Patent Publication Number: US-6341763-B1

Title: Lever-action vehicle lift

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION: 
     The present invention relates to the general field of vehicle accessories and is particularly concerned with a lever-action vehicle lift. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Motorcycles, scooters, mopeds and other two-wheeled motorized vehicles are used extensively for both recreational and transportation purposes. Most two-wheeled vehicles collectively referred to as motorcycles, typically include a so called lateral kickstand pivotally attached to a lateral section of the vehicle&#39;s frame. 
     These conventional lateral kickstands typically define a relatively pointed end that is adapted to abuttingly contact the ground surface for temporarily supporting the vehicle in a partially tilted configuration relative to the ground surface. Although quite useful for temporarily supporting the vehicle in a relatively unstable configuration, they are proven to be unacceptable for various other situations. 
     Some previous generations of motorcycles were provided with a generally centrally located so called central kickstand for supporting the motorcycle in a more stable configuration. However, most modem bicycles are not provided with such a central kickstand and, furthermore, the conventional central kickstand suffered from a set of drawbacks including difficulty in deploying the central kickstand into its operational configuration. 
     Proper care of two wheeled motorized vehicles through preventive maintenance such as minor tune-ups, minor body work, regular oiling and greasing is performed typically by the owner on a regular basis in order to keep the motorcycle in top running condition. Minor repairs such as replacing tires, chains or the like are also frequently carried out by the owner itself. 
     In all of the foregoing, it is necessary to have the motorcycle supported in a steady up-right position. The conventional lateral kickstand of most motorcycles are usually unacceptable for such situations since they do not provide a firm support for the motorcycle. Furthermore, such conventional lateral kickstands do not usually adequately raise the wheels off the ground. 
     Accordingly, in order to allow service of the vehicles various types of ramps or lifts have been developed. However, they suffer from numerous drawbacks including bulkiness and overall mechanical complexity. Furthermore, the vehicles may require emergency servicing at locations wherein such bulky ramps or lifts may not be available. 
     Two wheeled motorized vehicles are also sometimes stored for relatively long periods such as during the winter period in certain regions. When the motorcycle is stored for relatively long periods of time it is preferable to remove the weight of the frame, motor and other components from the suspension system in order to reduce the risk of damaging the later. The conventional lateral kickstand as again proven to be an unacceptable solution to this type of situation since it only partially releases pressure on the suspension system and tilting of the vehicle uses up valuable storage space. 
     In an attempt to circumvent the hereinabove mentioned problems the prior art has proposed numerous devices. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,113,235 issued Sep. 12, 1978 and naming Wilbert Hartman Jr., as inventor discloses a lever-action jack having a cross-support and a pair of lever assemblies at opposite ends thereof. Although offering a relatively simple solution, the structure disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,113,235 still suffers from a set of drawbacks including potential safety hazards and lack of ergonomic features. Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved lever action vehicle lift. 
     Advantages of the present invention include the fact that the proposed vehicle lift allows for both lifting and supporting of a two-wheeled motorized vehicle. The proposed vehicle lift allows a single intended user to easily, readily and ergonomically lift a two-wheeled motorized vehicle to a raised position and have the vehicle remain in such a raised position. 
     The proposed vehicle lift allows the intended user to raise either the front, the rear or both wheels of a two-wheeled motorized vehicle. The vehicle can easily be raised using a set of ergonomical steps that can be performed safely without requiring special tooling, manual dexterity or strength. 
     The vehicle lift has a built-in feature that allows it to be used ergonomically even in an exiguous environment. This built-in feature also allows for ergonomic use with various vehicle configurations even when the vehicle configuration is modified by saddle bags, bulky pipes or the like. 
     The proposed vehicle lift also has a built-in feature that allows for selective and reversible blocking of wheel movement so as to improve the over all stability of the vehicle and lift combination. It also allows for customization of the sustentation base depending on the vehicle configuration and available space. 
