Patent Publication Number: US-2011068139-A1

Title: Speaker cabinet with drink holder for motorcycles

Description:
CLAIM FOR PRIORITY 
     This application claims the benefit of provisional application 61/245,433, filed on Sep. 24, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to drink holders for motorcycles. More specifically, the present invention relates to drink holders for speaker cabinets in motorcycles. 
     2. Background of the Invention 
     Today there are many motorcycles on the road. Since the invention of the motorcycle in 1885 many have found motorcycles a means of transportation, sport, show, and other endeavors. From small and lightweight motorcycles used in sports for speed and stunts to large and powerful motorcycles used for traveling distances, motorcycles come in many different forms and encompass activities shared across the world. 
     Many use motorcycles for everyday transportation. In the summertime the motorcycle can be seen as the ultimate convertible. Having little exterior paneling the breeze is allowed to flow across virtually the entire body. When compared to an automobile, the relatively compact size of a motorcycle allows for easier parking in metropolitan areas. Motorcycles are much more agile than automobiles as well, due to their lighter weight and in-line wheel design. In California, motorcyclists are allowed to travel in between the lanes of traffic, which comes in handy during rush hour when the rest of traffic comes to a stop. The idea of not having to slow down when traffic gets bad makes motorcycles an extremely attractive alternative to an automobile. 
     As the price in petroleum keeps rising many find themselves searching for more fuel efficient means of transportation. While automobile manufacturers design engines that run on ethanol, biodiesel fuel, electricity, and even hybrids, motorcycles, by their lightweight nature, are much more fuel efficient than any automobile. It is common for motorcycles to range between forty and sixty miles-per-gallon, and it has been that way for years now. Some motorcycles are specifically tuned to enjoy an even higher gas-mileage rating. 
     Others use motorcycles for sport. Sport motorcycles are nearly all fast and lightweight. Some are equipped with fat tires with large tread for traction in the mud. Large dirt courses are constructed where motorcyclists race across hills and around sharp turns. Courses are constructed in a similar manner but used solely for stunt competitions. As most of these stunts are aerial the courses consist of large ramps resulting in the long hang time necessary for a well-executed stunt. A few motorcyclists make a living doing nothing but stunts. These motorcyclists do not even compete with other motorcyclists, but simply attempt elaborate and seemingly impossible feats in order to draw large crowds which cheer wildly upon completion of the stunt. Of course there are also track motorcycle races which are closer related to an automobile racing event than dirt bike races. Though a lighter weight vehicle is desirable, these motorcycles do not sacrifice power and acceleration for a lighter weight. Few tricks and stunts are employed as these races are about skill, concentration, and determination. 
     Then there are those motorcycle enthusiasts that enjoy traveling long distances on their motorcycles. They typically employ larger motorcycles tuned for a smoother ride. These motorcycles come with larger fuel tanks so that the rider doesn&#39;t need to stop for fuel as often. Large bins may be attached to either side of the seat on these motorcycles, known as saddlebags. Saddlebags come in handy for the distance motorcyclist to hold belongings, food, etc. They can be made from leather or vinyl. Some saddlebags are made from fiberglass or polyvinylchloride (PVC) and are constructed by the manufacturer as part of the body of the motorcycle. A glove box can be found near the front for smaller personal items. Advances in sound systems for motorcycles have led to front and rear speakers. Speaker cabinets are added toward the rear of the motorcycle to hold the rear speakers. A few motorcycles exist with another passenger hold known as a side car which looks a little like a small chariot attached to the rear side of a motorcycle. The addition of a side car makes the motorcycle a three-wheeled vehicle, with the third wheel holding up the far side of the side car. A side car motorcycle may be a little less agile, but can make a more comfortable ride for a passenger traveling long distances. 
     Motorcycle enthusiasts also enjoy assembling at large events for motorcyclists. These events can be found across the United States and many other countries. Massive conventions are held where motorcyclists meet to display the latest technology, sell their latest products, exchange ideas and techniques, and, of course, to show off their own motorcycles. Some of the most aesthetically pleasing motorcycles appear at these events. Many of the enthusiasts present at these events must travel long distances before arriving. Some have large trucks pulling covered trailers which store their motorcycles, but many don&#39;t have that luxury and ride the whole distance. Many of these enthusiasts are the same that enjoy traveling long distances on their motorcycles, but also have an interest in keeping their motorcycle aesthetically pleasing. 
