Quick disconnect motorcycle tie-down system

• US 6,761,519 B2
• Filed: 11/15/2002
• Issued: 07/13/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 12/05/2001
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Leslie K. Alderman
• Original Assignee: Leslie K. Alderman
• Inventors: Alderman, Leslie K.
• Primary Examiner(s): GORDON, STEPHEN T
• Application Number:
  US10/294,663
• Publication Number:
  US 20030103831A1
• Time in Patent Office: 606 Days
• Field of Search: 410/2, 410/3, 410/7, 410/11, 410/23, 410/96, 410/97, 410/106, 410/110, 224/534, 224/568, 224/924, 248/499
• US Class Current: 410/3
• CPC Class Codes: B60P 3/079 Tie-down retainers B60P3/075 takes precedence

Abstract

An apparatus for securing a motorcycle in an upright position for transport. It consists of a female quick disconnect coupler attached to one end of a tie down strap, used to connect to a male coupler fitting machined as the end of an attachment bolt affixed either inside the open end of the handlebar, or threaded into the motorcycle frame or frame component. This provides a fast, convenient metal to metal securing point at the front end of the motorcycle at the outward end of the handlebars, as well as a coupling point located in another position as may be necessary to secure the motorcycle. Utilization of the quick disconnect coupler system provides the fastest means of attaching the tie down strap in a positive lock, metal to metal connection.

Claims

1. A securing device for the purpose of maintaining a motorcycle in an upright position during transport, comprised of and including in combination:

a) an insert manufactured in such manner as to allow insertion into a hollow end of motorcycle handlebar, said insert having;

a) a pair of angle cut cylindrical components containing a threaded through bore and an outside diameter;

b) a fitment collar, a portion of which is machined in such manner as to allow insertion into said handlebar end, another portion of which provides an external housing for a securing bolt, said bolt being threaded on one end for the purpose of passing thru a fitment collar internal bore;

said bolt securing the angle cut cylindrical components, an end of which is machined in such manner as to include an engagement recess, for the express purpose of engagement of a coupling device;

b.) a flexible tie down strap, on one end of which is affixed a manually operated spring actuated securing device, the coupling device intended to be affixed to the engagement recess, another end of the trap being a free end of the strap;

c.) a means of tightening said tie down strap and provision of a means of attachment of a free end to an anchor point.

2. The securing device apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein the threaded securing bolt is used as a replacement for a structural fastening bolt(s) of the motorcycle frame, thus providing additional interconnect securing points for the tie down strap affixed with the coupling device.

3. The securing device apparatus recited in claim 1 wherein a fitment collar that inserts into the handlebar end, the external portion of which provides a housing for the threaded securing bolt, is affixed with a permanently attached exposed D-ring type opening.