FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY
[0001] The present invention relates to system of storage and/or transportation of,
in particular but not exclusively ready-to-use, straddle-ride type vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Straddle-ride type vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicles, motorcycles,
etc., are often-time transported to and from places by loading them, in a row, adjacent to
each other in a side-by-side configuration, on a platform of a transporting media such as
dedicated pick-up trucks, train wagons, etc. Typically, a plurality of holding provisions is
provided on the platform of the transporting media for receiving the wheels of the twowheeled
vehicles. Once the two-wheeled vehicles are placed in appropriate position with
the wheels disposed in the holding provisions, a securing means from the top of the twowheeled
vehicles is used to secure the two-wheeled vehicles and maintain the twowheeled
vehicles in a substantially upright position.
[0003] However, such storing and/or transporting systems suffer from significant
shortcomings. The dimensions of the transporting media is fixed as per the regulatory
requirements and/or market practices, and the straddle-ride type vehicles such as the twowheeled
vehicles are required to be accommodated within the space available in
transporting media. As the straddle-ride type vehicles are arranged in a row adjacent to
each other, the corresponding or non-corresponding elements of the adjacent straddleride
type vehicles may interfere with each other. Due to such interference, pitch distance
between the adjacent vehicles in a row is kept more resulting in wastage of space in the
transporting media.
SUMMARY
[0004] In an embodiment, a storage and transportation system comprises a
platform configured to accommodate a plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles in one or
more rows configured in the platform. Each straddle-ride type vehicle comprises at least
one first lateral side element and at least one second lateral side element. Further, one or
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more~securing"meaifs~aTe~prW^i3e^~fo"r" securing the "plurality of straddle-ride type
vehicles to the platform. The platform is configured to accommodate a straddle-ride type
vehicle in a row of the one or more rows in an offset relationship with an adjacent
straddle-ride type vehicle in the row.
[0005] In an embodiment, the offset relationship is along at least one of a
longitudinal axis of the platform and a vertical axis of the platform thereby precluding
interference between the at least one first lateral side element of the straddle-ride type
vehicle and the at least one second lateral side element of the adjacent straddle-ride type
vehicle.
[0006] In an embodiment, the platform for accommodating the plurality of
straddle-ride type vehicles is an integral part of a transporting media.
[00071 In an embodiment, the at least one row of the one or more rows comprises
a stepped structure comprising a plurality of run portions. Each of the plurality of
straddle-ride type vehicles is accommodated on a respective run portion of the plurality
of run portions in a side-by-side relationship such that the straddle-ride type vehicle is in
the offset relationship to the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle in the vertical axis of the
platform.
[0008] In an embodiment, at least one row of the one or more rows comprises at
least one groove, where each of the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles is
accommodated on a respective groove from among the at least one groove in a side-byside
relationship such that the straddle-ride type vehicle is in the offset relationship to the
adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle in the vertical axis of the platform.
[0009] In an embodiment, each of one or more securing means comprises a
stepped solid bar having one or more engaging provisions adapted to secure the plurality
of straddle-ride type vehicles from a top side of the plurality of straddle-ride type
vehicles.
[0010] In an embodiment, at least one securing means comprises a clamp type
mechanism including a bar having the one or more engaging provisions adapted to
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straddle-ride type vehicles.
[0011] In an embodiment, the straddle-ride type vehicle is oppositely oriented to
the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle in the offset relationship.
[0012] In an embodiment, the platform is adapted to accommodate each of the
plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles in the offset relationship with the adjacent
straddle-ride type vehicle in an angular relationship.
[0013] In an embodiment, each of the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles is a
motorbike and each of the first lateral side element and the second lateral side element
includes at least one of a footpeg, a leg guard, a sari guard, a muffler, a gear pedal and a
brake pedal.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The invention itself, together with further features and attended
advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed
description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more
embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only, with
reference to the accompanying drawing wherein like reference numerals represent like
elements and in which:
[0015] Figure 1 is a view illustrating a conventional configuration of
accommodating straddle-ride type vehicles in a transporting media;
[0016] Figure 2 is another view illustrating the conventional configuration of
accommodating straddle-ride type vehicles in the transporting media;
[0017] Figure 3 is a view illustrating configuration of accommodating straddleride
type vehicles in a transporting media, according to an embodiment of the present
invention;
4
"1001*8] 'Figure~2ris~a view^illiostrating configuration of accommodating straddleride
type vehicles in the transporting media, according to another embodiment of the
present invention;
[0019] Figure 5a illustrates a plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles being
accommodated in multiple rows and in offset relationship, in one direction, according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0020] Figure 5b illustrates another view of Figure 5a, according to an
embodiment of the present invention; and
[0021] Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d illustrate views of the plurality of straddle-ride
type vehicles arranged in a row in offset relationship in another direction, according to
some embodiments of the present invention.
