Abstract:
A motorcycle suspension component operable to improve the ride of a Suzuki LT80 ATV. The motorcycle suspension component includes a first plate member and a second plate member that are parallel in manner being operably coupled intermediate an engine block and a gear differential. A shock-receiving member is mounted intermediate the first plate member and the second plate member and is perpendicular therewith. The shock-receiving member includes an upper portion that extends upward from the base. The first end of the first plate member and second plate member includes an angular edge having a first portion and a second portion. The second end of the first plate member and second plate member includes arcuate portions and two notches. A ornamentation area is included on the first plate member and second plate member.

Description:
PRIORITY UNDER 35 U.S.C SECTION 119(E) &amp; 37 C.F.R. SECTION 1.78 
       [0001]    This nonprovisional application claims priority based upon the following prior United States Provisional Patent Application entitled: L.D.F. Swingarm, Application No. 61/828,141, filed May 28, 2013, in the name of Benjamin Figueroa, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to motorcycle suspension components more specifically but not by way of limitation, a swing arm having a first plate and a second plate that is operable to extend the wheelbase of an ATV, in particular but not by way of limitation a Suzuki LT80 four wheel motorcycle. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Millions of individual ride motorcycles on a daily basis in the United States. There are many different types of motorcycles which are manufactured with features designed to accommodate various terrains and riding styles. One popular type of motorcycle riding is off-road riding. Off-road riding is typically executed on a specialized off road motorcycle or an all terrain vehicle, known as a ATV or 4-wheeler. The ATV style of motorcycle provides a means in which a rider can traverse difficult and challenging terrain while providing rider and vehicle stability. 
         [0004]    The ATV has a suspension system that is operable to provide a few core functions. First, the suspension system provides the control of steering and braking during use of the ATV. The suspensions system additionally provides absorption of terrain conditions so as to provide a rider with a more comfortable experience. An ATV&#39;s suspension typically consists of fork tubes in the front of the ATV and a swing arm in the rear. The swing arm is the main component of the suspension in the rear of the ATV and further provides a base for the rear axle to be mounted. 
         [0005]    Conventional swing arms for ATV&#39;s are joined at a higher point than where the rear axle is connected. Most are configured to provide adequate spacing for the shocks to function. One problem with conventional swing arms is that they are not configured to inhibit the rear wheels from lifting upward during the use of the ATV over certain types of terrain. Additionally, another issue with conventional swing arms is that they are typically short in length and do not provide the suspension necessary to accommodate a second passenger, particularly on smaller ATV&#39;s. 
         [0006]    Accordingly, there is a need for an ATV swing arm that is operable to substantially inhibit the rear wheels from lifting upward over certain terrains and further provide stability for a second passenger on smaller ATV&#39;s. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    It is the object of the present invention to provide a swing arm for a smaller ATV such as but not limited to a Suzuki LT 80, that is operable to substantially inhibit the rear wheels from lifting upward during use on certain terrains. 
         [0008]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a swing arm for an ATV that is operable to provide facilitation of carrying a second passenger. 
         [0009]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a swing arm for a smaller size ATV that includes a first plate and a second plate that provide the operable connection intermediate the frame and the rear axle. 
         [0010]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a swing arm for a smaller ATV having a first plate and a second plate wherein the first plate and the second plate are parallel. 
         [0011]    Still a further object of the present is to provide a swing arm for a smaller ATV that includes a shock support plate intermediate the first plate and the second plate. 
         [0012]    An additional object of the present invention is to provide a swing arm for a smaller ATV wherein the shock support plate is perpendicular the first plate and second plate. 
         [0013]    Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a swing arm that includes brake line extension rod. 
         [0014]    A further object of the present invention is to provide a swing arm that is manufactured from a lightweight strong metal. 
         [0015]    Another object of the present invention is to provide a swing arm that includes engraved designs on the outer surfaces of the first plate and the second plate. 
