WO2008153991A1

WO2008153991A1 - Truck-trailer motorcycle carrier system

Info

Publication number: WO2008153991A1
Application number: PCT/US2008/007206
Authority: WO
Inventors: Keith J. Hammond
Original assignee: Hammond Keith J
Priority date: 2007-06-08
Filing date: 2008-06-06
Publication date: 2008-12-18

Abstract

A motorcycle carrier which provides a ramp which operates between a stowed condition and an inclined condition to allow location of a motorcycle in the open space established between a truck coupled to a trailer.

Description

TRUCK-TRAILER MOTORCYCLE CARRIER SYSTEM

This International Patent Cooperation Treaty Patent Application claims the benefit of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/933,865, filed June 8, 2007, hereby incorporated by reference herein.

I. TECHNICAL FIELD

II. BACKGROUND

Typically, a towing vehicle (often referred to a truck or a tractor) of a truck-trailer

(often referred to as a tractor-trailer) provides a wide coupling plate known as a fifth wheel coupling. When the truck and trailer are coupled by the fifth wheel coupling (or other type of coupling) an open space between the truck and the trailer can be defined by the external surfaces of the truck chassis deck (or "deck"), the backside of the tractor and the front side of the trailer. Typically, the open space established between the truck and the trailer is not used for any purpose other than to allow the truck and trailer to articulate about the coupling axis of the fifth wheel coupling (or other type of coupling) during operation.

Drivers which operate truck-trailers to transport goods over long distances typically occupy or use a portion of the truck when they are not driving and do not have an alternate means of transportation in route. With the increased price of fuel, it has become even more impractical for drivers to utilize the truck-trailer or truck as a means of transportation other than for the purpose of hauling the goods in route. As such, when the truck-trailer is parked the driver may not have any alternate transportation other than vehicles that can be rented in the locality in which the truck-trailer is parked. An impediment to providing alternate transportation to the drivers of truck-trailers can be that truck-trailers do not provide any towing or carrier means by which a vehicle can be coupled, attached or towed by the truck-trailer. Additionally, towing or transporting a car may be impractical because of the size of a car, the amount of additional fuel utilized to transport a car, or space required to transport a car.

One solution to this problem may be to produce a truck or to modify a truck to carry a motorcycle. However, substantial problems must be overcome to modify a truck to carry a motorcycle. A first substantial problem with producing a truck which provides a motor cycle carrier can be that there is no location on the exterior portion of a truck- trailer to which a conventional motorcycle carrier can be fitted which does not place the motorcycle carrier and the motorcycle engaged to the motorcycle carrier at a location which might be a hazard to other vehicles (such as fitting a motorcycle carrier to the sides of the trailer), affect operation of the truck-trailer (such as to the front of the truck which might effect air flow for cooling) or the loading-unloading of the trailer (such as fitting the motorcycle carrier to the back side of the trailer), or provides ready access to the motorcycle carrier by other persons.

Another substantial problem with producing a truck or modifying a truck to provide a motorcycle carrier can be that a conventional motorcycle carrier may have to be fitted a substantial distance above the surface supporting the truck-trailer (also referred to as the "support surface"). Because a motorcycle may weigh many hundred pounds, it would be impractical to manually lift the motorcycle into a conventional motorcycle carrier fitted to the truck-trailer.

Another substantial problem with producing a truck or modifying a truck to provide a motorcycle carrier can be that the open space between the truck and trailer must allow articulation of the truck and the trailer. Accordingly, a conventional motorcycle carrier or a conventional motorcycle carrier engaged to a motorcycle fitted to the deck of the truck may not allow sufficient articulation of the truck and the trailer. Additionally, the location of the fuel tank and wheels of certain trucks obviates the use of a ramp to locate the motorcycle in the open space between the tractor and trailer at a location which avoids engagement with the external surface of the truck or trailer as each or both articulate about the fifth wheel coupler (or other type of coupler).

The inventive motorcycle carrier described herein addresses each of the above- described problems in a practical manner.

III. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

Accordingly, a broad object of the invention can be to provide a truck-trailer which provides a motorcycle carrier which operates to locate a motorcycle in the open space between the coupled truck-trailer for transport of the motorcycle without otherwise impeding normal operation of the truck-trailer.

A second broad object of the invention can be to provide a motorcycle carrier which can be fitted to the deck of a truck and operates to locate a motorcycle in the open space between the coupled truck-trailer for transport of the motorcycle without otherwise impeding normal operation of the truck-trailer.

A third broad object of the invention can be to provide a motorcycle carrier fitted to the deck of the truck which provides a ramp that can be established in an inclined condition to locate a first ramp end sufficiently close to the support surface at one side of the truck-trailer and a second ramp end sufficiently close to the deck of the truck to allow use of the ramp to load and unload a motorcycle into and from the open space between the truck-trailer.

