US20210129764A1 - Hitch connectable motorcycle transport - Google Patents
Hitch connectable motorcycle transport Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210129764A1 US20210129764A1 US17/149,295 US202117149295A US2021129764A1 US 20210129764 A1 US20210129764 A1 US 20210129764A1 US 202117149295 A US202117149295 A US 202117149295A US 2021129764 A1 US2021129764 A1 US 2021129764A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- carriage
- lift
- coupled
- motorcycle
- guide rail
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- Abandoned
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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
- B60R9/10—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like specially adapted for sports gear for cycles
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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
- B60R9/06—Supplementary fittings on vehicle exterior for carrying loads, e.g. luggage, sports gear or the like at vehicle front or rear
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C23/00—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes
- B66C23/18—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes
- B66C23/36—Cranes comprising essentially a beam, boom, or triangular structure acting as a cantilever and mounted for translatory of swinging movements in vertical or horizontal planes or a combination of such movements, e.g. jib-cranes, derricks, tower cranes specially adapted for use in particular purposes mounted on road or rail vehicles; Manually-movable jib-cranes for use in workshops; Floating cranes
- B66C23/44—Jib-cranes adapted for attachment to standard vehicles, e.g. agricultural tractors
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66F—HOISTING, LIFTING, HAULING OR PUSHING, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR, e.g. DEVICES WHICH APPLY A LIFTING OR PUSHING FORCE DIRECTLY TO THE SURFACE OF A LOAD
- B66F9/00—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes
- B66F9/06—Devices for lifting or lowering bulky or heavy goods for loading or unloading purposes movable, with their loads, on wheels or the like, e.g. fork-lift trucks
- B66F9/075—Constructional features or details
- B66F9/12—Platforms; Forks; Other load supporting or gripping members
- B66F9/18—Load gripping or retaining means
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Agronomy & Crop Science (AREA)
- Fittings On The Vehicle Exterior For Carrying Loads, And Devices For Holding Or Mounting Articles (AREA)
- Handcart (AREA)
Abstract
A lift for a motorcycle, with the lift being useable with a hitch receiver. The lift comprises a connector engageable with the hitch receiver, and a guide rail having a first end portion coupled to the connector and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A carriage is operatively coupled to the guide rail and is traversable between a first position and a second position, the carriage moving toward the second end portion of the guide rail as the carriage moves from the first position toward the second position. A platform is coupled to the carriage and is engageable with the motorcycle and capable of supporting the weight of the motorcycle when engaged therewith and as the carriage is moved from the first position toward the second position, causing the motorcycle to be lifted from the ground.
Description
- Not Applicable
- Not Applicable
- The present disclosure relates generally to a motorcycle transport device, and more specifically, to a lift connectable to a hitch receiver on a vehicle for lifting a motorcycle and supporting the motorcycle during transport.
- Various types of motorcycles are commonly driven for recreational purposes. Standard motorcycles are typically used in a recreational manner on road trips, while dirt bikes may be used for off-road enjoyment on a dirt path or track. Such dirt paths or tracks may be located in a remote location, and thus, transport of the dirt bike from its place of storage to the remote location may be required.
- In view of the size and weight of conventional dirt bikes, transport thereof typically requires the use of a trailer or truck bed large enough to allow the dirt bike to be parked thereon. Although the use of the trailer or truck bed provides a suitable means to transport a dirt bike, the use of trailers and truck beds is also associated with several deficiencies.
- A first deficiency is that the use of a truck bed or trailer requires either a truck (in the case of a truck bed) or a vehicle large enough to tow a trailer. Oftentimes, trailers are large and bulky, and thus, may not be suitable for smaller vehicles, such as sedans. Furthermore, towing a trailer tends to add difficulty to the driving, as the trailer extends the effective length of the vehicle, and also pivots relative to the vehicle.