     Still further, the proposed device is designed so as to be collapsible in order to minimize storage space when not in use. Over all, the proposed vehicle lift is designed so as to be manufactured using conventional forms of manufacturing, to be of simple construction and easy to use so as to provide a device that will be economically feasible, long lasting and relatively trouble free in operation. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a lever-action vehicle lift for lifting a lift contacting section part of a vehicle from an initial distance relative to a ground surface to a raised distance from the ground surface, the vehicle including at least one wheel, the lever comprising a lever frame, the lever frame defining a vehicle contacting means for contacting the lift contacting section; a fulcrum means for rotatably supporting the lever frame when the latter is pivoted about the ground surface between an initial configuration wherein the vehicle contacting means is spaced from the lift contacting section and a raising configuration wherein the vehicle contacting means supports the lift contacting section at the raised distance from the ground surface; a spacing means solidly attached between the vehicle contacting means and the fulcrum means for maintaining the vehicle contacting means and the fulcrum means in a first predetermined spaced relationship relative to each other, the vehicle contacting means and the fulcrum means being positioned in a common geometrical plane; a lever handle having a generally elongated configuration defining a handle first longitudinal end and an opposed handle second longitudinal end, the lever handle also defining a handle ground contacting section; the lever handle being pivotally attached to the lever frame by a handle pivotal connection so as to allow the lever handle to pivot about a lever pivoting axis, the lever pivoting axis extending in the common geometrical plane; the lever frame and the lever handle being configured and sized such that when the lever assembly is in the raising configuration with both the handle ground contacting section and the fulcrum means contacting the ground surface, the common geometrical plane forms an acute angle relative to the ground surface such that the vehicle contacting means is located intermediate and above both the fulcrum means and the handle ground contacting section at the raised distance from the ground surface. 
     Preferably, the lever-action lift further includes a handle releasable locking means for selectively locking the lever handle in a predetermined angular relationship relative to the lever frame. 
     Conveniently, the fulcrum means includes a generally elongated fulcrum rod, the fulcrum rod defining a generally rounded ground engaging surface, a fulcrum rod first longitudinal end and a longitudinally opposed fulcrum rod second longitudinal end. 
     Preferably, the lever pivotal connection includes a handle connecting rod extending substantially perpendicularly from the fulcrum rod in a direction substantially parallel to the common geometrical plane; a handle connecting sleeve rotatably mounted around the handle connecting rod for selective rotation thereabout, the handle connecting sleeve defining a generally cylindrical sleeve wall; the lever handle being attached adjacent the handle first longitudinal end to the handle connecting sleeve for allowing selective pivotal movement around the handle connecting rod. 
     The lever-action vehicle lift preferably further includes a sleeve releasable locking means for releasably locking the handle connecting sleeve in a predetermined angular relationship relative to the handle connecting rod. 
     Conveniently, the sleeve releasable locking means includes a sleeve aperture extending through the sleeve wall; a bolt threadably mounted to the sleeve aperture, the bolt defining a bolt tip, the bolt being configured and sized such that the bolt tip frictionally engages an outer surface of the handle connecting rod. 
     Preferably, the lever handle is spaced laterally from the vehicle contacting means in a direction substantially perpendicular to the spacing provided by the spacing means. 
     Conveniently, the lever frame further includes a spacing section extending laterally from the vehicle contacting means in a direction substantially parallel to the fulcrum rod, the spacing section defining a lateral spacing rod that extends laterally from the vehicle contacting means in a substantially parallel and spaced relationship relative to the fulcrum rod. 
     Preferably, the handle connecting rod extend between the lateral spacing rod and a corresponding lateral segment of the fulcrum rod. Also, preferably the handle connecting rod extends from the fulcrum rod adjacent the fulcrum rod second longitudinal end. 
     Conveniently, the lever handle defines a first handle segment extending from the handle first longitudinal end to the handle ground contacting section and a handle second section extending from the handle ground contacting section to the handle second longitudinal end, the handle second section being configured and sized for abutment with a section of the at least one wheel. 
     Preferably, the handle second section is angled relative to the handle first segment about the handle contacting section so that when the handle ground contacting section is in contact with the ground surface both the handle first and second sections extend away from the ground contacting section and away from the ground surface. Conveniently, a solidifying plate extends between the handle connecting sleeve and the lever handle. 
     In one embodiment of the invention, the vehicle contacting means includes a pair of supporting brackets and the spacing means includes a corresponding pair of bracket rods extending between the fulcrum means and the brackets in a direction substantially parallel to the common geometrical plane. Preferably, a stabilizing rod extends between the bracket rods. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle contacting means includes a frame attachment sleeve mounted on an distal extension segment extending laterally from the lateral spacing rod. 
