WO2014108871A1

WO2014108871A1 - Motorcycle trailer assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2014108871A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/058219
Authority: WO
Inventors: Deon DE BEER; Mark KOTLAR; Meinolf BERGLAR; Sydney Thomas PUREN; Hillel SHRANK; Nico Francois VENTER
Original assignee: De Beer Deon
Priority date: 2013-01-11
Filing date: 2014-01-13
Publication date: 2014-07-17

Abstract

The invention provides a motorcycle trailer assembly (1) comprising a base (7) forming the operative forward end of the assembly (1 ) and which is rotatable securable to a tow hitch (2) of a towing vehicle (4) by means of a tow hitch connector (8); the assembly (1 ) further including a rail (9) extending upright from the base (7), a slide (10) movably engaged with the rail (9) for movement between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the base (7), a wheel-supporting cradle (11) extending at a substantially right angle from the slide (10) and terminating in an end forming the operative rear end of the assembly (1), and lifting means (19) to move the slide (10) between the raised and lowered positions; operatively for a wheel (5) of a motorcycle (4) to be received within the cradle (11) in the lowered position and for the lifting means (19) to be operated to move the slide (10) to the raised position, thereby lifting the cradle (11) and the wheel (5) of the motorcycle (4) supported by it from the ground allowing the motorcycle (4) to be towed by its one raised wheel (5).

Description

MOTORCYCLE TRAILER ASSEMBLY

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a motorcycle trailer assembly for the transportation of motorcycles behind towing vehicles.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Motorcycles often need to be transported to a destination instead of being ridden to such destination. This may be for the purpose of having scheduled maintenance done, transporting a broken-down motorcycle or for the purpose of transporting a motorcycle to a venue where it will be used for dedicated riding, for example on so-called track rides or for off-road riding, without riding it there. In the latter instance motorcycles used for such dedicated riding are often not road worthy, for example with off-road riding, or the rider may wish to not ride the motorbike in traffic due to a track-racing specific set-up.

Conventionally motorcycles are loaded onto flatbed trailers or on pickup trucks for the purpose of transporting it without riding it. The use of a pickup truck implies that such is available at the outset, and if that is the case then the motorcycle needs to be moved onto the back of the load bin of the pickup truck, and this is done by riding or pushing the motorcycle up on a ramp, both of which are risky. In the case of transporting a broken-down motorcycle the motorcycle has to be pushed up such a ramp, which is very difficult if not impossible for one average built person to achieve with anything other than a light weight motorcycle. Flatbed trailers are easier and less risky to use and can be used by a single person of average built, but this requires that such a trailer is available. These trailers are costly and require substantial space to be stored, typically the same space as a small car requires. Such space is not readily available for many people, especially those living in cities where space is at a premium and most people do not even have lock-up garages for their motorcars or motorcycles. OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is the object of this invention to provide a motorcycle trailer assembly which at least partly overcomes the above problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a motorcycle trailer assembly comprising a base forming the operative forward end of the assembly and which is rotatably securable to a tow hitch of a towing vehicle by means of a tow hitch connector; the assembly further including a rail extending upright from the base, a slide movably engaged with the rail for movement between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the base, a wheel- supporting cradle extending at a substantially right angle from the slide and terminating in an end forming the operative rear end of the assembly, and lifting means to move the slide between the raised and lowered positions; operatively for a wheel of a motorcycle to be received within the cradle in the lowered position and for the lifting means to be operated to move the slide to the raised position, thereby lifting the cradle and the wheel of the motorcycle supported by it from the ground allowing the motorcycle to be towed by its one raised wheel.

There is further provided for the slide to be slidingly movable with respect to the rail, and for the cradle to be pivotally secured to the slide to be movable between a stowed position and a wheel-supporting position. The invention further provides for the cradle to comprises a base extending into two side supports, the cradle being shaped and configured to an outer diameter and width of a motorcycle wheel that the assembly is designed to receive and support, operatively providing a bottom and side support for such a motorcycle wheel. There is also provided for the cradle to include a brace extending to the operative forward end of the assembly and including engagement means complimentary shaped and configured to slide engagement means, operatively releasably securing the cradle to the slide when the cradle is in the wheel-supporting position, and preferably for the slide engagement means to comprise a pin extending from the bottom of the slide and for the brace engagement means to comprise a collar at the end of the brace locatable over the pin, operatively with the collar located over the pin when the cradle is in the wheel-supporting position.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided for the rail to comprise a set of two spaced apart rails secured proximate their operative bottom ends to the tow hitch connector and proximate their operative top ends to a rail-brace securing the top ends of the rails to each other, and for the slide to comprise a set of slides extending upward from the base of the assembly with each slide engaged with a rail of the set of rails. There is further provided for each rail to comprise a cylindrical tube and for each slide to comprise a complimentary rod slidingly receivable within its complimentary tube, and preferably for the cylindrical tubes and the rods to be right circular, and more preferably for the rods to comprise cylindrical tubes. There is also provided for each rail tube and slide rod to include a low friction sleeve fitted between them for at least of the length of the slide rod, and preferably for the low friction sleeve to comprise a plastics material sleeve, and more preferably for the sleeve to be secured over the slide rod. According to a further of the invention there is provided for each rail tube to be sectioned longitudinally at its operative bottom end on the side opposite the tow hitch connector for a length substantially the same as the height of the base, operatively allowing the base to be raised substantially in alignment with the tow hitch connector secured on the opposing side of the bottom of the rail tubes.