A fourth broad object of the invention can be to provide a motorcycle stand which travels between a first position proximate to the first end of the ramp and the second end of the ramp in the inclined condition. The motorcycle stand configured to engage a part of the motorcycle whereby travel of the motorcycle stand generates a corresponding amount of travel of the motorcycle in relation to the ramp in the inclined condition. A fifth broad object of the invention can be to provide ramp inclination generator which operates to generate travel of the ramp about a pivot axis between a retracted position and an inclined position for loading and unloading of the motorcycle.

A sixth broad object of the invention can be to provide a motorcycle carrier which provides a carriage which operates to allow variable adjustable location of the ramp in the open space between the truck and the trailer to correspondingly variably locate the motorcycle engaged to the ramp in the open space between the truck and the trailer.

Naturally, further objects of the invention are disclosed throughout other areas of the specification, drawings, photographs, and claims.

IV. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a perspective drawing which shows a method of using the inventive motorcycle carrier to locate a motorcycle in the open space between a truck and a trailer.

Figure 2 is a perspective drawing of a particular embodiment of the inventive motorcycle carrier having the ramp established in the inclined condition.

Figure 3 is an exploded view of a particular embodiment of the inventive motorcycle carrier.

Figure 4 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive motorcycle carrier in the retracted condition.

Figure 5 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive motorcycle carrier having the ramp in an extended condition.

Figure 6 is a side view of a particular embodiment of the inventive motorcycle carrier having the ramp in the inclined condition.

V. MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION A motorcycle carrier which provides a ramp which operates between a retracted condition and an inclined condition to allow location of a motorcycle in the open space established between a truck coupled to a trailer.

Now referring primarily to Figure 1, a method of using a particular embodiment of the inventive motorcycle carrier (1) is shown. A truck (2) can be coupled to a trailer (3) which generates an open space (4) between the truck (2) coupled to the trailer (3). The term "truck" or "trucks" (2) for the purposes of this invention means the tractor portion or towing portion of a tractor-trailer vehicle. As a non-limiting example, in North America, the truck (2) usually has 3 axles, the front, or steer axle having two wheels, and each of the two rear drive axles having a pair of double wheels on each side. Thus, the most common configuration of truck (2) has 10 wheels. A truck (2) of smaller configuration used to pull a shorter trailer (3) can have a single drive axle. While Figure 1 shows a typical ten wheel embodiment of a truck (2), it is not intended that the invention be so limited. Rather, the specific examples of trucks (2) described herein are intended to be illustrative of the numerous and varied configurations of trucks (2) which can be utilized with the invention. The term "trailer" or "trailers" (3) in accordance with the invention refers to the trailer portion of a tractor-trailer vehicle. As a non-limiting example, the trailer (3) can have two "tandem" axles at the rear, each of which has dual wheels, or eight wheels on the trailer (3). There are many types of trailers (3) in use, designed to haul a wide range of products. While Figure 1 shows a typical eight wheel embodiment of a trailer (3), it is not intended that the invention be so limited. Rather, the specific examples of trailers (3) described herein are intended to be illustrative of the numerous and varied configurations of trailers which can be utilized with the invention. Typically, the open space (4) between the truck (2) and the trailer (3) is established when the trailer (3) couples to the truck (2). Depending on the particular configuration of truck (2) and the particular configuration of trailer (3) the foot print or area of a deck (6) and the configuration of the open space (4) can vary.

The motorcycle carrier (1) can provide a carrier mount (5) configured to join to a part of the deck (6) of the truck (2) in the open space (4) between the truck (2) and the trailer (3). Sufficient pivotal travel can be generated in a ramp (7) of the motorcycle carrier (1) to engage a first ramp end (8) with a support surface (9) which can be the surface of the earth, pavement, or other surface which supports the truck (2) or truck- trailer (2)(3) or the motorcycle (12) or can be a surface of a loading dock or other structure which supports the motorcycle (12) at a different level than the surface which supports the truck (2) or truck-trailer (2)(3). The ramp (7) includes a first ramp element (10) which can be slidably joined to one or more extendably retractable ramp element(s)(hereinafter referred to as "a second ramp element" (1 1). As to those embodiments of the inventive motorcycle carrier (1) which includes a second ramp element (1 1), the end of the second ramp element (1 1) which engages the support surfaces comprises the first ramp end (8). Understandably, embodiments of the ramp (7) can provide one ramp element, or two ramp elements as shown in Figure 1, or a plurality of extendably retractable ramp elements depending on the desired length of the ramp (7) in the retracted condition (56)(a shown in Figure 4) and the extended condition (57)(as shown in Figure 5).

