Abstract:
This utility tray is rectangular in shape and mounts securely to the rear fender of the motocross bike. The main frame has tapered side wall with u-shape cuts to accommodate tools such as Tee Handle Wrenches. A quarter portion of the utility tray has a top tray. Top tray incorporates two large holes to accommodate aerosol cans and two small holes for the front and rear axles. Back section of the top tray is the tool rail with strategic holes for screwdrivers, bolts and sockets. Bottom of the main frame mounts a Trapezoid shaped fender pocket, four non slip standoffs and an auxiliary stabilizer strap. Insert the rear fender into the trapezoid fender pocket and apply the strap. This combination gives the utility tray Tremendous Amount of Stability. While mounted the seat in able to be removed to access the air filter. The utility tray stores in a vertical position when mounted on its wall bracket. In this position the utility tray will accommodate three aerosol cans.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to utility trays for holding and organizing tools, and more particularly relates to fender mountable utility trays. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Motorcycles and dirt bikes (motorcross or off-road motorcycles) require constant maintenance. In particular, dirt bikes used for recreation and competition in less than desirable areas such as in the woods, deserts and motorcross tracks require constant upkeep. Often, sudden repairs are necessary in areas where a shop or garage is not readily available. As such, many repairs become difficult and complicated due to the presence of dirt and the lack of storage areas to organize parts and tools. Even during simple repairs, such as changing a tire or changing the rear brakes, it is essential that the removed parts are kept clean and dirt-free. It is common for mechanics to store tools and parts on the ground while making repairs, which can further damage the dirt bike. Unless the removed parts are carefully monitored, dirt and debris easily adhere to the components, impacting the operation and maintenance of the dirt bike. Furthermore, storing items on the ground yields the inherent problem of losing tools and parts. 
         [0005]    Additionally, the constant act of bending down for parts and tools can make repairs uncomfortable and tiring for the mechanic. 
         [0006]    All known tool tray and devices for storing tool or parts while working on the motorcycle are extremely unstable and do not mount securely to the bike. 
         [0007]    Several types of service trays are currently available that attempt to reconcile some of the problems associated with dirt bike repairs; however, the design of each device also presents new problems. One device, the Moto-Tek® Race-Tray Dirt Motorcycle Service Tray, available at www.moto-tek.com/race-tray.html, provides a single level tray mountable to the fender of a dirt bike. The tray includes storage for tools within the tray and along an outer perimeter thereof. Unfortunately, this creates the problem of tool projecting downwards below the fender, into the work area of the rear tire. The only means provided for securing the device to the fender is bungee cord. The use of bungee cord allows the tray to uncontrollably rotate and slide along the fender, resulting in an extremely unstable work platform. It is believed that this device may tip when tools or parts are stored therein. The Moto-Tek® service tray is also limited to storage for basic parts and tools; there are no means for stabilizing cans or organizing loose tools, such as sockets and wrenches. 
         [0008]    Another device, the Pit Clip™, available at http://pitdepot.com/pitclip.html, provides a single level tray for storing tools and parts that clips onto the rear fender of a dirt bike. Similar to the Moto-Tek® service tray, the Pit Clip™ is believed to be quite unstable, as it is securable to only the rearmost edge of the dirt bike fender, and provides no means for holding cans in an upright position or organizing loose tools. The clip used to secure the tray to the fender may not be adequate to prevent the tray from detaching and falling from the fender, especially if the tray is off balance when loaded with tools and parts. 
         [0009]    The present invention provides a novel fender-mountable utility tray that overcomes the inherent disadvantages found in conventional utility tray designs. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0010]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the rear end of a dirt bike with the utility tray formed in accordance with the present invention affixed to the rear fender. 
           [0011]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the bottom surface of the utility tray formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the fender pocket and standoffs. 
           [0012]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of the utility tray formed in accordance with the present invention. 
           [0013]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the utility tray formed in accordance with the present invention, also showing a partial cross-sectional view of the fender pocket with the rear fender of the dirt bike therein. 
           [0014]      FIG. 5  is a transverse cross-sectional view of the utility tray formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the rear fender within the fender pocket. 
           [0015]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the utility tray formed in accordance with the present invention, showing the utility tray hanging from a hook on a wall. 
           [0016]      FIG. 7  is a side view of a dirt bike with the utility tray formed in accordance with the present invention affixed to the rear fender thereof. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOS 
       [0017]    Photo  1  is a top and side view of the utility tray mounted to the rear fender of the motocross bike, with Tee Handle Wrenches, aerosol cans, axle and parts. 
