Transport holding device for transporting motorcycles and other similar vehicles

Abstract

A transport device for securing and transporting motorcycles or other similar vehicles from one location to another including a base plate member attachable to the floor of a hauling vehicle, at least one stationary plate member secured to the base plate member, a movable plate member adaptable for movement relative to the at least one stationary member and being selectively positionable so as to capture the front wheel of a motorcycle or other vehicle therebetween, and a mechanism for selectively moving the movable plate member relative to the at least one stationary plate member so as to secure and hold a motorcycle or other vehicle in an upright stable position. The capturing or clamping force exerted against the front wheel can be varied and adjusted depending upon the size and weight of the motorcycle or other vehicle.

Description

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a transport/carrier device for securing and transporting motorcycles or other similar vehicles from one location to another and, more particularly, to a portable device which utilizes a plurality of plate members to capture or otherwise secure the front wheel of a motorcycle or other vehicle therebetween. The present device may be attached to a hauling trailer, truck bed, or any other vehicle which can be used for transporting motorcycles and the like and it is portable so that it can be removably attached to a wide variety of different hauling vehicles.

When transporting motorcycles and other two or three wheeled vehicles, it is desirable to safely and easily secure such vehicles in an upright stable position in a transport type vehicle such as a trailer or truck bed. However, this is difficult due to the significant forces generated when the hauling vehicle encounters bumps and turns en route to its final destination. In the past, this problem was typically solved through the use of straps or other devices. Typically, motorcycles and the like were held upright in the trailer or other hauling vehicle by securing and cinching the straps in and around the motorcycle and the hauling vehicle. Straps, however, are time consuming to attach to both the motorcycle and the sides of the trailer or other hauling vehicle and they have a tendency to come loose during movement. In addition, straps and other cinching/rachet type mechanisms do not allow the user to securely lock the motorcycle in place in order to prevent theft.

Other devices have been developed to secure motorcycles, bicycles and the like during transport. Many of these devices utilize a wide variety of different types of complicated structures and complicated clamping mechanisms for holding a motorcycle in an upright position during transportation. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,437,597 discloses a device for securing a motorcycle in the bed of a truck wherein a plurality of U-shaped members are pivotally engaged with the front wheel of a motorcycle at spaced locations therealong. This device is not adjustable to accommodate and compensate for different tire widths and, since different types of motorcycles have different types and sizes of tires associated therewith, the use of this device is limited to a narrow range of motorcycle wheels. Also, the clamping force on the front wheel is not adjustable to accommodate the size of the vehicle.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,921,152 discloses another device for securing a motorcycle within the cargo space of a pick-up truck. This device utilizes two spaced apart storage compartments serving as a receiving zone for the front wheel of a motorcycle and further utilizes a rod or shaft that is placed through the spokes of a motorcycle wheel in order to secure the motorcycle relative to the spaced compartments. Again, there are no adjustable means to accommodate different tire sizes and different bike sizes; the rod can damage or scratch the motorcycle wheel; and it is difficult to tightly secure the motorcycle with this device.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US2004/0084491 likewise discloses a carrier for bicycles and other cargo wherein the front wheel of a bicycle is captured between a pair of plates which are movable along a track system formed in a base plate member which extends the full width of a truck bed. The plate members are manually moved along the track system via a pair of mounting blocks which likewise mount to the base plate member. One side of the base plate member bears against one wall of the truck bed while an adjustable stop mechanism associated with the other end of the base plate member is adjustable to bear against the opposite truck bed wall to allow the carrier to be installed in trucks having different bed widths. An adjustment screw extends between the plate members and through the spokes of the front wheel behind the rim to likewise hold the bicycle between the plate members. This mechanism is complicated, and the design and construction of the plate members are not adaptable for securely holding the weight of a typical motorcycle as compared to a bicycle in an upright stable position during transportation.