A motorcycle (12) having a location on the support surface (9) can be engaged with a motorcycle stand (13) slidably joined to the ramp (7) to allow travel of the motorcycle stand (13) between a first position (14)( as shown in Figures 1, 2 and 5) proximate to the first ramp end (8) toward a second position (15) (see Figure 4) proximate to a second ramp end (16). As shown in Figure 1, particular embodiments of the motorcycle stand (13) engage the external surface of a front wheel (17) of the motorcycle (12); however, this is not intended to limit engagement of the motorcycle stand (13) to only a part of the external surface of the front wheel (17) of the motorcycle (12) and the motorcycle stand (13) or a part thereof can be configured to engage any part of the motorcycle (12) which allows the motorcycle (12) to be drawn onto the ramp (7) by travel of the motorcycle stand (13) from the first position (14) proximate to the first ramp end (8) to the second position (15) proximate to the second ramp end (16) to establish the motorcycle (12) on the ramp (7) in the extended condition (57) .

Continued operation of the motorcycle carrier (1) generates sufficient pivotal travel in the ramp (7) to disengage the first ramp end (8) from the support surface (9) and further provides retraction of the ramp (7) (as those embodiments of the ramp (7) which provide a second ramp element (11)) to locate the motorcycle (12) in the open space (4) between the truck (2) and the trailer (3) for transport. Generating travel in a carriage (18) slidably joined to the carrier mount (5) allows positioning of the motorcycle (12) located on the ramp (7) toward the truck (2) or toward the trailer (3) within the open space (4) (see also Figure 3). While the particular method of using the inventive motorcycle carrier above-described locates the motorcycle (12) in the open space (4) between the truck (2) coupled to a trailer (3), the motorcycle carrier (1) can be configured to couple to a wide variety of vehicles (19) (for example a pick up truck, SUV, open bed truck, open bed trailer, or the like) in a manner which allows location of a motorcycle (12) on the ramp (7) for transportation(such as the bed of a pickup truck or open bed trailer as examples).

Now referring primarily to Figures 2 and 3, the motorcycle carrier (1) can provide a carrier mount (5) which as above-discussed can be configured to couple to a vehicle (19). Particular embodiments of the carrier mount (5) can provide one or more mounts (5A) each of which provide a surface configured to engage a part of a deck (6) of a truck (2) in the open space (4) between a truck (2) coupled to a trailer (3). The carrier mount (5) can include a carrier mount frame (20) having a square or rectangular configuration produced from metal channel, rectangular or square metal tube or metal solids, or the like. A plurality of reinforcement members (21)(see for example Figure 3) can be joined to the carrier mount frame (20) by welding, mechanical fasteners, or the like, to maintain the configuration of the carrier mount (5) or provide attachment surfaces between the carrier mount (5) and the vehicle (19). The carrier mount (5) can be coupled to the vehicle (19) with a plurality of mechanical fasteners (22) (such as bolts and nuts with mated spiral thread), by welding, or other fastener means.

Particular embodiments of the motorcycle carrier (1) can further provide a carriage (18) slidably joined to the carrier mount (5). As to these embodiments of the invention, the carrier mount (5) can further include a pair of channel elements (23)(see Figure 3) disposed in substantially parallel opposition each of which provide a channel (24) to which a part of the carriage (18) slidably engages to allow the carriage (18) to travel between the opposed sides of the carrier mount (5). As shown in Figure 3, the carriage (18) can further include a pair of rotatable members (25)(or a plurality of rotatable members) which travel in each of the pair of channel elements (23) to allow travel of the carriage (18) with less forcible urging. Understandably, other means to reduce friction between the slidably engaged parts of the carrier mount (5) and the carriage (18) or reduce forcible urging required to generate travel in the carriage (18) can be utilized including for example, ball bearings, roller bearings, nylon or other reduced friction layers such as teflon. In the particular embodiment of the carriage (18) shown by Figure 3, the pair of rotatable members (25) are a pair of roller bearings joined to the carriage (18) by a corresponding pair of rotatable member mechanical fasteners (26)(for example shoulder bolts) and travel in each channel (24). While the carrier mount (5) and the carriage (18) which slidely engages the carrier mount (5) shown in the Figures provide square or rectangular constructional forms the invention is not so limited and the carrier mount (5) can be of any constructional form which pivotally couples to the ramp

(7) as above described, or of any constructional form which allows a carriage (20) to slidely couple with the ramp pivotally coupled to the carriage (18).

Again referring primarily to Figures 2 and 3, the motorcycle carrier (1) can further include a ramp (7) pivotally coupled to the carrier mount (5) or the carriage (18) (as to those embodiments which include the carriage (18)) at a location between a first ramp end

(8) and a second ramp end (16) which allows sufficient travel about a pivot element (30) to engage the first ramp end (8)(see Figure 2) with the support surface (9)(see Figures 1 and 2). In the embodiment of the ramp (7) shown in the Figures the pivot element (30) includes a pivot axle(s)(31) coupled to the carriage (18) each of which insert(s) into a pair of cylindrical elements (32) one each coupled to the ramp (7) and to the carriage (20). However, this constructional form of a pivot element (30) is not intended to be limiting with respect to the invention and other constructional forms of the pivot element (30) can be utilized which allow the ramp to pivot in relation to the carrier mount (5) to engage and disengage the first ramp end (8) with the support surface (9) as above described.

