Stand for one or more vehicle parts

A stand for receiving an object, e.g., an automobile panel, may include a base support configured to engage a ground surface, an upright support extending upward from the base support, and one or more object coupling apparatus. For example, the object coupling apparatus may include an upper support element coupled to the upright support that provides an elongate support element elevated above the ground surface and one or more various arms movable along the elongate support element that couple to the object.

BACKGROUND

The disclosure herein relates generally to an adjustable stand for receiving one or more objects, e.g., door panels and/or fenders from an automobile, such that a user, e.g., may repair and/or paint the object.

Supporting objects (e.g., automobile panels) for repair and/or to be painted can be difficult. For example, surfaces of objects are often contoured and/or shaped, and as a result, supporting such objects without damaging the objects may be difficult.

SUMMARY

The disclosure herein relates generally to a stand that may receive an object (e.g., a stand for receiving an object to be repaired, a stand for receiving and holding vehicle parts such as doors or fenders, methods relating to use of the stand, etc.).

In one embodiment of a stand, the stand may include a base support configured to engage a ground surface, an upright support extending upward from the base support, and one or more object coupling apparatus. Each object coupling apparatus may include an upper support element coupled to the upright support (e.g., wherein the upper support element may include an elongate support element elevated above the ground surface), first and second support arms movable along the elongate support element elevated above the ground surface (e.g., wherein the first support arm may include at least an arm element terminating a distance from the elongate support element at a coupling element usable to couple the first support arm to a first portion of an object of the one or more objects and wherein the second support arm may include at least an arm element terminating a distance from the elongate support element at a coupling element usable to couple the second support arm to a second portion of the object), and a drop support arm apparatus movable along the elongate support element. The drop support arm apparatus may include a drop arm portion extending in a direction downward toward the ground surface from the elevated elongate support element and a distal coupling element movable to various positions at one or more elevations above the ground surface that are less than an elevation of the coupling element of either the first and second support arms (e.g., the distal coupling element may be usable to couple the drop support arm apparatus to a third portion of the object).

In one or more embodiments of the stand, the drop arm portion may extend at least partially along a drop axis substantially vertical to the ground surface, and further, the distal coupling element may be movable vertically to one or more elevations above the ground surface, movable horizontally along an axis orthogonal to the substantially vertical drop axis, rotatable to one or more positions about the axis orthogonal to the drop axis, and rotatable to one or more positions about the drop axis.

Further, in one or more embodiments of the stand, the drop support arm apparatus may include an attachment portion movable along the elongate support element (e.g., a proximal end of the drop arm portion may be coupled to the attachment portion and extend along a drop axis in a direction downward toward the ground surface from the elevated elongate support element). Further, a coupling arm may be movably coupled to the drop arm portion (e.g., the coupling arm may be movable along the drop axis, rotatable about the drop axis, and movable along and rotatable about an axis orthogonal relative to the drop axis). In one embodiment, the distal coupling element may terminate an end of the coupling arm.

Still further, in one or more embodiments of the stand, at least one of the first and second support arms may include an attachment element movable along an axis of the elongate support element, a first arm element that may include a proximal end coupled to the attachment element and that may extend along the direction of the axis of the elongate support element (e.g., the first arm element may be offset from the elongate support element such that a gap is defined therebetween, wherein the gap may be sized such that the drop support arm apparatus is movable along the elongate support element within the gap), and a second arm element coupled to a distal portion of the first arm element and terminating a distance from the elongate support element at the coupling element usable to couple a support arm to the object. In one embodiment, the second arm element coupled to a distal portion of the first arm element may extend orthogonally therefrom and at an angle upward relative to the axis of the elongate support element.

Yet further, each of the first and second support arms movable along the elongate support element may be removable from at least one of a first and a second end of the elongate support element. Each of the first and second support arms may be positionable on the elongate support element such that at least portions of the first arm element and second arm element extend beyond at least one of the first and second ends of the elongate support element and may also being positionable on the elongate support element such that no portions of the first arm element and second arm element extend beyond the first or second ends of the elongate support element.