Still further, U.S. Pat. No. 5,735,410 discloses a stand for a vehicle wheel such as a motorcycle which utilizes a clamping mechanism for engaging both the front and rear portion of the front wheel of the vehicle. A pair of upright arm members are connected to a pivot shaft such that as the weight of the front tire of a motorcycle acts upon a lever which applies downward pressure to a ramp, the ramp will be caused to pivot thereby causing shafts to rotate bringing the front tire engaging support mechanisms into engagement therewith. Again, there is no mechanism for adjusting the clamping force against the front tire of the vehicle depending upon its size and weight.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,988,402 likewise discloses a stand for motorcycles which utilizes compression means in the form of plate members for clamping the front wheel of a motorcycle in an upright position. The front wheel capture mechanism includes a pair of plates which are movable on a rod via the use of a spring action for clamping the front tire therebetween. Translation of the plate members is accomplished by the spring action and location of a pair of compressible pivot rods. A second, upper engagement shoe cooperates with the front tire to insure that the tire is fully captured.

Still other devices have been developed to securely hold a motorcycle in an upright position for a wide variety of other reasons such as lift devices for performing work on a motorcycle, storage devices and the like. Many of these types of repair racks, lifts and dolly constructions utilize clamping means in some fashion so as to stabilize the motorcycle or other two wheeled vehicle in an upright position. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,287,069; 6,193,078; and 6,092,787 all disclose repair racks or lift type mechanisms which utilize a clamping means for clamping the front wheel of a motorcycle into a fixed upright position while work is being performed on the vehicle. None of these clamping devices are designed to withstand the forces generated in transporting a motorcycle or other vehicle on a trailer or other device from one location to another. In addition, these clamping mechanisms are complicated and are designed only to hold the motorcycle in place in a static environment on a lift, or while the motorcycle is being repaired or worked on. Again, these devices are not designed to withstand the significant forces generated from a moving trailer or truck bed while a motorcycle is being transported from one location to another.

As a result, the known prior art devices suffer from a wide variety of different shortcomings and disadvantages as explained above when it is necessary to safely transport a motorcycle or other similar vehicle from one location to another. It is therefore desirable to provide a portable transport/carrier device for motorcycles and other two or three wheeled vehicles which is quickly and easily attachable, detachable and reattachable to a wide variety of different types of hauling or transport devices such as a hauling trailer, a truck bed, or other similar vehicles; a device which is compact and does not take up a lot of space in the hauling trailer, truck bed or other hauling device; a device which is adjustable to accommodate a wide variety of different types of two and three wheeled vehicles including a wide variety of different types and sizes of motorcycles; a device which is easy to operate; and a device wherein the clamping force can be varied depending upon the size and weight of the motorcycle or other two or three wheeled vehicle being transported.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a portable transport/carrier holding device that safely and securely holds a motorcycle or other similar vehicle in a stable, upright position while in transport and which overcomes many of the problems set forth above as well as others that will be understood by one skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention teaches the construction and operation of a portable transport device for securing, holding and transporting motorcycles and other vehicles in an upright stable position from one location to another. Typically, the device would be mounted to the floor of a hauling trailer, truck bed or other similar hauling vehicle, and it is designed to provide a fast, economical and safe method for quickly and easily positioning and securing a motorcycle or other similar vehicle in a hauling vehicle for transport.

In one aspect of the present invention, the present device includes two stationary plate members fixedly attached to a base plate member which can be bolted or otherwise attached to the floor of the hauling vehicle. Positioned in spaced apart parallel relationship to the stationary plates is a movable plate member which can be selectively positioned between the spaced apart stationary plate members at any location therebetween by means of threaded members in cooperative engagement with a chain, sprocket and handle mechanism. The movable plate member is driven between the two stationary plate members through the use of, preferably, at least two threaded members which are fed through threaded openings associated with the movable plate member. One end of each of at least two threaded members includes a sprocket mechanism for receiving a chain member whereby rotation of the handle member rotates the threaded members and threadedly moves the movable plate member back and forth between the two stationary plate members. Guide pin members may also be positioned between the two stationary plate members and extending through the movable plate members so as to help guide movement of the movable plate member back and forth therebetween. These guide pin members help to keep the movable plate member in a straight aligned position as it moves back and forth between the stationary plate members so as to avoid binding or shifting of the movable plate members during movement. Any number of guide pin members and/or threaded members can be used depending upon the size and weight of the overall device.