Again referring primarily to Figures 2 and 3, certain embodiments of the ramp (7) can provide a single non-extendable, non-retractable ramp frame (33)(although only an extendably retractable frame is shown in the Figures) sufficiently rigid to support a ramp surface (34) on which the motorcycle (12) can be located. The ramp frame (33), whether comprised of a ramp element or a plurality of ramp elements (1O)(I l) can provide elongate rectangular ramp frame(s)(33) produced from rectangular or square metal tube (or other constructional form material) sufficient to support the weight of a motorcycle (12) on the ramp surface (34). The ramp surface (34) can be ramp frame cross members as shown in Figure 2 or in the alternative can be produced from a perforated sheet material; although, it is not intended that this be limiting with respect to the wide variety of sheet material, pressed material, or fabricated material constructional forms (whether metal, plastic or other material) which can be used to provide the ramp frame (33) or the ramp surface (34).

As to other embodiments of the ramp (7), including the specific embodiment of the ramp (7) shown in the figures, the ramp (7) can be produced as a first ramp element (10) and a second ramp element (1 l)(as above defined). The first ramp element (10) and the second ramp element (11) slidably engage to allow extension and retraction of the second ramp element (1 1) in relation the first ramp element (10). The first ramp element (10) pivotally joins to either one of the carrier mount (5) or carriage (18) of the motorcycle carrier (1) as above-described. Slidable engagement of the first ramp element (10) and the second ramp element (11) can be produced as a pair of ramp channels (35) coupled in opposed relation to the first ramp element (10) each of which slidably engage a part of the second ramp element (1 1) or which engage rotatable elements (36)(see Figure 2 for example) joined to the second ramp element (1 1) in similar manner as described for the slidable engagement of the carriage (18) with the carrier mount (5). The first ramp element (10) can be fabricated by providing two pairs of rectangular or square metal tube(s) each pair fixed in substantially parallel relation a distance apart to provide a ramp channel (35) (as shown in Figure 2 for example). Each pair of rectangular or square tubes fixed in substantially parallel relation provides a side of the first ramp element (10) which can be fixed a distance apart to locate the ramp channels (35) in opposed relation to slidably receive corresponding slidably mated parts of the second ramp element (1 1). This same constructional form can be utilized to produce the second ramp element (1 1); however, this description is not intended to preclude the numerous and varied constructional forms which can be utilized to provide the first ramp element (10) and the second ramp element (1 1) such as slidably engaged molded, formed, or pressed metal ramps, or the like.

Again referring primarily to Figures 2 and 3, the motorcycle carrier (1) can further include a motorcycle stand (13) slidably engaged with the ramp (7)(or first ramp element (10)) or the second ramp element (1 1) depending upon the embodiment of the invention. As to the particular embodiments of the invention shown in the Figures, the motorcycle stand (13) slidably engages a part of the second ramp element (11). Slidable engagement of the motorcycle stand (13) with the ramp (7)(the first ramp element (10) or the second ramp element (11) can be produced by coupling a pair of motorcycle stand channels (39) to the ramp (7)(or the first ramp element (10)) or the second ramp element (l l)(depending upon the embodiment of the invention) in substantially parallel opposed relation to slidably engage the corresponding parts of the motorcycle stand (13). The motorcycle stand (13) can further provide motorcycle stand rotatable members (41) located to travel in the pair of motorcycle stand channels (39) in a manner similar to that described for slidable engagement of the carriage (18) with the carrier mount (5) or the second ramp element (11) with the first ramp element (10). The motorcycle stand (13) can be produced in any manner of configuration which can slidably engage the ramp (7)(the first ramp element (10)) or the second ramp element (l l)(depending upon the embodiment of the invention) to travel between a first position (14) proximate to the first ramp end (8) and a second position (15) proximate to the second ramp element end (37)(also proximate to the second ramp end (16) when the ramp is in the retracted condition (57A)).

