GB2622204A

GB2622204A - Adjustable vehicle stand

Info

Publication number: GB2622204A
Application number: GB2212921.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Khalil Mohammed
Original assignee: Douglas Powell Investments Ltd
Current assignee: Douglas Powell Investments Ltd
Priority date: 2022-09-05
Filing date: 2022-09-05
Publication date: 2024-03-13
Also published as: GB202212921D0

Abstract

A vehicle stand 1 comprises a base 2 from which extends at least one pair of spaced apart arms 18, 20. Each arm comprises at least one aperture 42, 46 configured to connect to a wheel hub stud (66, fig. 3) of a vehicle, and each arm has a proximal end 26, 28 connected to the base and a free, distal end 22, 24 at the opposite end of the arm. At least one arm of each pair is pivotable to enable relative movement of the free end of the arms towards or away from each other to increase and/or decrease the distance between the free ends. Preferably, each pair comprises one fixed arm and one pivotable arm. At least one arm may be straight, and at least one arm may be bent such that a lower portion 38, 49 is angled towards the other arm and an upper portion 40, 47 is angled away from the other arm.

Description

ADJUSTABLE VEHICLE STAND Technical Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an adjustable vehicle stand and a method of connecting the adjustable vehicle stand to at least one wheel hub stud of a vehicle.

Background to the Invention

Vehicles can be raised by various means including temporary measures such as jacks and car lifts and holding devices such as axle stands and wheel hub stands. Holding devices are generally more secure than the temporary measures such that a person working on the car can safely work without being crushed by the vehicle by reducing the risk of the vehicle falling.

Commonly used axle stands involve the user reaching underneath the temporarily raised vehicle to adjust the stand to the correct height resulting in a high risk of being Injured should the axle stand fail or the user fail to adjust the device properly.

Known devices which attach to a vehicle wheel hub generally comprise apertures which fit to the wheel hub studs to hold the vehicle at a specific height thereby removing the need for a user to reach underneath the vehicle to apply the stand. Examples of such devices are disclosed in 0B2162478 and GB2218390. The apertures in these stands which attach to the wheel hub studs are a fixed distance apart, however, vehicle types, makes and models comprise wheel hubs with a range of diameters, therefore the fixed stands may not fit every make and model of vehicle and/or wheel hub size. It may therefore be advantageous to provide a vehicle stand which is adjustable to many different wheel hub sizes and which is simple to adjust.

It may also be advantageous to provide a vehicle stand which is able to hold vehicles of a large weight.

In may be advantageous to provide a vehicle stand to which a vehicle can be attached in a safe manner to reduce the risk of injury during use.

It is an aim of embodiments of the invention to overcome one or more problems of the prior art, whether expressly disclosed herein or not.

Summary of the Invention

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle stand comprising a base from which extends at least one pair of arms, wherein the arms of each pair are spaced apart on the base, wherein each arm comprises at least one aperture configured to connect to a wheel hub stud of a vehicle, in use, wherein each arm comprises a proximal end connected to the base and a free, distal end at the opposite end of the arm, and wherein at least one arm of each pair is pivotable to provide relative movement of the free, distal end of the arms towards or away from each other to increase and/or decrease the distance between the free, distal ends.

Each arm in a pair of arms may be situated spaced apart and parallel along the base A vehicle stand which comprises at least one pivotable arm, and in which the arms of each pair include free, distal ends, enables different wheel hubs with studs spatially separated to different lengths/diameters to be mounted on the same stand, whilst avoiding the need for complicated mechanisms to adjust the vehicle stand, such as movable locking bars etc., whilst providing a user with the ability to adjust the vehicle stand quickly and easily between vehicle mountings The base may be any suitable shape such as a square, a rectangle, a circle or an oval. The base may comprise a top face and a bottom face wherein the bottom face may contact the surface on which the vehicle stand is placed or located, in use. The bottom face may comprise a layer of a grip material. A suitable grip material may be rubber, plastic, PVC or any other anti-slip material. This embodiment may be advantageous because it may result in a safer vehicle stand which does not slip on a flat surface in use. The grip material may also be advantageous because it may protect the bottom face of the base from damage caused by being in contact with the ground.