     In yet another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle contacting means includes a frame supporting platform mounted on an distal extension segment extending laterally from the lateral spacing rod. 
     In still another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle contacting means further includes an anchoring pin attached to the supporting platform; the anchoring pin defining a pin spacing segment extending away from the supporting platform and a pin anchoring segment extending in a generally parallel and overlying relationship relative to the supporting platform. Preferably, the frame supporting platform is pivotally mounted on the distal extension segment. 
     In another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle contacting means includes a supporting bracket, the supporting bracket being mounted on at least one and preferably two bracket rods extending from the fulcrum rod in a direction substantially parallel to the common geometrical plane; the supporting bracket having a generally “U”-shaped cross-sectional configuration 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     An embodiment of the present invention will now be disclosed, by way of example, in reference to the following drawings in which: 
     FIG. 1, in an elevational view, illustrates a vehicle lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention positioned adjacent a conventional motorcycle, the motorcycle being shown in phantom lines. 
     FIG. 2, in an elevational view, illustrates the vehicle lift shown in FIG. 1 in a raising configuration wherein it raises the frame and the rear wheel of the motorcycle shown in FIG.  1 . 
     FIG. 3, in a perspective view, illustrates a vehicle lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 4, in a partial perspective view with sections taken out, illustrates a vehicle lift in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 5, in a schematic top view with sections taken out, illustrates a vehicle lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with its lever handle being moved to a position adjacent a rear wheel of the vehicle shown in FIG.  1 . The rear wheel and the initial position of the lever handle both being shown in phantom lines. 
     FIG. 6, in a top view, illustrates a vehicle lift in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in a folded configuration. 
     FIG. 7, in a transversal cross sectional view, illustrates a locking mechanism used for locking the lever handle part of the vehicle lift in a predetermined angular relationship relative to the lever frame. 
     FIG. 8, in a partial perspective view with sections taken out, illustrates part of a vehicle lift in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 9, in a partial perspective view with sections taken out, illustrates part of a vehicle lift in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
     FIG. 10, in a partial perspective view with sections taken out, illustrates part of a vehicle lift in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Referring to FIG. 3, there is shown a lever action vehicle lift  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The lift  10  includes a lever frame  12  and a lever handle  14 . 
     The lever frame defines a lift contacting means  16  for contacting a lift contacting section  80  part of a vehicle such as the motorcycle  18  shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. The lift contacting section  80  typically includes part of the vehicle frame or any other suitable component solidly attached to the vehicle  18 . 
     The lever frame  12  also includes a fulcrum means  20  for rotatably supporting the lever frame  12  when the latter is pivoted about a ground surface  20  between an initial configuration shown in FIG. 1 wherein the vehicle contacting means  16  is spaced from the lift contacting section of the vehicle  18  and a raising configuration shown in FIG. 2 wherein the vehicle contacting means  16  supports the lift contacting section of the vehicle  18  at a raised distance  22  from the ground surface  20 . 
     The lever frame  12  also includes a spacing means  24  solidly attached between the vehicle contacting means  16  and the fulcrum means  20  for maintaining the vehicle contacting means  16  and the fulcrum means  20  in a first predetermined spaced relationship relative to each other. The vehicle contacting means  16  and the fulcrum means  20  are positioned in a common geometrical plane  26 . 
     The lever handle  14  has a generally elongated configuration defining a handle first longitudinal end  28  and a longitudinally opposed handle second longitudinal end  30 . The lever handle  14  also defines a lever ground contacting section  32 . 
     The lever frame  12  and the lever handle  14  are configured and sized such that when the lever is in its raised configuration shown in FIG. 2 with both the lever ground contacting section  32  and the fulcrum means  20  contacting the ground surface  21  the common geometrical plane  26  forms an acute angle  78  relative to the ground surface  21 . In such a position, the vehicle contacting means  16  is located intermediate and above the fulcrum means  20  and the ground contacting section  32  at a raised distance  22  from the ground surface  21 . 
