Abstract:
The lockable motorcycle stand is composed of two major systems: a supporting system and a restraining system. The supporting system is designed to support the weight of the motorcycle during the various uses for the lockable motorcycle stand. The supporting system is designed to use leverage to move the lockable motorcycle stand from a retracted position to an extended position, whereby the motorcycle is lifted off the ground when the lockable motorcycle stand is in the extended position. The restraining system is designed to lock the lockable motorcycle stand into the extended position, securing the motorcycle to the lockable motorcycle stand thereby facilitating repairs, storage, or transport.

Description:
BACKGROUND  
       [0001]     1. The Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates to an apparatus for supporting and securing a motorcycle, especially as regards transporting, storing, maintaining or repairing a motorcycle specifically designed for off-road use.  
         [0003]     2. Brief Description of the Art  
         [0004]     Motorcycle stands can come in numerous varieties with many different mechanical designs and associated uses. Consequently, motorcycle stands have certain limitations according to their respective designs.  
         [0005]     Most motorcycle stands could be separated into two categories: leverage devices and rack devices. The leverage devices usually include a characteristic lever that lifts the motorcycle onto some sort of frame thereby supporting the weight of the motorcycle. The rack devices usually contain some sort of track for the wheels of the motorcycle to direct and limit the movement of the wheels, or a similar device to restrain the wheels.  
         [0006]     The leverage devices generally support the motorcycle such that one wheel is off the ground while the motorcycle is being supported by the device. Keeping one wheel on the ground helps prevent tipping of the motorcycle while it is being supported. A leverage device that lifts both wheels of the motorcycle off the ground while the device is supporting the motorcycle is available. However, the leverage devices are relatively unstable because the motorcycle is usually not secured to the device. Also, the weight of the motorcycle may be reversed while on the device allowing the motorcycle to fall off the device. Leverage devices are generally suited to maintenance, repair, or temporary parking of the motorcycle, but are not used for transport of the motorcycle. Leverage devices do not provide sufficient security to allow transport, especially since the top portions of the motorcycle are not tied down or otherwise secured and tipping of the motorcycle is more likely.  
         [0007]     The rack devices are generally characterized by some type of restraint of at least one wheel of the motorcycle. The wheel, or wheels, may be restrained by a track (similar in appearance to a rain gutter) or perhaps a configuration of the device that does not allow easy reversal of the wheel (a system of small ramps and restraints) and supports the motorcycle in an upright position. Rack devices are more suited to transport of the motorcycle because of the decreased likelihood that the motorcycle will tip to one side or be allowed to roll. However, the more secure position does not facilitate maintenance or repair operations. The more secure position is not generally desired for temporary parking because the motorcycle cannot be easily inserted into and removed from the device. Also, the wheel and the associated motorcycle suspension being restrained may be subject to additional wear due to the restraining mechanism, especially when the motorcycle is being transported.  
         [0008]     The design of certain motorcycle stands may limit the type of motorcycle that may be used with that particular device. For instance, a device that supports the weight of the motorcycle by applying a force, or pressure to the bottom of the motorcycle may not be used with certain motorcycles, especially sport motorcycles commonly described as “bullet bikes.” The reason is that sport motorcycles generally have a plastic or fiberglass shell covering the frame of the motorcycle. The fiberglass shell may be crushed between the stand and motorcycle frame.  
         [0009]     The thickness of the motorcycle wheels may also influence the security of certain devices. If the track of a certain device does not accommodate one or both wheels of the motorcycle, the device may not provide the necessary security to allow transport of the motorcycle.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0010]     The apparatus described herein, a lockable motorcycle stand, provides the security necessary to allow transport of a motorcycle as well as the versatility to allow repair, maintenance or storage of the motorcycle. The lockable motorcycle stand contains a unique restraining system acting in cooperation with a supporting frame.  
         [0011]     The frame of the lockable motorcycle stand can be rotated from an initial position to a supporting position. The frame may have a base to stabilize the stand as well as an upper plate to support the motorcycle. An arm can be attached to the frame in such a manner as to provide a lever capable of lifting the motorcycle onto the frame as the frame is moved into the supporting position.  
