U.S. patent application number 10/987669 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for motorcycle transport rack.
This patent application is currently assigned to Autolift Technology, Inc.. Invention is credited to Harry Brown, Pablo Nolasco.
Application Number | 20060104738 10/987669 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36386479 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060104738 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Nolasco; Pablo ; et
al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Motorcycle transport rack
Abstract
A motorcycle transport rack includes a pivotable crescent shaped
channel cradling the front wheel of a motorcycle. The motorcycle
front wheel is rolled into the channel causing the channel to pivot
forward, lock in place and rise rearwardly preventing rearward
exiting of the motorcycle while in place. The crescent shaped
cradle holds the motorcycle in place without the need for raising
the front or rear wheels of the motorcycle over an impediment
blocking its removal. An optional guide base member is provided.
The motorcycle transport rack can be used to tow disabled
motorcycles or transport motorcycles in use.
Inventors: |
Nolasco; Pablo; (Corona,
NY) ; Brown; Harry; (Bay Shore, NY) |
Correspondence
Address: |
ALFRED M. WALKER
225 OLD COUNTRY ROAD
MELVILLE
NY
11747-2712
US
|
Assignee: |
Autolift Technology, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
36386479 |
Appl. No.: |
10/987669 |
Filed: |
November 12, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
410/2 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60P 3/077 20130101;
B60P 3/122 20130101; B60P 3/07 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
410/002 |
International
Class: |
B61D 3/16 20060101
B61D003/16 |
Claims
1. A removable and portable motorcycle transport rack comprising: a
channel member forming an arc of a circle along a length thereof
and being crescent in cross-section, said channel member being
adapted to a cradle a front wheel of said motorcycle; a pivot tube
mounted on an outside of said channel member at right angles to the
length of said channel member; attaching means for removably
attaching said pivot tube to a platform, said channel member being
pivoted between a first position wherein a proximal end of said
channel member is flush with an upper surface of said platform
allowing the front wheel of said motorcycle to roll onto said
channel member and a second position wherein said proximal end of
said channel member is raised thereby fixing said front wheel
against movement; and locking means for locking said channel member
in its second position with said motorcycle front wheel cradled in
said channel member.
2. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 1 in which said channel
member is fabricated from a plurality of flat bent-up members and
wings forming sides of said channel member.
3. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 1 in which said platform
is a boom extension attached to a tow truck.
4. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 1 in which said channel
member has a roll-on/off ramp for said front wheel.
5. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 1 in which said attaching
means for removably attaching said pivot tube to said platform
comprises brackets on said platform and a pin passing through said
pivot tube and engaging said brackets.
6. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 5 in which said locking
means for locking said channel member in its second position
comprises a bracket mounted on a boom connecting said boom
extension to a vehicle, a lock loop mounted on a distal end of said
channel member, and a lock pin for engaging said lock loop with
said bracket on said boom.
7. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 1 having an extension for
supporting a rear wheel of said motorcycle.
8. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 1 having an auxiliary
strap to stabilize said motorcycle.
9. A removable and portable motorcycle transport rack comprising: a
channel member made up of straight sections at an obtuse angle to
each other, said sections having wing members on sides of said
straight sections, said channel member being adapted to cradle a
front wheel of said motorcycle; mounting means on said channel
member adapted to be removably attached to an upper surface of a
platform for pivoting said channel member, said mounting means
being located where said straight sections come together,
permitting said channel member to be pivoted between a first
position where a free end of a straight section is adjacent to said
upper surface allowing the front wheel of said motorcycle to be
rolled onto said channel member and a second position raising said
free end of the straight section thereby immobilizing said
motorcycle; and locking means for locking said channel member in
its second position with said motorcycle front wheel cradled in
said channel member.
10. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 9 having a ramp between
said free end of said straight section and said upper surface.
11. A motorcycle transport rack comprising: a channel member
forming an arc of a circle along a length thereof and being
crescent in cross-section, said channel member being adapted to a
cradle a front wheel of said motorcycle; a pivot mounted on an
outside of said channel member; attachment means for attaching said
pivot to a platform, said channel member being pivoted between a
first position wherein a proximal end of said channel member is
flush with an upper surface of said platform allowing the front
wheel of said motorcycle to roll onto said channel member and a
second position wherein said proximal end of said channel member is
raised thereby fixing said front wheel against movement; and
locking means for locking said channel member in its second
position with said motorcycle front wheel cradled in said channel
member.
12. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 11 in which said channel
member is fabricated from a plurality of flat bent-up members and
wings forming sides of said channel member.
13. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 11 in which said
platform is a boom extension attached to a tow truck.
14. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 11 in which said channel
member has a roll-on/off ramp for said front wheel.
15. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 11 in which said
attaching means for removably attaching said pivot tube to said
platform comprises brackets on said platform and a pin passing
through said pivot tube and engaging said brackets.
16. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 15 in which said locking
means for locking said channel member in its second position
comprises a bracket mounted on a boom connecting said boom
extension to a vehicle, a lock loop mounted on a distal end of said
channel member, and a lock pin for engaging said lock loop with
said bracket on said boom.
17. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 11 having an extension
for supporting a rear wheel of said motorcycle.
18. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 11 having an auxiliary
strap to stabilize said motorcycle.
19. A motorcycle transport rack comprising: a channel member made
up of straight sections at an obtuse angle to each other, said
sections having wing members on sides of said straight sections,
said channel member being adapted to cradle a front wheel of said
motorcycle; a pivot on said channel member attached to an upper
surface of a platform for pivoting said channel member, said pivot
permitting said channel member to be pivoted between a first
position where a free end of a straight section is adjacent to said
upper surface allowing the front wheel of said motorcycle to be
rolled onto said channel member and a second position raising said
free end of the straight section thereby immobilizing said
motorcycle; and locking means for locking said channel member in
its second position with said motorcycle front wheel cradled in
said channel member.
20. The motorcycle transport rack of claim 19 having a ramp between
said free end of said straight section and said upper surface.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to transportation racks for
motorcycles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Transporting disabled motorcycles, the motorcycles are
generally very heavy and difficult to maintain in an upright
position unless fully strapped in place. This procedure is labor
intensive requiring a person to maintain the motorcycle in an
upright position while securing straps separately on either sides
of the motorcycle. Devices to load and transport motorcycles are
described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,630,849 of Clary for a ramp assembly
in combination with a winch where in the front wheel of the
motorcycle is held between two v-shaped members comprising each a
horizontal member and an oblique forward member. However, in Clary
'849 the device primarily prevents forward movement of the
motorcycle and does not have a means for preventing the motorcycle
from rolling rearward other then physical attachments and a
horizontally extending transverse bar. However the horizontally
transverse bar is fixed in place which then requires lifting the
heavy motorcycle upward to advance up and over the transverse bar
for release. In U.S. Pat. No. 6,739,823 of Shirvell a motorcycle
loading and unloading apparatus includes a u-shaped member to
prevent forward movement of the front motorcycle wheel. However, to
stop the motorcycle from rolling rearward a transverse and upwardly
extending wedge shaped rear stop is provided to prevent rolling of
the motorcycle rearward. However, in order to remove the
motorcycle, the motorcycle would be rolled over the upward
extending wedge or the upwardly extending wedge must be
removed.
[0003] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,695,565 of Frenchuk a motorcycle loading
and support assembly for carrying a motorcycle on a truck includes
a channeled ramp end portion which is angled upwardly relative to
the horizontal main channel and a pivotable rear channel at the
rear end winch moves the motorcycle up the ramp to the flatbed of a
truck for transportation. The rear end of the channel and upwardly
extending curved back portion is used for preventing rearward
movement of the rear wheel. Fasteners are used for securing the
motorcycle in place upon the bed of the truck.
[0004] In U.S. Pat. No. 6,109,494 of Pilmore describes a motorcycle
transport system comprising a clamp for clamping the lower end of
the frame of the motorcycle between the wheels to a bracket.
[0005] A motorcycle transport load for a flatbed truck is sold
under the name Drag-on.TM. for a wheeled u-shaped channel having an
upright member and a horizontal channel for inserting a front wheel
of a motorcycle therein. However, in order to prevent rearward
movement, the motors front wheel must be secured in place by
supplementary fasteners. A further motorcycle wheel retainer known
as MC100 of AW Direct Towing Accessories of Berlin, Conn. includes
a winch shaped member including space plate and an obliquely
extending tubular bar to prevent forward movement of the motorcycle
wheel. Additional tie downs are required to secure the motorcycle
in place such as motorcycle ratchet tie downs, motorcycle sling
straps and motorcycle hooks.