     One of the main features of the present invention resides in that the lever handle  14  is pivotally attached to the lever frame  12  by a handle pivotal connection  34 . The handle pivotal connection  34  allows the lever handle  14  to pivot about a lever pivoting axis  36 . The lever pivoting axis  36  extends in the common geometrical plane  26  defined by the vehicle contacting means  16  and the fulcrum means  20 . Preferably, the lever handle  14  also includes a handle releasable locking means  38  for selectively locking the lever handle  14  in a predetermined angular relationship relative to the lever frame  12 . 
     The fulcrum means  20  preferably includes a generally elongated fulcrum rod  40 . The fulcrum rod  40  defines a generally rounded ground engaging surface  42 . The fulcrum rod  40  also defines a fulcrum rod first longitudinal end  44  and a longitudinally opposed fulcrum rod second longitudinal end  46 . 
     The lever pivotal connection  34  preferably includes a handle connecting rod  48  extending substantially perpendicularly from the fulcrum rod  40  in a direction substantially parallel to the common geometrical plane  26 . The lever pivotal connection  34  also preferably includes a handle connecting sleeve  50  rotatably mounted around the handle connecting rod  48  for selective rotation thereabouts. The handle connecting sleeve  50  defines a generally cylindrical sleeve wail  52 . The lever handle  14  is attached adjacent the handle first longitudinal end  28  to the handle connecting sleeve  50  thus allowing selective pivotal movement of the lever handle  14  around the handle connecting rod  48 . 
     The handle releasable locking means  38  preferably takes the form of a sleeve releasable locking means for releasably locking the handle connecting sleeve  50  in a predetermined angular relationship relative to the handle connecting rod  48 . 
     As shown in greater details in FIG. 7, the sleeve releasable locking means includes a sleeve aperture  54  extending through the sleeve wall  52 . The sleeve releasable locking means also includes a bolt type component  56  threadably mounted to the sleeve aperture  54 . The bolt type component  56  defines a bolt tip  58 . The bolt type component  56  is configured and sized so that the bolt tip  58  frictionally engages an outer surface  60  of the handle connecting rod  48 . 
     The lever frame  12  preferably further includes a spacing section  62  extending laterally from the vehicle contacting means  16  in a direction substantially parallel to the fulcrum rod  40 . The lever handle  14  is thus preferably laterally spaced from the vehicle contacting means  16  in a direction substantially perpendicular to the spacing provided by the spacing means  16 . 
     The spacing section  62  defines a lateral spacing rod  64  that extends laterally from the vehicle contacting means  16  in a substantially parallel and spaced relationship relative to the fulcrum rod  40 . In a preferred embodiment, the handle connecting rod  48  extends from a position adjacent the fulcrum rod first longitudinal end  44  to a corresponding adjacent longitudinal end of the lateral spacing rod  64 . 
     Preferably, the lever handle  14  defines a first handle segment  66  extending from the handle first longitudinal end  28  to the handle ground contacting section  32  and a handle second section  68  extending from the handle ground contacting section  32  to the handle second longitudinal end  30 . 
     Another main feature of the present invention resides in that the handle second section  68  is preferably configured and sized for abutment with a section of the rear wheel  70  of the vehicle  18  when the lever handle  14  is in the pivoted configuration shown in FIG.  5 . 
     Preferably, the handle second section  68  is angled relative to the handle first section  66  about the handle contacting section  32  so that when the handle ground contacting section  32  is in contact with the ground surface  20  both the handle first and second sections  66 ,  68  extend away from the ground contacting section  32  in a direction leading away from the ground surface  20  as shown in FIG.  2 . This facilitates grasping of the handle second section  68  by allowing insertion of the fingers of the intended user between the ground surface  20  and the handle second section  68  when the lever handle  14  is in the raising position shown in FIG.  2 . 
     The lever handle  14  preferably further includes a solidifying plate  70  extending between the handle connecting sleeve  50  and a corresponding proximal segment of the lever handle  14 . 
     As mentioned previously, the handle pivotal connection  34  represents one of the main features of the present invention. The handle pivotal connection  34  provides several advantages over prior art structures. First, the lever handle  14  can be pivoted to a position shown in full lines in FIG. 5 wherein it is inserted between the rear wheel  71  of the vehicle  18  and the ground surface  20 . In this wheel locking position the lever handle  14  acts as a stabilizing means for stabilizing the vehicle  18  in its raised configuration since it reduces the risks of the vehicle  18  moving rearwardly once in its raised configuration. Partial insertion of the lever handle  14  also stabilizes the vehicle lift  10  itself. 
