1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to drink holders for motorcycles. More specifically the present invention relates to attaching a drink holder to the frame of a motorcycle.
2. Background of the Invention
Today there are many motorcycles on the road. Since the invention of the motorcycle in 1885 many have found motorcycles a means of transportation, sport, show, and other endeavors. From small and lightweight motorcycles used in sports for speed and stunts to large and powerful motorcycles used for traveling distances, motorcycles come in many different forms and encompass activities shared across the world.
Many use motorcycles for everyday transportation. In the summertime the motorcycle can be seen as the ultimate convertible. Having little exterior paneling the breeze is allowed to flow across virtually the entire body. When compared to an automobile, the relatively compact size of a motorcycle allows for easier parking in metropolitan areas. Motorcycles are much more agile than automobiles as well, due to their lighter weight and in-line wheel design. In California, motorcyclists are allowed to travel in between the lanes of traffic, which comes in handy during rush hour when the rest of traffic comes to a stop. The idea of not having to slow down when traffic gets bad makes motorcycles an extremely attractive alternative to an automobile.
As the price in petroleum keeps rising many find themselves searching for more fuel efficient means of transportation. While automobile manufacturers design engines that run on ethanol, biodiesel fuel, electricity, and even hybrids, motorcycles, by their lightweight nature, are much more fuel efficient than any automobile. It is common for motorcycles to range between forty and sixty miles-per-gallon, and it has been that way for years now. Some motorcycles are specifically tuned to enjoy an even higher gas-mileage rating.
Others use motorcycles for sport. Sport motorcycles are nearly all fast and lightweight. Some are equipped with fat tires with large tread for traction in the mud. Large dirt courses are constructed where motorcyclists race across hills and around sharp turns. Courses are constructed in a similar manner but used solely for stunt competitions. As most of these stunts are aerial the courses consist of large ramps resulting in the long hang time necessary for a well-executed stunt. A few motorcyclists make a living doing nothing but stunts. These motorcyclists do not even compete with other motorcyclists, but simply attempt elaborate and seemingly impossible feats in order to draw large crowds which cheer wildly upon completion of the stunt. Of course there are also track motorcycle races which are closer related to an automobile racing event than dirt bike races. Though a lighter weight vehicle is desirable, these motorcycles do not sacrifice power and acceleration for a lighter weight. Few tricks and stunts are employed as these races are about skill, concentration, and determination.
Then there are those motorcycle enthusiasts that enjoy traveling long distances on their motorcycles. They typically employ larger motorcycles tuned for a smoother ride. These motorcycles come with larger fuel tanks so that the rider doesn't need to stop for fuel as often. Large bins may be attached to either side of the seat on these motorcycles, known as saddlebags. Saddlebags come in handy for the distance motorcyclist to hold belongings, food, etc. They can be made from leather or vinyl. Some saddlebags are made from fiberglass or polyvinylchloride (PVC) and are constructed by the manufacturer as part of the body of the motorcycle. A glove box can be found near the front for smaller personal items. A few motorcycles exist with another passenger hold known as a side car which looks a little like a small chariot attached to the rear side of a motorcycle. The addition of a side car makes the motorcycle a three-wheeled vehicle, with the third wheel holding up the far side of the side car. A side car motorcycle may be a little less agile, but can make a more comfortable ride for a passenger traveling long distances.
Motorcycle enthusiasts also enjoy assembling at large events for motorcyclists. These events can be found across the United States and many other countries. Massive conventions are held where motorcyclists meet to display the latest technology, sell their latest products, exchange ideas and techniques, and, of course, to show off their own motorcycles. Some of the most aesthetically pleasing motorcycles appear at these events. Many of the enthusiasts present at these events must travel long distances before arriving. Some have large trucks pulling covered trailers which store their motorcycles, but many don't have that luxury and ride the whole distance. Many of these enthusiasts are the same that enjoy traveling long distances on their motorcycles, but also have an interest in keeping their motorcycle aesthetically pleasing.