The particular configuration of the motorcycle stand (13) as shown in the Figures provides a motorcycle stand base (27) which slidingly engages the second ramp element (11) and a motorcycle stand body (28) configured to engage a part of the motorcycle (12). Typically, the motorcycle stand base (27) has a square or rectangular configuration providing a flat stand surface (29) to which the motorcycle stand body (28) can be joined. The motorcycle stand body (28) as shown by the Figures has a configuration which engages a part of the front wheel (17) of the motorcycle (12). The configuration of the motorcycle stand body (28) can be of numerous and varied configurations which correspondingly allow engagement with numerous and varied configuration of motorcycles (12) or different parts of similar configurations of motorcycles (12) or more than one part of the same motorcycle (12), the engagement between the motorcycle (12) and the motorcycle stand body (28) can be sufficient to retain engagement between the motorcycle (12) and the motorcycle stand body (28) as the motorcycle stand (13) travels from the first position (14) proximate to the first ramp end (8) to the second position (15) proximate to the second ramp end (16) or second ramp element end (37) which can locate the motorcycle (12) on the ramp surface (34). As to certain embodiments of the invention, the motorcycle stand body (28) can provide sufficient engagement with the motorcycle (12) such that the motorcycle (12) has a fixed relation to the ramp surface (34) for transportation. As shown in Figure 3, the motorcycle stand body (28) can be fabricated by providing a pair of arcuate flat metal plates (38) fixed a distance apart by a plurality of spacer elements (40) located between the pair of arcute flat metal plates (36). The pair of arcuate flat metal plates (36) can be joined to the spacer elements (40) by mechanical fasteners (53). However, this manner of fabrication is not intended to limit the manner of production of the motorcycle stand body (28) which can be produced by alternately produced by molding, press molding of sheet metal, or otherwise depending on the application and which can be joined to the motorcycle stand base (27) by mechanical fastener, welding, or formed as a single piece with the motorcycle stand base (27), or the like.

Travel of the motorcycle stand (13) between the first position (14) proximate to the first ramp end (8) and the second position (15) proximate to the second ramp end (16) or second ramp element end (37) as above described can be generated by adjustment of length of a line (43) coupled between the motorcycle stand (13) and a line adjustment means (44). Operation of the line adjustment means (44) adjusts the length of the line (43) such that as the line (43) shortens between the motorcycle stand (13) and the line adjustment means (44), the motorcycle stand travels toward the second ramp end (16) or the second ramp element end (37). Conversely, as the length of the line (43) lengthens between the motorcycle stand (13) and the line adjustment means (44) the motorcycle stand (13) travels toward the first ramp end (8). As shown in Figure 3, the line adjustment means (44) can include a motor (45) which operates to rotate a line winder member (46). Rotation of the line winder member (46) winds the line (43) on the external surface of the line winder member (46) to adjust the length of the line (43). The line (43) can engage line rotation means (54) such as pulleys, rollers, or the like to direct the line (43) between the motorcycle stand (13) and the line adjustment means (44). While the above-described manner of generating travel in the motorcycle stand (13) is shown by the Figures, it is not intended as a limitation as to other means of generating travel in the motorcycle stand (13). As but two examples, travel in the motorcycle stand (13) may also be generated by a rotation of a spirally threaded rod in spirally threaded coupler joined to the motorcycle stand (13) or by operation of a pneumatic cylinder the first end coupled to the motorcycle stand (13) and the second end coupled to second ramp end (16) or the like.

Again referring primarily to Figures 2 and 3, the motorcycle carrier (1) can further include a ramp rotation generator (42). The ramp rotation generator (42) functions to rotate the ramp (7) about the pivot element (30) to allow the first ramp end (8) to engage and disengage the support surface (9). As to the particular embodiments of the invention shown by the Figures, the ramp rotation generator (42) includes a pivot arm (55) having a first pivot arm end (47) rotatably coupled to the ramp (7) and a second pivot arm end (48) which slidingly travels in the carrier mount (5) or in the carriage (18)(depending on the embodiment of the invention)(see also Figures 4-6 which show travel of the second pivot end (48) in relation to a carriage (18)). Travel of the second pivot arm end (48) in the carrier mount (5) or in the carriage (18) generates rotation of the first pivot arm end about a first pivot arm axis (49). Rotation of the first arm pivot arm end (47) about the first pivot arm axis (49) generates a level of elevation of the first pivot arm end (48) to generate rotation of the ramp (7) about the pivot element (30).

Now referring primarily to Figures 4, 5 and 6, particular embodiments of the ramp rotation generator (42) can generate travel in the first pivot arm end (47) in the carrier mount (5) or in the carriage (18) as shown in Figure 6 by making the first pivot arm end (47) responsive to the line (43) such that by adjusting the length of the line (47) utilizing the line adjustment means (44) above-described the first pivot arm end (47) travels in the carriage (18) or in the carrier mount (5). A pair of pivot arm channels (50) can be coupled to the carrier mount (5) or to the carriage (18)(as shown in Figure 3) each of which correspondingly engage a rotatable member (51) rotatably joined to the first pivot arm end (47) directly or indirectly to a first pivot arm axle (52).

