Abstract:
A support stand system for supporting parts of automobiles for repair work or painting purposes featuring a main base and one or more additional components including a fender stand for supporting fenders, a bumper stand for supporting bumpers, a paint tray, a door stand for supporting doors and hoods, and a sawhorse. The components are interchangeable. Securing devices such as clamp brackets can be used with any of the components.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is directed to a multifunctional stand system with a plurality of attachments for supporting parts of automobiles for repair work and/or painting purposes. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Repairing automobile components can require a large amount of bulky equipment. The present invention features a support stand system with a plurality of attachments, wherein the support stand system can support a large variety of automobile components for repair work and/or other purposes including painting. The support stand system has a main base with a plurality of wheels that allow the system to be easily moved from place to place. 
     Any feature or combination of features described herein are included within the scope of the present invention provided that the features included in any such combination are not mutually inconsistent as will be apparent from the context, this specification, and the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art. Additional advantages and aspects of the present invention are apparent in the following detailed description and claims. 
     SUMMARY 
     The present invention features a support stand system with a plurality of attachments, wherein the support stand system can support a large variety of automobile components for repair work and/or other purposes including painting. In some embodiments, the support stand system comprises a generally H-shaped main base comprising a first half base and a second half base connected by a center shaft, the first half base and second half base being generally parallel to each other and perpendicular to the center shaft, the main base mounted atop a plurality of wheels. 
     The system further comprises one or more of the following: (a) a bumper stand comprising a first vertical support shaft having a first end and a second end, the first vertical support shaft is removably attached to the main base via a first mounting clamp disposed on the second end; a T bar removably attached to the first end of the first vertical support shaft via a first T bar brace; an extension bar disposed on the first vertical support bar extending from the first end such that the extension bar is at an angle with respect to the first vertical support shaft; a second vertical support shaft attached to the first vertical support shaft parallel to the first vertical support shaft via one or more bumper stand mounting clamps; a first swivel component disposed in the first vertical support shaft, the first swivel component allows the first vertical support shaft to rotate; a paint mounting clamp disposed on the first vertical support shaft, the paint mounting clamp is adapted to removably engage a paint tray; and a bumper arm removably attachable to the first vertical support shaft, a first end of the bumper arm curves away from the first vertical support shaft, wherein a clamp device is disposed on the first end of the bumper arm via a clamp device mount; (b) a fender stand comprising a first vertical arm having a first end and a second end, the first vertical arm is removably attached to the main base via a second mounting clamp disposed on the second end; a second vertical arm disposed on the first vertical arm parallel to the first vertical arm via one or more first arm clamps, wherein a first end of the second vertical arm extends above the first end of the first vertical arm; an extension bar disposed on the first end of the first vertical arm extending from the first end such that the extension bar is at an angle with respect to the first vertical arm; a paint mounting clamp disposed on the first vertical arm, the paint mounting clamp is adapted to removably engage a paint tray; and one or more removable fender arms removably attached to a fender arm mount disposed on the first vertical arm, wherein each fender arm has a mounting end that is adapted to engage the first end of the second vertical arm; and a handle disposed on the first vertical arm or the second vertical arm; (c) a door stand comprising a first vertical bar having a first end and a second end, the first vertical bar is removably attached to the main base via a third mounting clamp disposed on the second end; a paint mounting clamp disposed on the first vertical bar, the paint mounting clamp is adapted to removably engage a paint tray; a handle disposed on the first vertical bar; and a bearing mounting arm disposed on the first end of the first vertical bar; and (d) a paint tray comprising a paint pan; a mounting rod disposed on a first side of the paint pan, the mounting rod is adapted to engage a paint tray mounting component of the bumper stand, fender stand, and door stand; and a ring disposed on a second side of the paint pan. 
     In some embodiments, the wheels of the main base are caster wheels. In some embodiments, the main base is expandable. In some embodiments, the first half base comprises an outer bar and an inner bar that are both generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the center shaft. In some embodiments, the second half base comprises an outer bar and an inner bar that are both generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the center shaft. 
     In some embodiments, the first vertical support shaft of the bumper stand is adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the extension bar of the bumper stand is adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the support stand system further comprises a first pipe disposed on an outer end of the extension bar of the bumper stand. In some embodiments, the support stand system further comprises a second pipe disposed on the second vertical support shaft of the bumper stand, wherein the second pipe can swivel up and down. 
