Motorcycle Travel Center System and Method

Abstract

In one embodiment, the present invention consists of a travel center adapted for use by motorcycle travelers and comprises a central atrium structure coupling to each one of five structures arranged as spokes on a wheel, pentagonal from the atrium. The atrium further adapts to support the functions of the other five structures. The five structures include a hotel structure, a restaurant structure, a service bay/storage structure, a convenience store structure, and a convention center structure. Additional structures for RV-hookup, motorcycle wash, and tent camping are also included in this embodiment of the present invention.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to a combination structure of a restaurant, hotel, convenience store, repair facility, long and short-term storage, parking, and convention facilities directed to the needs of motorcycle riders. Specifically, the present invention relates to a travel center facility, structure, system, and method of use directed to unique needs of motorcycle travelers and riders.

In the United States, motorcycling is experiencing astounding growth. New unit sales of on-highway motorcycles have increased approximately 91 percent since 1997. About 471,000 new on-highway motorcycles were sold in the US in 2000 compared to 379,000 in 1999. This increasing trend is expected to continue over the next 5 to 7 years. And, with this growth in the number of motorcycle riders is a corresponding need for improved services, facilities and structures adapted for the unique needs of motorcycles and their riders.

One such area of need includes travel facilities including restaurants, hotels, repair, supplies, and meeting facilities for motorcycle travelers.

Existing travel stops, facilities, and structures do not adequately serve the unique needs of motorcycle travelers. Examples of known travel stops include the restaurant and hotel combination disclosed by Quaintance in U.S. Pat. No. 6,141,924 issued on 7 Nov. 2000. Quaintance discloses an overlapping corner portion common to both the hotel and restaurant to share kitchen facilities for both the hotel and restaurant. However, no provisions unique to motorcycle riders are contemplated, taught, or disclosed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention addresses and accommodates the specific needs of the motorcycle traveler and is well-suited for use as a national franchise of facilities. The present invention overcomes the limitations of the prior art travel centers, which inadequately address the needs of the motorcycle traveler. The present invention includes motorcycle-oriented services and structures and the facilities include do-it-yourself motorcycle service/repair bays; do-it-yourself motorcycle wash facilities; climate controlled motorcycle storage facilities; and secure covered motorcycle parking; hotel, restaurant, convenience store, convention center, and camping services, for example.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the structure includes facilities for motorcycle-specific service bays including outdoor motorcycle wash bays, climate-controlled work bays having a wall attached workbench and a mobile workbench. Services include rental of the wash and service bays on a time basis. Further, tools can be rented, and parts purchased or ordered. The structure additionally includes environmentally correct central parts cleaning and detailing area(s).

In another embodiment, the service bays further include smaller, individual work bays with portable motorcycle lifts for rent for minor adjustment and repair work. And, certain work bays will be larger, individual work bays with a fixed hydraulic motorcycle lift for extensive repair work and better suited for larger motorcycles, motorcycles equipped with sidecars and three-wheeled motorcycles.

Additional structures provide for a convenience store facility. In addition to standard convenience store services, the convenience store further includes basic motorcycle parts and repair supplies, such as oil, light bulbs, gas caps, electrical wire, etc.; chrome motorcycle accessories; motorcycle gloves, bandannas, skull caps, t-shirts, sweatshirts; and motorcycle oriented gifts and home decor items.

As needed and allowed under local ordinances and codes, gasoline pumps with storage tanks will provide gasoline sales for motorcycles only.

The convenience store and atrium areas will provide secure glass display cases and wall cases to be rented to local motorcycle oriented businesses to display sample items for sale and location and contact information. Local motorcycle oriented businesses could include custom motorcycle builders, leather shops, boot stores, motorcycle part retailers, motorcycle repair shops, etc.

A motorcycle oriented swap meet/flea market consignment sales area will be provided in an area adjacent to the convenience store and in one of the adjacent outdoor pavilions.

Additional structure includes facilities for a restaurant, diner, or cafe or any combination of these eateries. In one embodiment, the present invention contemplates a method of operating a restaurant including providing moderately priced menu items that are tailored to the specific geographic area, restaurateur preference or other specialties.

Another benefit of the present invention includes facilities and services that are open 24-hours per day.

Restaurant decor would include motorcycle history and memorabilia, parts and accessories, photographs of local motorcyclists and their events contributed by members of the local community.