Now referring primarily to Figure 4, the motorcycle carrier (1) is shown in the retracted condition (56) with the ramp (7) pivotally positioned such that the external surfaces of the ramp (7) are disposed in substantially parallel opposed relation to the external surfaces of the carrier mount (5). In the retracted condition (56) the first pivot arm end (47) has a location in the carrier mount (5) or in the carriage (18) toward the first ramp end (8).

Now referring primarily to Figure 5, as to those embodiments of the invention having a first ramp element (10) and a second ramp element (11), the extended condition

(57) of the ramp (7) can be achieved by forcibly urging the second ramp element (11) outwardly from the first ramp element (10). A ramp lock element (59)(such as a spring loaded bullet latch) can fix the ramp (7) in the extended condition (57) as shown and a stand lock element (60) can fix the motorcycle stand (13) in the first position (14) proximate to the first ramp end (8) in a locked condition.

Now referring primarily to Figure 6, which shows the ramp (7) in the inclined condition (58), the line adjustment means (44) can be operated to shorten the line (43). Shortening the line (43) with the motorcycle stand (13) in the locked condition generates travel of the first pivot arm end (47) in the carrier mount (5) or in the carriage (18) depending on the embodiment of the invention away from the first ramp end (8) and rotates the first pivot arm end (47) about the first pivot arm axis (49) which elevates the second pivot arm end (48) and generates travel of the ramp (7) about the pivot element (30) to generate travel in the first ramp end (8) toward the support surface (9). Then by fixing the pivot arm (55) in the elevated position as shown in Figure 6 by utilization of the pivot arm lock (61)(see Figure 3 showing a latch which rides over the pivot arm axle (52) and unlocking the motorcycle stand (13), the line (43) can be shortened to generate travel in the motorcycle stand (13) from the first position (14) proximate to the first ramp end (8) toward the second position (15) proximate to the second ramp end (16) whether or not the motorcycle is engaged with the motorcycle stand (13). By fixing the position of the motorcycle stand (13) in the second position (15) proximate to the second ramp end (16), the line can be lengthened to allow the first pivot arm end (47) to travel in the carrier mount (5) or the carriage (18) toward the first ramp end (8) which allows the ramp (7) to pivotally travel about the pivot element (30) to return to the retracted condition (56).

As can be easily understood from the foregoing, the basic concepts of the present invention may be embodied in a variety of ways. The invention involves numerous and varied embodiments of motorcycle carrier and methods of making and using such motorcycle carrier. As such, the particular embodiments or elements of the invention disclosed by the description or shown in the figures accompanying this application are not intended to be limiting, but rather exemplary of the numerous and varied embodiments generically encompassed by the invention or equivalents encompassed with respect to any particular element thereof. In addition, the specific description of a single embodiment or element of the invention may not explicitly describe all embodiments or elements possible; many alternatives are implicitly disclosed by the description and figures.

It should be understood that each element of an apparatus or each step of a method may be described by an apparatus term or method term. Such terms can be substituted where desired to make explicit the implicitly broad coverage to which this invention is entitled. As but one example, it should be understood that all steps of a method may be disclosed as an action, a means for taking that action, or as an element which causes that action. Similarly, each element of an apparatus may be disclosed as the physical element or the action which that physical element facilitates. As but one example, the disclosure of a "carrier" should be understood to encompass disclosure of the act of "carrying" - whether explicitly discussed or not -and, conversely, were there effectively disclosure of the act of "carrying", such a disclosure should be understood to encompass disclosure of a

"carrier" and even a "means for carrying." Such alternative terms for each element or step are to be understood to be explicitly included in the description.

In addition, as to each term used it should be understood that unless its utilization in this application is inconsistent with such interpretation, common dictionary definitions should be understood to be included in the description for each term as contained in the Random House Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, second edition, each definition hereby incorporated by reference.

Thus, the applicant(s) should be understood to claim at least: i) each of the motorcycle carriers herein disclosed and described, ii) the related methods disclosed and described, iii) similar, equivalent, and even implicit variations of each of these devices and methods, iv) those alternative embodiments which accomplish each of the functions shown, disclosed, or described, v) those alternative designs and methods which accomplish each of the functions shown as are implicit to accomplish that which is disclosed and described, vi) each feature, component, and step shown as separate and independent inventions, vii) the applications enhanced by the various systems or components disclosed, viii) the resulting products produced by such systems or components, ix) methods and apparatuses substantially as described hereinbefore and with reference to any of the accompanying examples, x) the various combinations and permutations of each of the previous elements disclosed.

The background section of this patent application provides a statement of the field of endeavor to which the invention pertains. This section may also incorporate or contain paraphrasing of certain United States patents, patent applications, publications, or subject matter of the claimed invention useful in relating information, problems, or concerns about the state of technology to which the invention is drawn toward. It is not intended that any United States patent, patent application, publication, statement or other information cited or incorporated herein be interpreted, construed or deemed to be admitted as prior art with respect to the invention.

