Multifunctional sidecar for motorcycle

A multifunctional sidecar for a motorcycle comprises a frame detachably provided at a side of the motorcycle and having a main wheel at a side thereof, a base plate rotatably coupled to a first side of the frame and folded in an upright position or unfolded to overlap a top of the frame, a side plate rotatably coupled to a second side of the frame and folded in an upright position or unfolded to extend from the second side of the frame, a rear plate rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the frame and folded in an upright position or unfolded to extend from the rear portion of the frame, supports supporting the side plate and the rear plate when the side plate and the rear plate are in the unfolded positions, and a coupling device connecting the sidecar with the motorcycle.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments of the present disclosure concern a sidecar, and more specifically, to a multifunctional sidecar for use in conjunction with motorcycles, capable of easier attachment to a motorcycle and folding and unfolding to allow for a spacious storage room or transformation into a bench.

DISCUSSION OF RELATED ART

With solo camping or backpacking gaining popularity, more and more folks enjoy motorcycle camping—so-called motocamping. Such touring type, however, is significantly limited, e.g., by the capacity of carrying luggage. The use of a motorcycle trailer may be an alternative to addressing such issue. A motorcycle trailer is typically attached to the rear of a motorcycle and towed behind as the motorcycle drives. However, it involves lots of safety issues, such as putting the user at risk when running or parked on the icy slipper site or causing severe inconvenience when in use on uneven grounds.

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a sidecar for a motorcycle comprises a frame detachably provided at a side of the motorcycle and having main wheel at a side thereof, a base plate rotatably coupled to a first side of the frame and folded in an upright position or unfolded to overlap a top of the frame, a side plate rotatably coupled to a second side of the frame and folded in an upright position or unfolded to extend from the second side of the frame, a rear plate rotatably coupled to a rear portion of the frame and folded in an upright position or unfolded to extend from the rear portion of the frame, supports supporting the side plate and the rear plate when the side plate and the rear plate are in the unfolded positions, and a coupling device connecting the sidecar with the motorcycle.

The base plate may include a first base board rotatably coupled to the frame by a first base hinge and a second base board rotatably coupled to the first base board by a second base hinge. The side plate may include a first side board rotatably coupled to the frame by a first side hinge, a second side board rotatably coupled to the first side board by a second side hinge, and a third side board rotatably coupled to the second side board by a third side hinge. The rear plate may include a first rear board rotatably coupled to the frame by a first rear hinge, a second rear board rotatably coupled to the first rear board by a second rear hinge, and a third rear board rotatably coupled to the second rear board by a third rear hinge.

The sidecar may further comprise a bottom plate detachably provided to overlap a top of the third side board when the first side board and the second side board are rotated into the upright position, and the third side plate is rotated to overlap the top of the frame.

The bottom plate may include a first bottom board, a second bottom board, and a third bottom board rotatably coupled to each other.

The sidecar may further comprise a storage compartment in a front portion of the frame. The storage compartment may be opened and closed by a bonnet. A side plate may be provided at a side of the base plate. A first fastener may be configured to fasten the side plate in the upright position to the storage compartment, and a second fastener may be configured to fasten the rear plate in the upright position to the side plate.

The second of the frame may include a first insertion hole and a first coupling hole that is inclined and positioned between two opposite steps. A side of the motorcycle may include a second insertion protrusion and a second coupling hole. The coupling device may include a first coupler and a second coupler. A first side of the first coupler may include a first coupling protrusion inclined to correspond to the first coupling hole and second steps provided at both sides of the first coupling protrusion and contacting the first steps. A second side of the first coupler may include a second coupling protrusion fitted into the second coupling hole. A first side of the second coupler may include a first insertion protrusion fitted into the first insertion hole and a second side of the second coupler may include a second insertion hole fitted over the second insertion protrusion.

The first coupling hole and the first coupling protrusion, the second coupling hole and the second coupling protrusion, the first insertion hole and the first insertion protrusion, and the second insertion hole and the second insertion protrusion may be mutually fastened by fastening pins passing therethrough.

The sidecar may further comprise a buoyant seating member having a seat and detachably provided on the top of the frame.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure, however, may be modified in various different ways, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” or “adjacent to” another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected, coupled, or adjacent to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present.

