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Title:
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT CONTAINER FOR VEHICLES, MOTORCYCLES AND THE LIKE
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2017/203544
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
A baggage transport container (1 ) for vehicles, motorcycles (A, B) and the like, which comprises a box-like body (3) provided with an assembly (4) for mating to the chassis of the vehicle; the mating assembly (4) is constituted by a supporting plate (5), which is coupled to a wall of the box-like body (3), and an articulation element (6), which is coupled to the chassis of the vehicle. The supporting plate (5) is movable with respect to the articulation element (6) between a first rearward-shifted configuration and a second forward-shifted configuration, in which the box-like body (3) is arranged proximate to the driver's seat (7) of the vehicle.

Inventors:
GIARAMITA DAVID (IT)
Application Number:
PCT/IT2016/000132
Publication Date:
November 30, 2017
Filing Date:
May 23, 2016
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
GIARAMITA DAVID (IT)
International Classes:
B62J7/02; B62J9/00
Domestic Patent References:
WO2010111555A22010-09-30
WO2016038530A12016-03-17
Foreign References:
DE102006046005A12007-04-12
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
MODIANO, Micaela et al. (IT)
Download PDF:
Claims:
CLAIMS

1 . A baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles (A, B) and the like, characterized in that it comprises a box-like body (3) provided with an assembly (4) for mating to the chassis of the vehicle, said mating assembly (4) being constituted by a supporting plate (5), which is coupled to a wall of said box-like body (3), and an articulation element (6), which is coupled to the chassis of the vehicle, said supporting plate (5) being movable with respect to said articulation element (6) between a first rearward-shifted configuration and a second forward-shifted configuration, in which said box-like body (3) is arranged proximate to the driver's seat (7) of said vehicle.

2. The container according to claim 1 , characterized in that said supporting plate (5) comprises guiding elements (8, 9) whose shape and dimensions are complementary to those of respective complementary guiding elements (10, 1 1 ) of said articulation element (6), for the sliding of said box-like body (3) with respect to said chassis.

3. The container according to claim 2, characterized in that said guiding elements (8) are contoured ridges and said complementary guiding elements (10) are slots with a profile that is complementary to the profile of said ridges (8).

4. The container according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one component chosen between said supporting plate (5) and said articulation element (6) is coupled rigidly to a first end (12) of at least one telescopic arm (13), at least one element, which is complementary to said component, chosen between said articulation element (6) and said supporting surface (5), being coupled rigidly to a second end (14) of said telescopic arm (13).

5. The container according to claim 1 , characterized in that said articulation element (6) comprises an articulated quadrilateral (15) in which the two rotatable bands ( 16) are pivoted, with a respective first end (17), to 2 !

said chassis of said vehicle even indirectly and, with a respective second end (18), to said supporting plate (5), said box-like body (3) oscillating between a rearward-shifted configuration and a forward-shifted configuration, which corresponds to the two extreme configurations of said articulated quadrilateral ( 15) in which said supporting plate (5) is proximate to the alignment with the accommodation surface of said first ends (17) of said bands (16).

6. The container according to the preceding claim, characterized in that at least one slider (19) for the sliding of said first ends (17), along a predefined direction, with respect to said chassis is interposed between said first ends (17) of said rotatable bands ( 16) pivoted to said chassis of said vehicle, and said chassis.

7. The container according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one respective actuator for the automatic movement of said box-like body (3) between said first rearward-shifted configuration and said second forward-shifted configuration is interposed between said supporting plate (5) and said articulation element (6).

8. A support for box-like bodies (3) for transporting baggage for vehicles, motorcycles (A, B) and the like, characterized in that it comprises a supporting plate (5), which is coupled to a wall of said box-like body (3), and an articulation element (6), which is coupled even indirectly to the chassis of the vehicle, said supporting plate (5) being movable with respect to said articulation element (6) between a first rearward-shifted configuration and a second forward-shifted configuration, said supporting plate (5) being shaped for the removable locking of at least one respective container (1).

9. The support according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said articulation element (6) can be coupled to a storage bracket of said vehicle, which is arranged in a position that is chosen preferably between rearward and lateral with respect to said vehicle.

10. The support according to claim 8, characterized in that an actuator for the automatic movement of said plate (5) with respect to said articulation element (6) is interposed between said supporting plate (5), which is coupled to a wall of said box-like body (3), and said articulation element (6), which is coupled to the chassis of the vehicle.