In another exemplary embodiment of a stand, the stand may include a base support configured to engage a ground surface, an upright support extending upward from the base support, and one or more object coupling apparatus. Each object coupling apparatus may include an upper support element coupled to the upright support (e.g., wherein the upper support element may include an elongate support element elevated above the ground surface), one or more support arms movable along the elongate support element elevated above the ground surface (e.g., wherein each support arm may include at least a coupling element usable to couple the support arm to a portion of an object of the one or more objects), and a drop support arm apparatus movable along the elongate support element. The drop support arm may include a drop arm portion extending at least partially along a drop axis substantially vertical to the ground surface and a distal coupling element movable vertically to one or more elevations above the ground surface, movable horizontally along an axis orthogonal to the substantially vertical drop axis, rotatable to one or more positions about the axis orthogonal to the drop axis, and rotatable to one or more positions about the drop axis. The distal coupling element may be usable to couple the drop support arm apparatus to another portion of the object.

In one or more embodiments of the stand, the drop support arm apparatus may include an attachment portion movable along the elongate support element (e.g., a proximal end of the drop arm portion may be coupled to the attachment portion and extend along the drop axis in a direction downward toward the ground surface from the elevated elongate support element) and a coupling arm movably coupled to the drop arm portion. For example, the coupling arm may be at least one of movable along the drop axis, rotatable about the drop axis, movable along an axis orthogonal to the drop axis, or rotatable about the axis orthogonal to the drop axis (e.g., the coupling arm may be movable in one or more of such manners, as well as all of such manners). The distal coupling element may terminate an end of the coupling arm.

In one or more embodiments of the stand, at least one of the one or more support arms may include an attachment element movable along an axis of the elongate support element, a first arm element that includes a proximal end coupled to the attachment element and extends along the direction of the axis of the elongate support element (e.g., wherein the first arm element may be offset from the elongate support element such that a gap is defined therebetween, and wherein the gap may be sized such that the drop support arm apparatus is movable along the elongate support element within the gap), and a second arm element coupled to a distal portion of the first arm element and terminating a distance from the elongate support element at the coupling element usable to couple the at least one of the one or more support arms to the object. In one embodiment, the second arm element coupled to a distal portion of the first arm element may extend orthogonally therefrom and at an angle upward relative to the axis of the elongate support element.

In yet another exemplary embodiment of a stand for receiving one or more objects, the stand may include a base support configured to engage a ground surface, an upright support extending upward from the base support, and one or more object coupling apparatus. Each object coupling apparatus may include an upper support element coupled to the upright support (e.g., wherein the upper support element may include an elongate support element elevated above the ground surface), and first and second support arms movable along the elongate support element elevated above the ground surface. Each of the first and second support arms may include an attachment element movable along an axis of the elongate support element and a first arm element that may include a proximal end coupled to the attachment element and may extend along the direction of the axis of the elongate support element. The first arm element may be offset from the elongate support element such that a gap is defined therebetween. The support arms may further include a second arm element coupled to a distal portion of the first arm element and terminating a distance from the elongate support element at a coupling element configured to be coupled to the object. In at least one embodiment thereof, each of the first and second support arms movable along the elongate support element are removable from at least one of a first and second end of the elongate support element, and each of the first and second support arms may be positionable on the elongate support element such that at least portions of the first arm element and second arm element extend beyond at least one of the first and second ends of the elongate support element and also may be positionable on the elongate support element such that no portions of the first arm element and second arm element extend beyond the first or second ends of the elongate support element.

In one or more embodiments of the stand, the object coupling apparatus may further include a drop support arm apparatus movable along the elongate support element and also removable from at least one of the first and second ends of the elongate support element. The drop support arm apparatus may include a distal coupling element movable to various positions at one or more elevations above the ground surface that are less than an elevation of the coupling element of either the first and second support arms (e.g., the distal coupling element of the drop support arm apparatus being usable to couple the drop support arm to another portion of the object). The gap defined by the first arm element being offset from the elongate support element may be sized such that the drop support arm apparatus is movable along the elongate support element within the gap.

