Golf bag transportation apparatus for vehicles

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to a means for transporting a golf bag on a vehicle, and more particularly, to an apparatus designed for use on a motorcycle or other similar vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention is directed to the providing of a way for transporting a golf bag on a motorcycle or other similar vehicle, where the driver has chosen not to drive a car, van or truck. Some individuals enjoy riding motorcycles, motor scooters, or other motorized vehicles. For some, this is because of economic or environmental considerations. For others, motorcycle riding is exhilarating. Still for others, there is a freedom associated with such means of transportation.

However, motorcycle riding is not devoid of problems. This is especially the case for sports devotees. For example, golfers encounter the particular problem of how to transport their golf bag on a motorcycle. Many proposed solutions have been put forth. Some, such as Jones, U.S. Pat. No. 3,286,891, locate the golf bag carrier behind the vehicle with some sort of fender attachment. However, there are safety concerns which currently would preclude the placement of a golf bag carrier in the location shown in Jones.

Another proposed solution is shown in Slifka, U.S. Pat. No. 5,207,361, where the carrier takes the form of a single plate secured to a sheath-like member which encases one of the foot pegs of the motorcycle. The golf bag is held in place on the relatively horizontal carrier by a plurality of elasticized cords. When it is desired to use the golf bag, the bag must be removed from the carrier and carried either around the course or at least to a hand-pulled or motorized golf cart. Then, when golfing is completed, the golf bag must be replaced atop the carrier and the plurality of straps again secured in place.

Still another proposed solution is shown in Carlton, U.S. Pat. No. 3,938,719, where a carrier is provided that is secured to a suitable frame structure that extends upwardly from the axle of the front wheel of a motorcycle. The carrier has a plate member which is secured atop a support member, which in turn is secured to the vehicle frame. In one embodiment an upright framing member is secured to the plate member, and a golf bag could be slidably placed within the framing member. Alternatively, other embodiments disclose containers which are secured atop the plate member in addition to being secured by means of an elasticized cord to the handlebars of the vehicle. A golf bag could be slidably placed into either type of container. When it is desired to use the golf bag, the bag must be removed from the carrier and carried either around the course or a least to a hand-pulled or motorized golf cart.

It is thus apparent that th need exists for an improved device to be used in transporting a golf bag on a motorcycle or other similar vehicle.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention a carrier is provided for attachment to a motor vehicle, with the carrier having a backplate, a mounting plate and an axle adapter. The backplate has an upright member and a base portion. The upright member also has projection extending therefrom and at least one retention plate secured thereto. The base portion has n aperture formed therein.

The mounting plate has cooperative retention means and an aperture through which the aforesaid projection extends. The upright member of the backplate is secured to the mounting plate by fastening means. The mounting plate is secured to the axle adapter, such that the axle adapter causes the carrier to be secured to the rear axle of a motor vehicle.

The backplate has a handle portion, which in the preferred embodiment of the invention is inclined relative to the upright member. The upright member has a plurality of slots formed therein, with the slots having retaining means pass therethrough for securing an object to the carrier. One type of object which can be transported using this invention is a golf bag.

The base portion has a base upper surface and a base lower surface with a plurality of apertures formed so as to completely extend between the surfaces. Preferably, the base portion has a kickstand attached thereto. The kickstand has a first position and a second position, with the first position being recessed in the base portion, and with the second position being downwardly so as to extend below the base portion. Preferably, the base portion has wheels attached thereto. The wheels are attached to a wheel bracket, with the wheel bracket having a first position and a second position, with the first position being recessed in the base portion, and with the second position being downwardly so the wheels extend below the base portion.

There is also disclosed a carrier for attachment to a motor vehicle, with the carrier having a backplate, a moving plate and an axle adapter. The axle adapter has a female end for attachment to the axle bolt of a vehicle, a male portion for attachment to the mounting plate, and an end cap. The backplate has an upright member and a base portion, with the upright member having a projection extending therefrom and at least one retention plate secured thereto. The backplate has a handle portion, and in the preferred embodiment of the invention it is inclined relative to the upright member. The upright member also has a plurality of slots formed therein, with the slots having retaining means pass therethrough for securing an object to the carrier. One type of object which can be secured to the carrier is a golf bag. The base portion has an aperture formed therein.

The mounting plate has cooperative retention means and an aperture through which the projection extends, with the upright member of the backplate being secured to the mounting plate by fastening means. The mounting plate is secured to the axle adapter, such that the axle adapter causes the carrier to be secured to the rear axle of a motor vehicle.

The base portion has a base upper surface and a base lower surface with a plurality of apertures formed so as to completely extend between the two surfaces. The base portion has a kickstand attached thereto, with the kickstand having a first position and a second position, with the first position being recessed in the base portion, and with the second position being downwardly so as to extend below the base portion. The base portion also preferably has wheels attached thereto, with the wheels being attached to a wheel bracket. The wheel bracket has a first position and a second position, with the first position being recessed in the base portion, and with the second position being downwardly so the wheels extend below the base portion.

There is also disclosed a carrier for attachment to a motor vehicle, with the carrier having a backplate, a mounting plate, and an axle adapter. The backplate has an upright member and a base portion, with the upright member having a projection extending therefrom and at least one retention plate secured thereto. The upright member also preferably has a plurality of slots formed therein, with the slots having retaining means pass therethrough for securing an object, such a a golf bag, to the carrier. The base portion has an aperture formed therein.

The mounting plate has cooperative retention means and an aperture through which the projection extends, with the upright member of the backplate being secured to the mounting plate by fastening means. The axle adapter has a female end for attachment to the axle bolt of a vehicle a male portion for attachment to the mounting plate, and an end cap, with the mounting plate being secured to the axle adapter, such that the axle adapter causes the carrier to be secured to the rear axle of the motor vehicle.

The primary objective of this invention is to provide a carrier that permits objects such as a golf bag to be transported on motor vehicles such as motorcycles.

Another object is to provide a carrier which is of relatively economical construction and which is relatively easy to fabricate.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1

is a perspective view of the backplate component of the carrier made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2

is an elevational view on a greatly enlarged scale of the surface of the backplate shown in FIG.

1

.

FIG. 3

is a perspective view on a greatly enlarged scale of the bottom of the backplate shown in FIG.

1

.

FIG. 4

is a side elevation of the backplate component when the carrier is in use, yet detached from a motor vehicle.

FIG. 5

is a perspective view on a greatly enlarged scale of the mounting plate component of the carrier made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6

is a side elevational view on a greatly enlarged scale of the axle adapter component of the carrier made in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7

is a rear elevation of the mounting plate and axle adapter attached to a motor vehicle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Having reference to the drawings, attention is directed first to

FIG. 1

which discloses one of the main components of a carrier made in accordance with this invention, with the carrier designated generally by the numeral

10

. The portion of the carrier shown in

FIG. 1

is the backplate

12

. The other two main components can be appreciated from a comparison of

FIG. 1

with

FIG. 7

as being a mounting plate

14

and an axle adapter

15

.

As can be appreciated from a comparison of

FIGS. 1

,

2

, and

4

, the backplate

12

is comprised of an upright portion

18

, a handle portion

19

, and a base portion

20

. The upright portion

18

is shown as having four slots

21

, although the actual number could vary. The slots

21

enable retention means

22

to secure an item, such as a golf bag B, to the carrier

10

. Although the retention means

22

are shown as being straps, other suitable means of securement could be used.

The upright portion

18

has a first surface

23

and a second surface

24

. Near the bottom of the upright portion

18

, a projection

25

extends from the second surface

24

, preferably perpendicular thereto. Spaced a distance above the projection

25

is at least one and preferably two retention plates

26

, with each retention plate having formed therein a retention plate aperture

27

. To assist in the securing of each retention plate

26

to the upright portion

18

, a retention plate support plate

28

is provided, with the retention plate support plate

28

secured to the upright portion

18

and to the retention plate

26

. For optimal strength, the retention plate and the retention plate support plate could be fabricated as a single unit, such as from angle iron. Below the projection

25

is a base portion aperture

29

.

The height-of the upright member in the preferred embodiment is 38″. The width of the upright member at its top is 5½″. At the backplate bottom

33

, the width of the upright member is 3½″, with this width extending upwardly 5″, at which point the sides of the upright member taper outwardly. Each of the slots

21

provided for retention means is spaced inwardly from closest edge of the upright member a distance of ½″. The top of the upper slot is spaced about 2″ below the juncture of the handle portion, while the top of the lower slot is about 15½″ above the backplate bottom

33

. Each slot is preferably 1½″ tall by ¼″ wide.

As shown, the lower surface of the bottom retention plate is spaced 6¼″ above the backplate bottom. The distance between the retention plates is about 1½″, and they are centered on the vertical axis of the upright member. The projection

25

is located about 2″ above the backplate bottom, is centered on the vertical axis of the upright member, and is 1¼″ wide and 2¼″ long. The base portion aperture is drilled ¾″ from the backplate bottom, is centered on the vertical axis of the upright member and is ⅜″ in diameter.

The handle portion

19

is preferably inclined relative to the upright member

18

. To assist in the grasping of the carrier

10

, a handle aperture

30

is provided. The width of the handle portion is the same as that portion of the upright member to which it is directly adjacent, namely 5½″. The handle portion in the preferred embodiment of the invention extends upwardly from the upright member a distance of 6″ at an angle of 45°, with the handle aperture itself being 2″ tall and 4½″ wide and spaced 1¼″ from the backplate top

32

. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the upright member and handle portion are fabricated from a unitary ¼″ thick piece of aluminum.

To assist in stabilizing the carrier once it is removed from the motor vehicle to which it is attached during the transportation mode, a kickstand

35

is provided as can be appreciated from a comparison of

FIGS. 3 and 4

. The kickstand is preferably fabricated from a ⅛″ thick piece of aluminum. The kickstand

35

is secured to the lower surface of base portion

20

by a hinge

36

that extends the 2″ width of the kickstand. The kickstand

35

has a first planar portion

37

approximately 6″ in length, and a second planar portion

38

approximately 2″ in length, with the two portions being essentially perpendicular to each other.

A first planar portion aperture

39

, ⅜″ in diameter, is provided for use when the kickstand is in use, in order to prevent pivoting movement of the kickstand. A second planar portion aperture

40

, also ⅜″ in diameter, is provided for use when the kickstand is in the up position as shown in

FIG. 3

, in order to prevent the kickstand from accidentally coming into contact with objects on the road surface, or the road surface itself, during transit.

A comparison of

FIGS. 3 and 4

also disclose the wheel bracket

45

. It too is secured to the base portion by a wheel bracket hinge

46

. The wheel bracket

45

has a wheel bracket plate

48

having a generally Y-shape, with the base of the Y being 2½″ in width and 2⅝″ tall. The edge-to-edge width of the Y is 9″, with the two arms

50

each being 1½″ in width, such that their facing edges are spaced 6″ apart.

Each arm

50

has wheels

52

attached thereto at wheel mounts

54

which are 1″ from the top of the Y's cross-bar, with that 1″ corresponding to the length of the facing edges of the two arms. As shown best in

FIG. 3

, the wheel bracket has a wheel plate aperture

49

, ⅜″ in diameter. It may be appreciated that the aperture is centered on the vertical axis of the wheel bracket when the bracket is in the position as shown in FIG.

4

. Each wheel mount

54

has a top surface

55

which is 1½″ deep and side walls

56

which are 1¾″ tall. The wheels

52

are held on the wheel mounts

54

by axles

58

. The choice of wheel size is made so that the carrier has stability when supported on just the wheels and the kickstand.

As can best be appreciated from a comparison of

FIGS. 3 and 4

, a locking rod

60

is also provided to assist in locking the kickstand and wheel bracket into the positions shown in

FIGS. 3 and 4

respectively. The locking rod is about ⅜″ in diameter and 10⅝″ long, exclusive of the handle

62

, which is shown as being spherical, although other shapes could be used. The rod has a threaded first end

64

and a threaded second end

65

. The first end

64

is secured to the rod handle. The second end

65

is to be secured to the base portion

20

as will be discussed below.

The base portion

20

can best be appreciated from a comparison of

FIGS. 1-4

. It has a base upper surface

70

and a base lower surface

72

, with a plurality of base apertures

74

, each preferably ¼″ in diameter, extending therebetween. The outer diameter of the base portion is 10⅜″. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, base sidewall

75

and base surface

70

,

72

is formed from ⅛″ thick aluminum. The base sidewall

75

has a base sidewall first aperture

76

, which need not be threaded, and a base sidewall second aperture

77

, which is threaded and into which the threaded second end portion

65

of the locking rod

60

passes.

The mounting plate

14

can best be appreciated from a comparison of

FIGS. 5 and 7

. The mounting plate

14

is preferably formed from ⅜″ thick aluminum plate and has a mounting plate first surface

90

and a mounting plate second surface

91

. The width of the mounting plate is 5½″, and its heighth is 14″, with the tapering occurring 7″ below the top of the mounting plate. A mounting plate first aperture

92

in the form of a horizontal slot 1¼″ wide by ¼″ tall is centered on the vertical axis of the mounting plate, ¼″ below the top

93

of the mounting plate. A mounting plate second aperture

94

in the form of a ⅝″ diameter hole is centered on the vertical axis of the mounting plate, 1¾″ above the bottom

95

of the mounting plate.

Axle adapter retention means

95

are secured to the mounting plate first surface

90

, preferably by welding. Once the axle adapter is secured to the end of the axle, the mounting plate is positioned in place by passing the axle adapter through the mounting plate second aperture

94

. The axle adapter retention means has at least two surfaces

96

, preferably spaced parallel ones, directly adjacent portions of the outer surface of the axle adapter, so that the mounting plate

14

is precluded from rotating about the axle adapter.

Cooperative retention means

97

are secured to the mounting plate second surface

91

, preferably by welding. As shown, there is an retention means upper surface

98

and a retention means lower surface

99

, with apertures

100

and

101

respectively. The two surfaces are separated by a pair of sidewalls

102

. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, 1½″ bar stock is utilized to form the cooperative retention means

97

. The retention means upper surface

98

is preferably located 2½″ below the top

93

.

The apertures

100

and

101

permit the insertion therethrough of fastening means

105

. It can take the form of a metal rod, secured to retaining means

106

, which could be a strap or chain, and which preferably passes through a retaining means aperture

107

in the mounting plate in order for the fastening means

105

not to be misplaced.

As can best be appreciated from a comparison of

FIGS. 6 and 7

, the axle adapter

15

has a 1″ long female component

110

in the form of a hexagonally shaped housing which is screwed onto the existing rear axle bolt of a motor vehicle, such as a motorcycle. Rear axles A have a standard hole H drilled near the end of the rear axle bolt to help in the securing of a cap to the end of the axle. In accordance with the current invention, the female end

110

of the axle adapter

15

is screwed onto the existing axle bolt. The female end has a female component slot

115

extending about half of the length of the female end, and passing completely through the female end from one side to the opposite one. As the female end

110

is secured onto existing axle bolt and tightened, the slot

115

is made to align with the hole H. Thereafter, an adapter retention means

116

, such as a cotter pin or other suitable fastener, is passed through the slot

115

and secured as shown in FIG.

7

.

The axle adapter also has a 1¼″ long male component

112

adjacent the female component

110

. The male end

112

, also threaded, is of a smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of the female end

110

. A lock nut

114

is provided and is screwed onto the male end

112

. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the lock nut or cap

114

is fabricated from NEOPRENE.

In actual use, as discussed above, the invention has the axle adapter secured to a rear axle of the motor vehicle which will be used to transport the carrier. Then the mounting plate with its aperture

94

is then secured in place as discussed above with respect to the axle adapter retention means and the cap

114

is secured onto the threaded male end

112

of the axle adapter.

The backplate

12

then can be lifted into place against the mounting plate

14

. Projection

25

is inserted through aperture

92

, and retention plates

27

are placed directly adjacent the cooperative retention means

97

. The apertures in the cooperative retention means are aligned with those in the retention plates and the fastening means

437

is passed therethrough into the position shown in

FIG. 7

, it being understood that

FIG. 7

only shows the position of the fastening means relative to the mounting plate, since the backplate is not engaged to the mounting plate in that particular view.

When the golf bag or other carried item arrives at its destination, the carrier permits the easy removal of the bag by unfastening the straps, or the easy removal of the entire backplate by just removing the fastening means

105

from the apertures of the retention plates and cooperative retention means. If the backplate is to be removed, then the locking rod can be unscrewed from its transport position and the kickstand and wheels dropped into their operative position, and the locking rod then reinserted and secured into position.

While the form of apparatus herein described constitutes a preferred embodiment of this invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to this precise form of apparatus and that changes may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention which is defined in the appended claims.