Patent Application
20160284253
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1. Field of the Invention
This invention is related to a flag holder, and more particularly to a flag holder mount for holding at least one flag mounted to a motorcycle.
2. Description of the Related Art
Motorcycles—also called motorbikes or bikes—are traditionally two-wheeled motorized vehicles, but some models include three-wheeled versions called “trikes.” As used herein, the term “motorcycle” includes “trikes.” Motorcycle enthusiasts enjoy riding their motorcycles on any occasion. Several motorcycle enthusiasts are also very patriotic and want to show off their American flag. They regularly participate in riding groups and in parades where several of the motorcyclists proudly display and exhibit flags (e.g., patriotic and/or pertaining to their group affiliation) attached to their motorcycles as they travel down the parade.
There exist several types of flag holders used by motorcyclists to attach flags to their motorcycles. However, as is often the case, though the flags attach to the motorcycles, none are very stable. Often times the flags would be attached to a motorcycle's backrest, luggage rack, various tubular guard bars around the motorcycle (added as accessories), fender sides using brackets, and maybe stick-ons.
A majority of the attachment means for the flag holders are makeshift (using materials such as PVC pipe, straps of various types, and duct tape), aesthetically unappealing (and detracting from the beauty of the motorcycle), and not safe for the operator. These mounts were often times expensive and, in the case of the mount attached to the back fender, have a low center of gravity which negatively affects the controllability of the motorcycle as the wind pulls on the motorcycle when carrying the flag.
A typical flag generally displayed on a motorcycle is about 3 ft. by 5 ft. During parades, the ideal speed for a motorcycle pulling a flag is approximately 5 miles per hour. It is not recommended to go faster than that because of the pull or drag created by the flag. However, most bikers ignore this and go faster anyway. However, as motorcycles build up speed and are carrying a flag or flags attached to the rear of the motorcycle, as the flags sway in the wind, the increased wind resistance on those flags pulls back on the motorcycle or may make the motorcycle shake dangerously back and forth. This negatively affects the safe drivability of the motorcycle and places the rider in dangerous driving conditions.
In addition, as the flags “hang” directly behind the rider, the visibility of the rider is obscured. The flags in this position also cover up the rear lights of the motorcycle creating a dangerous driving condition for motorists behind the motorcycle as they may not be able to see the brake lights or turn signals of the motorcycle.
These existing products do not show very stable flag mounts or safe uses of flag holders. None exist fastened directly to and at the center of gravity portion of the frame of a motorcycle.
There is a need for a sturdy robust flag holder that is aesthetically pleasing and can mount directly to the center of gravity portion of a motorcycle to increase the safety of the rider and that can securely display at least one flag. The present invention allows the rider to display their desired flag or flags in a safe manner.
The present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art. In one embodiment, the flag holder of the present invention is mounted directly to the frame of a motorcycle, e.g., FLH, FLT, or FLR touring model motorcycle, through a flat mounting plate or pad mount. The present invention is a flag holder mount comprising a hollow cylindrical main body having an opening at one end and an end cap with a drainage hole therein at the other end. A pad mount having apertures therein is connected to the cylindrical main body by a connecting bar such as by welding so as to comprise a single piece. Slightly different configurations of the pad mount are necessary to accommodate both the right and left side of the motorcycle.
The present invention (in any of the embodiments), when mounted to the center of gravity portion of the frame of a motorcycle, exhibits two angles. The first angle is away from the motorcycle. The degree of angle away may vary but is generally within the range of between 7° and 15°, and preferably within the range of 10° and 15°. The second angle is a “back angle” (toward the rear of the motorcycle). The degree of back angle may also vary but is generally within the range of between 5° and 15°, and preferably within the range of between 9° and 11°. This back angle increases the aerodynamics of the present invention and allows the rider to ride at an accelerated speed safely while displaying a flag. The present invention is uniquely designed to accommodate multiple flag pole base sizes up to 1.6″ or 1 19/32″.
Other models of motorcycles exist, e.g., Harley-DavidsonHeritage Softail® FLS, XL and FX models, which cannot readily accept the pad mount due to configurational differences at the mounting point on the motorcycle. Rather than having a mounting block having threaded cavities therein, the motorcycle has foot peg supports extending outward and to which foot pegs are rotatably connected thereto via a pin or bolt. In an alternative embodiment, the flag holder of the present invention may include a post mount comprising a connector having an end that is closed and includes an aperture therein adapted to receive a pin or other comparable fastener to connect the connector of the post mount to the passenger foot peg support. In this embodiment, the post mount used on the right side of the motorcycle is in the same configuration as the post mount used on the left side of the motorcycle.
This embodiment still maintains the two angles described, i.e., away and back. However, only the angle away remains inherent within the flag holder mount and similar to the away angle when using the pad mount. The back angle is now a function of establishing the desired angle when loosening, then threading and tightening the removable passenger foot peg support to maintain the desired angle. The flag holder mount, once mounted, will remain at the back angle the user established when tightening the passenger foot peg support.