In some embodiments the base comprises two ends with a cross-member extending between the two ends and wherein an arm of each pair of arms is located at or towards each end. The cross-member may comprise a bar or strut. The cross-member may be a fixed length. In some embodiments the cross-member may be adjustable such that it can be extended or contracted to a suitable length. The adjustable cross-member may be telescopic or collapsible, for example.

The vehicle stand may comprise more than one base. The bases may be joined by one or more connecting struts. Each connecting strut may be fixedly connected to two bases, one at either end. The connecting strut may be fixedly connected to each base. Alternatively, the connecting strut may be detachably connected such that at least one base may be detached from the connecting strut. The length of the connecting strut may be adjustable, such that the distance between two bases can be increased or decreased, in use. This embodiment may be advantageous because it may allow the vehicle stand base to be adjusted to the size of the vehicle such that the vehicle stand can be correctly positioned underneath at least two wheel hubs in use. The adjustable connecting strut may be advantageous because the vehicle stand can be adjusted to cars with different wheel base sizes and/or axle lengths. This may allow the vehicle stand of the invention to be used for different vehicles or different makes and models of vehicles.

At least 2, 3 or 4 pairs of arms may extend from the base of the vehicle stand, however in preferred embodiments each base comprises a single pair of arms.

In some embodiments at least one arm of each of the pairs of arms is pivotably connected to the base at the proximal end of the arm. The pivotable arm or arms may be pivotably connected to the base by way of a pivot joint, such as for example a hinge or ball joint. In some embodiments only one arm of each pair of arms is pivotably connected to the base, while in other embodiments both arms of at least one pair of arms, or all the pairs of arms, are pivotably connected. Embodiments comprising at least one pivotably connected arm may be advantageous because a pivotably connected arm may allow the free, distal ends of the two arms to be moved relatively towards or apart from each other. This configuration allows the arms to be connected to wheel hub studs that are different distances apart on wheel hubs with different diameters, and therefore a single vehicle stand according to the invention may be used for a variety of different vehicles with different size wheel hubs and/or wheel hubs with studs at different locations on the wheel hub.

One arm of each of the pairs of arms may be fixedly connected to the base at the proximal end of the arm. The fixedly connected arm may be fixed at an essentially 20 perpendicular angle to the base or at any angle between 0 and 90°, such as between 30° and 900 as measured from the base and inwardly towards the other arm of the pair.

In some embodiments one arm of each of the pairs of arms is pivotably connected to the base and the other arm of each pair is fixedly connected to the base.

In some embodiments both arms of each of the pairs of arms are pivotably connected to the base.

The at least one pivotable arm may comprise a locking mechanism such that the angle of the arm to the base may be reversibly locked or fixed. Suitable locking mechanisms may be a nut and bolt, fixable washers, pins, clips or latches, for example.

Embodiments comprising a locking mechanism may be advantageous because the pivotable arm may be adjusted and then fixed to aid with attaching the vehicle stand to the wheel hub studs. This embodiment may also be advantageous because it may create a sturdier vehicle stand thereby resulting in a safer method of raising a vehicle without it falling.

The arms may be substantially straight or bent. In some embodiments the arms are different shapes. In some embodiments the arms are the same shape. In some embodiments the arms comprise a lower portion which includes the proximal end of the arm, and an upper portion which includes the free, distal end of the arm. In embodiments in which at least one arm is fixedly connected to the base and the arm comprises a lower portion and upper portion, the lower portion of each arm may be fixedly connected to the base at an essentially perpendicular angle to the base or at any angle between 00 and 900, such as between 30° and 90° as measured from the base and inwardly towards the other of the arms of the pair. The lower portion and upper portion of the aims in each pair of aims may be configured such that the upper portion is angled away from the upper portion of the other arm in the pair, and in some embodiments the angle formed between the upper and lower portion of each arm may be angled outwardly at between 185° and 2700. The lower portion of each arm may be shorter than the upper portion, the same length as the upper portion or longer than the upper portion. In preferred embodiments the arms in each pair of arms comprises a fixedly connected arm comprising a lower portion and an upper portion, in which the lower portion is fixedly connected at an angle of between 300 and 90° as measured from the base and inwardly towards the other of the arms of the pair, and the outer angle between the upper and lower portions is between 185° and 270°. The two arms within each pair may be the same shape, reflected shapes or each arm may have different shapes.