[0006] Similar motorcycle dolly is described also in AW Direct as
PD-300 which includes a ramped channel with an obliquely and
upwardly extending front plate to prevent forward movement of the
front wheel. However, this motorcycle dolly requires tie down
straps for holding the motorcycle in place and preventing rearward
rolling thereof.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to
provide a motorcycle transport rack which cradles the front wheel
in a position which prevents rearward rolling while at the same
time provides easy access for rolling the motorcycle in place.
[0008] It is further an object of the present invention to provide
a motorcycle transport rack with a front cradle which moves from a
wheel insertion position to a wheel securing system.
[0009] It is further an object of the present invention to provide
a motorcycle transport rack which allows for rearward rolling of
the motorcycle without lifting the motorcycle over a upwardly
extending impediment.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] In keeping with these objects and others, which may become
apparent, the present invention includes a motorcycle transport
rack which includes a longitudinally extending bar having a
pivotable crescent shaped channeled cradle which pivots upon a
forward movement of a motorcycle wheel in place from a flat wheel
insertion position to a rotated locking position wherein a forward
portion of the crescent prevents forward movement of the wheel and
the rearward portion of the crescent holds the wheel in place
preventing rearward movement in place.
[0011] Although the motorcycle can be held in place with just the
rear of the front wheel being cradled by the crescent shape
channeled cradle, preferably a rear guide base member is provided
for the rear wheel to provide additional support. The bar upon
which the motorcycle sits may be moved longitudinally forward or
rearward depending on the length of the motorcycle being
transported.
[0012] Hence it is possible to move the motorcycle in place without
having to lift it over impediment and to secure it in place and
then for release to merely roll the motorcycle rearward without
having to also lift it over an impediment.
[0013] Auxiliary straps can be used for further securing.
[0014] However, the motorcycle does not need to be supported during
the strap insertion by auxiliary means, since it is held in place
within the crescent shaped channel securing the front wheel
thereof.
[0015] The crescent shaped channel preferably has a maximum an arc
of 180.degree. to permit the front wheel to be inserted therein.
Any degree of arc may be employed so long as the portion of the
tire is held in place upon pivotable rotation of the crescent
shaped channel. The channel is between 10.degree. of arc and
180.degree. degrees of arc, preferably between 90.degree. and
120.degree..
[0016] The crescent shaped channel may be a smooth arcuate curve or
it may be a series of welded flat base members joined together to
form a relatively curved ark. The side channel extends upward
preferably about 2 to 6 inches to secure the wheel in place to
prevent lateral movement thereof.
[0017] The motorcycle transport rack of the present invention can
be adapted to a tow truck wrecker tow bar assembly wherein the
pivotable crescent channel member pivots from an open position on
the longitudinally extending horizontal bar (which is pivoted,
slanted downward for upward rolling of the motorcycle in place);
the crescent-shaped member then pivots into a transport position
forwardly against a oblique or other forward extending member of
the motorcycle wrecker assembly, where it is securely latched.
[0018] However, it is also known that the motorcycle transport rack
can be a self enclosed unit for a routine transportation of
motorcycles wherein the longitudinally extending bar includes a
hitch assembly for attachment to a standard hitch attached at the
rear end to a vehicle such as a pick-up truck, sports utility
vehicle or truck or automobile.
