of spaced-apart through-bores (22) have different dimensions relative to each other for providing a range of different through bores (22) to accommodate a range of different fasteners (20c).

13. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (12) comprises a fastener (20c).

14. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the base (12) has a central bar (16) and at least one side bar (18).

15. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein both the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) are connected or connectable to the base (12) via respective connection ends (26).

16. A vehicle stand as claimed in any one of the claims 1 to 14, further comprising a further base having a ground-engaging portion, wherein one of the first arm and second arm is connected or connectable to the base, and the other of the first arm and second arm is connected or connectable to the further base.

17. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle stand (10) is devoid of straps.

18. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the vehicle (40) has at most three wheels such that the vehicle stand (10) is a three-wheeled vehicle stand (10).

19. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in claim 18, wherein the vehicle (40) has at most two wheels (42,44) such that the vehicle stand (10) is a two-wheeled vehicle stand (10).

20. A vehicle stand (10) as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, provided as a kit of parts.

21. A method of immobilising a vehicle (40) in an upright position using a stand (10), the method comprising the steps of: a] obtaining a vehicle stand (10) having a base (12) having a ground-engaging portion (20a); a rigid first arm (14a); a rigid second arm (14b), each arm (14) having a terminal end (24) and a connection end (26), the connection end (26) of at least one of the rigid first arm (14a) and the rigid second arm (14b) being connected or connectable to the base (12), at least one of: the rigid first arm (14a) and rigid second arm (14b) being movable relative to the base (12); wherein the vehicle stand (10) has a supporting condition inwhich the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) in-use extend at least in part towards each other so that the terminal ends (24) of the rigid first and second arms (14a, 14b) engage with one or more connection points (48) of a vehicle (40) positioned therebetween for supporting the vehicle (40) in an upright position; b] positioning the vehicle (40) between the connection ends (26); c] moving the first arm (14a) so as to engage the terminal end (24) of the first arm (14a) with the or a first connection point (48) of the vehicle (40) and moving the second arm (14b) so as to engage the terminal end (24) of the second arm (14b) with the or a second said connection point (48) of the vehicle (40).

22. A method as claimed in claim 21 , wherein the vehicle (40) has a front wheel (42) and a rear wheel (44) connected by a frame portion (46), and in step c] the terminal ends (24) are engaged with the frame portion (46) of the vehicle (40) between the front wheel (42) and the rear wheel (44).

23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, wherein the vehicle (40) comprises a foot pedal and / or a foot peg extending outwardly from each side of the vehicle (40) and in step c] the terminals ends (24) are engaged with the foot pedals and / or with the foot pegs.

24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein the vehicle (40) comprises suspension means (50), the terminal end (24) is spaced apart from the ground-surface by a height (H1) extending perpendicularly to the ground-surface, and the or a said connection point (48) is spaced apart from the ground-surface by a height (H2) extending perpendicularly to the ground-surface, the height (H1) being smaller than the height (H2) such that the vehicle stand (10) provides a grounding force acting on the suspension means (50).

25. A vehicle stand (10) for supporting a vehicle (40) in an upright position, the vehicle stand (10) comprising: a base (12) having a ground-engaging portion (20a); a first arm (14a); a second arm (14b), at least one of the first arm (14a) and second arm (14b) being connected or connectable to the base (12); wherein the vehicle stand (10) has a supporting condition in which the first arm (14a) and the second arm (14b) in-use extend at least in part towards each other so as to engage with a vehicle (40) positioned therebetween for supporting the vehicle (40) in an upright position.

Images