CA2077959A1 - Motorcycle carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT
A knock-down, wheelless motorcycle carrier which may have a stinger mounted in, and cantilevered from, the transporting vehicle's trailer hitch; a horizontal wheel channel mounted transversely to the stinger, for receiving the motorcycle's wheels;
and a mast mounted vertically to the stinger, for helping to support the motorcycle in an upright position during transit. The mast may include a cushion for preventing the mast from abrading the motorcycle during transit. The motorcycle is held in place on the carrier by a plurality of motorcycle tie-downs. The motorcycle's wheels may be secured in place in the wheel channel by the wheel channel's sides, by the turned-up end portions of the wheel channel, and/or by wheel chocks mounted in the wheel channel.
At least one hinge may be provided between the wheel channel and the stinger, to mount the wheel channel to the stinger, to lock the wheel channel in a horizontal position, and to permit at least one end of the wheel channel to be tipped down to the ground for loading or unloading the motorcycle. A releasable lock may be provided to hold the wheel channel in its tipped configuration.
The positions of the wheel chocks in the wheel channel, of the mast along the stinger, and of the cushion on the mast, may be selectively adjusted in order to accommodate the various sizes and types of motorcycles the carrier is designed to carry.

Description

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10 ¦MOTORCYCLE CARRIER

12BACRGROUND OF T~E INVENTION
13 The present invention relates to carriers for motorcycles.
; 14 More particularly, it relates to motorcycle carriers of the type having no wheels, wherein the motorcycle carrier is supported by 16 the transporting motor vehicle's trailer hitch.

. 17 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION `
18 Many people need a way to conveniently transport a motorcycle 19 from place to place. For example, people traveling in a motor home often prefer not to drive the motor home to run errands when they ; 21 arrive at their destination for the day, because motor homes are 22 not fuel efficient and are difficult to park. Thus, such people 23 often take a motorcycle along with them for quick and easy 24 transportation when they arrive at their destination.
In addition, people owning off road motorcycles, commonly 26 called dirt bikes, often need a way to conveniently transport their ; dirt bikes to and from the places where the dirt bikes will be ~ 2 8 used. This is because it may not be legal to ride the particular .' .

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~_, -" 2~ 59 dirt bike on paved streets and roads, or because it may be such a 2 long ride from the user's residence to the place of us~ that it 3 would not be comfortable to travel between them on the dirt bike.
one conventional way of transporting a motorcycle is to secure it to a conventional trailer which is towed by the user's vehicle.
6 ~lowover, a trailer is expensive to purchase and maintain, it must 7 be licensed, it is often relatively difficult to load the 8 motorc~cle onto it, and to unload the motorcycle off from it. In 9 addition, since many conventional trailers are not expressly desi~ned to transport motorcycles, it may be difficult to affix the 11 motorcycle securely in place on the trailer; and the motorcycle may 12 be damaged by the trailer during transit, such as if the motorcycle 13 rubs against the sides of the trailer.
14 Thus, there exists a need for a simple, inexpensive, durable motorcycle carrier which may be used to conveniently transport a 16 motorcycle, which does not need to be licensed because it does not 17 have wheels, which is easy to load a motorcycle onto, and which is 18 easy to unload a motorcycle off from. In addition, there exists a 19 need for such a motorcycle carrier which is designed to hold the motorcycle surely in place during transit, and which will not 21 damage the motorcycle during transit.
22 In basic ~orm, the motorcycle carrier of the present invention ` 23 may comprise an elongated stinger, one end of which is mounted in 24 the hitch receiver of the transporting vehicle's conventional trailer hitch; a wheel channel mounted transversely to the stinger, 26 for holding the motorcycle's wheels; and a vertical mast mounted to 27 the stinger near the wheel channel, for stabilizing the motorcycle 28 in place on the wheel channel.

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1 The motorcycle carrier~s stinger may include several eyes for 2 receiving one end o~ some of the tie-downs for the motorcycle.
3 Mounting means may be provided for releasably securing one end of the stinger to the transporting vehicle's trailer hitch.
The present invention may also comprise a pair o~ inner 6 motorcycle wheel ~hocks to help hold the motorcycle's wheels in 7 plac~ in the wheel channel. The wheel chocks may be mounted to the 8 wheel channel at various locations, in order to accommodate 9 different sizes of motorcycles.
The wheel channel's ends may be bent upwards with respect to 11 its central portion, to help hold the wheels of the motorcycle in 12 place on the wheel channel, to help facilitate loading the 13 motorcycle onto the`wheel channel, and to help facilitate unloading 14 the motorcycle off from the wheel channel. For motorcycles with a wheel base which is too short for the motorcycle's tires to be held 16 in place by both of the wheel channel's upturned ends, at least one 17 outer wheel chock may be provided, to help hold the wheels of the 18 motorcycle in place on the wheel channel. Each outer wheel chock 19 may be mounted to the wheel channel at different locations, in order to accommodate different sizes of motorcycles.
21 The wheel channel may also comprise several eyes for receiving 2i one end of some of the tie-downs for the motorcycle.
23 The present invention may also comprise hinge means between 24 the wheel channel and the stinger. The hinge means not only mounts the wheel channel to the stinger, but it also permits the wheel 26 channel to be tipped down to the ground when the motorcycle is 27 loaded or unloaded. The hinge means may include locking means for 28 holding the wheel channel in its tipped position while the .. . :