Restaurant will be equipped with high back booths with specially designed hooks on the inside wall of the booth for hanging helmets, motorcycle jackets and chaps. Booths will be wide enough from back of bench to table to accommodate larger people and people wearing heavy clothing.

Another aspect of the present invention contemplates a convention, assembly and events center and facility. The convention center provides facilities that accommodate various sizes of groups and events in meeting room(s) and in the outdoor events pavilion(s).

Additional facilities according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention provide structure for tent camping. For example, level, grass-covered, and shaded tent camping sites, including paved parking pads for motorcycles, access to hygiene facilities, adequate potable water supply, and fire pits (where applicable). Tent camping sites shall be in a designated, secure area with key card access.

Additional structure provides for RV-hookups, including level, grass-covered, and shaded RV camping sites, including paved parking pads for RVs and motorcycles, potable water, electrical and sewer hook-ups, fire pits, and access to hygiene facilities. RV camping sites shall be in a designated, secure area with key card access.

In another preferred embodiment, the present invention contemplates structures, systems, and methods of use of entertainment facilities including an entertainment center with video games, pool table, television room and outdoor horseshoe pits as individual site locations permit.

Each site will include a paved area adequate to provide a motorcycle safety course operated by qualified technicians in the field of motorcycle safety.

The structure of the present invention, according to one preferred embodiment, contemplates an interconnected or combination building laid-out as spokes on a wheel from a central atrium area consisting of five main wings or spokes. The five main wings include: service bays, motorcycle storage, and hygiene facilities; convenience store, retail, consignment, swap meet and flea market; restaurant facilities such as a restaurant, diner, or cafe; hotel facilities such as a hotel, motel, or bed and breakfast; and convention facilities including an assembly and events center. The areas between the five building spokes will be utilized as covered outdoor pavilions and parking areas as needed.

The architecture shall vary from geographic region to geographic region and as necessary to comply with local planning requirements. However, it is intended that the architecture of the overall structure shall appear as if each component of the building was built in the specific geographic area and time period.

Additional methods include providing steps to promote motorcycle safety and provide rider courses.

DRAWING

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an off-set frontal view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Possible preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the drawings and those skilled in the art will understand that alternative configurations and combinations of components may be substituted without subtracting from the invention. Also, in some figures certain components are omitted to more clearly illustrate the invention.

In one preferred embodiment as FIG. 1 exemplarily shows, the present invention comprises a travel-center structure 10 having a central structure and five radiating structures, emanating from the central structure like spokes on a wheel. The travel center 10 includes a central atrium area 20 central to and defined by a plurality of separate building structures. The plurality of separate building structures includes a first building structure 30, a second building structure 40 and a third building structure 50, wherein the central atrium area being disposed intermediate to the first and second building structures and sharing a portion in common with each of the plurality of separate building structures. The portion in common overlaps or otherwise couples using a common wall with, and includes a passage connecting an interior portion to the central atrium with, a corresponding interior portion of each of the plurality of separate building structures.

In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the structure 10 further includes a fourth 60, and fifth 70 building structure. For example, the first building structure further adapts to configure a hotel structure; the second building structure further adapts to configure a convention center structure; and the third building adapts to configure as a restaurant structure. Additionally, the structure 10 includes a fourth building structure adapted to configure a motorcycle service bay structure and enclosed or covered motorcycle storage structure; and a fifth building structure adapted to configure to a convenience store structure.

FIG. 2, a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, shows a motorcycle travel center structure 10 that includes a hotel structure 70; a restaurant structure 60 adapted to configure to a motorcycle-inspired theme; a motorcycle service bay structure and motorcycle storage structure 50; a convenience store structure 40; a convention center structure 30; and a generally pentagonal central atrium structure 20 disposed intermediate to each the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures wherein each hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures is disposed at generally about a face of the pentagonal central atrium. Also, a portion of each structure 30, 40, 50, 60, and 70 couples to the central atrium structure 20; and the atrium 20 further adapts to support the functions of the other structures.

The motorcycle travel center structure 10 of this embodiment further contemplates that the central atrium structure 20 includes at least one sidewall shared in common between any one of the structures from the group of structures consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

This embodiment further contemplates that the motorcycle travel center 10 further includes an entry portico structure 80 disposed adjacent or coupled to the hotel and/or convention center.