Description:
BAGGAGE TRANSPORT CONTAINER FOR VEHICLES, MOTORCYCLES AND THE LIKE

The present invention relates to a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like.

The expression "baggage transport container" is to be understood to reference all bags, trunks, panniers and box-like bodies in general that can be coupled to motorcycles.

Generally speaking, it is specified that the present description is extended to containers that can be installed on scooters, motorcycles, motorized tricycles, quadricycles (such as for example so-called "quads",

All Terrain Vehicles, ATV, in acronym, and the like), aircraft (of any type) and watercraft (in particular water scooters, jet skis and the like).

It is known, mainly in the motorcycling field, to resort to supporting brackets or supporting frames that are coupled rigidly to the chassis and on which it is possible to couple (usually detachably) trunks, suitcases, bags and/or containers in general, within which baggage or loads to be transported are to be arranged.

Such supporting brackets and/or supporting frames can be made of different materials (for example metallic materials, polymeric materials or composite materials) and are coupled to the chassis of the vehicle in various positions, usually selected among frontally, laterally and/or to the rear of such vehicle (constructive solutions that can also be applied simultaneously).

For the support and transport of rear baggage, manufacturers propose supporting brackets and/or supporting frames that can be integrated in the design and basic structure of the vehicle or, as an alternative, can be structured as complementary accessories to be fixed to the chassis of the vehicle in a configuration that often protrudes with respect to its outline.

In order to facilitate use of the described containers, usually there is a respective lock for coupling the container to the respective supporting brackets and/or to the corresponding supporting frames: in this manner the user can remove the container from the vehicle, using it as if it were an actual suitcase.

The position of prevalent installation of the supporting brackets and/or supporting frames is usually rearward, often protruding from the outline of the motorcycle-like vehicle and arranged at a height that is usually greater than that at which the driver sits, thus lifting and shifting backward the center of gravity of the vehicle.

Furthermore, it should be specified that on the vehicle the presence of an appendage (potentially even of considerable size), arranged to the rear in a cantilever fashion and at a considerable height, causes a deep change in the aerodynamic behavior of the vehicle that can compromise driving comfort and stability.

In particular, the effects of the turbulence introduced by the presence of the container (suitcase, trunk, pannier, bag, etc.) increase as the speed of the vehicle increases and therefore these effects can also affect negatively the safety of the vehicle when it is traveling above certain speeds.

The aim of the present invention is to solve the problems described above, by devising a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like that does not cause aerodynamic repercussions on the vehicle on which it is installed, ensuring optimum stability and safety of the vehicle in driving and parking conditions.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to devise a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like that does not cause a significant rise of the center of gravity, ensuring optimum stability and safety of the vehicle in driving and parking conditions.

Another object of the invention is to devise a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like that does not cause a significant rearward displacement of the center of gravity, ensuring optimum stability and safety of the vehicle in driving and parking conditions.

Another object of the invention is to devise a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like that produces a reduction in the fuel consumption of the vehicle with respect to a corresponding installation of containers of a known type.

Another object of the invention is to devise a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like that does not compromise the normal usability of the installation vehicle.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like that has low costs, is relatively simple to provide in practice and is safe in application.

This aim and these objects are achieved by a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like, characterized in that it comprises a box-like body provided with an assembly for mating to the chassis of the vehicle, said mating assembly being constituted by a supporting plate, which is coupled to a wall of said box-like body, and an articulation element, which is coupled to the chassis of the vehicle, said supporting plate being movable with respect to said articulation element between a first rearward-shifted configuration and a second forward-shifted configuration, in which said box-like body is arranged proximate to the driver's seat of said vehicle.

