Fastener cover

A motorcycle including a frame and a triple clamp supported by the frame for rotation relative to the frame. The motorcycle includes an engaging member, a triple clamp fastener, and a cover. The engaging member includes a first engagement portion and is positioned between the triple clamp fastener and the surface of the triple clamp. The cover includes a second engagement portion that engages the first engagement portion to cover at least a portion of the triple clamp fastener.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to motorcycles, and particularly to motorcycles including a triple clamp for supporting a pair of forks.

Motorcycles generally include a front wheel supported by one or more fork tubes for rotation. Often the fork tubes are supported by a triple clamp that is pivotally attached to the motorcycle frame through a steering stem. Handlebars are coupled to the triple clamp to allow the rider to turn the fork tubes and front wheel to steer the motorcycle. The fork tubes and the steering stem attach to the triple clamp using triple clamp fasteners, such as nuts or bolts, that are commonly exposed on the top surface of the triple clamp.

SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The present invention provides a fastener cover assembly that is designed to cover a triple clamp fastener, thereby providing a protective and cosmetic cover over the triple clamp fastener. In one aspect, the cover assembly includes an engaging member (e.g., a washer) positioned between at least a portion of the triple clamp fastener and the top surface of the triple clamp. The cover assembly also includes a cover coupled to the engaging member and covering at least a portion of the triple clamp fastener. In one embodiment, an interior portion of the cover is secured to an exterior portion of the engaging member. For example, the interior and exterior portions can be threaded to engage each other.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1illustrates a motorcycle10embodying the present invention. The motorcycle10includes a front wheel15and a rear wheel20supported for rotation by a frame25. Two fork tubes30cooperate to support the front wheel15and to define an axis of rotation A for the front wheel15. The fork tubes30attach to a triple clamp35that is pivotally supported by the frame25through a steering stem (not shown). Handlebars40attach to the triple clamp35to allow the rider to pivot the triple clamp35to turn the front wheel15and steer the motorcycle10.

Turning toFIG. 2, each fork tube30includes a first end45having a threaded bore50that facilitates attachment to the triple clamp35. The first end45fits into a recess or pocket55within the triple clamp35. The pocket55inhibits movement of the fork tube30in directions perpendicular to the fork tube's longitudinal axis B. An aperture60in the triple clamp35aligns with the threaded bore50in the first end45of the fork tube30and receives a triple clamp fastener in the form of a fork bolt65. The fork bolt65includes a threaded portion66and a head67and firmly attaches the fork tube30to the triple clamp35. In other constructions, rather than including a threaded bore50, the fork tube30includes a threaded stud extending out of the first end45. Once inserted into the triple clamp35, a nut threads onto the threaded portion to connect the triple clamp35and the fork tube30.

The fork bolt65is covered by a fastener cover assembly70when the components are fully assembled. The fastener cover assembly70includes an engaging member in the form of a washer75, and a cover80. In this embodiment, the washer75is sandwiched between a top surface90of the triple clamp35and the bolt head67. The cover80attaches to the washer75to hide the fork bolt65from view.

One possible method of attaching the cover80to the washer75is illustrated in FIG.3. The illustrated cover80includes a first engagement portion95that extends from a top surface100in a substantially perpendicular direction. The engagement portion95includes threads. The washer75includes a bore101that allows the threaded portion66of the fork bolt65to pass, while supporting the head67of the fork bolt65. The washer75also includes a first surface105that engages the top surface90of the triple clamp35and a second surface110that engages the underside of the bolt head67. A second engagement portion115is located on the perimeter of the washer75between the first surface105and the second surface110. The washer75includes a raised ridge117around the perimeter of the washer75. The raised ridge increases the thickness T1along the perimeter compared to the thickness T2of the washer75. The raised ridge117allows a larger engagement surface for the second engagement portion115while maintaining a preferred washer thickness T2directly under the bolt head67. The second engagement portion115includes threads to facilitate engagement with the cover80.

In another construction, the engagement portions95,115are cammed rather than threaded. Thus, the cover80could connect to the washer75with less than a full turn of the cover80. In still other constructions, a simple snap or interference fitting may be employed.

With reference toFIG. 4, one of the fastener cover assemblies70is shown in section in the assembled condition. In this construction, the fork bolt65includes a shoulder portion120sized to fit into the bore101of the washer75. The shoulder portion120assures that the washer75and the fork bolt65are properly aligned with one another. The cover80is threaded onto the washer75until it contacts the top surface90of the triple clamp35. Engaging the top surface90reduces the likelihood of vibration of the cover80during motorcycle operation.

In some constructions, a resilient gasket or washer may be placed between the top surface90of the triple clamp35and the cover80. To further reduce the possibility of vibration, some constructions may use a lock washer to forcibly lock the cover80in the desired position. Still other constructions may use a biasing member such as a spring (e.g., a wave spring), to force the threads between the cover80and the washer75into tighter engagement, thereby reducing the likelihood of vibration or accidental removal of the cover80. Still other constructions use glue or other adhesives to lock the cover80in the desired position.

In another embodiment shown inFIG. 5, the engagement portion115of the washer75includes threads on an inside diameter of the raised ridge117rather than the outside diameter. The cover80includes an engagement portion95having threads on the outside diameter rather than the inside diameter. When assembled, a portion of the cover80is enclosed within the washer75, while a portion of the washer is visible. Thus, unlike the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2-4, this construction does not completely cover the washer75.

Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and defined in the following claims.