:: 2g~59 1 motorcycle is being loaded or unloaded.
2 The motorcycle carrier's mast may be mounted at various 3 locations along the stinger, in order to accommodate different 4 sizes of motorcycles.
The mast may further include a cushion mounted to the mast, 6 for preventing damage to the motorcycle which might otherwise be 7 caused by the motorcycle rubbing against the mast during transit.
8 ~he cushion may be mounted at various locations along the mast, in 9 order to accommodate different sizes of motorcycles.
The mast and cushion may be sized and arranged so that the 11 motorcycle is in an upright orientation when it is pressed against 12 the cushion.
l~ The mast may further comprise several eyes for receiving one 14 end of some of the tie-downs for the motorcycle.
The motorcycle carrier may further comprise a plurality of 16 tie-downs for securing the motorcycle in place in the wheel channel 17 and against the mast's cushion.
18 It should be understood that the foregoing summary of the 19 present invention does not set forth all of its features, advantages, characteristics, structures, methods and/or processes;
21 since these and further features, advantages, characteristics, 22 structures, methods and/or processes of the present invention will 23 be directly or inherently disclosed to those skilled in the art to 24 which it pertains by the following, more detailed description of the present invention.
26 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF T~E FIGURES
27 Fig. l is an exploded upper perspective view of the motorcycle 28 carrier of present invention;
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-- 2~?~7~9 1 Fig. 2 is an upper perspective view of the motorcycle carrier 2 carrying a motorcycle which is shown in phantom;
Fig. 3 is a rear elevational view showing the motorcycle carrier's wheel channel in its tipped, loading/unloading configuration, with another form of motorcycle being illustrated, 6 and with one of the motorcycle's positions being shown in phantom;
Fig. 4 is an upper perspective view of the present invention 8 showing another form of the mast's cushion, and another form of 9 mounting means for the mast's cushion;
Fig. 5 is a fragmentary lower perspective view showing the 11 motorcycle carrier's hinge area; and 12 Fig. 6 is a fragmentary side elevational view showing the 13 motorcycle carrier's stinger mounted in the transporting vehicle's 14 trailer hitch.
DESCRIP~ION OF ~HE PREFERRED EMBODINE~TS
16 Turning now to the figures, the motorcycle carrier 10 of the 17 present invention may comprise a stinger 12, a U-shaped wheel 18 channel 14, and a mast 16.
19 The wheel channel 14 may comprise a base 18, a number of chock mounting holes 20 in the base 18, and a pair of sides 22. For 21 example, 14 chock mounting holes may be provided. As seen, the 22 wheel channel 14's end portions 24 are inclined at an angle with 23 respect to the wheel channel 14's central portion 60. The angle 24 may be defined between the base 18 of the end portions 24 and the base 18 of the wheel channel 14's centxal portion 60.
26 Alternatively, one or both of the wheel channel 14's end 27 portions 24 might not be inclined at angle with respect to the 28 wheel channel 14's central portion 60~

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- 2~ 9 1 In any event, the wheel channel 14 may be formed in one piece ¦ from sheet material, or its base 18, sides 22, central portion 60 3 I and/or ends 24 may be fabricated from separate pieces which are 4 ¦ welded or otherwise secured together.

5 ¦ ~he wheel channel 14's width and length may vary depending on 6 th~ size(s) ~nd type(s) of the motorcycle(s) 26 which it is ¦ d~signed to carry. Although the motorcycles 26 which are shown in Figs. 2 and 3 are dif~erent, in order to illustrate that the 9 ¦ motorcycle carrier 10 may be used to carry many different sizes and types of motorcycles 26, the motorcycles 26 have been given the 11 same reference numerals for clarity.
12 ¦ ` As best seen in Fig. 2, the wheel channel 14 may be sized so 13 that its sides 22 restrain the sides of the motorcycle 26's wheels 14 ¦ 28, 30 from sideways movement; so that the front of the front wheel 28 is restrained by one of the wheel channel 14's ends 24 from 16 ¦ rolling out of the wheel channel 14; and so that the rear of the 17 ¦ rear wheel 30 is restrained by the other of the wheel channel 14's 18 ends 24 from rolling out of the wheel channel 14. Such a wheel 19 channel 14's end's 24 also serve to automatically center and properly position the motorcycle 26's wheels 28, 30 in the wheel 21 channel 14.
22 A pair of inner wheel chocks 32 may be mounted in the wheel 23 channel 14 to restrain the rear of the front wheel 28, and to 24 restrain the front of the rear wheel 30. As best seen in Fig. 1, each inner wheel chock 32 may comprise a piece of angle metal 34 to 26 which the head of a mounting bolt 36 has been welded. The inner 27 wheel chocks 32 may also be of any conventional construction. Each 28 inner wheel chock 32 is mounted to the wheel channel 14's base 18 ~: f (~
-` 2~ 9 1 ~y first passing the shank of its bolt 36 through a selected one of the chock mounting holes 20 in wheel channel 14's base 18, and by 3 then securing the bolt 36 in place with a lock washer 38 and a nut ~0. The inner wheel chocks 32 may be sized so that the wheel channel l~ls sides 22 prevent the inner wheel chocks 32 from 6 ~urnlng during use. Although the use of two inner wheel chocks 32 7 i9 recommended, one inner wheel chock 32 might be used, or no inner wheel chocks 32 might be used.
9 If a motorcycle 26 is being carried which is so small that the wheel channel 14's ends 24 are not able to restrain the small 11 motorcycle 26's wheels 28, 30 in the manner just described, or if 12 both of the wheel channel 14's ends 24 are not inclined at an angle 13 with respect to the wheel channel 14's central portion 60, then a 14 pair of outer wheel chocks 42 (see Fig. 4) may be provided. In Fig. 4, one outer wheel chock 42 would restrain the front of the 16 motorcycle 26's front wheel 28, while the other outer wheel chock 17 42 would restrain the rear of the motorcycle 26's rear wheel 30.
18 Although the use of a pair of outer wheel chocks 42 is preferred, 19 one outer wheel chock 42 might be used, or no outer wheei chock 42 might be used.
21 Alternatively, only one outer wheel chock 40 may be used if 22 the small motorcycle 26 is positioned on the wheel channel 14 with 23 only one of its wheels 28, 30 located against one of the wheel 24 channel 14's ends 24, because the wheel channel 14 had only one end , ` 25 24, or because the small motorcycle 26 was too small for its wheels 26 28, 30 to both contact a respective one of said wheel channel 14's 27 ends 24. In such a case, the one outer wheel chock 42 would be 28 mounted in the wheel channel 14 against the other of the motorcycle ~ !, "
_~ 2~ ;9 1 26's wheels 28, 30. For example, if the front wheel 30 was located 2 against one of the wheel channel 14's ends 24, then the one outer 3 wheel chock 42 would be mounted in the wheel channel 14 against the 4 rear o~ the rear wheel 30. The inner and outer wheel chocks 32, 42 are identical in construction, mounting and operation.
6 The number and location of the chock mounting holes 20 in the 7 wh~cl channel 14l~ base 18 may vary depending on the size(s) and 8 type(s) of the motorcycle(s) 26 which the motorcycle carrier 10 is 9 designed to carry.
The wheel channel 14 may include a number of tie-down mounting 11 eyes 31 (four being illustrated). The eyes 31 are formed by the 12 curved ends of the rods 33, which are welded to the ends of the 13 wheel channel 14 as seen. Alternatively, the tie down eyes 31 14 could be formed by drilling holes in the wheel channel 14, or by lS any other suitable conventional means. The num~er and location of 16 the wheel channel 14's tie-down mounting eyes 31 may vary depending 17 on the size(s) and type(s) of the motorcycle(s) 26 which the 18 motorcycle carrier 10 is designed to carry.
19 As best seen in Figs. 1 and 5, the wheel channel 14 may be secured to the stinger 12 by a pair of hinges 44, 46. Each hinge 21 44, 46 may comprise two hinge tubes 48 welded to one of the sides 22 of the stinger 12; one hinge tube ~8 welded to the bottom of the 23 wheel channel 14's base 18; and a hinge pin 50 which passes through 24 its respective three hinge tubes 48.
Each hinge pin 50 may have a pull 52 which is mounted at one 26 of its ends, for extracting the hinge pin 50 from its respective 27 hinge tubes 48. Each hinge pin 50 may also have a conventional 28 hairpin clip 54 which is mounted through a hole 56 in the other of .
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1 the hinge pin 50's ends, for securing the hinge pin 50 in place in 2 ¦ its hinge tubes 48.
3 I Hinge 46 may also include a locking block 58 which is welded 4 to the bottom of one of hinge 46's hinge tubes 48, as best seen in Figs. 1 and 5. Alternatively, hinge 44 may also include a locking 6 block 58 which i9 welded to the bottom of the hinge 44's hinge tube 71 ~8 which is secured to the wheel channel 14's base 18.
Alternatively, neither hinge 44 nor hinge 46 may include a locking 9 I block.
101 As seen in Figs. 1 - 4, the motorcycle carrier lO's mast 16 11 may have several tie-down eyes 62 (four being illustrated); and it 12¦ may be welded to a U-shaped mounting bracket 64.
13 The mounting bracket 64 may be sized to snugly receive the 14 ¦ stinger 12 in its U-shaped recess 65. The mounting bracket 64 may 15 ¦ be secured to the stinger 12 with bolts 66, lock washers 68 and 16¦ nuts 70. The bolts 66 pass through the mounting bracket holes 72 17¦ in opposite sides of the mounting bracket 64, and pass through the 18 stinger mounting bracket holes 74 in opposite sides of the stinger 12. By selecting which stinger mounting bracket holes 74 are used, the mast 16 may be mounted to the stinger 12 at various distances 21 from the wheel channel 14, in order to accommodate different sizes 22 and types of motorcycles. The number and location of the stinger 23 mounting bracket holes 74 may vary, depending on the size(s) and 24 type(s) of motorcycle(s) with which the motorcycle carrier 10 is designed to be used.
26 Alternatively, the mast 16 may be mounted to the stinger 12 by 27 any suitable conventional mounting means which permit the mast 16 28 to be either fixed permanently in one place on the stinger 12, or .

