Storage bracket for a motorcycle windshield

Abstract

The invention involves a storage bracket for a motorcycle windshield. The bracket is generally for the type of motorcycle windshield which is removably attached to a motorcycle by slotted couplings. The bracket comprises a base member with longitudinal dimension and at least one nub attached with respect to the base member extending laterally from the base member. The nub is configured and arranged to snugly engage at least one of the slotted couplings on the windshield.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention is related generally to storage brackets for storing components on vertical surfaces and, more particularly, to brackets for storing motorcycle components.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] For a variety of reasons, motorcycle ownership and operation have been increasing in popularity. Among other reasons, the motorcycle provides the operator with motive power, quick acceleration, and speed, with very good fuel economy. In addition to functional aspects of transportation, there is a pleasure aspect of utilizing the power to have the wind in one's face.

[0003] Premium motorcycles come equipped with windshields to provide comfort and safety to operators while in use, especially when used for touring purposes.

[0004] In order to enhance the pleasurable aspects of a motorcycle ride, it is desirable, especially on short trips and recreational rides, to operate the motorcycle without the windshield. Manufacturers have recognized this and made their products convertible by designing their windshields to be replaceably removable easily by the operator.

[0005] The convertibility also allows for removal of the windshield for other purposes such as for access to the console, washing of the motorcycle, and aesthetics.

[0006] Once the windshield has been removed from the motorcycle, it is desirable to safely store the windshield while the operator otherwise uses the motorcycle.

[0007] Horizontal storage on the ground is not desirable. Such horizontal storage takes up unnecessary space. Horizontal storage allows for objects to accidentally be dropped onto the shield. Such storage also exposes the edges of the shield to damaging sideways strikes.

[0008] Another undesirable arrangement is the placement of the windshield on the ground leaned nearly vertically against a wall. Such floor storage subjects the windshield to potential damage due to sliding and bumping. Floor storage adds to an unkempt look of the overall storage space. Moreover, as many motorcycle storage spaces have a concrete or other water-permeable composition floor, floor storage facilitates corrosion.

[0009] A storage bracket facilitating easy, attachable and detachable storage of a motorcycle windshield safely and off the ground would be an important improvement in the art.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved storage bracket overcoming some of the problems and shortcomings of the prior art, including those referred to above.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a storage bracket for removable motorcycle windshield assemblies.

[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a storage bracket to store motorcycle windshields on a wall off the floor.

[0013] Still another object of the invention is to provide a bracket for storing motorcycle windshield assemblies in an orderly manner.

[0014] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a bracket for storing motorcycle windshields when detached from the motorcycle in a manner such that they will be safe from damage.

[0015] Another object of the invention is to provide a storage bracket for motorcycle windshields that receives and releases the windshield easily from its storage position.

[0016] It is yet another object of the invention to provide a bracket which is unobtrusive when not in use holding a windshield.

[0017] Still another object of the invention is to provide a bracket for storing motorcycle windshields that is easy to manufacture.

[0018] Still yet another object of the invention is to provide a bracket for storing motorcycle windshields that is easy to install.

[0019] Another object of the invention is to provide a method for storing a motorcycle windshield of the type that is detachable from the motorcycle, that is simple to use and effective for the protection of the windshield.

[0020] How these and other objects are accomplished will become apparent from the following descriptions and the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0021] The invention involves a storage bracket for a motorcycle windshield. The bracket is generally for the type of motorcycle windshield which is removably attached to a motorcycle by slotted couplings. The bracket comprises a base member with longitudinal dimension and at least one nub attached with respect to the base member extending laterally from the base member. The nub is configured and arranged to snugly engage at least one of the slotted couplings on the windshield.

[0022] It is preferable that the storage bracket has at least two nubs. The nubs are dispensed vertically with respect to each other on the base member. The nubs are spaced apart on the base member a distance equal to the distance between the slotted couplings on the windshield. The two nubs provide greater support to the windshield while it is being stored. In addition, the two-nub arrangement helps prevent rotational torque that might otherwise affect the motorcycle windshield stored on a one-nub system without additional structure such as a stop.

[0023] In one embodiment of the invention, the storage bracket has a base member that is L-shaped. In this embodiment, both the transverse portion and the lateral portion are longitudinally-running. In such an arrangement, it is preferable that the two nubs of the storage bracket extend laterally out from the transverse portion.

[0024] It is even more preferable for the L-shaped storage bracket to have a wall-engaging arrangement. The wall-engaging arrangement can be as simple in design as a hole extending transversely through the lateral portion to receive a screw, bolt, or other connector which can hold the bracket to the lateral surface onto which it will be mounted.

