Two-wheeled vehicle dolly and method of moving same

A dolly comprising a front segment and a rear segment, each with wheels at both ends thereof, wherein the wheels are movable between lowered and lifted settings, at least two connecting members between the front segment and the rear segment, and at least one towing ring on the front segment.

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COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL

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BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention (Technical Field)

The present invention relates to two-wheeled vehicle dollies, and more particularly to motorcycle dollies which enable a single operator to lift and move a motorcycle without tipping it on its side.

Description of Related Art

Moving broken down two-wheeled vehicles, in particular motorcycles, has various challenges. Commercially available motorcycle dollies require either the front or rear wheel of the motorcycle to be driven or pushed up through a ramp to reach a support platform onto which the motorcycle can be secured for moving, e.g., to be pushed onto a tow truck. Motorcycles are unstable by nature and pushing a broken-down motorcycle onto even a small, sloped ramp is challenging. The operation requires at least two people to ensure the motorcycle does not tip over on its side, which could greatly damage it. Requiring two people to load the motorcycle onto the dolly defeats the purpose of having this piece of equipment. Not only that, pushing a large motorcycle, e.g., a Harley Davidson®, with a flat tire up a ramp of this type is virtually impossible, even for two people, not to mention dangerous. The challenges of loading a motorcycle onto a tow truck utilizing state of the art dollies are evidenced through the current costs associated with the operation, which, despite the motorcycle's smaller size, are more than double those of an automobile. Additionally, commercially available motorcycle dollies are very expensive, are very bulky, and although some do fold up into a more compact configuration for transportation, they still require significant storage space. There is a need for effective, versatile, motorcycle dollies that can take less storage space, and can be operated by a single person.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is of a dolly comprising: a front segment and a rear segment, each with wheels at both ends thereof, wherein the wheels are movable between lowered and lifted settings; at least two connecting members between the front segment and the rear segment; and at least one towing ring on the front segment. In the preferred embodiment, each of the front and rear segments houses an axle to which the wheels are attached. Each of said connecting members can be disassembled. One or more lock pins connect sections of each connecting member. In one embodiment, the wheels are switchable between lowered and lifted settings independently of one another, and are preferably lockable into the lifted setting. In another embodiment, the wheels are switchable between lowered and lifted settings as pairs, preferably wherein connectors are secured to front and rear segments proximate the wheels to lock said wheels into the lifted setting, most preferably via chains.

The invention is also of a method for moving a two-wheeled or three-wheeled vehicle, the method comprising: providing a dolly as described above; securing a front wheel of the vehicle to the dolly; moving the wheels into their lifted settings; and moving the vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention solve the above noted problems by providing dollies for two-wheeled vehicles that eliminate all problems and risks of injury to employees/customers, or motorcycle damage. Embodiments of the present invention lay flat on the ground (lowered configuration) and are quickly assembled from a broken down configuration, are connected to the motorcycle without having to touch the motorcycle or having to push or exert physical strain, and once the motorcycle is securely stabilized, by, for example, strapping it to the flat-laying apparatus, the wheels of the apparatus are able to descend down to lift the wheel of the motorcycle up with an easy stroke of the hand (apparatus' lifted configuration). This makes it possible for a single person to safely and effectively move a motorcycle, for example, to pull it onto a tow truck, and eliminates any risk of the motorcycle being tipped over while being handled. In addition, embodiments of the present invention have a highly compact configuration when disassembled for transportation.

Embodiments of the present invention comprise dollies for two-wheeled vehicles, and more particularly, dollies for motorcycles that allow a single person to lift and move a motorcycle unassisted.

Referring now to the Figures, in one embodiment, dolly10comprises frame12, which is preferably formed when front segment14and rear segment16are assembled. Frame12can be fabricated of diverse suitable materials, which include but are not limited to metals such as tubular or solid steel, stainless steel, aluminum, and the like, plastic, wood, combinations thereof and the like. Preferably, front segment14comprises one or more preferably foldable connecting member18and rear segment16comprises one or more preferably foldable connecting member20. In one embodiment, each segment comprises two connecting members that can attach to a corresponding counterpart to form frame12. In one embodiment, connecting members18are manufactured of tubular steel that is larger in diameter than connecting members20, as depicted inFIG. 6. Then connecting members20are inserted into connecting members18to assemble frame12. Preferably, a locking mechanism is provided. For example, in one embodiment, the connecting members comprise matching perforations through which lock pins22are disposed. SeeFIG. 7. In a different embodiment, the apparatus comprises an automatic locking mechanism, for example, cam spring locks and the like.

Preferably, front segment14and rear segment16each comprise at least one wheel24. Referring toFIG. 10, in a preferred embodiment, each segment comprises two wheels24and a mechanism that allows the wheels to have a lowered configuration for assemblage of the dolly10around the wheel of a motorcycle or another two-wheeled vehicle, and a lifted configuration for moving the two-wheeled vehicle.

Preferably, the mechanism allows wheels24in each segment to switch between lowered and lifted configurations simultaneously for better stability of the two-wheeled vehicle during lifting. Referring toFIG. 10, for example, in one embodiment, front segment14and rear segment16house axle26that connects to rotating wheel hubs28as the ends of axle26protrude from axle bearings30. Preferably, rotating wheel hubs28comprise socket32into which a leverage tool such as metal rod or a screw driver, can be inserted to help switching to the lifted configuration. SeeFIGS. 2 and 8. Preferably, rotating wheel hubs28comprise a mechanism to lock them in their different configurations. For example, pins34can be inserted through matching holes axle bearings30. SeeFIG. 9. Alternatively, the apparatus comprises an automatic locking mechanism, for example, cam spring locks and the like.

In an alternative embodiment, each wheel comprises means to switch independently between lowered and lifted configurations including but not limited to hydraulic or mechanical means similar to the wide variety of car jacks available.

Preferably, strap36is disposed from back to front or vice versa to secure the vehicle's wheel and one or more straps38are used to further stabilize it. SeeFIG. 3. Preferably, frame12comprises means for strap36to be secured, for example, square lock pins39. In a preferred embodiment, towing ring40is disposed in the front of front segment14so that dolly10can be pulled, for example, onto the platform of a tow truck. Preferably, axle bearings30comprise rings42for optional attachment of straps38.

FIG. 11shows an alternative embodiment10′ of the invention, comprising frame12, front segment14, rear segment16, connecting members18, connecting members20(preferably having diameter greater than that of connecting members18), lock pins22, wheels24, strap attachment hoops50, and tow rings40. In this embodiment, the wheels are attached54directly to tabs56. The dolly is moved to lifted configuration by attaching chains58(or other like connectors) between opposing tabs52.

Embodiments of the present invention also contemplate methods of safely moving a two-wheeled vehicle. In one embodiment the method comprises assembling a frame of a dolly around a wheel of the vehicle in a lowered configuration, securing the wheel to the frame of the dolly, and switching the dolly to a lifted configuration. In a preferred embodiment, either the front or the back of the dolly is lifted first. Alternatively, both ends are lifted simultaneously. Note that while the invention is particularly useful for two-wheeled motorcycles, it can additionally be useful for three-wheeled vehicles, such as a three-wheeled motorcycle, a two-wheeled motorcycle with a sidecar, etc.

Note that in the specification and claims, “about” or “approximately” means within twenty percent (20%) of the numerical amount cited.