Abstract:
Systems for securing recreational vehicles to a transport vehicle quickly with a positive engagement mechanism. The systems are also designed to be quickly installed in the transport vehicle without causing any permanent damage to the transport vehicle. The systems may also be quickly changed out to allow other types of recreational vehicles to be transported as well.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     This invention relates to the field of systems for securing and transporting equipment in the cargo bed of a transport vehicle.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     Personal recreational vehicles, such as motorcycles, snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles have become increasingly popular in recent years. These vehicles are typically transported to a remote site for use via a transport vehicle, such as pick-ups, trucks, trailers, and other types of vehicles. Normally, these transport vehicles are not particularly designed for securely transporting the recreational vehicles. The recreational vehicles must be secured in place on the transport vehicle. The available systems for securing the recreational vehicle range from simple ropes and straps to complex support systems that are permanently mounted on the bed of the transport vehicle.  
         [0003]     The use of ropes and straps require extensive rigging to ensure that the recreational vehicle is secure in the transport vehicle. It is difficult to find adequate securing points on both the recreational vehicle and the transport vehicle. Also, these ropes and straps may loosen and cause the recreational vehicle to become insecure in the transport vehicle.  
         [0004]     There are accessory systems for securing the recreational vehicle in the cargo bed of the transport vehicle. Unfortunately, these systems are usually permanently mounted to the transport vehicle which may interfere with other uses of the transport vehicle. Also, these systems are usually dedicated to a particular recreational vehicle and not useable with other recreational vehicles.  
         [0005]     The prior systems fail to provide a positive engagement mechanism that safely secures the recreational vehicle in the transport vehicle. The prior systems are not able to be quickly and easily removed from the transport vehicle without causing damage to the transport vehicle. The prior systems do not allow the recreational vehicle to be locked safely in the transport vehicle. Also the prior systems do not allow quick changes to the system for other types of vehicles to be secured in the system.  
         [0006]     The prior systems typically operate by forcing the shock absorber systems to compress downward to hold the vehicle in place. This creates pressure within the shock absorber systems that causes seals to degrade and leak.  
         [0007]     Thus a need exists for a system for securing recreational and other types of vehicles in a transport vehicle without the problems of the prior art systems.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     The present invention solves these and other problems by providing systems for securing recreational vehicles to a transport vehicle quickly with a positive engagement mechanism. The systems are also designed to be quickly installed in the transport vehicle without causing any permanent damage to the transport vehicle. The systems may also be quickly changed out to allow other types of recreational vehicles to be transported as well.  
         [0009]     The present invention in a preferred embodiment includes a positive engagement mechanism that locks the recreational vehicle to the transport vehicle. In one embodiment, the system includes a clip member having engagement teeth that engage a latch mechanism mounted in the transport vehicle. This clip member may be mounted directly onto the recreational vehicle or else mounted onto a locking bar that secures over a portion of the recreational vehicle.  
         [0010]     In one preferred embodiment, the system includes a yoke or diamond shaped bracket into which the front wheel of a motorcycle may be engaged and supported. Clip members that are mounted on the motorcycle forks engage in latch mechanisms mounted on this yoke or bracket. The latch mechanisms are resilient to allow the clips members to slide into the latches, then lock in place to prevent the clips from accidentally disengage. A release mechanism, such as a release bar, is activated to allow the clips to disengage at the appropriate time.  
         [0011]     In another preferred embodiment, the system includes the clip members mounted onto the motorcycle wheel for engagement into latch mechanisms on the yoke or bracket or other engagement mechanism.  
         [0012]     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention mounts the clip members onto the frame of the motorcycle for engagement with a latch mechanism mounted onto the transport vehicle.  
         [0013]     The present invention in a preferred embodiment provides a positive engagement locking system for motorcycles and other vehicles. This allows the motorcycle to be securely locked without damaging the shock absorbers.  
         [0014]     An additional preferred embodiment of the present invention mounts the clip members as described above onto the foot peg assembly of the motorcycle. The clip members engage in the latch assembly mounted on the transport vehicle.  