- Another deficiency is that truck beds and trailers typically include an elevated platform upon which the dirt bike may be parked during transport. Given the weight and bulk associated with conventional dirt bikes, it is uncommon to simply lift the dirt bike onto such elevated platform. Rather, ramps or tracks may be used to transfer the dirt bike onto the elevated platform. However, the ramps or tracks may be difficult or dangerous to use, and may add extra weight and bulk to the vehicle.
- Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a device that allows for easier transport of a motorcycle. Various aspects of the present disclosure address this particular need, as will be discussed in more detail below.
- In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a lift for a motorcycle, with the lift being useable with a hitch receiver. The lift comprises a connector engageable with the hitch receiver, and a guide rail having a first end portion coupled to the connector and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. A carriage is operatively coupled to the guide rail and is traversable between a first position and a second position, the carriage moving toward the second end portion of the guide rail as the carriage moves from the first position toward the second position. A platform is coupled to the carriage and is engageable with the motorcycle and capable of supporting the weight of the motorcycle when engaged therewith and as the carriage is moved from the first position toward the second position, causing the motorcycle to be lifted from the ground.
- The carriage may include an opening, and the guide rail may be received within the opening.
- The lift may include a first bearing coupled to the carriage and interfacing with a first side of the guide rail. The lift may additionally include a second bearing coupled to the carriage in opposed relation to the first bearing, with the second bearing interfacing with a second side of the guide rail opposite the first side of the guide rail.
- The platform and the carriage may comprise at least a portion of a support assembly, and the lift may further include a spool coupled to the guide rail and rotatable relative to the guide rail about a rotation axis, and a cable operatively coupled to the spool and the support assembly. The cable may define an exposed portion as that portion of the cable extending between the spool and the support assembly, the exposed portion of the cable decreasing as the carriage moves from the first position toward the second position, the exposed portion of the cable increasing as the carriage moves from the second position toward the first position.
- The lift may additionally include an electric motor coupled to the spool to effectuate rotation of the spool. The lift may additionally include an electric connector coupled to the electric motor and connectable to an electrical port on a vehicle to electrically connect the electric motor to an electronic power source on the vehicle. The lift may further comprise a controller in operative communication with the electric motor, the controller being capable of receiving manual inputs from a user to allow for user control of the electric motor.
- The lift may include a crank lever coupled to the spool to effectuate manual rotation of the spool.
- According to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided method of transporting a motorcycle, the method comprising the steps of supporting a motorcycle on a lift having a carriage moveable along a rail, and moving the carriage of the lift along the rail to raise the motorcycle off the ground.
- The present disclosure will be best understood by reference to the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
- These and other features and advantages of the various embodiments disclosed herein will be better understood with respect to the following description and drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is an upper perspective view of a hitch mountable motorcycle lift in a lowered configuration; -
FIG. 2 is an upper perspective view of the hitch mountable motorcycle lift in a raised configuration; -
FIG. 3 is a side view of the hitch mountable motorcycle lift connected to a vehicle depicted in phantom; -
FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of a portion of the hitch mountable motorcycle lift depicting a pair of opposed roller bearings; -
FIG. 5 is a front view of the hitch mountable motorcycle lift in a lowered configuration and engaged with a motorcycle; -
FIG. 6 is a front view of the hitch mountable motorcycle lift in a raised configuration and engaged with a motorcycle; and -
FIG. 7 is an upper perspective view of an embodiment of a hitch mountable motorcycle lift having a platform sized and structured to engaged with the tires on a motorcycle. - Common reference numerals are used throughout the drawings and the detailed description to indicate the same elements.
- The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of certain embodiments of a hitch-mountable motorcycle lift and is not intended to represent the only forms that may be developed or utilized. The description sets forth the various structure and/or functions in connection with the illustrated embodiments, but it is to be understood, however, that the same or equivalent structure and/or functions may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure. It is further understood that the use of relational terms such as first and second, and the like are used solely to distinguish one entity from another without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between such entities.
