Motorcycle conversion assembly

A motorcycle conversion assembly for a motorcycle comprising first and second side members and first and second cross members to thereby define a rigid frame. The motorcycle conversion assembly further comprises first and second frame plates operably coupled to the frame and first and second axle plates operably coupled and rotatably adjustable relative to the first and second frame plates. The motorcycle conversion assembly further comprises first and second torsion adjustment assemblies, which are used to adjust the torsion acting on wheel assemblies when the motorcycle conversion assembly is operably connected to a motorcycle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally, motorcycles have become an iconic part of the American culture and serve as a means for individualistic expression for the motorcycle owner. Unfortunately, the nature of the conventional two-wheel motorcycle often does not have the required stability and ease of operation that may be needed for a disabled motorcycle enthusiast or an elderly rider looking to extend his or her time on their motorcycle. In the past, a variety of three-wheel motorcycles and conversion kits have been proposed to help add the stability and ease of operation needed for particular groups of riders. While several variations of the aforementioned theme have been employed in the art, no art known to Applicant discloses a motorcycle conversion assembly that may be readily bolted to an existing unmodified motorcycle which allows for precise adjustment of the wheel assemblies, provides means for hiding the conversion assembly framework, can remain on the motorcycle without the wheel assemblies for use in attachment of different accessories and provides the strength and rigidity needed in the framework to handle high speed transport.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a motorcycle conversion assembly, and more particularly, to a motorcycle conversion assembly that is modular and adjustable for use with an existing unmodified motorcycle. The motorcycle conversion assembly makes it possible to convert a conventional two-wheel motorcycle into a motorcycle having the look and the stability of a tricycle-type vehicle.

These and other features, objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description thereof together with reference to the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,” “left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented inFIG. 2. However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume various alternative orientations, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be construed as limiting, unless expressly state otherwise.

In regards toFIG. 1, a motorcycle conversion assembly is generally shown at reference identifier10. The conversion assembly10is shown attached to a motorcycle2inFIG. 1. In one embodiment of the present invention, the conversion assembly10includes wheel assemblies12disposed in a generally parallel, laterally spaced-apart relationship. The wheel assemblies12are covered by fender assemblies14which are attached to fender mounting plates16which are disposed above torsion axles18which are commercially available from Northern Tool and Equipment. As shown inFIG. 3, the wheel assemblies12attach to the torsion axles18with wheel hubs19. The torsion axles18have cylinder-shaped end pieces20which sleeve into adjustable torsion axle mounting assemblies22, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 3. The torsion axle mounting assemblies22comprise axle plates24and tube-like portions26for accepting the cylinder-shaped ends20of the torsion axles18. The torsion axle mounting assemblies22further comprise mating square-shaped frame plates28connected with an overall framework30of the assembly10. Thus, the torsion axle mounting assemblies make for independent torsion adjusters in assembly.

As shown inFIG. 3, in one embodiment of the present invention, the axle plates24of the torsion axle mounting assemblies22have a series of fastener apertures40which mate with fastener apertures41on the frame plates28of the torsion axle mounting assemblies22. Some of the fastener apertures40on axle plates24are of an oblong shape which allows for the adjustment of the axle plates24relative to the frame plates28of the torsion axle mounting assemblies22. Axle plates24attach to frame plates28via fasteners42, as shown inFIG. 3.

Referring again toFIG. 3, in another embodiment of the present invention, the torsion axles18further include L-shaped flanges21disposed off of the cylindrical ends20of the torsion axles18. Fasteners43are used to go through apertures23disposed at the end of the L-shaped flanges21and then through spacers25and through the axle plates24of the torsion axle mounting assemblies22. Different spacers25can be used with the L-shaped flanges21to adjust the degree of torsion acting on torsion axles18.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, in one embodiment of the present invention, the framework30includes two main components. The first component is a generally U-shaped member32with the second component being a U-shaped member34which sleeves into U-shaped member32, thus providing a rigid framework having first and second side members as well as first and second cross members. In assembly, the U-shaped components32and34come together to provide a pocket36for the rear wheel of an unmodified motorcycle2to be inserted. In assembly, the U-shaped member34is disposed at the front of the framework30with the U-shaped member32disposed in the rear. The U-shaped member32further comprises a plate38which is welded to the frame member32which provides support for motorcycle mounting brackets as described in further detail below.

Referring again toFIGS. 2 and 3, plate38is attached to frame member32by conventional means such as bolts or welding. Plate38further has apertures44which are used to receive motorcycle bracket assemblies. Angled bracket assemblies46comprise motorcycle mounting points48and plates50for mounting the angled brackets46to frame plate38. In assembly, the angled brackets46are mounted to frame plate38at apertures44using fasteners52. Once in place on the framework30, the angled brackets46are then mounted to the motorcycle2at points48using fasteners54. The angled brackets46mount to the frame of the motorcycle2at point48at a location on the motorcycle2suited to support motorcycle conversion assembly10.

The framework30further includes curve-shaped motorcycle bracket assemblies60which have apertures and fasteners61at the lower ends62, as well as apertures and fasteners63at the upper ends64, for attachment to the motorcycle2. The curved brackets60attach to the framework30at the lower ends62and attach to the motorcycle2using apertures and fasteners at the upper ends64at a suitable point on the motorcycle2for supporting the motorcycle conversion assembly10. The motorcycle brackets60and46are attached to the motorcycle2using fasteners that are easily removed to release the conversion assembly10from the motorcycle2.

