Motor vehicles – Special wheel base – Having only two wheels
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-01-23
DePumpo, Daniel G. (Department: 3611)
Motor vehicles
Special wheel base
Having only two wheels
C280S280000, C280S304500, C296S078100, C224S413000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06176339
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to motorcycles, and more particularly to motorcycle accessory mounts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Motorcycle owners typically place a premium on the aesthetic appearance of their motorcycles. Many owners will secure a variety of motorcycle accessories on different parts of the motorcycle in order to increase the utility and look of a motorcycle. Bags, tool kits, light bars and windshields are among the different accessories that can be mounted to a motorcycle.
Triple clamps are one of the parts on a motorcycle where accessories are commonly attached. The triple clamps rotatably couple the frame of the motorcycle with a pair of fork tubes on the steering fork. The fork tubes extend through the triple clamps and one end of each fork tube is connected to opposite sides of the front wheel axle. Handlebars are coupled to the upper end of the fork tubes. A driver steers the motorcycle by maneuvering the handlebars, which causes the fork tubes, front wheel and triple clamps to rotate with respect to the frame of the motorcycle. The motorcycle accessories are usually mounted on a front, or top, surface of one, or both, of the triple clamps so that an accessory is readily visible and easily accessible.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Mounting motorcycle accessories to the front or top surface of either triple clamp causes the mounting hardware (e.g., bolts, nuts etc.) that is used to secure the accessory to the motorcycle to be clearly visible. Visible mounting hardware on a motorcycle diminishes the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. This is particularly true when no accessories are mounted, and only the fastener or a threaded hole is visible.
The present invention alleviates the above-noted problem by providing a motorcycle that includes a frame, a steering fork, a triple clamp and a motorcycle accessory mounted to a bottom surface of the triple clamp. The triple clamp rotatably couples the frame to a pair of fork tubes that are part of the steering fork such that the steering fork and triple clamp rotate with respect to the motorcycle frame.
Mounting a motorcycle accessory to the bottom surface of the triple clamp locates the mounting hardware beneath the triple clamp such that the mounting hardware is hidden from casual viewing. Concealing mounting hardware (e.g., nuts, bolts, etc.) on a motorcycle enhances the image of the motorcycle.
Other principal features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following drawings, detailed description and the attached claims.
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1999 Custom Chrome Catalog—pp. 2.21, 15.26-15.30.
1994 Uniquely V-twin Manufacturing Catalog—pp. 210-212 and 220.
1993 and 1994 Official Factory Service Manual, XLH—p. 2-46.
DePumpo Daniel G.
Harley-Davidson Motor Company
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
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