- Referring now to the drawings, wherein the showings are for illustrating a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure, and not for purposes of limiting the same, there is depicted an embodiment of a hitch
mountable motorcycle lift 10, e.g., “lift,” for use with amotorcycle 12 for transporting themotorcycle 12 behind a vehicle. In this regard, thelift 10 may be engageable with a conventional hitch receiver connected to the vehicle. Thelift 10 may include a portion which may be lowered to extend under themotorcycle 12. That portion of thelift 10 may be raised to lift themotorcycle 12 off the ground. Themotorcycle 12 may be secured to thelift 10 to allow for transport of themotorcycle 12 with the vehicle. To unload themotorcycle 12, thelift 10 may be lowered to allow the motorcycle to be removed from thelift 10. As such, the use of thelift 10 may eliminate the need to drive the motorcycle up a ramp, or manually raise the motorcycle onto a transport device. Furthermore, thelift 10 may also eliminate the need for a separate wheel-supported trailer towed behind the vehicle. As such, thelift 10 provides an easy-to-use mechanism for transporting amotorcycle 12. - As used herein, the word “motorcycle” is used to broadly refer to two-wheeled vehicles, including dirt bikes, mopeds, bicycles, scooters, or other two-wheeled vehicles known in the art. Furthermore, although the exemplary embodiment described herein and shown in the Figures refers to a motorcycle, it is understood that various implementations of the present disclosure may be used for other vehicles, such as all-terrain vehicles (ATV), which may include more than two wheels.
- According to one embodiment, the
lift 10 generally includes afirst assembly 14 engageable with ahitch receiver 16 connected to avehicle 18, and asecond assembly 20 engageable with themotorcycle 12 and moveable relative to thefirst assembly 14. In this respect, thefirst assembly 14 generally comprises that portion of thelift 10 that remains substantially stationary relative to thevehicle 18 during use of thelift 10, while thesecond assembly 20 generally comprises that portion of thelift 10 that remains substantially stationary relative to themotorcycle 12 during use of thelift 10. - The
first assembly 14 comprises aconnector 22 engageable with thehitch receiver 16. In this regard, theconnector 22 is sized and structured to be complimentary to thehitch receiver 16. Aconventional hitch receiver 16 includes a quadrangular sleeve having a receiver opening sized to receive a similarly sized shaft. As such, theconnector 22 may include ashaft 24 sized and structured to be received into the receiver opening of thehitch receiver 16. Theconnector shaft 24 may be quadrangular and be sized to frictionally engage the quadrangular sleeve of thehitch receiver 16 when inserted into the receiver opening. The quadrangular sleeve of thehitch receiver 16 may come in different sizes, with common sizes being 1.25 inches×1.25 inches, as well as 2 inches×2 inches, and thus, theconnector shaft 24 may be sized accordingly. - The
connector shaft 24 may be hollow and include a pair of opposed openings, which may be aligned with a corresponding pair of openings formed in the quadrangular sleeve of thehitch receiver 16 upon insertion of theconnector shaft 24 into the receiver opening. Apin 26 may be inserted through the aligned pairs of openings to secure theconnector shaft 24 to the quadrangular sleeve of thehitch receiver 16. Theconnector shaft 24 may be of a length that is long enough to extend out of the quadrangular sleeve of thehitch receiver 16 by a sufficient distance to avoid interference between thelift 10 and the rear of thevehicle 18. - A
guide rail 28 is coupled to theconnector shaft 24 and defines aguide axis 30. Theguide rail 28 includes afirst end portion 32 coupled to theconnector 22, with theguide rail 28 extending away from theconnector 22 and terminating at asecond end portion 34 opposite thefirst end portion 32. In one embodiment, theguide rail 28 is generally perpendicular to theconnector 22, and may include abrace 36 or other support to strengthen the interconnection between theguide rail 28 and theconnector 22. - It is also contemplated that in one particular embodiment, the
guide rail 28 may be pivotally connected to theconnector 22 to allow for a certain degree of pivotal movement of theguide rail 28 relative to theconnector 22. Such pivotal movement may accommodate opening of a liftgate or tailgate on thevehicle 18, without requiring removal of thelift 10 from thehitch receiver 16. In one embodiment, theguide rail 28 may pivot approximately 45 degrees relative to theconnector 22 between its generally upright, perpendicular orientation, and the lowered orientation. - The
