Motorcycle Support

Abstract

A portable, lightweight collapsible motorcycle stand and method of use is presented. The motorcycle stand comprises a platform, two support members rotatably affixed to opposite outer edges of the platform, and a shelf for storing tools and the like. The shelf reversible affixes to cross bars located on the two support members. The shelf is removable, thereby enabling collapsing of the motorcycle stand. The shelf is secure to the collapsed stand via shelf hooks and the entire apparatus is lock into a collapsed position through use of a cross bar hook. Alternate embodiments and their method of use are provided as well.

10 . A collapsible motorcycle stand comprising:
 a platform;   a first support member and a second support member rotatably affixed to the platform, the first and second support members each further including at least one cross bar; a shelf adapted to be reversibly affixed to the at least one cross bar; and   a removable plate that reversibly affixes to the support members, the plate for enabling the addition of indicia.   
     
     
         21 . A method for using a collapsible motorcycle stand comprising the steps of:
 Providing a motorcycle stand comprising a platform having a generally rectangular shape, a vertical wall encompassing the perimeter of the generally rectangular shape, at least four support member receptacles located in the wall;
 at least two support members, the at least two support members further comprising a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a bottom portion, and a first horizontal arm and a second horizontal arm, the first and second horizontal arms being adapted to rotatably mount to the support member receptacles, and at least one cross bar extending from the first lateral portion to the second lateral portion, the cross bars further including at least one shelf hook receiver; and, 
 a shelf having a first end and a second end, the first end and second end further including at least one hook for reversibly joining to the shelf hook receivers; 
   exerting downward force on the platform to bring it to a horizontal position; and,
 inserting the shelf hooks into the shelf hook receivers. 
   
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21  including the further steps of:
 disengaging the shelf hooks from the shelf hook receivers; 
 position the shelf over a support member; 
 securing the shelf by affixing it to a shelf lock located on at least one of the cross bars; 
 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21  including the further step of securing the motorcycle stand in a collapsed position by snapping a cross bar hook located on the platform to a cross bar. 
     
     
         24 . A motorcycle stand comprising:
 a platform having a generally rectangular shape, a vertical wall encompassing the perimeter of the generally rectangular shape, the wall having an upper limit and a lower limit, at least four support member receptacles located in the wall, including two enclosed support members being enclosed and located on opposite sides of the platform across from one another, and two open support member receptacles further having a bottom aspect that includes an opening through the lower limit of the wall, the two support member receptacles being located on opposites sides of the platform across from one another;   a support member further comprising a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a bottom portion, and a first horizontal arm and a second horizontal arm, the first and second horizontal arms being adapted to rotatably mount to the enclosed support member receptacles;   a support member further comprising a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a bottom portion, and an upper horizontal portion, the upper horizontal portion adapted to insert into the opening of the bottom aspect of the enclosed support members;   at least one cross bar extending from each support member first lateral portion to the second lateral portion, the cross bars further including a hinge section;   a shelf, the shelf further comprising a first section and a second section, each of which has an outer edge and an inner edge, the first and section sections joined together via a first hinge adjacent their inner edges, the shelf being rotatably joined to the cross bars via a second hinge and a third hinge adjacent their outer edges, the second and third hinges being formed though the joining of the cross bar hinge section and complementary hinge sections located on the shelf outer edges; and,   at least two secondary cross bars, the secondary cross bars rotatably attached to the first and second lateral portions via vertical hinges, the secondary cross bars further being two piece members being joined to one another via a fifth hinge.   
     
     
         25 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 24  wherein the shelf further includes containers for holding tools or other items. 
     
     
         26 . The collapsible motorcycle stand of  claim 24  wherein the platform further includes a non-skid surface. 
     
     
         27 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 24  comprising a lightweight, durable material. 
     
     
         28 . The lightweight material of  claim 27  being plastic. 
     
     
         29 . The plastic of  claim 28  being molded to include a honeycomb pattern to decrease weight and increase strength. 
     
     
         30 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 24  wherein one cross bar further includes at least one shelf lock for holding the shelf in place in a collapsed position. 
     
     
         31 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 24  wherein the platform further includes cross bar hook for securing the motorcycle stand in a collapsed position. 
     
     
         32 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 24  further including a removable plate that reversibly affixes to the support members, the plate for enabling the addition of indicia. 
     
     
         33 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 24  wherein the rectangular shape of the platform includes a square. 
     