         [0016]    To the accomplishment of the above and related objects the present invention may be embodied in the form illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Attention is called to the fact that the drawings are illustrative only. Variations are contemplated as being a part of the present invention, limited only by the scope of the claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    A more complete understanding of the present invention may be had by reference to the following Detailed Description and appended claims when taken in conjunction with the accompanying Drawings wherein: 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the present invention installed on an exemplary ATV; and 
           [0019]      FIG. 2  is a side view of the first plate member of the present invention; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is a side view of the second first plate member of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Referring now to the drawings submitted herewith, wherein various elements depicted therein are not necessarily drawn to scale and wherein through the views and figures like elements are referenced with identical reference numerals, there is illustrated a ATV suspension device  100  constructed according to the principles of the present invention. 
         [0022]    The ATV suspension device  100  further includes a first plate member  10 , illustrated in  FIG. 2  herein. The first plate member  10  is planar in manner and is manufactured from a rigid durable material such as but not limited to aluminum. The first plate member  10  includes a first end  12  and a second end  14 . Intermediate the first end  12  and second end  14  are lower edge  16  and upper edge  18 . The first end  12  includes an upper portion  11  proximate the upper edge  18  that extends outward from the lower portion  21  of the first end  12 . The first end  12  includes an angular shape defined by forward edge  22 . The forward edge  22  is angular in manner wherein the portion  23  of forward edge  22  is angled with respect to the lower portion  25  of the forward edge  22 . The forward edge  22  of the first end  12  are formed in an angular manner so as to mateably couple with an exemplary motorcycle engine block  99 , as shown in  FIG. 1  herein. 
         [0023]    The upper edge  18  includes arcuate portion  17 . Arcuate portion  17  projects inward towards the midpoint  27  of the first plate member  10 . The arcuate portion  17  is shaped so as to assist the first plate member  10  to accommodate clearance for other motorcycle components. While a particular size and depth of the arcuate portion  17  is illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the arcuate portion  17  could be formed in various different lengths and depths. The lower edge  16  also includes an arcuate portion  8  and is manufactured being of similar length and radious as arcuate portion  17  of the upper edge. Arcuate portion  8  provides similar functionality as arcuate portion  17  wherein arcuate portion  8  is formed to provide clearance for other motorcycle components. 
         [0024]    Second end  14  is opposite first end  12  and includes edge  7 . Edge  7  has a specific shape that includes at least an upper arcuate portion  41  and a lower arcuate portion  42 . Further included in the shape of edge  7  is an upper notch  43  and a lower notch  44 . The aforementioned elements of the edge  7  are formed so as to mateably couple with an exemplary gear differential  98  of a motorcycle. The first plate member  10  is structurally couples the exemplary engine block  99  and the exemplary gear differential  98  so as to move the rear axle  97  farther rearward than a conventional configuration. While the edge  7  is illustrated and described herein as being a particular shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the edge  7  could be formed in numerous configuration wherein the configuration is operable to facilitate the mateable coupling of the edge  7  with an exemplary gear differential  98  of a motorcycle. 
         [0025]    Journaled through the first plate member  10  are a plurality of apertures  50 . The apertures  50  are round in shape and function to receive therethrough a mechanical fastener such as but not limited to a bolt so as to facilitate the mounting of the ATV suspension device  100 . While a certain number and pattern of apertures  50  are illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that any number of apertures  50  in a variety of patterns could be journaled through the first plate member  10 . The first plate member  10  further includes a surface ornamentation area  49 . The surface ornamentation area  49  surrounds the midpoint  27  and includes ornamental grooves that are etched into the surface  2  of the first plate member  10 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the surface ornamentation area  49  could include numerous different designs applied using suitable durable techniques. 