In operation, the front wheel of a motorcycle or other two wheeled or three wheeled vehicle is positioned between one of the stationary plate members and the movable plate member. Once the front wheel is so positioned, the handle member is rotated so as to move the movable plate member into engagement with one side of the front wheel of the motorcycle. Rotation of the handle member is continued until the front wheel member is pinched, clamped or captured between one of the stationary plate members and the movable plate member, similar to a vice or other clamping apparatus. It is the clamping nature of the two plate members which holds the entire motorcycle or other vehicle in a stationary, fixed upright position and the clamping force can be varied and adjusted depending upon the size and weight of the motorcycle or other vehicle. No straps or other mechanisms are needed to securely hold the motorcycle in proper hauling position on a trailer or other hauling device other than tightly securing the movable plate member against one side of the front wheel of the motorcycle. Once the front wheel is clamped or captured between the movable plate member and the stationary plate member, a locking pin or other locking mechanism can be used with the handle member or with one or more of the rotatable threaded members to secure the position of the handle member or threaded members in a fixed position.

At least one of the threaded members used to drive the movement of the movable plate member includes handle attachment means, preferably, on both sides thereof, so as to enable the handle member to be easily attached to either side of the overall device depending upon where that device is positioned on the hauling vehicle. This facilitates access to the rotatable threaded member from both sides of the device for rotatably moving the movable plate member relative to one of the stationary plate members regardless of where the overall device is positioned in a particular trailer or other hauling vehicle, and regardless of where other items are positioned on the trailer or other hauling vehicle for transportation in conjunction with the motorcycle or other similar vehicle.

In another aspect of the present invention, one of the two stationary plate members is eliminated and the present device includes a single stationary member fixedly secured to a base plate member and a movable plate member positioned in spaced apart parallel relationship to the stationary plate member. Similar to the three plate embodiment, the movable plate member in this particular embodiment can likewise be selectively positioned in spaced apart relationship to the single stationary plate member by means of a similar chain, sprocket and handle mechanism. The movable plate member is again driven through the use of threaded members as previously described which are fed through threaded openings associated with the movable plate. In all other respects, the two plate embodiment operates in a substantially similar fashion as the three plate embodiment including the use of guide pin members to help guide movement of the movable plate member as it is moved relative to the single stationary plate member except that the threaded members and guide pin members extend beyond the periphery of the movable plate member since no second stationary plate member is positioned and located on the opposite side of the movable plate member to hold and shield such members on that particular side of the present device. In all other respects, the operation of the two plate embodiment is substantially similar to the operation of the three plate embodiment.

These and other aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the present invention, reference may be made to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of one embodiment of the present transport device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the transport device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the transport device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the transport device of FIG. 1 without the handle member attached thereto.

FIG. 5 is a rear elevation view of the transport device of FIG. 1 without the handle member attached thereto.

FIG. 6 is a front elevation view showing an exploded view of the handle member associated with the transport device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a front elevation view of the transport device of FIG. 1 with the handle member attached to one side of the device and locked in position using one of the locking mechanisms associated with the present device.

FIG. 8 is a side elevation view of the transport device of FIG. 7 illustrating another locking mechanism associated with the present device.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of another embodiment of the present transport device constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention and without the handle member attached thereto.