Further, in one or more embodiments of the stand, the drop support arm apparatus may include a drop arm portion that extends at least partially along a drop axis substantially vertical to the ground surface, and further, for example, the distal coupling element may be movable vertically to one or more elevations above the ground surface, movable horizontally along an axis orthogonal to the substantially vertical drop axis, rotatable to one or more positions about the axis orthogonal to the drop axis, and rotatable to one or more positions about the drop axis.

Still further, embodiments of the stands herein may include one or more of the following features: the distal coupling element may include a swivel clamp movable in multiple positions with use of a ball and socket; the one or more object coupling apparatus may include first and second object coupling apparatus coupled to the upright support opposite one another (e.g., wherein the first and second object coupling apparatus may be configured to be coupled to first and second objects, respectively); and/or each of the first and second support arms and the drop support arm apparatus movable along the elongate support element may be removable from at least one of a first end and a second end of the elongate support element.

The above summary is not intended to describe each embodiment or every implementation of the stands for receiving objects or methods of using such stands. Advantages, together with a more complete understanding, will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

The figures are rendered primarily for clarity and, as a result, are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Exemplary embodiments of a stand10are shown and shall be described with reference toFIGS. 1-7. The use of such exemplary embodiments of the stand10is shown and shall be described with reference toFIGS. 8-11.

The exemplary stand10shown inFIGS. 1-4includes base support12configured to engage a ground surface and an upright support14extending upward from the base support12. The base support12is configured to hold the upright support14in an upright position along axis15(e.g., in a vertical position). The base support12may be formed of any structure suitable to support the upright support14and various features coupled thereto when in use (e.g., object coupling apparatus, support arms, drop support arm apparatus, vehicle doors, vehicle fenders, etc.).

In one or more embodiments, the base support12as shown inFIGS. 1-4may include two base leg elements40separated by and coupled together by a base cross support element42. For example, the ends of the base cross support element42may be coupled to the mid-region of each of the two base leg elements40by coupling apparatus43. For example, such coupling apparatus43may include brackets, nuts and bolts, braces, or any other fixation apparatus (e.g., including welds) suitable to provide such coupling.

At least in one embodiment, the base leg elements40may be separated by a distance (e.g., using one or more cross elements such as base cross support element42) suitable to maintain the stand10in an upright position during its use (e.g., when holding a vehicle object such as a door or fender, when holding two doors and/or fenders, etc.). Further, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, the base support12may include a plurality of wheels46(e.g., caster wheels that are lockable) distributed at one or more positions under structure forming the base support12. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, four wheels46are provided to permit the stand10to be moved easily and locked into position. The four wheels46are coupled at the ends of each of the base leg elements40.

The upright support14extending upward from the base support12is configured to hold one or more object coupling apparatus16at an elevated position above the ground surface. The upright support14may be formed of any structure suitable to support the one or more object coupling apparatus16and the objects coupled thereto when in use (e.g., vehicle doors, vehicle fenders, etc.). Further, the upright support14may be configured as an extendable support such that the support can be lengthened and shortened (as desired) and a locked into one or more lengths along axis15(e.g., to raise or lower the object coupling apparatus16relative to the ground).

In one or more embodiments, the upright support14as shown inFIGS. 1-4may include a base upright portion50coupled to base cross support element42in an upright position along axis15by coupling apparatus52. For example, such coupling apparatus52may include brackets, nuts and bolts, braces, or any other fixation apparatus (e.g., including welds) suitable to provide such coupling. The base upright portion50may include an opening through at least a portion thereof along axis15that is sized to receive a first end portion56of an upright extension portion51.

The upright extension portion51extends along axis15from the first end portion56inserted into an opening through the base upright portion50to a second end portion57which terminates at one or more connecting elements58(e.g., connecting sleeves or tubes for receiving or for connection with one or more structural elements, for example, mating or telescoping sleeves or tubes, of the one or more object coupling apparatus16). At least in one embodiment, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, the one or more connecting elements58include connecting sleeves. Such connecting sleeves58define openings59extending through each sleeve58in a direction orthogonal to axis15. Each of the connecting sleeves58is associated with a locking apparatus61for use in setting and locking into position structure (e.g., a part of the T shaped upper support element79) of the object coupling apparatus16received within the openings59extending through each sleeve58.