first assembly 14 may additionally include aspool 38 coupled to theguide rail 28 adjacent thesecond end portion 34 thereof. Acover 40 may be positioned over a portion of thespool 38 to at least partially conceal thespool 38 and protect against objects inadvertently becoming lodged in thespool 38. Thespool 38 is rotatable relative to theguide rail 28 in a first rotational direction and an opposing second rotational direction. Rotation of thespool 38 may be effectuated through an operative interconnection with anelectric motor 42 and/or a hand crank 44. Thespool 38 may be operatively coupled to acable 46, as will be described in more detail below. - As noted above, the
first assembly 14 is operatively connected to thesecond assembly 20, which includes acarriage 48 translatable relative to theguide rail 28 along theguide axis 30. In the exemplary embodiment, thecarriage 48 is a four-sided structure having an opening sized to receive theguide rail 28. The size of the opening in thecarriage 48 is larger than theguide rail 28 so as to minimize interference between theguide rail 28 and thecarriage 48 as thecarriage 28 traverses along theguide rail 28. Along these lines, thecarriage 48 may be traversable along theguide rail 28 between a first position and a second position, which may be associated with raising and lowering themotorcycle 12. In particular, as thecarriage 48 moves from the first position toward the second position, the carriage moves from thefirst end portion 32 of theguide rail 28 toward thesecond end portion 34 of theguide rail 28, and thus, such movement may be associated with raising themotorcycle 12 off the ground. Conversely, as thecarriage 48 moves from the second position toward the first position, thecarriage 48 moves from thesecond end portion 34 of theguide rail 28 toward thefirst end portion 32 of theguide rail 28, and thus, such movement may be associated with lowering of themotorcycle 12 onto the ground. - In order to minimize binding between the
carriage 48 and theguide rail 28, and to provide for smooth travel of thecarriage 48 along theguide rail 28, one embodiment of the lift may include at least one bearing. Referring now specifically toFIG. 4 , there is depicted an enlarged, partial side view of thelift 10 showing a pair of roller bearings forming part of thesecond assembly 20. More specifically, first andsecond bearings carriage 48 and are positioned adjacent opposed ends of thecarriage 48 and interface with opposing surfaces of theguide rail 28. Thefirst bearing 50 is coupled to thecarriage 48 via anupper extension element 54 and is located above thecarriage 48 and interfaces with a first side 56 of theguide rail 28. Thesecond bearing 52 is coupled to thecarriage 48 via anextension arm 58 in opposed relation to thefirst bearing 50, so as to interface with asecond side 60 of theguide rail 28, which is opposite the first side 56 of theguide rail 28. The first andsecond bearings carriage 48 and theguide rail 28 as thecarriage 48 moves along theguide rail 28. - A
platform 62 is coupled to thecarriage 48 and is moveable with thecarriage 48 as thecarriage 48 moves along theguide rail 28. In particular, theplatform 62 is connected to theextension arm 58 and is engageable with themotorcycle 12. Theplatform 62 is capable of supporting the weight of themotorcycle 12 when engaged with themotorcycle 12 and thecarriage 48 is lifted, i.e., thecarriage 48 is moved from the first position toward the second position. - As shown in
FIGS. 1-6 , theplatform 62 includes a generally quadrangular configuration, including a pair ofside members 64, afront member 66, and arear member 68. Therear member 68 is connected to theextension arm 58, and the pair of side members extend from therear member 68. Thefront member 66 extends between theside members 64 opposite therear member 68. Theplatform 62 may be sized and structured to interface directly with a skid plate on themotorcycle 12, or other structure located at a central location on themotorcycle 12, e.g., between the wheels on themotorcycle 12. Along these lines, the pair ofside members 64 are spaced from each other by a distance such that the lateral sides of theside members 64 are separated by a distance that is less than the minimum distance between the pair of wheels to allow theplatform 62 to extend under the body of themotorcycle 12. Furthermore, thefront member 66 is separated from therear member 68 by a distance such that a forward edge of thefront member 66 extends beyond themotorcycle 12 when themotorcycle 12 is engaged with theplatform 62. - Movement of the
