Abstract:
A motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly for lifting and carrying a motorcycle on a vehicle is provided. The vehicle has a receiver hitch. The assembly comprises a carrier rail secured to the receiver hitch and alternatingly movable from a stowed position to a deployed position with the carrier rail receiving the motorcycle. A lifting and lowering mechanism lifts the carrier rail from the deployed position to the stowed position and lowers the carrier rail from the deployed position to the stowed position wherein the carrier rail remains substantially parallel to the ground in both the stowed position and the deployed position and during lifting and lowering of the carrier rail.

Description:
[0001]    The present application is a continuation and claims priority of pending U.S. provisional patent application Serial No. 60/393,592, filed on Jul. 3, 2002, entitled “Motorcycle Lift and Carrying Device”. 
     
    
     
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    1. Field of the Invention  
           [0003]    This invention relates generally to a motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly and, more particularly, the invention relates to a motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly to a vehicle for lifting and carrying the motorcycle between desired locations.  
           [0004]    2. Description of the Prior Art  
           [0005]    A variety of carrier racks have been devised for attachment to a vehicle for carrying articles. These conventional racks are designed to provide added cargo space, and generally, are quite small and constructed of light weight material, therefore, not suitable for carrying heavy loads.  
           [0006]    Some conventional carrier racks attempt to overcome the above disadvantages with designs which engage the hauling vehicle at multiple locations. For instance, some carrier racks mount via inverted U-shaped bolts to the rear axle of the hauling vehicle at two spaced apart positions. In addition, the carrier is further braced to the upper portion of the vehicle. Such attachment to the rear axle may not be feasible for modem automobiles and the attachment method is also undesirable because the carrier rack cannot be interchangeably mounted to other hauling vehicles. A carrier rack designed for attachment to a conventional hitch would be more desirable.  
           [0007]    Another carrier rack employs three mounting bars for attachment to a conventional hitch assembly. The center bar is received into the conventional hitch receiver opening and the other two side mounting bars are bolted to the hitch assembly. This attachment method achieves the goal of lessening the side to side movement of the carrier rack during transit, but it is inconvenient to use. For attachment and removal of the carrier rack, an operator has to crawl under the hauling vehicle to unscrew the bolts. In addition, this design unnecessarily weakens the hitch assembly by creating apertures in the hitch assembly to receive the attachment bolts. Furthermore, the carrier rack is not structured to carry a heavy load.  
           [0008]    Another type of a motorcycle carrier rack includes is the tilt lift type carrier rack. The tilt lift type carrier rack has a platform with one end pivoting to the ground and the platform maintaining an angle with the ground. The motorcycle is then pushed or driven onto the tilted platform. Once the motorcycle reaches a certain point on the platform, the platform typically automatically pivots back to its substantially horizontal position due to the weight of the motorcycle. Unfortunately, these types of lifts are difficult to use, dangerous for the person(s) loading and unloading the motorcycle, and require strenuous amounts of energy when pushing the motorcycle onto the tilted platform.  
           [0009]    Motorcycle jacks or lifts are also known in the art. These devices are typically stand-alone devices used to elevate the motorcycle. In one case, there is a hydraulic lift but does not include a rail for receiving a motorcycle. Unfortunately, none of the conventional devices combine a motorcycle lift with a carrier rack to maneuver the motorcycle into the proper position on the vehicle.  
           [0010]    Accordingly, there exists a need for a motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly which can be securely and removably mounted to a conventional hitch assembly and which permits easy loading, unloading and transporting of a motorcycle or other heavy load. Additionally, a need exists for a motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly which combines a lifting mechanism with a carrier rack. Furthermore, there exists a need for a motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly which combines ease of use, safety, storage, lower cost, and faster on-loading/off-loading. Further yet, a need exists for a motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly which allows a user to open his or her trunk lid with the motorcycle stowed thereon.  
