Patent Abstract:
A portable auxiliary jackstand for a two-wheeled vehicle which provides the vehicle with additional stability when parked is disclosed. The stand comprises a ratchet or detent mechanism which provides a means for adjusting and locking its length. An upper end accommodates various interchangeable adapters intended to engage the frame, foot peg or other structural member of the vehicle. A lower end accommodates various interchangeable feet designed to provide the necessary friction against the prevailing texture of the ground surface. The stand can be applied to either side of the vehicle and is designed to allow the user to select the configuration which is best suited to the conditions of the parking space ground.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention was first described in a notarized Official Record of Invention on Apr. 21, 2009, that is on file at the offices of Montgomery Patent and Design, LLC, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to two-wheeled motor vehicles such as motorcycles, and in particular, to an adjustable auxiliary jack stand for such vehicles. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Many popular varieties of two-wheeled motor vehicles exist, including common vehicles such as motorcycles, motorbikes, and the like. Due to the two-wheeled nature of such vehicles, they are generally not able to maintain their position in an upright manner with aid, unlike traditional four-wheeled vehicles. Many vehicles incorporate integral kickstands which are selectively deployable along a side ground surface portion of the vehicle for providing support to the vehicle in a leaning position. 
     While such jack stands generally allow a vehicle to remain in such a position in flat, solid, and undisturbed conditions, it does not take much disturbance to cause the jack stand to fail. The jack stands are generally hingedly attached to the side of the vehicle, and pressure or movement along this hinge often leads to collapse of the jack stand. Also, the stand provides little stability in several directions. This results in the vehicle falling and landing on a side portion which can often lead to costly aesthetic and mechanical damages to the vehicle. Conditions such as soft ground, sloped surfaces, and windy weather are particularly troublesome to the stability of these vehicles. 
     Various attempts have been made to provide device for stabilizing motorcycles and the like. Examples of these attempts can be seen by reference to several U.S. patents. U.S. Pat. No. 3,998,470, issued in the name of Houston, describes an auxiliary attachment for use with an existing kickstand which serves to increase the area of contact with a ground surface. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 4,817,977, issued in the name of Bookbinder, describes an electrically operated motorcycle stand with a telescopingly extendible leg carried by the frame of the motorcycle. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 6,712,377, issued in the name of Meiring, describes a motorcycle support brace removably attachable to a lower portion of a motorcycle frame designed to temporarily support a motorcycle in a slight leaning position for cleaning and servicing. 
     While these devices fulfill their respective, particular objectives, each of these references suffer from one (1) or more of the aforementioned disadvantages. Many such devices are not adapted for use with an existing vehicle without significant installation ahead of time. Also, many such devices are not suitable for engaging a vehicle in a variety of positions to provide optimal stabilization based upon the orientation of the vehicle. Furthermore, many such devices are not adjustable with respect to height, support angle, and surface angle. Accordingly, there exists a need for a two-wheeled vehicle stabilizing device without the disadvantages as described above. The development of the present invention substantially departs from the conventional solutions and in doing so fulfills this need. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the foregoing references, the inventor recognized the aforementioned inherent problems and observed that there is a need for a means to provide portable auxiliary support to two-wheeled vehicles in a manner which allows the support to securely engage a variety of existing vehicles quickly and adjustably. Thus, the object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned disadvantages and provide for this need. 
     To achieve the above objectives, it is an object of the present invention to comprise a portable auxiliary jack stand which provides a means for adding stability to a parked two-wheeled vehicle. 