         [0012]     A restraining system is integrated into the frame. The restraining system has two hooks that are capable of extending in height and rotating forward and back. The hooks proceed through apertures in each side of the upper plate. While the hooks are rotated toward the back of the apparatus, the hooks may be extended above the level of the foot-pegs of the motorcycle, which foot-pegs would be located near the level of the upper plate. With the hooks above the level of the foot-pegs, the hooks may be rotated to the forward position and over the foot-pegs. When the hooks settle over the foot-pegs, the motorcycle cannot be released from the apparatus until the hooks have been extended above the foot-pegs again and rotated to the back position.  
         [0013]     Some of the benefits of the apparatus include the combination of simplicity and security provided. A motorcycle can be quickly and easily mounted on the apparatus, and just as quickly and easily removed. This allows maintenance or repairs to be performed on the motorcycle, as well as safe storage of the motorcycle. A motorcycle can also be transported without the use of any other tie-down equipment. The apparatus supports a motorcycle and may suspend both wheels off the ground, but will at least support the majority of the weight of a motorcycle so as to let out the suspension of the motorcycle. A motorcycle may therefore be transported without causing any wear on the front seals of the forks on the motorcycle. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the lockable motorcycle stand apparatus.  
         [0015]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the support system of the lockable motorcycle stand apparatus.  
         [0016]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the restraining system of the lockable motorcycle stand apparatus.  
         [0017]      FIG. 4  is a side view showing the lockable motorcycle stand apparatus in the retracted position, and in relation to a motorcycle.  
         [0018]      FIG. 5  is a side view showing the lockable motorcycle stand apparatus in the process of use, and in relation to a motorcycle.  
         [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side view showing the lockable motorcycle stand apparatus in the extended position, and in relation to a motorcycle.  
         [0020]      FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a bracket.  
         [0021]      FIG. 8  provides a side view of L-supports used in the bed of a pickup truck.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0022]     It will be readily understood that the following detailed description of the embodiments of the apparatus, process and method associated with the present invention is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, as claimed, but it is merely representative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention.  
         [0023]     As shown if  FIG. 1 , the apparatus described herein, a locking motorcycle stand, allows a wide variety of uses, and a combination of uses not usually available with similar devices. As shown if  FIG. 2 , the apparatus has a system for supporting the weight of the motorcycle  110  in a position where both wheels are suspended off the ground, which can also be described as means supporting the motorcycle  110 . As shown in  FIG. 3 , the apparatus also has a system for locking the motorcycle  110  onto the supporting system, which can also be described as means for restraining the motorcycle  110 . This unique combination allows the apparatus to be used to perform repairs or maintenance on the motorcycle  110  in a safe position, as well as transport the motorcycle  110  safely with a minimum of stress on the suspension of the motorcycle  110 .  
         [0024]     The apparatus  10  can be made of a variety of materials, for example and without limitation, polished aluminum, aluminum, stainless steel, fiberglass, or graphite composites. As will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art, the material used to construct the apparatus  10  needs to provide the required strength and rigidity, as well as being workable, in that it can be cut or shaped to provide the necessary parts and connections. The apparatus and the associated parts may be described as having left  12  and right  14  sides, and proximate  16  (front or forward) and distal  18  (back or rear) ends.  
         [0025]     The supporting system of the apparatus  10  contains a base plate  20 . The base plate  20  is a flat surface that simply provides a base for the apparatus  10 . The base plate  20  needs to be large enough to support the motorcycle without allowing the motorcycle to wobble from left to right, or front to back. The base plate  20  is generally approximately two feet wide by two and a half feet long. As will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art, the exact dimensions of the base plate  20  are not critical to the function of the apparatus  10 .  