second assembly 20 relative to thefirst assembly 14 may be effectuated by thespool 38 andcable 46. In particular, thecable 46 may extend from thespool 38 to amount 70 coupled to theplatform 62. Thecable 46 may define an exposed portion as that portion of thecable 46 extending between thespool 38 and the first assembly, particularly, the portion of the first assembly to which thecable 46 is mounted. The exposed portion of thecable 46 decreases as thecarriage 48 moves from the first position toward the second position, and conversely, the exposed portion of thecable 46 increases as thecarriage 48 moves from the second position toward the first position. Thus, by unwinding thecable 46 from thespool 38, theplatform 62 may be lowered, and by winding thecable 46 around thespool 38, theplatform 62 may be raised. - Rotation of the
spool 38, and thus, movement of theplatform 62 may be controlled via theelectric motor 42. Themotor 42 may impart a driving force on thespool 38 to allow the spool to rotate in the first rotational direction and the second rotational direction. Thus, themotor 42 may have sufficient power to raise and lowerconventional motorcycles 12 supported on theplatform 62. - According to one embodiment, the
motor 42 is connected to apower cord 72 that may be plug connectable to anelectrical connector 74 associated with the vehicle. For instance, thepower cord 72 may connect with a plug commonly provided on vehicles to provide power to a trailer towed by the vehicle. Thepower cord 72 may include an adapter to adapt the power from the power bus of the vehicle to the power requirements of themotor 42. It is also contemplated that themotor 42 may be battery powered, solar powered, or powered through other means known in the art. - The
lift 10 may further comprise acontroller 76 in operative communication with theelectric motor 42. Thecontroller 76 is capable of receiving manual inputs from a user to allow for user control of theelectric motor 42. Thecontroller 76 may be hand-holdable, and may allow the user to enter control commands for raising or lowering theplatform 62. - As an alternative or supplement to the
motor 42, rotation of thespool 38 may be controlled by the hand crank 44, which may allow a user to manually impart a force on thespool 38 for rotating thespool 38 in either the first or second rotational directions. The hand crank 44 may include a socket or end that engages with an axle associated with thespool 38 for imparting the force to thespool 38. - Although the exemplary embodiment shows a
spool 38 andcable 46 for raising and lowering theplatform 62, it is contemplated that other mechanisms for controlling the position of theplatform 62 may also be used. For instance, a rack and pinion mechanism can be used to move theplatform 62 along theguide rail 28. - With the basic structure of the
lift 10 described above, the following discussion relates to an exemplary use of thelift 10. Thelift 10 is mounted to thevehicle 18 by inserting theconnector 22 into thehitch receiver 16.Pin 26 or other locking mechanism may be used secure the lift to thehitch receiver 16. - To place a
motorcycle 12 on thelift 10, theplatform 62 is lowered to assume its first position, either through the use of themotor 42 or hand crank 44. In particular, themotor 42 or hand crank 44 is used to rotate thespool 38 in a manner which increases the length of the exposed portion of thecable 46, which results in theplatform 62 being lowered. Once theplatform 62 is lowered, themotorcycle 12 is positioned over theplatform 62, with theplatform 62 being positioned between the wheels of themotorcycle 12. When themotorcycle 12 is properly aligned over theplatform 62, theplatform 62 may be raised toward themotorcycle 12 by rotating thespool 38 to decrease the length of the exposed portion of thecable 46. When theplatform 62 is close to themotorcycle 12, or shortly after contact is made with the motorcycle, but preferably before the wheels of the motorcycle have been lifted off the ground, themotorcycle 12 may be secured to theplatform 62. Such securement may include the use of straps, bungee cords, ropes, locks, tie-downs, or other securing devices known in the art. As shown inFIGS. 5 and 6 , one strap is used to secure the front wheel to theplatform 62, while a pair of straps are used to connect the main body of themotorcycle 12 to theplatform 62. The use of the straps in the Figures is intended to merely provide an exemplary illustration of the use of straps, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In this regard, other tie-down configurations may be used. - Once the
