US20150232039A1 - Carrying device and related methods - Google Patents
Carrying device and related methods Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20150232039A1 US20150232039A1 US14/103,730 US201314103730A US2015232039A1 US 20150232039 A1 US20150232039 A1 US 20150232039A1 US 201314103730 A US201314103730 A US 201314103730A US 2015232039 A1 US2015232039 A1 US 2015232039A1
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- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- carrying
- substantially rectangular
- receiver
- carrying section
- coupled
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B60R9/00—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like
- B60R9/08—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J11/00—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J11/00—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps
- B62J11/05—Supporting arrangements specially adapted for fastening specific devices to cycles, e.g. supports for attaching maps for sport articles, e.g. balls or golf clubs
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J7/00—Luggage carriers
- B62J7/02—Luggage carriers characterised by the arrangement thereof on cycles
- B62J7/04—Luggage carriers characterised by the arrangement thereof on cycles arranged above or behind the rear wheel
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62J—CYCLE SADDLES OR SEATS; AUXILIARY DEVICES OR ACCESSORIES SPECIALLY ADAPTED TO CYCLES AND NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. ARTICLE CARRIERS OR CYCLE PROTECTORS
- B62J9/00—Containers specially adapted for cycles, e.g. panniers or saddle bags
- B62J9/20—Containers specially adapted for cycles, e.g. panniers or saddle bags attached to the cycle as accessories
- B62J9/23—Containers specially adapted for cycles, e.g. panniers or saddle bags attached to the cycle as accessories above or alongside the rear wheel
Definitions
- aspects of this document relate generally to carrying devices for attachment to vehicles. More specific implementations involve carrying devices for attachment to motorcycles.
- a carrying device configured for attachment to a vehicle generally includes an enclosure or container configured to receive one or more items for transportation purposes. To attach or couple the carrying device to the vehicle, one or more attachment mechanisms are generally included. Carrying devices may be configured for coupling to various portions of a vehicle. Some carrying devices have been configured for placement on top of a vehicle. Other carrying devices have been configured with wheels and incorporated into a standalone unit such as to be towed behind a vehicle. Carrying devices may be used to effectively increase the storage capacity of a vehicle or to allow a user to carry items that may not otherwise be carried with the vehicle alone.
- Implementations of a first vehicle coupler configured for attachment to a motorcycle may include: a first attachment member coupled to a base and having at least one bolt receiver; a second attachment member coupled to the base and having at least one bolt receiver; a first receiver coupled to the base and defining a first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, the first receiver having a first substantially rectangular opening providing access to the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity; and a second receiver coupled to the base and defining a second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, the second receiver having a second substantially rectangular opening providing access to the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, wherein the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity have substantially equal dimensions.
- Implementations of first vehicle couplers may include one, all, or any of the following:
- the first substantially rectangular opening and second substantially rectangular opening may reside in substantially the same plane.
- the at least one bolt receiver of the first attachment member may be included in a vertical section of the first attachment member that is substantially perpendicular to a largest planar surface of the base, and the at least one bolt receiver of the second attachment member may be included in a vertical section of the second attachment member that is substantially perpendicular to the largest planar surface of the base.
- Each of the at least one bolt receiver of the first attachment member and second attachment member may include a recess forming a vertical slot.
- the vertical section of the first attachment member and the vertical section of the second attachment member may be substantially parallel with, and substantially included in, the same plane.
- the first receiver may include a first pin receiver and the second receiver may include a second pin receiver.
- Implementations of a carrying device for attachment to a vehicle may include: at least one carrying section configured to receive the full diameter and at least more than half of the length of a golf bag, the at least one carrying section having an opening at its upper extremity configured to allow the golf bag to enter into the at least one carrying section, wherein the at least one carrying section includes a plurality of sidewall openings therethrough configured to visually expose the golf bag through the plurality of sidewall openings more than to visually enclose the golf bag through the at least one carrying section; a first vehicle coupler configured to be coupled to the vehicle, the first vehicle coupler further including a first receiver having a first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and a second receiver having a second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity; a first connector coupled to the at least one carrying section, the first connector coupled to the first vehicle coupler through the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity of the first receiver, and; a second connector coupled to the at least one carrying section, the second connector coupled to the first vehicle coupler through the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity of the second receiver.
- Implementations of first vehicle couplers may include one, all, or any of the following:
- the first connector may include a third receiver having a third substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and the second connector may include a fourth receiver having a fourth substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, and wherein a first height adjuster couples to the first connector through the third substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and couples to the first vehicle coupler through the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, and wherein a second height adjuster couples to the second connector through the fourth substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and couples to the first vehicle coupler through the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity.
- the first vehicle coupler may include a first attachment member and a second attachment member, the first attachment member and the second attachment member each having at least one bolt receiver configured to allow the first vehicle coupler to be coupled to the vehicle.
- the at least one carrying section may include a framework of vertical members and lateral members and at least one floor member coupled together and forming the plurality of sidewall openings.
- An overall shape of the at least one carrying section may be cylindrical.
- One or more hinges may be disposed along a longest length of the at least one carrying section and may be configured to allow the at least one carrying section to be opened along the longest length.
- the at least one carrying section may include two carrying sections.
- Each carrying section may include at least one hinge disposed along a longest length of the carrying section and configured to allow the carrying section to open along the longest length.
- a restraint may be coupled to the carrying device and configured to restrain a movement of an item placed in the carrying device.
- At least one height adjuster may be coupled between the first vehicle coupler and the at least one carrying section and may be configured to adjust a height of the at least one carrying section.
- a second vehicle coupler may be coupled to the at least one carrying section and may be configured to couple to the vehicle.
- the second vehicle coupler may include a pair of rigid arms coupled to the at least one carrying section through a pivot.
- Implementations of a carrying device for attachment to a motorcycle may include: at least one carrying section configured to receive the full diameter and at least more than half of the length of a golf bag, the at least one carrying section having an opening at its upper extremity configured to allow the golf bag to enter the at least one carrying section, wherein the at least one carrying section includes a plurality of sidewall openings therethrough configured to visually expose the golf bag through the plurality of sidewall openings more than to visually enclose the golf bag through the at least one carrying section; and a second vehicle coupler coupled to the at least one carrying section and configured to couple to the motorcycle, wherein the second vehicle coupler includes a pair of rigid arms, the pair of rigid arms coupled to the at least one carrying section through a pivot to form a v-shaped structure.
- Implementations of first vehicle couplers may include one, all, or any of the following:
- the at least one carrying section may include a framework of vertical members and lateral members and at least one floor member coupled together and forming the plurality of sidewall openings.