         [0026]     The motorcycle is supported on the top plate  22  of the apparatus  10 . The top plate  22  is a flat surface where the frame of the motorcycle rests when the apparatus  10  is in use. The dimensions of the top plate  22  are not critical, but usually the top plate  22  will be approximately one foot by one foot square. The top plate  22  may have a vertical edge  24  extending around the circumference of the top plate  22 . The vertical edge  24  may be a separate piece of material attached at approximately a right angle to the top plate  22  and extending downward, attached by welding. The vertical edge  24  may also be an extension of the top plate  22  that is bent downward at approximately a right angle. The top plate  22  has two U-wings  26 . The U-wings  26  can be an extension of the top plate  22 , similar to the vertical edge  24 , but the U-wings  26  are co-planar with the top plate  22  and have a hook aperture  28  cut out. The hook aperture  28  allows the appropriate threaded hook  74  to pass through the hook aperture  28 . A U-wing  26  may also be a separate piece of material attached to the top plate  22 , generally attached by welding. Two U-wings  26  are located toward the distal end of the top plate  22 , with a U-wing  26  on the left  12  and right  14  sides of the top plate  22 .  
         [0027]     The left base frame  32  and the right base frame  34  are attached to the base plate  20  by any means appropriate, generally welding. The left base frame  32  and the right base frame  34  are essentially parallel to each other when attached to the base plate  20 . The left base frame  32  and the right base frame  34  are positioned approximately one and half to two feet apart from each other and centered on the base plate  20 .  
         [0028]     The left base frame  32  is approximately two and half feet in length. The left base frame  32  extends from the proximate end of the apparatus  10  in generally a straight line for approximately three-quarters of the length, where the left base frame  32  bends toward the middle of the base plate  20  at approximately a forty-five degree angle for approximately three inches and then bends again toward the distal end of the apparatus  10  at approximately a forty-five degree angle for the remainder of the length of the left base frame  32 . The left base frame  32  may have an L-shape cross-section, providing a left base frame arm  36  and a left base frame foot  38 , with the outside surface of the left base frame foot  38  lying against the surface of, and attached to, the base plate  20 .  
         [0029]     Similarly, the right base frame  34  is approximately two and half feet in length. The right base frame  34  extends from the proximate end of the apparatus  10  in generally a straight line for approximately three-quarters of the length, where the right base frame  34  bends toward the middle of the base plate  20  at approximately a forty-five degree angle for approximately three inches and then bends again toward the distal end of the apparatus  10  at approximately a forty-five degree angle for the remainder of the length of the right base frame  34 . The right base frame  34  has an L-shape cross-section, providing a right base frame arm  40  and a right base frame foot  42 , with the outside surface of the right base frame foot  42  lying against the surface of, and attached to, the base plate  20 . When the left frame base foot  38  and the right frame base foot  42  are attached to the base plate  20 , the left base frame foot  38  and the right base frame foot  42  point toward each other, toward the middle of the base plate  20 . The left base frame arm  36  and the right base frame arm  40  provide a basis for the support system and locking system of the apparatus.  
         [0030]     The two rear support rods  44  each consist of a straight piece of material approximately one foot in length and may have a square or circular cross-section. One rear support rod  44  is attached at one end to the left base frame arm  36  at or near the distal end of the left base frame arm  36  using a hinge attachment  60 , and attached at the other end to the distal, left corner of the top plate  22  using another hinge attachment  60 , generally attached to the vertical edge  24  at that corner. Similarly, another rear support rod  44  is attached at one end to the right base frame arm  40  at or near the distal end of the right base frame arm  40  using a hinge attachment  60 , and attached at the other end to the distal, right corner of the top plate  22  using another hinge attachment  60 , generally attached to the vertical edge  24  at that corner.  
         [0031]     The two rear support rods  44  may be connected with a secure brace  45 . The secure brace  45  simply provides more support and rigidity for the frame  30 . The secure brace  45  is securely attached to each rear support rod  44 .  