The aim and objects listed above are also achieved by means of a support for baggage transport containers for vehicles, motorcycles and the like, characterized in that it comprises a supporting plate, which is coupled to a wall of said box-like body, and an articulation element, which is coupled even indirectly to the chassis of the vehicle, said supporting plate being movable with respect to said articulation element between a first rearward configuration and a second forward configuration, said supporting plate being shaped for the removable locking of at least one respective container. Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of the baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention, illustrated by way of nonlimiting example in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a motorcycle provided with a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention;

Figure 2 is a schematic top view of a portion of Figure 1 with the supporting plate shifted rearward;

Figure 3 is a schematic top view of a portion of Figure 1 with the supporting plate shifted forward;

Figure 4 is a front sectional view of the supporting plate of Figures 2 and 3 ;

Figure 5 is a schematic side view of a scooter provided with a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a schematic top view of a portion of Figure 5 with the supporting plate shifted forward;

Figure 7 is a schematic top view of a portion of Figure 5 with the supporting plate shifted backward;

Figure 8 is a front sectional view of the supporting plate of Figures 6 and 7;

Figure 9 is a schematic top view of a further variation of a supporting plate of a box-like baggage transport body for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention, in a forward-shifted configuration;

Figure 10 is a schematic top view of the supporting plate of Figure 9, in the rearward-shifted configuration;

Figure 1 1 is a front sectional view of the supporting plate of Figures 9 and 10; Figure 12 is a schematic top view of a further variation of a supporting plate of a box-like baggage transport body for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention, in a forward-shifted configuration;

Figure 13 is a schematic top view of the supporting plate of Figure

12, in the rearward-shifted configuration;

Figure 14 is a front sectional view of the supporting plate of Figures 12 and 13;

Figure 15 is a schematic side view of a motorcycle provided with a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention;

Figure 16 is a schematic side view of a portion of Figure 15 with the supporting plate shifted forward;

Figure 17 is a schematic side view of a portion of Figure 15 with the supporting plate in an intermediate position;

Figure 18 is a schematic side view of a portion of Figure 15 with the supporting plate in a rearward-shifted position;

Figure 19 is a schematic side view of a motorcycle provided with a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention;

Figure 20 is a schematic side view of a portion of Figure 19 with the supporting plate shifted forward;

Figure 21 is a schematic side view of a portion of Figure 19 with the supporting plate in a rearward-shifted position;

Figure 22 is a schematic side view of a scooter provided with a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention;

Figure 23 is a schematic top view of a portion of Figure 22 with the supporting plate shifted forward;

Figure 24 is a schematic top view of a portion of Figure 22 with the supporting plate shifted rearward;

Figure 25 is a schematic side view of a motorcycle provided with a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention;

Figure 26 is a schematic top view of a portion of Figure 25 with the supporting plate shifted rearward;

Figure 27 is a schematic top view of a portion of Figure 25 with the supporting plate in a forward-shifted position;

Figure 28 is a schematic top view of a further variation of a supporting plate of a box-like baggage transport body for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention, in a forward-shifted configuration;

Figure 29 is a schematic top view of the supporting plate of Figure 28 in the rearward-shifted configuration;

Figure 30 is a schematic side view of a motorcycle provided with a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention;

Figure 3 1 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of Figure 30 with the supporting plate shifted forward;

Figure 32 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of Figure 30 with the supporting plate in a rearward-shifted position;

Figure 33 is a schematic top view of a motorcycle provided with a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention, in which the driver and the passenger are present;

Figure 34 is a schematic top view of a motorcycle provided with a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like according to the invention, in which only the driver is present.

With particular reference to the figures, the numeral 1 generally designates a baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles A, B and the like. The present invention extends its protection also to a support 2 for containers 1 for vehicles, motorcycles A, B and the like.

The support 2 is particularly suitable to allow the application of the present invention also to vehicles and motorcycles A, B that are already circulating, since it is an accessory of the type usually known as "motorcycling aftermarket".

The container 1 comprises a box-like body 3 provided with an assembly 4 for mating to the chassis of the vehicle, in particular of the motorcycle A, B.

The mating assembly 4 is constituted by a supporting plate 5, which is coupled to a wall of the box-like body 3, and by an articulation element 6, which is coupled, even indirectly, i.e., with the interposition of optional coupling structures, to the chassis of the motorcycle A, B (or other type of vehicle).

The device defined as articulation element 6 will introduce at least one degree of freedom (which can be constrained at will according to a plurality of intermediate stable configurations) between the supporting plate 5 (to which the box-like body 3 is coupled) and the chassis of the vehicle. The degree of freedom may equally be of the translational type, of the rotary type and/or a combination thereof.

The supporting plate 5 is usually mated to the bottom of the box-like body 3, which therefore rests on the plate 5.

Usually there are elements for coupling the box-like body 3 to the supporting plate 5, which can have specific locks with a key or other locking apparatuses.