[0025] It is desirable to provide a snug fit between the slotted coupling and the storage bracket. In the storage bracket having at least one nub, it is preferable for the nub to have a resilient gasket to engage the slotted coupling. It is more preferable wherein the resilient gasket is rubber. Non-deformable nubs that are custom-fit to the slotted coupling are advantageous, as are other deformable nubs which fit themselves to the slotted coupling.

[0026] Another aspect of the invention is a method for storing a motorcycle windshield of the type having at least two slotted couplings laterally displaced, on a wall. The method comprises a variety of steps, including (1) obtaining a first device having a longitudinally vertical base member, and at least one nub attached with respect to the base member extending laterally from the base member, configured and arranged to snugly engage at least one slotted coupling, (2) anchoring the device to a wall, sliding the motorcycle windshield onto the nub, and (3) sliding the at least one slotted coupling of the motorcycle windshield onto the at least one nub.

[0027] It is more preferable wherein the at least one nub of the device is two nubs. The two nubs are dispensed vertically on the base member a distance equal to a distance between the slotted couplings on the windshield assembly.

[0028] It is preferable if the device used in the method has an L-shaped base member, with a longitudinally-running transverse portion and a longitudinally-running lateral portion. It is more preferable wherein the two nubs of the device used in the method extend laterally out from the transverse portion of the base member.

[0029] It is preferable for the storage bracket used in the method to have a wall-engaging arrangement for mounting the bracket to the wall. It is one preferred embodiment for the wall-engaging arrangement to be a hole extending transversely through the lateral portion. The hole could receive a screw, bolt, or other mounting device to hold the bracket to the wall.

[0030] It is a preferable embodiment for the storage bracket of the method to have a nub with a resilient gasket. It is yet more preferable for the resilient gasket to be rubber.

[0031] In a preferred version of the method, at least two of the bracket devices are used. The bracket devices are both mounted on a wall at a specified, lateral distance. This lateral distance is equal to the windshield mount distance. The windshield mount distance is the distance between two slotted couplings on either side of the windshield.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments which include the above-noted characteristics and features of the invention. The invention will be readily understood from the descriptions and drawings. In the drawings:

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bracket holding a motorcycle windshield.

[0034] FIG. 2 is a backside view of a typical detachable motorcycle windshield.

[0035] FIG. 3 is a side view of one of the two mounting-slot assemblies of the motorcycle windshield of FIG. 2.

[0036] FIG. 4 is a face view of two brackets mounted on a wall.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a bracket of this invention

[0038] FIG. 6 is a top view of the bracket of FIG. 5.

[0039] FIG. 7 is a side view of the bracket of FIG. 5.

[0040] FIG. 8 is a side view of a motorcycle windshield disengaged from a bracket mounted on a wall.

[0041] FIG. 9 is a side view of a motorcycle windshield partially engaged with a bracket mounted on a wall.

[0042] FIG. 10 is a side view of a motorcycle windshield engaged with a bracket mounted on a wall.

[0043] FIG. 11 is a front view of an alternate embodiment of the invention.

[0044] FIG. 12 is a front view of yet another alternate embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] While the principles of the invention have been shown and described in connection with specific embodiments, it is to be understood that such embodiments are by way of example and are not limiting.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment a bracket system 10. The bracket system 10 consists of two identical brackets 12 (better seen in FIGS. 4 through 7) oriented such that they have mirror symmetry. The system 10 is holding a motorcycle windshield 20. Motorcycle windshields 20 have a front side 22 to engage the wind when in operation on a moving motorcycle, and a backside 24, facing the rider. Motorcycle windshields 20 most benefitted by this invention are of the type easily detachable from and then re-attachable to a motorcycle, by a user; examples of such windshields are the quick detachable windshields provided by Harley-Davidson, Inc. with many of the premium motorcycle models that company sells.

[0047] As seen in FIG. 2, extending vertically down along backside 24 are two vertical windshield support members 26. Vertical windshield support members 26 are dispensed along the left and right sides of windshield 20. For purposes of orientation, the terms “left” and “right” are taken from the perspective of looking at the windshield from a position forward of the front side of windshield 22.

[0048] Toward base of each vertical windshield support member 26 are shield mounting mechanisms 28.

[0049] FIG. 3 is a side view of one of the mounting mechanisms 28 cut away from vertical windshield support member 26 of the vertically erect windshield 20 of FIG. 2. Shield mounting mechanism 28 has base member 30. Extending into base member 30 are top slot 32 and bottom slot 34.