2~ 59 1 which permit the mast 16 to be selectively mounted at various 2 locations along the stinger 16. Alternatively, the mast 16 may be 3 welded directly to the stinger 12 in one fixed location, thereby 4 eliminating the need for the mounting ~racket 64, the bolts 66, the look washers 68, and the nuts 70.
6 In order to prevent the mast 16 from rubbing against the motorcycle 26 and causing abrasion damage to it during transit, a cu~hion 76 (Figs. 1 - 3) or a cushion 76' (Fig. 4) is provided.
9 The mast 16 and the cushion 76, 76' may be sized and located so that during use the cushion 76, 76' bears against a strong part of 11 the motorcycle 26, such as its transmission housing or one of its 12 structural body parts, as seen in Fig. 2. The mast 16 and the 13 cushion 76, 76' may also be sized and located so that the 14 motorcycle 26 is in an upright orientation in the wheel channel 14 when the motorcycle 26 is located against the cushion 76, 76', as 16 is also seen in Fig. 2.
17 As seen in Figs. 1 - 3, the cushion 76 may comprise a circular 18 metal plate 78, to which a circular so~t plastic or rubber pad 80 19 is fastened by any suitable conventional means, such as by gluing.
As seen in Fig. 4, the cushion 76' may comprise a rectangular metal 21 plate 78' to which a rectangular soft plastic or rubber pad 80' is 22 fastened by any suitable conventional means, such as by gluing.
23 Alternatively, the cushions 76, 76' may be of any other suitable -24 strong, durable, abrasion resistant conventional construction.
As seen, the cushion 76 is orientated parallel to, and flush 26 with mast 16, while cushion 76' is oriented at an angle with 27 respect to mast 16 and extends outwardly from mast 16.
28 Alternatively, the cushions 76, 76' could be of any other suitable .;

