Abstract:
A trailer comprises a front member, a center member, two wheel members, and an axle member. The front member is adapted to be removably attached to a towing vehicle. The center member is detachably connected to the front member. Each of the two wheel members include a wheel, and the axle member is detachably connected to the center member and to the wheel members. Channel sections can be attached to at least two of the members with the channel sections combining to create a channel that is adapted for receiving a cycle. The trailer can also include a ramp rotatably attached to the axis member. When the ramp is in a lower position, the ramp defines a path for communicating the cycle from the ground to the channel.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/248,882, filed on Feb. 11, 1999, now abandoned. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     (Not Applicable) 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to the field of motor vehicle accessories. More particularly, this invention relates to a new and improved motorcycle trailer capable of being easily assembled, disassembled and stored. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     Until recently, not only were motorcycle trailers heavy, they were also permanently assembled. These types of motorcycles trailers had several problems including that of being difficult to store. For example, in most northern climates, for only a few months out of the year is it possible for most people to ride a motorcycle. During the months the motorcycle cannot be ridden, the motorcycle and motorcycle trailer need to be stored, preferably without incurring storage fees. However, if the trailer cannot be stored, for example in a sheltered location, the trailer must be left out in the elements for many months. Not only does this expose the trailer to the detrimental effects of the elements, the trailer has a much higher chance of being stolen. 
     Another problem occurs when the trailer must be transported. Since the trailer cannot be broken down, a vehicle capable of towing is needed to tow the trailer. Thus, simpler methods of transporting the trailer, such as in the back seat of a compact car or as check-in luggage on an airplane are not possible. 
     Recently, however, lightweight trailers capable of being stored have been introduced. These trailers tend to be collapsible, tilting, or folding, and some have been reputed to be small enough to be stored within the trunk of some, but not all vehicles. For those trailers that can be broken down, the trailer can now be stored in a garage, but not in such locations as a closet, attic, or under a bed. The ability to easily store the trailer also facilitates transportation because the trailer can now be placed into transport devices that were impractical to be used with a fully assembled trailer. 
     Notwithstanding their advantages over permanently assembled trailer, storable trailers still have problems. One such problem is that these trailers have been created with a very small distance between the wheels, i.e. wheel base. The small wheel base is inherently less stable than larger wheel bases as a trailer with a small wheel base becomes increasingly dangerous as towing speed increases. 
     Another problem associated with some storable trailers is that they require special tools to be assembled and disassembled. In the situation where these tools have been lost or are otherwise unavailable to the operator, the trailer cannot be assembled and disassembled. Consequently, what was once a storable trailer has now become a trailer incapable of being disassembled, and thus, stored. Therefore, a trailer that was once capable of being disassembled still faces the same problems as permanently assembled trailers. 
     A final problem occurs with a group of people on a trip in which all of them are riding motorcycles and they have no automobiles or trucks traveling along. In such a situation, even those motorcycle trailers that can fold up or be broken down into large pieces cannot be carried on a motorcycle. Thus, the trailer cannot be carried along with the group so as to be available for use by one motorcycle for towing another motorcycle in an emergency. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of this invention to provide a motorcycle trailer capable of being disassembled and stored in a bag capable of being transported in the luggage compartment of any passenger vehicle, in the back seat of a passenger vehicle or in the back of a pickup truck. 
     It is a further object of the invention to provide a motorcycle trailer capable of being disassembled into pieces which are small enough and light enough to be carried collectively by a number of motorcycles without inconvenience or risk to the riders. 
     It is another object of this invention to provide a motorcycle trailer capable of being assembled and disassembled without the use of any tools. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide a motorcycle trailer capable of being disassembled into no more than five main pieces. 
     It is yet another object of this invention to provide a motorcycle trailer which can be easily assembled and disassembled and which can be easily stored in small spaces. 
     In accordance with the invention, these an other objects are accomplished by providing a trailer comprising a front member, a center member, two wheel members, and an axle member. The front member is adapted to be removably attached to a towing vehicle. The center member is detachably connected to the front member. Each of the two wheel members include a wheel, and the axle member is detachably connected to the center member and to the wheel members. Channel sections can be attached to at least two of the members with the channel sections combining to create a channel that is adapted for receiving a cycle. The trailer can also include a ramp rotatably attached to the axis member. When the ramp is in a lower position, the ramp defines a path for communicating the cycle from the ground to the channel. 
