Motorcycle Loading Device

Abstract

This invention comprises a motorcycle loading apparatus comprising a first angled receiving platform, a second angled receiving platform, a u-shaped connector between the first angled receiving platform and the second angled receiving platform which allows the first angled receiving platform and the second angled receiving platform to become displaced, a first tire support, a second tire support, a connector between the first tire support and the second tire support, a first base connecting the first angled receiving platform to the first tire support, a second base connecting the second angled receiving platform to the second tire support, a first and second tire engaging member, and at least one wheel attached to the first and second base. The invention also describes a method of loading a motorcycle into the motorcycle loading apparatus.

Claims

1. A motorcycle stabilization apparatus comprising: a pair of tire platforms, each tire platform comprising: a body; a front; a top; and a bottom; a substantially angled receiving member integrated into the front of the tire platform wherein when the tire platform is tilted downward, the angled receiving member stabilizes the apparatus on the ground in order to receive a motorcycle tire; a tire support integrated into the body of the tire platform, the tire support comprising: a shape configured to engage a portion of the motorcycle tire; and a pair of receiving slots; a wheel engagement member connected to the top of the tire platform and comprising: an angled section; and a rearward facing member wherein the rearward facing member stabilizes the motorcycle wheel; a tire platform wheel attached to the bottom of the tire platform; and a pair of tire platform connectors, each tire platform connector comprising: a substantially U-shaped connector comprising: a proximal portion; and a first distal end and a second distal end, each distal end having a protruding flange, the first protruding flange configured to interconnect into the receiving slot of the first tire platform and the second protruding flange configured to interconnect into the receiving slot of the second tire platform, wherein the tire platform connectors connect the pair of tire platforms and permit the pair of tire platforms to become displaced.

2. A vehicle stabilization apparatus comprising: at least one connector; a pair of platforms, each platform comprising a receiving member; and a tire support comprising a vehicle engagement member; a slot for receiving the connector, wherein the connector attaches the pair of platforms and permits the platforms to become displaced.

3. The motorcycle loading apparatus of claim 2 wherein the connection further comprises a proximal end and a distal end with a pair of protruding flanges at the distal end.

4. The motorcycle loading apparatus of claim 2 wherein the width between the pair of bases is greater than or equal to that of a tire.

5. The motorcycle loading apparatus of claim 2 wherein the pair of receiving platforms form a triangular gap to help guide a wheel into the apparatus.

6. The motorcycle loading apparatus of claim 2 wherein the pair of tire engaging members each further comprise a first, substantially horizontally disposed, section extending along the first base, the first section having a thickness, a second, upwardly angled, section which is attached to the first section along a distal edge of the first section and angled towards the first tire support, the second section having a thickness, and a third, rearward facing, section which is attached to the second section along an upper edge, the third section having a thickness.

7. The motorcycle loading apparatus of claim 7 wherein the thickness of the first section, second section, and third section is equal.

8. The motorcycle loading apparatus of claim 2 wherein the pair of bases further comprise a handle at the distal end.

9. The motorcycle loading apparatus of claim 2 wherein the connector is substantially U-shaped.

10. A method for stabilizing a motorcycle comprising: placing a motorcycle loading device on a flat surface in a first position, the motorcycle loading device comprising: a pair of tire platforms, each tire platform comprising: a body; a front; a top; and a bottom; a receiving member integrated into the front of the tire platform; a tire support integrated into the body of the tire platform, the tire support comprising: a shape configured to engage a portion of the motorcycle tire; and a pair of receiving slots; a wheel engagement member connected to the top of the tire platform and comprising: an angled section; and a rearward facing member wherein the rearward facing member stabilizes the motorcycle wheel; a tire platform wheel attached to the bottom of the tire platform; and a pair of tire platform connectors, each tire platform connector comprising: a proximal portion; a first distal end; and a second distal end, each distal end having a protruding flange, the first protruding flange configured to interconnect into the receiving slot of the first tire platform and the second protruding flange configured to interconnect into the receiving slot of the second tire platform, wherein the tire platform connectors connect the pair of tire platforms and permit the pair of tire platforms to become displaced; angling the motorcycle loading device such that the first angled receiving platform and the second angled receiving platform are substantially parallel with the flat surface, resulting in a second position; rolling a motorcycle having a front wheel and a rear wheel into engagement with the first and second angled receiving platform while in the second position until the motorcycle loading device returns to the first position such that wheel comes into contact with the first and second tire support; and engaging the rear wheel with the first tire support, second tire support, first wheel engaging member, and second wheel engaging member.

11. The motorcycle stabilizing method of claim 10 wherein the connection between the pair of receiving platforms further comprises a proximal end and a distal end with a pair of protruding flanges at the distal end and which is substantially u-shaped.

12. The motorcycle stabilizing method of claim 10 wherein the width between the pair of bases is wide enough to receive a motorcycle tire.

13. The motorcycle loading method of claim 10 wherein the pair of receiving platforms form a triangular gap to help guide a motorcycle wheel into the apparatus.

14. The motorcycle stabilizing method of claim 10 wherein the pair of tire engaging members each further comprise a first, substantially horizontally disposed, section extending along the first base, the first section having a thickness, a second, upwardly angled, section which is attached to the first section along a distal edge of the first section and angled towards the first tire support, the second section having a thickness, and a third, rearward facing, section which is attached to the second section along an upper edge, the third section having a thickness.

