Motor vehicles – Special wheel base – Having only two wheels
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-30
2001-07-31
Johnson, Brian L. (Department: 3618)
Motor vehicles
Special wheel base
Having only two wheels
C180S229000, C180S068100
Reexamination Certificate
active
06267193
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to motorcycle mufflers.
BACKGROUND
Prior art motorcycle mufflers often have a substantially circular cross section. The mufflers are usually mounted near the end of each exhaust pipe. Some motorcycle mufflers are mounted near the bottom of the motorcycle frame, beneath the engine and transmission assembly. It is known to provide a fairing or air scoop that is separate from the muffler in front of the muffler to direct a flow of air up toward the engine and transmission assembly.
SUMMARY
Motorcycle mufflers often become very hot during use. Heat radiating from a muffler can cause the engine and transmission housings to heat up. This may result in a variety of undesirable effects, including rider discomfort and accelerated wear of engine components.
The present invention provides a motorcycle having a frame, an engine and transmission assembly interconnected with the frame, and a muffler interconnected with and in communication with the engine's exhaust manifold. The muffler includes a front portion defining an air scoop sized and shaped to direct cooling air between the muffler and the engine and transmission assembly. The air scoop may also be used to direct cooling air toward the engine and transmission assembly while the motorcycle is moving. The invention also provides a motorcycle having a muffler that has a substantially planar top portion, and a lower portion including an outer surface defining a convex curve.
Because the muffler of the present invention directs air toward the engine and transmission assembly, there is no need for an additional fairing that is separate from and mounted in front of the muffler. Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3915249 (1975-10-01), Garside
patent: 4570740 (1986-02-01), Hara
patent: 4633965 (1987-01-01), Tsurumi et al.
patent: 4678223 (1987-07-01), Kishi et al.
patent: 4830135 (1989-05-01), Yamashita
patent: 5301767 (1994-04-01), Shiohara
patent: 5566746 (1996-10-01), Reise
patent: 6105701 (2000-08-01), Buell
patent: 6129167 (2000-10-01), Mabary
1997 J & P Cycles, p. 20-14.
1998 Yamaha Motorcycle & Riva Accessories, p. 17.
Buell Motorcycle Company
Johnson Brian L.
Luby Matthew
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
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