There is further provided for each tube to include, above and proximate the point where its sectioned section terminates, a set of aligned apertures through the tube, and for each slide rod to include a complimentary aperture through it; and for the assembly to include a set of locking pins, each locking being extendable through the apertures in a rail tube and rod within it, the apertures all being aligned when the slide is in the raised position, thereby releasably securing each slide rod to its rail tube in the raised position, and preferably for the locking pin to be resiliently biased to the locking position, more preferably by means of a coil spring. There is further provided for the assembly to include a forward cradle extending upward from the base of the assembly substantially parallel to the rail and slide, with the forward cradle comprising a base extending into two side supports and the forward cradle being shaped and configured complimentary to the profile of a motorcycle wheel that the assembly is designed to receive and support, operatively providing a forward and side support for such a motorcycle wheel.

The invention also provides for the wheel-supporting cradle to terminate in a lip at its end to form the rearward end of the assembly, with the lip being curved downward providing a ramp for a motorcycle wheel onto the cradle, and still further for the base of the wheel-supporting cradle to be curved complimentary to the outer diameter of a motorcycle wheel that the assembly is designed to receive and support.

There is further provided for the wheel-supporting cradle to include a set of pivot arms extending from the sides of its operative forward end and for each arm to be pivotally secured to the assembly base, and still further for the base to include a set of side braces complimentary shaped to the pivot arms and configured to support the pivot arms when the wheel-supporting cradle is in its wheel-supporting position.

According to a further feature of the invention there is provided for the lifting means to comprise a winch operable to move the slide between the lowered to the raised positions, the winch being secured to the assembly proximate the operative top of the rail, preferably to the rail-brace, and including a winch rope secured to the slide, with the winch being operable to move the slide between the lowered and the raised positions.

According to a still further feature of the invention there is provided for the lifting means to comprise a winch operable to move the slide between the lowered to the raised positions, the winch being secured to the assembly proximate the operative top of the rail, preferably to the rail-brace, and including two winch ropes, one winch rope extending from the winch around a pulley above each rail tube and secured to the slide tube from within each rail tube. According to a yet further feature of the invention there is provided for the lifting means to comprise a linear actuator having a base and an extendable arm, with its base secured to one of the rail and one of the slide or the assembly base, and for the extendable arm to be secured to the other of the rail and the slide or the assembly base, and to be configured to operably move the slide on the rail, and preferably for the actuator base to be secured to the rail and for the arm to be secured to the slide or the assembly base. There is further provided for the base to be secured to one of the rail-brace and the slide or the assembly base and for the extendable arm to be secured to the other of the rail-brace and the slide or the assembly base, and still further preferably for the actuator base to be secured to the rail-brace and for the arm to be secured to the slide or the assembly base.

According to a yet still further feature of the invention there is provided for the lifting means to comprise a screw threaded rod extending between the rail-brace and the base of the slide, preferably between the rail-brace and the assembly base, and for the rod to be rotatably secured to the upper-brace and to be secured to the bottom brace for movement of the slide with respect of the rail upon rotation of the screw threaded rod.

The invention further provides for the tow hitch connector to comprise a pair of jaws of which a first is secured to the assembly base and the second jaw is releasably securable to the first jaw, with the pair of jaws having facing surfaces complimentary shaped to a tow hitch ball, operatively enabling the jaws to be secured over at least part of a tow hitch ball.

There is further provided for the pair of jaws to be pivotally secured to each other on a side thereof and to include locking means on an opposing side thereof, allowing the second jaw to pivot between an open and a closed position with respect to the first jaw, and preferably for the locking means to comprise at least one prong extending from each jaw including an aperture, with the apertures of the prongs on both jaws being aligned when the jaws are closed, through which a locking pin is extendable to releasably secure the jaws to each other. The invention further provides for the one jaw, preferably the second jaw, to include a pin at least partly movable through an aperture in the jaw between a non-interference and an interference position with respect to a ball of a tow hitch to which the tow hitch connector is operatively secured, operatively to assist in locking the closed pair of jaws onto the tow ball by means of a friction fit to it.

There is still further provided for each jaw to include a shaped inner surface operatively facing the other jaw, with the inner surface shaped into substantially half of a sphere with half a circular cylindrical passage extending from the base of shaped half of a sphere, complimentary to the dimensions of a ball and neck of a tow hitch to which the tow hitch connector is operatively secured, operatively for the pair of closed jaws to engage fully over the ball of a tow hitch and over at least part of the neck from which the two hitch ball extends. There is also still further provided for one jaw to be rotatably secured to the base.

According to a yet further feature the assembly includes lugs for securing straps thereto, for operatively securing the motorcycle wheel to the assembly, preferably including two sets of lugs, of which a first set of lugs includes a lug on each of the two opposite sides of the cradle for securing a strap from the sides of the cradle over the top of the motorcycle wheel, and of which a second set of lugs includes a lug on each of the two opposite sides of the forward cradle for securing a strap through the motorcycle wheel over the inner surface of the wheel rim.

