Patent Application
20090071915
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention generally relates to supports. More specifically, the present invention is drawn to a tire support stand for supporting an array of tires in substantially upright positions.
2. Description of the Related Art
Automotive retail stores, tire shops, service stations, garages and the like often have need to arrange an array of tires in substantially upright alignment, which is close to the position the tires would normally assume in use. When so aligned, the tires are positioned for convenient display or processing. The art would certainly welcome an uncomplicated device that is easily portable and that could efficiently support several tires in substantially upright alignment. Thus, a tire support stand solving the aforementioned problems is desired.
The tire support stand is designed to support an array of tires in substantially upright positions. As noted above, tires supported in an upright or nearly upright position may be more easily displayed or tagged for processing. The tire support stand is preferably fabricated from tubular metal stock. It should be recognized, however, that other materials (e.g., plastic) could be utilized, if suitable. The stand comprises a T-shaped base having a post extending upwardly and angularly therefrom. A tire-engaging member is disposed at the upper end of the post. Brace support members are attached to the base and post to ensure stability. A handle is provided on the post to enhance portability.
Accordingly, the tire support stand presents a single stand that efficiently supports an array of tires in substantially upright positions. The stand is readily portable, stable, rugged, and is easy to use.
These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.
Similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the attached drawings.
Attention is first directed to
As best seen in
A tire-engaging member 18 defines the upper end of post 16. Tire engaging member 18 comprises a flat planar upper surface 18a terminating at a distal end in a tire stop 20. Tire stop 20 is perpendicular to planar surface 18a. The end of member 18 opposite stop 20 is configured to form a groove 22 for engaging the inner rim of a tire. Braces 24 are attached to the base and post 16 and are arranged to stabilize the post 16 on the base. A handle 26 is attached to post 16 to enhance portability of the tire support stand 10. Tread engaging members 28, e.g., ridges, are spaced apart on the upper surface of member 12 at the end of member 12 opposite to end 12a. Members 28 are spaced approximately one and one-half inches apart for reasons explained below.
In use, tire stand 10 is positioned in an area where tires T are to be displayed. A single tire T is positioned on the stand 10 so that an inner rim of the tire T is disposed in groove 22 of member 18. The tread portion of the tire T is positioned between members 28 to secure the bottom of the tire T on the base. A spacing of one and one-half inches has been found suitable to accommodate most tread widths W. Stop 20 will prevent the tire T from slipping off the stand 10 in the event of inadvertent disengagement from groove 22. After a single tire T has been mounted on the stand 10, successive tires T to be displayed are simply leaned against the first tire T.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment described above, but encompasses any and all embodiments within the scope of the following claims.