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1 size and shape, could be located at any other suitable distance 2 from the mast 16, and could be oriented at any other suitable 3 orientation with respect to the mast 16, in order to be useable with the particular size(s) and type(s) of motorcycle(s) 26 with S which the motorcycle carrier 10 is designed to be used. By way of 6 non-limiting example, the cushion 76 may be useable with any size 7 and type of motorcycle 26 produced by both domestic and foreign 8 manufacturers, inc]uding trail bikes and dirt bikes; while the 9 cushion 76' may be useable with any size and type of moped type motorcycle 26 produced by both domestic and foreign manufacturers.
11 Naturally, cushion 76 could be used with mopeds, and cushion 76' 12 could be used with trail bikes and dirt bikes.
1~ Referring now to Fig. 1, the cushion 76 may be secured to the 14 mast 16 with a bolt 82, a lock washer 84 and a nut 86. The pad 80 has a hole 88 sized large enough for the bolt 82's head, and is 16 thick enough so that during use the bolt 82's head is located well 17 beneath the outer surface of the pad 80. The shank of bolt 82 18 passes through a corresponding hole in the cushion 76's metal plate 19 78, and through cushion mounting holes 90 which are located in opposite sides of mast 16.
21 Referring now to Fig. 4, the cushion 76' may be mounted to a 22 T-shaped extension rod 79 with two pairs of nuts, bolts and lock 23 washers (not illustrated). The T-shaped extension rod 79 is, in 24 turn, welded to a flat mounting bracket 77 which is mounted to the mast 16 with a pair of mounting bolts 81 and their associated lock 26 washers and nuts. The shanks of the mounting bolts 81 pass through .~
27 corresponding cushion mounting holes 90 in mast 16.
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28 By selecting which cushion mounting holes 90 are used, the '`; ''' ' . , . . , ~ ~ ,: .

f-- 2 ~ 5 9 1 cushions 76, 76' may be mounted to the mast 16 at various heights 2 above the stinger 12, in order to accommodate the size(s) and 3 type(s) of motorcycle(s) 26 with which the motorcycle carrier 10 is 4 designed to be used. The number and location oP the cushion mounting holes 90 may vary, depending on the size(s) and type(s) o~
motorcyale(s) with ~hich the motorcycle carrier 10 is designed to be used.
8 Alternatively, the cushions 76, 76' may be mounted to the mast 9 16 by any suitable conventional mounting means which permit the cushions 76, 76' to be either fixed permanently in one place on the 11 mast 16, or which permit the cushions 76, 76' to be selectively 12 mounted at various locations along the mast 16. Alternatively, the 13 cushion 76, or the cushion 76's extension rod 79 may be welded 14 directly to the mast 16 in one fixed location, thereby eliminating the need for any other means for mounting them to the mast 16.
16 The stinger 12 may be provided with tie-down eyes 92 which are 17 formed by the curved ends of the rod 94, which is welded to the 18 stinger 12. Alternatively, the tie-down eyes 92 could be formed by 19 drilling holes in the stinger 12, or by any other suitable conventional means. The number and location of the tie-down eyes 21 92 may vary depending on the size(s) and type(s) of motorcycle(s) 22 with ~hich the motorcycle carrier 10 is designed to be used.
23 Referring now to Figs. 1 and 6, one end 95 of the stinger 12 24 is sized to fit snugly within the hitch receiver 96 of the hitch 98 which is mounted on the transporting vehicle 100. The stinger 12's 26 end 95 is releasably secured in place in the hitch receiver 96 by 27 first inserting it into the hitch receiver 96, and by then using a 28 hitch pin 102 and a hairpin clip 104. The hitch pin 102 has a pull ' ; 12 1 105 secured to one of its ends, and has a hole 106 through the 2 other of its ends for its hairpin clip 104. The hitch pin 102 3 passes through holes 108 in opposite sides of the stinger 12, and ~ through holes 110 in opposite sides of the hitch receiver 96. The hairpin clip 10~ then secures the hitch pin 120 in place. To 6 romove the stinger 12's end 95 from the hitch receiver 96, the 7 hai~pin clip 10~ and the hitch pin 102 are first removed, after which the stinger 12's end 95 may be withdrawn from the hitch 9 receiver 96.
Alternatively, the stinger 12's end 95 may be made in any 11 other configuration so that it will mate properly with any 12 conventional hitch 98, hitch receiver 96; and any other suitable 13 conventional means may be used to secure the stinger 12's end 95 ~ the particular hitch 98 or hitch receiver 96 with which is used.
The motorcycle carrier 10 may be made from steel (except for 16 the cushions 76, 76' and their pads 80, 80'), although any other 17 suitable strong, durable conventional material may be used.
18 Although the stinger 12 and the mast 16 are illustrated as having l9 square cross-sections, and although the wheel channel 14 is illustrated as having a U-shaped cross-section, they could have any 21 other suitable conventional cross-sectional configuration. The 22 exact size, shape, thickness and strength of all of the motorcycle 23 carrier lO's components may vary depending on the size(s) and 24 type(s) of the motorcycle(s) with which the motorcycle carrier 10 is designed to be used. The stinger 12, wheel channel 13 and mast 26 16 may further comprise any conventional braces or reinforcements 27 in order to further strengthen them.
28 When the motorcycle carrier 10 is transporting a motorcycle .

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2~ 59 1 26, the wheel channel 14 is held horizontally with respect the 2 ¦ stinger 12 by the hinge pins 50 which pass through their respective 3 ¦ hinge tubes 48, as best seen in Figs. 1, 2 and 4. In turn, the hinge pins 50 are held in place in their respective hinge tubes 48 by their respective hairpin clips 54. The motorcycle 26 may be 6 held securely in place on the motorcycle carrier 10 by tie-downs 7 112, 114, 116, 118, 120, i22, 124 and 126.
~ ¦ The tie-downs 112 - 126 may be of any conventional 9 construction, such as conventional elastic cords having a hook at 10 ¦ each end (bungee cords); or conventional nylon straps having a hook 11 ¦ at each end, and having a built in ratchet or other tightening 12 ¦ mechanism ~or adjusting the tension in the strap.