There is still further provided for the cradle to be comprised of carbon fibre or steel, or a cast steel, magnesium or aluminium alloy. According to a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a method of transporting a motorcycle behind a towing vehicle which includes positioning a motorcycle with its rear wheel on a cradle of a motorcycle trailer assembly behind a towing vehicle, securing the wheel to the assembly, raising the rear wheel of the motorcycle of the ground by sliding the cradle upwards in a vertically extending rail of the assembly, securing the cradle in a raised position to the assembly, and towing the motorcycle by its rear running on its front wheel.

There is further provided for the method to include removing the motorcycle from the towing assembly by sliding the cradle down the rail to position the cradle on the ground, releasing the motorcycle wheel from the assembly, and moving the motorcycle to remove its rear wheel from the cradle.

The invention further provides a method of stowing a motorcycle trailer assembly as defined above, which includes sliding the slide to the raised position, pivoting the cradle about the pivot points on the assemble base to be substantially aligned with the rail, releasing the tow hitch assembly from the tow hitch ball and removing the motorcycle trailer assembly from the towing vehicle, alternatively removing the motorcycle trailer assembly from a towing vehicle by releasing the tow hitch assembly from the tow hitch ball, sliding the slide to the raised position, and then pivoting the cradle about the pivot points on the assemble base to be substantially aligned with the rail, further alternatively removing the motorcycle trailer assembly from a towing vehicle by releasing the tow hitch assembly from the tow hitch ball, pivoting the cradle about the pivot points on the assemble base to be substantially aligned with the rail, and then sliding the slide to the raised position.

There is further provided for the method to include securing the wheel to the assembly by passing a strap between the lugs on the sides of the cradle over the top of the motorcycle wheel to include at least one loop through wheel over the rim and tyre of the wheel, and to tension the strap from at least one side, and preferably to tension the strap from both sides to balance the forces in the strap. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features of this invention will become apparent from the following descriptions of one example where reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which: is a side elevation view of a towing vehicle to which a motorcycle trailer assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention is secured, with a rear wheel of a motorcycle located in its cradle;

shows the same view as Figure 1 , with the cradle of the motorcycle trailer assembly in the raised position;

shows detail of Figure 2;

shows a side elevation view of the motorcycle trailer assembly of Figure 1 with the cradle in the raised wheel-supporting position;

shows a side elevation of the motorcycle trailer assembly of Figure 1 with the cradle in the raised stowed position;

shows a top rear perspective view of the motorcycle trailer assembly as shown in Figure 4;

shows a front elevation view of the motorcycle trailer assembly as shown in Figure 4;

shows an upper perspective view of the motorcycle trailer assembly as shown in Figure 4;

shows a side elevation view of a towing vehicle to which a motorcycle trailer assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention is secured, with a rear wheel of a motorcycle located in its cradle;

shows the same view as Figure 9, with the cradle of the motorcycle trailer assembly in the raised position; Figure 1 1 shows detail of Figure 10;

Figure 12 shows a side elevation view of the motorcycle trailer assembly of Figure 9 with the cradle in the raised wheel-supporting position;

Figure 13 shows a side elevation of the motorcycle trailer assembly of Figure 9 with the cradle in the raised stowed position;

Figure 14 shows a top rear perspective view of the motorcycle trailer assembly as shown in Figure 9;

Figure 15 shows a top front perspective view of a motorcycle trailer assembly according to a third embodiment of the invention, with the cradle in the raised wheel- supporting position;

Figure 16 shows a top front perspective view of a motorcycle trailer assembly according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, with the cradle in the raised wheel- supporting position;

Figure 17 shows a top side perspective view of a tow hitch connector for a motorcycle trailer assembly according to the invention, with the connector in the open position; and

Figure 18 shows the tow hitch connector of Figure 17 in the closed condition over a tow hitch ball. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first embodiment of a motorcycle trailer assembly (1 ) according to the invention is shown in Figures 1 to 9. The motorcycle trailer assembly (1 ) is configured to be secured to a conventional tow hitch ball (2) of a towing vehicle (3), to allow a motorcycle (4) to be towed behind the vehicle (3) on its rear wheel (5), in other words the motorcycle is towed in reverse.

The trailer assembly (1 ) is configured to lift the rear wheel (5) of the motorcycle (4) from the ground, thus freeing the motorcycle (4) to run freely behind the vehicle (3). If the motorcycle (4) was towed by its front wheel (6), there would be an ever present risk that the motorcycle transmission may engage unexpectedly, possibly resulting in damage to the motorcycle, the motorcycle trailer assembly or the towing vehicle. Considering that neutral for a motorcycle transmission is located between first and second gear, if the motorcycle transmission engages unexpectedly it is likely that it would engage either first or second gear. If the motorcycle is towed at normal traveling speeds the sudden engagement of first or second gear will place enormous strain on the transmission, effectively causing the motorcycle transmission to act as a brake for its rear wheel, which in turn will impart significant drag on the transmission. In such a case, damage to the transmission and/or the rear wheel is very likely. By towing the motorcycle by its rear wheel this risk of unexpected transmission engagement is eliminated. By making use of this motorcycle trailer assembly (1 ), it does not matter whether the transmission is engaged or not, since the rear wheel is supported in a raised position for transportation. The motorcycle trailer assembly (1 ) comprises a base (7) forming the operative forward end of the assembly (1 ). This base (7) is rotatably securable to the tow hitch ball (2) of the towing vehicle (4) by means of a tow hitch connector (8). Detail of the tow hitch connector (8) is shown in Figures 17 and 18, and described further on. The assembly further includes a rail (9) that extends upright from the base (7), with a slide (10) movably engaged with the rail (9) for movement between a lowered position (10A), as shown in Figure 1 , and a raised position (10B), as shown in Figure 2, relative to the base (7).