FIG. 10 is a top plan view of the transport device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a side elevation view of the transport device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the transport device of FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 is a rear elevation view of the transport device of FIG. 9.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings more particularly wherein like numerals refer to like parts, numeral 1 in FIGS. 1-8 identifies one embodiment of a transport holding device used to secure a motorcycle or other vehicle according to the teachings of the present invention. As best shown in FIG. 2, the present device 1 includes a pair of spaced apart stationary plate members 2 and 4 fixedly secured to a base plate member 6 which is bolted or otherwise attached to the floor of a hauling trailer or truck bed. Positioned in spaced apart parallel relationship between the stationary plate members 2 and 4 is a movable plate member 8 which can be selectively positioned in spaced apart relationship to the stationary plate members 2 and 4 by means of a chain 10, sprocket 12 and handle mechanism 14. Preferably, the device 1 includes a stop plate member 26 attached to the base plate member 6 as illustrated in FIG. 2. The stop plate member 26 includes a raised portion which prevents the front wheel 24 of a typical motorcycle or other vehicle from rolling off of the base plate member 6 while a user is securing the vehicle in place. The present device 1 can be constructed of any suitable material, preferably steel or some other metal material, and can vary in size depending upon the intended use.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-7, the movable plate member 8 is driven through the use of two threaded members 16 and 18 which are fed through threaded openings 20 on the movable plate member 8 and corresponding openings associated with the stationary plate members 2 and 4. The openings associated with plate members 2 and 4 are not threaded but provide a surface for allowing the threaded members 16 and 18 which extend therethrough to freely rotate. In fact, that portion of threaded members 16 and 18 which extend through these corresponding openings in plate members 2 and 4 need not be threaded as best illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 7. One end portion of each of the threaded members includes a sprocket mechanism 12 for receiving a corresponding chain member 10. As best shown in FIGS. 4-7, one of the threaded members 16 or 18, preferably the upper threaded member 16, includes handle attachment means 36 on both terminal end portions thereof. This enables the handle member 14 to be easily attached to either side of the overall device depending upon where that device is positioned on the hauling trailer, truck bed, or other hauling vehicle. Rotation of the handle member 14 rotates the threaded members 16 and 18 via the chain and sprocket mechanism, which handle rotation threadedly moves the movable plate member 8 back and forth between the stationary plate members 2 and 4. Guide pin members 22 are also positioned between the stationary plate members 2 and 4 and extend through the movable plate member 8 so as to help guide the movement of the movable plate member 8 therebetween. These guide pin members 22 help to keep the movable plate member 8 in a straight aligned position as it moves between the stationary plate members 2 and 4 so as to avoid binding or shifting of the movable plate member 8 during movement. Any number of guide pin members and/or threaded members can be used depending upon the size and weight of the overall device. As best shown in FIG. 5, an optional rear plate member 40 can be used to provide greater structural stability to the overall device.

As best shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the front wheel 24 of a motorcycle or other vehicle is positioned between the stationary plate member 2 and the movable plate member 8. Once the front wheel is positioned between these plate members, the handle member 14 is rotated so as to move the movable plate member 8 into engagement with one side of the front wheel 24 of the motorcycle. Rotation of the handle member 14 is continued until the front wheel 24 is pinched, clamped or captured between the stationary plate member 2 and the movable plate member 8, similar to a vise or other clamping apparatus. It is the clamping nature of these two plate members 2 and 8 which holds the entire motorcycle in a stationary, fixed, and upright position. This clamping force can be adjusted depending upon the size and weight of the motorcycle or other vehicle to be transported. Although the drawings show the front wheel 24 being captured between the right stationary plate 2 and the movable plate member 8, it is recognized by one skilled in the art that the present device can be constructed such that the front wheel 24 is captured against the left stationary plate 4, the choice of selecting which side of the present device in which to accomplish the clamping or capturing operation, right or left, being arbitrary. It is also recognized and anticipated that the size and shape of the plate members 2, 4 and 8 can vary widely so long as the clamping force asserted against the front wheel 24 by the movable plate member 8 and either one of the stationary plate members 2 and 4 is sufficient to safely hold the motorcycle or other vehicle in a stable upright position for transport. When the present device is used, no straps or other mechanisms are needed to securely hold the motorcycle or other vehicle in proper hauling position. Tightly securing the front wheel of a vehicle between the movable plate member 8 and the stationary plate member 2 is all that is necessary.

Preferably, the portions of the movable plate member 8 and the stationary plate member 2 that come in physical contact with the front tire of a motorcycle will include a polymer coating, for example, a rubber-based coating. There are at least two advantages achieved by using the polymer coating. First, the coating provides greater friction between the plate members and the front tire of the motorcycle thereby reducing the likelihood that the front tire of the vehicle will slip out during transport. Second, the coating reduces the likelihood that the front wheel will be scuffed, marred or otherwise damaged during transport. The metal plate members could, without the polymer coating, scrape or scratch the front wheel of the vehicles captured therebetween.

Once the front wheel is clamped or captured between the two plate members as described above, a locking pin or other locking mechanism can be used in association with the handle member 14, or with one of the threaded members 16 or 18, to secure the position of the movable plate member 8 in clamping relationship to the front wheel 24 and the plate member 2. This secures the motorcycle in a stable upright position and locks the movable plate member 8 in that stable transport position until the destination is reached.