13 To install the mast tie-downs 112, 114, the hooks at one end 14 of the mast tie-downs 112, 114 are first engaged in respective mast 15¦ tie-down eyes 62. The mast tie-downs 112, 114 are then stretched 161 around portions of the motorcycle 26, and the hooks at their other 17 ends are engaged in respective mast tie-down eyes 62, as seen in 18 Fig. 2. The mast tie-downs il2, 114 are preferably tie-downs of 19 the bungee cord type, since the elastic nature of bungee cords per~it the user to quickly and easily secure the motorcycle 26 to 21 the mast 16 without any adjustments or mechanical ratchet 22 mechanisms being needed. The mast tie-downs 112, 114 pull the 23 motorcycle 10 securely against the mast l~'s cushion 76 or 76' and i 24hold it in place while the other tie-downs 116 - 128 are installed.
25After the mast tie-downs 112, 114 are installed, the rest of 26 the tie-downs 116 - 126 are then installed. Preferably, the tie~
; 27downs 116 - 126 are of the type having a nylon strap with a hook at 28 each end, and having a built in ratchet or other tightening ? t! ~ ~5~
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mechanism for adjusting the tension of the strap, since such tie-downs are stronger than a bungee cord, and can be adjusted more 3 easily than a bungee cord.
4 As seen in Fig. 2, to install the wheel channel tie-downs 116 - 122, the hooks at one end of the wheel channel tie-downs 116 -6 122 are ~irst engaged in respective wheel channel tie-down eyes 31.
Thc hooks at the other ends of the wheel channel tie-downs 116 -122 are then engaged, respectively, with the motorcycle's left 9 handle bar 128, right handle bar 130, luggage rack left side rail 132 and luggage rack right side rail 134, respectively. The 11 ratchet or other tightening mechanisms in the wheel channel tie-12 downs 116 - 122 are then tightened until the wheel channel tie-13 downs 116 - 122 pull the motorcycle 26 securely down in place in 14 the wheel channel 14. The wheel channel tie-downs 116 - 122 also help to prevent the motorcycle 26 from tipping over.

16 To install the stinger tie-downs 124, 126, the hooks at one 17 end of the stinger tie-downs 124, 126 are first engaged in 18 respective stinger tie-down eyes 92. The hooks at the other end of 19 the stinger tie-downs 124, 126 are then engaged, respectively, with the motorcycle's handle bar 128 and the luggage rack side rail 132.
21 The ratchet or other tightening mechanisms in the stinger tie-downs 22 124, 126 are then tightened until the stinger tie-downs 124, 126 23 pull the motorcycle 26 securely against the mast 16's cushion 76 or 24 76'. The stinger tie-downs also help to pull the motorcycle 26 down into the wheel channel 14.
26 Alternatively, there may be fewer or more tie-downs 112 - 126, -.
27 and the tie-downs 11~ - 126 may be secured to different parts of 28 the motorcycle carrier 10, and to different parts of the motorcycle :..

2~ 9 1 26, depending on the sizets) and type(s) of the motorcycle(s) 26 2 with which the motorcycle carrier 10 is designed to be used.
3 When it is desired to load or unload the motorcycle 16 onto or 4 from the motorcycle carrier 10, the hinge 46's hairpin clip 54 is removed, thereby permitting its hinge pin 50 to be removed from its 6 hinge tubes 48 by tugging on its pull 52. This permits the wheel 7 channel 14 to then be tipped down to the left on its other hinge 8 44, until its left end 24 is in contact with the ground, as seen in 9 Fig. 3.
As best seen in Fig. 5, the hinge pin 50 may then be re-11 inserted into the hinge 46's hinge tubes 48 beneath the locking 12 block 58, therebv holding the wheel channel 14 in its tipped 13 configuration.
14 However, in some instances it may be desirable to be able to hold the wheel channel 14 tipped down to the right, rather than to 16 hold it tipped down to the left, so that the motorcycle 26 may be 17 loaded/unloaded from the motorcycle carrier lO's right hand side, 18 rather than from its left hand side.
19 This may be accomplished by simply removing both of the hinge pins S0, turning the wheel channel 14 end-for-end so that the 21 locking block 58 is on the left side of the stinger 12, inserting 22 the right hinge pin 50 into its respective hinge tubes 48 (so that, 23 effectively, the left hinge 44 now had a locking block 58), and 24 then tilting the wheel channel 14 on the right hinge 46. The wheel channel 14 could then be locked in this tipped configuration by 26 reinserting hinge 44's hinge pin 50 beneath the locking block 58.
27 Alternatively, the hinge 44 or 46 having a locking block 58 f ~ Z~ 59 1 could be replaced by any conventional means for selectively holding 2 the wheel channel 14 in a horizontal configuration and in a tipped 3 configuration. For example, a releasable clamping mechanism might be used which would be connected to the stinger 12 and the wheel channel 14. The releasable clamping mechanism would hold the wheel ~`
6 chanr~el 14 in a horizontal configuration when it was in a first 71 po~ition, and would hold the wheel channel 1~ in a tipped con~iguration when it was in a second configuration.
¦Alternatively, neither hinge 44 or 46 may have a locking block 10 1 58. This would permit the motorcycle to be loaded/unloaded from 11 the left hand side of the motorcycle carrier 10 by tipping the 12 wheel channel 14 down to the left on its hinge 44, if the hinge 13 46's hairpin clip 54 and hinge pin 50 were removed. It would also 14 permit the motorc:ycle to be loaded/unloaded from the right hand side of the motorcycle carrier 10 by tipping the wheel channel 14 16 down to the right on its hinge 46, if the hinge 44's hairpin clip 17 54 and hinge pin 50 were removed.
18 The angle between the base 18 of the wheel channel 14's 19 central portion 60 and the base 18 of one or both of the wheel channel 14's ends 24 may be selected such that the respective end 21 24 which is tipped down to the ground when the wheel channel 14 is 22 in its tipped configuration will lie substantially horizontally on 23 the ground. This orientation of the end(s) 24 helps prevent it or 24 them from obstructing the loading or unloading of the motorcycle 25 26.
26 In order to remove the motorcycle 26 from the motorcycle 27 carrier lO after the wheel channel 14 is in its tipped 28 configuration (whether tipped to the left or tipped to the right), ~ , , ~` ~ 9 1 the wheel channel and stinger tie-downs 116 - 126 are first removed. This is done by loosening their ratchet or other tightening mechanisms, and by disengaging their hooks from the 4 motorcycle 26. The mast tie-downs 112 - 11~ are strong enough to hold the motorcycle securely in place against the mast 16's cushion 6 76 or 76', ~ven when the wheel channel and stinger tie-downs 116 -126 ~re removed.
8 The motorcycle 26 is then released from the mast tie-downs 9 112, 114 by simply unhooking the hook at one end of each of the 10 mast tie-downs 112 - 114 from the mast 16, and by then unwrapping 11 the mast tie-downs 112, 114 from around the motorcycle 26. This 12 permits the motorcycle 26 to then be rolled down and off of the 13 wheel channel 14, as is seen in Fig. 3.
14 The loading and securing of the motorcycle 26 onto the motorcycle carrier 10 will be apparent from the forging, since the 16 same steps are repeated, but in the reverse order.
17 If the motorcycle carrier 10 had a locking block 58 (whether 18 welded to the stinger adjacent hinge 44 or adjacent hinge 46~, the 19 wheel channel 14 may be restored to its horizontal configuration by first removing the hairpin clip 54 and hinge pin 50 from the hinge 21 44 or 46 which was adjacent to the locking blocX 58. The wheel 22 channel 14 is then`rotated to its horizontal configuration on the 23 hinge 44 or 46 which w~s not adjacent to the locking block 58. The 24 wheel channel 14 is then locked in its horizontal configuration by re-inserting the hinge pin 50 and the hairpin clip 54 which had 26 been removed.
27 If the motorcycle carrier 10 did not have a locking block 58 28 at all, then the wheel channel 14 may be restored to it~ h~