     Pivotal movement of the lever handle  14  also allows for customization of the sustentation polygonal base formed by the fulcrum rod  40  and the handle ground contacting section  32 . Pivotal movement of the lever handle  14  also facilitates ergonomical use of the vehicle lift in exiguous environments and in situations wherein components such as saddle bags, foot pegs and exhaust pipes protrude laterally from the vehicle frame. Still further, pivotal movement of the lever handle  14  allows the latter to be rotated to a folded configuration shown in FIG. 6 wherein it lies in a generally parallel relationship relative to the common geometrical plane  26  so as to reduce overall external dimensions and reduce storage space. 
     The vehicle contacting means  16  may take various configurations. In a first embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 3, the vehicle contacting means  16  includes a pair of supporting brackets  72  typically having a generally “U” shaped cross sectional configuration. The spacing means  24  typically includes a corresponding pair of bracket rods  74  extending between the fulcrum rod  40  and the brackets  72  in a direction substantially parallel to the common geometrical plane  26 . A stabilizing rod  76  preferably extends between the bracket rods  74 . The supporting brackets  72  are adapted to abuttingly contact a pair of corresponding frame components (not shown) part of the motorcycle  18 . 
     In a second embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 4, the vehicle contacting means  16  includes a frame attachment sleeve  82  mounted on an integral distal extension segment  84  of the lateral spacing rod  64 . An attachment pin  86  is provided for slidable insertion through the frame attachment sleeve  82  and a pair of frame rings (not shown) extending from the motorcycle frame. Each frame ring is adapted to be positioned adjacent a corresponding longitudinal end of the attachment sleeve  82 . The spacing means  24  typically includes at least one and preferably three corresponding bracket rods  74  extending between the fulcrum rod  40  and the distal extension segment  84  in a direction substantially parallel to the common geometrical plane  26 . 
     In a third embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 8, the vehicle contacting means  16  includes a frame supporting platform  88  mounted on an integral distal extension segment  84  of the lateral spacing rod  64 . The frame supporting platform  88  is optionally coated with a substantially resilient material such as a layer of elastomeric resin. The frame supporting platform is preferably pivotally mounted on the distal extension segment  84  so as to pivot about the latter using a platform pivotal connecting means. The platform pivotal connecting means preferably includes a pivoting sleeve  89  having a generally “U”-shaped cross-sectional configuration. The distal ends of the legs of the “U”-shaped sleeve  89  are attached to the undersurface of the frame supporting platform  88  while the body of the “U”-shaped sleeve  89  pivotally encircles the distal extension segment  84 . This particular embodiment is particularly well suited for motorcycles wherein both the motor and the exhaust pipes do not form a protrusion underneath the frame of the vehicle. The spacing means  24  typically includes at least one and preferably two corresponding bracket rods  74  extending between the fulcrum rod  40  and the distal extension segment  84  in a direction substantially parallel to the common geometrical plane  26 . 
     In a fourth embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 9, the vehicle contacting means  16  includes a frame supporting platform  88  preferably pivotally mounted on an integral distal extension segment  84  of the lateral spacing rod  64  as described for the third embodiment. The vehicle contacting means  16  further includes an anchoring pin  90  attached to the supporting platform  88 . The anchoring pin  90  preferably defines a pin spacing segment  92  extending away from the supporting platform  88  and a pin anchoring segment  94  extending in a generally parallel and overlying relationship relative to the supporting platform  88 . The spacing means  24  typically includes at least one and preferably three corresponding bracket rods  74  extending between the fulcrum rod  40  and the distal extension segment  84  in a direction substantially parallel to the common geometrical plane  26 . 
     In a fifth embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIG. 10, the vehicle contacting means  16  includes a supporting bracket  96 . The supporting bracket  96  is mounted on at least one and preferably two bracket rods  74  extending from the fulcrum rod  40  in a direction substantially parallel to the common geometrical plane  26 . The supporting bracket  96  preferably has a generally “U”-shaped cross-sectional configuration. It should be understood that the vehicle contacting means  16  and the spacing means  24  could take many other configurations to accommodate various vehicle frame configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.