Any suitable locking apparatus61may be used to provide such functionality. As shown inFIGS. 1-4, such locking apparatus61(which may be used in one or more various locations of the stand to provide a locking functionality) is provided by a threaded nut (such as the one shown by reference numeral99) affixed to the connecting sleeve58with its threaded opening aligned with an opening through the side of the connecting sleeve58and thru to the opening59. A threaded tee handle (such as the one shown by reference numeral97) may be inserted through a rubber sleeve (such as the one shown by reference numeral98) and then threaded through the threaded nut into the opening59to engage any structure received therein and to lock such structure into a locked position. One will recognize that any suitable locking apparatus may be used (e.g., clamps, spring-loaded elements, locking keys, etc.) and that the specific locking structure described herein is not to be taken as limiting on the present disclosure.

At least in one embodiment as shown inFIGS. 1-4, to provide an extendable upright support14that may be locked at one or more lengths along axis15, the base upright portion50and the upright extension portion51are configured in a telescoping manner (e.g., the first end portion56of the upright extension portion51is insertable into an opening of the base upright portion50; however, the first end portion56could be configured to receive the upright extension portion50). At least in one embodiment, the first end portion56of the upright extension portion51includes openings (not shown) that correspond to openings55in the base upright portion50. A pin with a clip54may be inserted into such openings55and those of the first end portion56to lock the upright extension portion51at a particular position relative to the base upright portion50. In at least in another embodiment, only openings55may be used. For example, the pin with clip54may be inserted through the openings55and the upright extension portion51when inserted into the opening of the base upright portion50may rest on the pin with clip54. In either configuration, a locking apparatus60(e.g., similar to that shown and described with reference to locking apparatus61) may be used to lock the upright extension portion51within the opening of the base upright portion50. However, one skilled in the art will recognize that any structure suitable for providing extension of the upright support14(as well as locking the extended upright support14at a particular length) may be used and that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular type of extension technique.

The stand10may include one or more object coupling apparatus16coupled to the upright support14. At least in one embodiment, each of the object coupling apparatus16is configured to be coupled to a different object received by the stand (e.g., a fender, a door, etc.). Each of the object coupling apparatus16may include an upper support element79configured to be coupled to the upright support14and configured to cooperate with one or more various arm type structures used to provide coupling points with an object received by the stand10(e.g., a fender, a door, etc.).

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, first and second object coupling apparatus16are coupled to the upright support14opposite one another. The first and second object coupling apparatus16elevated above the ground surface are substantially similar on opposite sides of the upright support14. For simplicity, a single object coupling apparatus16shall be described. However, it may be possible for any number of object coupling apparatus16to be coupled to the upright support14and elevated above the ground surface (e.g., three object coupling apparatus16may be coupled to and spaced about the upright support14).

At least in one embodiment, the object coupling apparatus16provides at least three coupling points with the object to hold the object in a stable position. Further, at least in one embodiment, the object coupling apparatus16provides at least three coupling points with the object, wherein at least one coupling point is at a lower elevation (e.g., closer to the ground surface) than the other coupling points. Further, at least in one embodiment, the object coupling apparatus16provides at least three coupling points with the object, wherein at least one coupling point is at a lower elevation (e.g., closer to the ground surface) than the other coupling points which are at substantially the same elevation.