- FIG. 1 is front perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device
- FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device
- FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a first vehicle coupler, a first height adjuster, a second height adjuster, a first connector, a second connector, a bridge, and a main floor member of an implementation of a carrying device;
- FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a first vehicle coupler, a first height adjuster, a second height adjuster, a first connector, a second connector, a bridge, and a main floor member of an implementation of a carrying device;
- FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of an implementation of a first vehicle coupler
- FIG. 6 is a bottom rear perspective view of an implementation of a first vehicle coupler
- FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device in an open configuration
- FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device in an open configuration
- FIG. 9 is rear perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device attached to a motorcycle.
- FIG. 10 is an exploded rear-bottom perspective view of the rear portion of a motorcycle and several components of an implementation of a carrying device to be coupled thereto.
- a carrying device 2 includes at least one carrying section 4 .
- the implementation shown in FIG. 1 includes two carrying sections 4 side by side, in other implementations the carrying device 2 could include only a single carrying section 4 , or three carrying sections 4 , or four carrying sections 4 , and so forth.
- each carrying section 4 has a cylindrical shape, but in other implementations each carrying section 4 could have a different shape, such as: a cuboidal shape; an inverted cone or conical frustum; an inverted triangular, square or other polygon-based pyramid or pyramidal frustum; and the like.
- each carrying section 4 includes an opening 6 for the admittance of one or more items into the carrying section 4 .
- each carrying section 4 is configured to carry, and the opening 6 is configured to receive, a golf bag.
- each carrying section 4 could be configured to hold some other item, such as, by non-limiting example: separate golf clubs; other sports equipment such as balls and the like; one or more briefcases; one or more grocery bags and/or groceries and the like; yard equipment such as rakes, shovels and the like; and so forth.
- each carrying section 4 could be configured to hold many different items.
- each carrying section 4 could be configured to hold a different type of item or each carrying section 4 could be configured to hold the same or a similarly shaped or sized item.
- each carrying section 4 is configured to carry a golf bag.
- a carrying section 4 could include a hinge 84 , such as along its longest length, such that the carrying section 4 opens using the hinge 84 in order to receive the golf bag.
- the carrying section 4 could be sized so that the top of the golf bag, when the golf bag is inside the carrying section 4 , is lower than the upper extremity of the carrying section 4 , such that the opening 6 is not required.
- such a hinge 84 could be included but the carrying section 4 could be sized so that the golf bag, when placed inside the carrying section 4 , extends upwards past the upper extremity of the carrying section 4 , such that the opening 6 is still included so the golf bag can extend upwards through the opening 6 when the golf bag is being carried by the carrying section 4 .
- Various hinged versions of a carrying section 4 may be implemented.
- one or more hinges 84 could be placed along a longest length of the carrying section 4 to allow the carrying section 4 to open along that longest length.
- the carrying section 4 could be configured to open along all, or along substantially all, the longest length.
- the carrying section 4 could be configured to open along some, but not all, of the longest length.
- an accessory mount 48 is included which can include openings 50 and/or other attachment mechanisms for the attachment of a license plate, lights 52 (such as brake lights that are configured to be in sync with the vehicle brake lights) and the like.
- the accessory mount 48 is located about in the middle of the back of the carrying device 2 .
- the accessory mount 48 could be located at or proximate the bottom of the carrying device 2 and each carrying section 4 could include one or more hinges 84 along its longest length that is configured to allow the carrying section 4 to open along some, but not all, of the longest length of the carrying section 4 (such as opening along all or substantially all of the longest length except the portion of the longest length whereon the accessory mount 48 is located).
- the accessory mount 48 could be located at or proximate the top of the carrying device 2 and one or more hinges 84 could similarly be designed so that the carrying sections 4 open below the accessory mount 48 and thus along some, but not all, of the longest length of the carrying section 4 .
- the accessory mount 48 could be split or otherwise severed so that each carrying section 4 may be configured with hinges 84 or the like to open along the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of its longest length, as shown in FIG. 7 .
- the accessory mount 48 could be configured so that a license plate and one light 52 are coupled to one carrying section 4 and a second light 52 is coupled to the other carrying section 4 .
- a carrying device 2 having two carrying sections 4 could be configured such that a hinge 84 is placed only along a longest length of one of the carrying sections 4 and both carrying sections 4 are configured to open using this same hinge 84 .
- each carrying section 4 is configured with a plurality of sidewall openings 74 through which the golf bag or other item may be seen when placed inside the carrying section 4 .
- more than half of the golf bag (or other item placed inside the carrying section 4 ) is visible through the plurality of sidewall openings 74 .
- the carrying section 4 is thus more open than enclosed and/or the plurality of sidewall openings 74 are configured to visually expose the golf bag through the plurality of sidewall openings 74 more than the carrying section 4 is configured to visually enclose the golf bag.
- the carrying section 4 could be configured to entirely visually enclose the golf bag, such that the golf bag is not visible through the carrying section 4 when the golf bag is placed inside the carrying section 4 .
- the carrying section 4 could be configured with a plurality of sidewall openings 74 such that less than half of the golf bag is visible through the sidewall openings 74 when the golf bag is placed therein.
- each carrying section 4 includes a framework of vertical members 8 , lateral members 10 and floor members 11 coupled together.
- the framework is, as shown in the drawings, a skeletal framework, and the vertical members 8 and lateral members 10 form the sidewall openings 74 .
- the vertical members 8 , lateral members 10 and floor members 11 could be made into any shape and made of any material, such as polymer, metallic, ceramic or composite bars, rods, tubes, sheets, strips or the like.
- the floor members 11 include a main floor member 12 and a plurality of side floor members 14 .
- each carrying section 4 could be have a framework that is shaped differently than that shown in the drawings.
- the entire sidewall and/or floor of a carrying section 4 could be, for instance, formed of a polymeric, composite, or ceramic material with sidewall openings 74 integrated therein.
- a lateral support 18 is coupled to the carrying section 4 and a vertical support 16 is coupled to the lateral support 18 .
- the vertical support 16 in implementations is coupled to a first connector 54 and second connector 58 such as, by non-limiting example, through a bridge 62 that couples to both the first connector 54 and second connector 58 .
- the first connector 54 and second connector 58 are each coupled to at least one of the floor members 11 .
- the first connector 54 and second connector 58 are each attached to the main floor member 12 .
- a first vehicle coupler 20 of the carrying device 2 is configured to couple to one or more other elements of the carrying device 2 and to further couple to a vehicle.
- the first vehicle coupler 20 has a base 68 having a largest planar surface 76 of the first vehicle coupler 20 .
- a first attachment member 22 and a second attachment member 24 are each attached to the base 68 .
- the first attachment member 22 includes a vertical section 70 that has, therein, a plurality of recesses that form vertical slots that are bolt receivers 26 .
- the bolt receivers 26 are configured to each receive a bolt such as to allow the first vehicle coupler 20 to be coupled to a vehicle.
- the vertical section 70 is substantially perpendicular to the largest planar surface 76 of the base 68 .
- the first attachment member 22 could exclude the vertical section 70 and/or could otherwise include only one bolt receiver 26 , or more than two bolt receivers 26 , and the like.