     In some embodiments, the first vertical arm of the fender stand is adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the support stand system further comprises a rotating arm disposed on an outer end of the extension bar of the fender stand. In some embodiments, the extension bar of the fender stand is pivotally attached to the first vertical arm via a first pivot component. 
     In some embodiments, the first vertical bar of the door stand is adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the support stand system further comprises a release handle for bearings disposed on a first end of the bearing mounting arm. In some embodiments, the support stand system further comprises a rotation bearing disposed on a second end of the bearing mounting arm. In some embodiments, the support stand system further comprises a secondary arm with a door and hood mount disposed on the rotation bearing. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the main base of the support stand system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1A  is a top view of the main base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 1B  is a side view of the main base of  FIG. 1 . 
         FIG. 2  is a first side view of the bumper stand of the support stand system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2A  is a second side view of the bumper stand of  FIG. 2  without the second vertical shaft. 
         FIG. 2B  is an exploded view of accessory components of the bumper stand of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 3  is a first side view of the fender stand of the support stand system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3A  is a second side view of the fender stand of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 3B  is a third side view of the fender stand of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 3C  is a front view of the fender stand of  FIG. 3 . 
         FIG. 4  is a first side view of the hood and door stand of the support stand system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4A  is a second side view of the hood and door stand of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 4B  is a third side view of the hood and door stand of  FIG. 4 . 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the paint tray of the support stand system of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an accessory holding cart. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of a sawhorse stand with clamps. 
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-7 , the present invention features a support stand system for supporting parts of automobiles for repair work and/or painting purposes. The support stand system may allow a user to support and manipulate heavy automobile components that have been detached from the vehicle. For example, the support stand system may allow for the repair and/or painting of a door, a fender, a bumper, the like, or a combination thereof. 
     Base 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1A , and  FIG. 1B , the support stand system comprises a generally H-shaped main base  105  that helps support other components of the support stand system and/or components of the automobile. The main base  105  comprises a first half base  110  and a second half base  120  connected by a center shaft  130 . The first half base  110  and second half base  120  are generally perpendicular to the center shaft  130 . The center shaft  130  has a first end  131  connected to the first base  110  and a second end  132  connected to the second base  120 . The main base  105  is positioned generally horizontally to the ground and raised a certain distance above the ground via a plurality of wheels  180 . In some embodiments, the wheels  140  are caster (swivel) wheels. In some embodiments, the wheels  140  may be locked. 
     In some embodiments, the main base  105  is between about 2 to 4 inches above the ground. In some embodiments, the main base  105  is between about 4 to 6 inches above the ground. In some embodiments, the main base  105  is between about 6 to 8 inches above the ground. In some embodiments, the main base  105  is move than about 8 inches above the ground. 
     The main base  105  may be of various lengths and may be expandable. For example, in some embodiments, the center shaft  130  comprises a first telescopic component  130   a  telescopically received in a second telescopic component  130   b . Telescopic components and means of expanding and contracting such poles are well known to one of ordinary skill in the art. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism secures the center shaft  130  (e.g., telescopic components  130   a ,  130   b ) at a fixed length. 
     In some embodiments, the center shaft  130  is between about 36 to 42 inches in length as measured from the first end  131  to the second end  132 . In some embodiments, the center shaft  130  is between about 42 to 48 inches in length as measured from the first end  131  to the second end  132 . In some embodiments, the center shaft  130  is between about 48 to 60 inches in length as measured from the first end  131  to the second end  132 . In some embodiments, the center shaft  130  is between about 60 to 72 inches in length. In some embodiments, the center shaft  130  is more than about 72 inches in length. 
     The first half base  110  comprises an outer bar  116  and an inner bar  118  that are both generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the center shaft  130 . The first end  131  of the center shaft  130  is attached (e.g., perpendicularly) to we inner bar  118  of the first half base  110 . The outer bar  116  is attached to the inner bar  118  on the side opposite the center shaft  130 . In some embodiments, the outer bar  116  is directly attached to the inner bar  118 . In some embodiments, the outer bar  116  and the inner bar  118  are attached to each other via one or more spacers  170 . In some embodiments, the outer bar  116  and the inner bar  118  are staggered, for example the first end  119  of the inner bar  118  extends past the first end of the outer bar  116 , and the second end  117  of the outer bar  116  extends past the second end of the inner bar  118 . In some embodiments, the inner bar  118  and outer bar  116  are expandable (e.g., comprise telescopic components). The outer bar  116  and inner bar  118  may be of various lengths. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism secures the inner bar  118  and/or outer bar  116  at a fixed length (e.g., a T-handle  175 ). 