Each arm may comprise at least 1, 2, 3 or 4 apertures. Each arm may comprise at least one aperture located towards the free, distal end of the arm (such as within 30 cm, 20 cm, 15 cm or 10 cm of the free, distal edge of the arm) and in embodiments in which the arms comprise an upper and lower portion, the or each aperture may be located on the upper portion. The diameter of the aperture is suitable for connecting to the wheel hub stud of a vehicle after a wheel has been removed from the wheel hub.

In some embodiments the arms are extendable such that the length of each arm can be extended or contracted. In some embodiments the arms are telescopic. In some embodiments the extendable arm comprises a locking mechanism wherein the locking mechanism may be pins or a button or a twist lock mechanism. This embodiment may be advantageous because it may allow the height of the vehicle stand to be adjusted prior to fitting to the vehicle wheel hub such that the same vehicle stand may be fitted to vehicles with different diameter wheel hubs, or to allow a user more space underneath the vehicle for different applications.

In some embodiments the extendable arms comprise a pneumatic piston which may be connected to an air source such that the arm may lift or safely lower the vehicle.

This embodiment may be advantageous because it may allow the vehicle to be held at a desired height after the wheel has been removed.

The vehicle stand may comprise at least one transport device attached to the base. The transport device may be a castor, a caterpillar track, a roller, a bearing or a wheel. 5 Embodiments comprising a transport device may be advantageous because it may allow the movement of a vehicle on which the vehicle stand is attached.

The vehicle stand may be constructed to hold any vehicle with a weight at least 1000, 1500, 1750 or at least 2000 kgs. The vehicle may be a car, a van, a truck, a caravan or any other vehicle in which the wheels are attached by way of a wheel hub with wheel hub studs The vehicle stand may be made of steel, iron, carbon fibre, graphene, graphite or any other suitable metal or metal alloy, or combinations thereof According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a method for attaching a vehicle stand according to the first aspect of the invention to a wheel hub of a vehicle comprising the steps a) adjusting at least one pivotable arm of the vehicle stand such that at least one aperture in each arm is positioned to accommodate a wheel hub stud of the wheel hub and b) attaching each arm of the vehicle stand to the wheel hub studs by way of the apertures.

This method of attaching the vehicle stand may be advantageous because it does not require the user to reach under the car to adjust the stand to the height of the vehicle which in turn reduces the risk of a crush injury should the vehicle fall. Another advantage is that the vehicle stand is physically attached to a wheel hub as opposed to existing axle stands where the vehicle is simply rested onto the stand, thereby improving safety as the vehicle cannot fall off the stand which happens with the existing axle stand devices.

There may be a step before step a) wherein the vehicle is lifted by a suitable lifting device such as a jack, a scissor jack or a hydraulic lift so that the wheel may be removed from the vehicle such that the wheel hub studs are exposed. There may be a step after step b) wherein the vehicle is removed from any additional lifting device. The vehicle is then held by the vehicle stand of the invention without any other lifting device being required. This may be advantageous because the vehicle stand of the invention provides a safe and secure method of keeping a vehicle raised from the ground when the wheel is removed, whilst allowing maximum access to both the underside of the vehicle and the axle of the vehicle connected to the vehicle stand.

Step a) may comprise adjusting at least one pivotable arm by moving the pivotable arm to the desired position and then locking the pivotable arm such that it is reversibly fixed or locked at the desired angle. Step a) may comprise pivoting the pivotable arm on the base to adjust the position of the free, distal end of the arm to a desired position, and then locking the pivotable arm in the desired position. In embodiments wherein both arms within a pair of arms of the vehicle stand are pivotable, both arms may be pivotably adjusted and locked. The adjustable arm may be advantageous because it may allow the apertures at the top of the arms to align with the wheel hub studs of varying spatial orientations as found on different vehicle types or different vehicle makes or models.