In one or more embodiments, the object coupling apparatus16may include one or more different types of coupling elements usable for coupling to the object (e.g., at the coupling points or portions of the object). For example, and clearly not limited to the following, such coupling elements may include hooks, clamps (e.g., swivel clamps as described herein), pins, engagement surfaces or indents, integral with the arm or attached coupling elements, etc. Such coupling elements, as described herein, may terminate or be formed at the end of one or more structural elements (e.g., arms, bent members, angled arm elements, etc.); wherein such structural elements are either directly or indirectly coupled to the upper support element79.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the upper support element79of object coupling apparatus16is coupled to the upright support14and may include an elongate support element80elevated above the ground surface. The elongate support element80extends along an axis17between a first end81and a second end82. The elongate support element80may be coupled to the upright support14and elevated above the ground by any suitable structural elements.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, the upper support element79includes a connection element84extending orthogonal to the elongate support element80at its midpoint. The connection element84is configured to slide into the opening59of the connecting element58of the upright support14. One skilled in the art will recognize that any number of elements may be used to suspend the elongate support element80above the ground surface. However, use of a single connection element84at the midpoint thereof allows various arm type structures to be moved more readily and effectively along the elongate support element80and along axis17. Extension of the upright support14will raise the elongate support element80further from the ground surface and decreasing the length of the upright support14will lower the elongate support element80towards the ground surface.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4, various arm type structures of the object coupling apparatus16may be movable along the elongate support element80. For example, at least in one embodiment, first and second support arms18,20are movable along the elongate support element80elevated above the ground surface. Generally, the first and second support arms18,20(e.g., left and right support arms) are mirror images of each other. Such first and second support arms18,20may be positioned onto either the first end81or the second end82of the elongate support element80and moved therealong. For example, at least in one embodiment, such first and second support arms18,20may be moved along the elongate support element80until structure thereof contacts connection element84extending orthogonal from the elongate support element80.

In one or more embodiments, the first support arm18includes at least an arm element terminating a distance from the elongate support element80at a coupling element19usable to couple the first support arm18to a first portion of an object to be received by the stand. Likewise, in at least in one embodiment, the second support arm20includes at least an arm element terminating a distance from the elongate support element80at a coupling element21usable to couple the second support arm20to a second portion of the object to be received by the stand.

For example, as shown inFIGS. 1-4and the enlarged view ofFIG. 5, the first support arm18may include an attachment element90movable along the axis17of the elongate support element80. At least in one embodiment, the attachment element90defines a channel91therethrough sized such that the attachment element90may slide along the elongate support element80. One will recognize that any attachment element suitable to provide a user the ability to move the first support arm18along the elongate support element80may be used. For example, a C-type structure where the channel91is not entirely enclosed may be used, as well as any other suitable sliding or movable element.

The first support arm further includes a first arm element92having a proximal end102coupled to the attachment element90(e.g., the proximal end102being welded or otherwise attached to a surface of the attachment element90). The first arm element92is offset from the elongate support element80such that a gap200is defined therebetween (seeFIG. 1). The offset distance108used to create the gap200is shown inFIG. 5D. As will be recognized from the description herein, the gap200is sized such that one or more other arm type structures may be movable along the elongate support element80and within the gap200(e.g., the drop support arm apparatus22is shown to have been moved within the gap200created between second support arm20and elongate support element80inFIG. 1).

Further, as shown inFIGS. 1-4and the enlarged view ofFIG. 5, a second arm element94of the first support arm18is coupled to a distal portion104of the first arm element92. The second arm element94may, for example, terminate a distance from the elongate support element80at the coupling element19usable to couple the first support arm to the object being received by the stand. The coupling element19may be a hook element open in the upward direction for engaging a portion of the object (e.g., such as an opening in a door or fender).

Still further, a threaded nut99is fixed to a surface of the attachment element90at a location corresponding to a through opening in the surface to channel91. In such a manner, a locking apparatus such as described herein with respect to locking apparatus61may be used to lock the first support arm18at a position on the elongate support element80. For example, as shown in the exploded view ofFIG. 2, a threaded nut99on an attachment element90of a second support arm20, along with a tee handle97and rubber sleeve98, provide the locking apparatus for locking the second support arm20at a position on the elongate support element80.

Yet further, as shown inFIGS. 1-5and particularlyFIG. 5C, the second arm element94coupled to a distal portion104of the first arm element92extends orthogonally from the first arm element92(and thus, orthogonal to axis17) and at an angle109upward relative to the axis17along which the elongate support element80extends. Angle109may be any suitable angle, and at least, in one embodiment, for example, angle109may be in the range of 15 degrees to 35 degrees.