[0022] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as
being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary
in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0023] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative
forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the drawing
and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to
limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is
to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the
scope of the invention.
[0024] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are
intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that
comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps
but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup,
device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus
proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence
of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
5
"[0025] Iris"to~bernoted~ffiaf termsr such as "straddle-ride type vehicle" "twowheeled
vehicle" and "vehicle" are interchangeably used throughout the description. The
term "straddle-ride type vehicle" includes vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters,
bicycles, mopeds, all terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like. Further, The terms
"front/forward", "rear/rearward/back/backward", "up/upper/upward",
"down/downward/lower/lowerward", "left/leftward", "right/rightward" used therein
represents the directions as seen by a vehicle driver sitting astride for driving and these
directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the drawing figures.
[0026] For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be
made to the embodiments illustrated in greater depth in the accompanying figures and
description hereinbelow, further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals
are used to identify the same components in various views.
[0027] Figure 1 and Figure 2 are views illustrating a conventional stowing
configuration of straddle-ride type vehicles in a transporting media for storage and
transportation of straddle-ride type vehicles. Herein, the straddle-ride type vehicles may
be finished or semi-finished products, for example, some or all of the transported
straddle-ride type vehicles may be ready to be used by the users, and/or some or all of
the straddle-ride type vehicles may require installation of one or more additional
components before they can be used by the users. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, straddleride
type vehicles (106a, 106b) are accommodated in a row, adjacent to each other in
side-by-side configuration. For better understanding of the description, a plurality of
straddle-ride type vehicles such as the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a, 106b) are also
commonly referred as straddle-ride type vehicles (106). Typically, envelope of space for
a straddle-ride type vehicle in the transporting media is decided based on the extreme
points or boundaries of the straddle-ride type vehicle, in that direction / axis. The
extreme points or boundaries, in a direction / axis, of a straddle-ride type vehicle to be
accommodated in the transporting media is decided by any element which could be an
integral part of the straddle-ride type vehicle or is mounted, fixedly or removably, to the
straddle-ride type vehicle. More specifically, each of the plurality of straddle-ride type
vehicles includes at least one first lateral side element and at least one second lateral side
element. Each of the at least one first lateral side element and the at least one second
6
a gear pedal and a brake pedal. For example, the elements can be footpegs (202a)
attached from right or left side of the straddle-ride type vehicle (106a) and footpeg
(202b) attached from right or left side of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle (106b).
Additionally in another example, the elements can be a leg guard (204a) attached to the
straddle-ride type vehicle (106a) and extending in the right and left side of the straddleride
type vehicle (106a) and a leg guard (204b) attached to the adjacent straddle-ride type
vehicle (106b) and extending in the right and left side of the vehicle adjacent straddleride
type (106b). Additionally, in another example, the elements can be a sari guard
(208a) disposed on right and/or left side of the straddle-ride type vehicle (106a) and a
sari guard (208b) disposed on right and/or left side of the adjacent straddle-ride type
vehicle (106b).
