Patent Publication Number: US-9896145-B2

Title: System and apparatus for a linkage guard

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/030,882, filed Sep. 18, 2013, and incorporates the disclosure of such application by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF INVENTION 
     Off-road motorcycle riding and racing can be done on a variety of different terrain and in a variety of different conditions. In off-road riding and racing, the terrain may include natural terrain including environmental elements, such as, jagged rocks, boulders, logs, water crossings, mud, snow, and the like. The terrain may also be man-made environmental elements, such as, tires, rock gardens, or any other wood, rock, rubber, etc. combination for an obstacle that is contemplated by the builder or designer of the race course. 
     Some off-road riding and races are conducted over extreme terrain, which subjects the motorcycle to extreme conditions. In these conditions, some areas of the motorcycle are subject to the elements of the terrain and require extra protection. For example, off-road motorcycles, which operate under these extreme conditions often have additional protection components to protect the parts and/or portions of the motorcycle that come into contact with the environmental elements. Some examples include disc brake guards, chain guide protectors, skid plates, pipe guards, and the like. Some of these motorcycles also contain rear suspension that has a rear shock lower linkage that may be exposed to the environmental elements. In some cases the exposed rear shock lower linkage can be damaged by the elements either rendering the motorcycle inoperable or damaging the linkage so that the linkage must be repaired or replaced. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     System and apparatus for a linkage protector for a motorcycle having a rear shock with an exposed lower rear suspension linkage, a frame mount, and a joint having a linkage mount and a rear shock mount. The rear shock mount is coupled to the exposed lower linkage. The linkage protector comprises a linkage arm and a shield element. The linkage arm comprises a front mounting portion rotatably coupled to the frame mount and a pair of arms depending from opposite ends of the front mounting portion. Each arm comprises a rear mounting portion coupled to the linkage mount at an end opposite the front mounting portion. The shield element depends from a lower portion of the front mounting portion at a distance from the arm and is configured to protect the exposed lower rear suspension linkage. A cover may be coupled to the shield element to protect the exposed shield element. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures. In the following figures, like reference numbers refer to similar elements and steps throughout the figures. 
         FIG. 1  representatively illustrates a side view of a standard linkage arm installed on a motorcycle; 
         FIG. 2  representatively illustrates a perspective view of the standard linkage arm; 
         FIG. 3  representatively illustrates a perspective view of a linkage protector in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  representatively illustrates a side view of the linkage protector installed on a motorcycle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  representatively illustrates a perspective view of a linkage protector in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  representatively illustrates a side view of the linkage protector installed on a motorcycle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  representatively illustrates a side perspective view of the linkage protector installed on a motorcycle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  representatively illustrates a side perspective view of the linkage protector installed on a motorcycle in an alternate position, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9 , representatively illustrates a side view of the linkage protector installed on a motorcycle in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  representatively illustrates a top and a side perspective view of rear view of an adjusting cam in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIGS. 11 and 12  representatively illustrate an exploded perspective view of a linkage protector and a cover in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 13  representatively illustrates a perspective view of a linkage protector and with the cover installed in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     The present invention may be described in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, the present invention may employ various types of materials, fastening devices, surface finishes and the like, which may carry out a variety of functions. In addition, the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with any number of ways to protect a motorcycle suspension linkage, and the system described is merely one exemplary application for the invention. Further, the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for metalworking, component manufacturing, tooling, fabrication, and/or forming surfaces. 
     The system and apparatus for a linkage protector according to various aspects of the present invention may operate in conjunction with any suitable motorcycle having an exposed lower rear shock linkage. Various representative implementations of the present invention may also be applied to any device having an exposed lower rear shock linkage. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a standard linkage arm  100  is shown attached to a motorcycle comprising a frame  105 , a swing arm  110 , a swing arm mount  115 , an exposed rear shock linkage  120 , and a joint  125 . The joint  125  may comprise swing arm mount  130  for coupling the joint  125  to the swing arm  110 , a rear shock mount  135  for coupling the rear shock linkage  120  to the joint  125 , and a linkage mount  140 . Each of the swing arm mount  130 , the rear shock mount  135 , and the linkage mount  140  may comprise a receiving portion, which allows the various understood components to be coupled to the joint  125  by any suitable fastener  145 , such as, for example a nut and bolt configuration. 