     The trailer can be adapted so that the largest inside dimension of a container defines a longest dimension of any of the members with the container being capable of storing the members when disassembled. The container, for example can be a bag of a compartment within the towing vehicle. Preferably, the largest inside dimension is approximately 42 inches. Each member also has a preferable weight not greater than approximately 30 pounds. 
     The trailer can also include quick disconnects to aid in the quick attachment and/or disassembly of the members to one another. One example of a quick disconnect that does not require tools for assembly is a combination of a pin and clip. The pin and clip can be used when the ends of two members interfit and overlap one another. These ends provide two pair of opposing holes that align when the members are connected. The pin can then be inserted through the holes with the clip later attached to the end of the pin to prevent the pin from being removed from the holes. 
     The trailer preferably has a wheel base distance at least greater than twice the longest dimension of any of the members. The wheel base distance is defined as a greatest distance between any two points on the wheels that are contacting the ground. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     Presently preferred embodiments of the inventive arrangements are shown in the drawings, it being understood, however, the inventive arrangements are not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown. 
     FIG. 1 is a right front top perspective of a portable motorcycle trailer; 
     FIG. 2 is an exploded view of FIG. 1; 
     FIG. 3 a  is a front elevation, partially in section, of an axle member within a bag; 
     FIG. 3 b  is a front elevation, partially in section, of an axle member and wheel assembly within the bag; and, 
     FIG. 3 c  is a front elevation, partially in section, of an axle member, two wheel assemblies and additional structure within the bag. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate a portable motorcycle trailer according to the invention. The trailer  10  comprises a front member  12 , a center member  14 , an axle member  16  and two wheel members  38 ,  39 . When connected, the axle member  16  and the two wheel members  38 ,  39  form the wheel and axle structure of the trailer  10 . Advantageously, by using three members  16 ,  38 ,  39  to form the wheel and axle structure instead of just one, a longer distance between the wheels can be achieved in an assembled trailer. This longer distance allows the trailer  10  to be towed more safely at higher speeds. 
     The members  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  38  and  39  form the structure of the trailer  10 , and are detachably connected to one another so as to facilitate quick assembly and disassembly of the trailer  10 . Although in the presently preferred embodiment pins  22  and clips  24  are used to detachably connect the members  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  38 ,  39  to one other, the invention is not limited in this manner. These Pins  22  and clips  24  will be discussed in more detail with the discussion of each member  12 ,  14 ,  16 ,  38  and  39 . 
     The front member  12  includes a coupler  26 , a front tongue section  28  and a front tie down bar  30 . The coupler  26  connects the trailer  10  to a towing vehicle, not shown. Couplers are well known in the art of towing. Required on all trailers, but omitted from the figures for purposes of clarity, are chains. Chains are attached to the front member and are detachably connected to the towing vehicle. The chains are a backup connection for purposes of safety, in case the coupler  26  fails. 
     The coupler  26  is fixedly attached to the front tongue section  28 . Any means or method, riveting or bolting for example, of fixedly attaching the coupler  26  to the front tongue section  28  is acceptable. The presently preferred method of attachment is welding the coupler  26  to the front tongue section  28 . The front tongue section  28  is preferably both lightweight, for ease of portability, and strong, to support the weight of the motorcycle. 
     The front tie down bar  30  is transverse to the front tongue section  28  and is detachably connected to a set of support angles on the front tongue section  28 . Any means or method, bolting or clipping for example, of detachably connecting the front tie down bar  30  is acceptable. The presently preferred means of connecting the front tie down bar  30  is with a pin  20  and clip  24 . The pin  20  extends through holes in the front tie down bar  30  and holes in the support angles. A clip, not shown for purposes of clarity, is inserted into a hole in the distal end of the pin  20 . Once the clip is inserted into the pin  20 , the pin  20  is prevented from moving in either direction. 
     The front member  12  can also include a resting member  32  extending below the coupler  26  and contacting the ground when the trailer  10  is not attached to the towing vehicle. Use of the resting member  32  prevents the coupler  26  from being damaged after being placed or dropped onto the ground after the trailer  10  is detached from the vehicle. Many types of resting members  32  are well known in the art of trailers and can be used with the invention. The presently preferred resting member  32  is U-shaped with both distal ends being welded to the front of the front tongue section  28 . 
     The center member  14  includes a center tongue section  34 , a sleeve  35 , and front stabilizer tabs  36 . The center member  14  is detachably connected at one end to the front member  12  and at the other end to the axle member  16 . Any means or method of detachably connecting, for example bolting or clipping, the center member  14  to the front or axle member  12 ,  16  is acceptable. The presently preferred means of connecting the center member  14  to the front member  12  or axle member  16  is with a pin  22  and clip  24 . 