- the first vehicle coupler 20 includes a second attachment member 24 similar to the first attachment member 22 and having a vertical section 72 having at least one bolt receiver 26 that, similar to the bolt receivers 26 of the first attachment member 22 , is formed by vertical slots in the second vertical section 72 .
- the slots could be horizontal slots, or the bolt receivers 26 could be slots or circular openings that are entirely contained within the first attachment member 22 or second attachment member 24 , or the like.
- the first attachment member 22 has a largest planar surface 78 that is in the same plane, or substantially in the same plane, as the largest planar surface 76 .
- the second attachment member 24 has a largest planar surface 80 that is in the same plane, or substantially the same plane, as the largest planar surface 76 .
- the vertical section 70 and vertical section 72 are in the same plane or are substantially in the same plane.
- the first attachment member 22 forms a greater than ninety-degree angle with the base 68 .
- the second attachment member 24 forms a greater than ninety-degree angle with the base 68 .
- the first attachment member 22 forms an angle of about one hundred twenty degrees with the base 68 .
- the second attachment member 24 forms an angle of about one hundred twenty degrees with the base 68 .
- the vehicle is a motorcycle, though in other implementations the vehicle could be any other type of vehicle such as, by non-limiting example: a bicycle, a car, a bus, a street motorcycle, an off-road motorcycle, a dual-purpose motorcycle; a cruiser motorcycle; a sportbike motorcycle; a scooter; a moped; a dune buggy; a sandrail; a truck; a van; an SUV; a bus; and the like.
- the first vehicle coupler 20 in implementations may be configured to couple to any of the above types of vehicles.
- the first vehicle coupler 20 includes a first receiver 28 having a first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity 29 accessible through a first substantially rectangular opening 32 and a second receiver 30 having a second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity 31 accessible through a second substantially rectangular opening 33 .
- the first receiver 28 and second receiver 30 are thus both configured to receive a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item.
- the substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item could include a hole for the reception of a pin 92 and, accordingly, the first receiver 28 includes a first pin receiver 34 to align with one or more holes in the substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item such that a pin 92 may be inserted into the hole(s) in the substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item through the first pin receiver 34 to at least temporarily lock the substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item into place.
- the second receiver 30 similarly includes a second pin receiver 35 for similar purposes.
- first receiver 28 and second receiver 30 have equal, or substantially equal, dimensions.
- first substantially rectangular opening 32 and second substantially rectangular opening 33 are in the same, or substantially the same, plane.
- first receiver 28 and second receiver 30 are aligned parallel, or substantially parallel, to one another. Referring to FIG. 6 , in implementations the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity 29 of the first receiver 28 is accessible from a side or rear of the first receiver 28 opposite the first substantially rectangular opening 32 , and in implementations the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity 31 of the second receiver 30 is accessible from a side or rear of the second receiver 30 opposite the second substantially rectangular opening 33 .
- the first vehicle coupler 20 is configured to couple to the first connector 54 and second connector 58 .
- the first vehicle coupler 20 may be configured to attach directly to the first connector 54 and second connector 58 .
- the first connector 54 includes a third receiver 56 that includes a third substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and the second connector 58 includes a fourth receiver 60 that includes a fourth substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity.
- one or more intermediary connectors 82 couples the first vehicle coupler 20 and at least one of the first connector 54 and the second connector 58 .
- each intermediary connector 82 includes one or more substantially rectangular cuboidal portions and is configured to couple to both the first vehicle coupler 20 and at least one of the first connector 54 and the second connector 58 .
- a first intermediary connector 82 includes a height adjuster, for example in implementations a first height adjuster 64 includes a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped element that inserts into the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity 29 of the first receiver 28 and a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped element that inserts into the third substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity of the first connector 54 .
- a second height adjuster 66 includes a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped element that inserts into the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity 31 of the second receiver 30 and a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped element that inserts into the fourth substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity of the second connector 58 .
- first height adjuster 64 and second height adjuster 66 are configured to either increase or decrease the height of the one or more carrying sections 4 .
- first height adjuster 64 and second height adjuster 66 are each configured to increase the height of the one or more carrying sections 4 .
- the first height adjuster 64 and second height adjuster 66 could each be flipped around so that they would be configured to decrease the height of the one or more carrying sections 4 .
- the carrying device 2 includes a second vehicle coupler 36 that is configured to couple to the one or more carrying sections 4 and that is further configured to couple to the vehicle.
- the second vehicle coupler 36 includes a pair of arms 38 that are coupled to the one or more carrying sections 4 through a pivot 46 .
- the pair of arms 38 is coupled to the vertical support 16 through the pivot 46 .
- each arm 38 is movable through the pivot 46 and the arms 38 are configured to couple to the vehicle and form a v-shape.
- an attachment end 40 of each arm 38 includes a clamp 44 .
- the carrying device 2 could exclude a second vehicle coupler 36 .
- the second vehicle coupler 36 could be some element other than the arms 38 coupled to one or more carrying sections 4 through a pivot 46 .
- the second vehicle coupler 36 could be a single arm 38 coupled to one or more of the carrying sections 4 with or without a pivot 46 .
- one or more or all of the implementing components of a carrying device 2 are formed of hollow tubing, such as hollow metallic tubing having a circular, square, rectangular, or other closed shape cross-sectional shape.
- the first receiver 28 , second receiver 30 , first height adjuster 64 , second height adjuster 66 , first connector 54 , second connector 58 , main floor member 12 , side floor members 14 , vertical support 16 and lateral support 18 are formed of hollow rectangular tubing, such as metallic hollow rectangular tubing, with flanges and/or holes used to connect the separate pieces, such as with screws and/or bolts or the like, though in implementations one or more or all of these elements could be welded or otherwise formed together.
- each clamp 44 is coupled to an arm 38 through an opening in the attachment end 40 of the arm 38 .
- the vertical members 8 and lateral members 10 may be coupled together such as with screws, bolts, or the like. In implementations these elements could be welded or otherwise permanently joined together.
- the arms 38 are rigid elements.
- the accessory mount 48 may be excluded.
- the first vehicle coupler 20 could include other configurations.
- the first vehicle coupler 20 could include only a first attachment member 22 or only a second attachment member 24 , instead of both, and/or could include something other than a bolt receiver 26 , such as a clamp, a hook, or any other connecting type of mechanism.
- an accessory mount 48 includes a first section 49 and a second section 51 which are separable from one another and allow the accessory mount 48 to be separable into two components.
- the portion of the accessory mount 48 to which a license plate or other item may be coupled using the openings 50 may be entirely contained on the first section 49 (or, in other implementations, on the second section 51 ) so that the license plate is directly coupled only to one side of the accessory mount 48 .
- This may allow the carrying device 2 to be opened, as shown in FIG. 7 , without requiring a user to remove the license plate or other item attached to the accessory mount 48 through the openings 50 .