The claims set forth in this specification are hereby incorporated by reference as part of this description of the invention, and the applicant expressly reserves the right to use all of or a portion of such incorporated content of such claims as additional description to support any of or all of the claims or any element or component thereof, and the applicant further expressly reserves the right to move any portion of or all of the incorporated content of such claims or any element or component thereof from the description into the claims or vice-versa as necessary to define the matter for which protection is sought by this application or by any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or to obtain any benefit of reduction in fees pursuant to, or to comply with the patent laws, rules, or regulations of any country or treaty, and such content incorporated by reference shall survive during the entire pendency of this application including any subsequent continuation, division, or continuation-in-part application thereof or any reissue or extension thereon.

In addition, the claims set forth below are intended describe the metes and bounds of a limited number of the preferred embodiments of the invention and are not to be construed as the broadest embodiment of the invention or a complete listing of embodiments of the invention that may be claimed. The applicant does not waive any right to develop further claims based upon the description set forth above as a part of any continuation, division, or continuation-in-part, or similar application.

Claims

VI. CLAIMSI claim:

1. A motorcycle carrier, comprising: a) a truck; b) a trailer, wherein said trailer couples to said truck to generate an open space between said truck and said trailer, and wherein said truck and said trailer have a location on a support surface; c) a carrier mount configured to locate in said open space between said truck and said trailer which couples to a part of a deck of said truck; d) a ramp pivotally coupled to said carrier mount at a location between a first ramp end and a second ramp end which allows sufficient travel about a pivot to engage said first ramp end with said support surface; e) a motorcycle stand having a motorcycle stand base configured to travel between a first position proximate to said first end of said ramp and a second position proximate to said second end of said ramp, and wherein said motorcycle stand further provides a motorcycle stand body configured to engage a part of a motorcycle to establish said motorcycle in fixed relation to said ramp; and f) a motorcycle stand base travel generator coupled to said motorcycle stand which generates travel in said motorcycle stand base between said first position proximate to said first ramp end and said second position proximate to said second ramp end to establish said motorcycle on said ramp while said first ramp end engages said support surface.

2. The motorcycle carrier as described in claim 1, wherein said ramp comprises a ramp assembly which provides a first ramp element pivotally coupled to said carrier mount and a second ramp element on which said stand base travels, and wherein said second ramp element has retractably extendable engagement with said first ramp element to generate sufficient length to engage said first ramp end with said support surface.

3. The motorcycle carrier as described in claim 1, wherein said motorcycle stand base travel generator comprises a line having a line length adjusted in response to operation of a line adjustment means.

4. The motorcycle carrier as described in claim 3, wherein said line adjustment means comprises a line winder having a line winder member which rotates in response to operation of a motor, and wherein said line winds on the external surface of said line winder member to adjust said line length.

5. The motorcycle carrier as described in claim 2, further comprising ramp rotation generator which operates to generate travel of said ramp about said pivot.

6. The motorcycle carrier as described in claim 5, wherein said ramp rotation generator comprises a pivot arm having a first pivot arm end rotatably coupled to said ramp proximate to said second ramp end and a second pivot arm end which slidingly travels in said carrier mount, wherein travel of said second arm end in said carrier mount generates rotation of said second arm end about a second arm axis, and wherein rotation of said second arm end about said second arm axis generates rotation of said ramp about said pivot.

7. The motorcycle carrier as described in claim 6, wherein adjusting said length of said line generates travel of said second pivot arm end in said carrier mount.

8. The motorcycle carrier as described in claim 1, further comprising a carriage slidably engaged to said carrier mount, and wherein said ramp pivotally couples to said carriage which allows adjustable location of said ramp in said open space between said truck and said trailer.

9. A motorcycle carrier, comprising a) a carrier mount configured to couple to a vehicle having a location on a support surface; b) a ramp pivotally coupled to said carrier mount at a location between a first ramp end and a second ramp end which allows sufficient travel about a pivot to engage said first ramp end with said support surface; c) a motorcycle stand having a motorcycle stand base configured to travel between a first position proximate to said first end of said ramp and a second position proximate to said second end of said ramp, and wherein said motorcycle stand further provides a motorcycle stand body configured to engage a part of a motorcycle to establish said motorcycle in fixed relation to said ramp; and d) a motorcycle stand base travel generator coupled to said motorcycle stand which generates travel in said motorcycle stand base between said first position proximate to said first ramp end and said second position proximate to said second ramp end to establish said motorcycle on said ramp while said first ramp end engages said support surface.