         SUMMARY  
         [0011]    The present invention is a motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly for lifting and carrying a motorcycle on a vehicle. The vehicle has a receiver hitch. The assembly comprises a carrier rail secured to the receiver hitch and alternatingly movable from a stowed position to a deployed position with the carrier rail receiving the motorcycle. A lifting and lowering mechanism lifts the carrier rail from the deployed position to the stowed position and lowers the carrier rail from the deployed position to the stowed position wherein the carrier rail remains substantially parallel to the ground in both the stowed position and the deployed position and during lifting and lowering of the carrier rail.  
           [0012]    In addition, the present invention includes a portable motorcycle carrier for carrying a motorcycle on a vehicle. The carrier comprises a mounting frame releasably secured to the vehicle and a lift mechanism secured to the mounting frame. A carrier rail receives the motorcycle and is movable between a deployed position and a stowed position. Connection means are secured between the carrier rail and the lift mechanism for maintaining the carrier rail in a substantially horizontal position when deployed, stowed, and at any position therebetween. Securement means on the carrier rail releasably secure the motorcycle to the carrier rail.  
           [0013]    The present invention further includes a method for lifting and carrying a motorcycle on a vehicle. The method comprises securing a carrier rail to the vehicle, lowering the carrier rail from a stowed position adjacent the vehicle to a deployed position adjacent the ground, maintaining the carrier rail in a substantially horizontal position in the stowed position, in the deployed position, and during lowering from the stowed position to the deployed position, loading the motorcycle on the carrier rail, lifting the carrier rail from the deployed position to the stowed position, and maintaining the carrier rail in a substantially horizontal position during lifting from the deployed position to the stowed position.  
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0014]    [0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the lifting device and carrier rack assembly positioned in the stowed or up position;  
         [0015]    [0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating the motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the lifting device and carrier rack assembly positioned in the deployed or down position;  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating the motorcycle lifting device and carrier device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention, with the lifting device and carrier rack assembly being positioned in the stowed position with carrier arms and a carrier rail folded for transportation without a motorcycle loaded;  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a foot peg over center pull down device of the motorcycle lifting device and carrier device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention; and  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating another portion of the front wheel chock mechanism of the motorcycle lifting device and carrier device of FIG. 1, constructed in accordance with the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0019]    As illustrated in FIG. 1, the present invention is a motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly, indicated generally at  100 , for lifting and carrying a motorcycle on an automobile or other vehicle (not shown). While the present invention has been and will be described for lifting and carrying a motorcycle, it is within the scope of the present invention to use the motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  for other vehicles, articles, etc.  
         [0020]    As illustrated in FIG. 1, the lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  of the present invention is positioned in the stowed or up position. The lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  includes a support bar  1  for attaching the assembly  100  to a receiver hitch frame (not shown) which is typically mounted to the rear of the vehicle. The support bar  1  includes mounting tubes  2  which slide into brackets  14  that are mounted on the receiver hitch frame. The mounting brackets  14  are preferably fastened to the receiver hitch by U-bolts  15  allowing adjustment of the position of the mounting brackets  14  along the receiver hitch frame. Safety pins  4  or other fastening means are inserted through mounting tube holes  3  aligned with corresponding holes in the receiver hitch brackets  14 . A jack or other lifting mechanism  5  raises and lowers the carrier rail  6  via a carrier rack chassis  7  having carrier arms  8  supporting the carrier rail  6 .  
         [0021]    As illustrated in FIG. 2, the lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  is illustrated in the deployed (down) position with the jack  5  collapsed. Note that the jack  5  has maintained a substantially vertical position by rotating with the carrier rack chassis  7  during the movement thereby allowing most of the jack  5  forces to be applied in the direction desired. Link arms  9  stabilize the carrier rack chassis  7  during this motion maintaining the carrier rack chassis  7  in a substantially perpendicular relation to the ground.  