For simplicity, the description above for a support arm is provided primarily with reference to first support arm18. It will be recognized that the same or similar structure described with respect to first support arm18is applicable to the second support arm20(except it is a mirror image thereof) and as such further detailed description of second support arm20will not be provided.

Further, at least in one embodiment, and as illustrated inFIGS. 1-4, the coupling elements19,21of the first and second support arms18,20are located at an elevation above the elongate support element80. As described further herein, other arm type structures of the object coupling apparatus16which are movable along the elongate support element80provide coupling elements at an elevation below the elongate support element80.

For example, at least in one embodiment, a drop support arm apparatus22is movable along the elongate support element80to provide a coupling element at an elevation below the elongate support element80. For example, at least in one embodiment, the drop support arm apparatus22includes a drop arm portion extending in a direction downward toward the ground surface from the elevated elongate support element80and a distal coupling element26(e.g., a clamp and/or a pin element) movable to various positions at one or more elevations above the ground surface that are less than an elevation of the coupling elements19,21of either the first and second support arms18,20. The distal coupling element26is usable to couple the drop support arm apparatus22to another coupling point or portion of the object being received by the stand.

The drop arm portion of the drop support arm apparatus22may include any type of structure that provides for a distal coupling element26that is movable to various positions below the elongate support element80(e.g., far enough below the elongate support element80to provide a stability benefit when used with other arm type structures of the object coupling apparatus16). The drop arm portion may be provided by a plurality of elements connected together either in a fixed manner or in a movable manner relative to each other or the drop arm portion may be provided by a single element providing a distal coupling element movable to various positions.

At least in one or more embodiments, and as illustrated inFIGS. 1-4, the drop support arm apparatus22may include a drop arm portion (see reference no. 24) that extends downward toward the ground surface at least partially along a drop axis30(e.g., a drop axis30that is substantially vertical to the ground surface). As shown therein, the distal coupling element26may be movable to various positions using the drop arm portion24. For example, the distal coupling element26may be movable vertically to one or more elevations above the ground surface (e.g., along drop axis30), the distal coupling element26being movable horizontally along an axis (e.g., axis32) orthogonal to the substantially vertical drop axis (e.g., drop axis30), the distal coupling element26may be rotatable to one or more positions about the axis (e.g., axis32) orthogonal to the drop axis (e.g., drop axis30), and the distal coupling element26may be rotatable to one or more positions about the drop axis (e.g., drop axis30). For example, a user may move the distal coupling element26to one or more positions using any one or more of such described user available motions.

At least in one or more embodiments, and as illustrated inFIGS. 1-4, the drop support arm apparatus22may include an attachment portion110movable along the elongate support element80. Further, for example, the attachment portion110may include a threaded nut fixed thereto and a locking apparatus112substantially similar to the locking apparatus described with reference to locking apparatus61to lock the drop support arm apparatus22at a position on the elongate support element80.

The drop support arm apparatus20may further include a drop arm portion114extending along drop axis30in a direction downward toward the ground surface from the elevated elongate support element80. The drop arm portion114may extend along drop axis30from a proximal end portion116that is coupled to attachment portion110(e.g., welded or otherwise fixed thereto) to a distal end portion118.

In addition, to provide for various positioning of coupling element26, the drop support arm apparatus20further includes a coupling arm120(e.g., a bent coupling arm having a bend or one or more curves at the distal end portion124thereof) which may be coupled to the drop arm portion114(e.g., at the distal end portion118) by a connection sleeve130. The coupling arm120is movably coupled by the connection sleeve130to the drop arm portion114such that the coupling arm120(e.g., and the distal coupling element26that terminates an end of the coupling arm120and which follows the coupling arm movement) is movable along the drop axis30, rotatable about the drop axis30, and movable along and rotatable about the axis32which is orthogonal to the drop axis30.

At least in one or more embodiments, and as illustrated inFIGS. 1-4and the enlarged view ofFIG. 7, the connection sleeve130includes a first sleeve portion142defining an opening144therethrough along axis32. A second sleeve portion146coupled to the first sleeve portion142(e.g., welded or otherwise fixed thereto) defines an opening148therethrough along drop axis30. The opening148extends along drop axis30which is orthogonal to the axis32along which opening144is defined. In other words, the cross-sections of opening148and144are orthogonal to one another; they lie in planes orthogonal to one another).