     Aesthetics and convenience often clash. Motorcycles, even long distance cruisers, are small when compared to any other long distance vehicle, and have little room for cargo holds. The saddle bags and glove boxes are still no comparison to the size of a trunk of an automobile, but are carefully constructed to as not to detract from the overall appearance of the motorcycle. Still there is little innovation when it comes to holding a drink while riding a motorcycle. Studies have shown that a drink holder or amount thereof can rank very high among consumers when purchasing an automobile, yet there are very options for a motorcyclist. 
     A few aftermarket drink holders are made which clamp onto the handlebars of a motorcycle. This would seem like an ideal placement, but it has its drawbacks. The drink holder can get in the way of a motorcyclists vision and movements. Access to switches can become awkward and important gauges can be hidden. A motorcyclist&#39;s view of the road is encroached and all of these problems increase when the drink holder is actually holding a drink. The handlebars and front wheel, which govern the direction of the motorcycle, experience more motion due to turning back and forth than the rest of the body of the motorcycle. Having a drink mounted to the handlebars increases the risk of spills. Furthermore, a passenger has even fewer options when it comes to a drink holder. 
     When it comes to aesthetics, a drink holder is not the most flattering accessory to have on your motorcycle. Many drink holders are large plastic canisters which can seem a little out of place when perched upon a shining flow of steel, custom paint, and leather. 
     What is needed in the art is a drink holder for a motorcycle that does not inhibit the rider&#39;s vision or access to controls. A drink holder for a motorcycle needs to be in a position where it is not prone to spills. Finally, a drink holder for a motorcycle should not take away from the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a drink holder mounted on a speaker cabinet for a motorcycle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a mounting bracket attached to a speaker cabinet towards the rear of the motorcycle. The mounting bracket contains a flange where fasteners attach the mounting bracket to the speaker cabinet. An opening for receiving a drink holder is included in the bracket member. An attachment member of a drink holder is inserted into the bracket member where it is held fixedly in place. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a drink holding assembly for a motorcycle. The drink holding assembly includes a drink holder having a mounting insert and a mounting bracket having a flange attached to a speaker cabinet and a cavity fixedly containing the mounting insert. The mounting bracket fixes the drink holder so that a drink is held upward. 
     In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a drink holding assembly for a motorcycle. The drink holding assembly includes a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end, an open end, and an outer wall, and a mounting bracket attached to a speaker cabinet and a cavity fixedly containing a mounting insert. The mounting bracket fixes the hollow cylindrical member so that a drink is held upward. 
     In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a method of holding a drink on a motorcycle. The method includes attaching a mounting bracket to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, and fixing a drink holder to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket fixes the drink holder so that a drink may be held substantially upright when inserted into the drink holder. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIGS. 1A-C  show a mounting bracket for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 2A-B  show a mounting bracket for a drink holder attached to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 3A-B  show a drink holder attached to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 4A-B  show a mounting bracket for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 5A-B  show a mounting insert for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 6A-B  show a mounting adjuster for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 7A-B  show a securing member for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  shows an assembly for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention is a drink holder mounted on a speaker cabinet for a motorcycle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a mounting bracket attached to a speaker cabinet towards the rear of the motorcycle. The mounting bracket contains a flange where fasteners attach the mounting bracket to the speaker cabinet. An opening for receiving a drink holder is included in the bracket member. An attachment member of a drink holder is inserted into the bracket member where it is held fixedly in place. 
     “Drink”, as used in this disclosure, refers to a liquid beverage and its container. Most any substantially cylindrical container fits within the scope of this disclosure. Examples of a drink include a can of soda, a bottle of water, a sports drink in a plastic bottle, a mug of coffee, a squirt bottle having liquid, a paper cup having liquid, etc. 
       FIGS. 1A-C  show a mounting bracket  100  for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 1A  shows a first view of mounting bracket  100  including a flange  102 , and cavity  104 . Flange  102  attaches to the speaker cabinet using screws or other fasteners. Cavity  104  is an open chamber for receiving a mounting insert. Cavity  104  is sized so that the mounting insert slides in and is substantially fixed.  FIG. 1B  shows a second view of mounting bracket  100 . An opening  106  leads to cavity  104 .  FIG. 1C  shows a third view of mounting bracket  100 . Flange  102  can be seen once again in this view along with opening  106 . 
       FIGS. 2A-B  show a mounting bracket  200  for a drink holder attached to a speaker cabinet  220  of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 2A  shows speaker cabinet  220  with flange  202  attaching mounting bracket  200 . Mounting bracket  200  is oriented so that opening  206  is facing upward. Flange  202  is attached using screws  203 .  FIG. 2B  shows another view of mounting bracket  200  attached to speaker cabinet  220 . 
