Abstract:
An apparatus is provided that raises the rear of a snowmobile while it is parked for purposes of storage, repair, and/or warming up. The apparatus is attached to the snowmobile and forms an integral part that goes everywhere with the snowmobile. An integral support rack slides out of the rear bumper of the snowmobile. Once fully extended, the user can lift the rear bumper and drop the support stand down to support the rear of the snowmobile in the air, in much the same manner as a kick stand on a bicycle works. The stand also has a supporting structure that folds out to provide a multipoint support system that prevents the snowmobile from tipping over.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   The present invention contains subject matter that was first described in Disclosure Document Registration 526,849 filed on Feb. 27, 2003 under 35 U.S.C. §122 and 37 C.F.R. §1.14. As such, it is respectfully requested that said Disclosure Document remain a permanent part of the file history of the present application and be relied upon during the pending prosecution, and for any other matters that may arise. 
   There are no previously filed, nor currently any co-pending applications, anywhere in the world. 
   FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to snow mobile accessories, and, more particularly, to a retractable stand for snowmobiles. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
   Snowmobiles are not only recreational vehicles for many people, but they are also work vehicles as well. As such, people go to great lengths to care for them, protect them and prolong their useful life. One of the ways of accomplishing this is by the use of a snowmobile stand. A snowmobile stand raises up the rear of the snowmobile, thus allowing the belt to turn freely. This allows the engine and belt to warm up properly, thus improving engine performance and conserving fuel. The snowmobile stand also removes the weight of the snowmobile from the suspension thus prolonging its life. Finally, the stand makes snowmobile repair and maintenance much easier. However, the snowmobile stand is not always handy, and is certainly not available out on the trail, when it may be needed the most. Accordingly, there exists a need for a means by which the functionality of a snowmobile stand can be readily available without the disadvantages of a separate component. 
   A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,102,369 describes a snowmobile jack stand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 5,873,552 describes a snowmobile stand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,830,455 also describes a snowmobile stand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,273,392 describes a bicycle-supporting device of a bicycle stand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,643,396 describes a stand for motorized snow vehicle or the like. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,747,778 describes a snowmobile hoist. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 3,981,372 describes a motorized snow vehicle stand. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 6,502,844 describes a motorcycle kickstand and detent mechanism. 
   U.S. Pat. No. 4,417,746 describes a kickstand for a motorcycle. 
   Consequently, a need has been felt for providing an apparatus and method of 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved support stand that retracts along snowmobile&#39;s lateral running boards when not in use. 
   It is a feature of the present invention to provide an improved a portable, retractable snowmobile support stand comprised of a generally C-shaped base support with a lower brace member pivotally mounted thereto, and an upper cross member bumper support for abutment against the bumper of a conventional snowmobile to facilitate inclined elevation thereof. 
   Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided that raises the rear of a snowmobile while it is parked for purposes of storage, repair, and/or warming up. It is attached to the snowmobile and forms an integral part that goes everywhere with the snowmobile. An integral support rack slides out of the rear bumper of the snowmobile. Once fully extended, the user can lift the rear bumper and drop the support stand down to support the rear of the snowmobile in the air, in much the same manner as a kick stand on a bicycle works. The stand also has a supporting structure that folds out to provide a multipoint support system that prevents the snowmobile from tipping over. 
   The invention allows the user to warm up the snowmobile and its belt, perform maintenance, or even just keep the vehicle weight off of the snowmobile suspension during long periods of storage. 
   The use of the present invention greatly increases the ability to properly care for a snowmobile while remaining always handy and convenient for use. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a pictorial view of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  shown in a stowed state on a snowmobile, according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
       FIG. 2  is a pictorial view of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10 , shown in a partially deployed state on a snowmobile; 
       FIG. 3  is a pictorial view of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10 , shown in a utilized state on a snowmobile, and 
       FIG. 4  is a rear view of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  as taken along a line I—I as seen in  FIG. 3 . 
   

   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the  FIGS. 1 through 4 . 
   1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
   Referring to  FIG. 1 , pictorial view of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  shown in a stowed state on a snowmobile  15 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. It is envisioned that the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  can be preinstalled at the factory and be provided as a factory option, or the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  can be provided as an aftermarket kit, suitable for installation on an existing snowmobile  15  by the final user. The components of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  are envisioned to be made of tube steel to suit the envisioned strength requirements. The retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  consists of a slide channel  20  mounted below the seat area  25  of the snowmobile  15  in a horizontal fashion as shown. The slide channel  20  provides storage access for an upright support member  30  which slides in and out of the slide channel  20  as indicated by a first directional arrow  35 . When the upright support member  30  is at a forward end  40 , it is fully stowed. When the upright support member  30  is at an aft end  45  it is deployed. In the stowed position, the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  allows full use and operation of the snowmobile  15  in a normal and customary manner. Additionally, in the stowed position, the upright support member  30  is incorporated into a rear bumper  50  as shown. It should be noted that the slide channel  20 , the upright support member  30 , the forward end  40 , and the aft end  45  are typical for each side of the snowmobile  15  and are symmetrical about the front rear axis of the snowmobile  15 . 
   Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a pictorial view of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10 , in a partially deployed state on a snowmobile  15 , is depicted. This FIG. more clearly depicts the upright support member  30  on both the right and left side of the snowmobile  15 . A first cross member  55  is grasped by the user when the snowmobile  15  is stationary and is pulled in a rearward motion as depicted by a second directional arrow  60 . Once an adequate distance from the rear bumper  50  is achieved, a second cross member  65  drops down from the upright support member  30  and the first cross member  55  about a first pivot point  70  in a downward direction as depicted by a third directional arrow  75 . The second cross member  65  locks into place in its deployed condition and provides additional stability for the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  and subsequently the snowmobile  15  when in use. 
   Referring next to  FIG. 3 , a pictorial view of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10 , in a utilized state on a snowmobile  15 , is shown. In this FIG. the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  is completely deployed. To achieve this position from the partially deployed position of  FIG. 2 , the user must lift the snowmobile  15  in a direction depicted by a fourth directional arrow  80 . This will allow the upright support member  30 , the first cross member  55  and the second cross member  65  to swing downward along a path depicted by a fifth directional arrow  85  which will place the upright support member  30  at an approximate right angle to the slide channel  20 . This rotation is accomplished by the use of a pair of second pivot points  90 , (of which only one is shown here for purposes of clarity), which are typically located on the previously forward end  40  of each upright support member  30 . Such a position allows a drive track  95  and suspension  100  to be raised up off of the surrounding grade, thus allowing the user to warm up the snowmobile  15  and its drive track  95 , or perform maintenance, or just keep the rear weight of the snowmobile  15  off of the suspension  100  during long periods of storage. A flexible plate  66 , envisioned as a KEVLAR™, nylon, or canvas type material flexibly spans between the first cross member  55  and second cross member  65  to provide a significant enough footprint to prevent the retractable stand from penetrating into snow if the stand is being used under outdoor conditions. 
   Referring finally to  FIG. 4 , a rear view of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  as taken along a line I—I as seen in  FIG. 3  is disclosed. This FIG. more clearly shows the orientation of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  when viewed from the rear of the snowmobile  15 . The pair of upright support members  30  extend downward from the rear bumper  50  as held in place by the pair of second pivot points  90 . The upright support members  30  are interconnected by the first cross member  55 , with the second cross member  65  attaching to the upright support members  30  via the first pivot point  70 . This configuration allows adequate access for both the first cross member  55  and the second cross member  65  to clear not only the drive track  95 , but a rear snow flap  105 , should the snowmobile  15  be so equipped. The triangle shaped structure formed by the first cross member  55 , the upright support member  30  and the second cross member  65 , form a stable base upon which the snowmobile  15  may rest, which is not subject to tipping over, yet easily stowed when no longer needed. 
   It is envisioned that other styles and configurations of the present invention can be easily incorporated into the teachings of the present invention, and only one particular configuration shall be shown and described for purposes of clarity and disclosure and not by way of limitation of scope. 
   2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
   The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be utilized by the common user in a simple and effortless manner with little or no training. Users of the present embodiment of the current invention, have the option of buying a snowmobile  15  with the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  preinstalled, or may purchase the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  in a kit format for installation on an existing snowmobile  15 . After such installation or purchase, the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  is ready for use. 
   To use the present invention, the user would first stop or park the snowmobile  15  in a desired location. This can be a permanent storage location such as a garage, driveway or shed, or can be a temporary storage location such as a store, campsite, or trail side. Once stopped, the user will walk to the rear of the snowmobile  15  and pull the first cross member  55  outward and away from the seat area  25  of the snowmobile  15 . During this process, the two upright support member  30  will slide along the slide channel  20 . Additionally, once the first pivot point  70  clears the slide channel  20 , the first pivot point  70  will allow the second cross member  65  to fall away from the first cross member  55  forming an auxiliary support for the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10 . When the upright support member  30  and associated first cross member  55  are fully extended, the user will lift up on the rear of the snowmobile  15  which will raise the drive track  95  up and off of the surrounding grade. Simultaneously, each upright support member  30  will fold down about its respective second pivot point  90  and lock into place thus providing a supporting frame for the snowmobile  15 . In such a manner, maintenance or repairs may be made to the snowmobile  15 , weight may be removed from the suspension  100  or simply, the snowmobile  15  and drive track  95  may be warmed up in extremely cold environments. The retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  may remain in this configuration for minutes or months depending on the needs of the user. 
   When the time arrives that the services of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  are no longer required, the user simply lifts up on the snowmobile  15  again, thus relieving the supporting pressure on the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10 . When elevated, the user will move the upright support member  30  backward. Once no longer in a perpendicular position to the grade, the snowmobile  15  can be lowered and supported on its drive track  95  and suspension  100 . In this position, the first cross member  55  and the second cross member  65  are raised up about the second pivot point  90  until the upright support member  30  is in a parallel position to the grade. The first cross member  55  is then pushed inward so that the upright support member  30  slides along its respective slide channel  20 , the second cross member  65  will automatically fold up about the first pivot point  70 , such that it is completely stowed in the slide channel  20  and the first cross member  55  and the second cross member  65  is in contact with the rear bumper  50 . At this point, the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  is stowed, allowing use of the snowmobile  15  in a conventional manner until the features of the retractable stand for snowmobiles  10  are required again. 
   The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents. Therefore, the scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.