     The standard linkage arm  100  comprises a front mounting portion  150  and a pair of side arms  155 . The front mounting portion  150  may comprise a central portion  160  and a pair of ends  165 . The front mounting portion  150  is coupled to a rear portion of the motorcycle frame  105 . The front mounting portion  150  comprises an inner bore  170  that receives a fastener  175 , such as a nut and bolt, to couple the linkage arm  100  to the frame  105 . Each of the side arms  155  may be oriented generally parallel to one another and depend rearwardly from the ends  165  of the front mounting portion  155 . The side arms  155  may comprise a mounting portion  180  located opposite of the front mounting portion  150 . The mounting portions  180  may comprise an opening  185  which receives a fastener  145  to couple the linkage mount  140  to the joint  125 , as discussed above. 
     It can be seen from the embodiment show in  FIG. 1 , that the rear shock linkage  120  and joint  125  are exposed to contact from foreign objects when the motorcycle is in use. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , in an exemplary embodiment of the present claims, a linkage protector  200  may comprise a linkage arm  205  and a shield element  210 . The linkage arm  205  may comprise a front mounting element  215  having a central element  220  and a pair of ends  225 . The linkage arm  205  may be coupled to a rearward portion of the motorcycle frame  105 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the linkage protector  200  may be coupled to the frame  105  by any suitable fastener  175 , such as, for example, and nut and bolt connection which is received in a bore  230  in the front mounting element  215  of the linkage arm  205 . The linkage protector  200  may comprise a pair of side arms  235  oriented generally parallel to one another. The side arms  235  depend rearwardly from the ends  225  of the front mounting element  215  of the linkage arm  205 . The side arms  235  may comprise a mounting portion  240  located opposite the front mounting element  215  of the linkage arm  205 . The mounting portions  240  may be coupled to the linkage mount  140  of the joint  125  by a fastener  145 , in the same manner as discussed above. The mounting portions  240  may comprise a static mounting portion or an adjustable mounting portion as will be discussed in detail below. 
     In various embodiments, the shield element  210  depends rearwardly and downwardly at an angle from the front mounting element  215  of the linkage arm  205 . The shield element  210  may be oriented to provide a clearance distance  245  between a lower portion  250  of the shield element  210  and the linkage arm  205 , such that the rear shock linkage  120  may not be contacted by any foreign object. The shield element  210  operates to provide a deflection surface  255  such that the rear shock linkage  120  may not be damaged by environmental elements. The shield element  210  may comprise a width  260  so as to fully protect the rear shock linkage  120  from an impact from an object. The shield element  210  may be configured to protect the exposed rear shock linkage  120  from an impact from an object from a forward or underneath position, shown as numeral  265 . The width  260  of the deflection surface  255  and the clearance distance  245  may be configured to provide protection from an impact from an object from a forward position as shown by numeral  265 . 
     In some embodiments, the linkage protector  200  may comprise a sidewall  275  to connect a portion of the linkage arm  205  and the shield element  210 . The sidewall  275  may be integral with the linkage arm  205  and shield element  210 . The sidewall  275  may be a partial or full sidewall. The sidewall  275  may be configured to provide additional support between the linkage arm  205  and the shield element  210 . As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , sidewall  275  may comprise a partial sidewall which connects a portion of the linkage arm  205  to a portion of the shield element  210  proximate the front mounting element  215 . The partial sidewall  275  may be configured to support the shield element  210  when a foreign object strikes the shield element  210  during use. The sidewall  275  may operate to protect the rear shock linkage  120  from a side impact, as shown by reference numeral  280 . Other configurations of the sidewall  275  are contemplated and will be discussed in greater detail below. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-7 , an additional exemplary embodiment of a linkage protector  300  will be discussed. The linkage protector  300  may comprise a linkage arm  305  and a shield element  310 . The linkage arm  305  may comprise a front mounting element  315  having a central element  320  and a pair of ends  325 . The linkage arm  305  may be coupled to a rearward portion of the motorcycle frame  105 . As shown in  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the linkage protector  300  may be coupled to the frame  105  by any suitable fastener  175 , such as, for example, and nut and bolt connection which is received in a bore  330  in the front mounting element  315  of the linkage arm  305 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , a pair of collars and/or bearings  335  and seals  340  may be utilized with the nut and bolt connection to facilitate attachment of the linkage protector  300  to the frame  105 . A similar configuration may be utilized in all embodiments discussed herein and shown in the figures. 