         [0032]     The two forward support rods  46  each consist of a straight piece of material approximately one foot in length and may have a square or circular cross-section. One forward support rod  46  is attached at one end to the left base frame arm  36  toward the proximate end of the left base frame arm  36  (approximately six to twelve inches from the proximate end of the left base frame  32 ) using a hinge attachment  60 , and attached at the other end to the proximate, left corner of the top plate  22  using another hinge attachment  60 , generally attached to the vertical edge  24  at that corner. Similarly, another forward support rod  46  is attached at one end to the right base frame arm  40  toward the proximate end of the right base frame arm  40  (approximately six to twelve inches from the proximate end of the right base frame  34 ) using a hinge attachment  60 , and attached at the other end to the proximate, right corner of the top plate  22  using another hinge attachment  60 , generally attached to the vertical edge  24  at that corner.  
         [0033]     As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, it is possible to build the apparatus using three supporting rods, either two rear support rods  44  and one forward support rod  46 , or two forward support rods  46  and one rear support rod  44 . The supporting rods being hingedly attached to the base plate  20  and the top plate  22  in a triangular formation.  
         [0034]     The left levering arm  48  is a piece of material approximately one to three feet in length and may have a square or circular cross-section. The proximate end of the left levering arm  48  has a left handle  50 , the left handle  50  being a piece of material similar to the left levering arm  48  and approximately six inches in length. The left handle  50  extends left of the left levering arm  48  approximately perpendicular to the left levering arm  48  and co-planar with the base plate  20  and top plate  22 .  
         [0035]     The distal end of the left levering arm  48  is attached to the forward support rod  46  on the left side of the apparatus, and attached using the same hinge attachment  60  which attaches the forward support rod  46  to the left frame base arm  36 . The angle created by the left levering arm  48  and the forward support rod  46  is approximately seventy-five degrees. The left brace  52  is a piece of material similar to the left levering arm  48  and approximately six to twelve inches in length. The left brace  52  attaches to the left levering arm  48  and the forward support rod  46  opposite the angle created by the left levering arm  48  and the forward support  46 . The left brace  52  is usually attached by welding.  
         [0036]     The right levering arm  54  is a piece of material approximately one to three feet in length and may have a square or circular cross-section. The proximate end of the right levering arm  54  has a right handle  56 , the right handle  56  being a piece of material similar to the right levering arm  54  and approximately six inches in length. The right handle  56  extends right of the right levering arm  54  approximately perpendicular to the right levering arm  54  and co-planar with the base plate  20  and top plate  22 .  
         [0037]     The distal end of the right levering arm  54  is attached to the forward support rod  46  on the right side of the apparatus, and attached using the same hinge attachment  60  which attaches the forward support rod  46  to the right frame base arm  40 . The angle created by the right levering arm  54  and the forward support rod  46  is approximately seventy-five degrees. The right brace  58  is a piece of material similar to the right levering arm  54  and approximately six to twelve inches in length. The right brace  58  attaches to the right levering arm  54  and the forward support rod  46  opposite the angle created by the right levering arm  54  and the forward support  46 . The right brace  58  is usually attached by welding.  
         [0038]     As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, it is possible to build an apparatus  10  using one levering arm, either the left levering arm  48  or the right levering arm  54 . The levering arm would be hingedly attached to the base plate  20  and top plate  22  as described earlier.  
         [0039]     It should be noted that a hinge attachment  60  provides an attachment that allows rotation in one plane, generally perpendicular to a separate plane. For example, but not by way of limitation, a rear support rod  44  attached to the left base frame  32  rotates along a proximate-to-distal plane perpendicular to the base plate  20  and the top plate  22 . All the hinge attachments  60  for the supporting frame  30  of the apparatus  10  rotate in similar, parallel planes.  
         [0040]     The structure of a hinge attachment  60  may be a nut and bolt arrangement where the bolt passes through the stationary support and the movable support. The hinge attachment  60  may include spacer washers to accommodate the spacing requirements associated with movement and support of the apparatus  10 . For example, but not by way of limitation, a bolt may pass through the left base frame arm  36  and then through the associated end of a rear support rod  44  with a nut secured to the other end of the bolt, yet allowing the desired rotation.  
