Abstract:
The present invention is a motorcycle wheel holder with the capability of holding four motorcycle wheels simultaneously. The holder is capable of being rolled around and folds into a closed configuration by rotating two arms into its main frame. The arms are lockable in the deployed or stored configuration via actuation of locking pins. The unique geometry of the invention allows it to be oriented vertically or horizontally.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates generally to an apparatus for storing motorcycle wheels or tires. More particularly, this invention pertains to an apparatus for storing approximately four motorcycle wheels for ready access and that folds into a compact configuration for its own storage or transport and which can be oriented both vertically and horizontally. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   There have been many different embodiments of motorcycle wheel storage devices over the years; some have been available commercially as shown by GP Tech, Ten-80 Racing and Tyrsox and some have been built as a one-of-a-kind embodiment to meet the needs of the individual motorcyclist. 
   Prior embodiments of motorcycle wheel holders have traditionally consisted of metal rod(s) onto which a motorcycle wheel is installed and held in place. Individual wheels have often been incorporated into the device to allow it to be moved around relatively short distances such as from a racer&#39;s team paddock area at a race track to a tire vendor within the paddock area of the same race track. Many of the devices have generally been capable of being folded or dismantled for compact storage and/or shipping. 
   Like prior embodiments, the present invention also uses metal rods to hold the motorcycle wheels, has wheels incorporated to allow it to be moved, and can be folded. Unlike prior embodiments, the present invention has unique features including the ability to fold the device for storage that utilizes two identical arms linked to a main frame with pivot pins and angle-locking pins, which allow both arms to fold parallel to the main frame for compact storage. Also, the special geometric arrangements of the two arms, main frame, wheels, and rubber feet allow the invention to be oriented vertically or horizontally with motorcycle wheels oriented directly above each other when the invention is oriented vertically and at equal distance from the ground/floor when the invention is oriented horizontally. 
   The size and proportions of the apparatus and its components can be altered to fit various applications. More motorcycle wheels can be accommodated with the use of longer rods. Details of the embodiment of the invention can be varied without varying the concept of the invention. 
   BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Like prior embodiments of the motorcycle wheel holder, the present invention is a framework with rods capable of holding up to four motorcycle wheels for quick and ready access and it has wheels that allow it to be rolled around for local transport. The present invention has a geometry that makes it unique in two following ways that have never been seen in prior embodiments: i) it has two arms that hold motorcycle wheels that are identical and capable of being folded onto the main frame for compact storage and/or transport, and ii) it is capable of being used in a vertical or horizontal orientation. 
   The present invention has potential for wide spread applications including storage of wheels/tires for any wheeled vehicles such as cars, trucks, mini-bikes, or bicycles. This invention could also be used to hold or display any item capable of being held in such a manner. Other details and advantages of the present system are apparent in the following description, accompanying drawings and the claims. 
   In a first embodiment of the invention there is provided a motorcycle wheel holder or tire tree that includes a main frame with first and second main frame ends, and two diametrically opposed sides. The tire tree also includes a main bar that is secured to the first main frame end and is used for support on a surface. Pivotally attached to the main frame are first and second arms. The first arm is attached intermediate of the first and second main frame ends on one of the main frame sides while the second arm is attached about the second main frame end on the other main frame side such that the first arm and second arm project from the main frame from diametrically opposed sides. Each arm includes at least two rods projecting therefrom and each rod has a length suitable for receiving at least one motorcycle wheel. The tire tree further includes an arm bar for support on a surface secured to an end of one or more of the first and second arms, such that the motorcycle wheel holder is capable of being supported on the surface by positioning the main bar and arm bar on the surface. 
   The first embodiment may further include a pair of wheels attached to distal ends defined by the main bar such that the tire tree may be rolled across the surface. In addition the first embodiment may position the rods along parallel planes to each other in order to help balance the tire tree during use. Pads may also be positioned on the ends of the arm bars. 
   The first embodiment provides for the tire tree to be foldable into different usable positions. For example, the first and second arms may be moved into a first position such that the first arm and the main frame are angled towards the surface and the motorcycle wheels secured on the rods are aligned substantially vertically in relation to each other. Alternatively, the first and second arms may be moved into a second position such that the second arm and the main frame are angled towards the surface and the motorcycle wheels secured on the rods are aligned substantially horizontal in relation to each other. 
   One means that permits the arms to be moved in relation to the main frame is provided by having a pair of pivot plates secured to either side of the first and second arms about a pivotal connection to the main frame, each pair of pivot plates supports a pivotal connection between the main frame and either the first or second arms. Each pair of pivot plates includes a first aperture that aligns with an opening through the main frame when the first and second arms are moved against the main frame such that the tire tree is positioned into a substantially collapsed configuration. A pin is provided for insertion through the aligned first apertures and the opening in the main frame. Each pair of pivot plates also includes a second aperture that aligns with an opening through the main frame when the first and second arms are moved away from the main frame such that the tire tree is positioned into a substantially opened configuration. The pin would also be used to lock the tire tree into position. 