         [0022]    The lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  further includes a wheel chock  10  attached to the carrier rail  6  and for holding the motorcycle in a substantially vertical position while the user positions the pull down rod  12  over the top of the front motorcycle wheel and attaches the pull down straps  13  to the motorcycle foot pegs of the motorcycle. An over-center actuator  11  cooperating with the pull down rod  12  and an over-center actuator  11  cooperating with the pull down straps  13  secure the motorcycle to the carrier rail  6 . Since different motorcycles have different size tires (typically ranging between eighteen ( 18 ″) inches and twenty-one ( 21 ″) inches), the pull down rod  12  is threadably adjustable for receiving various-sized tires.  
         [0023]    As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  is in the stowed position with the carrier arms  8  along with the carrier rail  6  folded up for transportation without a motorcycle loaded. The carrier rack pins  4  have been removed to facilitate this reposition. A carrier rack lock pin  4  is placed through a hole  19  that aligns to secure the carrier rail  6  in this position.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 4 illustrates the foot peg over center pull down with the pull down straps  13  to fit the motorcycle foot pegs. The position of the foot peg over center pull down is adjustable along the carrier rail  6  to accommodate various-sized motorcycles. The adjustability is preferably accomplished by a pin (not shown) traveling along a slot  21 . Means for tightening the screw within the slot  19  are also provided.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5 illustrates the front wheel chock mechanism  10  of the lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100 . The front wheel chock mechanism  10  comprises a frame  20  into which the motorcycle wheel fits and is locked into place by a pull down rod  12  which is actuated by a over-the-center crank  11  by the user cranking on the handle  16 . A center locking device  11  is used secure the motorcycle by lifting straps  13  with eyelets  17  placed on the motor cycle frame or foot pegs and then actuating crank handle  16  causing an over-the-center action pulling the motorcycle in a general downward direction.  
         [0026]    Preferably, the lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  is constructed from a metal material including, but not limited to steel, aluminum, etc. It is within the scope of the present invention, however, to construct the lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  from other materials including, but not limited to, plastic, resin, etc., so long as the selected material has sufficient strength to support a motorcycle mounted thereon.  
         [0027]    Operation  
         [0028]    In operation, the motorcycle lift device and carrier rack assembly  100  of the present invention is simple and efficient requiring less cost and allowing more convenience than other conventional methods of transporting a motorcycle. Five effects are provided by this invention:  
         [0029]    (1) ease of use;  
         [0030]    (2) safety;  
         [0031]    (3) storage;  
         [0032]    (4) lower cost; and  
         [0033]    (5) faster on-loading/off-loading.  
         [0034]    (1) By lowering the carrier rack  7  to the ground, the user has little or no difficulty in loading the motorcycle. The work required to lift the motorcycle is accomplished by actuating the jack handle which requires minimal strength by the user.  
         [0035]    (2) Because the user accomplishes the work while standing on the ground with the motorcycle, accidental damage to the motorcycle and the user is minimized. Other systems use ramps that require the motorcycle to be at an elevated position during the loading allowing the motorcycle to fall over. Furthermore, the carrier rail  6  is preferably positioned pointing the curb such that the motorcycle can be loaded from the side away from traffic rather than from the rear.  
         [0036]    (3) Because the motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  of the present invention is easily attached and removed to a standard receiver tow hitch, and it is light and compact, the user is able to store the device easily. Unlike trailers that take up storage space or must be parked on the street, the motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  can be stored in a garage or shed requiring little space.  
         [0037]    (4) The motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  of the present invention is lower in cost than a trailer and does not require license or storage fees. Additionally, little or no maintenance is required as compared to a (conventional trailer, i.e., tires, wheel bearings, light bulbs, etc.  
         [0038]    (4) Because of the ease of operation of the jack  5  and no requirement of ramps, the motorcycle lifting device and carrier rack assembly  100  of the present invention can be used to load a motorcycle, lift up, and drive away in less than approximately five (5) minutes.  
         [0039]    The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferred embodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawings and described in detail, with varying modifications and alternative embodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown, described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made therein without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, and that the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to the claims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention as disclosed herein, may be suitably practiced in the absence of the specific elements which are disclosed herein.