     Another object of the present invention is to engage a suitable structural portion of a vehicle via a top adapter portion. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to adjustably engage a ground surface in a flat, secure manner via a ball jointed foot pad assembly. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a means for adjusting the height of the apparatus via first and second telescoping members and a pawl assembly. The telescoping members comprise a middle portion of the apparatus and allow a user to selectively increment the distance between the adapter and foot pad assembly. The inside space portion of the telescoping assembly further comprises a spring which assists in the deployment of the system. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a locking and adjusting means to the telescoping assembly via the pawl assembly. The pawl assembly comprises a housing, a pawl, a spindle and a pawl spring which are manipulated by a user via use of an adjusting knob. The pawl assembly allows a user to selectively lock the height of the system, incrementally adjust the height of the system, and subsequently collapse the telescoping system for storage and transport. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a plurality of top adapters and to allow a user to selectively removably attach a desired adapter to the top of the telescoping assembly for engagement with a desired portion of the existing vehicle body. The adapters are selectively attached via a pin and detent ball system and comprise various shapes useful for engaging circular structural members, flat structural members, or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide adjustable positioning of the system relative to the degree of inclination of the ground via eccentric mount of a base foot pad portion. The base portion is further connected to the telescoping assembly via a ball joint which allows for adjustment of the foot portion in all three dimensions. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to comprise a plurality of foot portions and to allow a user to selectively removably attach a desired foot portion for secure engagement with a present ground surface. The various foot pad assemblies comprise a bottom surface having an anti-skid configuration such as an anti-skid surface material, cleats, a serrated surface, or the like. 
     Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a method of utilizing the device that provides a unique means of collapsing and easily transporting the apparatus, selectively extending the apparatus to provide a desired length for the parked stabilization of a two-wheeled vehicle, selectively providing a top adapter for secure engagement of a desired structural member of the vehicle, selectively providing a foot pad assembly for maximum anti-skid properties with a present ground surface, and quickly and securely positioning the configured apparatus in place between the vehicle and ground surface to provide additional support in order to prevent tipping due to an uneven ground surface, movement due to bumping or wind, and the like. 
     Further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from a consideration of the drawings and ensuing description. 
    
    
     
       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 an environmental perspective view of a portable auxiliary jack stand system  10  for a two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is an environmental rear view of the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   a  is perspective view of the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   b  is an orthographic cross-section view of the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3   c  is a perspective transparent view of a pawl mechanism assembly of the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   a  is a perspective view of a bi-furcated adapter  40  for the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4   b  is a perspective view of a tri-furcated adapter  50  for the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   a  is a perspective view of a ball-joint foot pad assembly  60  for the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5   b  is a perspective view of a serrated foot assembly  70  for the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   a  is perspective view of an alternate portable auxiliary jack stand system  80  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6   b  is perspective partially cut-away view of the alternate portable auxiliary jack stand system  80  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6   c  is perspective cut-away partial view of the bottom portion  84  of the alternate portable auxiliary jack stand system  80  for the two-wheeled vehicle  90 , according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention. 
       DESCRIPTIVE KEY 
       
           
           
             
                 10  auxiliary jack stand 
                 11  first telescoping member 
                 12  second telescoping member 
                 13  top portion 
                 14  bottom portion 
                 15  ratchet 
                 16  adjusting knob 
                 17  gate 
                 18  main spring 
                 19  pawl housing 
                 21  pawl spring 
                 22  pawl spring end 
                 23  spindle 
                 24  first end 
                 25  second end 
                 26  pawl 
                 27  bore 
                 28  adapter mounting aperture 
                 29  foot mounting aperture 
                 40  bi-furcated adapter 
                 41  first body 
                 42  first pin 
                 43  detent ball 
                 50  tri-furcated adapter 
                 51  second body 
                 52  second pin 
                 60  ball joint foot pad assembly 
                 61  first stem 
                 62  first shoulder 
                 63  ball joint 
                 64  base 
                 66  non-skid pad 
                 70  serrated foot assembly 
                 71  second stem 
                 72  second shoulder 
                 73  foot 
                 74  serration 
                 80  alternate auxiliary stand 
                 81  alternate first telescoping member 
                 82  second alternate telescoping member 
                 83  alternate top portion 
                 84  alternate bottom portion 
                 85  detent bullet 
                 86  grip 
                 87   a  first position notch 
                 87   b  second position notch 
                 88  alternate main spring 
                 89   a  first detent aperture 
                 89   b  second detent aperture 
                 90  two-wheeled vehicle 
                 91  ground 
                 92  kick stand 
             
           
         
      
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 1 through 5   b  and in terms of an alternate embodiment, herein depicted within  FIGS. 6   a  through  6   c . However, the invention is not limited to the described embodiment and a person skilled in the art will appreciate that many other embodiments of the invention are possible without deviating from the basic concept of the invention, and that any such work around will also fall under scope of this invention. 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. 