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configuration by simply rotating the wheel channel 14 to its 2 horizontal configuration on the hinge 44 or 46 whose hinge hairpin clip 54 and hinge pin 50 had not been removed, and then locking the wheel channel 14 in its horizontal configuration by re-inserting the hairpin clip 5~ and hinge pin 50 which had been removed from 6 tho other hing~ ~4 or ~6.
7 ~lt~rnatively, the hinges 44, 46 may be eliminated entirely, and the wheel ch~nnel 14 may be mounted directly to the stinger 12 9 by any conventional means. In such a case, the motorcycle 26 would be loaded onto the motorcycle carrier 10 by the user lifting it 11 onto the wheel channel 14, and by then securing the motorcycle 26 12 with the tie-downs 112 -126 in the manner previously described.
13 The motorcycle 26 would be unloaded from the motorcycle carrier 10 14 by the user first disengaging the tie-down 112 - 126 from the motorcycle 26 in the manner previously described, and by then 16 lifting the motorcycle 26 off from the wheel channel 14.
17 It is preferred that the motorcycle carrier 10 be of knock-18 down construction, so that its stinger 12, wheel channel 14 and 19 mast 16 are releasably assembled together. This is because such a knock-down construction permits the stinger 12, wheel channel 14 21 and mast 16 to be disassembled and put into a compact configuration 22 for easier shipping and storing.
23 The term "motorcycle" as used herein is used broadly enough to 24 include bicycles as well as motorcycles.
It is understood that the foregoing forms of the invention 26 were described and/or illustrated strictly by way of non-limiting 27 example.
28 In view of all of the disclosures herein, these and further - :. - .
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(----1 modifications, adaptations and variations of the present invention 2 will now be apparent to those skilled in the art to which it 5 ¦ perta , within the scope o~ the ~olloving olaims.

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Claims (20)

1. A wheelless motorcycle carrier, wherein said motorcycle carrier is adapted to be attached to a transporting vehicle, wherein said motorcycle carrier is adapted to carry a motorcycle having two wheels, and wherein said motorcycle carrier comprises:
an elongated stinger means, wherein, during use, a first end portion of said stinger means is adapted for being releasably secured to said transporting vehicle; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises an elongated U-shaped wheel channel means comprising a base and a pair of side walls; wherein said wheel channel means further comprises a pair of turned up end portions and a central portion which connects said turned up end portions;
wherein, during use, said wheel channel means is adapted for receiving said wheels, for restraining sideways movement of said wheels, and for restraining said wheels from rolling out of said wheel channel means; wherein said wheel channel means have a width which is selected such that, during use, said sidewalls of said wheel channel means restrain sideways movement of said wheels;
wherein said wheel channel means has a length which is selected such that, during use, said turned up end portions of said wheel channel means restrain said wheels from rolling out of said wheel channel means when said wheel channel means is oriented at least generally parallel to the ground; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises first and second hinge means for mounting said central portion of said wheel channel means to said stinger means;
wherein said stinger means is located at least generally between said first and second hinge means; wherein said first and second hinge means are also for permitting said wheel channel means to move between a locked horizontal position in which said wheel channel means is oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the ground, and a locked tipped position in which said wheel channel means is tipped to the point that one of said end portions of said wheel channel means touches the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be loaded onto and unloaded from said wheel channel means; wherein said first and second hinge means each comprise a first hinge tube secured to said stinger; a second hinge tube secured to said wheel channel; and a hinge pin for said first and second hinge tubes; wherein said second hinge means further comprises a locking block secured to a lower portion of said second hinge tube of said second hinge means; wherein, when each of said hinge pins is inserted into its respective said first and second hinge tubes, said wheel channel means is locked into said horizontal position; wherein, when said hinge pin of said first hinge means is inserted into said first and second hinge tubes of said first hinge means, when said wheel channel means is tipped on said first hinge means to the point that said one of said end portions of said wheel channel means touches the ground, when said hinge pin of said second hinge means is inserted through said first hinge tube of said second hinge means, and when said locking block is sandwiched between said hinge pin of said second hinge means and said second hinge tube of said second hinge means, said wheel channel means is locked into said locked tipped position; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises a pair of inner wheel chock means; wherein, during use, said each of said inner wheel chock means is for restraining a respective one of said wheels from rolling out of said wheel channel means; wherein each of said inner wheel chock means comprises a piece of angle material; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises an inner wheel chock mounting means for mounting said inner wheel chock means at selected locations along said wheel channel means, to help enable said motorcycle carrier carry various sizes and types of motorcycles;
wherein said inner wheel chock mounting means comprises a plurality of wheel chock mounting holes spaced along said base of said wheel channel means, and an inner wheel chock fastener means for mounting said inner wheel chock means to said wheel channel means through use of a selected one of said wheel chock mounting holes; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises a mast means; wherein, during use, said mast means is for helping to support said motorcycle in said wheel channel means in an upright configuration;
wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises mast mounting means for mounting said mast at selected locations along said stinger means, to help enable said motorcycle carrier to carry various sizes and types of motorcycles; wherein said mast mounting means comprises a plurality of mast mounting holes spaced along said stinger means, a U-shaped mast mounting bracket sized to fit over said stinger means, and a mast fastener means for mounting said mast mounting bracket to said stinger means; wherein said mast mounting bracket comprises an outer surface and a pair of side flanges; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises means for mounting said mast to said outer surface of said mast mounting bracket; wherein said mast fastener means passes through said mast mounting bracket and through a selected one of said mast mounting holes; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises cushion means for helping to prevent said mast from damaging said ??