- the accessory mount 48 does not include a first section 49 and second section 51 and/or is not otherwise separable in the manner described.
- each carrying section 4 includes hinges 84 and latches 86 to open up individually.
- only one carrying section 4 may include one or more hinges 84
- only the other carrying section 4 may include one or more latches 86 , so that by unlatching and swinging open one carrying section 4 the other carrying section 4 necessarily opens thereby as well.
- each carrying section 4 would be fixed relative to one another (such as using the vertical support 16 and lateral support 18 ) and the front portions of each carrying section 4 would also be fixed relative to one another such as through the accessory mount 48 and other mechanisms or attachment devices.
- the back portions of the carrying sections 4 may be molded or otherwise integrally formed together while the front portions of the carrying sections 4 may also be molded or otherwise integrally formed together.
- a carrying device 2 may include a restraint 94 configured to fully or partially restrain an item placed in the carrying device 2 when the carrying device 2 is in a closed configuration.
- the restraint 94 may be formed of a compressible foam that is tailored to press upon an item (such as a golf bag) when the carrying device 2 is closed, so that the item will be held in place and not move about during transportation of the item.
- the thickness of such a compressible foam could be altered according to the desired end use.
- a carrying device 98 is similar in many ways to a carrying device 2 but is different at least in that it only has a single carrying section 4 instead of two carrying sections 4 .
- a restraint 96 is shown in FIG. 9 , which restraint 96 could be included on carrying device 2 as well.
- the restraint 96 includes a belt, the length of which may be adjusted using the adjuster 100 .
- the belt may be biased towards a closed position or, in other words, towards a smaller-diameter configuration so that it automatically tightens around the item to be carried as the carrying section 4 is closed.
- a carrying device 98 could utilize one or more restraints 94 instead of one or more restraints 96 , and in other implementations a carrying device 2 and/or a carrying device 98 could each include both one or more restraints 94 and one or more restraints 96 .
- the adjuster 100 could include a cinching mechanism such as a double ring or double D-ring belt, a ratcheting mechanism, hook-and-loop fasteners, or some other tightening mechanism.
- the carrying device 2 could include only a single carrying section 4 and could open in like manner as each carrying section 4 is shown opening in FIG. 7 .
- the main floor member 12 could be shortened, for example, and the single carrying section 4 could be in a central position, i.e., lined up with the first vehicle coupler 20 and second vehicle coupler 36 , and the vertical support 16 and/or lateral support 18 in such an implementation may or may not be included, and other components may remain the same or similar to those shown in the drawings, with some attachment points of portions of the carrying device 2 altered.
- one or more of the lateral members 10 may be formed of a flexible or semi-flexible material such that one or more of the lateral members 10 may effectively form a living hinge by flexing upon opening of the carrying section 4 .
- the use of living hinges may serve to keep the carrying section 4 more rigid.
- the carrying device 2 may be attached to the rear portion of a motorcycle.
- a bar 88 at or towards the rear of the motorcycle may be used as an attachment point for the clamp 44 of the second vehicle coupler 36 and one or more attachment members 90 proximate the rear wheel of the motorcycle may be used as attachment points for the first vehicle coupler 20 .
- the attachment members 90 may be a part of the motorcycle to begin with though in other implementations they could be added later, and in any case may be attached to a wheel cover or mud flap or other component.
- the bar 88 may be a part of the motorcycle to begin with though in other implementations it could be added later.
- the bar 88 could be used to hold another compartment, or to hold (or serve as support for) a passenger seat, or the like, and/or may have another purpose as its primary purpose in addition to serving as an attachment point for the second vehicle coupler 36 .
- discussion is made herein specifically in relation to a motorcycle it is to be understood that the same may apply to a bicycle, a car, a bus, a street motorcycle, an off-road motorcycle, a dual-purpose motorcycle; a cruiser motorcycle; a sportbike motorcycle; a scooter; a moped; a dune buggy; a sandrail; a truck; a van; an SUV; a bus; and the like.
- the carrying device 2 may have one or more components on the bottom to prevent scratching and other damage to the carrying device 2 and/or to prevent the carrying device 2 from scratching or damaging other items. In implementations, this may include polymer or rubber feet or the like located on the bottom of the carrying device 2 . Referring to FIG. 10 , in implementations a plurality of pins 92 may be used to hold components of the carrying device 2 together and, conversely, may be removed for disassembly of the carrying device 2 or for separating portions of the carrying device 2 from one another, such as separating a carrying section 4 from the first vehicle coupler 20 , or the like.
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Abstract
Description
- 1. Technical Field
- Aspects of this document relate generally to carrying devices for attachment to vehicles. More specific implementations involve carrying devices for attachment to motorcycles.
- 2. Background Art
- A carrying device configured for attachment to a vehicle generally includes an enclosure or container configured to receive one or more items for transportation purposes. To attach or couple the carrying device to the vehicle, one or more attachment mechanisms are generally included. Carrying devices may be configured for coupling to various portions of a vehicle. Some carrying devices have been configured for placement on top of a vehicle. Other carrying devices have been configured with wheels and incorporated into a standalone unit such as to be towed behind a vehicle. Carrying devices may be used to effectively increase the storage capacity of a vehicle or to allow a user to carry items that may not otherwise be carried with the vehicle alone.
- Implementations of a first vehicle coupler configured for attachment to a motorcycle may include: a first attachment member coupled to a base and having at least one bolt receiver; a second attachment member coupled to the base and having at least one bolt receiver; a first receiver coupled to the base and defining a first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, the first receiver having a first substantially rectangular opening providing access to the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity; and a second receiver coupled to the base and defining a second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, the second receiver having a second substantially rectangular opening providing access to the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, wherein the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity have substantially equal dimensions.
- Implementations of first vehicle couplers may include one, all, or any of the following:
- The first substantially rectangular opening and second substantially rectangular opening may reside in substantially the same plane.
- The at least one bolt receiver of the first attachment member may be included in a vertical section of the first attachment member that is substantially perpendicular to a largest planar surface of the base, and the at least one bolt receiver of the second attachment member may be included in a vertical section of the second attachment member that is substantially perpendicular to the largest planar surface of the base.
- Each of the at least one bolt receiver of the first attachment member and second attachment member may include a recess forming a vertical slot.
- The vertical section of the first attachment member and the vertical section of the second attachment member may be substantially parallel with, and substantially included in, the same plane.
- The first receiver may include a first pin receiver and the second receiver may include a second pin receiver.