15. The motorcycle stabilizing method of claim 14 wherein the thickness of the first section, second section, and third section is equal.

16. The motorcycle stabilizing method of claim 10 wherein the connector is substantially U-shaped.

17. The motorcycle stabilizing method of claim 10 wherein the pair of bases further comprise a handle at the distal end.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates a side perspective view of the loading device.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates a side view of the loading device in position to receive a tire.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates a side view of the loading device with a tire in position.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the loading device.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the loading device.

[0023] FIG. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the loading device.

[0024] FIG. 7 illustrates a close-up view of the hinge.

[0025] FIG. 8A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the loading device without a tire in position.

[0026] FIG. 8B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the loading device with a tire in position.

[0027] Similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the several views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] The following description is of a preferred embodiment presently contemplated for carrying out the invention. This description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describing one or more preferred embodiments of the invention. The scope of the invention should be determined with reference to the claims.

[0029] As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, the present invention uses specific methods and technologies for the loading of motorcycles such that they no longer need to rely on a kickstand to remain upright and to provide better mobility while in a loaded upright position.

[0030] The motorcycle loading device 10 as shown comprises a first angled receiving platform 12 and second angled receiving platform 14. The first angled receiving platform 12 and second angled receiving platform 14 are connected by a substantially u-shaped connector/hinge 16. The hinge 16 has a pair of flanges 18 which flare out horizontally so as to secure the first angled receiving platform 12 and second angled receiving platform 14 together. The loading device 10 also comprises a first tire support 20 and second tire support 22. The first tire support 20 and second tire support 22 are likewise connected by a substantially u-shaped connector/hinge 16. The first and second angled receiving platforms 12, 14 are also connected to the first and second tire supports 20, 22 by a first base 24 and second base 26, each of which further comprise a first and second base top 28, 30, a first and second base bottom 32, 34, and a first and second vertically disposed base side 36, 38. The first angled receiving platform 12 and first tire support 20 are connected to the first base side 34 and the second angled receiving platform 14 and second tire support are connected to the second base side 36. The loading device 10 further comprises a first and second wheel engaging member 40, 42 to provide support a tire 58 for when a tire 58 is engaged with the loading device 10. The first wheel engaging member 40 further comprises a first, substantially horizontally disposed, section 44 which extends along the first base top 28, a second angled section 46 attached to the first section 44 which is generally angled away from the first and second receiving platforms 12, 14, and a third rearward facing flange 48 attached to the second section 46. The second wheel engaging member 42 is similarly situated with a first, substantially horizontally disposed, section 44 which extends along the second base top 30, a second angled section 46 attached to the first section 44 which is generally angled away from the first and second receiving platforms 12, 14, and a third rearward facing flange 48 attached to the second section 46. The retention well 50 between the first and second angled receiving platforms 12, 14 and the first and second wheel engaging members 40, 42 is preferably deep and wide enough to receive a standard motorcycle tire but can be any appropriate width to receive a tire 58. The loading device 10 is generally moveable through the use of a series of wheels 52 attached to the first and second base bottom 32, 34 through the use of nuts and bolts, screws, or any other known or unknown physical connection means. Preferably, the loading device 10 features a type of handle 60 to provide for the ability to carry the loading device 10.

[0031] FIG. 2 shows the loading device 10 in the second position ready to receive a tire 58. This position creates the proper angle for the loading device 10 to safely receive a tire 58. The first and second angled receiving platforms 12, 14 provide a flat surface such that when the loading device 10 is tipped forward the device lays flat against the ground. Then, as FIG. 3 shows, the tire 58 can be guided into the retention well 50 by the first and second angled receiving platforms 12, 14.

[0032] FIG. 4 shows a top perspective view of the loading device 10. In this alternative embodiment, the first and second angled receiving platforms 12, 14 are not present. This does not prevent the tire 58 from entering the retention well 50 but does make it more difficult.

[0033] FIG. 5 shows a bottom perspective view of the loading device 10. As can be seen in the figure, the series of wheels 52 are of the type usually used for dollies and similar apparatuses used to move heavy goods. Any wheel system that could adequately support the weight of a motorcycle or vehicle would be appropriate.

[0034] FIG. 6 shows another top perspective view of the loading device 10. This perspective shows the first and second angled receiving platforms 12, 14 and their preferred orientation. This orientation preferably includes a gap 54 between the first and second angled receiving platforms 12, 14 that helps guide the tire 58 into the retention well 54.

[0035] FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the connector/hinge 16. The connector/hinge 16 is preferably u-shaped and fits loosely into hinge slots 56. The loose fitting allows for the motion shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Specifically, prior to the time when a tire 58 enters the retention well 54, as shown in FIG. 8A, the loading device 10 splays generally outward. And, as shown in FIG. 8B, when a tire 58 enters the retention well 54 and the loading device 10 is returned to its first, upright position parallel to the ground such that all wheels 52 are touching the ground, the weight of the tire 58, as well as the weight of the vehicle to which it is attached, causes the two sides of the loading device 10 to clamp down on the tire 58. The loading device 10 could also be used to move tires that are not attached to any specific vehicle. The first and second wheel engaging members 40, 42 then move inwardly to engage the tire 58 and prevent the tire 58 from falling out of the retention well 54. The wheels 52 then allow for range of movement once the tire 58 is in place.

[0036] The invention being described, it will be obvious that the same may be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention, and all such modifications as would be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.