         [0015]     In another preferred embodiment, the system includes a platform that has a locking bar mounted to it. The end of the locking bar includes a clip member having angled teeth. A latch mechanism is mounted on the platform to engage the clip member to lock the locking bar in place. The locking bar is secured over a portion of the recreational vehicle and locked into place by the clip and latch mechanism.  
         [0016]     Another embodiment of the present invention provides an adjustable mechanism for mounting the securing system in the transport vehicle. This adjustable mechanism includes engagement mechanism that engage against the inner sidewalls of the transport vehicle. Alternatively, the system can be bolted to the transport vehicle if there are no sidewalls available.  
         [0017]     The system in a preferred embodiment also provides a plurality of spaced mounting holes that allow multiple systems mounted on the transport vehicle. Also, different systems for different vehicles may also be mounted as well.  
         [0018]     These and other features of the present invention are evident from the ensuring detailed descriptions of preferred embodiments and from the drawings. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0019]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the base platform of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the engagement mechanism of the base platform of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the assembled mounting system of the embodiment of  FIG. 1 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  is a side view of the mounting system of  FIG. 3  mounted in a transport vehicle.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the securing system of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a perspective view of the foot release bar of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a front view of the securing system of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a side view of the securing system of  FIG. 5 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the securing system of  FIG. 5  with the latch mechanism exposed.  
         [0028]      FIG. 10  is a front view of the exposed latch mechanism.  
         [0029]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the clip member of a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0030]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the clip member of another preferred embodiment.  
         [0031]      FIG. 13  is a side view of the clip member mounted to a motorcycle.  
         [0032]      FIG. 14  is a side view of the motorcycle engaged in the securing system.  
         [0033]      FIG. 15  is a side view of another preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0034]      FIG. 16  is a perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 15 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0035]     The present invention provides systems for securely transporting recreational vehicles in the cargo bed of a transport vehicle. Preferred embodiments of the present invention is discussed below with particular relevance to motorcycles, snowmobiles and all terrain vehicles. It is to be expressly understood that this descriptive embodiment is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not meant to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Other types and uses of such systems are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the system of the present invention may be used for wheelchairs, mobility systems, bicycles, for golf carts, small tractors, personal watercraft and other types of vehicles.  
         [0036]     A preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in  FIGS. 1-16 . This system  10  includes base platform  20  shown in  FIG. 1 . Base platform  20  includes parallel members  22 ,  24  that extend just less than the width of most pick-up beds. It is also to be understood that in another embodiment the members  22 ,  24  are adjustable in their length to accommodate most cargo beds of other transport vehicles. Cross members  28 ,  30  secure the members  22 ,  24  to one another. Pads  26  are intermittently mounted to the lower surface of the members  22 ,  24  to minimize scratching of the cargo bed during use. These pads may be rubber, or any other suitable material.  
         [0037]     Spaced holes  32  are formed along each of the members  22 ,  24  for securing the frames  60  as will be discussed in greater detail below. Brackets  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40  are mounted upright to the ends of members  22 ,  24 . These brackets include upright plates  42  with holes  44  formed in those plates.  
         [0038]     Engagement mechanisms  50  shown in  FIGS. 2-4  are mounted to the base platform  20  to secure the base platform in the cargo bed of a pickup without the need to drill or permanently mount the base platform to the cargo bed or to permanently alter the pickup bed. The engagement mechanisms  50  include base member  52  having internal thread portions  54  on each end. Support members  56 ,  58  extend upwardly from the base member. Upper portion  60  is attached to these support members. It is to be expressly understood that the shape and configuration of the support members, base member and upper portion can be of any shape or configuration.  
         [0039]     The engagement mechanisms  50  are pivotally mounted to the base platform  20 . Bolts engage the internal thread portions  54  on the base member  52  through the holes  44  in the plates  42  on the brackets  40  on the base platforms. This allows the engagement mechanisms  50  to pivot relative to the base platform  20  as shown in  FIGS. 3-4 .  