[0028] In one example, the envelope of space for the straddle-ride type vehicle
(106a) is decided by left extreme point of the sari guard (208a) and right extreme point
of a muffler (206a), as the considerations are required to be given to the interference
between the muffler (206a) of the straddle-ride type vehicle (106a) and the sari guard
(208b) of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle (106b) accommodated on right side of
the former. In another example, the envelope of space for the straddle-ride type vehicle
(106a) is decided by left extreme point of the footpeg (202a) on left side and right
extreme point of the footpeg (202a) on right side, as the considerations are required to be
given to the interference between the footpeg (206a) on the right side of the straddle-ride
type vehicle (106a) and the footpeg (202b) on the left side of the adjacent straddle-ride
type vehicle (106b). In yet another example, the envelope of space for the straddle-ride
type vehicle (106a) is decided by left extreme point of the leg guard (204a) extending on
left side and right extreme point of the leg guard (204a) extending on right side, as the
considerations are required to be given to the interference between part of the leg guard
(204a) extending on the right side of the straddle-ride type vehicle (106a) and part of the
leg guard (204b) extending on the left side of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle
(106b). In yet another example, the envelope of space for the straddle-ride type vehicle
(106a) is decided by left extreme point of a gear pedal (212a) on left side and right
extreme point of a brake pedal (210a) on right side, as the considerations are required to
be given to the interference between the brake pedal (210a) on the right side of the
7
-stradclle=ride-type-vehic~le"(T0'6a) and a ge^r pedal^2 r^J^orTthe left side of the adjacent
straddle-ride type vehicle (106b). The envelope of space for a vehicle such as the
straddle-ride type vehicle (106a) is decided by either the foot pegs (202a) on left and
right side of the straddle-ride type vehicle (106a); or by width of the leg guard (204a) of
the straddle-ride type vehicle (106a); or by left extreme end of the sari guard (208 a) of
the straddle-ride type vehicle (106a) and right extreme end of the muffler (206a) of the
straddle-ride type vehicle (106a), whichever is large. Similarly, the envelope of space for
a vehicle such as the straddle-ride type vehicle (106b) is decided by either the foot pegs
(202b) on left and right side of the straddle-ride type vehicle (106b); or by width of the
leg guard (204b) of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle (106b); or by left extreme end
of the sari guard (208b) of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle (106b) and right
extreme end of the muffler (206b) of the straddle-ride type vehicle (106b), whichever is
large.
[0029] When the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and (106b) are
accommodated on the transporting media, the pitch distance 'X' (see 'X' in Figure 2)
between the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a), (106b) depend on the envelope of space
for the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a), (106b). Therefore, when the straddleride
type vehicles (106a, 106b) are accommodated on the transporting media in a row in
side-by-side relationship i.e. adjacent to each other, so that they do not interfere with
each other, the pitch distance 'X' between the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a,
106b) decide the number of straddle-ride type vehicles which can possibly be
accommodated, in a row, on the transporting media.
[0030] The space between the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a, 106b)
remains unutilized to take care for interference of the corresponding or noncorresponding
elements of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a), (106b) and
there exists potential to reduce this unutilized space between the adjacent straddle-ride
type vehicles (106a, 106b). Typically, it has been observed that the dimension of the
transporting media such as trucks allow only four vehicles to be accommodated in a row
considering the pitch distance between the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles to avoid
the interference in the in the storage and transportation system of the straddle-ride type
vehicle.
8
accommodating increased number of straddle-ride type vehicles in a given space of rows
of the transporting media, and some of these embodiments are herein described with
references to Figures 3 to 6a-6d.
[0032] Figure 3 and Figure 4 are views illustrating configuration of two straddleride
type vehicles adjacently accommodated in a transporting media for storage and/or
transportation of straddle-ride type vehicles, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the storage and transportation system for
straddle-ride type vehicles that are in particular but not exclusively ready-to-use, similar
or dissimilar, comprises a platform (102) {see, Figures 2 or 4), integral or in parts, and
one or more securing means (104) for securing the at least two, similar or dissimilar,
straddle-ride type vehicles to the platform (102). The platform (102) is adapted to
accommodate at least two, similar or dissimilar, straddle-ride type vehicles in offset
relationship to one another. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the platform (102) is adapted to
accommodate at least two vehicles in a row in offset relationship to one another. In an
embodiment, the at least two straddle-ride type vehicles in a row are oppositely oriented
in offset relationship. The securing means (104) is provided for securing the straddle-ride
type vehicles (106) to the platform (102). In an embodiment, the securing means (104)
can be a clamp type mechanism that includes a bar having the one or more engaging
provisions (103) adapted to contact/hold the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a), (106b)
from the top. The engaging provisions (103) of the securing means (104) are adapted to
contact the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a), (106b) accommodated in offset
relationship. In an embodiment, as illustrated in the Figure 4 the securing means (104) is
a stepped solid bar having the one or more engaging provisions (103) adapted to
contact/hold the vehicles (106a), (106b) from a top side of the straddle-ride type
vehicles. The platform (102) of the storage and transportation system of straddle-ride
type vehicles can be an integral part of the transporting media. For example, the platform
(102) for storage and transportation of the straddle-ride type vehicles is integral part of
the truck bed and forms floor of the truck where the straddle-ride type vehicles are
accommodated.