     With the presently preferred means of connecting, assembling the center member  14  and the front member  12  requires the center tongue section  34  and the front tongue section  28  each to be dimensioned to be partially slid into sleeve  35 . The sleeve is then permanently attached to the center tongue section  34  and detachably connected to the front tongue section  28 . The presently preferred method of attaching the sleeve  35  to the center tongue section  34  is by welding. 
     To detachably connect the front tongue section  28  to the sleeve  35 , the front tongue section  28  is slid into the sleeve  35  until four holes are all aligned, two holes each in the sleeve  35  and the front tongue section  34 . A pin  22  is then extended through the four holes and a clip  24  is inserted into a hole in the distal end of the pin  22 . Once the clip  24  is inserted into the pin  22 , the pin  22  is prevented from moving in either direction. To disconnect the front tongue section  28  from the sleeve  35 , the clip  24  must first be removed from the pin  22 , the pin  22  must then be removed from the four holes, and finally, the front tongue section  28  is then able to be slid out of the sleeve  35 . 
     In addition, with the presently preferred means of connecting, assembling the center member  14  and the axle member  16  requires an axle tongue section  47  of the axle member  16  to be similarly dimensioned to that of the sleeve  35  such that the axle tongue section  47  can be partially slid over the center tongue section  34 . After the axle tongue section  47  is partially slid over the center tongue section  34  and four holes are all aligned, two holes each in both the center and axle sections  34 ,  47 , a pin  22  is inserted through the four holes and a clip  24  is inserted into a hole in the distal end of the pin. Once the clip  24  is inserted into the pin  22  the pin  22  is from moving in either direction. 
     Fixedly attached to the center tongue section  34  are two front stabilizer tabs  36  disposed opposite each other. The front stabilizer tabs  36  are also transverse to and extend outwardly from the center tongue section  34 . 
     Besides an axle tongue section  47 , the axle member  16  also includes a cross tongue section  48 . The axle tongue section  47  bisects and is fixedly attached to the cross tongue section  48 . The cross tongue section  48  is used to detachably connect the axle member  16  to the two wheel members  38 ,  39 . 
     The two wheel members  38 ,  39  are mirror images of each another and each preferably comprise a wheel  40  and strut  42  rotationally connected, a rear stabilizer tab  44 , and a stabilizer bar  46 . Many means of rotationally connecting a wheel to a non-rotating structure are well known in the art and this invention is not limited to any of those means. The stabilizer bars  46  can be omitted provided that the connection between the axle member  16  and the wheel members  38 ,  39  is otherwise reinforced. Examples of situations in which stabilizer bars  46  can be beneficially used are when the cycle to be towed is heavy, when the road to be traveled is bumpy, or when the trailer  10  is to be towed at high speeds. 
     If included, the stabilizer bar  46  is hingedly connected to the rear stabilizer tab  44  which is fixedly attached to the strut  42 . Any hinging connection between the rear stabilizer tab  44  and the stabilizer bar  46  is acceptable so long as the stabilizer bar  46  can pivot to be substantially parallel to the strut  42  and can pivot to a position so as to be connected to the front stabilizer tab  36 . 
     At the opposite distal end to where the stabilizer bar  46  connects to the rear stabilizer tab  44  the stabilizer bar  46  is detachably connected to the front stabilizer tab  36 . Any means or method of detachably connecting, for example bolting or clipping, the stabilizer bar  46  to the front stabilizer tab  36  is acceptable. The presently preferred means of connecting the stabilizer bar  46  to the front stabilizer tab  36  is with a pin  20  and clip  24 . The pin  20  extends through holes in both the stabilizer bar  46  and front stabilizer tab  36  and is prevented from being removed after the clip  24  is inserted into a hole in the distal end of the pin  20 . 
     Any means or method of detachably connecting, for example bolting or clipping, the wheel members  38 ,  39  to the axle member  16  is acceptable. The presently preferred means of connecting the wheel members  38 ,  39  to the axle member  16  is with a pin  22  and clip  24 . 
     With the presently preferred means of connecting, assembling wheel members  38 ,  39  and the axle member  16  requires that the strut  42  be dimensioned to be partially slid into the cross tongue section  48 . The strut  42  is slid into the cross tongue section  48  until four holes are all aligned, two holes each in both strut  42  and cross tongue sections  48 . A pin  22  is then extended through the four holes and a clip  24  is inserted into a hole in the distal end of the pin  22 . Once the clip  24  is inserted into the pin  22  the pin  22  is prevented from moving in either direction. 