[0019] It is further known that other two wheeled vehicles can be
transported such as bicycles, moto-cross racing bicycles, or rough
terrain dirtbike bicycles.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0020] The present invention can best be understood in connection
with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is
not limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in
which:
[0021] FIG. 1 is a Perspective view of a segmented crescent shaped
channel member of this invention;
[0022] FIG. 2 is a Perspective view of a rear guide base member of
this invention;
[0023] FIG. 3 is a Perspective detail showing the segmented
crescent shaped channel member attached to boom extension and set
in upright loading position;
[0024] FIG. 4 is a Perspective detail of a pin lock mechanism of
this invention;
[0025] FIG. 5 is a Side perspective view of a motorcycle attached
to the rack of this invention on a tow truck boom extension;
[0026] FIG. 6 is a Perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
front tire holder including two straight channel members attached
at an angle;
[0027] FIG. 7 is a Perspective view of an alternate embodiment rear
guide base member with a slight ridge; and,
[0028] FIG. 8 is a Side elevation detail view showing the fit of a
front motorcycle wheel being held in place by the tire holder of
FIG. 6 in a locked position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] Although a pivoted smooth crescent channel segment is
perhaps the ideal shape for the front motorcycle tire holder, this
is difficult to fabricate in practice. The preferred material of
these accessories for this invention is aluminum or steel diamond
plate which is cut, bent, and welded to form the desired shapes.
However, smoothly curved front tire retaining channel members may
also be used.
[0030] In the drawings, the parts are shown as if fabricated of a
smooth plate for clarity.
[0031] FIG. 1 shows crescent channel member 1 fabricated of several
sections of flat bent-up members. Wings 2, on either side of
tire-contact flat bottom sections 8, hold the front motorcycle tire
in place laterally. A pivoting mechanism is used to pivot crescent
channel member 1. For example, the pivoting mechanism may include
pivot tube 4, which allows channel member 1 to pivot, when engaged
via pin 5 on brackets attached to a tow member of a motor vehicle.
A flexible connector, such as lanyard 6, keeps pin 5 from getting
lost, while a fastener, such as spring clip 7, engages in a small
hole near the end of pin 5 to lock it within the pivot brackets.
This arrangement makes crescent channel member 1 easily
removable.
[0032] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an optional rear guide base
10 with guide wings 12, roll-on/off ramp 13 and base surface 11
upon which the rear tire rests.
[0033] FIG. 3 shows a detail of crescent channel member 1 attached
to a support surface, such as, for example, boom extension 19, via
pin 5 in brackets 21 which are welded or otherwise attached to the
support surface, such as boom extension 19. In FIG. 3, Crescent
channel member 1 is shown in the upright position ready to receive
the front tire of a motorcycle. When the motorcycle is moved
forward, channel member 1 pivots to the left so that it engages and
locks with a further support surface. For example, in one locking
embodiment, lock loop 3 contacts boom surface 18 attached to tow
truck 17. Pin lock 16 is then operated to deploy a lock pin through
loop 3. Further boom extension 20 which supports the rear of the
motorcycle is partially shown in cutaway.
[0034] FIG. 4 is a detail view showing pin lock 16 which is welded
to boom 18 surface. While other locks may be employed, preferably
pin lock 16 preferably includes base 26, barrel 27, operating
handle 25 and locking pin 28 which either emerges from (as shown)
or retracts back flush with the surface of base 26.
[0035] FIG. 5 shows motorcycle 30 secured to the motorcycle tow
rack of this invention. Front tire 31 is cradled in crescent
channel member 1, which is locked in the forward position via loop
3. Rear wheel 32 is supported within rear guide base member 10
attached to lateral extension 33. Auxiliary strap 34 optionally
stabilizes motorcycle 30 to crossbar 35.
[0036] FIGS. 6, 7 and 8 show details of alternate embodiments of
this invention.
[0037] For example, FIG. 6 shows a V-shaped channel member 40
including a weldment of two straight channel members at an obtuse
angle. V-shaped channel member 40 serves the same purpose as
crescent shaped channel member 1. Preferably, V-shaped channel
member 40 has side wings 41, tire contact surface 44, pivot rings
43 and double pin lock bracket 42.
[0038] FIG. 8 shows front tire 31 being cradled at the vertex of
channel member 40, when pin lock bracket 42 touches a support
surface, such as boom 18. This embodiment requires less labor to
fabricate.
[0039] FIG. 7 shows optional rear guide base 50, which is an
alternative to guide base 10 previously described. Ramp 51 guides
rear tire 32 over slight ridge 52 and onto depressed surface 54
between wings 53. This provides a an extra rollback impediment.
[0040] In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual
depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment.
However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the
terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the
prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only,
and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
[0041] It is further known that other modifications may be made to
the present invention, without departing the scope of the
invention, as noted in the appended Claims.
* * * * *