     The terms “a” and “an” herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced items. 
     The present invention describes a device and method for a portable auxiliary jack stand (herein described as the “system”)  10 , which provides a means for adding stability to a parked two-wheeled vehicle  90 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an environmental perspective view of a system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  is depicted in a status of providing additional stability while installed onto a parked two-wheeled vehicle. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , an environmental rear view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  is depicted as stabilizing the parked two-wheeled vehicle  90  by supporting the right side of the vehicle  90 . The system  10  comprises a tri-furcated adapter  50  and a ball jointed foot pad assembly  60 . The tri-furcated adapter is engaging a suitable structural portion of the vehicle  90 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   a , a perspective view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises a first telescoping member  11  comprising a top portion  13  and a pawl housing  19  envisioned to be an integral part of a face of the first telescoping member  11  by being welded or permanently mechanically or chemically bonded onto. The bi-furcated adapter  40  is removably and pivotally installed onto the top portion  13  of the first telescoping member  11  by means of a first pin  42  engaged through an adapter mounting aperture  28  and secured by a detent ball  43  engaging the underside surface portion of the top portion  13 . A second telescoping member  12  comprising a bottom portion  14  and an integral ratchet  15  is designed to slide upwardly and downwardly within the interior portion of the first telescoping member  11  without allowing any detrimental lateral play. The ball-joint foot  60  is removably and pivotally installed against the bottom portion  14  of the second telescoping member  12  by means of a first stem  61  engaged through a foot mounting aperture  29  and secured by a detent ball  43  engaging the inner top surface portion of the bottom portion  14  of the second telescoping member  12 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   b , an orthographic cross-section view of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The system  10  comprises the first telescoping member  11  with the integral pawl housing  19  enclosing a pawl spring  21 , a spindle  23 , and a pawl  24 . The pawl spring  24  encircles the spindle  23  and abuts against the rear face portion of the pawl  24 . The opposing pawl spring end  22  is engaged through a cross-aperture of the spindle  23  and a protruding portion of the pawl spring end  22  engages a gate  17 . A first end  24  of the spindle  23  slidingly engages a bore  27  within the pawl  24  and a second end  25  protrudes beyond the end portion of the pawl housing  19  and is securely fastened onto an adjusting knob  16 . The second telescoping member  12  comprises the ratchet  15  which provides a selective adjustment in conjunction with the pawl  24 , thereby allowing the combined length of the assembly of the first telescoping member  11  and the second telescoping member  12  to be selectively adjusted in small increments. It is envisioned that the telescoping members  11  and  12  are made of commercially available square, rectangular, hexagon or circular steel tubing whereby the top portion  13  and the bottom portion  14  are welded or permanently bonded onto an open end of the tubing members  11  and  13 . Alternately, the inverted squared “U”-shape of the first telescoping member and the upright squared “U”-shape of the second telescoping member can be generated by means of a deep drawing process. The ratchet  15  is envisioned to be cut directly within the tubing wall thickness of the second telescoping member  12 , or to be machined as a separate component  15  and be subsequently affixed integrally within a window previously cut hereinto the wall of the second telescoping member  12 . The inside space portion of the assembly of the first telescoping member  11  and the second alternate telescoping member  12  comprises a main spring  18  intended to assist in the deployment of the system  10 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3   c , a transparent perspective view of the pawl mechanism assembly of the system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The mechanism is contained within the pawl housing  19  and comprises the pawl  26 , the spindle  23  and the pawl spring  21 . The pawl spring  21  acts against a rear face of the pawl  26  thereby engaging the pawl  21  into the ratchet  15  and allows the combined length of the assembly of the first telescoping member  11  and the second telescoping member to be selectively incrementally increased. The pawl spring end  22  is inserted through a radial aperture of the spindle  23  and protrudes hereinto a gate  17  cut through the wall of the pawl housing  19 . The positioning of the protruding pawl spring end  22  into a forward notch of the gate  17  compresses