[0050] Top slot 32 has a circularly profiled inner, top-slot grommet-engaging portion 36 and outer, top-slot grommet-entry portion 38. In a similar manner, bottom slot 34 has bottom-slot grommet-engaging portion 40 and bottom slot, grommet-entry portion 42. Respective grommet-engaging portions 36, 40 are of circular shape complementary to a grommet (not shown) on motorcycle by which windshield 20 is affixed to motorcycle. In a similar manner, respective grommet entry portions 38, 42 are sized to permit grommet to enter the slot and engage grommet engaging portions 36, 40.

[0051] Many shield mounting mechanisms 28 also include a spring-action locking clip. Once grommet-engaging portions 36, 40 engage grommet, locking clip prevents spontaneous release of grommet back through entry portions 38, 42.

[0052] When seen in the upright manner, the top of top-slot grommet-engaging portion 36 and the top of bottom-slot grommet-engaging portion 40 define a distance of H1.

[0053] As seen in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, and 7, the device of this invention is elongated with an “L”-shaped cross-section along its length. It has a transverse leg 50 and a lateral leg 52 perpendicular to the transverse leg.

[0054] Extending transversely through the lateral leg are two wall-mounting holes 54. Anchor bolts 56 are driven through wall-mounting holes 54 (best seen in FIG. 5) into a solid vertical surface 58 (as seen in FIG. 1). For most windshields 20, a 2½ inch fluted drywall screw driven through wall-mounting holes 54 of lateral portion 52 into a solid vertical surface support such as a 2×4 pine stud, may be used as anchor bolt 56, thereby providing enough horizontal force to withstand the torque generated by the gravitational forces exerted by the weight of the windshield when it engages the brackets 12. Extending laterally through the transverse portion 50 are two gasket-bolt-receiving holes 64. Gasket 66 abuts bracket 12. Holding bolt 70 extends laterally through transverse portion 50, gasket 66, and washer 72 before being locked into place by holding-bolt nut 74. In this particular embodiment, holding-bolt nut 74 engages bracket 12 on the inside surface 76 of transverse portion 50.

[0055] Gasket 66 has an inner section 80, an outer section 82 (“inner” and “outer” in this respect refer to position relative to the transverse portion 50), each of a radius R1 and a central section 83 of radius R2. Radius R2 is less than radius R1 thereby establishing a depth of channel 84 between the inner perimeter and outer perimeter 80, 82. Channel 84 has a lateral floor 86 with a width configured to snugly engage the either top slot or bottom slot 32, 34. To provide the snug engagement, a resilient material, such as rubber or urethane, is desirable for the gasket 66.

[0056] Two gasket-receiving holes 64 are dispensed along transverse portion 50 such that the tops of the lateral floors 86 of channels 84 of upper gasket 66a and lower 66b define a distance H2 such that H2 is substantially equal to H1.

[0057] As shown in FIG. 4, brackets 12 are installed in pairs to create system 10. To accommodate windshield mounting mechanism 28, when installed on vertical surface 58, upper gaskets are canted toward each other. The closest distance between lateral floors 86 of top gaskets 66a is W2, while the closest distance between lateral floors 86 of lower gaskets 66b is W3. W2 is substantially the same dimension as the distance W4 (as seen in FIG. 2) between top-slot grommet-engaging portions 36. In a like manner, W3 is substantially the same dimension as the distance W5 (also seen in FIG. 2) between bottom-slot grommet-engaging portions 40.

[0058] FIGS. 8, 9, and 10 illustrate a method for storing a motorcycle windshield 20 on a wall or other vertical surface 58 safely out of the way of harm. Two brackets 12 as described above are installed on a vertical surface 58 as described.

[0059] Windshield 20 is initially placed such that back side 24 is facing vertical surface 58. Windshield 20 is inclined in a manner such that the front side 22 begins to point downward to a point such that lower finger 88 on each side of the right and left vertical windshield support members 26 may enter the respective spaces between lower gaskets 66b and lateral portions 52 while channels 86 may be positioned within the respective bottom slot, grommet-entry portions 42.

[0060] As best seen in FIG. 9, the windshield is rotated up about gasket 66b such that central section 83 of upper gasket 66a, may enter top-slot, grommet-entry portions 38, at which time a final motion of upper finger 90 toward wall 58 and down will cause upper gasket 66a to engage top-slot, grommet-engaging portions 36 and bottom gaskets 66b to engage bottom-slot grommet-engaging portions 40. If a spring-action locking clip is supplied with the windshield by the windshield manufacturer, spring clip (not shown) can further engage upper gasket 66a to removably lock gasket 66a into placement with upper top-slot, grommet-engaging portions 36.