Step b) may comprise inserting at least one wheel hub stud through at least one aperture of each arm. The vehicle stand may then be fixed to the wheel hub by way of any suitable device such as a nut, a clamp or a clip, for example, but is preferably fixed to the wheel hub by a wheel nut of the wheel hub, or any other suitable wheel nut In embodiments of the vehicle stand wherein the vehicle stand arms are extendable, there may be a step before step a) or during step a) wherein the free, distal ends of the arms are manually adjusted to the desired height and locked in place There may be a step after this step and at any point during step a), between step a) and step b) or after step b), wherein the pneumatic arms may be extended such that the height of free, distal ends of the arms and therefore the height of the apertures near the free, distal end of the arms may be adjusted such that the respective height of the car may be adjusted This may be advantageous because it may allow the height of the vehicle to be adjusted whilst the vehicle stand is connected should that be required In embodiments of the vehicle stand wherein the vehicle stand arms are pneumatically extendable, there may be a step before step a) or during step a) wherein the vehicle stand arms may be connected to an air source.

In embodiments of the vehicle stand wherein the vehicle stand comprises at least one transport device, there may be a step after step b) wherein the vehicle stand may be moved such that the vehicle is moved to a desired position after attachment of the vehicle to the vehicle stand.

In some embodiments the method comprises the step of providing multiple vehicle stands of the first aspect of the invention and repeating steps a) and b) and any aforementioned optional steps, for each vehicle stand, to connect each stand to a separate wheel hub of a vehicle. For example, for a standard 4-wheeled vehicle such as a car, the method may comprise connecting each wheel hub of the 4 wheels to a separate vehicle stand of the invention which each comprise a single pair of arms. This embodiment may be advantageous because it may provide a safe stand for a vehicle wherein more than one wheel has been removed.

In embodiments of the vehicle stand wherein the vehicle stand comprises more than one pair of arms and optionally more than one base, the vehicle stand may be attached to more than one wheel hub, wherein each wheel hub is connected to a separate pair of arms.

Detailed Description of the Invention

In order that the invention may be more clearly understood embodiments thereof 10 will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 illustrates a front view of a first embodiment of a vehicle stand of the first aspect of the invention.

Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the first embodiment of a vehicle stand of the first aspect of the invention as shown in figure 1 Figure 3 illustrates a front perspective view the first embodiment of a vehicle stand of the first aspect of the invention as shown in figure 1 attached to a wheel hub of a vehicle Figure 4 illustrates a front perspective view of a second embodiment of a vehicle stand of the first aspect of the invention wherein the arms are straight.

Figure 5 illustrates a front perspective view of a third embodiment of a vehicle stand of the first aspect of the invention wherein the arms are telescopic.

Figure 6 illustrates a front perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a vehicle stand of the first aspect of the invention wherein vehicle stand comprises castors.

Figure 7 illustrates a fifth embodiment of a vehicle stand of the first aspect of the invention wherein the vehicle stand comprises two pairs of arms each attached to a base wherein each base is connected by a connecting strut.

A first embodiment of the vehicle stand (1) of the invention is illustrated by way of example in figure 1 and figure 2. The vehicle stand (1) comprises a base (2) comprising two ends (4, 4') with a cross-member (6) extending between the two ends (4, 4'). The cross-member (6) is a rectangular panel comprising two long edges( 8, 8') extending between two shorter edges at each end of the base (4, 4') The base (2) comprises a top face (10) and a bottom face (12) wherein the bottom face (12) is in contact with the ground in use. The bottom face (12) comprises a layer of rubber (14) such that when the bottom face (12) is in contact with the ground it does not slip One long edge (8') comprises an upwardly extending panel (16) which comprises an aperture at one end (17).

From each end (4, 4') of the base extends an arm (18, 20) comprising a free, distal end (22, 24) and a proximal end (26, 28) wherein the proximal end of each arm (26, 28) is connected to the base (2). The proximal end (26) of the first arm (18) is fixedly connected to the end of the base (4') such that it cannot move. The proximal end (28) of the second arm (20) is pivotably connected to the second end of the base (4) such that it can be pivotably adjusted inwardly towards the centre of the vehicle stand (1) and towards the fixed arm (18) or outwardly away from the fixed arm (18).