- Implementations of a carrying device for attachment to a vehicle may include: at least one carrying section configured to receive the full diameter and at least more than half of the length of a golf bag, the at least one carrying section having an opening at its upper extremity configured to allow the golf bag to enter into the at least one carrying section, wherein the at least one carrying section includes a plurality of sidewall openings therethrough configured to visually expose the golf bag through the plurality of sidewall openings more than to visually enclose the golf bag through the at least one carrying section; a first vehicle coupler configured to be coupled to the vehicle, the first vehicle coupler further including a first receiver having a first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and a second receiver having a second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity; a first connector coupled to the at least one carrying section, the first connector coupled to the first vehicle coupler through the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity of the first receiver, and; a second connector coupled to the at least one carrying section, the second connector coupled to the first vehicle coupler through the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity of the second receiver.
- Implementations of first vehicle couplers may include one, all, or any of the following:
- The first connector may include a third receiver having a third substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and the second connector may include a fourth receiver having a fourth substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, and wherein a first height adjuster couples to the first connector through the third substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and couples to the first vehicle coupler through the first substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity, and wherein a second height adjuster couples to the second connector through the fourth substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and couples to the first vehicle coupler through the second substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity.
- The first vehicle coupler may include a first attachment member and a second attachment member, the first attachment member and the second attachment member each having at least one bolt receiver configured to allow the first vehicle coupler to be coupled to the vehicle.
- The at least one carrying section may include a framework of vertical members and lateral members and at least one floor member coupled together and forming the plurality of sidewall openings.
- An overall shape of the at least one carrying section may be cylindrical.
- One or more hinges may be disposed along a longest length of the at least one carrying section and may be configured to allow the at least one carrying section to be opened along the longest length.
- The at least one carrying section may include two carrying sections.
- Each carrying section may include at least one hinge disposed along a longest length of the carrying section and configured to allow the carrying section to open along the longest length.
- A restraint may be coupled to the carrying device and configured to restrain a movement of an item placed in the carrying device.
- At least one height adjuster may be coupled between the first vehicle coupler and the at least one carrying section and may be configured to adjust a height of the at least one carrying section.
- A second vehicle coupler may be coupled to the at least one carrying section and may be configured to couple to the vehicle.
- The second vehicle coupler may include a pair of rigid arms coupled to the at least one carrying section through a pivot.
- Implementations of a carrying device for attachment to a motorcycle may include: at least one carrying section configured to receive the full diameter and at least more than half of the length of a golf bag, the at least one carrying section having an opening at its upper extremity configured to allow the golf bag to enter the at least one carrying section, wherein the at least one carrying section includes a plurality of sidewall openings therethrough configured to visually expose the golf bag through the plurality of sidewall openings more than to visually enclose the golf bag through the at least one carrying section; and a second vehicle coupler coupled to the at least one carrying section and configured to couple to the motorcycle, wherein the second vehicle coupler includes a pair of rigid arms, the pair of rigid arms coupled to the at least one carrying section through a pivot to form a v-shaped structure.
- Implementations of first vehicle couplers may include one, all, or any of the following:
- The at least one carrying section may include a framework of vertical members and lateral members and at least one floor member coupled together and forming the plurality of sidewall openings.
- The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will be apparent to those artisans of ordinary skill in the art from the DESCRIPTION and DRAWINGS, and from the CLAIMS.
- Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:
-
FIG. 1 is front perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device; -
FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device; -
FIG. 3 is a top perspective view of a first vehicle coupler, a first height adjuster, a second height adjuster, a first connector, a second connector, a bridge, and a main floor member of an implementation of a carrying device; -
FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of a first vehicle coupler, a first height adjuster, a second height adjuster, a first connector, a second connector, a bridge, and a main floor member of an implementation of a carrying device; -
FIG. 5 is a top front perspective view of an implementation of a first vehicle coupler; -
FIG. 6 is a bottom rear perspective view of an implementation of a first vehicle coupler; -
FIG. 7 is a front perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device in an open configuration; -
FIG. 8 is a front perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device in an open configuration; -
FIG. 9 is rear perspective view of an implementation of a carrying device attached to a motorcycle; and -
FIG. 10 is an exploded rear-bottom perspective view of the rear portion of a motorcycle and several components of an implementation of a carrying device to be coupled thereto. - This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to the specific components, assembly procedures or method elements disclosed herein. Many additional components, assembly procedures and/or method elements known in the art consistent with the intended carrying devices and related methods will become apparent for use with particular implementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, although particular implementations are disclosed, such implementations and implementing components may comprise any shape, size, style, type, model, version, measurement, concentration, material, quantity, method element, step, and/or the like as is known in the art for such carrying devices and related methods, and implementing components and methods, consistent with the intended operation and methods.
- Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in various implementations acarrying device 2 includes at least onecarrying section 4. The implementation shown inFIG. 1 includes two carryingsections 4 side by side, in other implementations thecarrying device 2 could include only asingle carrying section 4, or three carryingsections 4, or four carryingsections 4, and so forth. In the implementation shown inFIG. 1 each carryingsection 4 has a cylindrical shape, but in other implementations each carryingsection 4 could have a different shape, such as: a cuboidal shape; an inverted cone or conical frustum; an inverted triangular, square or other polygon-based pyramid or pyramidal frustum; and the like. - In implementations each carrying
section 4 includes anopening 6 for the admittance of one or more items into thecarrying section 4. In the implementations shown each carryingsection 4 is configured to carry, and theopening 6 is configured to receive, a golf bag. In other implementations each carryingsection 4 could be configured to hold some other item, such as, by non-limiting example: separate golf clubs; other sports equipment such as balls and the like; one or more briefcases; one or more grocery bags and/or groceries and the like; yard equipment such as rakes, shovels and the like; and so forth. In short, each carryingsection 4 could be configured to hold many different items. In implementations in which thecarrying device 2 includes more than one carryingsection 4, each carryingsection 4 could be configured to hold a different type of item or eachcarrying section 4 could be configured to hold the same or a similarly shaped or sized item. In the implementations shown in the drawings each carryingsection 4 is configured to carry a golf bag. - While the implementations shown only carrying