         [0041]     The structure of a hinge attachment  60  may be a rivet arrangement where the bolt passes through the stationary support and the movable support. For example, but not by way of limitation, a rivet may pass through the left base frame arm  36  and then through the associated end of a rear support rod  44  secured to allow the desired rotation.  
         [0042]     As will be recognized by one having ordinary skill in the art, any structure of a hinge attachment  60  allowing the desired rotation and the necessary attachment will be sufficient. For example, but not by way of limitation,  FIG. 7  shows a bracket  92  and rod  94  arrangement, which may be used. A bracket  92  has a square base  96  with triangular sides  98  with a rod  94  through the apexes  100  of the triangular sides  98 , the rod  94  having the same length as one side of the square base  96 . As an example of the use of the bracket  92  and rod  94  arrangement, but not by way of limitation, a bracket  92  may be attached by welding to the base plate  20 , and then passing the rod  94  through one apex  100  of a triangular side  98  and then through the appropriate end of a rear support rod  44  and finally through the opposite apex  100  of the opposite triangular side  98 . The rod is then secured to each apex  100 , thereby providing the necessary attachment and the desired rotation. Also, use of the bracket  92  and rod  94  arrangement allows for the possible exclusion of the left base frame  32  and the right base frame  34 , as well as the vertical edge  24 , because the bracket  92  may provide the necessary attachment source.  
         [0043]     As shown if  FIG. 3 , the restraining system  62 , or means for restraining, of the apparatus  10  may be considered a separate but integrated part of the apparatus  10 . The function of the restraining system  62  is to lock the motorcycle onto the apparatus  10 . The structure of the restraining system  62  is unique, simple and effective.  
         [0044]     A restraint base  64  is a flat piece of material approximately two to three inches in length. The first end of a restraint base  64  is attached to the left base frame arm  36  a few inches proximate the bend in the left base frame arm  36  using a hinge attachment  60 . A restraint extension  66  is a flat piece of material approximately two to three inches in length. The first end of a restraint extension  66  is attached to the second end of a restraint base  64  using a hinge attachment  60 . A restraint lever  68  is a flat piece of material approximately four to ten inches in length having a semi-circular notch  67  cut out of the restraint lever  68  at approximately half the length of the restraint lever  68 . The first end of a restraint lever  68  is attached to the second end of a restraint extension  66  using a hinge attachment  60 . The restraint extension  66  and the restraint lever  68  will be oriented outside the associated frame base arm (left  36  and right  40 ) when assembled.  
         [0045]     The restraint base  64  is oriented vertically away from the base plate  20  and slightly toward the distal end of the apparatus  10  at approximately an eighty-degree angle relative to the base plate  20 . The attached restraint extension  66  extends toward the distal end of the apparatus  10  at approximately a sixty-degree angle relative to the restraint base  64 . The attached restraint lever  68  extends vertically at approximately a ninety-degree angle relative to the restraint extension  66 .  
         [0046]     An adjustment spacer  72  is essentially a threaded nut approximately one to three inches in length. The first end of an adjustment spacer  72  is securely attached to the second end of a restraint lever  68 .  
         [0047]     A threaded hook  74  is similar to a threaded rod in that approximately four inches of the first end of the threaded hook  74  is threaded. The first end of the threaded hook  74  is threadedly attached to the second end of the adjustment spacer  72 . The second end of the threaded hook  74  is not threaded and is formed into a hook. The end of the hook is approximately one-and-a-half to two inches away from the shank of the hook. The hook portion of the threaded hook  74  may be rotated from a position where the hook points to the distal end of the apparatus  10  to a position where the hook points to the proximate end of the apparatus  10 . The threaded hook  74  also passes through the hook aperture  28 , such that the hook portion extends vertically approximately three to six inches above the plane of the top plate  22 .  
         [0048]     The locking arm  70  is a piece of flat material approximately four (4) to ten (10) inches in length and approximately one half of an inch wide. The locking arm  70  is securely attached to the restraint extension  66  at an angel of approximately fifty (50) to sixty (60) degrees relative to the restraint extension  66 , and extending toward the base plate  20 . The locking arm  70  may be used to move the restraining system  62  from an open position to a secured position.  