As best shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, one locking mechanism includes locking member 28. The locking member 28 is essentially a rod type member which is fed through aligned openings 30 in the movable plate member 8 and the two stationary plate members 2 and 4. The locking rod member 28 is horizontally movable back and forth through the opening 30 by means of a handle member 31. The locking rod member 28 can be moved so that a portion thereof will extend beyond the peripheral limits of either stationary plate member 2 and 4 so as to engage the handle member 14 as will be explained. To engage the locking member 28 with the handle member 14, a user slides the locking member 28 horizontally to one side until the locking member 28 extends a sufficient distance beyond one of the stationary plate members 2 or 4 corresponding with the side of the device where the handle member 14 is located. The user passes the rod member 28 through a opening 32 positioned and appropriately located in the handle member 14 as best shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. When the locking member 28 extends through opening 32, it prevents rotation of the handle member 14. As best shown by FIGS. 7 and 8, the locking member 28 can be secured in place through the use of a securing pin 34. It is recognized and anticipated that any suitable device to secure the locking member 28 to the handle member 14 can be used in place of the securing pin 34. For example, a pad lock or other locking device may be used for added security. FIG. 6 shows locking member 28 disengaged from the handle member 14 and positioned to the opposite side away from handle member 14 thereby allowing a user to freely rotate the handle member 14 without hitting or otherwise interfering with rod member 28. FIG. 7 shows the locking member 28 engaged with the handle member 14 thereby preventing the handle member 14 from rotating during transit. It is also recognized that the locking member 28 and the corresponding aligned openings can be fashioned to engage the handle member 14 adjacent only one of the stationary members.

It will be recognized by one skilled in the art that a wide variety of different locking mechanisms may be used to lock the movable plate member 8 against the front wheel 24 without departing from the sprit and the scope of the present invention. For example, the bottom threaded member 18 may likewise be secured so that it cannot rotate. One means of securing the bottom threaded member 18 is best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4-8. The bottom threaded member 18 may include a substantially planar flange portion 42 having an opening 43 extending therethrough on one or both terminal end portions thereof. An eyelet 41 (FIG. 2) is fixedly attached to one or both of the stationary plate members 2 and 4 in close proximity to the flange portion 42. As best shown in FIG. 8, the bottom threaded member 18 is secured by aligning the opening 43 in flange portion 42 with the opening in the eyelet 41 and placing a lock 44 or other securing device (such as a pin member) therethrough. This will prevent the threaded member 18 from being rotated in either direction if handle member 14 is attached to threaded member 16 and a force is exerted in an effort to rotate handle member 14. Both locking member 28 and locking means 41 and 42 could be used simultaneously to securely lock the movable plate member 8 in tight engagement with the front wheel 24 of a motorcycle or other vehicle being transported from one location to another. If only locking means 41 and 42 are utilized, the handle member 14 can be disengaged from attachment means 36 and stored during transit. It is also recognized that locking means 41 and 42 could likewise be positioned and located on the inside portion of one or both of the stationary plate members 2 and 4, and they could be associated with the upper threaded member 16 as well.

The threaded members 16 and 18 are positioned and located such that preferably no part of the front wheel 24 of a motorcycle engages these members when the wheel 24 is positioned between plate members 2 and 8. This prevents wear and tear on both the tire 24 and the threaded members 16 and 18, and it prevents unnecessary binding of the threaded members during rotation of the handle member 14. In this regard, it is recognized and anticipated that these threaded members can be positioned anywhere relative to the plate members so long as the front wheel of the motorcycle does not engage either one. The same is likewise true with respect to the guide pin members 22.

As best shown in FIG. 2, the forward portions of stationary plate member 2 and movable plate member 8 are preferably flared outwardly so as to increase the space or opening between the two plate members for ease of guiding the front wheel 24 of the motorcycle or other vehicle between such plate members.

Although a handle, chain, and sprocket mechanism is illustrated for easily moving the movable plate member 8 relative to the stationary plate members 2 and 4, it is further recognized that any mechanism can be used for clamping the movable plate member 8 against the front wheel 24 of a motorcycle or other vehicle when the front wheel is positioned between the plate members. Without limitation, this could include hydraulic, electrical, and/or pneumatic means for selectively positioning the movable plate member 8 at any intermediate location between plate members 2 and 4.