FIG. 1is a perspective view illustrating a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2is a perspective view illustrating a main body of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 3is a plan view illustrating a main body of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 4is a plan view illustrating a main body of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 5is a side view illustrating a table plate of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 6is a side view illustrating a side plate of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 7is a side view illustrating a rear plate of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 8is an exploded perspective view illustrating a first coupler of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 9is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first coupler of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 10is an exploded perspective view illustrating a second coupler of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 11is a perspective view illustrating a bottom plate of a motorcycle sidecar according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a motorcycle sidecar1000includes a main body1100positioned at a side of a motorcycle2000and a coupling device1200connecting the motorcycle sidecar with the main body1100.

The main body1100includes a frame1110, a base plate1120, a table plate1130, a side plate1140, a sub plate1150, a rear plate1160, a support1170, and a seating member1180.

A storage compartment1111may be provided at the front of the frame1110. The storage compartment1111may be opened and closed by a bonnet1112.

The storage compartment1111may have a triangular or streamlined shape to minimize resistance to winds while the motorcycle sidecar1000drives.

There may be a plurality of storage compartments1111.

main wheel1115is coupled to a side of the frame1110to support the frame1110and to allow the motorcycle sidecar1000to drive alongside the motorcycle2000.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, although the drawings show that there is one main wheel1115at a side of the frame1110, embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, there may be provided a plurality of main wheels1115.

A side plate1113is provided at a side of the frame1110on the top of the frame1110to be perpendicular to the top of the frame1110. A guard1114is provided at a side of the side plate1113to surround an upper part of the main wheel1115away from the main wheel1115.

The main body1100is coupled to the motorcycle2000with the frame1100positioned parallel to the ground.

When the main body1100is separated from the motorcycle2000, since the main wheel1115is provided at the side of the main body1100, the main body1100may be tilted to the other side of the main body1100.

Accordingly, an auxiliary roller1116may be provided at the opposite side of the main body1100on the bottom of the frame1110to allow the frame1110to remain parallel to the ground.

According to an embodiment, one auxiliary roller1116and another auxiliary roller1116, respectively, may be provided at the front and rear of the opposite side of the main body1100on the bottom of the frame1110to balance the frame1110.

Not only does allow the frame1110to remain parallel to the ground when the main body1100is separated from the motorcycle2000, but the auxiliary roller1116, along with the main wheel1115, facilitates the movement of the main body1100.

Further, the auxiliary roller1116may be attached to the bottom of the frame1110to be folded or unfolded by a roller hinge R.

For example, the auxiliary roller1116may be unfolded when the main body1100is separated from the motorcycle2000and be folded when the main body1100is coupled to the motorcycle2000.

The auxiliary roller1116may be configured to adjust its length in the upper and lower directions to allow the main body1100and the motorcycle2000to remain parallel to each other when the main body1100and the motorcycle2000are coupled to or removed from each other.

The auxiliary roller1116may have a roller fastening hook H to keep the auxiliary roller1116in the position folded or unfolded by the roller hinge R.

The base plate1120is rotatably coupled to a side of the side plate1113on the top surface of the frame1110.

For example, the base plate1120includes a first base board1121and a second base board1123. The first base board1121is rotatably coupled to the side of the side plate1113by a first base hinge1122. The second base board1123is rotatably coupled to a side of the first base board1121by a second base hinge1124.

As the first base board1121and the second base board1123rotate, the first base board1121and the second base board1123may be unfolded on the top of the frame1110or stand on the top of the frame1110in the folded position.

While the first base board1121and the second base board1123turn from their unfolded position to their folded and upright position, the first base board1121may rotate up at about 90 degrees, and the second base board1123may rotate down at about 180 degrees.

The first base board1121and the second base board1123, upon unfolding, turn in the opposite directions.

When the first base board1121and the second base board1123are in their standing position, the first base board1121and the second base board1123may be brought in parallel and contact with the side plate1113.

For example, the first base board1121and the second base board1123may be formed to have the same size, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto.

The table plate1130is rotatably coupled to a side of the side plate1113over the guard1114.

For example, the table plate1130includes a first table board1131, a second table board1133, and a third table board1135. The first table board1130is provided over the guard1114to be rotatably by a first table hinge1132. The second table board1133is coupled to a side of the first table board1131to be rotatable by a second table hinge1134. The third table board1135is coupled to a side of the second table board1133to be rotatable by a third table hinge1136.