The fixed arm (18) comprises a back panel (30) and a side panel (32) The back panel (30) is planar to the upwardly extending panel of the base (16). The side panel (32) is perpendicular to the back panel (30). The bottom edge of the side panel (32) at the proximal end (26) of the fixed arm (18) is connected to the short edge of the base (4). The bottom edge of the back panel (30) at the proximal end (26) of the fixed arm (18) is connected to the cross-member (6) and the upwardly extending panel (16). The edges may be connected by welded joints or may be a single piece of metal with a joint manufactured with a mould or cast.

The fixed arm (18) comprises a lower portion (38) joined to an upper portion (40) at an angle, forming a bend therebetween. The lower portion (38) of the fixed arm (18) is angled inwardly towards the centre of the vehicle stand (1) such that the angle between the cross-member (6) and the lower portion (38) of the fixed arm (18) is between 50° and 70°, preferably approximately 60°. The upper portion (40) of the fixed arm (18) is angled outwardly away from the centre of the vehicle stand (1) such that the free, distal end (22) of the fixed arm (18) is angled away from the centre of the vehicle stand (1) and at an angle of approximately 235° with respect to the lower portion (38).

The free, distal end (22) of the fixed arm (18) comprises two apertures (42, 44) in the back panel of the arm (30) One aperture (42) is located near the top of the arm (22) and the other aperture (44) is located underneath the top aperture (42) but still near the top of the arm (22).

The pivotable arm (20) comprises the same features as the fixed arm (18), namely a free, distal end (24) and a proximal end (28) between which extends a side panel (50) comprising a bottom edge and a perpendicular back panel (54) comprising a bottom edge.

The pivotable arm (20) comprises a lower portion (49) joined to an upper portion (47) at an angle, forming a bend therebetween. The lower portion (49) of the pivotable arm (20) is angled inwardly towards the centre of the vehicle stand (1) such that the angle between the base member (6) and the lower portion (49) of the pivotable arm (20) is between 500 and 70°, preferably approximately 60°. The upper portion (47) of the pivotable arm (20) is angled outwardly away from the centre of the vehicle stand (1) such that the free, distal end (24) of the pivotable arm (20) is angled away from the centre of the vehicle stand (1). The upper portion (47) and the lower portion (49) join at an angle of approximately 235° outwardly from the centre of the stand. The pivotable arm (20) has the same shape as the fixed arm (18) and is a reflected image of the fixed arm (18).

The bottom edge of the side panel (50) at the proximal end (28) of the pivotable arm (20) and the bottom edge of the back panel (54) at the proximal end (28) of the pivotable arm (20) are not fixedly attached to the base member (6). Instead, the back panel (54) at the proximal end (28) of the pivotable arm (20) comprises an aperture (58) for connecting to the aperture (17) in the upwardly extending back panel (16) of the base (6). A bolt (60) is inserted through the two apertures (17, 58) and secured with a nut (62) which allows pivotable rotation of the pivotable arm (20).

The free, distal end (24) of the pivotable arm (20) comprises two apertures (46, 48) in the back panel of the arm (54). One aperture (46) is located near the top of the arm (24) and the other aperture (48) is located underneath the top aperture (46) but still near the top of the arm (24).

Examples of suitable materials for the vehicle stand (1) include, but are not limited to, steel or iron.

In use, the vehicle stand (1) is connected to a wheel hub (64) of a vehicle by means of the wheel hub studs (66) of the wheel hub (64) as illustrated in figure 3. The vehicle is lifted by any suitable temporary means such as by a jack, and the wheel is removed by any suitable means. The nut (62) and bolt (60) at the proximal end of the pivotable arm (20) of the vehicle stand (1) are loosened such that the free, distal end (24) of the pivotable arm (20) may be moved closer to or further away from the free, distal end (22) of the fixed arm (18) such that the aperture (46) at the top of the pivotable arm (20) is at the desired distance from the aperture (42) at the top of the fixed arm (18) wherein the desired distance is the distance between the wheel hub studs (66). Once the desired distance is obtained, the nut (62) and bolt (60) at the proximal end of the pivotable arm (20) are tightened such that the pivotable arm (20) is secured or locked into place. The vehicle stand (1) is then secured to the wheel hub studs (66) by insertion of the wheel hub studs (66) into the apertures (42,46) at the top of the pair of arms (18, 20). The vehicle stand (1) is then secured by way of nuts (68) which are attached to the wheel hub studs (66) and the vehicle can then be released from the temporary lifting means such that the vehicle is standing on the vehicle stand (1).

