Patent Publication Number: US-11027791-B1

Title: Universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This nonprovisional application is a continuation of and claims priority to nonprovisional application Ser. No. 15/792,302, entitled “Universal Motorcycle Storage Case Mounting Assembly,” filed Oct. 24, 2017 by the same inventor. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates, generally, to a universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly. More specifically, it relates to detachably-mounted storage case and bracket assembly that is couplable to a motorcycle through a triple-locking system, allowing a user to travel with a storage case that can easily detach from the motorcycle upon arrival at a destination. 
     2. Brief Description of the Prior Art 
     When traveling to a destination, it is often desirable to bring a storage case, such as a suitcase, to store clothing and other necessities. Typically, suitcases can be easily stored and transported in a vehicle, such as in the trunk or on the backseat of a car, and are capable of being removed from the vehicle upon arrival at a destination. However, due to the compact nature and lack of storage space of a motorcycle or bicycle, it is difficult for a rider to embark on a long journey with a traditional suitcase. Currently, the rider can store clothing and other necessities in a compartment under the seat; however, the rider is typically incapable of bringing a typical suitcase on the journey, because a suitcase cannot fit in the storage space under the seat. Furthermore, the rider must remove and replace the seat each time the rider accesses the contents of the compartment, which is time-consuming and inefficient. 
     Efforts have been made to provide for the use of removable storage cases with a motorcycle. For example, saddlebags may be used to provide storage on the sides of the motorcycle. Some saddlebags are permanently attached to the motorcycle; which can prevent the rider from removing the bag upon arrival at the destination, forcing the rider to unpack the hag outside of a destination, such as a house or a hotel. Other saddlebags are removably attachable to the motorcycle via straps and buckles that rest underneath the seat; however, the straps and buckles may not be secure against the motorcycle, which can lead to the bags falling off the motorcycle during travel. Such a design can be extremely dangerous for the rider, as well as other travelers on the road, if the bags slip off the motorcycle in the middle of a busy road. 
     Accordingly, what is needed is a universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly that allows for a storage case to be detachably coupled to a motorcycle, such that a rider can secure a suitcase to a motorcycle and easily remove the suitcase from the motorcycle upon reaching a destination. However, in view of the art considered as a whole at the time the present invention was made; it was not obvious to those of ordinary skill in the field of this invention how the shortcomings of the prior art could be overcome. 
     All referenced publications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in a reference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent or contrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definition of that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term in the reference does not apply. 
     While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussed to facilitate disclosure of the invention, Applicants in no way disclaim these technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimed invention may encompass one or more of the conventional technical aspects discussed herein. 
     The present invention may address one or more of the problems and deficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it is contemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing other problems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, the claimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited to addressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussed herein. 
     In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge is referred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not an admission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combination thereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to the public, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes prior art under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to be relevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which this specification is concerned. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for a detachably-mounted case and a corresponding frame for use with a motorcycle or other vehicle is now met by a new, useful, and nonobvious invention. 
     The novel universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly includes a base frame and a platform. The base frame includes a base latch bracket that is operably configured to securely attach to a motorcycle at a male attachment point. The base latch bracket is pivotably coupled to the base frame, allowing a female receipt to clamp against the male attachment point. One or more base latch brackets may be coupled to the base frame. The base frame may be sized and shaped to be installed aft of a motorcycle seat. The base frame also includes a vertical strut that extends in a direction away from the base frame, with the vertical strut including a bushing that may couple to the platform. 
     In an embodiment of the present invention, the platform is removably couplable to the base frame, attaching to the base frame though a platform latch bracket. A female receipt of the platform latch bracket may receive and retain a bushing on the base frame. One or more platform latch brackets may be coupled to the platform. The platform may include one or more receipts that are sized and shaped to receive and retain a bushing on the base frame. Since the mounting assembly may utilize a base latch bracket, a platform latch bracket, and aperture receipt, it may form a locking system including three separate components for securing a storage case to a vehicle. 
     The platform may further include a wheeled end including one or more wheels, and a handle end opposite the wheeled end. The handle end may include a pull bar that exists in a parallel plane with respect to the platform. The pull bar may be telescopable with respect to the platform, either directly or indirectly. An upper surface of the platform may be disposed between the wheeled end and the handle end. The platform may also include a bench extending in a direction away from a motorcycle seat. 