         [0026]    The second plate member  110  is constructed similarly to the first plate member  10 . Once mounted to motorcycle such as but not limited to a Suzuki LT80, the first plate member  10  and the second plate member  110  are parallel and aligned with each other. A more detailed description of the construction of the second plate member  110  is as follows. The second plate member  110  is planar in manner and is manufactured from a rigid durable material such as but not limited to aluminum. The second plate member  110  includes a first end  112  and a second end  114 . Intermediate the first end  112  and second end  114  are lower edge  116  and upper edge  118 . The first end  112  includes an upper portion  111  proximate the upper edge  118  that extends outward from the lower portion  121  of the first end  112 . The first end  112  includes an angular shape defined by forward edge  122 . The forward edge  122  is angular in manner wherein the portion  123  of forward edge  122  is angled with respect to the lower portion  125  of the forward edge  122 . The forward edge  122  of the first end  112  are formed in an angular manner so as to mateably couple with an exemplary motorcycle engine block  99 . 
         [0027]    The upper edge  118  includes arcuate portion  117 . Arcuate portion  117  projects inward towards the midpoint  127  of the second plate member  110 . The arcuate portion  117  is shaped so as to assist the second plate member  110  to accommodate clearance for other motorcycle components. While a particular size and depth of the arcuate portion  117  is illustrated herein, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the arcuate portion  117  could be formed in various different lengths and depths. The lower edge  116  also includes an arcuate portion  108  and is manufactured being of similar length and radious as arcuate portion  117  of the upper edge. Arcuate portion  108  provides similar functionality as arcuate portion  117  wherein arcuate portion  108  is formed to provide clearance for other motorcycle components. 
         [0028]    Second end  114  is opposite first end  112  and includes edge  107 . Edge  107  has a specific shape that includes at least an upper arcuate portion  141  and a lower arcuate portion  142 . Further included in the shape of edge  107  is an upper notch  143  and a lower notch  144 . The aforementioned elements of the edge  107  are formed so as to mateably couple with an exemplary gear differential  98  of a motorcycle. The second plate member  110  is structurally couples the exemplary engine block  99  and the exemplary gear differential  98  so as to move the rear axle  97  farther rearward than a conventional configuration. While the edge  107  is illustrated and described herein as being a particular shape, it is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the edge  107  could be formed in numerous configuration wherein the configuration is operable to facilitate the mateable coupling of the edge  107  with an exemplary gear differential  98  of a motorcycle. 
         [0029]    Referring in particular to  FIG. 1  herein, the ATV suspension device  100  further includes a mounting plate  160  and a shock-receiving member  165 . The mounting plate  160  is rectangular in shape and is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to aluminum. The mounting plate  160  is operably coupled intermediate the first plate member  10  and the second plate member  110  proximate first ends,  12 , 112 . The mounting plate  160  is positioned in alignment with at least one of the apertures  50  on the first plate member  10  and the second plate member  110  so as to facilitate the mechanical coupling of the mounting plate utilizing a conventional bolt or other suitable mechanical fastener. Secured to the mounting plate  160  and extending upward therefrom is the shock-receiving member  165 . The shock-receiving member  165  is perpendicular to the mounting plate  160  and is configured to receive an end of an exemplary shock  96  utilizing conventional mechanical fasteners. Further included in the ATV suspension device  100  is a brake line extension rod  180 . The brake line extension rod  180  is manufactured from a suitable durable material such as but not limited to metal tubing. The brake line extension rod  180  is operable to couple to the brake line of a motorcycle and extend the operable length thereof in order to accommodate the ATV suspension device  100 . It is contemplated within the scope of the present invention that the brake line extension rod  180  could be manufactured in numerous lengths and diameters in order to achieve the desired functionality as described herein. 
         [0030]    In the preceding detailed description, reference has been made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which are shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, and certain variants thereof, have been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. It is to be understood that other suitable embodiments may be utilized and that logical changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. The description may omit certain information known to those skilled in the art. The preceding detailed description is, therefore, not intended to be limited to the specific forms set forth herein, but on the contrary, it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as can be reasonably included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.