There are also models of motorcycles, e.g., Harley-Davidson Sportser® and Dyna® FLD, FXS, FXD, XG and VRS models, wherein the removable passenger foot peg support has a pre-angled support which is forked and curves as the passenger foot peg support extends away from the motorcycle. These models of motorcycles cannot accept a straight post mount. In an alternative embodiment, the flag holder may have a pre-angled connector, or post mount, adapted to receive the pre-angled passenger foot peg support extending from the frame of the motorcycle. In this embodiment, a slightly different configuration of the pre-angled post mount used on the right side of the motorcycle is necessary to accommodate the pre-angled post mount used on the left side of the motorcycle.
The present invention includes several safety features. For example, the flag mount of the present invention is attached directly to the frame of the motorcycle at the center of the motorcycle rather than at the end of the back fender providing a more solid and stable foundation for the flag mount. The two angles (away and back) of the flag mount of the present invention allow for faster acceleration and travel of the motorcycle without risking damage to the motorcycle. Because of the angles of the flag mount, and the degree of the flag position, when the motorcycle stops, the flag lays behind and out of the user's vision and way.
The calculated design angles of the present invention keep the “flag hang” away from the motorcycle during stops and full flag-waving operation. Further, the customary steering wobble caused by a waving flag (attached to the rear of the motorcycle) creating control issues are eliminated at customary speeds creating a safer ride. This is because the present invention has been uniquely designed to mount in front of the rear wheel with an increased centered point of gravity. There is also improved visibility for motorists behind the user to the user's position during braking and emergency use of flashers due to the highly improved flag position on the motorcycle, i.e., there is no visual obstruction of signal or warning lights.
In addition, no drilling or changes to a user's motorcycle are required, thereby maintaining the integrity and strength of the original equipment. The present invention mounts directly to the motorcycle utilizing the existing frame bolt holes or passenger foot peg support posts of many different models of motorcycles. The present invention may even be retrofitted to any touring frame-type motorcycle, including Harley-Davidson models, going back to models at least as early as 1982, as well as more recent trike models. Once installed, the present invention enhances the look of the motorcycle. As such, the present invention may be left attached either permanently or can be taken on and off as desired.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Fasteners 34 and 48 traverse pad mount 24 and thread into selected threaded cavities 40a-40d (see
Still referring to
In addition to flag mount 10 angling away from motorcycle 54, as shown in
Referring now to
Referring now to
If motorcycle 54 tips or falls over, the fall may likely damage saddlebags 60, which in the case of saddlebags made of fiberglass, becomes an expensive repair. To minimize against this damage, a protective bar (sometimes called a crash bar) (not shown) goes around saddlebag 60. This protective bar protrudes out in front of saddlebag 60 and takes up space between saddlebag 60 and where flag mount 10 is going to be angling back. The angle of flag mount 10 when positioned in the installed configuration is such that flag mount 10 (and telescopic pole 56 and flag 58) do not interfere with but instead clear major components, such as the protective or crash bar (if the motorcycle has one) as well as saddlebags 60 of motorcycle 54, as shown in
With some variation in the shape configuration, the passenger foot peg (not shown) is in a substantially similar location on the opposite (left) side of motorcycle 54. Turning now to
This left side area is constricted or limited by motorcycle component 62 and does not provide sufficient space for mounting of the quadrilaterally configured pad mount 24. As such, it is necessary to modify the configuration of pad mount 24. For mounting flag mount 10 to the left side of motorcycle 54, left side angled pad mount 64 having a plurality of apertures therein is used. Left side angled pad mount 64 contains angle 74 which will clear motorcycle component 62 and allow flag mount 10 to be securely mounted to mounting block 68 via fasteners 70 and 72 threaded into threaded cavities 66a and 66c. However, if the user desires to lower the mounting location of flag mount 10, the user may secure left side angled pad mount 64 to mounting block 68 using the lower positioned threaded cavities 66b and 66d.
The flag holder mount of the present invention is comprised of a durably, light weight and resistant metal such as aluminum. However, other comparable materials, such as steel, may also be used. Cylindrical main body 12 is 9″ in length and has an outer diameter (OD) of 1.9″ and an inner diameter (ID) of 1.61″. The wall thickness of the cylindrical main body 12 is 0.145″ and is consistent throughout the length of the cylindrical main body 12. Opening 18 of cylindrical main body 12 is larger than most flag poles to accommodate various sizes.
The dimensions of connecting bar 30 are 2″×2″×1½″. The dimensions of pad mount 24 are 2½″×2″×⅜″. The dimensions of apertures 26 and 28 within pad mount 24 of the present invention are 7/16″ and, when plated, will accommodate a ⅜″ bolt or pin. While the present invention uses these dimensions, it is contemplated that other dimensions may be used and still be within the contemplation of the present invention.
When the present invention is mounted directly to and at the center of gravity portion of the frame of motorcycle 54, the optimal dual angles (away and back) are such that the rider may enjoy a secure and safe riding experience while proudly and safely displaying the rider's desired flag. Pad mount 24, connecting bar 30, and cylindrical main body 12 may be all welded together to make a single piece. Alternatively, flag mount 10 may be cast from a single die so as to have a single piece.