motorcycle while said motorcycle is being transported on said motorcycle carrier; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises cushion mounting means for mounting said cushion means at selected locations along said mast means, to help enable said motorcycle carrier to carry various sizes and types of motorcycles;
wherein said cushion mounting means comprises a plurality of cushion mounting holes spaced along said mast means, a cushion mounting bracket, and a cushion fastener means for mounting said cushion mounting bracket to said mast means; wherein said cushion mounting bracket comprises an outer surface; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises means for mounting said cushion means to said outer surface of said cushion mounting bracket; and wherein said cushion fastener means passes through said cushion mounting bracket and through a selected of one of said cushion mounting holes.

2. A wheelless motorcycle carrier, wherein said motorcycle carrier is adapted to be attached to a transporting vehicle, wherein said motorcycle carrier is adapted to carry a motorcycle having two wheels, and wherein said motorcycle carrier comprises:
an elongated stinger means; wherein, during use, a first end portion of said stinger means is adapted for being releasably secured to said transporting vehicle; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises an elongated wheel channel means mounted to said stinger means; wherein said wheel channel means comprises two end portions and a central portion which connects said two end portions; wherein, during use, said wheel channel means is adapted for receiving said wheels; wherein said two end portions of said wheel channel means are turned up at an angle with respect to said central portion of said wheel channel means; wherein said wheel channel means is sized to enable said two end portions of said wheel channel means to contact and help to restrain said wheels of said motorcycle from tending to roll out of said wheel channel means during use when said wheel channel means is in said locked horizontal position; and wherein said angle is selected such that, when said wheel channel means is in said tipped position, said one of said two end portions of said wheel channel means lies substantially parallel to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be easily loaded onto and removed from said wheel channel means.

3. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 2, wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises hinge means for mounting said central portion of said wheel channel means to said stinger means;
wherein said hinge means are also for selectively permitting said wheel channel means to move between a locked horizontal position in which said wheel channel means is oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be carried in said wheel channel means, and a tipped position in which one of said two end portions of said wheel channel means is tipped down to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be loaded onto and unloaded from said wheel channel means; wherein said hinge means comprises a first hinge means and a second hinge means;
wherein said stinger means is located at least generally between said first and second hinge means; wherein said first and second hinge means are for mounting said central portion of said wheel channel means to said stinger means; wherein said first and second hinge means are also for selectively permitting said wheel channel means to move between a locked horizontal position in which said ??

wheel channel means is oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be carried in said wheel channel means, and a tipped position in which one of said two end portions of said wheel channel means is tipped down to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be loaded onto and unloaded from said wheel channel means; wherein said first and second hinge means each comprise a first hinge tube secured to said stinger, a second hinge tube secured to said wheel channel, and a hinge pin for said first and second hinge tubes; wherein, when both of said hinge pins are inserted into their respective said first and second hinge tubes, said wheel channel means is locked into said horizontal position; wherein, when said hinge pin of said first hinge means is inserted into said first and second hinge tubes of said first hinge means, and when said hinge pin of said second hinge means is withdrawn from at least one of said first and second hinge tubes of said second hinge means, said one of said two end portions of said wheel channel means is permitted to be selectively tipped down to the ground on said first hinge means, to place said wheel channel means in said tipped position; wherein said second hinge means further comprises a locking means for locking said wheel channel means in said tipped position; wherein said locking means comprises a locking block; and wherein, when said wheel channel means is in said tipped position on said first hinge means, when said hinge pin of said second hinge means is inserted through said first hinge tube of said second hinge means, and when said locking block is sandwiched between said hinge pin of said second hinge means and said second hinge tube of said second hinge means, said wheel channel means is locked into said tipped ??

position on said first hinge means.

4. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 3, wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises a mast means; wherein, during use, said mast means is for helping to support said motorcycle in said wheel channel means in an upright configuration; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises mast mounting means for mounting said mast to said stinger means; wherein said mast mounting means are also for mounting said mast at selected locations along said stinger means, to help enable said motorcycle carrier to carry various sizes and types of motorcycles; wherein said mast mounting means comprises a plurality of mast mounting holes spaced along said stinger means, and a mast connection means for mounting said mast means to said stinger means through use of a selected one of said mast mounting holes; wherein said mast connection means further comprises a U-shaped mast mounting bracket sized to fit over said stinger means; wherein said mast mounting bracket comprises an outer surface and a pair of side flanges;
wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises means for mounting said mast to said outer surface of said mast mounting bracket; and wherein said mast connection means further comprises a mast fastener means for fastening said mast mounting bracket to said stinger means through use of said selected one of said mast mounting holes.

5. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 4, wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises cushion means for helping to prevent said mast means from damaging said motorcycle while said motorcycle is being transported on said motorcycle carrier; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises cushion mounting means ??

for mounting said cushion means to said mast means; wherein said cushion mounting means are also for mounting said cushion means at selected locations along said mast means, to help enable said motorcycle carrier to carry various sizes and types of motorcycles;
wherein said cushion mounting means comprises a plurality of cushion mounting holes spaced along said mast means, and a cushion connection means for mounting said cushion means to said mast means through use of a selected one of said cushion mounting holes;
wherein said cushion connection means further comprises a cushion mounting bracket; wherein said cushion mounting bracket comprises an outer surface; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises means for mounting said cushion means to said outer surface of said cushion mounting bracket; and wherein cushion connection means further comprises a cushion fastener means for fastening said cushion mounting bracket to said mast means through use of said selected of one of said cushion mounting holes.