Weight test data for the vehicle stand (1) shows that the vehicle stand (1) is suitable for lifting a vehicle up to and including at least 2000 kg. The vehicle stand (1) may therefore offer a safe alternative to other stands in the market whilst also being adjustable such that it can fit a variety of vehicles with wheel hubs of different sizes.

Alternative embodiments of the invention are illustrated in figures 4, 5, 6, and 7 wherein like numerals represent like components in relation to figures Ito 3.

In a second embodiment of the vehicle stand (101) as illustrated in figure 4, the vehicle stand (101) comprises a pair of arms comprising a fixed arm (118) and a pivotable arm (120). The arms (118, 120) of the vehicle stand (101) are straight. All other aspects of the second embodiment are identical to the first embodiment of the invention described for figures 1 to 3, and the vehicle stand of the second embodiment (101) is used in essentially the same way as the vehicle stand of the first embodiment In a third embodiment of the vehicle stand (201) as illustrated in figure 5, the vehicle stand (201) comprises a base (6) from which extends a pair of arms comprising a fixed arm (218) and a pivotable arm (220) wherein the arms (218, 220) of the vehicle stand (201) are telescopically adjustable The telescopically adjustable arms (218, 220) comprise a proximal end (226, 228) attached to the base (6) and a free, distal end (222, 224). The telescopic arms (218, 220) also comprise a cylindrical piston rod (74, 74') attached to the free, distal end (222, 224) and a sleeve (76, 76') attached to proximal end (226, 228) of each arm (218, 220) wherein the piston rod (74, 74') is inserted into the sleeve (76, 76'). It is understood that the cylindrical piston rod (74, 74') and sleeve (76, 76') may have a circular cross section or a square cross section or any other suitably-shaped cross section. The telescopic arms (218, 220) comprise a locking mechanism such that the length of the arms (218, 220) can be elongated or shortened and then secured. The proximal end (226) of one telescopic arm (218) may be fixed to the base (6) of the vehicle stand (201) and the proximal end (228) of the other telescopic arm (220) may be pivotably connected to the base (6) of the vehicle stand (201) according to the first embodiment of the invention. All other aspects of this third embodiment are identical to the first embodiment of the invention described for figures 1 to 3.

The vehicle stand of the third embodiment (201) is used in essentially the same way as the vehicle stand of the first embodiment (1) with the exception that before use, the length of the arms (218, 220) may be adjusted to a suitable height according to the height of the wheel hub from the ground or the height to which the vehicle is intended to be raised. This embodiment is advantageous because it allows the height of the vehicle stand (201) to be adjusted such that it can be fitted to vehicles with a high wheel arch such that the underneath of the vehicle does not touch the ground once the vehicle stand (201) is fitted.

In a fourth embodiment of the vehicle stand (301) as illustrated in figure 6, the vehicle stand (301) comprises a base (306) from which extends a pair of arms comprising a fixed arm (18) and a pivotable arm (20) The base of the vehicle stand (306) comprises a transport device in the form of two castors (78, 78') located near the short edges of the base (4, 4') All other aspects of the fourth embodiment of the vehicle stand (301) are identical to the first embodiment of the invention described for figures 1 to 3, and the vehicle stand of the fourth embodiment (301) in used in essentially the same way as the vehicle stand of the first embodiment. This embodiment is advantageous because it allows the movement of a vehicle after the removal of a wheel from the vehicle and attachment of the vehicle stand (306) to the wheel hub studs.