10. The motorcycle carrier as described in claim 9, wherein said vehicle comprises: a) a truck; and b) a trailer, wherein said trailer couples to said truck to generate an open space between said truck and said trailer, and wherein said truck and said trailer have a location on a support surface, wherein said carrier mount couples to a part of a deck of said truck

1 1. A method of transporting a motorcycle, comprising the steps of: a) providing a truck; b) providing a trailer; c) coupling said trailer to said truck to generate an open space between said truck and said trailer; d) coupling a motorcycle carrier to a part of a deck of said truck in said open space between said truck and said trailer; e) locating said motorcycle on said motorcycle carrier; and f) transporting said motorcycle located in said motorcycle carrier coupled to said part of said deck of said truck in said open space between said truck and said trailer.

12. The method of transporting a motorcycle as described in claim 1 1, further comprising the step of generating sufficient travel in a ramp pivotally coupled to said motorcycle carrier to engage a first end of said ramp with a support surface engaged to said truck coupled to said trailer.

13. The method of transporting a motorcycle as described in claim 12, further comprising the step of engaging a part of said motorcycle in a motorcycle stand configured to travel between a first position proximate to said first end of said ramp and a second position proximate to a second end of said ramp.

14. The method of transporting a motorcycle as described in claim 13, further comprising the step of generating travel in said motorcycle stand from said first position proximate to said first end of said ramp to said second position proximate to said second end of said ramp to locate said motorcycle on said ramp.

15. The method of transporting a motorcycle as described in claim 14, further comprising the step of generating travel in said ramp to locate said motorcycle in said open space between said truck and said trailer.

16. The method of transporting a motorcycle as described in claim 15, further comprising the step of extending said ramp to engage said first ramp end with said support surface engaged to said truck coupled to said trailer.

17. The method of transporting a motorcycle as described in claim 16, further comprising the step of retracting said ramp to locate said motorcycle in said open space between said truck and said trailer.

18. The method of transporting a motorcycle as described in claim 17, wherein said step of generating sufficient travel in a ramp pivotally coupled to said motorcycle carrier to engage a first end of said ramp with a support surface engaged to said truck coupled to said trailer comprises the step of generating sufficient travel in a ramp pivotally coupled to a carriage which slidingly engages a carrier mount of said motorcycle carrier to engage a first end of said ramp with a support surface engaged to said truck coupled to said trailer.

19. The method of transporting a motorcycle as described in claim 18, further comprising the step of generating travel in carriage to locate said motorcycle at a location in said open space between said truck and said trailer.

20. A method of producing a motorcycle carrier, comprising the steps of: a) providing a carrier mount configured to couple to the surface of a vehicle; b) pivotally coupling a ramp to said carrier mount to establish a pivot location between a first ramp end and a second ramp end which allows said first ramp end to engage a support surface engaged to said vehicle; and c) configuring a motorcycle stand base to travel between a first position proximate to said first ramp end and a second position proximate to said second ramp end of said ramp; and d) joining a motorcycle stand body to said motorcycle stand base, wherein said motorcycle stand body engages a part of a motorcycle to locate said motorcycle on said ramp upon travel of said stand base proximate to said second ramp end.

21. A method of producing a motor cycle carrier as described in claim 20, wherein said step of providing a carrier mount configured to couple to a vehicle further comprises the steps of configuring said carrier mount to a part of a deck located in an open space between a truck coupled to a trailer.

22. A method of producing a motor cycle carrier as described in claim 21, further comprising the step of providing said ramp as a first ramp element pivotally coupled to said carrier mount and a second ramp element having retractable extendable engagement with said first ramp.

23. A method of producing a motor cycle carrier as described in claim 22, further comprising the step of providing a motorcycle stand base travel generator which operates to generate travel in said motorcycle stand base between a first position proximate to said first ramp end and a second position proximate to said second ramp end.

24. A method of producing a motor cycle carrier as described in claim 23, wherein said step of providing a motorcycle stand base travel generator which operates to generate travel in said motorcycle stand base between a first position proximate to said first ramp end and a second position proximate to said second ramp end comprises the step of providing a line coupled between said motorcycle stand base and a line adjustment means which operates to adjust the length of said line to generate travel in said motorcycle stand base between a first position proximate to said first ramp end and a second position proximate to said second ramp end.

25. A method of producing a motor cycle carrier as described in claim 24, wherein said step of providing a line coupled between said motorcycle stand base and a line adjustment means which operates to adjust the length of said line to generate travel in said motorcycle stand base between a first position proximate to said first ramp end and a second position proximate to said second ramp end comprises the step of providing a line coupled between said motorcycle stand base and a line winder which operates to wind said line on a part of an external surface of a line wider member to generate travel in said motorcycle stand base between a first position proximate to said first ramp end and a second position proximate to said second ramp end.

26. A method of producing a motorcycle carrier as described in claim 25, further comprising the step of coupling a ramp rotation generator to said ramp which operates to generate rotation of said ramp about a pivot axis.