The supporting plate 5 is advantageously movable with respect to the articulation element 6 between a first rearward-shifted configuration and a second forward-shifted configuration, in which the box-like body 3 is arranged proximate to the driver's seat 7 of the vehicle, motorcycle A, B.

The particular movement provides the first and considerable advantage of shifting forward the mass of the box-like body 3 and of its content. As mentioned earlier, a rear mass, arranged in a cantilever configuration, causes considerable problems in terms of rearward shift of the center of gravity of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B), degradation of the aerodynamics of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B), with consequent reduction of driving comfort.

The forward shifting of the box-like body 3 therefore entails an improvement in the cycling of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B).

It should also be noted that usually the box-like body 3 is not only in a rearward-shifted position but also in a particularly raised position with respect to the driver's seat 7.

The forward shift provided for the box-like body 3 usually also entails a reduction of the coupling height of the box-like body 3, consequently maintaining the overall center of gravity of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B), when it is set for driving, at a low height (which is proximate to the height that the vehicle without the box-like container 3 and the baggage contained therein would have), ensuring optimum stability and safety for such vehicle (motorcycle A, B).

With reference to a constructive solution of unquestionable interest in practice and in application, illustrated by way of example in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the supporting plate 5 can validly comprise guiding elements 8 and 9 whose shape and dimensions are complementary to those of respective complementary guiding elements 10 and 1 1 of the articulation element 6.

The guiding elements 8 and 9 and the complementary guiding elements 10 and 1 1 allow the sliding of the box-like body 3 with respect to the chassis of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B). In particular it is possible to shift forward the box-like body 3 until it is arranged in a position in which it surmounts the portion of the seat of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B) that is intended for the passenger D (i.e., directly behind the driver's seat 7 in which the driver C places himself). In relation to the specific shape of the vehicle (motorcycles A, B), the forward shift of the box-like body 3, allowed by the guiding elements 8 and

9 and by the complementary guiding elements 10 and 1 1 , also entails a lowering of the box-like body 3, with respect to the raised and cantilevered position that is typical of traditional storage compartments provided on motorcycles A, B. This lowering allows to improve the aerodynamic behavior of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B) and to keep its center of gravity at a low height (to the benefit of stability, safety and driving comfort).

As regards the constructive solution shown in the accompanying Figures 9, 10 and 1 1 , it is specified that the guiding elements 8 can conveniently be contoured ridges and the complementary guiding elements

10 can advantageously be slots with a profile that is complementary to the profile of the ridges.

There is also an an alternative constructive solution (which in any case can be implemented simultaneously with the one that has just been described) in which the guiding elements 9 can conveniently be contoured slots and the complementary guiding elements 1 1 can be advantageously ridges with a profile that is complementary to the profile of the slots.

In the constructive solution shown in Figure 8, guiding elements 8 and 9 and complementary guiding elements 10 and 1 1 are adopted which have a dovetail shape or are T-shaped or are L-shaped or have generic contours and complementary contours that have a variable and complementary (mating) shape.

According to a further constructive solution that is particularly interesting and easy to implement in practice, at least one component chosen between the supporting plate 5 and the articulation element 6 might be conveniently coupled rigidly to a first end 12 of at least one telescopic arm 13.

In this case, at least one element, which is complementary to the component cited above, chosen between the articulation element 6 and the supporting surface 5, might conveniently be coupled rigidly to a second end 14 of the telescopic arm 13.

The telescopic arm 13 can be installed for different kinds of reasons: first of all, the telescopic arm 13 can be of a commercial type, therefore without requiring the provision of dedicated devices that might increase the overall cost considerably; secondly, the telescopic arm 13 might be sized so as to bear even considerable loads, ensuring levels of mechanical rigidity that are difficult to obtain with simple slotted profile couplings; thirdly, the telescopic arm 13 might be of the actuated type (for example electrically actuated), allowing the automation of the movement of the box-like body 3 (as better delved into hereinafter).

According to a further possible constructive solution of the present invention (illustrated by way of example in the accompanying Figures 30, 3 1 , 32), the articulation element 6 can comprise efficiently an articulated quadrilateral 15 in which the two rotatable bands 16 are pivoted, with a respective first end 17 and even indirectly, to the chassis of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B) and, with a respective second end 18, to the supporting plate 5.