The distal end portion118of the drop arm portion114is insertable into defined opening148and the connection sleeve130is movable along and rotatable about the drop arm portion114extending along drop axis30. Second sleeve portion146further includes an opening152for receiving a locking apparatus136for use in locking the connection sleeve130at a position along the drop arm portion114. A quick release pin140is used in an opening141through the distal end portion118of the drop arm portion114to keep the connection sleeve130from falling off the distal end portion118.

Further, a proximal end portion122of the coupling arm120is insertable into defined opening144of the connection sleeve130and the coupling arm120is movable within the opening144of the connection sleeve130along axis32and rotatable within the opening144about axis32. First sleeve portion142further includes a threaded nut aligned with an opening through first sleeve portion142into opening144for receiving a locking apparatus132for use in locking the coupling arm120at a position within the opening144of the first sleeve portion142. A quick release pin140is used in an opening127through the proximal end portion122of the coupling arm120to keep coupling arm120from falling out of the connection sleeve130. The distal coupling element26is located at the distal end portion124of coupling arm120.

In one or more embodiments, any coupling element (e.g., a coupling element directly attached to the object being received by the stand10) may take the form of a swivel clamp movable in multiple positions with use of a ball and socket. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, the coupling element26takes the form of such a swivel clamp. For example, the swivel clamp26may be a clamp such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,445,184 to Johnson, entitled “Mobile Paint Rack.” For example, the distal end portion124of the coupling arm120may have mounted thereto a swivel ball. The swivel ball may be received by a socket mounted to the swivel clamp26in such a manner to allow the swivel clamp26to be positioned in a variety of positions. A locking apparatus202may be used to lock the swivel clamp26at a particular position.

In one or more embodiments, the swivel clamp26(e.g., a clamp having two clamping members between which a structural element of an object to be received on the stand10may be clamped) may include a pin204fixed to one or both of the clamping members thereof. At least in one embodiment, the pin204is fixed to one of the clamping members and extends in a forward direction therefrom (e.g., in a direction opposite from the user graspable portion of the clamp). For example, the pin204may be sized for insertion into a hole of an object to be received on the stand10.

Using the drop support arm apparatus22as described herein, a user may perform one or more of the following: move the drop support arm apparatus22along the elongate support element80(e.g., along axis17) and lock it to a position thereon using locking apparatus112; move the coupling arm120along with the coupling element26vertically by moving the coupling arm120along with connection sleeve130along drop arm portion114(e.g., along drop axis30) and also rotate the coupling arm120along with the connection sleeve130about the drop arm portion114(e.g., about drop axis30) and lock it to a position on the drop arm portion114using locking apparatus136; and move the coupling element26horizontally by moving the coupling arm120within and through the connection sleeve130(e.g., along axis32) and also rotate the coupling element26by rotating the coupling arm120within the connection sleeve130(e.g., about axis32) and lock it to a position within the connection sleeve130using locking mechanism132. Still further, at least in one embodiment, with the coupling element26being a swivel clamp, a user may also move the swivel clamp into one of the many positions available in view of its swivel nature and lock the swivel clamp at such a position using locking mechanism202.

One skilled in the art will recognize that any number of arm type structures may be used as part of the object coupling apparatus16for coupling an object to be received by the stand10. For example, the first and second support arms may be used with one or more drop support arm apparatus, multiple drop support arm apparatus may be used with a single support arm, or any combination of drop support arm apparatus and support arms may be used.