9
adapted to accommodate at least two straddle-ride type vehicles in offset relationship to
one another in the longitudinal axis (Y-Y) of the platform (102) such that the
corresponding parts or non-corresponding parts of the adjacent straddle-ride type
vehicles (106a), (106b) do not interfere with each other. In an embodiment, the
longitudinal axis (Y-Y) of the platform (102) is same as that of longitudinal axis of the
straddle-ride type vehicles (106a, 106b) being stored and transported. As shown in the
Figure 3, the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and (106b) are in offset
relationship i.e. one vehicle from among the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and
(106b) is shifted frontward or rearward thereby the foot peg (202a) of the straddle-ride
type vehicle (106a) on its right side and the straddle-ride type foot peg (202b) of the
straddle-ride type vehicle (106b) on its left side are not in line and hence the straddle-ride
type vehicles (106a) and (106b) can be brought closer, thus, the pitch distance between
the two adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and (106b) gets reduced. Similarly,
part of the leg guard (204b) extending on the left side of the straddle-ride type vehicle
(106b) and the part of the leg guard (204a) extending on the right side of the straddleride
type vehicle (106a) are not in line and hence the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a)
and (106b) can be brought closer, thus, the pitch distance between the two straddle-ride
type adjacent vehicles (106a) and (106b) gets reduced. Similarly again, the brake pedal
(210a) on the right side of the straddle-ride type vehicle (106a) and the gear pedal (212b)
on the left side of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle (106b) are not in line and hence
the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and (106b) can be brought closer, thus, the pitch
distance between the two adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and (106b) gets
reduced.
[0034] In an embodiment, as illustrated in the Figure 4, the platform (102) is
adapted to accommodate at least two straddle-ride type vehicles in an offset relationship
to one another in the vertical axis (Z-Z) of the platform (102) such that the corresponding
parts or non-corresponding parts of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a),
(106b) do not interfere with each other. In an embodiment, a vertical axis (Z-Z) of the
platform (102) is same as that of the vertical axis of the straddle-ride type vehicles being
stored and transported. The adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and (106b) are in
offset relationship i.e. one vehicle from among the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and
10
(106b) can be brought closer, thus, the pitch distance between the two adjacent straddleride
type vehicles (106a) and (106b) get reduced. As shown in the Figure 4 the adjacent
straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and (106b) are offset i.e. the straddle-ride type vehicle
(106b) is shifted upward thereby the sari guard (208b) of the adjacent straddle-ride type
vehicle (106b) and the muffler (206a) of the straddle-ride type vehicle (106a) are not in
line and hence the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and (106b) can be brought closer,
thus, the pitch distance between the two adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and
(106b) get reduced. Similarly, the foot peg (202a) on the right side of the straddle-ride
type vehicle (106a) and the foot peg (202b) on the left side of the adjacent straddle-ride
type vehicle (106b) are not in line and hence the straddle-ride type vehicles (106a) and
(106b) can be brought closer, thus, the pitch distance between the two adjacent straddleride
type vehicles (106a) and (106b) get reduced.
[0035] In an embodiment, the platform (102) is adapted to accommodate at least
two straddle-ride type vehicles in an offset relationship to one another in an angular
relationship with one another such that the corresponding parts or non-corresponding
parts of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a), (106b) do not interfere with each
other.
[0036] In an embodiment, the platform (102) is adapted to accommodate at least
two straddle-ride type vehicles in an offset relationship to one another in a longitudinal
axis (Y-Y) of the platform (102) and /or a vertical axis (Z-Z) of the platform (102) and/or
an angular relationship.