     In one embodiment, a storage case may be detachably couplable to the upper surface of the platform, forming a transportable storage case assembly that is detachable from the base frame, such that the platform and the storage case may be detachably couplable to the base frame. The storage case may include a set of exterior walls defining an interior storage compartment, and may include a set of caster wheels, with each caster wheel being collinear with a wheel of the platform. Said another way, a reasonably straight line may be drawn between each caster wheel and a wheel of the platform. 
     The universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly may be used in a method of securing a detachable storage case to a motorcycle. The base frame may be attached to the motorcycle by clamping a base latch bracket against a male attachment point on the motorcycle. Similarly, the platform may couple to the base frame by clamping a platform latch bracket against a bushing on the base frame, and by retaining a bushing within aperture receipt of the platform. A storage case may be detachably coupled to an upper surface of the platform, thereby forming a transportable storage case assembly that is detachable from the base frame, allowing a user to safely and securely transport the storage case to a destination. 
     An object of the invention is to provide a secure attachment for a storage case and a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, which safely and efficiently allows a user to transport a storage case to a destination, and to detach the storage case from the motorcycle upon arrival at the destination, rather than being forced to leave the storage case on the motorcycle. 
     These and other important objects, advantages, and features of the invention ill become clear as this disclosure proceeds. 
     The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will be exemplified in the disclosure set forth hereinafter and the scope of the invention will be indicated in the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1A  is an elevational view of a universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly, with a storage case detachably coupled to a base frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 1B  is a perspective view of the universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of a base frame, a component of the universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly of  FIG. 1A . 
         FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of a platform, a component of the universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly, that is detachably couplable to the base frame of  FIG. 2 . 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a base latch bracket, a component of the base frame, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of a platform latch bracket, a component of the platform, in accordance with the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is an exploded perspective view of a transportable suitcase assembly, including a platform and a storage case. 
         FIG. 7A  is an elevation view of a universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly, with a storage bench detachably coupled to a base frame, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7B  is a perspective view of the universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly of  FIG. 7A . 
         FIG. 8  is a flow chart diagram depicting a d of securing a detachable storage case to a motorcycle. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part thereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. 
     As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. 
     The present invention includes a universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly that allows for the secure transportation of a storage case, such as a bag or a suitcase, to a destination. An advantage of the mounting assembly is the use of a platform that is detachably coupled to a base frame that is attached to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle. As a result, a rider can easily detach a storage case from the motorcycle upon arrival at a destination, allowing the rider to travel with clothing and other personal items. Moreover, rather than using a saddlebag that is attached to a motorcycle through belts and/or buckles, the present invention provides for a secure connection between the platform and the base frame through a triple-locking system, including pivoting latches that lock the components together during transportation. Accordingly, the present invention prevents the inadvertent detachment of the platform from the base frame, thereby securing the storage case to the motorcycle. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , motorcycle storage assembly  100  includes base frame  110  comprising of a pair of vertical struts  120 . The lower ends of the vertical struts are configured to engage motorcycle mounts, while the upper ends engage platform  150 . Vertical structs  120  may be operably configured to attach to any attachment point on a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, bicycle, unicycle, tricycle, car, truck, van, or any other vehicle. In one embodiment, struts  120  include at least one base latch bracket  130  that pivotably attached to base frame  110 . Base latch bracket  130  is adapted to secure strut  120  to a motorcycle by receiving and retaining a mount on the motorcycle. 
     In an embodiment, base frame  110  is installed aft of a motorcycle seat and substantially above a rear tire of a solo-seat motorcycle, with the motorcycle seat being disposed between base frame  110  and a front tire. As such, base frame  110  may be installed at a position that is behind the rider, such that items may be stored behind the rider during use. Because base latch bracket  130  only requires an attachment point to secure to the motorcycle, base frame  110  may be installable on a variety of motorcycles, other vehicles, and other surfaces, provided that an attachment point exists on that surface. As such, base frame  110  makes universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly  100  substantially universal in its potential use, since it is capable of being installed across a variety of motorcycles, vehicles, and surfaces. 