[0061] To remove the windshield from the bracket assembly, if spring-action locking clip was supplied, it is depressed, unlocking top slot 32 from upper gasket 66a. Once unlocked, lower finger 88 is urged toward vertical surface 58, thereby moving lower gasket 66b down bottom slot 34 from bottom-slot grommet-engaging portion 40 toward bottom-slot grommet entry portion 42. Simultaneously, upward and outward force is applied to the windshield 20 away from vertical surface 58 thereby moving upper gasket 66a along top slot 32 from top-slot grommet-engaging portion 36 toward top-slot grommet entry portion 38. Further rotation of windshield 20 back down and away from vertical surface 58 releases windshield 20 from brackets 12.

[0062] FIG. 11 shows an alternate embodiment of the device 10. Upper spacer 92 and lower spacer 94 are placed between left and right brackets 12 to assure proper dimensioning W2, W3 (as seen in FIG. 4). In such embodiment, replacing bolts 70 are rods. For illustration, only lower rod 96 is shown in partial cut-away. Upper and lower rods (only lower rod 96 is shown) are each threaded at both ends to extend through gaskets 66, washers 72 and engage holding bolt nuts 74. Upper and lower spacers 92, 94 are preferably made of polyvinylchloride for weight, strength, and cost considerations. With such an embodiment, only one bracket 12 needs be anchored to vertical surface 58.

[0063] FIG. 12 shows yet another embodiment of the system 10. Two brackets 12 each having a transverse portion 50 and lateral portion 52 are provided. Presence and locations of wall-mounting holes 54 and gasket-bolt-receiving hole 64 are as described above.

[0064] In this embodiment, however, gasket-holding bolt 70 extends from the inside surface 76 laterally through transverse member 50 through gaskets 66 and washer 72 into locking engagement with holding bolt nut 74. In this way, gaskets 66 are in contact with outside surface 98. This would be of particular benefit if more clearance is necessary for lower finger 88 when engaging gaskets 66 for storage of windshield 20.

[0065] While the principles of the invention have been shown and described with but a few embodiments, it is to be understood clearly that such embodiments are by way of example and are not limiting.

Claims

1. A storage bracket for a motorcycle windshield of the type which is removably attached to a motorcycle by slotted couplings, comprising:

a base member with longitudinal dimension;

at least one nub attached with respect to the base member extending laterally from the base member, configured and arranged to snugly engage at least one slotted coupling.

2. The storage bracket of claim 1 wherein the at least one nub is two nubs, dispensed vertically on the base member a distance equal to a distance between the slotted couplings.

3. The storage bracket of claim 2 wherein the base member is L-shaped, having a longitudinally-running transverse portion and a longitudinally-running lateral portion.

4. The storage bracket of claim 3 wherein the two nubs extend laterally out from the transverse portion.

5. The storage bracket of claim 4 further comprising a wall-engaging arrangement.

6. The storage bracket of claim 5 wherein the wall-engaging arrangement is formed by the lateral portion to be at least one connector-receiving aperture extending transversely therethrough.

7. The storage bracket of claim 2 wherein the nub has a resilient gasket.

8. The storage bracket of claim 7 wherein the resilient gasket is rubber.

9. A method for storing a motorcycle windshield of the type having at least two slotted couplings laterally displaced, on a wall, comprised of the steps of:

obtaining at least one bracket device having

a longitudinally vertical base member, and

at least one nub attached with respect to the base member extending laterally from the base member, configured and arranged to snugly engage at least one slotted coupling,

anchoring the device to a wall,

sliding the at least one slotted coupling of the motorcycle windshield onto the at least one nub.

10. The method of claim 9 wherein the at least one nub is two nubs, dispensed vertically on the base member a distance equal to a distance between the slotted couplings.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the base member is L-shaped, having a longitudinally-running transverse portion and a longitudinally-running lateral portion.

12. The method of claim 11 wherein the two nubs extend laterally out from the transverse portion.

13. The method of claim 12 wherein the storage bracket further comprising a wall-engaging arrangement.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein the storage bracket wherein the wall-engaging arrangement is formed by the lateral portion to be at least one connector-receiving aperture extending transversely therethrough.

15. The method of claim 10 wherein the storage bracket wherein the nub has a resilient gasket.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein the storage bracket wherein the resilient gasket is rubber.

17. The method of claim 9 further comprising the steps of

obtaining a second bracket device

anchoring the second bracket device to the wall spaced a lateral distance from a first bracket device a mounting distance equal to a windshield mount distance.