     In various embodiments, the linkage arm  305  may comprise a pair of side arms  345  oriented generally parallel to one another. The side arms  345  depend rearwardly from the ends  325  of the front mounting element  315  of the linkage arm  305 . The side arms  345  may comprise a mounting portion  350  located opposite the front mounting element  315  of the linkage arm  305 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 10 , in some embodiments, the mounting portions  350  may comprise an adjustable mounting portion. The adjustable mounting portion  350  may comprise an opening  355  that receives an adjusting cam  360 . The adjustable mounting portion  350  may comprise a first surface  365  on the exterior surface of the side arm  345  and a second surface  370  on the interior surface of the side arm  345 . The opening  360  may comprise a sidewall  375  that tapers inwardly from the first surface  365  to the second surface  370 . 
     In various embodiments, the adjusting cam  360  may comprise a first surface  380  and a second surface  385 . When the adjusting cam  360  is inserted within the opening  355 , the first surface  380  may be proximate the exterior surface of the side arm  345  and the second surface  385  may be proximate the interior surface of the side arm  345 . The adjusting cam  360  may taper inwardly from the first surface  380  to the second surface  385  such that the adjusting cam  360  may be received within the opening  360 . 
     In various embodiments, the adjusting cam  360  may comprise a cylindrical opening  390  and an outer wall surface  395 . The cylindrical opening  390  and outer wall surface  395  further define a first wall thickness  400  and a second wall thickness  405 . In a first position, where the first wall thickness  400  is greater than the second wall thickness  405 , the distance between the linkage arm  305  connection point the motorcycle frame  105  and the mounting portion  350  on the side arms  345  is shorter causing the joint  125  to rotate counterclockwise about the swing arm mount  130  and to raise the rear shock linkage  120 , thereby raising the rear shock (not shown). Raising the rear shock, in turn, raises the rear of the motorcycle (not shown) upwardly thereby increasing the sharpness of the steering of the motorcycle. In a second position, where the adjusting cam has been rotated 180 degrees, the distance between the linkage arm  305  connection point the motorcycle frame  105  and the mounting portion  350  on the side arms  345  is greater causing the joint  125  to rotate clockwise about the swing arm mount  130  and to lower the rear shock linkage  120 . Lowering the rear shock, in turn, lowers the rear of the motorcycle, thereby decreasing the sharpness of the steering of the motorcycle. Accordingly, based on the thickness of the first wall  400  and second wall  405  and the orientation thereof, the rider may customize the height and steering of the motorcycle by removing and rotating the adjusting cam  360  within the cylindrical opening  390 . 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 5-7 , the shield element  310  depends rearwardly and downwardly at an angle from the front mounting element  315  of the linkage arm  305 . The shield element  310  may be oriented to provide a clearance distance  410  between a lower portion  415  of the shield element  310  and side arm  345 , such that the rear shock linkage  120  may not be contacted by any foreign object, as discussed in detail above. The shield element  310  operates to provide a deflection surface  420  such that the rear shock linkage  120  may not be damaged by environmental elements. 
     As discussed above with regard to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the shield element  310  may comprise a width  435  so as to fully protect the rear shock linkage  120  from an impact from an object. The shield element  310  may be configured to protect the rear shock linkage  120  from an impact from an object from a forward, underneath and/or side position. The width of the deflection surface  420  and the clearance distance  410  may be configured to provide protection from an impact from an object from a forward position, an underneath, and a side position. 
     The linkage protector  300  may comprise a partial sidewall  425  to connect a portion of the linkage arm  305  and the shield element  310 . The partial sidewall  425  may be integral with the linkage arm  305  and shield element  310 . The partial sidewall  425  connects a portion of the linkage arm  305  to a portion of the shield element  310  proximate the front mounting element  315 . The partial sidewall  425  is configured to support the shield element  310  when a foreign object strikes the shield element  310  during use. The sidewall  425  may operate to further protect the rear shock linkage  120  from a side impact, as described above. 