In another embodiment of the present invention, plate38further comprises apertures45for attachment of a ball hitch receiver and safety chains for attachment of a trailer (not shown) to the motorcycle conversion assembly10.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the wheel assemblies12can be removed from the motorcycle conversion assembly10such that the frame30can be used to pull a trailer without the need for the wheel assemblies12.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the motorcycle2can be outfitted with saddle bags as indicated by dotted lines inFIG. 1such that the framework30is virtually hidden to the viewer.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the torsion axles18can be adjusted independently from one side to another using the torsion axle bracket assemblies22and adjusting the down pressure on torsion axles18by adjusting the size of spacers25disposed underneath the L-shaped flanges21stemming from the cylinder-like end pieces20of the torsion axles18. The independent adjustment of the torsion axles provides for a smoother ride when the motorcycle conversion assembly10is attached and used on a motorcycle2.

The fender assemblies14are attached to fender mounting plates16which are mounted on torsion axles18. In one embodiment of the present invention, the fender assemblies14move with the wheel assemblies12on the axis of the torsion axle18thus adding to the smoother ride and homogony of the system in travel.

Referring toFIG. 6, in yet another embodiment of the present invention, a motorcycle conversion assembly is generally shown by reference identifier100. The conversion assembly100is generally comprised of a frame110, which is made of a front cross member112, a rear cross member114, and two side members116. As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the front cross member112further comprises brackets118for attaching the front end of the frame110to a motorcycle (not shown). The rear cross member114of frame110further comprises brackets120which are used to attach the rear of the frame110to a motorcycle in assembly. Plates122are attached to the frame110at the intersection of side members116and rear cross member114and further attach to vertical plates124.

As shown inFIG. 8, vertical plates124further comprise inner cylinders126and outer cylinders128disposed at the top front edges of plates124. Inner cylinders126and outer cylinders128are used to house a bolt130in assembly. Vertical plates124attach to frame plates132which further attach to axle plates134. The frame plates132further comprise cylinders133which, in assembly, fit in between inner cylinders126and outer cylinders128of vertical mounting plates124. Thus, in assembly, the vertical mounting plates124and frame plates132are connected in a pivotal relationship around a pivot point A, which pivots around bolt130, which is positioned through outer cylinders128of the vertical mounting plates124, through cylinders133of frame plates132and finally through inner cylinders126of vertical mounting plates124where it is then fixed in place by nut131.

As shown inFIG. 8, the frame plates132have four apertures140. Axle plates134further comprise apertures142which align with apertures140of frame plates132in assembly. Axle plates134are U-shaped mounting assemblies having horizontal face plates135and vertical downturned portions136on either side of the horizontal face plates135. Square tubes138are disposed between downturned portions136of the axle plates134, and the square tubes138are used to mount torsion axles of the wheel assemblies (not shown). The torsion axles are similar to torsion axles18, as shown inFIG. 3, but, instead of having a cylinder-shaped end piece20, the torsion axles have a square-shaped end piece which sleeves into the square-shaped tubes138.

Frame plates132and axle plates134are connected by fasteners144which are secured in place by nuts145. The fasteners144pass through washers146before passing through apertures140and142. The washers146are used since apertures140are larger than normal apertures which allow for rotational adjustment of the frame plates132and axle plates134when the motorcycle conversion assembly100is fully assembled. Fasteners144then pass through the axle plates134and then through washers147which serve a similar purpose as to washers146. Spacers and seals148and149are also used to hold fasteners144in place after final adjustments have been made.

Torsion adjusters150are disposed through frame plates132and axle plates134and further span the distance between axle plates134to the side members116on the frame110to which they attach. The torsion adjusters150use similar spacers and seals as found on fasteners144. The torsion adjusters150pass through the frame plates132and through the axle plates134in assembly. Similar nuts, washers, and seals, as described for fasteners144, are also used for the torsion adjusters150on either side of the torsion adjusters150as they pass through apertures152of side members116of frame110. As shown inFIG. 10, the torsion adjusters150can be adjusted by driving the torsion adjusters150through the apertures152of side members116of frame110to increase the degree of torsion acting on the torsion axles (not shown). The further the torsion adjusters150are driven through apertures152of side members116of frame member110, the higher the degree of torsion acting on the torsion axles. By independently adjusting the torsion adjusters150, the frame plates132, the axle plates134, and the pivot point A rotating about bolts130, the end user can customize the ride and feel of the conversion assembly100.

As shown inFIGS. 9 and 9A, the torsion adjuster150shown is fully extended. As such, the least amount of torsion would be acting on the torsion axle in this configuration.

As shown inFIG. 10, the torsion adjuster150is partially driven through side member116of frame110. Thus, the degree of torsion acting on the torsion axle is increased.

As shown inFIG. 11, the axle plates134can be adjusted as indicated by arrows B and C in order to assure the wheel assemblies (not shown) are straight and parallel with the wheel assembly of the motorcycle (not shown). By adjusting the axle plates134and by adjusting the torsion adjusters150of motorcycle conversion assembly100, the user can right any unforeseen inconsistencies with the motorcycle conversion assembly100or the motorcycle frame as attached to the motorcycle conversion assembly100. The adjustment of the frame plates132and axle plates134ensures that the wheel assemblies are in the correct position to reduce wear and tear on the wheel assemblies and the torsion axle when in use. The adjustment of the torsion adjusters150will insure a smoother custom ride for the end user when the motorcycle conversion assembly100is attached and used on a motorcycle. All adjustments to the frame plates132and the axle plates134can be made independent of each other to insure that each component is properly adjusted with regard to the wheel assembly to which it is attached. The torsion adjusters150also operate independently of each other to fine tune each wheel assembly as needed by the end user.

The above description is considered that of the preferred embodiments only. Modifications of the invention will occur to those skilled in the art and to those who make or use the invention. It is understood, therefore, that the embodiments shown in the drawings and described above are merely for illustrative purposes and not intended to limit the scope of the invention, which is defined by the following claims as interpreted according to the principles of patent law, including the Doctrine of Equivalents.