         [0018]    Photo  2  is a view of the utility trays tool rail with sockets and screwdrivers. 
         [0019]    Photo  3  is a side view of the utility tray mounted to the rear fender with its four standoffs, safety strap and the fender pocket. Note how the bottoms of the utility tray dose not contact the top of the fender. Also the tip of the rear fender is into the fender pocket. 
         [0020]    Photo  4  is a view of the fender in the trapezoid fender pocket. 
         [0021]    Photo  5  is a view of the utility tray mounted to the wall bracket in its vertical storage position, with three aerosol cans installed. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0022]    In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a fender mountable utility tray  2  includes a generally rectangular main frame  4  having a top surface  6  and oppositely disposed bottom surface  8 . The main frame  4  further includes a front wall  10 , oppositely disposed back wall  12  and lateral side walls  14  situated therebetween. As shown in  FIGS. 1-3  of the drawings, each of the front wall  10 , back wall  12  and side walls  14  extends perpendicularly upwardly from the top surface  6  of the main frame  4  along its outer edge  5  to define a confined space  22  for holding tools and parts. As shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, the utility tray  2  may further include a covering  24 , such as non-slip matt or protective rubber cover, positioned on the top surface  6  within the confined space  22 . 
         [0023]    Now referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  4  and  5  of the drawings, the utility tray further includes a fender pocket  26  affixed to the bottom surface  8  of the main frame  4 . More specifically, in a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fender pocket  26  is defined by a base member  28 , the base member  28  having a bottom wall  29 , an open front end  30 , an oppositely disposed closed back wall  32  and lateral side walls  34  situated therebetween, the open front end  30  being larger in height and width than the closed back wall  32 , and the side walls  34  mutually converging in a direction from the open front end  30  to the back wall  32 , to define the pocket with an overall trapezoidal shape when viewed from the bottom and the side of the tray. 
         [0024]    More specifically, the side walls  34  extend perpendicularly from the bottom wall  29  of the base member  28  towards the bottom surface  8  of the main frame  4 . The side walls  34  and back wall  32  further include mounting flanges  38 , the mounting flanges  38  extending outwardly from the side walls  34  of the base member  28  and back wall  32 . The mounting flanges  38  include a top surface  40 , the top surface  40  being parallel and affixed to the bottom surface  8  of the main frame  4  by welding, fasteners or the like. 
         [0025]    The fender pocket  26  defined by the base member  28  is preferably positioned in proximity to the front wall  10  of the main frame  4 , the fender pocket  26  further being centered between the side walls  14  of the main frame  4 . The bottom surface  8  of the main frame  4 , and the side walls  34  of the base member  28 , thus define the open front end  30  for receiving the rear fender  44  of a dirt bike  46  or other similar motorcross vehicle having a rear fender  44 . The rear fender  44  is received through the open front end  30  into the interior space  48  of the fender pocket  26  defined by the base member  28 . As shown in  FIG. 6  of the drawings, when the utility tray  2  is not in use, it may be stored on a wall or rack by hanging it on a hook  50 , which is received by the fender pocket  26 . When the utility tray  2  is stored in a hanging position, cans  52  and tools may be stored in an upright position, as will be explained further. 
         [0026]    The fender pocket  26  further includes a first pair of semi-rigid standoffs  53  formed of rubber or other similar material that extend downwardly from the bottom surface  8  of the main frame  4 . The standoffs  53  are particularly situated within the interior space  48  of the fender pocket  26  to contact the top surface  55  of the fender  44  received by the fender pocket  26 . Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5  of the drawings, it can be seen that the top surface  55  of the rear fender  44  engages a second pair of relatively larger standoffs  54  extending from the bottom surface  8  of the main frame  4  as well as the standoffs  53  situated within the fender pocket  26 . Preferably, the bottom edges  56  of the rear fender  44  touch the side walls  34  and bottom wall  29  of the base member  28  defining the fender pocket  26 , so that the fender  44  is securely wedged within the confines of the pocket  26  and prevented from wobbling laterally. 