     
         34 . A motorcycle stand comprising:
 a top section, the top section further comprising a first section and a second section, the first section and second section connected to one another via a hinge, the top section further having a perimeter being defined by a first outer edge, a second outer edge, a third outer edge, and a fourth outer edge each of which is of a predetermined length;   a first rigid member further having a top edge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the first rigid member connected to the first section via a hinge along the length of the first outer edge and a second rigid member further having a top edge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the second rigid member connected to the second section via a hinge along the length of the third outer edge;   a first collapsible support member further comprising a first collapsible support member first portion and a first collapsible support member second portion, the first collapsible support member first portion and the first collapsible support member second portion being connected to one another via a hinge, the first collapsible support member further having a first collapsible support member first lateral edge, a first collapsible support member second lateral edge, a first collapsible support member top edge and a first collapsible support member bottom edge, the first collapsible support member first edge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigid member and the first collapsible support member second lateral edge being connected to a lateral edge of the second rigid member; and   a second collapsible support member further comprising a second collapsible support member first portion and a second collapsible support member second portion, the second collapsible support member first portion and the second support collapsible member second portion being connected to one another via a hinge, the second collapsible support member further having a second collapsible support member first lateral edge, a second collapsible support member second lateral edge, a second collapsible support member top edge and a second collapsible support member bottom edge, the second collapsible support member first edge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigid member and the second collapsible support member second lateral edge being connected to a lateral edge of the second rigid member.   
     
     
         35 . The motorcycle support of  claim 34  further comprising a handle located in the top. 
     
     
         36 . The handle of  claim 35  further comprising a circular cut out, half of which is contained within the first section and half of which is contained in the second section and further including an interior space, the handle further including a semi-circular lifting member of a size such that it nestles into the cut out, the lifting member being rotatably affixed to the first section in the interior space of the cut out. 
     
     
         37 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 34  being made of a rigid material. 
     
     
         38 . The rigid material of  claim 37  being plastic. 
     
     
         39 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 34  wherein the top includes a non-slip surface. 
     
     
         40 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 34  wherein an angle is created by the first rigid member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees and an angle is created by the second rigid member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees, the angles created by the first rigid member and the second rigid member being equal to one another, and an angle is created by the first collapsible support member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees and an angle created is by the second collapsible support member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees, the angles created by the first collapsible support member and the second collapsible support member being equal to one another. 
     
     
         41 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 34  wherein the first collapsible support member and the second collapsible support member open to a position wherein a concave angle is created with respect to the top. 
     
     
         42 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 41  wherein the angle is in a range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees. 
     
     
         43 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 34  further comprising a locking mechanism including a knob extending in a downwardly direction from the top when in an open position and a cradle located adjacent to the protrusion in a collapsible support member, the cradle adapted to receive the knob. 
     
     
         44 . A portable, collapsible motorcycle stand for use in maintaining or repairing motorcycles comprising:
 a top section, the top section further comprising a first section and a second section, the first section and second section connected to one another via a hinge, the top section further having a perimeter being defined by a first outer edge, a second outer edge, a third outer edge, and a fourth outer edge each of which is of a predetermined length;   a first rigid member further having a top edge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the first rigid member connected to the first section via a hinge along the length of the first outer edge and a second rigid member further having a top edge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the second rigid member connected to the second section via a hinge along the length of the third outer edge, the first rigid member and the second rigid member each further including an interior area, the interior area being formed by the first and second rigid member top edge and a bottom edge, first lateral edge and second lateral edge, respectively, the interior area further including a cross member;   a first collapsible support member further comprising a first collapsible support member first portion and a first collapsible support member second portion, the first collapsible support member first portion and the first collapsible support member second portion being connected to one another via a hinge, the first collapsible support member further having a first collapsible support member first lateral edge, a first collapsible support member second lateral edge, a first collapsible support member top edge and a first collapsible support member bottom edge, the first collapsible support member first edge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigid member and the first collapsible support member second lateral edge being connected to a lateral edge of the second rigid member;   a second collapsible support member further comprising a second collapsible support member first portion and a second collapsible support member second portion, the second collapsible support member first portion and the second collapsible support member second portion being connected to one another via a hinge, the second collapsible support member further having a second collapsible support member first lateral edge, a second collapsible support member second lateral edge, a second collapsible support member top edge and a second collapsible support member bottom edge, the second collapsible support member first edge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigid member and the second collapsible support member second lateral edge being connected to a lateral edge of the second rigid member; and   the first portion and second portion of the first and second collapsible support members each further including an interior area, the interior area being formed by the first lateral edge, second lateral edge, top edge and bottom edge, respectively, the interior area further including a cross member.   
     
     
         45 . The motorcycle support of  claim 44  further comprising a handle located in the top. 
     
     
         46 . The handle of  claim 45  further comprising a circular cut out, half of which is contained within the first section and half of which is contained in the second section and further including an interior space, the handle further including a semi-circular lifting member of a size such that it nestles into the cut out, the lifting member being rotatably affixed to the first section in the interior space of the cut out. 
     
     
         47 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 44  being made of a rigid material. 
     
     
         48 . The rigid material of  claim 47  being plastic. 
     
     
         49 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 44  wherein the top includes a non-slip surface. 
     