The rail (9) and slide (10) interacts to provide a movable platform for a wheel-supporting cradle (1 1 ), that extends at a substantially right angle from the slide (10) and terminates in an end (12) forming the operative rear end of the assembly (1 ).

The end (12) of the cradle (1 1 ) forms a lip (14) that is curved downwards, providing a ramp for the motorcycle wheel (5) to roll over into the cradle (1 1 ). As can be seen from the drawings, the cradle (1 1 ) includes a base (15A) lower than the top of the curved lip (14), which provides a natural position for the wheel (5) to rest in. The cradle (1 1 ) is provided with sides (15B) that extend upwards from its base (15A), and this provide in use side supports for a motorcycle wheel (5). The assembly (1 ) further includes a forward cradle (16) that extends to the rear of the assembly (1 ) from the base (7).

The forward cradle (16) extends from the base (7) by means of two side arms (17, 18), and is curved to the operative forward end of the assembly (1 ). The curvature of the forward cradle (16) is complimentary to the profile of the motorcycle wheel (5) that the assembly (1 ) is designed to receive and support. The forward cradle (16) is arranged at a right angle to the cradle (1 1 ), and it thus provides a forward and side support for the motorcycle wheel (5) when it is loaded in the cradle (1 1 ).

The assembly further includes lifting means (19) in the form of a crank (20) meshed with a drive gear (21 ), as shown in Figure 7, which are operable to move the slide (10) between the lowered (10A) and raised (10B) positions. The operation of the lifting means (19) will be described in more detail further on.

The assembly (1 ) further includes lugs (22A-D) for securing straps (23A, 23B) to secure a motorcycle wheel (5) to the assembly (1 ). There are two set of lugs, each having two lugs (22A-D). These are provided in pairs, with a first pair of lugs (22A, 22B) provided on opposite sides of the cradle (1 1 ). A second pair of lugs (22C, 22D) is provided on opposite sides of the forward cradle (16). The straps (23A, 23B) are extended and secured from the lugs (22A-D) over and through the wheel (5) and the inside of the wheel rim (24) on two locations (24A, 24B).

There are two sets of straps included, namely a vertical strap (23A) and a horizontal strap (23B).

The horizontal strap (23B) extends between the lugs (22C, 22D) on the forward cradle (16). This strap (23B) is tightened through and over a forward portion (24B) of the wheel rim (24), to pull the wheel tight against the forward cradle (16). The vertical strap (23A) is extended between the lugs (22A, 22B) on the cradle (1 1 ). This strap (23A) extends from one lug (22A) over the top of the wheel (5) and looped through the wheel over a top portion (24A) of the wheel rim (24), and back over the top of the wheel (5) down to the other lug (22B). This strap (23A) is tightened against the loop at the top (24B) to balance the forces in the strap and top ensure that the wheel (5) remains upright.

This tightening of the straps through and over the wheel (5) secures the wheel (5) to the cradle (1 1 ).

The outwardly angled side of the forward cradle (16) and the sides (15B) of the cradle (1 1 ) support the wheel (5) on its sides and prevent the motorcycle (4) from falling over. With the base (15A) of the cradle (1 1 ) being lower than the top of the lip (14), the motorcycle wheel cannot roll out of the cradle (1 1 ) once it is located in it. The motorcycle wheel is thus secured in the cradle (1 1 ), which effectively secures the motorcycle in position.

The assembly (1 ) is thus configured to receive a motorcycle rear wheel (5) in the cradle (1 1 ) for safe transportation thereof.

In use, the cradle (1 1 ) is lowered to the ground by means of the lifting means (19). When it is located on the ground a motorcycle is reversed towards the assembly (1 ) for its rear wheel (5) to roll over the lip (14) into the base (15A) of the cradle (1 1 ). The front and sides of the motorcycle wheel adjacent the front comes to a rest in the forward cradle (16).

The wheel (5) is now secured to the assembly by passing the straps (23) through the wheel (5) and tightening it over the wheel (5) and the wheel rim (24), as described above.

The crank (20) is then turned to pull the slide (20) up the rail (9), from the lowered position (10A) to the raised position (10B). In the raised position (10B) the cradle is lifted clear of the ground (25) and the motorcycle (4) is in contact with the ground (25) only by way of its front wheel (6). Since the front wheel (6) rotates freely, as long as the front brake is not operated, the motorcycle (4) may be pulled with ease behind the towing vehicle (3). The motorcycle (4) is supported in an upright condition on the assembly, by means of the straps (23) securing it to cradle (1 1 ) and forward cradle (16). With the motorcycle (4) in such upright condition, the front wheel (6) of the motorcycle follows the towing vehicle (3) in line behind the assembly (1 ). As an added safety feature the handlebar (26) of the motorcycle (4) may be secured in line by means of additional straps (not shown). This will allow the towing vehicle (3) to also reverse with the motorcycle (4) attached to it.

The assembly (1 ) includes specific design aspects to ensure reliable and smooth operation.