         [0049]     As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, in an alternative arrangement, the locking arm  70  may be securely attached to the restraint lever  68  at an angel of approximately twenty (20) to forty (40) degrees relative to the restraint lever  68 , and extending toward the base plate  20 .  
         [0050]     The locking arm  70  has a locking aperture  71 , which locking aperture  71  is generally a hole near the distal end of the locking arm  70 .  
         [0051]     The locking arm  70  may operate the restraining system  62  by moving the restraining system  62  between an open and closed position. While in the open position the restraining system  62  may move up and down and the threaded hook  74  may be rotated. While in the closed position the restraining system  62  may not move and the locking aperture  71  is aligned with a corresponding aperture in the corresponding frame base arm (left  36  and right  40 ). Thus, the restraining system  62  may be locked if a locking device, such as a padlock, is positioned through the locking aperture  71  and its corresponding aperture in the associated frame base arm (left  36  and right  40 ).  
         [0052]     The structure of the restraint system  62  as previously described, including the restraint base  64 , the restraint extension  66 , the restraint lever  68 , the locking arm  70 , the adjustment spacer  72 , and the threaded hook  74 , are duplicated on the opposite side of the apparatus  10 . Therefore, the parts just listed come in opposing pairs.  
         [0053]     A coordinating rod  76  is approximately one and a half to two feet in length. The first end of a coordinating rod  76  is inserted through the junction of a restraint extension  66  and restraint lever  68 , and may provide the hinge attachment  60  at that junction. The second end of the coordinating rod  76  extends across the apparatus  10  and is inserted through the junction of a restraint extension  66  and restraint lever  68  on the opposite side of the apparatus  10 , and may provide the hinge attachment  60  at that junction. The coordinating rod  76  helps maintain the threaded hooks  74  located on opposite sides of the apparatus  10  at approximately the same height throughout use of the apparatus  10 . The coordinating rod  76  has a U-shape to allow for easy folding of the apparatus  10 .  
         [0054]     The apparatus  10  functions in basically two positions: a retracted position and an extended position. While in the retracted position, the apparatus  10  is essentially flat. The base plate  20  and the top plate  22  are planes parallel to each other. The rear support rods  44 , and the forward support rods  46  are oriented toward the distal end of the apparatus  10  while the apparatus  10  is in the retracted position. The restraining system  62  is also oriented generally toward the distal end of the apparatus  10  while the apparatus  10  is in the retracted position.  
         [0055]     The second end of the left levering arm  48  and left handle  50  and the second end of the right levering arm  54  and right handle  56  extend vertically away from the base plate  20 . The left levering arm  48  with the left handle  50  and the right levering arm  54  with the right handle  56  provide the structural means and leverage enabling the apparatus  10  to lift the motorcycle off the ground and onto the top plate  22 .  
         [0056]      FIGS. 4, 5 , and  6  show the intended use of the apparatus  10 . As the apparatus  10  is moved from the retracted position to the extended position, the apparatus  10  passes through a balance point. The balance point is a theoretical position the apparatus  10  may be in where the motorcycle is balanced on the apparatus  10 ; the proximate ends of the left levering arm  48  and right levering arm  54  would be suspended in the air; and the rear support rods  44  and the forward support rods  46  would be essentially perpendicular to the base plate  20 .  
         [0057]     When the apparatus  10  is in the extended position, the apparatus  10  proceeds to move through the balance point; the proximate ends of the left levering arm  48  and right levering arm  54  lay approximately flat on the ground, in approximately the same plane as the base plate  20 . The weight of the motorcycle rests on the supporting frame  30  of the apparatus  10  and the proximate ends of the left levering arm  48  and right levering arm  54  while in the extended position.  
