Pivotable Bumper for Carrying Motorcycles

Owners of motorcycles wishing to transport the vehicles from place to place, rather than riding them, have various alternatives available to them. Trailers, for example, may be used to carry up to three motorcycles. Another common means is to use a van-type or pick-up truck. Other alternatives, but less common, are the use of attachments to or replacement of the bumper by a carrier device. None of the above listed means for transporting motorcycles is totally acceptable. Trailers are expensive, sometimes costing as much as the motorcycle to be carried. When not in use, trailers must be stored, are difficult to back up and park, and also require other expenses in the maintenance, spare tires, license and tolls. The hoop-type carriers that attach to the bumper must be put on prior to use and be removed after use, or, if kept in place, are unsightly and run the risk of being ruined by even the slightest bumper to bumper collision. The hoop-type carriers are also restricted to the size of motorcycles that can be carried. Replacement of the bumper with a channel carrier common to some trailers likewise offers an unsightly appearance and is susceptible to destruction by moderate impact, as in a minor collision. Vans and pick-up trucks probably offer the most acceptable means to date for transporting a motorcycle. However, their initial cost, if solely for the purpose of transporting a motorcycle, is certainly unreasonable. Another problem of transporting a motorcycle inside a vehicle, such as a van or a pick-up truck, results when the motorcycle is dirty, muddy or leaks gasoline or lubricants. Deposits of mud, dirt, gasoline or oil on the floor and sides of the transporting vehicle is certainly undesirable. The present invention suffers from none of the above disadvantages. The invention is inexpensive and does not interfere with parking or backing up of the vehicle of which it is an integral part. The invention, while being an integral part of the vehicle, is rugged and functions as the bumper. The invention can be positioned in either one of two modes, i.e., a bumper mode or a carrier mode, by simply pivoting the bumper. While in the bumper mode, it is not readily discernible from a conventionally equipped vehicle of similar make and model.

The invention is a vehicle bumper which can be positioned in two modes. One mode serves a normal bumper function, while the second mode serves the carrier function. The bumper is pivotably attached to a brace or support in such a way that the pivoting action is constrained in either the bumper mode or the carrier mode.

FIG. 1 shows a fragmentary perspective view showing a van equipped with the invention and a motorcycle supported and secured for transportation.

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the brace, pivoting means and a U-shaped channel positioned in a bumper mode.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view showing the brace pivoting means and a U-shaped channel in the carrier mode.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a substantially planar bumper member having cut-away portions for engaging the wheels of the motorcycle.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 depicts a vehicle 11 which for purposes of illustration is a vehicle commonly known as a Van 11 having a channel member or other substantially U-shaped member 12 positioned in the carrier mode. Wheels 13 of motorcycle 14 are held in U-shaped member 12 by straps 15. Tie downs 16 firmly hold motorcycle 14 in place.

FIG. 2 shows U-shaped member 12 pivotably attached to a hinge 17 to brace 18 which provides a surface for Hinge 17 is aligned so as to allow rotation of member 12 outwardly, transverse to the length of Van 11 and coplanar with the horizontal. However, in the bumper mode as shown in FIG. 2 brace 18 and hinge 12 are substantially concealed giving a conventional and pleasing appearance to vehicle 11 so as to be rigidly fixed to the frame members of van 11 via bolts 19. As seen in FIG. 3, brace 18 also provides a surface 24 and a surface 27 for abutting member 12 in the carrier mode. Member 12 provides surfaces 25 and 26 for abutting brace 18, thereby limiting rotation about hinge 17 to substantially 90.degree.. Hinge 17 is shown in these figures to be a separate component, however, the pivotable means could be an integral part of members 12 and brace 18 without detraction from the scope of this invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the present invention by depicting a bumper member 20 which serves the same dual function of providing a bumper mode and, after rotation, a carrier mode. Slot 21 engages with motorcycle wheels 13. Surfaces 29 and 30 of Block 22 abutt surfaces 28 and 31 of brace 18 thereby limiting rotation about hinge 23 to substantially 90.degree..

Abutting surfaces 26 and 27 of FIG. 3 and surfaces 28 and 29 of FIG. 4 undergo a compression moment when in the carrier mode. Abutting surfaces 24 and 25 of FIG. 3 and surfaces 30 and 31 of FIG. 4 undergo a bending moment when in the carrier mode. These two force moments, resulting from the weight of the motorcycle, provide a more even distribution of forces on brace 18.