Motor vehicles – Special wheel base – Having only two wheels
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-29
2001-05-22
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Motor vehicles
Special wheel base
Having only two wheels
C180S068600
Reexamination Certificate
active
06234265
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to motorcycles, and more particularly to a cover for an ignition coil on a motorcycle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Motorcycle owners typically place a premium on the aesthetic appearance of their motorcycles such that manufacturers are constantly trying to enhance the image of their products. One technique used by manufacturers to augment the appearance of a motorcycle is to cover certain parts of the motorcycle with more aesthetically-pleasing covers.
One of the parts commonly covered on the motorcycle is an ignition coil. The ignition coil is usually mounted to the motorcycle using conventional mounting hardware that is in plain view once the cover is assembled over the ignition coil.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Mounting a cover onto an ignition coil is difficult because the ignition coil is awkwardly shaped. There is also usually a limited amount of space in which to mount the cover onto the ignition coil. The limited space makes it difficult to maneuver the cover and any assembly tools into locations that facilitate assembling the cover over the ignition coil. The visible mounting hardware commonly used to secure ignition coil covers detracts from the external appearance of the motorcycle.
The present invention addresses the above-noted considerations by providing a motorcycle that includes an ignition coil cover that is (i) inexpensive to manufacture; (ii) readily mounted over an ignition coil; and (iii) improves the appearance of the motorcycle by eliminating any visible mounting hardware.
In the illustrated embodiment, the present invention provides a motorcycle that includes a frame, a transmission case, an upper support, an ignition coil and a cover. The transmission case is mounted to a lower portion of the frame, and the upper support extends from the transmission case to an upper portion of the frame. The ignition coil is mounted on the upper support, and the cover is secured over the ignition coil by attaching the cover to the upper support.
In another aspect, the present invention provides a motorcycle that includes a frame, an ignition coil and a cover. The ignition coil is secured to the frame and the cover is positioned over the ignition coil. The cover is secured to the frame by inserting a projection on the cover into an opening in the frame. The projection on the cover makes it easier to assemble the cover to the frame because there are no assembly tools needed to insert the projection into the opening in the frame. In addition, the projection facilitates alignment of the cover with respect to the frame and/or the ignition coil.
Other principle advantages of the invention would become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, the detailed description and the attached claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3944009 (1976-03-01), Katagiri
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1993 and 1994 1340 Models Parts Catalog, pp. 34 and 35.
1999 Custom Chrome Catalog, pp. 2.18 and 7.17-7.22.
1997 J & P Cycles, pp. 1-21-1.24.
1993 Uniquely V-Twin Manufacturing Catalog, p. 445.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Johnson Brian L.
Luby Matthew
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
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