The box-like body 3 can oscillate between a rearward-shifted configuration and a forward-shifted configuration, which correspond to the two extreme configurations of the articulated quadrilateral 3 in which the supporting plate 5 is proximate to alignment with the accommodation plane of the first ends 17 of such bands 16.

The articulated quadrilateral 15 (preferably constituted by an articulated parallelogram) can in fact move between the two extreme configurations, in which its upper end face (to which the ends 18 of the bands 16 are pivoted) is substantially juxtaposed with respect to the lower end face (to which the ends 17 of the bands 16 are pivoted): these two configurations provide for a rotation of the bands 16 (in one configuration with respect to the other) of almost 180°, with a consequent forward/back ward shift of the supporting plate 5 (and of the box-like body 3 with it) by a length that is close to twice the length of such bands 16.

It is specified that between the first ends 17 of the rotatable bands 16 and the chassis of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B) it is possible to interpose validly at least one slider 19 for the sliding of first ends 17, along a predefined direction, with respect to the chassis (as shown by way of example in the accompanying Figures 15, 16, 17, 18).

This second embodiment allows to move the box-like body 3 (integrally with the supporting plate 5) with a longer stroke (substantially at will, depending on the shape that one wishes to apply to the slider 19).

The slider 19, in one of its simplest embodiments, might be constituted by a (linear or contoured) slot within which the ends 17 of the bands 16 can slide.

The shape of the slider 19 also allows to provide height variations of the box-like body 3 between the rearward-shifted configuration and the forward-shifted configuration (as shown by way of example in the accompanying Figures 19, 20, 21).

It is specified, in accordance with what has already been mentioned earlier, that it is possible to interpose advantageously between the supporting plate 5 and the articulation element 6 at least one respective actuator, for the automatic movement of the box-like body 3 between the first rearward-shifted configuration and the second forward-shifted configuration.

As mentioned, it is possible to provide for the adoption of a telescopic arm 13 that is actuated (for example electrically); in any case, the possibility to adopt different solutions comprising worm screws 21 , racks and pinions, or chains and respective sprockets and the like, in which the pinions and the sprockets are mated to the shaft of a respective motor, is not excluded.

The pinion and the motor might both be contained in a single gearmotor 22. The possibility to adopt linear induction motors or gearmotors or pneumatic or hydraulic cylinders or cylinders of another type as actuators is in any case not excluded.

In this case, the installation of the present invention on the vehicle (motorcycle A, B) also provides for the wiring of the power supply of the actuator so that the driver C can (for example by acting on a specific control located on the handlebar, on the dashboard or in another position that can be accessed from the driver's seat 7) actuate the advancement and/or retraction of the box-like body 3.

It should in fact be specified that in the motorcycles A preferably the box-like body 3 is in the traditional rearward-shifted position when the driver C takes his place at the driver's seat 7, since when he/she lifts one leg over the motorcycle A the presence of the box-like body 3 in the forward- shifted configuration would be awkward (hindering the movements of the driver C).

Once the driver C has taken his place at the driver's seat 7, he/she can command the advancement of the box-like body 3 so as to benefit from the advantages, in aerodynamic terms and in terms of mass balancing, that are typical of this configuration.

It is specified that for motorcycles B, such as scooters and the like, the possibility to shift the box-like body 3 forward entails freeing a potential loading surface (which corresponds to the traditional rear storage compartment of scooters): therefore, the adoption of the container 1 according to the invention in order to increase the maximum load (or volume) that can be transported by the scooter or motorcycle A, B in general is not excluded.

It is evident that what has been described in the previous paragraph for scooters B potentially can be implemented also in other types of motorcycle A and vehicles in general.

If a backrest is installed on the front face of the box-like body 3 (the one directed toward the back of the driver C when the box-like body 3 is installed on the vehicle), it is possible to use the box-like body 3 as a resting element for the back of the passenger D. This constructive possibility is particularly interesting for transporting children, who in order to be more stable, might benefit from a partial forward shift of the box-like body 3 (reducing the space available for them on the saddle of the vehicle and adapting it to their small body) and therefore rest against the backrest, which will form a specific space dedicated to them on the vehicle proper.