motorcycle 12 is secured to theplatform 62, theplatform 62 may be raised to the second position, i.e., the fully raised position. In this position, the wheels of themotorcycle 12 may be raised off the ground by a sufficient distance to provide clearance during movement of the vehicle to which thelift 10 is attached. Furthermore, the weight of themotorcycle 12 is completely supported by theplatform 62, i.e., no part of the weight is supported by the wheels of themotorcycle 12. - To unload the
motorcycle 12 from thelift 10, theplatform 62 is lowered until the wheels of themotorcycle 12 touch the ground. At that point, the straps or other securement members used to secure themotorcycle 12 to thelift 10 may be disconnected. Theplatform 62 may be completely lowered, until themotorcycle 12 is no longer supported by theplatform 62. - The
lift 10 provides a desirable alternative to conventional methods of transporting a motorcycle, with such conventional methods typically requiring ramps or tracks used to drive a motorcycle onto a bed of a truck or trailer. Indeed, thelift 10 may eliminate the need for a trailer or truck bed altogether. Furthermore, thelift 10 can engage with themotorcycle 12 while themotorcycle 12 is on the ground, and as such, does not require ramps or tracks. Rather, thelift 10 may be used with any vehicle having a hitch receiver, which may include sedans and SUVS, in addition to pickup trucks. - Referring now to
FIG. 7 , there is depicted an alternative embodiment of aplatform 110 incorporated intolift 112. All other portions of thelift 112 are identical to that described above, and thus, the following discussion will focus solely on theplatform 110. - The
platform 110 is wider than the platform depicted inFIGS. 1-6 , and is designed to interface with the wheels on themotorcycle 12 when supporting themotorcycle 12. Theplatform 110 includes a plurality ofsupport members 114 which define a plurality ofopenings 116 adapted to interface with a respective wheel of themotorcycle 12. For instance, the front wheel of themotorcycle 12 may be seated within a first opening, while the rear wheel of themotorcycle 12 may be seated within a second opening. It is contemplated that other embodiments of theplatform 110 may be formed without openings, and instead, may include other structures which engage with the wheels of the motorcycle, such as a wheel rack. - The
platform 110 engages directly with the wheels of themotorcycle 12, rather than the body of themotorcycle 12. As such, themotorcycle 12 may be driven or otherwise rolled onto theplatform 110. - The particulars shown herein are by way of example only for purposes of illustrative discussion, and are not presented in the cause of providing what is believed to be most useful and readily understood description of the principles and conceptual aspects of the various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, no attempt is made to show any more detail than is necessary for a fundamental understanding of the different features of the various embodiments, the description taken with the drawings making apparent to those skilled in the art how these may be implemented in practice.
Claims (18)
1. A lift for a motorcycle, the lift being useable with a hitch receiver mounted to a motor vehicle, the lift comprising:
a connector engageable with the hitch receiver;
a guide rail having a first end portion coupled to the connector and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
a carriage operatively coupled to the guide rail and traversable between a first position and a second position, the carriage moving toward the second end portion of the guide rail as the carriage moves from the first position toward the second position, wherein the carriage comprises a four-sided structure having an opening sized to receive the guide rail, the guide rail being received within the opening;
a first bearing located above the four-sided structure of the carriage and coupled to the carriage via an upper extension thereof, the first bearing interfacing with a first side of the guide rail;
a second bearing located below the four-sided structure of the carriage and coupled to the carriage via a lower extension arm thereof in opposed relation to the first bearing, the second bearing interfacing with a second side of the guide rail opposite the first side of the guide rail; and
a platform coupled to the lower extension arm of the carriage and engageable with the motorcycle and capable of supporting the weight of the motorcycle when engaged therewith and as the carriage is moved from the first position toward the second position, causing the motorcycle to be lifted from the ground.