     The second half base  120  comprises an outer bar and an inner bar that are both generally parallel to each other and generally perpendicular to the center shaft  130 . The second end  132  of the center shaft  130  is attached (e.g., perpendicularly) to the inner bar of the second half base  120 . The outer bar is attached to the inner bar on the side opposite the center shaft  130 . In some embodiments, the outer bar is directly attached to the inner bar. In some embodiments, the outer bar and the inner bar are attached to each other via one or more spacers  170 . In some embodiments, the outer bar and the inner bar are staggered, for example the first end of the inner bar extends past the first end of the outer bar, and the second end of the outer bar extends past the second end of the inner bar. In some embodiments, the inner bar  18  and outer bar are expandable (e.g., comprise telescopic components). The outer bar and inner bar may be of various lengths. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism secures the inner bar and/or outer bar at a fixed length (e.g., a T-handle  175 ). 
     In some embodiments, the inner bar  118  and/or the outer bar  116  are between about 18 to 24 inches in length as measured from the first end to the second end. In some embodiments, the inner bar  118  and/or outer bar  116  are between about 24 to 36 inches in length as measured from the first end to the second end. In some embodiments, the inner bar  118  and/or outer bar  116  are between about 36 to 48 inches in length as measured from the first end to the second end. In some embodiments, the inner bar  118  and/or the outer bar  116  are between about 48 to 60 inches in length. In some embodiments, the inner bar  118  and/or the outer bar  116  are more than about 60 inches in length. 
     The support stand system of the present invention can be configured according to a user&#39;s needs. For example, the support stand system comprises one or more separate attachment stands that may be used for holding fenders, a door, hood, bumper, or small parts. The separate attachment stands may include but is not limited to a paint tray  400 , a fender stand  300 , a bumper stand  200 , and/or a hood and door stand  500 . The attachment stands are generally attached to the main base  105 . 
     Bumper Stand 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 ,  FIG. 2A , and  FIG. 2B , in some embodiments, the support stand system of the present invention comprises a bumper stand  200  that is for attaching to the main base  105  via a first mounting clamp  205 . The bumper stand  200  comprises a first vertical support shaft  210  having a first end  211  and a second end  212 . The first mounting clamp  205  is disposed on the second end  212  of the first vertical support shaft  210 . The first mounting clamp  205  is adapted to removably engage the center shaft  130  of the main base  130 . 
     In some embodiments, the first vertical support shaft  210  is adjustable in length. For example, in some embodiments the first vertical support shaft  210  comprises telescopic poles. In some embodiments, a locking mechanism secures the telescopic poles of the first vertical support shaft  210  at a fixed length. 
     Disposed on the first end  211  of the first vertical support shaft  210  is a T bar  250 . The T bar  250  is attached to the first vertical support shaft  210  such that the crossbar  250   a  of the T bar  250  is generally perpendicular to the first vertical support shaft  210 . In some embodiments, the T bar  250  is used to support the bumper in an elevated state. The T bar  250  may be adjustable in length. In some embodiments, the T bar  250  is removably attachable to the first end  211  of the first vertical support shaft  210  via a first T bar brace  255 . 
     In some embodiments, an extension bar  240  is disposed on the first vertical support bar  210  extending from the first end  211 . The extension bar  240  is attached at an angle with respect to the first vertical support shaft  210  (see  FIG. 2 ). The extension bar  240  may be adjustable in length. In some embodiments, a first pipe  260   a  is disposed on the outer end of the extension bar  240 . The first pipe  260   a  is positioned so as to be generally perpendicular the first vertical support shaft  210 . In some embodiments, the first pipe  260   a  is used to hold bumper arms  230 . 