         [0040]     Threaded rod  64  extends downward into hole  66  formed in the upper portion  60 . Nuts  68  are mounted onto the threaded rod  64  above the upper portion. Engagement member  70  is mounted on the upper end of the threaded rod  64 .  
         [0041]     In use the height of the engagement member  70  can be adjusted by rotation of the nuts  68  in opposing directions. This allows the height of the engagement member  70  relative to the base platform as shown in  FIG. 4  to engage the rail surface of the pickup bed to install the base platform  20  in the cargo bed. The nuts can be rotated in the opposing directions to lower the engagement members to remove the base platform from the cargo bed.  
         [0042]     It is to be expressly understood that the engagement mechanisms  50  can be eliminated if the base platform is to be permanently installed or installed in the cargo bed of a trailer, flatbed truck or other transport vehicle that may not have a sidewall. Also, other engagement mechanisms may be used as well.  
         [0043]     The base platform  20  as discussed above is intended for use with one or more vehicle securing systems. The base platform  20  may be installed in most if not all pick-up cargo beds, flatbeds, trailers, vans, trucks, containers and any other type of transport vehicle.  
         [0044]     One such securing system is illustrated in  FIGS. 5-14 . This securing system  80  is intended for motorcycles or other wheeled vehicles. The system  80  includes diamond shaped yoke  82 . The sides  84 ,  86 ,  88 ,  90  of the yoke are supported by base members  92 ,  94 . The base members  92 ,  94  includes mechanisms such as bolts extending through holes formed in the base members that will engage the holes  32  of the base platform  20 . The yoke may be secured in the center portion of the base platform or multiple yokes may be mounted on the base platform.  
         [0045]     The dimensions of the yoke are selected so that the front wheel of the vehicle will fit inside the inner portion of the yoke with points of contact at the top of the yoke and the base members  92 ,  94 .  
         [0046]     Brackets  100 ,  101  are secured to the center opposing inner portions of the yoke  82 . These brackets in this preferred embodiment are formed of plastic, elastomeric, rubber or other durable materials. The brackets  100 ,  101  are shaped to allow the front wheel of the vehicle to easily but securely roll in between and held there. Protrusions  102 ,  104  are formed on the front surface of the brackets to dampen the movement of the vehicle as it is engaged in the yoke.  
         [0047]     Slots  106 ,  108  are formed in the brackets  100 ,  101 . Latches  110 ,  112  are mounted within these slots  106 ,  108 . These latches include teeth  114  that engage clips  130  that are discussed in greater detail below. These latches include hole  116  formed as part of the latch release system. The latch release system includes a foot release pedal  120  that is mounted to the upper yoke arms  84 ,  86  by axle pins  118 ,  119 . This allows the foot release pedal  120  to pivot relative to the yoke. The foot release pedal extends downward beyond the sides of the yoke.  
         [0048]     Offset pin members  122 ,  124  are mounted to the foot release pedal and extend inward through the brackets  100 . The offset portions  126 ,  128  are mounted into the holes  116  of the latches  110 ,  112 . Thus, when the lower portion of the foot release pedal  120  is pressed inward, the pedal pivots away from the yoke. This causes the offset pin members  122 ,  124  to move the teeth  114  of the latches  110 ,  112  away from the clips  130  as discussed in greater detail below.  
         [0049]     Clips  130  shown in  FIG. 11  include flexible members  132  having angular teeth  134 . Mounting brackets  136  are formed on the upper end of the clips with mounting holes  138 ,  140 . The mounting holes may be formed in the same plane as the teeth  134  as shown in  FIG. 11  or perpendicular to the teeth as shown in  FIG. 12  with mounting holes  142 ,  144  formed in mounting bracket  146  perpendicular with teeth  148 . The clips may be metal, plastic or preferably flexible plastic teeth reinforced with metal.  