The first table board1131, the second table board1133, and the third table board1135may be unfolded along the top of the guard1114in parallel with the ground or be folded in a zig-zag shape into a standing position.

The first table board1131is supported on the top of the guard1114, and the second table board1133and the third table board1135are supported with their respective opposite sides contacting each other.

For example, the third table hinge1136may mutually connect a side of the second table board1133with a side of the third table board1135so that, when the second table board1133and the third table board1135are unfolded on each other, their respective opposite sides may support each other.

While the first table board1131, the second table board1133, and the third table board1135turn from their unfolded position to their upright position, the first table board1131may rotate up at about 90 degrees, the second table board1133may rotate down at about 180 degrees, and the third table board1135may rotate up at about 180 degrees.

While the first table board1131, the second table board1133, and the third table board1135turn from their folded, upright position to their unfolded position, the first table board1131, the second table board1133, and the third table board1135may rotate in their opposite directions.

The table plate1130in its unfolded position may be supported on the top of the guard1114, allowing the table plate1130to be available as a legless table.

The first table board1131, the second table board1133, and the third table board1135, in the upright position, may be fastened onto the top of the guard1114by a first fastener1137coupled to the third table board1135, maintaining the upright position.

The first fastener1137may be formed as a latch, which is commonly used. A first latch pin may be movably formed on the third table board1135, and a first latch hole may be formed in the top of the guard1114to allow the first latch pin to fit thereinto, enabling locking.

A first fastening ring1138is provided to mutually couple the second table board1133and the third table board1135on the tops of the second table board1133and the third table board1135when the table plate1130is in its upright position.

The first fastening ring1138may be substantially U-shaped. The first fastening ring1138may fit and fasten onto the respective tops of the second table board1133and the third table board1135.

The side plate1140is rotatably coupled to a side of the frame1110on the top of the frame1110.

For example, the side plate1140includes a first side board1141, a second side board1143, and a third side board1145. The first side board1141is coupled to be rotatable sideways by a first side hinge1142. The second side board1143is coupled to a side of the first side board1141to be rotatable by a second side hinge1143. The third side board1145is coupled to a side of the second side board1143to be rotatable by a third side hinge1146.

The first side board1141, the second side board1143, and the third side board1145, upon rotation, may be unfolded to extend sideways further away from the frame1110, or the first side board1141and the second side board1143may be folded into their upright position while the third side board1145is spread over the top of the frame1110.

While the first side board1141, the second side board1143, and the third side board1145turn from their unfolded position to the upright position, the first side board1141may rotate up at about 90 degrees, the second side board1143may rotate up at about 180 degrees, and the third side board1145may rotate down at about 90 degrees.

The side plate1140, when in the folded position, may be substantially in an L shape.

When the side plate1140, specifically the third side board1145, is unfolded on the top of the frame1110, a step may occur between the side plate1140and the frame1110. The width of the third side board1145may be the same as the width of the base plate1120in the unfolded position so that the step between the side plate1140and the frame1110may be covered by the base plate1120.

When the side plate1140is in the folded position, a bottom plate1190may be covered onto the top of the third side board1145, which is upside down when folded.

The bottom plate1190includes a first bottom board1191, a second bottom board1192, and a third bottom board1193.

The first bottom board1191, the second bottom board1192, and the third bottom board1193are rotatably coupled to each other.

A second fastener1147may be provided to maintain the folded, i.e., upright, position of the side plate1140.

The second fastener1147is coupled to an upper portion of the first side board1141in the upright position of the first side board1141and the second side board1143, and the second fastener1147is fixed onto a rear surface of the storage compartment1111to maintain the upright position of the first side board1141and the second side board1143.

The second fastener1147may be formed as a latch which is commonly used. A second latch pin is movably formed on the first side board1141, and a second latch pin is formed in the rear surface of the storage compartment1111to allow the second latch pin to fit thereinto, thereby enabling locking.

The sub plate1150is rotatably coupled to a farthest side of the frame1110on the top of the frame1110.

For example, the sub plate1150includes a sub board1151. The sub board1151is coupled to the side of the frame1110to be rotatable by a sub hinge1152.

The sub board1151may be rotated to extend in parallel or perpendicular to the frame1110.

The sub board1151, upon turning from the unfolded to upright position, rotates up.

