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Two-wheel vehicle standRelated Patent Categories: Supports: Racks, Special Article, Velocipede Type, Tire Or WheelTwo-wheel vehicle stand description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070017882, Two-wheel vehicle stand. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
FIELD [0001] This invention relates generally to the field of two-wheel vehicles. More particularly, the disclosed invention relates to a stand for quickly, easily and safely securing two-wheel vehicles in an upright position, by clamping the front or rear tire. BACKGROUND [0002] Presently, a variety of stands exist to secure two-wheel vehicles. Often times these stands are designed to accomplish distinct functions such as providing for a quick and easy park of the vehicle or for securing the vehicle for maintenance, repair and transport. As a result two-wheel vehicle users often require different stands to perform different functions. Generally, two categories of two-wheel vehicle stands exist: parking stands that provide a quick and easy park of the vehicle; and securing stands that provide stability for maintenance, repair, and/or transport. [0003] One example of a typical parking stand is a single side kickstand. These stands are designed to park the two-wheel vehicle in a leaning position quickly by allowing the user, with minimal effort, to extend and retract the stand while sitting on the vehicle. The problem with single side kickstands is that they provide little stability in preventing the two-wheel vehicle from falling on its side. Single side kickstands also make routine maintenance and repair procedures difficult because essential areas of the vehicle are difficult to access unless the vehicle is upright. [0004] Another example of a typical parking stand is a center stand that supports the vehicle on both sides. Center stands increase the stability of the vehicle by keeping it in an upright position. Center stands also make simple maintenance procedures easier by keeping the vehicle in an upright position, thereby allowing free access to the engine and fluid openings. One problem with centers stands is that to secure the vehicle, the vehicle must be vertically lifted and placed upon the stand, which may be difficult for heavier vehicles such as motorcycles. Also, center stands are only slightly more stable than single side kickstands and generally cannot secure the vehicle for major repairs and maintenance or transport. [0005] One example of a securing stand is a rear wheel stand that connects to the swingarm spools of the vehicle. These stands provide great stability by lifting the rear wheel and supporting the vehicle on both sides. The problem with rear wheel stands is that they require time and effort from the user to attach the stand to the swingarm spools of the vehicle in order to securely hold the vehicle for any maintenance or repair work. Further, many rear wheel stands require a special swingarm with spools for the stand to attach properly. [0006] For the reasons stated above, and for other reasons stated below that will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a stand that can quickly and easily secure any two-wheel vehicle in an upright position for functions such as parking, maintenance, repairs and transport. SUMMARY [0007] This disclosure relates to a two-wheel vehicle stand for quickly, easily and safely securing two-wheel vehicles in an upright position by clamping the front or rear tire of the vehicle. The stand can be used to secure a variety of two-wheel vehicles in an upright position, including motorcycles. The stand is particularly useful for securing a motorcycle while transporting the motorcycle, where the stand can be suitably disposed on a trailer or in the bed of a pick-up truck. However, the stand can also be used for securing any type of two-wheel vehicle in an upright position for functions such as parking, maintenance, and repair. [0008] The stand includes a switching mechanism coupled to a clamping mechanism. The clamping mechanism comprises two opposing supports that are configured to clamp the front or rear wheel of the two-wheel vehicle therebetween to secure the vehicle in an upright position. [0009] The switching mechanism is configured to actuate the clamping function of the opposing supports. The switching mechanism is designed to be actuatable while a user is on the vehicle, for example while the user is sitting on or straddling the vehicle. This allows the user to bring the vehicle into engagement with the stand, and then actuate the clamping mechanism without having to dismount the vehicle. DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a two-wheel vehicle stand in a clamped position clamping a front wheel of a motorcycle to secure the motorcycle in an upright position. [0011] FIG. 2 is a front view of the two-wheel vehicle stand in an unclamped position. [0012] FIG. 3 is view similar to FIG. 2 but provided with arrows to show the movement directions of the various components of the stand during actuation. [0013] FIG. 4 is a side view of the stand. [0014] FIG. 5 is a view of the stand in the clamped position showing the over-center action. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0015] The invention relates to a stand for use in securing two-wheel vehicles in an upright position by clamping the front or rear tire. The stand can be used to secure a variety of two-wheel vehicles in an upright position. The description will describe the use of the stand with a motorcycle. However, it is to be realized that the inventive concepts described herein could be used on other two-wheel vehicles, including bicycles. [0016] Advantageously, the stand includes a switching mechanism that allows the user to quickly and easily secure the motorcycle while the user is still on the motorcycle. The stand is also adjustable to secure different size tires, and the stand includes safety features to protect the vehicle and the user. [0017] With reference to FIG. 1, a two-wheel vehicle stand 100 that secures a motorcycle 50 in an upright position is illustrated. The stand 100 is configured to clamp either a front wheel 52 or a rear wheel 54 of the motorcycle. The language "clamping a wheel" or the like as used throughout this specification, including the claims, is intended to encompass clamping the tire, clamping the rim on which the tire is supported, or clamping portions of the tire and the rim. [0018] In FIG. 1, the stand 100 is in a clamped position and is illustrated as clamping the front wheel 52. FIG. 2 illustrates the stand 100 in an unclamped position. The stand 100 is configured so that when the motorcycle 50 is clamped in the stand 100, the motorcycle 50 remains locked in an upright position. Although the stand 100 is illustrated as clamping the front wheel 52, the stand 100 could instead clamp the rear wheel 54. [0019] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the stand 100 includes a two-wheel vehicle stand base 102, and a clamping mechanism 104 coupled to a switching mechanism 130. The base 102, clamping mechanism 104 and the switching mechanism 130 are made primarily of metal components, for example steel. The clamping mechanism 104 comprises first and second opposing supports 106, 108, respectively, configured to clamp the front wheel 52 of the motorcycle 50 between them. The first support 106 is generally parallel to the second support 108. To add rigidity to the base 102, a brace 125 is secured to the base 102, for example by welding. Continue reading about Two-wheel vehicle stand... Full patent description for Two-wheel vehicle stand Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Two-wheel vehicle stand patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. Start now! - Receive info on patent apps like Two-wheel vehicle stand or other areas of interest. ### Previous Patent Application: Motorcycle stand Next Patent Application: Cable management system with adjustable length arm Industry Class: Supports: racks ### FreshPatents.com Support Thank you for viewing the Two-wheel vehicle stand patent info. 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