Land vehicles – Wheeled – Occupant propelled type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-05-01
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Land vehicles
Wheeled
Occupant propelled type
C280S304400, C297S215120, C297S383000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06224081
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates generally to motorcycles, and more particularly to adjustable backrest assemblies for motorcycles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Some motorcycles typically include a backrest that provides support to a passenger and/or a driver seated on a motorcycle. The backrests are commonly adjustable and/or removable.
One adjustable backrest uses a gas air spring positioned under the motorcycle seat to maneuver the backrest. A piston in the gas spring is connected to a bracket that extends down from the backrest. In this manner, the gas spring biases the backrest toward a forward position. The gas spring includes a locking mechanism that can lock the piston in a desired position. The backrest is adjusted by disengaging the lock, changing the position of the backrest, and re-engaging the lock. The lock is biased toward an engaged position, and can be deactivated by a control located on the exterior of the motorcycle.
One of the drawbacks associated with using a gas spring to adjust a backrest is the difficulty associated with assembling the gas spring to the motorcycle. Another drawback is the amount of space that is required to position the gas spring under the seat. Gas springs are also typically expensive, adding significantly to the overall cost of producing the motorcycle.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An adjustable motorcycle backrest should include several features. First, an adjustable backrest should remain stable against a rider during operation of the motorcycle. Second, a backrest should have enough of a range of adjustment to allow riders of all size to comfortably use the motorcycle. Third, an adjustable backrest should be inexpensive to manufacture and easily assembled to other parts of the motorcycle. Fourth, an adjustable backrest should have an aesthetically pleasing appearance when it is mounted on the motorcycle. Finally, an adjustable backrest should be easy to manipulate so that there is a minimal amount of effort required to maneuver the backrest into a desired position.
The present invention is embodied in a motorcycle that includes a backrest coupled to a shaft that is positioned inside a torsion spring. The torsion spring inhibits rotation of the shaft in order to prevent movement of the backrest in a rearward direction. The backrest is adjusted rearwardly by disengaging the torsion spring from the shaft in order to permit the shaft (and backrest) to rotate.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of adjusting a motorcycle backrest assembly. The method comprises the steps of disengaging a torsion spring from a shaft; moving a backrest that is coupled to the shaft; and engaging the torsion spring in order to secure the shaft.
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.
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Custom Chrome Catalog 1999—pp. 3.12, 3.17 and 3.28.
Uniquely V-Twin Manufacturing Catalog 1994—pp. 510 and 511.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company Service Parts—1997 Model Rider Backrest—dated Nov. 1997.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company Product Features—Seat with Adjustable Rider Backrest—dated Feb. 26, 1998—(2 pages).
Peller Richard A.
Wayman Stephanie J.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Johnson Brian L.
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
Yeagley Daniel
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