Geometrical instruments – Gauge – Wheel
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-22
2001-06-05
Fulton, Christopher W. (Department: 2859)
Geometrical instruments
Gauge
Wheel
C033S600000, C033S645000, C033S677000, C033S678000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240648
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to rear wheel alignment for motorcycles and more particularly relates to rear wheel alignment for motorcycles having a swing arm rear suspension system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
For various different reasons, the rear wheel of a motorcycle can become misaligned. This misalignment is a relative mispositioning of the wheel with respect to other components of the motorcycle and can have several undesirable consequences. Misalignment can result in a degradation in the performance and riding comfort of the motorcycle, such as increased shaking or vibration during operation. Misalignment of the rear wheel can result in excessive tire wear, and if left uncorrected for extended periods of operation, excessive wear on the axles and other mechanical drive components.
In the past, motorcycle mechanics have employed a technique of measuring the distance from each side of the swing arm suspension bolt or pivoting shaft, a structurally significant member of the motorcycle, to the respective sides of the rear axle. This pivoting shaft is a component of a particular type of motorcycle with a pivoting swing arm rear suspension system. Often these motorcycles do not have any visible shock absorbers which extend from the swing arm upwardly to structural members of the frame. These motorcycle suspensions are often described by motorcycle owners and manufacturers, with several different ways, as “soft tails” or as having a “swing arm suspension.” Typically, a motorcycle mechanic will first determine the exact center of the swing arm pivot shaft bolt by drawing two intersecting lines with care being given to each line so that it goes through the center of the bolt. Then the mechanic will use a long rod, such as a welding rod, and hold one end of such rod over the point of intersection of the two lines. A rubber grommet is placed over the rod and slid to mark the location of the center of the rear axle. Then this rod, with its properly positioned rubber grommet, is used on the other side of the motorcycle in a similar fashion. If the rear axles are the same distance from their respective swing arm pivot shaft bolts' center line, then no further adjustment to the pivot bolt-axle distance is required.
While this approach has been used extensively with considerable success in the past, it has several serious drawbacks. First of all, it is often time consuming to draw the lines on the swing arm pivoting bolt to determine the center of the bolt. Secondly, it is often difficult to hold one end of the measuring rod exactly over the pivot shaft bolt center point and simultaneously align the rubber grommet with the center of the rear axle.
Consequently, there is an existing need for improved methods and apparatuses for performing wheel alignments on motorcycles having a swing arm rear suspension system.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide improved alignment of rear wheels on motorcycles having a swing arm suspension system.
It is a feature of the present invention to include a measuring rod and a measuring rod registration member.
It is an advantage of the present invention to aid motorcycle mechanics in holding the measuring rod at the center of the swing arm pivot bolt.
It is another advantage of the present invention to reduce the time required to perform rear wheel alignments for motorcycles having a swing arm suspension system.
It is another feature of the present invention to include a sharp pointed sliding measuring member on the measuring rod.
It is another advantage of the present invention to provide for increased ability to precisely measure the center of the rear axle bolt.
The present invention is an apparatus for performing rear wheel alignment on motorcycles having a swing arm suspension, which is designed to satisfy the aforementioned needs, provide the previously stated objects, include the above listed features and achieve the already articulated advantages. The present invention is carried out in a “registration error-less” manner in a sense that the errors associated with misalignment or misregistration of a measuring rod with a center point on a swing arm pivot shaft bolt are reduced.
Accordingly, the present invention includes a measuring rod having a swing arm end and a rear end and a measuring rod registration member, disposed at a central position on a swing arm pivot shaft bolt and further including a rear axle measurer, means for measuring a position associated with the rear axle.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4616418 (1986-10-01), Wade, III
patent: 5027524 (1991-07-01), Metcalf et al.
patent: 5546665 (1996-08-01), Jackmauh
patent: 5655310 (1997-08-01), Lawshea, Jr. et al.
Prior art published repair manual, (Date Unknown).
Fulton Christopher W.
Simmons Perrine Albright & Ellwood PLC
LandOfFree
Method and apparatus for performing rear wheel alignment on... does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Method and apparatus for performing rear wheel alignment on..., we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Method and apparatus for performing rear wheel alignment on... will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2503010