These include the configuration of the rail (9) and slide (10), the lifting means (19), and the tow hitch connector (8).

The rail (9) comprises two spaced apart right circular cylinders (27A, 27B). These are secured to the assembly base (7) by means of a bottom brace (28) extending between the cylinders (27) at their operatively lower ends. The cylinders (27) are secured to each other at their operatively top ends by means of a cross-brace (29).

The slide (10) comprises two spaced apart right circular cylinders (30A, 30B), each slidably received within one of the rail cylinders (27A, 27B).

The slide (30A, 30B) and rail (27A, 27B) cylinders are manufactured from a carbon fibre material. The cradle (1 1 ) is also made of carbon fibre. Between each slide cylinder (30A, 30B) and its respective rail cylinder (27A, 27B) there is located a low-friction sleeve, typically in the form of a plastics material tube (not shown). This sleeve is configured to be smaller in diameter than the internal diameters of the right circular cylinders (27A, 27B) and large enough to be fitted over one of the slide cylinders (30A, 30B). This spaces each sliding slide cylinder (30A, 30B) from the rail cylinder (27A, 27B) within which is operates, and prevents lockup of each slide cylinder (30A, 30B) in its respective rail cylinder (27A, 27B), due to flexing of the rail (9) and slide (10) under load of a motorcycle (4).

The bottom ends of the rail cylinders (27A, 27B) are sectioned longitudinally in half (31 ), as shown in Figure 1 to 5. This sectioning allows the slide to move into alignment with the tow hitch connector (8), by providing space for the base (32) of the slide (10). The length of the sectioning is such that it allows the height of the slide base (32) to be accommodated in the rail (9).

The crank (20) is a one-way (20A) crank that is secured to the cross-brace (29) at the top of the rail (9). The crank (20) is meshed with a gear (21 ) that is connected to a pulley (not shown) includes cables (not shown) that extend to both sides from the pulley down into the two rail cylinders. The end of each cable is secured to a pin (not shown) in the bottom of its respective slide cylinder (30A, 30B). This secures the crank (20) to the bottom of the slide cylinders (30A, 30B). Operation of the crank (20) coils each cable about the pulley, thereby pulling the slide cylinders (30A, 30B) into the rail cylinders (27A, 27B).

When the top of the slide base (32) reaches the top of the sectioned portions (31 ) of the rail cylinders (27A, 27B), the slide can move no further upward and the crank (20) will cease turning. This is the raised position of the assembly (1 ). The cradle (1 1 ) is provided with strengthening features that assist it in locking it in position with respect to the base (7) of the assembly (1 ) when it is the raised wheel supporting position. This is shown in Figures 4 and 5. As mentioned above, the cradle (1 1 ) extends from the assembly base (7) by means of by means of two side arms (17, 18). These are each pivotally (33, 34) secured to the side of the assembly base (7). The arms are curved and in the wheel supporting position, shown in Figure 4, each arm (17, 18) rests on a complimentary support (17A, 18A) provided by the assembly base (7).

The two arms (17, 18) allow the cradle (1 1 ) to be rotated between a wheel supporting position (1 1 A), as shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6 to 8, and a stowed position (1 1 B), as shown in Figure 5. When the cradle is moved into the stowed position (1 1 B) it assumes a low profile whilst still secured to a tow hitch ball (2) of a vehicle (3). The assembly may also stowed in this condition when it is not secured to a tow hitch ball (2), allowing it for example to be stowed in a cupboard or in a boot of a vehicle (3). The cradle (1 1 ) further includes a prong (35) that extends from its forward end to the assembly base (7). The prong (35) terminates in an end that is provided with an aperture (36). The aperture (36) is complimentary shaped and sized to a pin (37) that extends from the bottom of the slide base (7). As shown in Figure 4, when the cradle (1 1 ) is rotated into the wheel supporting position (1 1 A), the aperture on the prong (35) locates over the pin (37). This locks the prong (35) over the pin (37), and secures it to the base (7), bracing it against sideways and longitudinal movement.

The tow hitch connector (8) comprises two jaws (38, 39), as shown in Figures 17 and 18. The rear jaw (38) is provided with a longitudinal aperture (40A) that allows it to be pivotally secured to the assembly base (7). The assembly base (7) is provided, for this purpose, with a set of prongs (41 A, 41 B) that extends to its forward end. The two prongs (41 A, 41 B) include a set of aligned apertures (42). A locking pin (43) is extendable through the set of apertures (42) in the prongs (41 A, 41 B) and the longitudinal aperture (40A) of the rear jaw (38) of the tow hitch connector (8), and allows for rotation of the tow hitch connector (8) around it. The locking pin (43) is thus secured by means of the lynch pin (not shown) underneath the bottom prong (41 B). The two jaws (38, 39) are pivotally (13) secured to each other, and locked together by means of a locking pin (48) which extends through aligned vertical apertures (49A, 49B) in the two jaws (38, 39). This locking pin (48) is located between the prongs (41 A, 41 B) when the assembly (1 ) is connected to the tow hitch connector (8), which ensures the two jaws (38, 39) cannot open once the assembly (1 ) is connected to it.

The rear end of the rear jaw (38) is curved, allowing the rear jaw (38) to rotate between the two prongs (41 A, 41 B) without interference.