Although the embodiment of the present invention described above includes two stationary plate members and one movable plate member, it is also recognized that the present invention may be constructed so as to include only one stationary plate member and one movable plate member as depicted in FIGS. 10-13. As shown in FIG. 10, the two plate embodiment 100 includes a movable plate member 46 and a stationary plate member 48 which is fixedly attached to a base plate member 50. The movable plate member 46 can be selectively positioned in spaced apart relationship to the stationary plate member 48 in a manner substantially similar to the mechanism described above with respect to transport device 1. The movable plate member 46 is again driven through the use of two threaded members 56 and 57 which are fed through threaded openings 58 associated with the movable plate member 46. One end portion of each threaded member extends through stationary plate member 48 in a manner similar to that described above with respect to device 1 and each includes a sprocket mechanism 54 for receiving a chain member 52. Threaded member 56 includes handle attachment means 60 on both terminal end portions thereof. This enables the handle member (not shown) to be attached to either side of the overall device 100. Rotation of the handle member again rotates the threaded members 56 and 57 via the chain and sprocket mechanism thereby threadedly moving the movable plate member 46 towards or away from the stationary plate member 48. Guide pin members 62 are positioned between the two plate members to help guide the movement of the movable plate member 46 as the space between the plate members is increased and/or decreased. Any number of guide pin members and/or threaded members can be used depending on the size and weight of the overall device. As best shown in FIG. 13, an optional rear plate member 64 can be used to provide greater structural stability to the overall device.

The two plate embodiment operates substantially similar to the three plate embodiment in all other respects. A motorcycle wheel 24 is positioned over the front stop plate member 26 and between the stationary plate member 48 and the movable plate member 46. Once the front wheel is positioned between the plate members 46 and 48, the handle member such as handle member 14 is rotated so as to move the movable plate member 46 into engagement with one side of the front wheel 24 of the motorcycle. Rotation of the handle member is continued until the front wheel 24 is clamped or captured between the two plate members as previously described with respect to transport device 1. Once the front wheel 24 is captured between the plate members 46 and 48, locking means similar to locking mechanisms 28, 32, 41 and 42 can be used with the handle member and with the threaded members 56 and 57 to secure the position of the handle member and/or the lower threaded member 57 in a fixed position. In this regard, locking rod member 28 can likewise be utilized with respect to plate members 46 and 48 and such member 28 can be slidably positioned as previously explained so as to engage an opening in the handle member such as opening 32 in handle member 14. Here again, the handle member associated with embodiment 100 can be cooperatively engaged with attachment means 60 on either terminal end portion of threaded member 56 and, depending upon which side of the device 100 the handle member is attached, locking rod member 28 can be slidably positioned to engage the handle member as previously explained.

On the other hand, since a single stationary plate member 48 is associated with transport device 100, locking means 41 is associated only with stationary plate member 48 and flange portion 42 is associated only with the terminal end portion of threaded member 57 which extends through stationary plate member 48. In all other respects, alignment of the opening extending through eyelet 41 with the opening 43 extending through flange portion 42 is accomplished in the same manner as previously explained with respect to transport device 1. Again, it is recognized and anticipated that a wide variety of other locking means can be used to lock the movable plate member 46 against the front wheel 24 of a motorcycle or other similar device without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

It is also recognized that at least portions of the movable plate member 46 and the stationary plate member 48 that come in physical contact with the front tire of a motorcycle or other vehicle can likewise include a polymer or rubberized type coating for both increasing the gripping action between such plate members and the front tire 24, and for likewise reducing the likelihood that the front wheel will be scuffed, marred or otherwise damaged during transport. In addition, since a second stationary plate member is not associated with embodiment 100, one end portion of the threaded members 56 and 57 as well as the guide pin members 62 will remain exposed and extend beyond the movable plate member 46 as illustrated in FIGS. 10, 12 and 13. Except for this difference in structure due to the lack of a second stationary plate member, the operation of embodiment 100 is substantially similar to the operation of embodiment 1.