         [0027]    The standoffs  53  of the first pair are spaced apart from each other, and the standoffs  54  of the second pair are similarly spaced apart from each other, predetermined distances which are selected by taking into account the height of the standoffs and the transverse curvature of the rear fender  44  of the dirt bike so that the tray  2  rests on the fender  44  at four points (i.e., where the standoffs  53 ,  54  are located) without the bottom surface  8  touching the fender  44  of the dirt bike. Furthermore, the first pair of standoffs  53  are separated from the second pair of standoffs  54  a second predetermined distance which is selected by taking into account the height of the standoffs and the longitudinal curvature of the rear fender  44  so that the bottom surface  8  of the main frame  4  does not rest on the top surface of the fender  44 , to also allow the tray  2  to rest on the fender  44  of the dirt bike only by the standoffs  53 ,  54  so as to avoid any forward/rearward instability when the tray  2  is mounted on the fender  44 . The standoffs  53 ,  54  thus provide further stability to the tray as well as minimize any cosmetic deformation of the rear fender  44 . 
         [0028]    The utility tray  2  further preferably includes an auxiliary stabilizer strap  58  in proximity to the back wall  12  of the main frame  4 . More specifically, each lateral side wall  14  of the main frame  4  includes two slots  60  in proximity to the back wall  12  of the main frame  4  to receive the auxiliary stabilizer strap  58 . Once the rear fender  44  has been received by the fender pocket  26 , the stabilizer strap  58  is wrapped around the rear fender  44  and secured thereto. The strap  58  may be secured by conventional means, such as a buckle, snap, Velcro™ or other similar device. 
         [0029]    The combination of the fender pocket  26 , standoffs  53 ,  54  and auxiliary stabilizer strap  58  minimize transverse and longitudinal movement of the utility tray  2  with respect to the rear fender  44  of the dirt bike  46 . More specifically, the standoffs  53 ,  54  and fender pocket  26  minimize side-to-side movement of the utility tray  2 . The side walls  34  extending from the back wall  32  of the base member  28  minimize axial movement of the utility tray  2 . For example, once the rear fender  44  has been inserted through the open front end  30  of the wedge-shaped fender pocket  26 , the fender  44  is stopped by the back wall  32 , preventing further movement of the tray  2  longitudinally on the dirt bike towards the front end thereof. Similarly, the auxiliary stabilizer strap  58  securing the back wall  12  of the tray  2  to the rear fender  44  minimizes movement of the tray  2  in a backwards direction on the dirt bike  46 . 
         [0030]    Now referring to  FIGS. 1-3  of the drawings, an angled tool holder  62  extends perpendicularly from the top surface  6  of the main frame  4  in proximity to the back wall  12 . More specifically, the angled tool holder  62  includes a rear wall  64 , the rear wall  64  being generally rectangular in shape. The rear wall  64  includes a back surface  66  and a front surface  68 . The back surface  66  of the rear wall  64  is preferably parallel to and in contact with the inner surface  18  of the back wall  12  of the main frame  4 . 
         [0031]    The angled tool holder  62  further includes first and second lateral side walls  70 ,  72 , each of the first and second side walls  70 ,  72  having inner and outer surfaces  74 ,  76 . The first and second side walls  70 ,  72  extend perpendicularly from the rear wall  64  towards the front wall  10  of the main frame  4 , the outer surfaces  76  of the first and second side walls  70 ,  72  being parallel to and in contact with the inner surfaces  18  of the side walls  14  of the main frame  4 . 
         [0032]    Each of the first and second side walls  70 ,  72  includes an angled portion  78  having a plurality of spaced apart U-shaped slots  80  situated along a top edge  83  thereof, the U-shaped slots  80  of the first side wall  70  being aligned with the U-shaped slots  80  of the second sidewall  72 . As shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, tools such as a tee handle wrench  75  may be held by the U-shaped slots  80 . Preferably, each angled portion  78  of the side walls  70 ,  72  includes four (4) U-shaped slots  80  to hold four tools such as tee handle wrenches  75  extending across the width of the tray  2 . As shown in  FIG. 4  of the drawings, each of the first and second side walls  70 ,  72  of the angled tool holder  62  further includes a plurality of spaced apart tool holding holes  82  situated transversely thereon, the tool holding holes  82  of the first side wall  70  being aligned with the tool holding holes  82  of the second side wall  72 . The tool holding holes  82  are preferably varied in diameter so as to accept several different types of tools. Furthermore, the tool holding holes  82  allow the utility tray  2  to have an overall lighter weight due to decreased amount of material. 
         [0033]    Now referring to  FIGS. 2 and 3  of the drawings, the utility tray  2  further includes a tool rail  84 . The tool rail  84  is preferably formed as an elongated U-shaped member  86  extending widthwise on the tray  2 . The U-shaped member  86  has a base member  88  and a first and second tool rack  90 ,  92  extending perpendicularly outwardly therefrom, the first and second tool racks  90 ,  92  being parallel to each other. The base member  88  further includes a front surface  94  and an opposite back surface  96 , the back surface  96  being affixed to a top portion  98  of the back surface  66  of the rear wall  64  of the angled tool holder  62 . 