2-4. (canceled)
5. The lift recited in claim 1 , the platform and the carriage comprising at least a portion of a support assembly, the lift further comprising:
a spool coupled to the guide rail and rotatable relative to the guide rail about a rotation axis; and
a cable operatively coupled to the spool and the support assembly, the cable defining an exposed portion as that portion of the cable extending between the spool and the support assembly, the exposed portion of the cable decreasing as the carriage moves from the first position toward the second position, the exposed portion of the cable increasing as the carriage moves from the second position toward the first position.
6. The lift recited in claim 5 , further comprising an electric motor coupled to the spool to effectuate rotation of the spool.
7. The lift recited in claim 6 , further comprising an electric connector coupled to the electric motor and connectable to an electrical port on a vehicle to electrically connect the electric motor to an electronic power source on the vehicle.
8. The lift recited in claim 6 , further comprising a controller in operative communication with the electric motor, the controller being capable of receiving manual inputs from a user to allow for user control of the electric motor.
9. The lift recited in claim 5 , further comprising a crank lever coupled to the spool to effectuate manual rotation of the spool.
10. A hitch-mountable lift for lifting a first vehicle, the hitch-mountable lift comprising:
a first assembly engageable with a hitch receiver and including a rail;
a second assembly engageable with the first vehicle and including a sleeve defining an opening, the rail extending through the opening, the first and second assemblies being moveable relative to each other, with the sleeve moving along the rail, wherein the second assembly further includes a first bearing located above the sleeve and coupled to the sleeve via an upper extension extending therefrom, the first bearing interfacing with a first side of the rail, and a second bearing located below the sleeve and coupled to the sleeve via a lower extension arm extending therefrom in opposed relation to the first bearing, the second bearing interfacing with a second side of the rail opposite the first side of the rail; and
the second assembly being capable of supporting the weight of the first vehicle thereon when engaged therewith and as the second assembly is moved relative to the first assembly, causing the first vehicle to be lifted from the ground.
11. (canceled)
12. (canceled)
13. The hitch-mountable lift recited in claim 10 , further comprising:
a spool coupled to the rail and rotatable relative to the rail about a rotation axis; and
a cable operatively coupled to the spool and the second assembly, the cable defining an exposed portion as that portion of the cable extending between the spool and the second assembly, the exposed portion of the cable decreasing as the second assembly moves toward the spool, the exposed portion of the cable increasing as the second assembly moves away from the spool.
14. The hitch-mountable lift recited in claim 13 , further comprising an electric motor coupled to the spool to effectuate rotation of the spool.
15. The hitch-mountable lift recited in claim 14 , further comprising a controller in operative communication with the electric motor, the controller being capable of receiving manual inputs from a user to allow for user control of the electric motor.
16. The hitch-mountable lift recited in claim 14 , further comprising an electric connector coupled to the electric motor and connectable to an electrical port on a second vehicle to electrically connect the motor to an electronic power source on the second vehicle.
17. The hitch-mountable lift recited in claim 13 , further comprising a crank lever coupled to the spool to effectuate manual rotation of the spool.