the pawl spring  21  into its solid height, thus causing the pawl  26  to firmly lock the ratchet  15  and therefore the height of the system  10 . Rotating the adjusting knob  16  clockwise by a fraction of a turn releases the spring end  22  from the forward notch of the gate  17 , thus releasing the pawl spring  21  to the extent of allowing the normal interaction between the pawl  26  and the ratchet  15  which allows the length of the system  10  to be selectively increased incrementally. A further minor clockwise rotation of the adjusting knob  16  sets the pawl spring end  22  into a position within the gate  17  whereby the interaction between the pawl  26  and the ratchet  15  is eliminated. This mode allows the second telescoping member  12  to be freely pushed into the first telescoping member  11 , thereby collapsing the system  10  into a storage length. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   a , a perspective view the bi-furcated adapter  40  for the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The adapter  40  comprises a first body  41 , envisioned to be a casting, a weldment, or a machined member. Furthermore, the adapter  40  comprises a first pin  42  and a detent ball  43 . The first pin  42  is designed to removably install the adapter onto the top portion of the first telescoping member  11  by being inserted into the adapter mounting aperture  28  and by allowing the detent ball  43  to engage the underside surface portion of the top portion  13 . The bi-furcated adapter  40  is envisioned to be useful in engaging circular structural members of the two-wheeled vehicle  90 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4   b , a perspective view the tri-furcated adapter  50  for the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The adapter  50  comprises a second body  51 , envisioned to be a casting, a weldment, or a machined member. Furthermore, the adapter  50  comprises a second pin  52  and the detent ball  43 . In a manner similar to the adapter  40 , the second pin  52  is designed to removably install the adapter onto the top portion of the first telescoping member  11  by being inserted into the adapter mounting aperture  28  and by allowing the detent ball  43  to engage the underside surface portion of the top portion  13 . The tri-furcated adapter  50  is envisioned to be useful in engaging rectangular or flat structural members of the two-wheeled vehicle  90 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5   a , a perspective view the ball joint foot pad assembly  60  for the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The assembly  60  comprises a first stem  61 , a first shoulder  62 , a ball joint  63 , and a base  64  which is eccentrically integrally affixed thereto the underside portion of the ball joint  63  housing. The interaction between the eccentric mounting of the base  64  and the ball joint  63  allows an infinite variation for the positioning of the system  10  relative to the degree of inclination of the ground  91 . It is envisioned that the base  64  preferably comprises a bottom surface having a hard rubber anti-skid surface  66  or other anti-skid configuration such as, but not limited to: cleats, grooves, or spikes, and that the shoulder  62  is a shrink-fitted member or an integrally machined element of the first stem  61 . The foot pad assembly  60  is designed to be removably installed by inserting the upper end of the first stem  61  into the foot mounting aperture  29  until the detent ball  43  engages the outside underside surface of the bottom portion  14  of the second telescoping member  12  rests thereupon the first shoulder  62 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5   b , a perspective view of a serrated foot assembly  70  for the portable auxiliary jack stand system  10 , according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The assembly  70  comprises a second stem  71 , a second shoulder  73 , and a foot  73  comprising a plurality of serrations  74 . The foot assembly  70  is designed to be installed in a manner which is similar to the manner in which the foot assembly  60  is installed. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6   a , a perspective view of an alternate auxiliary stand  80 , according to an alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The alternate stand  80  comprises an alternate first telescoping member  81  comprising an alternate top portion  83 . The alternate first telescoping member furthermore comprises a plurality of first position notches  87   a  and second position notches  87   b  and a plurality of first detent apertures  89   a  and second detent apertures  89   b . The bi-furcated adapter  40  is removably and pivotally installed onto the top portion  83  of the first telescoping member  81  by means of the first pin  42  engaged through an adapter mounting aperture  28  and secured by a detent ball  43  engaging the underside surface portion of the top portion  83 . A second telescoping member  82  comprises a bottom portion  84 , a grip  86  and a detent bullet  85 . The second telescoping member  82  is designed to slide upwardly and downwardly snugly within