Aesthetics and convenience often clash. Motorcycles, even long distance cruisers, are small when compared to any other long distance vehicle, and have little room for cargo holds. The saddle bags and glove boxes are still no comparison to the size of a trunk of an automobile, but are carefully constructed to as not to detract from the overall appearance of the motorcycle. Still there is little innovation when it comes to holding a drink while riding a motorcycle. Studies have shown that a drink holder or amount thereof can rank very high among consumers when purchasing an automobile, yet there are very options for a motorcyclist.
A few aftermarket drink holders are made which clamp onto the handlebars of a motorcycle. This would seem like an ideal placement, but it has its drawbacks. The drink holder can get in the way of a motorcyclists vision and movements. Access to switches can become awkward and important gauges can be hidden. A motorcyclist's view of the road is encroached and all of these problems increase when the drink holder is actually holding a drink. The handlebars and front wheel, which govern the direction of the motorcycle, experience more motion due to turning back and forth than the rest of the body of the motorcycle. Having a drink mounted to the handlebars increases the risk of spills.
When it comes to aesthetics, a drink holder is not the most flattering accessory to have on your motorcycle. Many drink holders are large plastic canisters which can seem a little out of place when perched upon a shining flow of steel, custom paint, and leather.
What is needed in the art is a drink holder for a motorcycle that does not inhibit the rider's vision or access to controls. A drink holder for a motorcycle needs to be in a position where it is not prone to spills. Finally, a drink holder for a motorcycle should not take away from the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle.
The present invention is a mounting member which attaches to a down tube of a motorcycle frame at a first end, and fixedly attaches to a drink holding member at a second end. The mounting member can be fixedly or removably attached to the down tube of a motorcycle frame, and has rotational corrections to ensure the drink is held upright. The drink holding member comprises a cavity for holding a substantially cylindrical drink container and a beverage inside.
In one embodiment the present invention is a drink holder for a motorcycle comprising a drink holding member having a cavity and an attachment member, and a mounting member having a first end attached to the attachment member and a second end attached to the down tube of a motorcycle. The mounting member fixes the drink holding member so that the cavity opens upward.
In another embodiment the present invention is a drink holder for a motorcycle comprising a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end, an open end, and an outer wall, and an elongate member having a first end attached to the outer wall of the cylindrical member and a second end attached to the down tube of a motorcycle. The elongate member fixes the cylindrical member so that the open end faces upward.
In yet another embodiment the present invention is a method of holding a drink on a motorcycle comprising attaching a mounting member to a down tube of a motorcycle, and fixing a drink holding member to the mounting member. The mounting member fixes the drink holding member so that a drink may be held substantially upright when inserted into the drink holding member.
The present invention is a mounting member which attaches to a down tube of a motorcycle frame at a first end, and fixedly attaches to a drink holding member at a second end. The mounting member can be fixedly or removably attached to the down tube of a motorcycle frame, and has rotational corrections to ensure the drink is held upright. The drink holding member comprises a cavity for holding a substantially cylindrical drink container and a beverage inside.
“Down tube”, as used herein and throughout in this disclosure, refers to the tubes of a motorcycle frame that extend from the steering column angled in a downward direction until it meets the bottom of the motorcycle frame. In
“Drink”, as used in this disclosure, refers to a liquid beverage and its container. Most any substantially cylindrical container fits within the scope of this disclosure. Examples of a drink include a can of soda, a bottle of water, a sports drink in a plastic bottle, a mug of coffee, a squirt bottle having liquid, a paper cup having liquid, etc.
For the following description, it can be assumed that most correspondingly labeled structures across the figures (e.g., 312 and 412, etc.) possess the same characteristics and are subject to the same structure and function. If there is a difference between correspondingly labeled elements that is not pointed out, and this difference results in a non-corresponding structure or function of an element for a particular embodiment, then that conflicting description given for that particular embodiment shall govern.
An exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in
θ=X+90
where X and ninety (90) are in degrees. Drink holding member 110 forms a cavity which surrounds a drink and further comprises closed end 116, attachment member 112, and attachment 114. In this embodiment drink holding member 110 forms a substantially open cavity. The metal tubes comprising drink holding member in this embodiment display a substantially minimum amount of material necessary to hold a drink. A drink can be inserted through the top of drink holding member 110, as viewed in
The clamping member attaches to the down tube preferably in a non destructive fashion such as in
The mounting member is shown as coming substantially straight out from the down tube with two rotational corrections built into it. Some motorcycles inhibit the mounting member from coming straight out due to engine parts or other motorcycle parts held in the way. To accommodate these obstacles the mounting member can be elongated and bent so that the mounting member weaves around these obstacles. The placement of the rotational corrections varies among embodiments. Multiple rotational corrections may need to be used in weaving embodiments. One of ordinary skill in that art will recognize that rotational corrections should be used to orient the drink holding member in a substantially upright position. The mounting member requires substantially the same strength and heat resistance qualities as the clamping member. The mounting member must be strong enough to hold a full beverage, which most likely will not exceed four pounds, upright and in a stationary position with respect to the motorcycle. Metals such as steel, copper, brass, titanium, etc. and their alloys can be used as well as durable plastics, ceramics, carbon fiber, etc. Other suitable metals and materials will be readily recognizable to one skilled in the art.
There are many embodiments of the drink holding member. The drink holding member includes a substantially cylindrical hollow body that is closed at one end. The cylinder walls can be solid, contain holes, or be in the form of a mere wire outline such as in
A sample of a motorcycle frame is shown in
Exemplary embodiments of the locking member are shown in
Further complimenting embodiments of the present invention is a drink shield. The drink shield prevents open containers from collecting debris as the motorcycle is driven. The drink shield comprises a barrier partially enclosing a volume just above the drink holding member. The barrier separates this volume from the atmosphere on all sides except the bottom and the side which is oriented toward the rear of the motorcycle. The bottom of the barrier attaches near the top of the drink holding member. The barrier is open at the bottom so that a drink may be placed in the drink holding member. Depending on the height of the drink the barrier may need to be taller or shorter. Drink shields with a taller barrier can accommodate more drink sizes than drink shields with shorter barriers. The drink shield is made from any material that can stand under its own strength and withstand the wind resistance of the motorcycle at high speed. Materials such as plastics, ceramics, PVC, metals, etc. can be used to make the barrier. The drink shield may removably or fixedly attach to the drink holding member near the bottom. The attachment must be strong enough to withstand the wind resistance of the motorcycle at high speed. The drink shield can fixedly attach to the drink holding member using adhesives or fasteners such as glue, tape, screws, nails, rivets, clamps, etc. In some embodiments the drink shield and the drink holding member are one piece made from the same material. The drink shield can removably attach to the drink holding member using snaps, hook-and-loop fasteners, removable adhesive, etc.
The foregoing disclosure of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many variations and modifications of the embodiments described herein will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the above disclosure. The scope of the invention is to be defined only by the claims appended hereto, and by their equivalents.
Further, in describing representative embodiments of the present invention, the specification may have presented the method and/or process of the present invention as a particular sequence of steps. However, to the extent that the method or process does not rely on the particular order of steps set forth herein, the method or process should not be limited to the particular sequence of steps described. As one of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate, other sequences of steps may be possible. Therefore, the particular order of the steps set forth in the specification should not be construed as limitations on the claims. In addition, the claims directed to the method and/or process of the present invention should not be limited to the performance of their steps in the order written, and one skilled in the art can readily appreciate that the sequences may be varied and still remain within the spirit and scope of the present invention.
This application claims the benefit of provisional application 61/093,959, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61093959 | Sep 2008 | US |