18. A method of transporting a motorcycle on a motor vehicle having a trailer hitch receiver, the method comprising the steps of:
supporting a motorcycle on a lift comprising:
a connector engageable with the trailer hitch receiver;
a guide rail having a first end portion coupled to the connector and a second end portion opposite the first end portion;
a carriage operatively coupled to the guide rail and traversable between a first position and a second position, the carriage moving toward the second end portion of the guide rail as the carriage moves from the first position toward the second position, wherein the carriage comprises a four-sided structure having an opening sized to receive the guide rail, the guide rail being received within the opening;
a first bearing located above the four-sided structure of the carriage and coupled to the carriage via an upper extension thereof, the first bearing interfacing with a first side of the guide rail;
a second bearing located below the four-sided structure of the carriage and coupled to the carriage via a lower extension arm thereof in opposed relation to the first bearing, the second bearing interfacing with a second side of the guide rail opposite the first side of the guide rail; and
a platform coupled to the lower extension arm of the carriage and engageable with the motorcycle and capable of supporting the weight of the motorcycle when engaged therewith and as the carriage is moved from the first position toward the second position, causing the motorcycle to be lifted from the ground; and
moving the carriage along the rail to raise the motorcycle off the ground.
19. The method recited in claim 18 , wherein the moving step includes actuating a motor coupled to the carriage to move the carriage along the rail.
20. The method recited in claim 19 , wherein the moving step includes rotating a crank lever operatively coupled to the carriage to move the carriage along the rail.
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/149,295 US20210129764A1 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2021-01-14 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
US17/703,892 US11673511B2 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2022-03-24 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/819,846 US20190152406A1 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2017-11-21 | Hitch connectable motorcycle lift transport |
US16/583,807 US20200017033A1 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2019-09-26 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
US17/149,295 US20210129764A1 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2021-01-14 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
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US16/583,807 Continuation US20200017033A1 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2019-09-26 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
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US17/703,892 Continuation US11673511B2 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2022-03-24 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
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US16/583,807 Abandoned US20200017033A1 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2019-09-26 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
US17/149,295 Abandoned US20210129764A1 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2021-01-14 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
US17/703,892 Active US11673511B2 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2022-03-24 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
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US16/583,807 Abandoned US20200017033A1 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2019-09-26 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
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US17/703,892 Active US11673511B2 (en) | 2017-11-21 | 2022-03-24 | Hitch connectable motorcycle transport |
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Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US11465707B2 (en) * | 2018-11-30 | 2022-10-11 | John Malheiro | Modular scooter with suspension and collapsible components |
RU2721640C1 (en) * | 2019-11-05 | 2020-05-21 | Александр Георгиевич Семенов | Ground transport complex |
US20230001860A1 (en) * | 2021-07-01 | 2023-01-05 | Peter D. Schroeder | Raisable bike rack and associated systems and methods |
US20230042341A1 (en) * | 2021-08-06 | 2023-02-09 | Luis A. Zapiach | Motorized rack for a vehicle |
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US2187283A (en) * | 1937-10-25 | 1940-01-16 | Joseph A Scheutz | Elevator apparatus |
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US3837513A (en) * | 1972-08-31 | 1974-09-24 | V Adamek | Motorbike loader-carrier |
US4252492A (en) * | 1979-03-26 | 1981-02-24 | Scothern Clinton Y | Detachable lift unit for pickup trucks |
US4262773A (en) * | 1979-07-13 | 1981-04-21 | Basham Billy G | Portable scaffold |
US4593883A (en) * | 1984-12-10 | 1986-06-10 | Nelson Richard P | Portable lifting, loading and transporting device |
US4741660A (en) | 1985-09-09 | 1988-05-03 | Kent Jimmy J | Apparatus for lifting and transporting powered wheelchairs |
US4695218A (en) | 1986-03-24 | 1987-09-22 | Boyer Elton W | Ambulatory vehicle carrier |
US4987976A (en) * | 1986-06-30 | 1991-01-29 | Vermette Machine Company, Inc. | Telescoping portable lift |
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-
2017
- 2017-11-21 US US15/819,846 patent/US20190152406A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2019
- 2019-09-26 US US16/583,807 patent/US20200017033A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2021
- 2021-01-14 US US17/149,295 patent/US20210129764A1/en not_active Abandoned
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2022
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US20200017033A1 (en) | 2020-01-16 |
US20220212607A1 (en) | 2022-07-07 |
US11673511B2 (en) | 2023-06-13 |
US20190152406A1 (en) | 2019-05-23 |
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