The forward shift of the load produced by the shift of the box-like body 3 substantially above the saddle of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B) can further ensure an increase in the maximum transportable load, since the traditional rearward cantilever arrangement severely restricts the mass that can be transported. The forward-shifted configuration of the box-like body 3 can instead allow a substantial increase in the maximum load that can be transported in said body 3, since the load lies above the saddle and therefore does not compromise the cycling of the vehicle.

Furthermore, it is specified that the possibility is provided to provide a box-like body 3 with a particular aerodynamic shape (for example with a portion of the profile that is teardrop-shaped and the like) so as to define an aerodynamic continuity with respect to the back of the driver C during the travel of the vehicle.

This particularity is very interesting in motorcycles A of the sports type, in which the driver C, during the travel of the vehicle, is in a lowered position in order to minimize the front cross-section of such vehicle. The presence of a cantilever load, in this case, would compromise the performance of the motorcycle A, B. The forward shift of the box-like body 3 (provided according to the invention), in combination with a shape of such box-like body 3 that causes its integration with the contour of the driver C, can instead ensure that the load does not cause any degradation of the cycling and of the performance of the vehicle. The protective scope of the present invention is also extended to a support 2 for containers 1 intended to transport baggage on vehicles, motorcycles A, B and the like.

The support 2 comprises a supporting plate 5, which is coupled to a wall of the box-like body 3, and an articulation element 6, which is coupled to the chassis of the vehicle (motorcycle A, B).

The supporting plate 5 can move with respect to the articulation element 6 between a first rearward-shifted configuration and a second forward-shifted configuration.

The supporting plate 5 is shaped for the removable locking of at least one respective container (for example a trunk, a pannier, a suitcase, a bag, or generically a box-like body 3).

The shape of the supporting plate 5 can be such as to allow easy mating to any pannier of the commercial type.

Likewise, the articulation element 6 is of the type that is adjustable or in any case adaptable to the various shapes of the chassis of circulating vehicles.

In this manner, the user can purchase the support 2 and install it on any type of vehicle (for example a motorcycle A, B) and mate it to any commercial pannier.

In this regard, it is specified that the articulation element 6 can be mated to the storage bracket of the vehicle, which is arranged in a position that is preferably chosen between rearward and lateral with respect to the vehicle proper.

The support 2 according to the invention might in fact be coupled to the portions of the chassis that are intended to support the lateral bags, which also can be arranged in a forward-shifted configuration that will improve the performance of the vehicle.

Even if reference is made only to the support 2, an actuator for the automatic movement of the plate 5 with respect to the articulation element 6 might be interposed in any case between the supporting plate 5, which is coupled to a wall of the box-like body 3, and the articulation element 6, which is coupled to the chassis of the vehicle.

It is specified that in any case (even in the presence of actuators) the possibility of manual release, which is necessary to move the box-like body 3 to the first rearward-shifted configuration, is provided. It might in fact be useful to access the compartment that is present below the saddle of the vehicle and the box-like body 3 arranged in the second forward-shifted configuration would hinder the free opening of the saddle.

It should also be specified that the container 1 and the support 2 can be locked in any of the infinite intermediate arrangements defined between the first and second extreme configurations.

This locking is ensured by means of appropriate units that are defined specifically, preferably of a standard type, which do not require a specific description since they are of an intuitive type.

Furthermore, in order to increase mechanical rigidity, the loading capacity and stability of the container 1 and/or of the support 2 according to the invention, it is not excluded, as shown in Figures 12, 13 and 14, to provide bands 20 that can rotate with respect to the articulation element 6. Such bands 20 can be arranged according to two different configurations; in a configuration for minimum space occupation they might be gathered (in which they might also be located within the contour of such element 6) or in a configuration for maximum space occupation (in which they protrude, they extend, from the element 6 and constitute a resting abutment for the plate 5 when it is arranged in the forward-shifted configuration).

All the components described so far can be made of any material, specifying that metallic materials, polymeric materials and composite materials might constitute the group of materials that are more probably applied.

The present invention will generate benefits also when the vehicle is parked: the container 1 and the support 2 according to the invention in fact allow to reduce the overall space occupation of the vehicle (for example motorcycle A, B), increasing in any case the corresponding safety conditions (there is no protruding part that might hinder the circulation of other vehicles close to the parked one).

The adoption of the container 1 and of the support 2 according to the invention, by allowing the advancement of the box-like body 3, avoids the risk that a circulating vehicle might strike the protruding load (therefore for example a traditional pannier or suitcase) of a parked vehicle and almost certainly cause it to fall, with consequent damage and possible fall also of the adjacent vehicles (domino effect).