sections 4 that have anopening 6 at the upper extremity of thecarrying section 4 for receiving a golf bag, in implementations thecarrying section 4 could omit theopening 6. By non-limiting example, referring toFIG. 7 , in implementations acarrying section 4 could include ahinge 84, such as along its longest length, such that thecarrying section 4 opens using thehinge 84 in order to receive the golf bag. In such implementations the carryingsection 4 could be sized so that the top of the golf bag, when the golf bag is inside the carryingsection 4, is lower than the upper extremity of the carryingsection 4, such that theopening 6 is not required. In other implementations such ahinge 84 could be included but the carryingsection 4 could be sized so that the golf bag, when placed inside the carryingsection 4, extends upwards past the upper extremity of the carryingsection 4, such that theopening 6 is still included so the golf bag can extend upwards through theopening 6 when the golf bag is being carried by the carryingsection 4. - Various hinged versions of a carrying
section 4 may be implemented. In implementations wherein asingle carrying section 4 is used, one or more hinges 84 could be placed along a longest length of the carryingsection 4 to allow the carryingsection 4 to open along that longest length. In implementations the carryingsection 4 could be configured to open along all, or along substantially all, the longest length. In other implementations the carryingsection 4 could be configured to open along some, but not all, of the longest length. For example, referring toFIG. 1 , in implementations anaccessory mount 48 is included which can includeopenings 50 and/or other attachment mechanisms for the attachment of a license plate, lights 52 (such as brake lights that are configured to be in sync with the vehicle brake lights) and the like. In the various implementations shown theaccessory mount 48 is located about in the middle of the back of the carryingdevice 2. In other implementations theaccessory mount 48 could be located at or proximate the bottom of the carryingdevice 2 and each carryingsection 4 could include one or more hinges 84 along its longest length that is configured to allow the carryingsection 4 to open along some, but not all, of the longest length of the carrying section 4 (such as opening along all or substantially all of the longest length except the portion of the longest length whereon theaccessory mount 48 is located). - In other implementations the
accessory mount 48 could be located at or proximate the top of the carryingdevice 2 and one or more hinges 84 could similarly be designed so that the carryingsections 4 open below theaccessory mount 48 and thus along some, but not all, of the longest length of the carryingsection 4. In other implementations theaccessory mount 48 could be split or otherwise severed so that each carryingsection 4 may be configured withhinges 84 or the like to open along the entirety, or substantially the entirety, of its longest length, as shown inFIG. 7 . In other implementations theaccessory mount 48 could be configured so that a license plate and one light 52 are coupled to onecarrying section 4 and asecond light 52 is coupled to the other carryingsection 4. In implementations a carryingdevice 2 having two carryingsections 4 could be configured such that ahinge 84 is placed only along a longest length of one of the carryingsections 4 and both carryingsections 4 are configured to open using thissame hinge 84. - In implementations each carrying
section 4 is configured with a plurality ofsidewall openings 74 through which the golf bag or other item may be seen when placed inside the carryingsection 4. In implementations more than half of the golf bag (or other item placed inside the carrying section 4) is visible through the plurality ofsidewall openings 74. In implementations the carryingsection 4 is thus more open than enclosed and/or the plurality ofsidewall openings 74 are configured to visually expose the golf bag through the plurality ofsidewall openings 74 more than the carryingsection 4 is configured to visually enclose the golf bag. In implementations the carryingsection 4 could be configured to entirely visually enclose the golf bag, such that the golf bag is not visible through the carryingsection 4 when the golf bag is placed inside the carryingsection 4. In other implementations the carryingsection 4 could be configured with a plurality ofsidewall openings 74 such that less than half of the golf bag is visible through thesidewall openings 74 when the golf bag is placed therein. - In implementations each carrying
section 4 includes a framework ofvertical members 8,lateral members 10 andfloor members 11 coupled together. In implementations the framework is, as shown in the drawings, a skeletal framework, and thevertical members 8 andlateral members 10 form thesidewall openings 74. In implementations thevertical members 8,lateral members 10 andfloor members 11 could be made into any shape and made of any material, such as polymer, metallic, ceramic or composite bars, rods, tubes, sheets, strips or the like. In implementations thefloor members 11 include amain floor member 12 and a plurality ofside floor members 14. In implementations each carryingsection 4 could be have a framework that is shaped differently than that shown in the drawings. In implementations the entire sidewall and/or floor of a carryingsection 4 could be, for instance, formed of a polymeric, composite, or ceramic material withsidewall openings 74 integrated therein. - Referring still to
FIGS. 1 and 2 , in implementations alateral support 18 is coupled to the carryingsection 4 and avertical support 16 is coupled to thelateral support 18. Thevertical support 16 in implementations is coupled to afirst connector 54 andsecond connector 58 such as, by non-limiting example, through abridge 62 that couples to both thefirst connector 54 andsecond connector 58. In implementations thefirst connector 54 andsecond connector 58 are each coupled to at least one of thefloor members 11. In the implementations shown thefirst connector 54 andsecond connector 58 are each attached to themain floor member 12. - In implementations a
first vehicle coupler 20 of the carryingdevice 2 is configured to couple to one or more other elements of the carryingdevice 2 and to further couple to a vehicle. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6 , in implementations thefirst vehicle coupler 20 has a base 68 having a largestplanar surface 76 of thefirst vehicle coupler 20. Afirst attachment member 22 and asecond attachment member 24 are each attached to thebase 68. Thefirst attachment member 22 includes avertical section 70 that has, therein, a plurality of recesses that form vertical slots that arebolt receivers 26. Thebolt receivers 26 are configured to each receive a bolt such as to allow thefirst vehicle coupler 20 to be coupled to a vehicle. In implementations thevertical section 70 is substantially perpendicular to the largestplanar surface 76 of thebase 68. In implementations thefirst attachment member 22 could exclude thevertical section 70 and/or could otherwise include only onebolt receiver 26, or more than twobolt receivers 26, and the like. - In implementations the
first vehicle coupler 20 includes asecond attachment member 24 similar to thefirst attachment member 22 and having avertical section 72 having at least onebolt receiver 26 that, similar to thebolt receivers 26 of thefirst attachment member 22, is formed by vertical slots in the secondvertical section 72. In implementations the slots could be horizontal slots, or thebolt receivers 26 could be slots or circular openings that are entirely contained within thefirst attachment member 22 orsecond attachment member 24, or the like. In implementations thefirst attachment member 22 has a largestplanar surface 78 that is in the same plane, or substantially in the same plane, as the largestplanar surface 76. In implementations thesecond attachment member 24 has a largestplanar surface 80 that is in the same plane, or substantially the same plane, as the largestplanar surface 76. In implementations thevertical section 70 andvertical section 72 are in the same plane or are substantially in the same plane. In implementations thefirst attachment member 22 forms a greater than ninety-degree angle with thebase 68. In implementations thesecond attachment member 24 forms a greater than ninety-degree angle with thebase 68. In implementations thefirst attachment member 22 forms an angle of about one hundred twenty degrees with thebase 68. In implementations thesecond attachment member 24 forms an angle of about one hundred twenty degrees with thebase 68. - In implementations the vehicle is a motorcycle, though in other implementations the vehicle could be any other type of vehicle such as, by non-limiting example: a bicycle, a car, a bus, a street motorcycle, an off-road motorcycle, a dual-purpose motorcycle; a cruiser motorcycle; a sportbike motorcycle; a scooter; a moped; a dune buggy; a sandrail; a truck; a van; an SUV; a bus; and the like. Accordingly, the