     Base frame  110  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 2 , depicting that it includes first side  210  opposite second side  220 . In an embodiment, first side  210  attaches to a first side of a motorcycle, and second side  220  attaches to a second side of a motorcycle. In a preferred embodiment, base frame  110  measures approximately 13″ (±1.5″) from first side  210  to second side  220 , allowing base frame  110  to be installed on opposite sides of a motorcycle frame. However, it is appreciated that other measurements are possible for other uses of base frame  110 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1A and 1B , vertical struts  140  includes a plurality of flanged bushings  190   a ,  190   b  that may be utilized as male members to couple base frame  110  to platform  150 , which may be another component of universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly  100 . In a preferred embodiment, flanged bushings  190   a ,  190   b  may be separated by a distance of approximately 10″ (±1.5″); however, it is appreciated that for other uses, flanged bushings  190   a ,  190   b  may be further apart. 
     In an embodiment, universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly  100  includes platform  150 . Platform  150  includes at least one platform latch bracket  160 , which may be sized and shaped to receive and retain one of flanged bushings  190   a ,  190   b . For example, left platform latch bracket  160  may pivot to securely retain flanged bushing  190   b , as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1B . As such, platform  150  may be detachably couplable to base frame  110 , since it may freely attach to and detach from base frame  110 , locking against base frame  110  when left platform latch bracket  160  pivots to retain flanged bushing  190   b.    
     As shown in  FIGS. 1A and 1B , platform  150  may include wheeled end  170  opposite handle end  180 . In an embodiment, storage case  155  is detachably coupled to platform  150 ; when they are coupled, storage case  155  and platform  150  may form transportable storage case assembly  165 . Transportable storage case assembly  165  may secure to and detach from base frame  110 , allowing a user to easily transport storage case  155  to a destination, without having to leave storage case  155  on a motorcycle upon arrival at the destination. 
     Platform  150  is shown in greater detail in  FIG. 3 . In an embodiment, platform  150  includes top surface  310  that is operably configured to couple with storage case  155  during use. Platform  150  may include wheels at wheeled end  170 , such as first wheel  320  and second wheel  330 , allowing platform  150 , as well as storage case  155  when attached to platform  150 , to be transportable along a ground surface. In an embodiment, platform  150  includes wheels at handle end  180 , or disposed opposite top surface  310  and oriented in a ground-surface-facing direction. As such, even if storage case  155  does not include a wheel, platform  150  may provide for easy and efficient transportation of personal items stored within storage case  155 . To further facilitate ease of transportation, platform  150  may include pull bar  340  at handle end  180 . Pull bar  340  may be directly or indirectly telescopable with respect to platform  150  and top surface  310 , with pull bar  340  operably configured for translational motion along a plane that is parallel to the plane defined by, top surface  310 . In an embodiment, pull bar  340  may include a hinge, allowing pull bar  340  to telescope in a direction away from wheeled end  170 , and pivot to be perpendicular with respect to top surface  310 . Alternatively, handle end  180  may include a flexible strap as a handle, allowing a user to transport platform  150  without the need to extend a pull bar or utilize wheels. 
       FIG. 3  also depicts components of the locking mechanism of universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly  100  in detail. Platform  150  may include left platform latch bracket  160  and right platform latch bracket  360 . Each platform latch bracket  160 ,  360  may be pivotably coupled to platform  150 , such that each platform latch bracket  160 ,  360  may receive and retain one of the plurality of flanged bushings  190  of base frame  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, when left platform latch bracket  160  receives flanged bushing  190   b , left platform latch bracket  160  may be pivoted in a clockwise direction with respect to platform  150 , thereby retaining flanged bushing  190   b  against platform  150 . Similarly, platform latch bracket  360  may receive and retain one of the plurality of flanged bushings  190 . It is appreciated that a singular platform latch bracket, such as left platform latch bracket  160 , may be used to lock platform  150  against base frame  110 ; however, multiple platform latch brackets may be used. Likewise, while  FIG. 3  shows left platform latch bracket  160  being pivotably connected to platform  150  such that left platform latch bracket  160  pivots in a clockwise direction, it is appreciated that left platform latch bracket  160  may be coupled such that it would pivot in a counterclockwise direction with respect to platform  150 . 
     In an embodiment, platform  150  includes left receipt  350 . Platform may also include right receipt  370 , which may be opposite left receipt  350 , as shown in  FIG. 3 . Each receipt may be sized and shaped to receive and retain one of the plurality of flanged bushings  190  of base frame  110 , as shown in  FIG. 1 . For example, flanged bushing  190   a  may be received within left receipt  350 , thereby retaining flanged bushing  190   a  against platform  150 , and consequently coupling platform  150  to base frame  110 . It is appreciated that a singular receipt, such as left receipt  350 , may be used to retain platform  150  against base frame  110 ; however, it is also appreciated that a pair of receipts, such as left receipt  350  and right receipt  370 , or multiple receipts, may be used. 