     Attached to the first vertical support shaft  210  (parallel to the first vertical support shaft  210 ) is a second vertical support shaft  220  having a first end and a second end. The second vertical support shaft  220  may be attached to the first vertical support shaft  210  via one or more bumper stand mounting clamps  225 . For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , bumper stand clamps are disposed on the second end of the first vertical support shaft  210  that engage the second end of the second vertical support shaft  220 , and bumper stand clamps are disposed on the first vertical support shaft  210  that engage the first end of the second vertical support shaft  220 . 
     A second pipe  260   b  may extend from the second vertical support shaft  220  (e.g., generally perpendicularly to the second vertical support shaft  220 ). The second pipe  260   b  may be used to hold bumper arms  230 . In some embodiments, the second pipe  260   b  can swivel up and down (e.g., between about 0 to 180 degrees). In some embodiments, a second T bar brace  255   b  is disposed on the second vertical support shaft  220  for removably engaging the T bar  250 . 
     In some embodiments, a first swivel component  236   a  is disposed in the first vertical support shaft  210 . The first swivel component  236   a  allows the first vertical support shaft  210  to rotate (e.g., between about 0 to 360 degrees). In some embodiments, a paint mounting clamp  430  is disposed on the first vertical support shaft  210 , wherein the paint mounting clamp  430  is adapted to removably engage the paint tray  400 . 
     In some embodiments, a bumper arm  230  is removably attachable to the first vertical support shaft  210  and/or second vertical support shaft  220  (e.g., via bumper stand mounting clamps  225  or a bumper arm mount  238 ). In some embodiments, the first end of the bumper arm  230  curves away from the first vertical support shaft  210  (see  FIG. 2 ). In some embodiments, a clamp device  235  is disposed (e.g., removably attached) on the first end of the arm  230  via a clamp device mount  236  (e.g., see  FIG. 2B ). In some embodiments, the bumper arm  230  is able to swivel or rotate. In some embodiments, the clamp device mount  236  allows the clamp device  235  to swivel. The bumper arm  230  can be attached to a variety of locations, for example one or more bumper arm mounts  238  disposed on the first vertical support shaft  210 , bumper stand mounting clamps  225  on the first vertical support shaft  210  and/or second vertical support shaft  220 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 2B , the system of the present invention may further comprise a bumper arm attachment tree for attaching to the first vertical support shaft  210  and/or second vertical support shaft  220 . The bumper arm attachment tree may comprise a plurality of bumper arm mounts  238  and a T bar mount  255 . 
     Fender Stand 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 3A ,  FIG. 3B , and  FIG. 3C , the support stand system of the present invention further comprises a fender stand  300  that is for attaching to the main base  105  via a second mounting clamp  305 . The fender stand  300  comprises a first vertical arm  310  having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first vertical arm  310  is attachable to the center shaft  130  of the main base  105  via the second mounting clamp  305 . 
     A second vertical arm  320  is attachable (e.g., parallel to the first vertical arm  310 ) to the first vertical arm  310  via one or more first arm clamps  325 . For example, one or more first arm clamps  325  may attach the second end of the second vertical arm  320  to the second end of the first vertical arm  310 . One or more first arm clamps  325  may attach the middle of the second vertical arm  320  to the first end (or near the first end) of the first vertical arm  310 . Generally, the first end of the second vertical arm  320  extends above the first end of the first vertical arm  310  (see  FIG. 3 ). In some embodiments, the first vertical arm  310  is adjustable in length (e.g., the first vertical arm  310  comprises telescopic components). 
     Disposed on the first end of the first vertical arm  310  is an extension bar  330 . The extension bar  330  is attached at an angle with respect to the first vertical arm  310  (see  FIG. 3 ). The extension bar  330  may be used to hold the lower part of a fender, for example. In some embodiments, a rotating arm  336  is disposed on the outer end of the extension bar  330 . 
     Disposed on the first end of the first vertical arm  310  (e.g., at or near the extension  330 ) is a paint mounting clamp  430 . The paint mounting clamp  430  is adapted to removably engage the paint tray  400 . 