first vehicle coupler 20 in implementations may be configured to couple to any of the above types of vehicles. - Referring still to
FIGS. 5 and 6 , in implementations thefirst vehicle coupler 20 includes afirst receiver 28 having a first substantially rectangularcuboidal cavity 29 accessible through a first substantiallyrectangular opening 32 and asecond receiver 30 having a second substantially rectangularcuboidal cavity 31 accessible through a second substantiallyrectangular opening 33. Thefirst receiver 28 andsecond receiver 30 are thus both configured to receive a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item. In implementations the substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item could include a hole for the reception of apin 92 and, accordingly, thefirst receiver 28 includes afirst pin receiver 34 to align with one or more holes in the substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item such that apin 92 may be inserted into the hole(s) in the substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item through thefirst pin receiver 34 to at least temporarily lock the substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped item into place. Thesecond receiver 30 similarly includes asecond pin receiver 35 for similar purposes. - In implementations the
first receiver 28 andsecond receiver 30 have equal, or substantially equal, dimensions. In implementations the first substantiallyrectangular opening 32 and second substantiallyrectangular opening 33 are in the same, or substantially the same, plane. In implementations thefirst receiver 28 andsecond receiver 30 are aligned parallel, or substantially parallel, to one another. Referring toFIG. 6 , in implementations the first substantially rectangularcuboidal cavity 29 of thefirst receiver 28 is accessible from a side or rear of thefirst receiver 28 opposite the first substantiallyrectangular opening 32, and in implementations the second substantially rectangularcuboidal cavity 31 of thesecond receiver 30 is accessible from a side or rear of thesecond receiver 30 opposite the second substantiallyrectangular opening 33. - Referring to
FIGS. 3 and 4 , in implementations thefirst vehicle coupler 20 is configured to couple to thefirst connector 54 andsecond connector 58. In implementations thefirst vehicle coupler 20 may be configured to attach directly to thefirst connector 54 andsecond connector 58. In implementations thefirst connector 54 includes athird receiver 56 that includes a third substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity and thesecond connector 58 includes afourth receiver 60 that includes a fourth substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity. In implementations one or moreintermediary connectors 82 couples thefirst vehicle coupler 20 and at least one of thefirst connector 54 and thesecond connector 58. In implementations eachintermediary connector 82 includes one or more substantially rectangular cuboidal portions and is configured to couple to both thefirst vehicle coupler 20 and at least one of thefirst connector 54 and thesecond connector 58. - In various implementations a first
intermediary connector 82 includes a height adjuster, for example in implementations afirst height adjuster 64 includes a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped element that inserts into the first substantially rectangularcuboidal cavity 29 of thefirst receiver 28 and a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped element that inserts into the third substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity of thefirst connector 54. In implementations asecond height adjuster 66 includes a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped element that inserts into the second substantially rectangularcuboidal cavity 31 of thesecond receiver 30 and a substantially rectangular cuboid-shaped element that inserts into the fourth substantially rectangular cuboidal cavity of thesecond connector 58. In implementations thefirst height adjuster 64 andsecond height adjuster 66 are configured to either increase or decrease the height of the one ormore carrying sections 4. In the implementations shown thefirst height adjuster 64 andsecond height adjuster 66 are each configured to increase the height of the one ormore carrying sections 4. In implementations, however, thefirst height adjuster 64 andsecond height adjuster 66 could each be flipped around so that they would be configured to decrease the height of the one ormore carrying sections 4. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , in particular implementations the carryingdevice 2 includes asecond vehicle coupler 36 that is configured to couple to the one ormore carrying sections 4 and that is further configured to couple to the vehicle. In implementations thesecond vehicle coupler 36 includes a pair ofarms 38 that are coupled to the one ormore carrying sections 4 through apivot 46. In the implementations illustrated, the pair ofarms 38 is coupled to thevertical support 16 through thepivot 46. In implementations eacharm 38 is movable through thepivot 46 and thearms 38 are configured to couple to the vehicle and form a v-shape. In implementations anattachment end 40 of eacharm 38 includes aclamp 44. In implementations the carryingdevice 2 could exclude asecond vehicle coupler 36. In implementations thesecond vehicle coupler 36 could be some element other than thearms 38 coupled to one ormore carrying sections 4 through apivot 46. By non-limiting example, in implementations thesecond vehicle coupler 36 could be asingle arm 38 coupled to one or more of the carryingsections 4 with or without apivot 46. - In implementations one or more or all of the implementing components of a carrying
device 2 are formed of hollow tubing, such as hollow metallic tubing having a circular, square, rectangular, or other closed shape cross-sectional shape. In implementations thefirst receiver 28,second receiver 30,first height adjuster 64,second height adjuster 66,first connector 54,second connector 58,main floor member 12,side floor members 14,vertical support 16 andlateral support 18 are formed of hollow rectangular tubing, such as metallic hollow rectangular tubing, with flanges and/or holes used to connect the separate pieces, such as with screws and/or bolts or the like, though in implementations one or more or all of these elements could be welded or otherwise formed together. In implementations eachclamp 44 is coupled to anarm 38 through an opening in theattachment end 40 of thearm 38. - In implementations the
vertical members 8 andlateral members 10 may be coupled together such as with screws, bolts, or the like. In implementations these elements could be welded or otherwise permanently joined together. In implementations thearms 38 are rigid elements. In implementations theaccessory mount 48 may be excluded. - In implementations the
first vehicle coupler 20 could include other configurations. By non-limiting example, in implementations thefirst vehicle coupler 20 could include only afirst attachment member 22 or only asecond attachment member 24, instead of both, and/or could include something other than abolt receiver 26, such as a clamp, a hook, or any other connecting type of mechanism. - Referring now to
FIGS. 1 and 7 , in various implementations anaccessory mount 48 includes afirst section 49 and asecond section 51 which are separable from one another and allow theaccessory mount 48 to be separable into two components. As shown inFIG. 1 , the portion of theaccessory mount 48 to which a license plate or other item may be coupled using theopenings 50 may be entirely contained on the first section 49 (or, in other implementations, on the second section 51) so that the license plate is directly coupled only to one side of theaccessory mount 48. This may allow the carryingdevice 2 to be opened, as shown inFIG. 7 , without requiring a user to remove the license plate or other item attached to theaccessory mount 48 through theopenings 50. In other implementations theaccessory mount 48 does not include afirst section 49 andsecond section 51 and/or is not otherwise separable in the manner described. - Referring to