     Disposed on top of the front, center and axle members  12 ,  14 ,  16  and traversing the length of the trailer  10  is a channel  51 . The channel  51  is U-shaped and dimensioned to accept the wheels of a motorcycle  58 . For ease of disassembly, the channel  51  is broken into four sections: a front channel  50 , a center channel  52 , an axle channel  54 , and a rear channel  56 . Each channel  50 ,  52 ,  54  is then fixedly attached to a corresponding member  12 ,  14 , and  16 . Any means, welding for example, of fixedly attaching the channel sections  50 ,  52  and  54  to the members  12 ,  14  and  16  is acceptable. The presently preferred means of connection is to rivet the channel sections  50 ,  52  and  54  to support angles which are attached to the members  12 ,  14  and  16 . 
     An optional feature of the trailer  10  is a ramp  18  detachably and/or pivotably attached to the axle member  16 . The ramp  18  is formed by a channel section  56  affixed to angle brackets  49 , for example by welding or rivets. The presently preferred method of detachably and pivotably attaching the ramp  18  to the rear member is with a pin  20  and clip  24 . When the motorcycle  58  is to be loaded into or unloaded from the trailer  10 , the ramp  18  is to be positioned to incline downward from the axle member  16  to the ground. This positioning allows the motorcycle  58  to be easily loaded or unloaded. When the ramp  18  is not needed, the ramp  18  can either be removed and stored elsewhere, or the ramp  18  can be positioned to incline upward from the axle member  16 . 
     Once the motorcycle  58  is within the channel  51 , the motorcycle  58  is held in place with a wheel holder  60 , front straps  62 , and a rear strap  64 . The wheel holder  60  is attached to the front member  12  and is dimensioned to snugly hold the front wheel  59  of the motorcycle  58 . The straps  62 ,  64  wrap around the motorcycle  58  and prevent the motorcycle  58  from moving relative to the trailer  10 . The straps  62 ,  64  are then connected to the trailer  10 . Any means of connecting the straps  62 ,  64  to the trailer  10  is acceptable. The presently preferred means of connection is with two strap rings  66  located on the front tie down bar  30  and one strap ring  66  located on each strut  42 . The front straps  62  are connected to the front tie down bar  30  and the rear strap  64  is connected to the struts  42 . 
     The tongue sections  28 ,  34 ,  47 ,  48  and struts  42  are preferably made with material that is both lightweight and strong. The presently preferred tongue sections  28 ,  34 ,  47 ,  48  and struts  42  are constructed using square, hollow stock material of steel or aluminum, or a combination of both, or similar material. However, the invention is not limited to this configuration or type of materials. Any materials that combine the qualities of strength and being lightweight are acceptable. 
     If constructed from steel, the trailer  10  preferably weighs less than 130 pounds and has a load capacity of 1,500 pounds. The trailer  10  can now be moved easily because it has such little weight. Also, when the trailer  10  is disassembled, the total weight for any one member is less than 30 pounds. Thus, a single person can easily lift any one member for transporting purposes. 
     Holders for lights and license plates are required for all trailers in most states; however, the holders for the lights and the license have been omitted in the figures for purposes of clarity. 
     FIGS. 3 a ,  3   b  and  3   c  illustrate how the disassembled trailer  10  is fit within a bag  68 . In FIG. 3 a , the axle member  16  is shown positioned within the bag  68  such that the long axis of the axle member  16  is substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the bag  68 . 
     In FIG. 3 b  the left wheel member  38  is shown positioned within the bag  68 . However, before the left wheel member  38  is placed within the bag  68 , the stabilizer bar  46  must be pivoted such that it is substantially parallel to the transverse axis of the left wheel member  38 . 
     After the left wheel member  38  is positioned within the bag  68 , FIG. 3 c  illustrates the placement of the right wheel member  39  in the bag  68 . As with the left wheel member  38 , the stabilizer bar  46  on the right wheel member  39  must be pivoted to be substantially parallel to the transverse axis the right wheel member  39 . 
     Once the axle member  16  and two wheel members  38 ,  39  are placed within the bag  68 , the remaining pieces are placed within the bag  68 . Significantly, the size of the bag  68  limits the size of each piece being placed within the bag  68 . Thus, if a larger bag  68  is used, the pieces being placed within the bag  68  can also be larger. In the presently preferred embodiment of the invention, each piece has a longest dimension not greater than 42 inches. Thus, the interior transverse dimension of the presently preferred bag  68  need not be more than approximately 42 inches.