As is evident from the foregoing description, certain aspects of the present invention are not limited by the particular details of the examples illustrated herein, and it is therefore contemplated that other changes, modifications, variations, equivalents, and other uses and applications of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art after considering this specification and the accompanying drawings. All such changes, modifications, variations, equivalents, and other uses and applications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present invention are deemed to be covered by the present invention which is limited by the claims which follow.

Claims

1. A transport device for use with motorcycles and other vehicles wherein the motorcycle or other vehicle includes a front wheel comprising:

a base plate member;

a pair of spaced apart stationary plate members fixedly secured to said base plate member;

a movable plate member positioned between said stationary plate members adaptable for movement therebetween, said movable plate member being selectively positionable so as to capture a front wheel of a motorcycle or other vehicle between said movable plate member and one of said stationary plate members; and

means for selectively moving said movable plate member between said stationary plate members.

2. The transport holding device of claim 1 wherein said means for selectively moving said movable plate member includes at least one threaded member positioned through a threaded opening in said movable plate member whereby rotation of said at least one threaded member causes said movable plate member to threadedly move along said at least one threaded member.

3. The transport holding device of claim 2 wherein said means for selectively moving said movable plate member includes a chain and sprocket mechanism associated with said at least one threaded member.

4. The transport holding device of claim 2 further including a handle member attachable to said at least one threaded member wherein rotation of said handle member rotatably moves said at least one threaded member.

5. The transport holding device of claim 4 wherein said at least one threaded member includes opposed end portions, said handle member being rotatably attachable to either opposed end portion of said at least one threaded member.

6. The transport holding device of claim 1 further including at least one guide pin member extending between said stationary plate members and through said movable plate member to help guide said movable plate member in its movement between said stationary plate members.

7. The transport holding device of claim 1 including a stop plate member attachable to said base plate member, said stop plate member preventing a front wheel of a motorcycle or other vehicle from rolling off of said base plate member while a user is moving said movable plate member into engagement therewith.

8. The transport holding device of claim 4 further including aligned openings positioned and located in said movable plate member, in at least one of said stationary plate members and in said handle member, and a locking member slidably extendable through said aligned openings for preventing rotation of said handle member.

9. The transport holding device of claim 2 including locking means for preventing the rotation of said at least one threaded member, said locking means including:

a substantially planar flange portion associated with one end portion of said at least one threaded member, said planar flange portion including an opening extending therethrough;

an eyelet fixedly attached to one of said stationary plate members in close proximity to said planar flange portion; and

a securing device positioned so as to extend through said eyelet and through said opening in said planar flange portion so as to prevent rotation of said at least one threaded member.

10. The transport holding device of claim 1 wherein at least a portion of said movable plate member and at least a portion of one of said stationary plate members which capture a front wheel of a motorcycle or other vehicle therebetween is coated with a polymer coating.

11. The transport holding device of claim 1 wherein said means for selectively moving said movable plate member includes two threaded members positioned and located so as to extend through non-threaded openings in said stationary plate members and a threaded opening in said movable plate member whereby rotation of said two threaded members causes said movable plate member to threadedly move along said threaded members.

12. The transport holding device of claim 11 wherein said means for selectively moving said movable plate member includes a sprocket mechanism associated with each of said threaded members for receiving a corresponding chain member, movement of said chain member causing said threaded members to rotate in unison with each other.

13. The transport holding device of claim 11 including a handle member removably attachable to at least one of said threaded members, wherein rotation of said handle member causing rotation of said threaded members.

14. The transport holding device of claim 13 wherein said threaded members include opposed end portions, said handle member being removably attachable to either opposed end portion of said at least one threaded member.

15. The transport holding device of claim 14 including aligned openings extending through said movable plate member, through said two stationary plate members, and through said handle member, and a locking member which is slidably extendable through the aligned openings in said movable plate member and said stationary plate members such that a portion thereof will extend beyond the peripheral limits of either stationary plate member, the extension portion of said locking member engaging the aligned opening in said handle member thereby preventing the rotation thereof.

16. The transport holding device of claim 11 including locking means for preventing the rotation of at least one of said threaded members, said locking means including:

a substantially planar flange portion associated with at least one terminal end portion of one of said threaded members, said planar flange portion including an opening extending therethrough;

an eyelet fixedly attached to at least one of said stationary plate members in close proximity to the planar flange portion associated with one of said threaded members; and

a securing device positioned through said eyelet and through the opening end said substantially planar flange portion so as to prevent said at least one threaded member from rotating.