The two jaws (38, 39) of the tow hitch connector (8) cooperate to be secured over the tow hitch ball (2) of the towing vehicle (3).

Each jaw (38, 39) includes an upper half spherical portion (38A, 39A) and half of a cylindrical neck portion (38B, 39B). When pushed against its other the two jaws (38, 39) define between them a space that includes a sphere with a right circular cylindrical neck extending down from it. This is complimentary to the standard diameter of the head (44) of a hitch ball and a portion of the neck (45) on which such head (44) is carried. When the two jaws (38, 39) of the tow hitch connector (8) are secured to each other over a tow hitch ball (2) its grips the head (44) and neck (45) thereof securely, thereby preventing rotation of the connector (8) on the ball (2).

Since there is some standard variation in the sizes of tow hitch ball heads and necks, the connector is provided with a spring biased interference pin (46), which is in screw threaded engagement with a complimentary aperture in the forward end of the forward jaw (39). This pin (46) includes a machined radius and ramp (47) which allows it to be pushed onto the neck (45) and part of the head (44), progressively tightening against it. The deeper the pin (46) is pushed in, the tighter it grips onto the head (44) and neck (45).

The pin (46) is provided with a head (47) and is screw threaded through the aperture in the forward jaw (39) to facilitate screwing of it into the connector (8) onto the tow hitch ball (2). The pin (46) is also provided with a spring between its head (47) and the forward jaw, thereby keeping the pin under tension. The rotatable connection between the tow hitch connector (8) and the rest of the assembly (1 ) ensures that the motorcycle (4) can turn behind the towing vehicle (3). The motorcycle (4) effectively leans into corners as it would during normal operation, apart from the fact that it does so in reverse. The towing vehicle (3) can reverse with the motorcycle secured to it, similar to how a towing vehicle will reverse with a conventional trailer secured to it.

In addition to the carbon fibre cradle (1 1 ), the invention also extends to embodiments which include a steel cradle, rail and slides. These are shown in Figures 9 to 16. The steel embodiment of the assembly (50), as shown in Figures 9 to 16, operates in principle exactly the same as the carbon fibre assembly (1 ) of Figures 1 to 8. However, there are some notable design differences between the two versions.

A first is the cradle (51 ) of the steel assembly (50) that includes side plates (52) that extend to the rear from the base (53). Two supports (54, 55) are secured between the side plates (52). These include a forward support (54) and a rearward support (55). The rearward support terminates in a curved lip that provides a ramp for a motorcycle wheel to roll over when it is loaded and off-loaded. The side plates (52) extend upwards around pivot pins (56). The assembly base (53) provides vertical support (57) for the forward ends (58) of the side plates (52). When the cradle (51 ) is in the wheel supporting position (51 A), the forward ends (58) of the side plates (52) bear against these vertical supports (57). The forward cradle (59) is also made of steel and extends from the assembly base (53) between the side plates (52). The forward cradle (59) includes a plate (60) having a base (61 ) with two rearward angled wings (62) that provide the forward and complimentary side support for the motorcycle wheel. The cradle (51 ) of the steel assembly (50) is also movable between a wheel supporting position (51 A) and a stowed position (51 B), as shown in Figures 12 and 13.

The cradle (51 ) is provided with a forward lip (63) that includes an aperture (not shown) that located over a pin (64) extending from the bottom of the assembly base (53). When the cradle is moved into the wheel supporting position (51 A) the aperture locates over the pin to lock the cradle (51 ) in position. The steel assembly (50) uses the same tow hitch connector (8) and the carbon fibre assembly (1 ). In addition to the two embodiments of the assembly (1 , 50) described above which uses lifting means in the form of a crank (20), the invention also extends to embodiments of assemblies (89, 90) with lifting means in the form of a linear actuator (70) and a screw threaded rod (80), as shown in Figures 15 and 16 respectively. As shown in Figure 15, the assembly (89) includes a linear actuator (70) may be used as lifting means. The linear actuator includes a linearly reversibly extendable rod (71 ) and a base (72). The base (72) is secured to the top of the rail (73) and the end (74) of the rod (71 ) is secured to a brace (75) between the slide cylinders (76), such that the rod (71 ) is axially aligned with the rail (73) and slide (77).

The base (72) includes a drive that powers extension and retraction of the rod (71 ) from the base (72). In this instance the drive uses mechanical drive means in the form of a worm gear (not shown) that acts on the rod (71 ). Operation of the linear actuator (70) to retract the rod (71 ) lifts the slide (77) up, which raises the cradle (78), and operation of the linear actuator (70) to extend the rod (71 ) pushes the slide (77) down which lowers the cradle (78).

The linear actuator (70) is electrically operable, powered from the towing vehicle's electrical connection (not shown) to extend and retract the rod (71 ) between predetermined limits and it may be stopped at any point in between these limits.

The linear actuator (70) is provided with a weather proof rocker switch (not shown) which is by default resiliently biased to off position. The switch may be depressed to one side to lift the cradle (78) and to the other side to lower the cradle (78). Releasing the switch stops vertical movement of the cradle (78). This allows the cradle (78) to be lowered to ground level and stopped when the cradle (78) rests on the ground. It also allows the cradle (78) to be moved up in increments, allowing a user to confirm and ensure that a motorcycle wheel supported by the cradle (78) is properly secured to it. Linear actuators also use magnetic and hydraulic drives, and it is anticipated that these will also be usable with the invention.