         [0034]    Referring to  FIG. 2  of the drawings, the first and second tool racks  90 ,  92  include a plurality of spaced apart holes  93 , the holes  93  in the first tool rack  90  being aligned with the holes  93  of the second tool rack  92 , so that the first and second tool racks  90 ,  92  may receive tools therebetween. For example, as shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, a screwdriver  100  may be received by the holes  93 , the handle  102  of the screwdriver  100  being supported by the first tool rack  90 . The first tool rack  90  may further include a plurality of socket holes  104 . The socket holes  104  of the first tool rack  90  are preferably aligned with a portion  106  of the second tool rack  92  that does not contain any holes. The socket holes  104  in the first tool rack  90  may receive parts or tools such as sockets  108 . As shown in  FIG. 3  of the drawings, the sockets  108  received by the socket holes  104  of the first tool rack  90  are held in place within the socket hole  104  and rest on the second tool rack  92 . 
         [0035]    The utility tray  2  further includes an upper tray portion  110 , the upper tray portion  110  being generally rectangular in shape and having a front end wall  112 , back end wall  114  and side walls  116  situated therebetween. The upper tray portion  110  further includes a lower surface  118  surrounded by walls  112 ,  114  and  116 . The upper tray portion  110  is positioned within the angled tool holder  62  in a space  128  defined by the rear wall  64  and the first and second side walls  70 ,  72  of the angled tool holder  62 , in proximity to the back wall  12  of the main frame  4 . The upper tray portion  110  further includes a plurality of relatively large diameter holes  130  formed through the thickness of the lower surface  118 , which surface overlies the top surface  6  of the tray  2 . Preferably, the upper tray portion  110  includes two large holes  130  that are dimensioned to receive cans such as aerosolized lubricants. The upper tray portion  110  also includes two small hole  132 , or a plurality of small holes  132 , formed through the thickness of the lower surface  118  for receiving a tool or part such as a front or rear axle  133 . The items received by the large and small holes  130 ,  132  of the upper tray portion  110  are held in place within their respective hole and rest on the top surface  6  of the main frame  4 . 
         [0036]    The utility tray  2  formed in accordance with the present invention is mounted on the rear fender  44 , or even the front fender, of the dirt bike. The rear fender  44  is received by the fender pocket  26  attached to the bottom surface  8  of the main frame  4 . The fender pocket  26  and rear fender  44  secured therein minimize any side-to-side or front-to-back movement of the utility tray  2  with respect to the rear fender  44  and dirt bike  46 . The auxiliary stabilizer strap  58  is secured around the rear fender  44  and provides additional support to the utility tray  2  with respect to the rear fender  44  and dirt bike  46 . The combination of the fender pocket  26  and auxiliary stabilizer strap  58  provides an extremely stable utility tray  2  that resists transverse and longitudinal movement when mounted on the dirt bike. The tray  22  defined by the top surface  6  of the main frame  4  and walls extending therefrom provides a clean, large working surface for parts and tools, such as oil cans and drain plugs, as well as air filters, handle bar grips, clutch plates and the like. In a preferred embodiment, the angled tool holder  62  provides storage for four (4) or more tee handle wrenches  75  within the U-shaped slots  80  formed in the angled portion  78  of the side walls  70 ,  72  and tool holding holes  82  formed therein. The tool rail  84  positioned on the top portion  98  of the rear wall  64  of the angled tool holder  62  provides storage means for screwdrivers  100 , sockets  104  and the like. The upper tray portion  110  positioned within the angled tool holder  62  provides storage for preferably two aerosolized cans  52  and for parts, such as an axle  133 , which is extremely beneficial while changing a tire. 
         [0037]    Referring to  FIG. 6  of the drawings, the tray  2  may be stored in an upright position on a wall by inserting a wall mounted hook  50  into the open front end  30  of the fender pocket  26 . Aerosol cans  52  may be held in an upright position between the top surface  6  of the tray  2  and the upper tray portion  110 . 
         [0038]    The present invention is constructed form aluminum that is laser cut and bent to perfection, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this material and that it can be constructed of a variety of materials without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. 
         [0039]    Although illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to those precise embodiments, and that various other changes modifications and material may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention.