Motorcycle restraint system

Abstract

The present invention is a motorcycle restraint system utilizing a trailing member linking the rear axle of the motorcycle to the floor of the transport vehicle via two hinge joints, allowing for automatic height adjustment. The restraint system allows the motorcycle to be transported without the use of tension straps, allowing both tires to rest on the floor of the transport vehicle against only the weight of the motorcycle.

1 . A restraint system for use with a motorcycle in a transport vehicle having a floor, wherein the motorcycle has a rear wheel positioned on a rear axle, the restraint system comprising:
 a framework assembly having a rod for insertion through the rear axle of the motorcycle, the rod having ends captured by arms extending upwardly from a trailing bar, the framework assembly being positioned such that the trailing bar is behind the rear wheel; and   a receiver assembly attached to the floor of the transport vehicle, the receiver assembly having at least one locking assembly that mates to the trailing bar of the framework assembly, thereby securing the motorcycle to the floor of the transport vehicle.   
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the framework assembly includes a handle extending outwardly from the trailing bar. 
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the framework assembly includes locking pins positioned on ends of the rod that extend past the arms. 
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the framework assembly includes a pair of openings separately positioned on each arm for storing a strap. 
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the arms defined by the framework assembly are separately spaced by a predetermined distance to accommodate for the rear wheel of the motorcycle. 
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the trailing bar includes at least one rotatable guide. 
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the receiver assembly includes a base plate attached to the floor of the transport vehicle. 
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 7  further including a pair of locking assemblies that are positioned and separately secured to the base plate a predetermined distance apart from each other. 
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 8 , wherein each locking assembly includes a latch positioned between a pair of brackets that defines a lateral opening through the brackets and latch, the opening being positioned for receiving and securing an end of the trailing bar between the brackets and latch, whereby the motorcycle is secured to the floor of the transport vehicle through the framework assembly and receiving assembly. 
   
   
       10 . The system of  claim 9  further comprising a pin for insertion through holes defined by the latch and pair of brackets that align at least when the trailing bar is positioned in the lateral opening. 
   
   
       11 . The system of  claim 1  further comprising a first hinge joint defined by the rod being rotatably secured within the rear axle and ends of the arms, and a second hinge joint defined by the trailing bar being rotatably secured to the receiving assembly, wherein the first and second hinge joints allow the system to automatically angle to adjust to various motorcycle heights. 
   
   
       12 . A restraint system for use with a motorcycle in a transport vehicle having a floor, wherein the motorcycle has a rear wheel positioned on a rear axle, the restraint system comprising:
 a framework assembly having a rod, a trailing bar, a pair of arms extending outwardly and upwardly from the trailing bar, each arm having a means for holding an end of the rod, and the rod having a length such that the rod can be inserted through the rear axle of the motorcycle such that the ends of the rod are positioned in the holding means of each arm; and   a receiver assembly attached to the floor of the transport vehicle, the receiver assembly having a means for securing the trailing bar of the framework assembly thereto, thereby securing the motorcycle to the floor of the transport vehicle.   
   
   
       13 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the holding means of each arm are defined as being an aperture. 
   
   
       14 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the trailing bar includes a pair of rotatable guides. 
   
   
       15 . The system of  claim 12 , wherein the securing means of the receiver assembly is defined by a pair of locking assemblies that are positioned and separately secured to the floor of the transport vehicle at a predetermined distance apart from each other. 
   
   
       16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein each locking assembly includes a latch positioned between a pair of brackets that defines a lateral opening through the brackets and latch, the opening being positioned for receiving and securing an end of the trailing bar between the brackets and latch, whereby the motorcycle is secured to the floor of the transport vehicle through the framework assembly and receiving assembly. 
   
   
       17 . The system of  claim 16 , wherein the receiver assembly further includes a base plate positioned between the locking assemblies and the floor of the transport vehicle. 
   
   
       18 . A restraint system for use with a motorcycle in a transport vehicle having a floor, wherein the motorcycle has a rear wheel positioned on a rear axle, the restraint system comprising:
 a framework assembly having a rod, a trailing bar, a pair of arms extending outwardly and upwardly from the trailing bar, each arm having an aperture for holding an end of the rod, and the rod having a length such that the rod can be inserted through the apertures of the arms and the rear axle of the motorcycle, and a pair of rotatable guides separately positioned on the trailing bar; and   a receiver assembly having a base plate secured to the floor of the transport vehicle, a pair of locking assemblies separately positioned and secured to the base plate at a predetermined distance apart from each other, each locking assembly includes a latch positioned between a pair of brackets that defines a lateral opening through the brackets and latch, the opening being positioned for receiving and securing an end of the trailing bar between the brackets and latch, whereby the motorcycle is secured to the floor of the transport vehicle through the framework assembly and receiving assembly.   
   
   
       19 . The system of  claim 18 , wherein the framework assembly includes a handle extending outwardly from the trailing bar.