[0037] Figures 5a and 5b illustrate the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles
(106) being configured in multiple rows and in offset relationship, in one direction,
according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figures 5a and 5b, the
platform (102) is adapted to accommodate 25 straddle-ride type vehicles (106) in five
rows i.e. five straddle-ride type vehicles in each of a first row (302), a second row (304),
a third row (306), a fourth row (308) and a fifth row (310). In an embodiment, the
platform (102) for accommodating the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles (106) is a
flat structure and is an integral part of a transporting media (101). The platform (102) of
11
integral part of, or separate from a transporting media (101). Each of the five rows has
five straddle-ride type vehicles (106) accommodated one after another in the offset
relationship to one another in the longitudinal axis (Y) of the platform (102). The
straddle-ride type vehicles (106) in the first row (302) are accommodated on the platform
(102) in offset relationship to one another such that the corresponding parts or noncorresponding
parts of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106a), (106b) do not
interfere with each other, thereby, reducing the pitch distance between the adjacent
straddle-ride type vehicles (106a), (106b) in the first row (302). The pitch distance X', as
shown in Figure 4, is less than the pitch distance "X" as shown in Figure 2. Similarly, the
plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles (106) is arranged in the second row (304), the
third row (306), the fourth row (308) and the fifth row (310). Therefore, the total space
saved by such arrangement of the straddle-ride type vehicles (106) in each of the five
rows (302), (304), (306), (308) and (310) enables to accommodate one more straddleride
type vehicles in each of the five rows (302), (304), (306), (308) and (310).
[0038] Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d illustrate views of the plurality of straddle-ride
type vehicles (106) arranged in a row in offset relationship in another direction,
according to some embodiments of the present invention. As illustrated in the Figures 6a,
6b, 6c and 6d, the platform (102) is adapted to accommodate five straddle-ride type
vehicles (106) in a row in an offset relationship to one another in the vertical axis (Z) of
the straddle-ride type vehicles (106). As illustrated in Figures 6a and 6b, the platform
(102) is adapted to stow 25 number of straddle-ride type vehicles (106) in five rows i.e.
five straddle-ride type vehicles (106) in each of the first row (302), the second row (304),
the third row (306), the fourth row (308) and the fifth row (310). Each of the. five rows
(302, 304, 306, 308 and 310) has five straddle-ride type vehicles (106) accommodated in
the offset relationship in the vertical axis (Z) of the platform (102). In an embodiment, as
referred in Figure 6a, each row of the platform (102) includes a stepped structure (410)
having a plurality of run portions (414, 416, 418, 420 and 422) extending in the
longitudinal direction of the platform (102). Each of the plurality of run portions (414,
416, 418, 420 and 422) is adapted to stow at least one straddle-ride type vehicle (106).
For example, five straddle-ride type vehicles (106) are accommodated on respective run
portions (414, 416, 418, 420 and 422) of the stepped structure (410) in a side-by-side
12
relationship to its adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle (106) in the vertical axis of the
platform (102).
[0039] As illustrated in Figure 6a, the five straddle-ride type vehicles (106) are
accommodated in the first row (402) in the stepped structure (410) such that any two
adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106) are in the offset relationship to each other in
the vertical axis (Z) of the platform (102). Similar offset relationship in the vertical axis
(Z) is maintained between each of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles (106) in the
second row (304), the third row (306), the fourth row (308) and the fifth row (310) which
enable to reduce the pitch distance between two adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles
(106) in each of the five rows and save space in the platform (102). It is understood that
the design of the stepped structure (410) may have various configurations, for example,
the stepped structure (410) has steps that are of sequentially increasing heights. For
instance, the run portion (420) has more height as compared to the run portion (422), and
the run portion (418) has more height as compared to the run portion (420), and so on. In
the embodiment shown in Figure 6b, a stepped structure (450) may have a combination
of steps in sequence of increasing heights as well as decreasing heights, for example,
heights of the steps (or run portions) 452, 454 and 456 are in increasing order followed
by steps 458 and 460 in decreasing order.
[0040] In another embodiment, at least one row of the platform (102) includes at
least one groove. For example, as shown in Figures 6c, a row includes grooves (514,
516, 518, 520 and 522), where each of the grooves (514, 516, 518, 520 and 522) is
adapted to accommodate at least one straddle-ride type vehicle (106). Each of the
straddle-ride type vehicles (106) is accommodated on the respective groove (514, 516,
518, 520 and 522) in a side-by-side relationship such that each of the straddle-ride type
vehicles (106) in the row are in an offset relationship to its adjacent straddle-ride type
vehicles (106) in the vertical axis of the platform (102). In an embodiment, as shown in
Figure 6c, depths of the grooves (514, 516, 518, 520 and 522) are different. In an
embodiment, the depth of alternate grooves in the row is same.
13
platform (102) includes combination of at least one stepped structure such as stepped
structures (612, 614 and 616) and at least one groove such as grooves (618 and 620).