17. A transport device for use with motorcycles and other vehicles wherein the motorcycle or other vehicle includes a front wheel comprising:

a base plate member;

a stationary plate member fixedly secured to said base plate member;

a movable plate member adaptable for movement relative to said stationary plate member, said movable plate member being selectively positionable so as to capture a front wheel of a motorcycle or other vehicle between said movable plate member and said stationary plate member; and

means for selectively moving said movable plate member relative to said stationary plate member.

18. The transport holding device of claim 17 wherein said means for selectively moving said movable plate member includes at least one threaded member positioned through a threaded opening in said movable plate member whereby rotation of said at least one threaded member causes said movable plate member to threadedly move along said at least one threaded member.

19. The transport holding device of claim 18 wherein said means for selectively moving said movable plate member includes a chain and sprocket mechanism associated with said at least one threaded member.

20. The transport holding device of claim 18 further including a handle member attachable to said at least one threaded member wherein rotation of said handle member rotatably moves said at least one threaded member.

21. The transport holding device of claim 20 wherein said at least one threaded member includes opposed end portions, said handle member being rotatably attachable to either opposed end portion of said at least one threaded member.

22. The transport holding device of claim 17 further including at least one guide pin member extending from said stationary plate member and through said movable plate member to help guide said movable plate member in its movement relative to said stationary plate member.

23. The transport holding device of claim 17 further including a stop plate member attachable to said base plate member, said stop plate member preventing a front wheel of a motorcycle or other vehicle from rolling off said base plate member while a user is moving said movable plate member into engagement therewith.

24. The transport holding device of claim 20 further including aligned openings positioned and located in said movable plate member, in said stationary plate member, and in said handle member, and a locking member slidably extendable through said aligned openings for preventing rotation of said handle member.

25. The transport holding device of claim 18 further including locking means for preventing the rotation of said at least one threaded member, said locking means including:

a substantially planar flange portion associated with one end portion of said at least one threaded member, said planar flange portion including an opening extending therethrough;

an eyelet fixedly attached to said stationary plate member in close proximity to said planar flange portion; and

a securing device positioned so as to extend through said eyelet and through said opening in said planar flange portion so as to prevent rotation of said at least one threaded member.

26. The transport holding device of claim 17 wherein at least a portion of said movable plate member and at least a portion of said stationary plate member which capture a front wheel of a motorcycle or other vehicle therebetween is coated with a polymer coating.

27. The transport holding device of claim 17 wherein said means for selectively moving said movable plate member includes two threaded members positioned and located so as to extend through non-threaded openings in said stationary plate member and threaded openings in said movable plate member whereby rotation of said two threaded members causes said movable plate member to threadedly move along said threaded members.

28. The transport holding device of claim 27 wherein said means for selectively moving said movable plate member includes a sprocket mechanism associated with each of said threaded members for receiving a corresponding chain member, movement of said chain member causing said threaded members to rotate in unison with each other.

29. The transport holding device of claim 27 further including a handle member removably attachable to at least one of said threaded members, wherein rotation of said handle member causing rotation of said threaded members.

30. The transport holding device of claim 29 wherein said threaded members include opposed end portions, said handle member being removably attachable to either opposed end portion of said at least one threaded member.

31. The transport holding device of claim 30 further including aligned openings extending through said movable plate member, through said stationary plate member, and through said handle member, and a locking member which is slidably extendable through the aligned openings in said movable plate member and said stationary plate member such that a portion thereof will extend beyond the peripheral limits of said stationary plate member, the extension portion of said locking member engaging the aligned opening in said handle member thereby preventing the rotation thereof.

32. The transport holding device of claim 27 further including locking means for preventing the rotation of at least one of said threaded members, said locking means including:

a substantially planar flange portion associated with one terminal end portion of one of said threaded members, said planar flange portion including an opening extending therethrough;

an eyelet fixedly attached to said stationary plate member in close proximity to the planar flange portion associated with one of said threaded members; and

a securing device positioned through said eyelet and through the opening in said substantially planar flange portion so as to prevent one of said threaded members from rotating.