         [0058]     When the apparatus  10  is initially moved to the extended position, the hooks  75  of the threaded hooks  74  should be pointed in the distal direction. When the apparatus  10  is in the extended position, the hooks  75  may be elevated approximately three to four inches and rotated toward the proximate direction, thereby allowing the hooks  75  to be placed over the footpegs  112  of the motorcycle. With the hooks  75  pointed in the proximate direction the hooks  75  will settle onto the footpegs  112  of the motorcycle, thereby engaging the restraining system  62  of the apparatus  10 .  
         [0059]     While the restraining system  62  is engaged as described, the apparatus  10  may not be moved back to the retracted position unless the hooks  75  are lifted above the footpegs  112  and rotated back toward the distal end of the apparatus  10 . If the restraining system  62  is engaged with the footpegs  112  of the motorcycle and an attempt is made to return the apparatus  10  to the retracted position, the hooks  75  will apply pressure to the tops of the footpegs  112  and the top plate  22  will apply pressure to the bottom of the frame of the motorcycle. This pressure applied by the hooks  75  and the top plate  22  will prevent the apparatus from moving from the extended position to or through the balance point. Gravity will prompt the motorcycle and the apparatus  10  to return to the extended position, and the engaged restraining system  62  will prevent the motorcycle and apparatus  10  from moving past the balance point. These opposing forces are what keeps the motorcycle locked to the apparatus  10  while the restraining system  62  is engaged.  
         [0060]     The top plate  22  may come in various forms. The general form for the top plate  22  would simply be a flat surface. The top plate  22  may also have a grating, slotted appearance, thereby making it a grated top plate. The top plate  22  may also have an opening or aperture, approximately six (6) to eight (8) inches square, thereby making it an open top plate  86 . The open top plate may be especially useful for certain types of maintenance or repairs, for example without limitation, changing the oil in the motorcycle. Any form of the top plate  22  may be covered with a rubber mat, or non-skid material, to provide a surface promoting a more secure support for the motorcycle.  
         [0061]     The apparatus  10  is designed for use as a means for supporting a motorcycle while parked and while being transported. For example, to use the apparatus  10  for transporting a motorcycle, the bed  78  of a pickup truck or trailer may be equipped with L-supports  80 . The L-supports  80  are generally made of the same material as the apparatus  10 , are approximately one to three feet in length, approximately matching the length of the base plate  20 , and have an “L” shape. The L-supports  80  would generally be welded to the bed  78  of a pickup truck or trailer so that the first arm of the L-support  80  extends perpendicularly from the bed  78  or trailer. The second arm of the L-support  80  points inward creating a space where the left and right edges of the base plate  20  may be slid under the second arm of the L-support  80  and above the bed  78  or trailer. The second arm of the L-support  80  may have holes or apertures that correspond to holes or apertures in the left and right edges of the base plate  20 , thus providing means to secure the base plate  20  to the L-support  80 , thereby securing the apparatus  10  to the bed  78  or trailer.  
         [0062]     As another example of how the apparatus  10  may be used to transport a motorcycle, the base frames of the apparatus  10 , which may also have a square cross-section, may have base feet securely attached to the underneath side of the base frames. The base feet will have an “L” shape, similar to the L-supports  80 , and the arm of the base feet will extend inward. The base plate  20  will be securely attached to the bed  78  or trailer, and may be formed so as to have holes or apertures, or slots providing an edge of the base plate  20 , which edge may be engaged by the base feet. Generally, the base feet will be positioned near the edges of the base plate  20 , and the apparatus will have to be lowered a small distance until the base frames rest on the base plate  20 . The base feet may then be slid toward the base plate, thus essentially locking the apparatus onto the base plate  20  by means of the base feet.  
         [0063]     As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, any means that will allow the base plate  20  to be removabley attached to the bed  78  or trailer, when the apparatus  10  is securely attached to the base plate  20 , will enable the apparatus  10  to be used to transport a motorcycle. Similarly, any means that will allow the apparatus  10  to be removabley attached to the base plate  20 , while the base plate  20  is securely attached to the bed  78  or trailer, may be used to transport a motorcycle.