     In a preferred embodiment, left receipt  350  and left platform latch bracket  160  are separated by a distance of approximately 10″ (±1.5″) to capture flanged bushings  190   a ,  190   b , with a similar distance between right receipt  370  and right platform latch bracket  360 . However, it is appreciated that the distance separating left receipt  350  and left platform latch bracket  160  (as well as right receipt  370  and right platform latch bracket  360 ) corresponds to the distance between flanged bushings  190 , such that left receipt  350  and left platform latch bracket  160  may receive and retain flanged bushings  190   a ,  190   b . Accordingly, it is appreciated that other distances are possible depending on the use. 
       FIGS. 4 and 5  further depict components of the locking system for securing a storage case to a vehicle in detail. An embodiment of base latch bracket  130  is shown in  FIG. 4 , including female receipt  410 . Female receipt  410  may be sized and shaped to receive a male member of a vehicle, such as a head of a screw or bolt, which may function as an attachment point on a motorcycle. Accordingly, base latch bracket  130 , being pivotably coupled to base frame  110 , may pivot to clamp against and retain the attachment point against female receipt  410 , thereby securing base frame  110  against a motorcycle or other vehicle. 
     Similarly, platform latch bracket  160 , as shown in  FIG. 5 , includes female receipt  510 , which may be sized and shaped to receive flanged bushing  190  of base frame  110 . Platform latch bracket  160 , being pivotably coupled to platform  150 , may pivot to clamp against and retain flanged bushing  190 , thereby securing platform  150  against base frame  110 . Together with receipts  350 ,  370 , base latch bracket  130  and platform latch bracket  160  may form a triple-locking system to securely and detachably couple storage case  155  to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle. Said another way, base latch bracket  130  forms a first lock by securely coupling base frame  110  to a vehicle; platform latch bracket  160  forms a second lock by securing platform  150  to base frame  110 ; and receipt  350  forms a third lock by receiving and retaining flanged bushing  190 , further securing platform  150  to base frame  110 . 
       FIG. 6  shows transportable storage case assembly  165  in greater detail. Storage case  155  includes a plurality of exterior walls  610 , which define interior storage compartment  620 . In an embodiment, storage case  155  includes at least one wheel, and preferably includes at least a pair of wheels disposed on opposite sides of wheeled end  170 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , storage case  155  may include a first caster wheel  630  and a second caster wheel  640 . First caster wheel  630  may be substantially collinear with first wheel  320 , and second caster wheel  640  may be substantially collinear with second wheel  330 . To increase stability when transportable storage case assembly  600  is in an upright position (i.e., when top surface  310  of platform  150  is substantially perpendicular with respect to a ground surface), first caster wheel  630  and second caster wheel  640  may be collinear with respect to one another. Caster wheels  630 ;  640  may be swivel casters or may be rigid casters, and may be made from plastic, rubber, cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel, polyurethane, or any other material capable of lateral translation along a ground surface. Instead of caster wheels  630 ,  640 ; storage case  155  may include alloy wheels, bicycle wheels, omni wheels, or other types of wheels that can be coupled to storage case  155  to provide for translational motion. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 7A and 7B , an embodiment of universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly  700  includes base frame  710 , which is similar to base frame  110  including vertical struts  720 , base latch bracket  730 , platform  750 ; platform latch bracket  760 , and flanged bushings  790   a ,  790   h . Base frame  710  may securely couple to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, through base latch bracket  730 ; similar to the coupling mechanism of base latch bracket  130 . Likewise, platform  750  may securely couple to base frame  710  through platform latch bracket  760  and flanged bushing  790   b , like the coupling mechanism of platform latch bracket  160 . Platform  750  may also include one or more receipts sized and shaped to receive and retain flanged bushing  790   a , further securing platform  750  against base frame  710 . 
     An embodiment of universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly  700  includes storage bench  780  extending in a direction away from a vehicle, such as a solo-seat motorcycle, providing for additional storage space. For example; storage bench  780  may couple to a back end of a vehicle, such as behind a motorcycle seat or behind sissy bar  770 , and may extend in a direction away from the vehicle. Storage bench  780  may also form a secondary seat on a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, allowing for a passenger to ride on the motorcycle; alternatively, a storage case or other container may be disposed on storage bench  780 , providing for a storage platform. Storage bench  780  may be utilized in addition to storage case  155 , described above, or may form a separate structure. In an embodiment, storage bench  780  and sissy bar  770  form a singular structure for use with two riders, allowing a passenger to sit behind a driver and utilize storage bench  780  as a seat and sissy bar  770  as a backrest. In an embodiment, platform  750  includes a wheeled end opposite a handle end, and may include a pull bar, similar to platform  150 . As such, storage bench  780  may form a removable platform that provides for the wheeled transportation of a storage case, such as a suitcase or a bag, which may be functionally similar to transportable storage case  165 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , in conjunction with  FIGS. 1-6 , an exemplary process-flow diagram is provided, depicting a method of securing a detachable storage case to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle. The steps delineated in the exemplary process-flow diagram of  FIG. 8  are merely exemplary of a preferred order of securing a storage case to a vehicle, and the steps may be carried out in another order, with or without additional steps included therein. 
     The method of securing a detachable storage case to a motorcycle begins at step  800  and proceeds to step  802 , during which a universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly  100  is provided, which may include the components discussed above. The method then proceeds to step  804 , which includes attaching base frame  110  to a motorcycle by clamping base latch bracket  130  against an attachment point on the motorcycle. Base latch bracket  130  may receive the attachment point, and subsequently, pivot to retain the attachment point against base frame  110 . 
     Platform  150  couples to base frame  110  at step  806 . During this step, platform latch bracket  160  receives flanged bushing  190   b  on base frame  110 , and platform latch bracket  160  may be pivoted to clamp against flanged bushing  190   b , thereby securing base frame  110  against platform  150 . Flanged bushing  190   a  may also be received within receipt  350  of platform  150 , with receipt  350  retaining flanged bushing  190   a  against platform  150 . 
     During step  808 , storage case  155  is detachably coupled to platform  150  along upper surface  310 . As such, storage case  155  may rest on upper surface  310 , being coupled to platform  150 . The coupling of storage case  155  to platform  150  forms transportable storage case assembly  165  at step  810 . Transportable storage case assembly  165  may securely couple to base frame  110 , particularly during transportation to a destination. Transportable storage case assembly  165  may be detached from base frame  110 , allowing for the removal of storage case  155  from base frame  110 . In an embodiment, platform  150  may include wheeled end  170 , including wheels  320 ,  330 , opposite handle end  180 , including pull bar  340 . As such, transportable storage case assembly  165  may be operably configured to translate along a ground surface by holding pull bar  340  and utilizing wheels  320 ,  330 . The method may terminate at step  812 . 
     Glossary of Claim Terms 
     Attachment point: is a structure that is sized and shaped to couple to another structure. 
     An attachment point may be a male member capable of being received by a female member, such as the head of a bolt or screw, or may be a female member capable of receiving a male member. 
     Base frame: is a structure that is operably configured to securely attach to a vehicle, such as a motorcycle, and to a platform. 
     Female receipt: is an aperture or similar structure that is sized and shaped to receive a male member, such as the head of a screw or bolt. 
     Handle: is a structure that can be grasped and held by a user. 
     Lock: is a device configured to securely retain or couple two components together. 
     Motorcycle: is a wheeled vehicle, which may include a motor. As used herein, “motorcycle” can encompass a variety of vehicles, including a bicycle, unicycle, tricycle, car, truck, van, or any other vehicle. 
     Platform: is a structure that is operably configured to detachably and securely couple to a base frame. 
     Storage case: is a bag, suitcase, box, or other container, which can be made of a hard-shall material or of a cloth material. 
     Telescopable: a structure that can translate both away from and toward another structure, with the structures in either direct or indirect contact. 
     Universal motorcycle storage case mounting assembly: is a mounted assembly that can be retrofitted onto a variety of surfaces, including vehicles, such as motorcycles. 
     Wheel: is a substantially rounded structure capable of lateral translation along a ground surface. The wheel may be a swivel caster, rigid caster, alloy wheel, bicycle wheel, omni wheel, or the like, and may be made of plastic, rubber, cast iron, aluminum, stainless steel, polyurethane, or any other material capable of lateral translation. 
     The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from the foregoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changes may be made in the above construction without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in the foregoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
     It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.