FIG. 7 , in implementations the opening and closing of a carryingdevice 2 may be implemented, by non-limiting example, using hinges 84 and latches 86. In the implementations shown inFIG. 7 each carryingsection 4 includeshinges 84 and latches 86 to open up individually. In other implementations only one carryingsection 4 may include one or more hinges 84, and only the other carryingsection 4 may include one ormore latches 86, so that by unlatching and swinging openone carrying section 4 the other carryingsection 4 necessarily opens thereby as well. In such an implementation the back portions of each carryingsection 4 would be fixed relative to one another (such as using thevertical support 16 and lateral support 18) and the front portions of each carryingsection 4 would also be fixed relative to one another such as through theaccessory mount 48 and other mechanisms or attachment devices. In implementations the back portions of the carryingsections 4 may be molded or otherwise integrally formed together while the front portions of the carryingsections 4 may also be molded or otherwise integrally formed together. - Referring still to
FIG. 7 , in implementations a carryingdevice 2 may include arestraint 94 configured to fully or partially restrain an item placed in the carryingdevice 2 when the carryingdevice 2 is in a closed configuration. By non-limiting example, in implementations therestraint 94 may be formed of a compressible foam that is tailored to press upon an item (such as a golf bag) when the carryingdevice 2 is closed, so that the item will be held in place and not move about during transportation of the item. In implementations the thickness of such a compressible foam could be altered according to the desired end use. In implementations there may bemultiple restraints 94 used, such as one at the top of each carryingsection 4, as shown, and one at the middle and/or towards the bottom of each carryingsection 4, and so forth. - Referring to
FIG. 8 , in implementations a carryingdevice 98 is similar in many ways to a carryingdevice 2 but is different at least in that it only has asingle carrying section 4 instead of two carryingsections 4. Arestraint 96 is shown inFIG. 9 , whichrestraint 96 could be included on carryingdevice 2 as well. In implementations therestraint 96 includes a belt, the length of which may be adjusted using theadjuster 100. In implementations the belt may be biased towards a closed position or, in other words, towards a smaller-diameter configuration so that it automatically tightens around the item to be carried as the carryingsection 4 is closed. In implementations there may bemultiple restraints 96 at multiple locations, as shown inFIG. 8 , though in other implementations only asingle restraint 96 could be used. In implementations a carryingdevice 98 could utilize one ormore restraints 94 instead of one ormore restraints 96, and in other implementations a carryingdevice 2 and/or a carryingdevice 98 could each include both one ormore restraints 94 and one ormore restraints 96. In implementations theadjuster 100 could include a cinching mechanism such as a double ring or double D-ring belt, a ratcheting mechanism, hook-and-loop fasteners, or some other tightening mechanism. - In implementations the carrying
device 2 could include only asingle carrying section 4 and could open in like manner as each carryingsection 4 is shown opening inFIG. 7 . In such an implementation themain floor member 12 could be shortened, for example, and thesingle carrying section 4 could be in a central position, i.e., lined up with thefirst vehicle coupler 20 andsecond vehicle coupler 36, and thevertical support 16 and/orlateral support 18 in such an implementation may or may not be included, and other components may remain the same or similar to those shown in the drawings, with some attachment points of portions of the carryingdevice 2 altered. In implementations one or more of thelateral members 10 may be formed of a flexible or semi-flexible material such that one or more of thelateral members 10 may effectively form a living hinge by flexing upon opening of the carryingsection 4. In implementations the use of living hinges may serve to keep the carryingsection 4 more rigid. - Referring to
FIGS. 9 and 10 , in implementations the carryingdevice 2 may be attached to the rear portion of a motorcycle. For example, in implementations abar 88 at or towards the rear of the motorcycle may be used as an attachment point for theclamp 44 of thesecond vehicle coupler 36 and one or more attachment members 90 proximate the rear wheel of the motorcycle may be used as attachment points for thefirst vehicle coupler 20. In implementations the attachment members 90 may be a part of the motorcycle to begin with though in other implementations they could be added later, and in any case may be attached to a wheel cover or mud flap or other component. In implementations thebar 88 may be a part of the motorcycle to begin with though in other implementations it could be added later. In implementations thebar 88 could be used to hold another compartment, or to hold (or serve as support for) a passenger seat, or the like, and/or may have another purpose as its primary purpose in addition to serving as an attachment point for thesecond vehicle coupler 36. Although discussion is made herein specifically in relation to a motorcycle, it is to be understood that the same may apply to a bicycle, a car, a bus, a street motorcycle, an off-road motorcycle, a dual-purpose motorcycle; a cruiser motorcycle; a sportbike motorcycle; a scooter; a moped; a dune buggy; a sandrail; a truck; a van; an SUV; a bus; and the like. - In implementations the carrying
device 2 may have one or more components on the bottom to prevent scratching and other damage to the carryingdevice 2 and/or to prevent the carryingdevice 2 from scratching or damaging other items. In implementations, this may include polymer or rubber feet or the like located on the bottom of the carryingdevice 2. Referring toFIG. 10 , in implementations a plurality ofpins 92 may be used to hold components of the carryingdevice 2 together and, conversely, may be removed for disassembly of the carryingdevice 2 or for separating portions of the carryingdevice 2 from one another, such as separating a carryingsection 4 from thefirst vehicle coupler 20, or the like. - In places where the description above refers to particular implementations of carrying devices and related methods and implementing components, sub-components, methods and sub-methods, it should be readily apparent that a number of modifications may be made without departing from the spirit thereof and that these implementations, implementing components, sub-components, methods and sub-methods may be applied to other carrying devices and related methods.
Claims (20)
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US10543416B1 (en) * | 2018-10-01 | 2020-01-28 | Club Cage, Llc | Protective travel case for equipment |
USD871308S1 (en) * | 2019-04-26 | 2019-12-31 | Michael L. Ronca | Motorcycle golf bag carrier |
US11040668B2 (en) * | 2019-08-15 | 2021-06-22 | Steven John Schmidt | Hitch mounted double deck cargo carrier for a vehicle |
US11364424B2 (en) | 2020-01-03 | 2022-06-21 | Club Cage, Llc | Protective travel case for equipment |
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US7832608B1 (en) * | 2006-07-14 | 2010-11-16 | Bauer Jr Frederick R | Universal hitch-mounted basket |
US7870985B2 (en) * | 2006-07-28 | 2011-01-18 | Steven Mark King | Carrying apparatus for cycle-type vehicle |
US20080169323A1 (en) * | 2007-01-12 | 2008-07-17 | Deitrich Lawrence L | Golf Bag Attachment Apparatus for Motorcycles |
US20100320725A1 (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2010-12-23 | Thorpe Sr Jim Thomas | Motorcycle Golf Bag Trailer |
US20110057007A1 (en) | 2009-09-04 | 2011-03-10 | Conroy Jr Thomas J | Motorcycle Carrying Device with Reversed Rake |
US8544642B1 (en) * | 2010-09-10 | 2013-10-01 | Frank Lytle | Multipurpose golf club container and method of use |
USD685716S1 (en) * | 2012-05-04 | 2013-07-09 | Glenn A. Castro | Motorcycle golf club bag carrying device |
-
2013
- 2013-12-11 US US14/103,730 patent/US9114759B1/en active Active - Reinstated
-
2014
- 2014-12-09 CA CA2873934A patent/CA2873934A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (1)
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US6062053A (en) * | 1998-11-30 | 2000-05-16 | Ho; Kuo-Ping | Quick-release locking device for locking an article basket/bag on a bicycle handle bar |
Also Published As
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CA2873934A1 (en) | 2015-06-11 |
US9114759B1 (en) | 2015-08-25 |
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