6. A wheelless motorcycle carrier, wherein said motorcycle carrier is adapted to be attached to a transporting vehicle, wherein said motorcycle carrier is adapted to carry a motorcycle having two wheels, and wherein said motorcycle carrier comprises:
an elongated stinger means; wherein, during use, a first end portion of said stinger means is adapted for being releasably secured to said transporting vehicle; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises an elongated wheel channel means having two end portions and a central portion which connects said two end portions; wherein, during use, said wheel channel means is adapted for receiving said wheels; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises hinge means for mounting said central portion of said ??

wheel channel means to said stinger means; and wherein said hinge means are also for selectively permitting said wheel channel means to move between a locked horizontal position in which said wheel channel means is oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be carried in said wheel channel means, and a tipped position in which one of said two end portions of said wheel channel means is tipped down to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be loaded onto and unloaded from said wheel channel means.

7. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 6, wherein said hinge means comprises a first hinge means and a second hinge means;
wherein said stinger means is located at least generally between said first and second hinge means; wherein said first and second hinge means are for mounting said central portion of said wheel channel means to said stinger means; and wherein said first and second hinge means are also for selectively permitting said wheel channel means to move between a locked horizontal position in which said wheel channel means is oriented substantially horizontally with respect to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be carried in said wheel channel means, and a tipped position in which one of said two end portions of said wheel channel means is tipped down to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be loaded onto and unloaded from said wheel channel means.

8. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 7, wherein second hinge means further comprises a locking means for locking said wheel channel means in its said tipped position.

9. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 7, wherein said first and second hinge means each comprise a first hinge tube secured to said stinger, a second hinge tube secured to said wheel channel, and a hinge pin for said first and second hinge tubes;
wherein, when both of said hinge pins are inserted into their respective said first and second hinge tubes, said wheel channel means is locked into said horizontal position; and wherein, when said hinge pin of said first hinge means is inserted into said first and second hinge tubes of said first hinge means, and when said hinge pin of said second hinge means is withdrawn from at least one of said first and second hinge tubes of said second hinge means, said one of said two end portions of said wheel channel means is permitted to be selectively tipped down to the ground on said first hinge means, to place said wheel channel means in said tipped position.

10. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 9, wherein said second hinge means further comprises a locking means for locking said wheel channel means in said tipped position; wherein said locking means comprises a locking block; and wherein, when said wheel channel means is in said tipped position on said first hinge means, when said hinge pin of said second hinge means is inserted through said first hinge tube of said second hinge means, and when said locking block is sandwiched between said hinge pin of said second hinge means and said second hinge tube of said second hinge means, said wheel channel means is locked into said tipped position on said first hinge means.

11. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 6, wherein said two end portions of said wheel channel means are turned up at an angle with respect to said central portion of said wheel channel means; wherein said wheel channel means is sized to enable said two ??

end portions of said wheel channel means to contact and help to restrain said wheels of said motorcycle from tending to roll out of said wheel channel means during use when said wheel channel means is in said locked horizontal position; and wherein said angle is selected such that, when said wheel channel means is in said tipped position, said one of said two end portions of said wheel channel means lies substantially parallel to the ground, to permit said motorcycle to be easily loaded onto and removed from said wheel channel means.

12. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 6, wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises a mast means; wherein, during use, said mast means is for helping to support said motorcycle in said wheel channel means in an upright configuration; and wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises mast mounting means for mounting said mast to said stinger means.

13. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 12, wherein said mast mounting means are also for mounting said mast at selected locations along said stinger means, to help enable said motorcycle carrier to carry various sizes and types of motorcycles;
and wherein said mast mounting means comprises a plurality of mast mounting holes spaced along said stinger means, and a mast connection means for mounting said mast means to said stinger means through use of a selected one of said mast mounting holes.

14. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 13, wherein said mast connection means further comprises a U-shaped mast mounting bracket sized to fit over said stinger means; wherein said mast mounting bracket comprises an outer surface and a pair of side flanges; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises means for mounting said mast to said outer surface of said mast mounting bracket; and wherein said mast connection means further comprises a mast fastener means for fastening said mast mounting bracket to said stinger means through use of said selected one of said mast mounting holes.

15. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 12, wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises cushion means for helping to prevent said mast means from damaging said motorcycle while said motorcycle is being transported on said motorcycle carrier; and wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises cushion mounting means for mounting said cushion means to said mast means.

16. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 15, wherein said cushion mounting means are also for mounting said cushion means at selected locations along said mast means, to help enable said motorcycle carrier to carry various sizes and types of motorcycles; and wherein said cushion mounting means comprises a plurality of cushion mounting holes spaced along said mast means, and a cushion connection means for mounting said cushion means to said mast means through use of a selected one of said cushion mounting holes.

17. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 16, wherein a portion of said cushion connection means passes through said cushion means.

18. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 16, wherein said cushion connection means further comprises a cushion mounting bracket; wherein said cushion mounting bracket comprises an outer surface; wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises means for mounting said cushion means to said outer surface of said cushion mounting bracket; and wherein cushion connection means further comprises a cushion fastener means for fastening said cushion mounting bracket to said mast means through use of said selected of one of said cushion mounting holes.

19. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 6, wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises a wheel chock means for helping to restrain a respective one of said motorcycle's wheels from rolling out of said wheel channel means during use when said wheel channel means is in said locked horizontal position; and wherein said motorcycle carrier further comprises a wheel chock mounting means for mounting said wheel chock means to said wheel channel means.

20. The motorcycle carrier according to claim 19, wherein said wheel chock mounting means are also for mounting said wheel chock means at selected locations along said wheel channel means, to help enable said motorcycle carrier to carry various sizes and types of motorcycles; and wherein said wheel chock mounting means comprises a plurality of wheel chock mounting holes spaced along said wheel channel means, and a wheel chock connection means for mounting said wheel chock means to said wheel channel means through use of a selected one of said wheel chock mounting holes.

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