       FIGS. 3A-B  show a drink holder  330  attached to a speaker cabinet  320  of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this exemplary embodiment, speaker cabinet  320  is placed towards the rear of a motorcycle, just behind where a passenger sits. Mounting bracket  300  is secured to speaker cabinet  320  at flange  302  using screws  303 . In other embodiments, fasteners, such as screws, bolts, nails, rivets, epoxy, strong adhesives, etc., fixedly secure mounting bracket  300  to speaker cabinet  320  through small apertures in flange  302 . An opening  306  at the top of mounting bracket  300  creates an entrance to a cavity. Drink holder  330  includes a mounting insert  332  which is insertable into the cavity of mounting bracket  300  through opening  306 .  FIG. 3B  shows a second view of drink holder  330  attached to speaker cabinet  320  of a motorcycle. 
     The mounting bracket is attached to the speaker cabinet preferably oriented so that the opening is at the top of the mounting bracket. This orientation maximizes the use of gravity to hold the attachment member inside the cavity of the mounting bracket. However, other orientations are possible and many make use of gravity to hold the attachment member in place. Orientations where the opening is at the sides or bottom of the mounting bracket may require a locking mechanism. A locking mechanism can be a latch, a lever, or anything else that will secure the attachment member inside the cavity of the mounting bracket. The locking mechanism can be active, such as using a spring, so that it automatically locks upon insertion into the mounting bracket, or passive, so that it requires user action before locking the attachment member inside the cavity of the mounting bracket. When using another orientation, the attachment member is shaped so that the portion insertable into the cavity of the mounting bracket is angled. The optimal angle is such that when the attachment member is inserted into the cavity of the mounting bracket a drink inside the drink holder is held upright. In this orientation of the drink, the chances of spills are minimized. 
     There are many embodiments of the drink holder. The drink holder includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body that is closed at one end. The cylinder walls can be solid, contain holes, or be in the form of a mere wire outline such as in  FIGS. 3A-B . The cylinder walls substantially surround the circumference of the drink and hold it upright. The closed end of the cylinder holds the bottom of the drink to keep it from falling through the cylinder walls. The drink holder can be made from a larger variety of materials than the clamping and mounting brackets. The drink holder is not under as much stress as the clamping and mounting brackets. 
     Metals such as steel, copper, brass, etc. can be used to make the mounting bracket and drink holder as well as durable plastics and ceramics. Other suitable metals and materials will be readily recognizable to one skilled in the art. Embodiments of the mounting bracket and drink holder may include a chrome finish for aesthetics. A speaker cabinet is typically made from a wood product such as particle board. Speaker cabinets may include other materials, but in most cases will be suitable for fastening articles with bolts, screws, nails, etc. Epoxies and other strong adhesives may be suitable if other fasteners are not an option. 
       FIGS. 4A-B  show a mounting bracket  400  for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 4A  shows mounting bracket  400  including an opening  406 , an opening width  408 , a cavity wall angle  409 , a mounting bracket width  410 , a mounting bracket thickness  411 , and a cavity thickness  412 . In this exemplary embodiment, opening width  408  is 0.9137 in., cavity wall angle  409  is 60 degrees, and cavity thickness  412  is 0.25 in. Mounting bracket width  410  is 1.5 in., and mounting bracket thickness is 0.5 in.  FIG. 4B  shows mounting bracket  400  including a cavity  404 , a protruding screw  418 , a screw head diameter  413 , a screw diameter  414 , a screw distance  415 , a mounting bracket height  416 , and a radius of curvature  417 . In this exemplary embodiment, screw head diameter  413  is 0.5312 in., screw diameter  414  is 0.2812 in., and screw distance  415  is 0.375 in. Mounting bracket height  416  is 2 in., and radius of curvature  417  is 0.25 in. In this embodiment, cavity  404  is screwed into a speaker cabinet housing two screws. Mounting bracket is cut so that one of the screws is flush with the inside of cavity  404  while protruding screw  418  protrudes into the cavity. This is placed so that a mounting insert will stop when it hits protruding screw  418 . Many other dimensions are possible and are adjusted for drink size, weight, material strength, etc. Other configurations will become readily recognizable to those having skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. 