The use of the container 1 and/or of the support 2 according to the invention allows the centering and lowering of the rear (or lateral) load, ensuring a greater stability of the vehicle (for example motorcycle A, B), and will increase driving safety: by way of the container 1 and the support 2 according to the invention the aerodynamic disturbance, vibrations and noise that characterize driving with a protruding load are reduced substantially.

Accordingly, the fuel consumption of the vehicle also may be influenced (reduced) greatly by way of the forward shift of the box-like body 3 obtained by means of the container 1 and/or of the support 2 according to the invention.

Operation of the container 1 and/or of the support 2 according to the invention is as follows.

Before starting, the driver (pilot C) of the vehicle (for example motorcycle A, B) must fix the box-like body 3 to the supporting plate 5.

The pilot C may then climb onto the vehicle (for example motorcycles A, B) and operate the forward shift of the box-like body 3 to the desired position and in any case not beyond a predefined safety position, which coincides with the position that is occupied by design by the potential transported passenger D, who in this case is not present. A reverse operation must be performed in order to facilitate descent from such vehicle.

If instead there is also a passenger D on the vehicle in addition to the pilot C, the box-like body 3 must be arranged in the first rearward-shifted configuration that corresponds to the one provided by the designer and manufacturer of the vehicle (for example motorcycles A, B).

During parking of the vehicle, instead, it is almost always preferable to shift the load (of the box-like body 3) to the position of maximum forward shift (second forward-shifted configuration) in order to give maximum stability and minimum space occupation to such vehicle (for example motorcycles A, B) that is parked.

The present invention is aimed at manufacturers of motor vehicles, ATVs, motorized tricycles, quadricycles and the like. It may also be of considerable interest for companies that develop and manufacture solutions and accessories for the vehicles listed above.

A potential interest in the application and diffusion of the container 1 and/or of the support 2 according to the invention certainly can be attributed to insurance companies, which might propose reduced policy costs for those who use these accessories suitable to reduce the risk of impact on the part of other vehicles during parking and to increase stability and safety during travel.

Manufacturers of aircraft and/or watercraft in which loads of any type are to be accommodated and in which it may be useful to be able to vary (even automatically) the distribution of weights in order to achieve better balancing and symmetry of the masses might equally be interested in the present invention.

Advantageously, the present invention solves the problems described earlier, devising a container 1 (and also a support 2) for the transport of baggage for vehicles, motorcycles A, B and the like that does not cause aerodynamic repercussions on the vehicle in which it is installed. Validly, the container 1 (and also the support 2) according to the invention does not cause a significant rise of the center of gravity, as instead occurs with cantilever storage compartments of the known type.

Usefully, the container 1 (and also the support 2) according to the invention does not cause a significant rearward shift of the center of gravity, as instead occurs with cantilever storage compartments of the known type.

Conveniently, the container 1 (and also the support 2) according to the invention does not compromise the normal usability of the installation vehicle, since it is comfortably adjustable.

Advantageously, the baggage transport container for vehicles, motorcycles and the like causes a reduction in fuel consumption, improving the efficiency of the vehicle by reducing its aerodynamic drag.

Favorably, the container 1 (and also the support 2) according to the invention is relatively simple to provide in practice and has low costs: these characteristics make the container 1 (and also the support 2) according to the invention an innovation with assured application.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

In particular, the possibility is provided from the outset to have on the top of the supporting plate 5 a plurality of coupling units intended for coupling box-like bodies 3 of any type (it is specified that the box-like bodies 3 that have been marketed so far have specific dedicated coupling units that can be arranged on the top of the supporting plate 5 in order to allow straightforward installation).

Finally, it is specified that one does not exclude from the outset that the supporting plate 5, when it is in the forward-shifted configuration, might rest (directly and/or with the interposition of suitable spacers) against the saddle of the vehicle. This embodiment allows to increase at will the load that can be transported in the box-like body 3, since the weight thereof will be discharged onto the saddle, which has a high load-bearing capacity in relation to the design specifications of such vehicle (it must support safely a passenger D).

In the examples of embodiment shown, individual characteristics, given in relation to specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics that exist in other exemplary embodiments.

In practice, the materials used, as well as the dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.




 
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