Motor vehicles – Special wheel base – Having only two wheels
Reexamination Certificate
1999-07-29
2002-04-30
Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 2167)
Motor vehicles
Special wheel base
Having only two wheels
C280S284000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06378644
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a swing arm support assembly for a motorcycle and a method for assembling a motorcycle having such a swing arm support assembly.
BACKGROUND
It is known to mount a transmission case to a swing arm and frame with a single elongated bolt member. In the past, the motorcycle drive belt has defined a loop around the elongated bolt member. In such prior art assemblies, the elongated bolt member had to be removed entirely from the transmission case to drop the transmission case and provide clearance for removal and replacement of the drive belt.
In the past, motorcycles have been manufactured by holding the swing arm in position while the transmission case is mounted to the swing arm and the motorcycle frame. The swing arm has typically been held in place by an outside force, such as manually or with a machine, until the bolt member can be inserted through the swing arm, frame, and transmission case.
SUMMARY
The present invention provides a motorcycle having a frame, swing arm, a transmission case, an elongated pivot member pivotally mounting the swing arm and transmission case to the frame, a removable spacer disposed on the elongated pivot member, and a drive member defining a closed loop about the elongated pivot member. Preferably, the spacer is disposed between a pivot mounting portion of the frame and the transmission case. The spacer may be disposed within the closed loop defined by the drive member.
The invention also provides a method for removing a drive member from a motorcycle. The method includes the steps of removing a spacer and removing the drive belt while maintaining the transmission case substantially in the operating position. The method may include partially removing a pivot member that supports the transmission case and the spacer, and then removing the spacer from the pivot member. The method may include removing the spacer from between the transmission case and the frame prior to removing the drive member.
The invention also provides a method for assembling a motorcycle having a frame and a swing arm. The method includes aligning the swing arm with the frame, inserting a bushing through both the swing arm and the frame to pivotally connect the swing arm to the frame, and inserting an elongated pivot member through the bushing. Preferably, the bushing includes an elongated portion, and the method includes extending the elongated portion through a portion of the swing arm and the frame. The method may also include positioning a portion of the swing arm adjacent an inwardly-facing surface of the frame and extending the bushing through the swing arm and then through the frame.
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.
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Brown William H.
Hadfield Brad R.
Fischer Andrew J.
Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Company Group, Inc.
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
Olszewski Robert P.
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