     
         50 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 44  wherein an angle is created by the first rigid member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees and an angle is created by the second rigid member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees, the angles created by the first rigid member and the second rigid member being equal to one another, and an angle is created by the first collapsible support member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees and an angle created is by the second collapsible support member top edge and the bottom edge with respect to the top that is greater than 90 degrees, the angles created by the first collapsible support member and the second collapsible support member being equal to one another. 
     
     
         51 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 44  wherein the first collapsible support member and the second collapsible support member open to a position wherein a concave angle is created with respect to the top. 
     
     
         52 . The concave angle of  claim 51  wherein the angle is in a range of about 5 degrees to about 45 degrees. 
     
     
         53 . The motorcycle stand of  claim 44  further comprising a locking mechanism including a knob extending in a downwardly direction from the top when in an open position and a cradle located adjacent to the protrusion in a collapsible support member, the cradle adapted to receive the knob. 
     
     
         54 . A method using a portable, collapsible motorcycle stand comprising the steps of:
 providing a motorcycle stand in a collapsed position comprising a top section, the top section further comprising a first section and a second section, the first section and second section connected to one another via a hinge, the top section further having a perimeter being defined by a first outer edge, a second outer edge, a third outer edge, and a fourth outer edge each of which is of a predetermined length;   a first rigid member further having a top edge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the first rigid member connected to the first section via a hinge along the length of the first outer edge and a second rigid member further having a top edge and a bottom edge, a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge, the second rigid member connected to the second section via a hinge along the length of the third outer edge;   a first collapsible support member further comprising a first collapsible support member first portion and a first collapsible support member second portion, the first collapsible support member first portion and the first collapsible support member second portion being connected to one another via a hinge, the first collapsible support member further having a first collapsible support member first lateral edge, a first collapsible support member second lateral edge, a first collapsible support member top edge and a first collapsible support member bottom edge, the first collapsible support member first edge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigid member and the first collapsible support member second lateral edge being connected to a lateral edge of the second rigid member;   a second collapsible support member further comprising a second collapsible support member first portion and a second collapsible support member second portion, the second collapsible support member first portion and the second collapsible support member second portion being connected to one another via a hinge, the second collapsible support member further having a second collapsible support member first lateral edge, a second collapsible support member second lateral edge, a second collapsible support member top edge and a second support collapsible member bottom edge, the second collapsible support member first edge being connected to a lateral edge of the first rigid member and the second collapsible support member second lateral edge being connected to a lateral edge of the second rigid member, and a handle located in the top;   uncollapsing the motorcycle stand into an open position by exerting downward force on the top such that the first section and the second section rotate about the hinge to a horizontal position and the first and second collapsible support members rotate about their hinge to a flat position such that the second outer edge and the fourth outer edge of the top come to rest on the top edge of the first collapsible support member and second collapsible support member, respectively;   placing a motorcycle on the top surface;   repairing, maintaining, or storing the motorcycle on the top of the motorcycle stand;   removing the motorcycle from the top of the motorcycle stand; and   collapsing the motorcycle stand by exerting upward force on the top by using the handle such that the first section and the second section rotate about the hinge to a collapsed position and the first and second collapsible support members rotate about their hinge to a folded position.   
     
     
         55 . A method for using a motorcycle stand comprising the steps of:
 providing a motorcycle stand comprising a platform having a generally rectangular shape, a vertical wall encompassing the perimeter of the generally rectangular shape, the wall having an upper limit and a lower limit, at least four support member receptacles located in the wall, including two enclosed support members being enclosed and located on opposite sides of the platform across from one another, and two open support member receptacles further having a bottom aspect that includes an opening through the lower limit of the wall, the two support member receptacles being located on opposites sides of the platform across from one another;   a support member further comprising a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a bottom portion, and a first horizontal arm and a second horizontal arm, the first and second horizontal arms being adapted to rotatably mount to the enclosed support member receptacles;   a support member further comprising a first lateral portion, a second lateral portion, a bottom portion, and an upper horizontal portion, the upper horizontal portion adapted to insert into the opening of the bottom aspect of the enclosed support members;   at least one cross bar extending from each support member first lateral portion to the second lateral portion, the cross bars further including a hinge section;   a shelf, the shelf further comprising a first section and a second section, each of which has an outer edge and an inner edge, the first and section sections joined together via a first hinge adjacent their inner edges, the shelf being rotatably joined to the cross bars via a second hinge and a third hinge adjacent their outer edges, the second and third hinges being formed though the joining of the cross bar hinge section and complementary hinge sections located on the shelf outer edges; and,   at least two secondary cross bars, the secondary cross bars rotatably attached to the first and second lateral portions via vertical hinges, the secondary cross bars further being two piece members being joined to one another via a fifth hinge;   moving the support members in a direction opposite to one anther, thereby moving the shelf and the secondary cross bars about their respective hinges to an open position; and   inserting the upper horizontal member into the open support member receptacles.