Patent Application
20110068139
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to drink holders for motorcycles. More specifically, the present invention relates to drink holders for speaker cabinets in motorcycles.
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. Advances in sound systems for motorcycles have led to front and rear speakers. Speaker cabinets are added toward the rear of the motorcycle to hold the rear speakers. 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. Furthermore, a passenger has even fewer options when it comes to a drink holder.
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 drink holder mounted on a speaker cabinet for a motorcycle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a mounting bracket attached to a speaker cabinet towards the rear of the motorcycle. The mounting bracket contains a flange where fasteners attach the mounting bracket to the speaker cabinet. An opening for receiving a drink holder is included in the bracket member. An attachment member of a drink holder is inserted into the bracket member where it is held fixedly in place.
In one exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a drink holding assembly for a motorcycle. The drink holding assembly includes a drink holder having a mounting insert and a mounting bracket having a flange attached to a speaker cabinet and a cavity fixedly containing the mounting insert. The mounting bracket fixes the drink holder so that a drink is held upward.
In another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a drink holding assembly for a motorcycle. The drink holding assembly includes a hollow cylindrical member having a closed end, an open end, and an outer wall, and a mounting bracket attached to a speaker cabinet and a cavity fixedly containing a mounting insert. The mounting bracket fixes the hollow cylindrical member so that a drink is held upward.
In yet another exemplary embodiment, the present invention is a method of holding a drink on a motorcycle. The method includes attaching a mounting bracket to a speaker cabinet of a motorcycle, and fixing a drink holder to the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket fixes the drink holder so that a drink may be held substantially upright when inserted into the drink holder.
The present invention is a drink holder mounted on a speaker cabinet for a motorcycle. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention include a mounting bracket attached to a speaker cabinet towards the rear of the motorcycle. The mounting bracket contains a flange where fasteners attach the mounting bracket to the speaker cabinet. An opening for receiving a drink holder is included in the bracket member. An attachment member of a drink holder is inserted into the bracket member where it is held fixedly in place.
“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.
The mounting bracket is attached to the speaker cabinet preferably oriented so that the opening is at the top of the mounting bracket. This orientation maximizes the use of gravity to hold the attachment member inside the cavity of the mounting bracket. However, other orientations are possible and many make use of gravity to hold the attachment member in place. Orientations where the opening is at the sides or bottom of the mounting bracket may require a locking mechanism. A locking mechanism can be a latch, a lever, or anything else that will secure the attachment member inside the cavity of the mounting bracket. The locking mechanism can be active, such as using a spring, so that it automatically locks upon insertion into the mounting bracket, or passive, so that it requires user action before locking the attachment member inside the cavity of the mounting bracket. When using another orientation, the attachment member is shaped so that the portion insertable into the cavity of the mounting bracket is angled. The optimal angle is such that when the attachment member is inserted into the cavity of the mounting bracket a drink inside the drink holder is held upright. In this orientation of the drink, the chances of spills are minimized.
There are many embodiments of the drink holder. The drink holder 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
Metals such as steel, copper, brass, etc. can be used to make the mounting bracket and drink holder as well as durable plastics and ceramics. Other suitable metals and materials will be readily recognizable to one skilled in the art. Embodiments of the mounting bracket and drink holder may include a chrome finish for aesthetics. A speaker cabinet is typically made from a wood product such as particle board. Speaker cabinets may include other materials, but in most cases will be suitable for fastening articles with bolts, screws, nails, etc. Epoxies and other strong adhesives may be suitable if other fasteners are not an option.
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 61/245,433, filed on Sep. 24, 2009, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 61245433 | Sep 2009 | US |