The sub board1151, upon unfolding, rotates in the opposite direction.

As the sub plate1150extends in parallel with the frame1110to unfold the side plate1140, the sub plate1150may support the first side board1141and the second side board1143.

The sub plate1150may have a third fastener to maintain its upright position.

The third fastener1153is fixed to the rear surface of the storage compartment1111to keep the sub plate1150in the upright position.

The third fastener1153may be formed as a latch which is commonly used. A third latch pin may be movably formed on the sub plate1151, and a third latch hole may be formed in the rear surface of the storage compartment1111to allow the third latch pin to fit thereinto, enabling locking.

The side plate1140in the upright position may be spaced apart from the sub plate1150, leaving a space that may be utilized for storage.

A separate (safety) net may be provided in the storage space to cover the top and rear surfaces which are opened.

The rear plate1160is rotatably coupled to a rear surface of the frame1110.

For example, the rear plate1160includes a first rear board1161, a second rear board1163, and a third rear board1165.

The first rear board1161is coupled to the rear surface of the frame1110to be rotatable in the rear direction by a first rear hinge1162. The second rear board1163is coupled to a side of the first rear board1161to be rotatable by a second rear hinge1164. The third rear board1165is coupled to a side of the second rear board1163to be rotatable by a third rear hinge1166.

The first rear board1161may be unfolded in the rear surface direction of the frame1110, and the second rear board1163and the third rear board1165may be unfolded in the side direction or folded in a zig-zag manner into the upright position.

While the first rear board1161, the second rear board1163, and the third rear board1165turn from the unfolded position to the upright position, the first rear board1161may rotate up at about 90 degrees, the second rear board1163may rotate down at about 180 degrees, and the third rear board1165may rotate up at about 180 degrees.

The first rear board1161, the second rear board1163, and the third rear board1165, when unfolded, may be rotated in the opposite directions.

The rear plate1160may have a fourth fastener1167to maintain the folded position.

The fourth fastener1167mutually connect the first rear board1161and the third rear board1165with the first rear board1161, the second rear board1163, and the third rear board1165folded together.

The fourth fastener1167may be formed as a toggle latch.

The rear plate1160may have a fifth fastener to maintain the upright position.

The fifth fastener1168may be provided as a pin that passes through the side plate1113of the frame1110to be fastened to the first rear board1161.

A second fastening ring1169may be provided on the tops of the rear plate1160and the side plate1140to mutually connect the rear plate1160and the side plate1140in the unfolded position.

The second fastening ring1169may be shaped substantially as the letter “n”, and may be inserted and fastened to the tops of the rear plate1160and the side plate1140.

There may be a plurality of supports1170. Each support1170may be shaped as a rectangular pillar. The supports1170are coupled to support the respective bottoms of the side plate1140, the sub plate1150, and the rear plate1160when the side plate1140, the sub plate1150, and the rear plate1160are in their unfolded position.

Each support1170is not limited as having the rectangular pillar but may be formed in other various shapes, e.g., a cylinder or a polygonal pillar.

The supports1170may be coupled at the corners of the side plate1140, the sub plate1150, and the rear plate1160.

Rectangular tubes1171may be formed in the respective corners of the side plate1140, the sub plate1150, and the rear plate1160, and the supports1170may fit into the rectangular tubes1171.

After the supports1170are fitted into the rectangular tubes1171, bolts1172may be screwed through the sides of the rectangular tubes1171, fastening the supports1170.

The supports1170may be formed to be adjustable in height.

Each rectangular tube1171may be formed to correspond to the shape of its corresponding support1170.

Since the first side board1141may be supported by the sub board1151, no supports1170may be provided on the first side board1141of the side plate1140.

The supports1170may be removed and stored in the storage compartment1111when the side plate1140, the sub plate1150, and the rear plate1160are in the folded positions.

The supports1170may be stored not only in the storage compartment1111but also in other various storage spaces.

The seating member1180may be mounted in the main body1100. The seating member1180may include a seat1181for a passenger. The seating member1180may be shaped as a canoe.

The seating member1180allows a user or passenger to sit in the main body1100.

When the seating member1180is mounted in the main body1100, the front, rear, and both side surfaces of the seating member1180may be brought in tight contact and fastened to the storage compartment1111, base plate1120, side plate1140, and rear plate1160of the main body1100.