the interior portion of the first telescoping member  81  without allowing any detrimental lateral play. The ball-joint foot  60  is removably and pivotally installed against the bottom portion  84  of the second telescoping member  82  by means of a first stem  61  engaged through a foot mounting aperture  29  and secured by a detent ball  43  engaging the inner top surface portion of the bottom portion  14  of the second telescoping member  12 . The configuration comprising the staggered rows of detent apertures  89   a  and  89   b  is intended to provide smaller selective length adjusting increments than a single row would provide. A grip  86  threaded into the telescoping member  82  allows the member  82  to be rotated by a fraction of a turn which corresponds to the peripheral distance between the centerline of the row comprising the first detent apertures  89   a  and the row comprising the second detent apertures  89   b . Engaging the grip  86  within any position notch  87   a  or  87   b  engages the detent bullet  85  into a corresponding detent aperture  89   a  or  89   b , thereby firmly locking the length of the alternate auxiliary stand  80 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6   b , a perspective partially cut-away view of the alternate auxiliary stand  80 , according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The inside space portion of the assembly of the first alternate telescoping member  81  and the second alternate telescoping member  82  comprises an alternate main spring  88  intended to assist in the deployment of the stand  80 . The telescoping members  81  and  82  are envisioned to be made of commercially available tubing, wherein the ends are closed by welding or integrally fastening the top portion  83  and the bottom portion  84  into an open end or by producing the appropriate configurations by deep drawing. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6   c , a perspective cut-away partial view of the bottom portion  84  of the alternate portable auxiliary jack stand  80 , according to the alternate embodiment of the present invention, is disclosed. The bottom portion comprises the foot mounting aperture  29 . It is envisioned that the alternate stand  80  is intended to accept the similar adapters  40  and  50  and the similar foot assemblies  60  and  70  as the preferred embodiment  10 . 
     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. 
     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. After initial purchase or acquisition of the system  10 , it would be installed as indicated in  FIG. 1 . 
     The method of utilizing the system  10  may be achieved by performing the following steps: choosing a parking place for the vehicle  90 ; parking the vehicle  90  by deploying the kick stand  92 ; evaluating the texture and the slope of the ground  92 ; choosing an appropriate structural member of the vehicle  90 ; selecting a suitable foot assembly  60 ,  70  or the like; selecting one of the adapters  40  or  50 ; measuring the needed length of the system  10 ; setting the position of the adjusting knob  16  to obtain the ratcheting mode; deploying the system  10  to the length needed to stabilize the vehicle  90 ; inserting the system  10  under the vehicle  90 ; making a final length adjustment; setting the adjusting knob  16  to the ratchet  15  locking position; ascertaining the stability of the parked vehicle; removing the system  80  by setting the adjusting knob  16  to the ratchet  15  releasing position; collapsing the telescoping members  11  and  12  into the minimum system  10  length; removing the adapter  40  or  50 ; removing the foot assembly  60  or  70 ; cleaning, packing and storing the system  10 . 
     The method of utilizing the alternate system  80  may be achieved by performing the following steps: choosing a parking place for the vehicle  90 ; parking the vehicle  90  by deploying the kick stand  92 ; evaluating the texture and the slope of the ground  92 ; choosing an appropriate structural member of the vehicle  90 ; selecting a suitable foot assembly  60 ,  70  or the like; selecting one (1) of the adapters  40  or  50 ; measuring the needed length of the system  10 ; deploying the alternate system  80  to the length needed to stabilize the vehicle  90 ; setting the grip  86  into one of the position notches  87   a  or  87   b  to allow the detent bullet  85  to engage the appropriate detent aperture  89   a  or  89   b ; inserting the alternate system  80  under the vehicle  90 ; ascertaining the stability of the parked vehicle; removing the alternate system  80  by following the above steps in a reverse order; removing the adapter  40  or  50 ; removing the foot assembly  60  or  70 ; cleaning, packing and storing the alternate system  80 . 
     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 and method of use to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, and 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 understood that various omissions or substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but is intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present invention.

Technology Classification (CPC): 1