The remainder of the functioning remains as described for the second embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 14.

As shown in Figure 16, the assembly (90) includes a screw threaded rod (80) extending between the top (81 ) of the rail (82) and the bottom (83) of the slide (84) may also be used as lifting means.

The rod (80) is secured for rotation at the top (81 ) and extends through a first brace (85) between the rail cylinders (86). Below this the end of the rod is secured to a second brace (86) between the slide cylinders (84). The rod is provided with a rotatable nut (88) at the top (81 ) which allows the rod to be rotated clockwise or anti-clockwise. A tool fitted with a complimentary socket (not shown) may be used to turn the nut (88). A handle (not shown) may also be removably fitted to the nut (88) for this purpose. Similarly, drive means may also be fitted to the nut (88) for this purpose. Such drive means may take the form of an electrical, pneumatic or magnetic drive.

Rotation of the nut (88) in one direction lifts the slide (84) up, which raises the cradle (87) and rotation in the other direction pushes the slide (84) down which lowers the cradle (87). The remainder of the functioning remains as described for the second embodiment shown in Figures 9 to 14.

It will be appreciated that the use of the motorcycle trailer assembly (1 , 50, 70, or 80) requires little manual strength and it is safely securable for travel over long distance.

It will be appreciated that the above embodiments are provided by way of example only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. It is possible to alter aspects of the embodiments without departing from the essence on the invention.

Claims

A motorcycle trailer assembly comprising a base forming the operative forward end of the assembly and which is rotatably securable to a tow hitch of a towing vehicle by means of a tow hitch connector; the assembly further including a rail extending upright from the base, a slide movably engaged with the rail for movement between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the base, a wheel-supporting cradle extending at a substantially right angle from the slide and terminating in an end forming the operative rear end of the assembly, and lifting means to move the slide between the raised and lowered positions; operatively for a wheel of a motorcycle to be received within the cradle in the lowered position and for the lifting means to be operated to move the slide to the raised position, thereby lifting the cradle and the wheel of the motorcycle supported by it from the ground allowing the motorcycle to be towed by its one raised wheel.

An assembly as claimed in claim 1 in which the slide is slidingly movable with respect to the rail.

An assembly as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the cradle is pivotally secured to the slide to be movable between a stowed position and a wheel-supporting position.

An assembly as claim in any one of claims 1 to 3 in which the cradle comprises a base extending into two side supports, the cradle being shaped and configured to an outer diameter and width of a motorcycle wheel that the assembly is designed to receive and support, operatively providing a bottom and side support for such a motorcycle wheel.

An assembly as claimed in claim 3 or 4 in which the cradle includes a brace extending to the operative forward end of the assembly and including engagement means complimentary shaped and configured to slide engagement means, operatively releasably securing the cradle to the slide when the cradle is in the wheel- supporting position.

6. An assembly as claimed in claim 5 in which the slide engagement means comprises a pin extending from the bottom of the slide and the brace engagement means comprises a collar at the end of the brace locatable over the pin, with the collar located over the pin when the cradle is in the wheel-supporting position.

7. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6 in which the rail comprises a set of two spaced apart rails secured proximate their operative bottom ends to the tow hitch connector and proximate their operative top ends to a rail-brace securing the top ends of the rails to each other, and the slide comprises a set of slides extending upward from the base of the assembly with each slide engaged with a rail of the set of rails.

8. An assembly as claimed in claim 7 in which each rail comprises a cylindrical tube and each slide comprises a complimentary rod slidingly receivable within its complimentary tube.

9. An assembly as claimed in claim 8 in which the cylindrical tubes and the rods are right circular.

10. An assembly as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 in which the rods comprise cylindrical tubes.

1 1 . An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 10 in which each rail tube and slide rod includes a low friction sleeve fitted between them for at least of the length of the slide rod.

12. An assembly as claimed in claim 1 1 in which the low friction sleeve comprises a plastics material sleeve.

13. As assembly as claimed in claim 1 1 or 12 in which the sleeve is secured over the slide rod.

14. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13 in which each rail tube is sectioned longitudinally at its operative bottom end on the side opposite the tow hitch connector for a length substantially the same as the height of the base, operatively allowing the base to be raised substantially in alignment with the tow hitch connector secured on the opposing side of the bottom of the rail tubes.

15. An assembly as claimed in claim 14 in which rail tube includes above and proximate the point where its sectioned section terminates a set of aligned apertures through the tube, and each slide rod includes a complimentary aperture through it, and the assembly includes a set of locking pins, each locking extendable through the apertures in a rail tube and rod within it, the apertures all being aligned when the slide is in the raised position, thereby releasably securing each slide rod to its rail tube in the raised position.

16. An assembly as claimed in claim 15 in which the locking pin is resiliently biased to the locking position, preferably by means of a coil spring.

17. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes a forward cradle extending upward from the base of the assembly substantially parallel to the rail and slide, the forward cradle comprising a base extending into two side supports, the forward cradle being shaped and configured complimentary to the profile of a motorcycle wheel that the assembly is designed to receive and support, operatively providing a forward and side support for such a motorcycle wheel.

18. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the wheel- supporting cradle terminates in a lip at its end to form the rearward end of the assembly, with the lip being curved downward providing a ramp for a motorcycle wheel onto the cradle.

19. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the base of the wheel-supporting cradle is curved complimentary to the outer diameter of a motorcycle wheel that the assembly is designed to receive and support.

20. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 19 in which the wheel-supporting cradle includes a set of pivot arms extending from the sides of its operative forward end and each arm is pivotally secured to the assembly base.

21 . An assembly as claimed in claim 20 in the base includes a set of side braces complimentary shaped to the pivot arms and configured to support the pivot arms when the wheel-supporting cradle is in its wheel-supporting position.

22. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the lifting means comprises a winch operable to move the slide between the lowered to the raised positions, the winch being secured to the assembly proximate the operative top of the rail and including a winch rope secured to the slide, the winch operable to move the slide between the lowered and the raised positions.

23. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 21 in which the lifting means comprises a winch operable to move the slide between the lowered to the raised positions, the winch being secured to the rail-brace and including a winch rope secured to the slide, the winch operable to move the slide between the lowered to the raised positions.

24. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21 in which the lifting means comprises a winch operable to move the slide between the lowered to the raised positions, the winch being secured to the assembly proximate the operative top of the rail and including two winch ropes, one winch rope extending from the winch around a pulley above each rail tube and secured to the slide tube from within each rail tube.

25. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 21 in which the lifting means comprises a winch operable to move the slide between the lowered to the raised positions, the winch being secured to the rail brace and including two winch ropes, one winch rope extending from the winch around a pulley above each rail tube and secured to the slide tube from within each rail tube.

26. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21 in which the lifting means comprises a linear actuator having a base and an extendable arm, with its base secured to one of the rail and the slide or the assembly base and the extendable arm secured to the other of the rail and the slide or the assembly base, and being operable to move the slide on the rail.

27. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 21 in which the lifting means comprises a linear actuator having a base and an extendable arm, with its base secured to one of the rail-brace and the slide or the assembly base and the extendable arm secured to the other of the rail-brace and the slide or the assembly base, and being operable to move the slide on the rail.

28. An assembly as claimed in claim 26 in which the actuator base is secured to the rail and the arm is secured to the slide or the assembly base.

29. An assembly as claimed in claim 26 in which the actuator base is secured to the rail- brace and the arm is secured to the slide or the assembly base.

30. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 21 in which the assembly includes lifting means comprises a screw threaded rod extending between the rail-brace and the base of the slide, preferably between the rail-brace and the assembly base, and being rotatably secured to the upper brace and secured to the bottom brace for movement of the slide with respect of the rail upon rotation of the screw threaded rod.

31 . An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the tow hitch connector comprises a pair of jaws of which a first is secured to the assembly base and the second jaw is releasably securable to the first jaw, with the pair of jaws having facing surfaces complimentary shaped to a tow hitch ball, operatively enabling the jaws to be secured over at least part of a tow hitch ball.

32. An assembly as claimed in claim 31 in which the pair of jaws are pivotally secured to each other on a side thereof and include locking means on an opposing side thereof, allowing the second jaw to pivot between an open and a closed position with respect to the first jaw.

33. An assembly as claimed in claim 32 in which the locking means comprises at least one prong extending from each jaw including an aperture, with the apertures of the prongs on both jaws being aligned when the jaws are closed, through which a locking pin is extendable to releasably secure the jaws to each other.

34. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 33 in which the one jaw, preferably the second jaw, includes a pin at least partly movable through an aperture in the jaw between a non-interference and an interference position with respect to a ball of a tow hitch to which the tow hitch connector is operatively secured, operatively to assist in locking the closed pair of jaws onto the tow ball by means of a friction fit to

35. An assembly as claimed in any one of claims 31 to 34 in which each jaw includes a shaped inner surface operatively facing the other jaw, with the inner surface shaped into substantially half of a sphere with half a circular cylindrical passage extending from the base of shaped half of a sphere, complimentary to the dimensions of a ball and neck of a tow hitch to which the tow hitch connector is operatively secured, operatively for the pair of closed jaws to engage fully over the ball of a tow hitch and over at least part of the neck from which the two hitch ball extends.

36. An assembly as claimed in claim 31 in which the one jaw is rotatably secured to the base.

37. An assembly as claimed in any one of the preceding claims which includes lugs for securing straps operatively for securing the motorcycle wheel to the assembly.

38. An assembly as claimed in claim 37 which includes two sets of lugs, of which a first set of lugs includes a lug on each of the two opposite sides of the cradle for securing a strap from the sides of the cradle over the top of the motorcycle wheel, and of which a second set of lugs includes a lug on each of the two opposite sides of the forward cradle for securing a strap through the motorcycle wheel over the inner surface of the wheel rim.

39. A method of transporting a motorcycle behind a towing vehicle which includes positioning a motorcycle with its rear wheel on a cradle of a towing assembly behind a towing vehicle, securing the wheel to the assembly, raising the rear wheel of the motorcycle of the ground by sliding the cradle upwards in a rail of the cradle, securing the cradle in a raised position, and towing the motorcycle by its rear running on its front wheel.

40. A method as claimed in claim 39 which includes securing the wheel to the assembly by passing a strap between the lugs on the sides of the cradle over the top of the motorcycle wheel to include at least one loop through wheel over the rim and tyre of the wheel, and tensioning the strap from at least one side to balance the forces in the strap.