   In another embodiment the tire tree includes a frame assembly having a collapsible configuration for transportation and at least a first opened configuration for placement of the motorcycle wheels. The frame assembly has a main frame, first and second projecting arms, and means for separately connecting the main frame to each projecting arm such that the projecting arms are moveable in relation to the main frame. Each projecting arm further includes a pair of rods extending outwardly for holding the motorcycle wheels. The connecting means permits movement of the projecting arms against the main frame to define the collapsible configuration and the connecting means permits movement of the projecting arms away from the main frame such that an end of the first projecting arm and an end of the main frame are positioned substantially against a surface to define the first opened configuration which positions the pairs of rods in a vertical alignment. 
   Numerous other advantages and features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and the accompanying drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     A fuller understanding of the foregoing may be had by reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: 
       FIG. 1  is an isometric view illustrating the invention 
       FIG. 2  is an isometric view illustrating the invention with four motorcycle wheels installed; 
       FIG. 3  is a side view showing the invention oriented vertically; 
       FIG. 4  is a side view showing the invention oriented horizontally 
       FIG. 5  is an isometric view showing the invention folded for storage/transport; 
       FIG. 6  is a side view showing the invention being deployed to the usable configuration; and 
       FIG. 7  is an isometric view showing the locking pin being inserted to hold one of the arms in the stored position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
   While the invention is susceptible to embodiments in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein, in detail, the preferred embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood, however, that the present disclosure is to be considered an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the spirit or scope of the invention and/or claims of the embodiments illustrated. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , in one embodiment, the tire tree  100  consists of a central main frame  110  with two arms  115  and  117  projecting therefrom, referred to also as a first arm  115  and a second arm  117 . The arms  115  and  117  may be identical and oriented to project from opposite sides of the main frame  110 . The means for connecting the arms  115  and  117  to the main frame  110  is discussed further below. 
   Each arm  115  and  117  includes a pair of rods  120  projecting therefrom. Each rod  120  is capable of holding at least one motorcycle wheel  20 . Safety pins  180  can be inserted through apertures on the rods  120  to secure and maintain the motorcycle wheels  20  thereon. The rods  120  are preferably positioned along parallel planes to each other in order to help balance the tire tree  100  when the motorcycle wheels  20  are loaded on the rods  120 . 
   Positioned along the end  132  of each arm  115  and  117 , opposite the end  135  of the arm  115  and  117  that is secured to the main frame  110 , is an arm bar  140 . The arm bars  140  are further defined for reference below as a first arm bar  142  that has first ends  145  and a second arm bar  147  that has second ends  150 . In addition, positioned on one end  152  of the main frame  110 , opposite the end  155  that is secured to the second arm  117 , is a main bar  157 . The main bar  157  has a pair of wheels  160  attached thereto. 
   The tire tree  100  is able to rest on the ground at four points via the two wheels  160  that are attached to the main bar  157  and either the first ends  145  or the second ends  150 . Both the first and second ends  145 ,  150  may include pads. Allowing the tire tree  100  to rest on the first pair of ends  145  orients it in a vertical orientation as shown in  FIG. 3  and when it rests on the second pair of ends  150  it is oriented horizontally as shown in  FIG. 4 . As illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in either orientation the rods  120  are aligned along a single plane. 
   For moving the tire tree  100  from the deployed position to the storage or transportation position, the tire tree  100  folds to a generally flat configuration as shown in  FIGS. 5 through 7 . When folded for storage, both arms  115 ,  117  are parallel and adjacent to the main frame  110 . Each arm  115  and  117  includes two permanently attached pivot plates  170  that allow the arms to pivot about a pivot pin  175 . Each pivot plate  170  has a pair of locking holes, a first locking hole  177  for when in a deployed position ( FIGS. 1 and 4 ) and a second locking hole  179  for when in a stored position ( FIG. 5 ). When in the deployed or stored position, the locking holes  177  and  179  align with locking holes through the main frame  110  and an angle locking pin  180  is inserted through either locking holes to prevent rotation of the arms  115 ,  117  ( FIG. 7 ). 
   As further illustrated in  FIG. 7 , a means for connecting the main frame  110  to the arms  115  and  117  is shown through the connecting means depicted from the second arm  117 . The connecting means may be defined by a pair of plates  170  pivotally attached to the main frame  110  and one of the arms  117  projecting from the main frame  110 . The pair of plates  170  include a first pivot connection  175  which connects to the main frame and they include a second pivot connection which connects to the end  135  of the arm  117  that would be projecting there from. 
   Wheels  160  on the tire tree  100  allow it to be rolled around using one of the arms  115 ,  117  as a hand grip. 
   From the foregoing and as mentioned above, it will be observed that numerous variations and modifications may be effected without departing from the spirit and scope of the novel concept of the invention. It is to be understood that no limitation with respect to the specific methods and apparatus illustrated herein is intended or should be inferred. It is, of course, intended to cover by the appended claims all such modifications as fall within the scope of the claims.