         [0050]     The clips  130  or  150  are mounted to the front forks of the motorcycle as shown in  FIG. 13  or other wheeled vehicle. In use, the motorcycle is loaded into the cargo bed of the transport vehicle. The front wheel of the motorcycle or other vehicle is simply rolled into the yoke  82  until the wheel engages the points of contact at the top and bottom of the yoke. The clips  130  engage into the latches  110 ,  112  on the brackets of the yoke. The latches are resilient mounted so that the impact will not damage them. Thus, the front wheel as well as the rest of the vehicle are securely held in place in the cargo bed of the transport vehicle with the need for additional securement as shown in  FIG. 14 .  
         [0051]     The motorcycle can also be further locked tighter onto the engagement mechanism by pushing or rotating the handlebars in a left to right motion. This pushes the left clip into engagement with the latches and holds it there while the right clip is then pushed into further engagement into its latch. This provides a simple mechanism using the motion of the motorcycle steering mechanism to tighten the motorcycle into even further engagement. It is to be understood that once the clips on the motorcycle are initially engaged in the latch mechanism, the motorcycle is locked securely and safely onto the transport vehicle. This additional engagement provides additional securement from movement of the motorcycle.  
         [0052]     When the motorcycle is to be unloaded, pressure is applied to the foot release pedal  120 . This is easily done by a rider mounted on the motorcycle. This pressure causes the foot release pedal to pivot away from the yoke and moving the latch away from the clips. This disengages the clips and allows the motorcycle to be rolled away from the yoke.  
         [0053]     In another preferred embodiment, the system includes the clip members mounted onto the motorcycle wheel for engagement into latch mechanisms on the yoke or bracket or other engagement mechanism.  
         [0054]     Another preferred embodiment of the present invention mounts the clip members onto the frame of the motorcycle for engagement with a latch mechanism mounted onto the transport vehicle.  
         [0055]     An additional preferred embodiment of the present invention mounts the clip members as described above onto the foot peg assembly of the motorcycle. The clip members engage in the latch assembly mounted on the transport vehicle.  
         [0056]     The clip members may also be attached onto the handlebars of the motorcycle as well. The clip members then engage in the latch assembly on the transport vehicle.  
         [0057]     This securement system can be used with many types of wheeled vehicles other than motorcycles, such as bicycles, wheelchairs, scooters, personal vehicles, carts, lawnmowers, small tractors, golf carts and other types of wheeled vehicles.  
         [0058]     Another securement system  200  is shown in  FIGS. 15 and 16 . This system is intended for use with snowmobiles and other types of recreational and business vehicles. This system includes base members  202 ,  204  that are mountable to the base platform  20 . The base members may be adjusted relative to one another on the base platform to accommodate different sizes of vehicles. Tower members  206 ,  208  are mounted on each of the base members. Flexible bracket  210  is mounted on tower member  206 . Locking bar  212  is secured to tower member  206  by flexible bracket  206 . The locking bar  212  may be pivoted relative to the tower member  206  as well as slid longitudinally.  
         [0059]     Clip member  220  is mounted on the opposing end of locking bar  212 . Clip member is similar to clip members  130  or  150  discussed above. Latch  222  is mounted within tower member  208 . The latch  222  includes teeth  224  that engage the teeth of the clip member  220 . An aperture  226  is formed in the tower member  208  above the entry point of the latch  222 . The clip member  220  engages through the aperture  226  into latch  222  to lock the locking bar  212  in place over the skis of the snowmobile. This secures the snowmobile in the transport vehicle The latch  222  can be released from the clip member  220  by either a mechanism that releases the latch or a mechanism that moves the clip member away from the latch.  
         [0060]     An alternative embodiment of the present system is used for all terrain vehicles. This embodiment is similar to the system  200 . A structural arm is mounted to the base platform  20 . The structural arm is extendable to be used on differing sizes of vehicles. The arm includes one free hinge and one ratchet hinge that allows it to be adjustable. The arm is locked in place by a clip that engages a latch on the system.  
         [0061]     Each of these securing systems can also include locking systems that prevent the latches from being disengaged. This provides an anti-theft component to the systems.  
         [0062]     These and other embodiments of the present invention are considered to be within the scope of the claimed inventions.