Referring now to
Post mount bracket 314 provides additional strength to post mount 322. Post mount bracket 314 connects at one end to cylindrical main body 302, e.g., via welding or other comparable attachment means, so as to comprise a single piece. Post mount bracket 314 is integrated into cylindrical main body 302, providing additional strength. Post mount bracket 314 has a plurality of curves along the opposite end. Short curve 316 has beveled edge 332 and surface 326 and curves out from cylindrical main body 302 to vertex 318. Long curve 320 follows. Long curve has beveled edge 334 and surface 328 and curves inward from vertex 318 toward cylindrical main body 302 before curving out to post mount 322.
Post mount 322 has beveled edge 336 along top surface 330 and beveled edge 340 between top surface 330 and front surface 342. Post mount 322 also has beveled edge 338 along front surface 342. Aperture 324 traverses center of post mount 322 and is adapted for accepting a pin (not show) or other comparable fastener to secure post mount 322 within the forked ends of the foot peg support (not shown) extending from motorcycle 54 (not shown).
Referring now to
Post mount bracket 314 is 0.5″ in thickness and is made of aluminum, though other comparable metal may be used. Cylindrical main body 302 is 9″ in length and has an OD of 1.9″ and an ID of 1.61″. Aperture 324 is 7/16″ and, when plated, will accommodate a ⅜″ bolt or pin. The single bolt (not shown) that secures flag mount 300 (via post mount 322) to passenger foot peg (not shown) is a ⅜″×1 3/16″×1¼″ stainless clevis pin with a fastener, such as a ⅜″ “E” type retaining ring, or other comparable fastener.
Referring back to
Similarly, and referring now to
The present invention may be powder coated which is a process where the paint is baked on. This can be done for aesthetic reasons (e.g., the user does not like chrome). In one embodiment (see
Alternatively, the flag mount may be chromed which adds a protective coating that also matches the motorcycle. Both types of finish are aesthetically pleasing depending on the user's taste.
An accessory that may be included with the present invention includes a telescopically extendable flag pole for fastening of a flag thereto.
Referring back to
Similarly, on the left side, fasteners 70 and 72 are aligned with and threaded into exposed threaded cavities 66a and 66c, securing left side angled pad mount 64 to the frame of motorcycle 54. If a lower position is desired, fasteners 70 and 72 are aligned with and threaded into exposed threaded cavities 66b and 66d.
In another embodiment, to install the present invention onto the frame of a motorcycle which cannot readily accept the pad mount due to configurational differences at the mounting point on the motorcycle, the foot peg support extending outward (and to which foot pegs are rotatably connected thereto via a pin) are removed. A pin or other comparable fastener traverses post mount 322 and secures post mount 322 within the forked ends of the foot peg support (not shown) extending from motorcycle 54 (not shown).
In yet another embodiment, to install the present invention onto the frame of a motorcycle which cannot readily accept foot peg support extending linearly outward because the removable foot peg support is forked and curves, or angles, as the foot peg support extends away from the motorcycle, a pin or other comparable fastener traverses the pre-angled post mount and secures the pre-angled post mount within the forked ends of the foot peg support extending from the motorcycle.
When mounted to the appropriate model motorcycle, the present invention is uniquely designed to accommodate multiple flag pole base sizes up to 1.9″ or 1 15/16″. Thus, for example, motorcycle 54 may contain and safely and securely display two flags, one on either side, via the appropriately configured pad mount (i.e., either pad mount 24 or left side angled pad mount 64) depending on what side each flag is mounted.
The present invention is available as a stand-alone product. The present invention is also available in a kit such that the user will have all components available in one location. The kit includes sizing tape, which may be one inch wide and 30 ft. long. The sizing tape is used to wrap the very bottom portion of the flag pole and about an inch below the top of the cylindrical holder to take up the space between the flag holder and the inside portion of the cylindrical holder to maintain the flagpole securely therein. The kit also includes an “E” type retaining ring. An “E” type retaining ring will already be available from the foot peg support already on the motorcycle. However, during the installation process, should the user bend or break the original “E” type retaining ring, a spare is included in the kit.
The kit also includes a telescopic flag pole which, when not in use, can fit in the saddlebag or, alternatively, can be left in the holder as the telescopic flag pole will not extend out too much further than the holder. The telescopic flag pole is much safer to use with the present invention when transporting without the flag. This is especially the case when motorcycle enthusiasts have to carry home a full-sized flagpole without the flag for several miles once an event, e.g., parade, is over.
The various embodiments described herein may be used singularly or in conjunction with other similar devices. The present disclosure includes preferred or illustrative embodiments of specifically described apparatuses, assemblies, methods and systems. Alternative embodiments of such apparatuses, assemblies, methods and systems can be used in carrying out the invention as claimed and such alternative embodiments are limited only by the claims themselves. Other aspects and advantages of the present invention may be obtained from a study of this disclosure and the drawings, along with the appended claims.