This embodiment further contemplates that the motorcycle travel center 10 further includes an outdoor motorcycle wash bay facility structure 120 disposed adjacent or coupled to the service bay/storage structure.

A tent camping structure 90 disposes adjacent, but not coupled to any one of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

An RV-hookup structure 130 disposes adjacent, but not coupled to any one of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

Although not shown in the figures, the motorcycle travel center 10 further includes a covered outdoor pavilion structure disposed intermediate to any two adjacent structures from the group consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

In this preferred embodiment of FIG. 2, the motorcycle travel center 10 further contemplates an outdoor parking surface structure 100 adapted for use by motorcycles. The outdoor parking surface structure being disposed intermediate to any two adjacent structures from the group consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

The motorcycle travel center 10 also contemplates hygiene facilities 110 integrated into at least one structure from the group consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures. The hygiene facilities consist of individual showers, lockers, toilettes and vending machines carrying personal hygiene products thus enabling the motorcycle traveler to shower in privacy.

The motorcycle travel center 10 further includes a fueling structure located adjacent to any one of the structures from the group consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

The motorcycle travel center 10 further includes facilities adapted for use for motorcycle safety training and demonstrations.

Although the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and detail may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A travel-center structure comprising:

a central atrium area central to and defined by a plurality of separate building structures, wherein the plurality of separate building structures comprise a first building structure and a second building structure;

the central atrium area being disposed intermediate to the first and second building structures; and

a shared portion of the central atrium area overlaps a corresponding portion of each of the plurality of separate building structures wherein the overlapping shared portion enables a passage connecting an interior portion of the central atrium with a corresponding interior portion of each of the plurality of separate building structures.

2. The structure of claim 1 wherein the plurality of separate building structures further comprises a third, a fourth, and a fifth building structure.

3. The structure of claim 1 wherein:

the first building structure further adapts to configure a hotel structure;

the second building structure further adapts to configure a restaurant structure;

and the structure further comprises a third structure adapted to configure as a convention center structure.

4. The structure of claim 3 further comprising:

a fourth building structure adapted to configure a motorcycle service bay/storage structure; and

a fifth building structure adapted to configure to a convenience store structure.

5. A motorcycle travel center structure comprising:

a hotel structure;

a restaurant structure adapted to configure to a motorcycle-inspired theme;

a motorcycle service bay/storage structure;

a convenience store structure;

a convention center structure; and

a generally pentagonal central atrium structure disposed intermediate to each the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures wherein each hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures is disposed at generally about a face of the pentagonal central atrium; and

wherein a portion of each structure couples to the central atrium structure.

6. The motorcycle travel center structure of claim 5 wherein:

the central atrium structure includes at least one sidewall shared in common between any one of the structures from the group of structures consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

7. The motorcycle travel center of claim 5 further comprising:

an outdoor motorcycle wash bay facility.

8. The motorcycle travel center of claim 5 further comprising:

an RV-hookup structure disposed adjacent, but not coupled to any one of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

9. The motorcycle travel center of claim 5 further comprising:

a covered outdoor pavilion structure disposed intermediate to any two adjacent structures from the group consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

10. The motorcycle travel center of claim 5 further comprising:

outdoor parking surface structure adapted for use by motorcycles, the outdoor parking surface structure being disposed intermediate to any two adjacent structures from the group consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

11. The motorcycle travel center of claim 5 wherein at least one structure from the group consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures further comprises:

hygiene facilities.

12. The motorcycle travel center of claim 5 further comprising a fueling structure located adjacent to any one of the structures from the group consisting of the hotel, restaurant, service bay/storage, convenience store, and convention center structures.

13. A method of providing travel-related services for motorcycle riders comprising:

providing a motorcycle travel center comprising a hotel structure, a restaurant structure, a service bay/storage structure, a convenience store structure, and a convention center structure;

providing motorcycle-inspired decor to the motorcycle travel center; and

providing motorcycle-scaled parking adjacent to the motorcycle travel center.

14. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

providing a motorcycle-exclusive fueling structure.

15. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

providing an outdoor wash bay structure.

16. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

providing hygiene facilities.

17. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

providing motorcycle safety training facilities.

18. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

providing RV-hookup facilities.

19. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

providing motorcycle parts ordering and tool rental services.

20. The method of claim 13 further comprising:

providing campground facilities.