The coupling device1200may be a means to couple the main body1100with the motorcycle2000. The coupling device1200includes a first coupler1210and a second coupler1220.

A first insertion hole1119is formed in a portion of a side of the frame1110, and a first coupling hole1118is inclinedly formed between first steps1117in another portion of the side of the frame1110.

A second insertion protrusion2002is formed on the top of a side of the motorcycle2000in the position opposite the first insertion hole1119, and a second coupling hole2001is formed in the bottom of the side in the position opposite the first coupling hole1118.

The second insertion protrusion2002may be formed to be coupled to or removed from a side surface of the motorcycle2000. Thus, the motorcycle2000may be driven with the main body1100removed, without being disturbed by the main body1100.

A first coupling protrusion1212that is inclined is formed at a side of the first coupler1210to correspond to the first coupling hole1118. Second steps1211are formed at both sides of the first coupling protrusion1212to contact the first steps1117.

A second coupling protrusion1213is formed at another side of the first coupler1210to be fitted into the second coupling hole2001of the motorcycle2000.

The first coupling protrusion1212and the first coupling hole1118may be formed to be inclined at about 45 degrees, allowing the first coupling protrusion1212to be guided along the slope and inserted into the first coupling hole1118.

The second coupler1220includes a first insertion protrusion1221vertically extending down and inserted into the first insertion hole1119and a second insertion hole1222in the top to allow the second insertion protrusion2002to be fitted thereto.

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there may be provided a plurality of first couplers1210and a plurality of second couplers1220. The first coupling hole1118and the first coupling protrusion1212, the second coupling hole2001and the second coupling protrusion1213, the first insertion hole1119and the first insertion protrusion1221, and the second insertion hole1222and the second insertion protrusion2002may be fitted together and penetrated sideways and fastened by fastening pins P.

Each fastening pin P may be a cotter pin.

An ice box2003may be installed at the rear of the motorcycle2000.

The operation of the motorcycle sidecar1000is described below.

The main body1100may be coupled to the motorcycle2000and drive together with the motorcycle2000, with the table plate1130, the side plate1140, the sub plate1150, and the rear plate1160folded up.

The main body1100may be separated from the motorcycle2000by removing the fastening pins P to separate the first coupler1210and the second coupler1220.

To remove the main body1100from the motorcycle2000, the fastening pins P are removed and, then, the second coupler1220is removed.

The fastening pin P of the first coupler1210, which is positioned adjacent the main body1100, is first removed.

Then, the motorcycle2000is tilted away from the main body1100and is then disconnected from the main body1100.

Thereafter, the first coupler1210which remains attached to the motorcycle2000is taken off by removing the fastening pin P, thus addressing inconvenience due to its protruding and left-right imbalance in the motorcycle2000while the motorcycle2000drives with the main body1100detached.

When the main body1100is separated from the motorcycle2000, the main body1100may be tilted sideways. In this case, before separation of the main body1100from the motorcycle2000, the auxiliary roller1116may be unfolded to support the main body1100to allow the main body1100to remain parallel to the ground.

The main body1100may be leveled, relocated or moved a short distance by the main wheel1115and the auxiliary roller1116.

The rear plate1160is unfolded to remove the seating member1180after placing the main body1100in, e.g., a camp site.

The first rear plate1161is coupled to the support1170and is then unfolded. The second rear plate1163and the third rear plate1165are unfolded.

Thereafter, unfolding continues with the sub plate1150. The side plate1140is unfolded, followed by unfolding the base plate1120.

The base plate1120may cover the step between the top of the frame1110and the side plate1140.

If the sub plate1150, the side plate1140, the base plate1120, and the rear plate1160are unfolded, the main body1100is rendered to appear like a wood bench or deck.

A tent or mat may be placed on the main body1100completely unfolded.

The main body1100may be folded in the reverse order.

According to embodiments of the present disclosure, a sidecar may be attached and detached to the side of a motorcycle, addressing insufficient storage space.

As the side and rear part of the sidecar may be unfolded and supported by supports, the sidecar may be utilized as a camping deck or bench.

The seating member may be shaped as a canoe and be detachably formed. For example, the user may enjoy canoeing using the seating member.

The main body may be utilized as a carrier or storage, with the seating member removed and the bottom plate installed.

While the present disclosure has been shown and described with reference to exemplary embodiments thereof, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the following claims.