As shown inFIGS. 1-4andFIGS. 6A-6B, the various arm type support structures, such as the support arms18,20and drop support arm apparatus22, may be movable along the elongate support element80. Such support arms18,20and drop support arm apparatus22may also be removable from the elongate support element80at either the first or second ends81,82thereof. For example, a user may slide support arm18or any of the other arm type support structures to an end of the elongate support element80and remove it therefrom. In such a manner, the position of each of the various arm type support structures may be repositioned along the elongate support element80. For example, as shown inFIG. 1, the attachment element90of the support arm20is located closer to the midpoint of the elongate support element80than the attachment element110of the drop support arm apparatus22, whereas in the exploded view ofFIG. 2, the attachment element110of the drop support arm apparatus22is shown as being received on the elongate support element80with the attachment element90of the support arm20not yet being received thereon to show that the location of such various arm type support structures may be switched around into any number of different configurations.

Still further with respect toFIGS. 1-4andFIGS. 6A-6B, the location of the mirror image support arms18,20may be switched to provide an extended distance range at which the coupling elements19,21(e.g., hooks) may be located such that they can be used with relatively small objects and substantially larger objects. For example, as shown inFIGS. 1-4, the support arms18,20are received on the elongate support element80such that the attachment element90is located closer to the midpoint of the elongate support element80than the first and second arm elements92,94. In such a configuration, each of the first and second support arms18,20are positionable on the elongate support element80such that at least portions of the first arm element92and the second arm element94may extend beyond at least one of the first and second ends81,82of the elongate support element80. In this configuration a substantially large distance may be created between the coupling elements19and21. For example, the largest distance may be created when the attachment elements90of each of the support arms18,20, are moved all the way to the first and second ends81,82, respectively, of the elongate support element80.

Further, for example, as shown inFIGS. 6A-6B, to create a much smaller distance between the coupling elements19and21, the support arms18,20are received on the elongate support element80such that the attachment element90is located closer to the end of the elongate support element80than the first and second arm elements92,94. In other words, each of the first and second support arms18,20(as shown inFIG. 1) are removed from the ends of the elongate support element80and repositioned on the opposite end (e.g., they are switched relative to one another). In such a configuration, each of the first and second support arms18,20may be positionable on the elongate support element80such that no portions of the first arm element92and the second arm element94extend beyond the first or second ends81,82of the elongate support element80. In this configuration a substantially small distance may be created between the coupling elements19and21. For example, the smallest distance is created when the second arm elements94of each of the support arms18,20actually touch (e.g., in the mid-region of the elongate support element80).

The illustrations shown inFIGS. 8-11are provided to show the use of the exemplary embodiments of the stand10described herein. For example, as shown inFIG. 8A, a fender300is coupled to the object coupling apparatus16of the stand10. For example, hooks or coupling elements19,21of support arms18,20are hooked into bolt holes of the fender300as shown inFIG. 8Cas well as the enlarged view ofFIG. 11. The fender structure may also be received on such hooks at coupling points at an upper portion of the fender300. The swivel clamp26of the drop support arm apparatus22may be clamped at a lower portion of the fender300and shown inFIG. 8D. Still further, at least in one embodiment, the pin204of swivel clamp26may be inserted through a bolt hole in the fender300at a lower portion thereof as shown inFIG. 8Eas well asFIG. 9. It is noted that the drop support arm apparatus22is located closer to the end of the elongate support element80than the support arm20which is located closer to the mid-region of the elongate support element80.

Further, for example, as shown inFIG. 8B, a door310is coupled to the object coupling apparatus16of the stand10. For example, hooks or coupling elements19,21of support arms18,20are hooked into openings of the door310as shown, for example, inFIG. 10. The door structure may be received on such hooks at coupling points at an upper portion thereof. The swivel clamp26of the drop support arm apparatus22may be clamped at a lower portion of the door310as shown inFIG. 10. It is noted that, inFIG. 8B, the drop support arm apparatus22is located closer to the mid-region of the elongate support element80than the support arm20which is located closer to the end of the elongate support element80.

All patents and references cited herein are incorporated in their entirety as if each were incorporated separately. This disclosure has been provided with reference to illustrative embodiments and is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. As described previously, one skilled in the art will recognize that various other illustrative adapter assembly embodiments may be provided which utilize various combinations of the elements described herein. Various modifications of the illustrative embodiments, as well as additional embodiments of the disclosure and combinations of various elements herein, will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to this description. It is therefore contemplated that the patented claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments that may fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the accompanying claims.