Similar offset relationship in the vertical axis (Z) is maintained between any of the
adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles in the second row (304), the third row (306), the
fourth row (308) and the fifth row (310) which enable to reduce the pitch distance
between two adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles in each of the five rows and save space
in the platform (102).
[0042] The offset between the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles of each of the
five rows in the vertical axis may be realized by providing a stepped structure or a
groove structure, as explained in earlier embodiment, or combination of both the stepped
structure and the groove in rows of the platform (102).
[0043] In an embodiment, each row of the platform (102) can have different
arrangement of straddle-ride type vehicles as described in the previous embodiments i.e.
the first row may have at least two straddle-ride type vehicles arranged in an offset
relationship to one another in the longitudinal axis (Y) of the platform (102). The second
row may have at least two straddle-ride type vehicles arranged in an offset relationship to
one another in the vertical axis (Z) of the platform (102). The third row may have at least
two straddle-ride type vehicles arranged in an offset relationship to one another in both
the longitudinal axis (Y) and vertical axis (Z) of the platform (102).
[0044] The present invention avoids the disadvantages and limitations of the
conventional system by providing system for storage and transportation of, in particular
but not exclusively ready-to-use, similar or dissimilar, straddle-ride type vehicles in
which vehicles in a row are accommodated in offset relationship to one another.
[0045] By offsetting the straddle-ride type vehicles by little distance, adjacent
straddle-ride type vehicles can be brought at different planes and it can be ensured that
the parts of one straddle-ride type vehicle do not interfere with the corresponding or noncorresponding
parts of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle, therefore, the pitch
distance between the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles is reduced. Reduction in pitch
distance between adjacent straddle-ride type vehicles in a row results in saving of space
14
transportation.
[0046] While few embodiments of the present invention have been described
above, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the above embodiments
and modifications may be appropriately made thereto within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
[0047] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular
features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made,
and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing
from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the
invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from
the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing
descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a
limitation.

We claim:
1. A storage and transportation system for straddle-ride type vehicles, comprising:
a platform configured to accommodate a plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles in
one or more rows configured in the platform, each of the plurality of straddle-ride type
vehicles comprising at least one first lateral side element and at least one second lateral
side element; and
one or more securing means for securing the plurality of straddle-ride type
vehicles to the platform,
wherein the platform is configured to accommodate a straddle-ride type vehicle
of the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles in a row of the one or more rows in an
offset relationship with an adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle in the row.
2. The storage and transportation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the offset
relationship is along at least one of a longitudinal axis of the platform and a vertical axis
of the platform thereby precluding interference between the at least one first lateral side
element of the straddle-ride type vehicle and the at least one second lateral side element
of the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle.
3. The storage and transportation system as claimed in claim 2, wherein at least one
row of the one or more rows comprises a stepped structure comprising a plurality of run
portions, and wherein each of the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles is
accommodated on a respective run portion of the plurality of run portions in a side-byside
relationship such that the straddle-ride type vehicle is in the offset relationship with
the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle in the vertical axis of the platform.
4. The storage and transportation system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the at least
one row of the one or more rows comprises at least one groove, wherein each of the
plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles is accommodated on a respective groove from
among the at least one groove in a side-by-side relationship such that the straddle-ride
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the vertical axis of the platform.
5. The storage and transportation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of one
or more securing means comprises a stepped solid bar having one or more engaging
provisions adapted to secure the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles from a top side
of the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles.
6. The storage and transportation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the
one or more securing means comprises a clamp type mechanism including a bar having
the one or more engaging provisions adapted to secure the plurality of straddle-ride type
vehicles from a top side of the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles.
7. The storage and transportation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
straddle-ride type vehicle is oppositely oriented to the adjacent straddle-ride type
vehicle in the offset relationship.
8. The storage and transportation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
platform is adapted to accommodate each of the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles
in the offset relationship with the adjacent straddle-ride type vehicle in an angular
relationship.
9. The storage and transportation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the
plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles is a motorbike and the at least one first lateral
side element and the at least one second lateral side element comprises at least one of a
foot peg, a leg guard, a sari guard, a muffler, a gear pedal and a brake pedal.
10. The storage and transportation system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the
platform for accommodating the plurality of straddle-ride type vehicles is an integral
part of a transporting media.