     The fender stand  300  further comprises one or more (e.g., four) removable fender arms  340 ,  350 ,  360 . The fender arms  340 ,  350 ,  360  may be removably attached to a fender arm mount  352  disposed on the first vertical arm. In some embodiments, the fender arm mount  352  allows for swiveling. The fender arms  340 ,  350 ,  360  each have a mounting end  341  that is adapted to engage the first end of the second vertical arm  320 . In some embodiments, a fender is rested on the outer end of the fender arm  340 ,  350 ,  360 , e.g., opposite the mounting end  341 . In some embodiments, the fender arms  340 ,  350 ,  360  can be removably attached to a rotating arm  362  disposed on the first vertical arm  310  at the second end. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the fender stand  300  may comprise a plurality of fender arms, for example one or more (e.g., four) 6 inch fender arms  340 , one or more (e.g., two) 8 inch fender arms  350 , and one or more (e.g., two) third fender arms  360 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3A , in some embodiments, the extension bar  330  is pivotally attached to the first vertical arm  310  via a first pivot component  338 . In some embodiments, a special part mount  388  is disposed on the second end of the second vertical arm  320 . In some embodiments, a handle  386  is disposed on the second vertical arm  320 . As shown in  FIG. 3A , a mounting extension  390  is disposed on the outer end of the extension bar  330 . The mounting extension  390  may attach to the extension bar  330  via an extension mount  392 . In some embodiments, a swivel component  394  is disposed in the extension bar  330  near the extension mount  392 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 3C , a mounting extension  390  may be disposed on the outer end of the extension bar  330 . The mounting extension  390  may rotate, for example between about 0 to 360 degrees. 
     Door Stand 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 ,  FIG. 4A , and  FIG. 4B , the support stand system of the present invention further comprises a door stand  500  (e.g., hood and door stand) that is for attaching to the main base  105  via a third mounting clamp  505 . The door stand  500  comprises a first vertical bar  510  having a first end and a second end. The second end of the first vertical bar  510  is attachable to the center shaft  130  of the main base  105  via the third mounting clamp  505 . In some embodiments, the first vertical bar  510  is adjustable in length (e.g., comprising telescopic components). 
     A paint tray-mounting component  430  for attaching a paint tray  400  is disposed on the first vertical bar  510  of the door stand  500 . In some embodiments, a handle  570  is disposed on the first vertical shaft  510 . 
     A bearing mounting arm  550  is disposed on the first end of the first vertical bar  510 . Disposed on the first end of the bearing mounting arm  550  is a release handle  560  for bearings. Disposed on the second end of the bearing mounting arm  550  is a rotation bearing  540 . Disposed on the rotation bearing  540  is a secondary arm  552  with a door and hood mount  555 . 
     Paint Tray 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the support stand system of the present invention further comprises a paint tray  400 . The paint tray  400  comprises a paint pan  410 . A mounting rod is disposed on a first side of the paint pan  410 , which is adapted to engage a paint tray-mounting component  430 . The paint tray mounting component  430  may be disposed on other components of the support stand system. For example, a paint tray-mounting component  430  may be disposed on other components of the system (e.g., door stand  400 , fender stand  300 , etc.). A ring  460  is disposed on the second side of the paint pan  410  (e.g., opposite the mounting rod  440 ). The ring  460  functions to hold a paint gun, a roll of tape, or other object the user desires. 
     Accessory Cart and Sawhorse 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the support stand system of the present invention may further comprise an accessory cart  700 . Referring now to  FIG. 7 , the support stand system of the present invention may further comprise a sawhorse  800 . In some embodiments, the support stand system may further comprise an assortment of interlocking components and clamps. The support stand system may be constructed from a variety of materials. For example, in some embodiments, the support stand system is constructed from materials comprising steel. As shown in  FIG. 7 , various spring clamps  780  are attached to clamp mounts  790  disposed on a clamp frame  710  atop the main base  110 . 
     The following the disclosures of the following U.S. Patents are incorporated in their entirety by reference herein: U.S. Pat. No. 7,448,606; U.S. Pat. No. 6,409,128; U.S. Pat. No. 6,729,632; U.S. Pat. No. 6,024,348; U.S. Pat. No. 5,707,450; U.S. Pat. No. 5,141,211; U.S. Pat. No. 2,827,690; U.S. Pat. No. 5,296,030; U.S. Pat. No. 5,660,637. 
     Various modifications of the invention, in addition to those described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. Each reference cited in the present application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     Although there has been shown and described the preferred embodiment of the present invention, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that modifications may be made thereto which do not exceed the scope of the appended claims. Therefore, the scope of the invention is only to be limited by the following claims.