In a fifth embodiment of the vehicle stand (401) as illustrated in figure 7, the vehicle stand (401) may comprise two vehicle stands according to the first embodiment of the vehicle stand (1, 1') each comprising a base (406, 406'). Each base comprises a pair of arms (20, 20', 18, 18') comprising a proximal end (26, 28, 26', 28') attached to the base (406, 406') and a free, distal end (22, 24, 22', 24'). The proximal end (26, 26') of one arm (18, 18') is fixedly connected to the base (406, 406') and the proximal end (28, 28') of the other arm (20, 20') is pivotably connected to the base (406, 406'). The two bases (406, 406') are joined to each other by a connecting strut (80). The connecting stmt (80) comprises a piston (82) and a sleeve (84) and is telescopically adjustable such that the length of the connecting strut (80) may be elongated or shortened. The connecting strut (80) comprises a suitable locking mechanism, such as a twist lock mechanism, such that the length can be fixed for the duration of use. It can be understood that in other embodiments of the invention, the connecting strut may be a fixed length and may not be adjustable. All other aspects of the fifth embodiment of the vehicle stand (410) are identical to the first embodiment of the invention described for figures 1 to 3 wherein the free, distal ends (24, 24') of the pivotable arms (18, 18') of each vehicle stand (I, 1') may be independently adjustable towards or away from the free, distal ends (22, 22') of the fixed arms (20, 20') such that the vehicle stands (1, 1') can be fitted to two wheel hubs of a vehicle should two wheels be removed at the same time. The telescopic connecting strut (80) is adjusted to the distance required such that each vehicle stand (1, 1') may be aligned with the wheel hub studs of the vehicle. Once the connecting strut (80) is adjusted to the desired length, the vehicle stand of the fifth embodiment (401) is used in essentially the same way as the vehicle stand of the first embodiment (1) This embodiment is advantageous for use when two wheels are removed from a vehicle such that the vehicle can be safely and securely stood above the ground whilst the wheels are removed.

The above embodiments are described by way of example only. Many variations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSA vehicle stand comprising a base from which extends at least one pair of arms, wherein the arms in each pair are spaced apart on the base, wherein each arm comprises at least one aperture configured to connect to a wheel hub stud of a vehicle, in use, wherein each arm comprises a proximal end connected to the base and a free, distal end at the opposite end of the arm, and wherein at least one arm of each pair is pivotable to enable relative movement of the free, distal end of the arms towards or away from each other to increase and/or decrease the distance between the free, distal ends.
2. A vehicle stand according to claim 1 wherein the arms comprise at least one aperture located towards the free, distal ends.
A vehicle stand according to claim 1 or 2 comprising between 1 and 4 pairs of arms.
4. A vehicle stand according to any preceding claim wherein each pair of arms comprises one fixed arm and one pivotable adjustable arm 5. A vehicle stand according to any preceding claim wherein at least one arm is straight.6. A vehicle stand according to any preceding claim wherein at least one arm is bent such that a lower portion of the arm, which includes the proximal end of the arm, is angled towards the other arm and an upper portion of the arm which includes the free, distal end of the arm angled away from the other arm.7. A vehicle stand according claim 6 wherein both arms in the pair of arms are bent.8. A vehicle stand according claim 6 or 7 wherein the arms are different shapes.A vehicle stand according to any preceding claim wherein the arms are adjustable in length.A vehicle stand according to any preceding claim wherein the pivotable arm comprises a locking mechanism configured to lock the arms in any desired position, in use.A vehicle stand according to claim 1 comprising at least two bases wherein each base comprises a pair of arms arid wherein the bases are connected by an integrated or detachable connecting strut.A vehicle stand according to claim 11 wherein the connecting strut connecting the bases is adjustable such that the distance between each base can be increased or decreased.A vehicle stand according to any preceding claim wherein the base comprises at least one transport device, which may be selected from the group comprising a castor, a caterpillar track, a bearing, a roller or a wheel.A method for attaching a vehicle stand according any one of claims 1 to 13 to a wheel hub of a vehicle, comprising the steps of a) adjusting at least one pivotable arm of the vehicle stand such that at least one aperture in each arm is positioned to accommodate a wheel hub stud of the wheel hub and b) attaching each arm of the vehicle stand to the wheel hub studs by way of the apertures.15. A method according to claim 14 comprising a step after step a) or step b) wherein the pivotable arm is locked in place by way of a locking mechanism. 9. 10. 11. U. 13. 14.16. A method according to claims 14 or 15 comprising a step before step a), during step a) or between step a) and step b) wherein the height of the arms of the vehicle stand are adjusted.