       FIGS. 5A-B  show a mounting insert for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 5A  shows mounting insert  540  including an attachment opening width  541 , a mounting insert distance  542 , a mounting insert angle  543 , a mounting insert thickness  544 , a mounting insert inner width  545 , a mounting insert tab width  546 , and a mounting insert tab thickness  547 . In this exemplary embodiment, opening width  541  is 0.5 in., mounting insert distance  542  is 0.5 in., mounting insert angle  543  is 60 degrees to match cavity wall angle  409  of  FIG. 4 , mounting insert thickness  544  is 0.375 in., and mounting insert inner width  545  is 0.625 in. Mounting insert tab width  546  is 0.1875 in., and mounting insert tab thickness  547  is 0.125 in.  FIG. 5B  shows another view of mounting insert  540  including a mounting insert stop  551 , a mounting insert width  548 , three mounting insert screws  549 , a mounting insert screw distance  550 , a radius of curvature  552 , a mounting insert stop width  553 , and a mounting insert stop length  554 . Mounting insert is inserted into mounting bracket  400  of  FIG. 4  until mounting insert stop  551  contacts protruding screw  418 . Mounting insert screws  549  are attachable to a drink holder, a mounting adjuster, etc. In this exemplary embodiment, mounting insert screws  549  have a diameter of 5/16 in., and mounting insert screw distance  550  is 0.4375 in. Mounting insert width  548  is 1 in., and radius of curvature  552  is 0.25 in. Mounting insert stop  551  has a diameter of 0.4375 in., mounting insert stop width  553  is 0.4375 in., and mounting insert stop length  554  is 0.3437 in. Many other dimensions are possible and are adjusted for drink size, weight, material strength, etc. Other configurations will become readily recognizable to those having skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. 
       FIGS. 6A-B  show a mounting adjuster  660  for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 6A  shows mounting adjuster  660  including a mounting adjuster length  661 , a mounting adjuster thickness  662 , and a mounting adjuster screw distance  663 . In this embodiment, mounting adjuster length  661  is 5 in., mounting adjuster thickness  662  is 0.25 in., and mounting adjuster screw distance  663  is, 0.5625 in.  FIG. 2B  shows another view of mounting adjuster  660  including mounting screws  666  and  673 , drink holder screws  674 , a first mounting screw distance  664 , a second mounting screw distance  671 , a third mounting screw distance  669 , a mounting screw head diameter  672 , a first drink holder screw distance  667 , a second drink holder screw distance  670 , a fold line  675 , a mounting adjuster width  668 , and a radius of curvature  665 . Mounting screws  666  and  673  attach to a mounting insert, such as mounting insert  540  in  FIG. 5 . Drink holder screws  674  attach to a drink holder such as drink holder  330  in  FIG. 3 . Mounting adjuster  660  can be manipulated in various ways to suit placement needs. For example, mounting adjuster can be folded along fold line  675  to a suitable angle for attached a drink holder. Other manipulations of mounting adjuster  660  will become apparent to those having skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, first mounting screw distance  664  is 0.375 in., second mounting screw distance  671  is 0.4375 in., third mounting screw distance  669  is 0.75 in., and mounting screw head diameter  672  is 0.375 in. First drink holder screw distance  667  is 0.684 in., and second drink holder screw distance  670  is 0.816 in. Mounting adjuster width  668  is 2 in., and a radius of curvature  665  is 0.25 in. Many other dimensions are possible and are adjusted for drink size, weight, material strength, etc. Other configurations will become readily recognizable to those having skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. 
       FIGS. 7A-B  show a securing member  780  for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 7A  shows securing member  780  including a securing member width  781  and a securing member thickness  782 . In this exemplary embodiment, securing member width  781  is 1.5 in., and securing member thickness  782  is 0.25 in.  FIG. 7B  shows another view of securing member  780  including fastener receivers  785 , a first fastener distance  783 , a second fastener distance  784 , and a securing member length  786 . Securing member  780  is used to reinforce the inside of a speaker housing with a mounting bracket. Fastener receivers  785  accept fasteners such as screws  203  of  FIG. 2 , protruding screw  418  of  FIG. 4 , etc. In this exemplary embodiment, first fastener distance  783  is 0.75 in., second fastener distance  784  is 0.375 in., and securing member length  786  is 2 in. Many other dimensions are possible and are adjusted for drink size, weight, material strength, etc. Other configurations will become readily recognizable to those having skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. 
       FIG. 8  shows an assembly for attaching a drink holder to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The assembly includes a mounting bracket  800 , a mounting insert  840 , a mounting adjuster  860 , and a securing member  880 . The assembly attaches a drink holder  830  to a speaker housing  820 . Mounting bracket  800  attaches to speaker housing  820  with fasteners such as screws  818 . Screws  818  go through securing member  880 , which is on the inside of speaker housing  820 , to support speaker housing  820 . Mounting insert  840  is inserted into mounting bracket  800  such that gravity and friction holds them in a fixed position. Mounting adjuster  860  is fixedly attached to mounting insert  840 . Mounting adjuster  860  has been bent such that drink holder  830  is oriented forward. Mounting adjuster  860  is capable of many other modifications and manipulations which will become apparent to those having skill in the art upon reading this disclosure. 
     The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents. 
     Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.