     In some embodiments, the linkage protector  300  may comprise a rear support member  430 . The rear support member  430  may extends from the lower portion  415  of the shield element  310  to a rear portion of the linkage arm  305 . While the rear support member  430  is shown proximate the mounting portion  350 , the rear support member may extend from the shield element  310  to any suitable position on the side arm  345 . The rear support member  430  may be configured to support the shield element  310  when a foreign object strikes the shield element  310  during use. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , an additional embodiment of a linkage protector  500  will be discussed. The linkage protector  500  comprises many similar elements to those discussed above and shown in  FIGS. 3-7  and is connected or installed on the motorcycle in the same manner. In one embodiment, the linkage protector  500  may comprise a full linkage arm  505  and a shield element  510 . The full linkage arm  505  may comprise a front mounting element  515  having a central element and a pair of ends, similar to that discuss above. The full linkage arm  505  may be coupled to a rearward portion of the motorcycle frame  105  by any suitable fastener  175 . 
     The full linkage arm  505  may comprise a pair of side arms  520  oriented generally parallel to one another. The side arms  520  depend rearwardly from the ends of the front mounting element  515  of the full linkage arm  505 . The side arms  520  may comprise a mounting portion  525  located opposite the front mounting portion of the linkage arm. The mounting portion  525  may be similar to either embodiment discussed above. 
     The full linkage arm  505  may comprise a sidewall  530  that extends between the side arms  520  and the shield element  510 . The sidewall  530  is configured to support the shield element  510  when a foreign object strikes the shield element  510  during use. The sidewall  530  may operate to protect the rear shock linkage  120  from a front and/or side impact, as described above. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-13 , the linkage protector  600  may further comprise a cover  605  configured to attach to the shield element  610 . The cover  605  can attach to any of the linkage protectors discussed above to protect any shield element and/or deflection surfaces discussed above. The cover  605  may comprise any suitable material such as plastic, metal, composite material, carbon fiber, glass fiber, fiberglass, ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW), glass filled UHMW, derlin (polyoxymethylene), glass filled delrin, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled delrin, chemical and wear resistant acetal, chemical and wear resistant polyoxymethylene, wear resistant nylon, glass filled nylon, HYDE Plate, TM Design Plastics, fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP), perfluoroalkoxy alkanes (PFA), abrasion-resistant UHMW, electrically conductive UHMW, high-temperature UHMW, very high molecular weight polyethylene (VHMW) and the like. For example, in one embodiment, the cover  605  may comprise plastic. 
     The cover  605  may be coupled to the linkage protector  600  in any suitable manner. The cover  605  may be coupled by any known fastener. The cover  605  may be snapped, glued, bolted, or otherwise coupled to the shield element  610  of the linkage protector  600 . The cover  605  may be configured to conform to the shape and size of the shield element  610 . The cover  605  may be coupled to the shield element  610  by bolts, screws, a nut and bolt connection, rivets, adhesive, zip ties, and the like. 
     The cover  605  may comprise a pair of apertures  615  and a pair of protrusions  620  which facilitate attachment of the cover  605  to the shield element  610  of the linkage protector  600 . When the cover  605  is used with the linkage protector  600 , the linkage protector  600  may comprise a pair of threaded apertures  625  and a pair of recesses  630 . The pair of threaded fasteners  635  may be used to couple the cover  605  to the shield element  610 . The protrusions  620  may be received within the recesses  630  and the fasteners  635  may be coupled to the threaded apertures  625 . The cover  605  may further comprise a tab  640  that is received within an elongated recess  645  used to align the cover  605  when attaching to the linkage protector  600 . 
     The cover  605  may be conformed to fit the profile of the shield element  610 . The cover  605  may comprise a deflection surface  650  configured to contact any foreign object that strikes the shield element  610  during use. The deflection surface  650  may comprise one or more grooves  655  configured to provide smooth rollover when a foreign object contacts the cover  605 . The cover  605  may comprise a pair of sidewalls  660  that protect sidewalls  665  of the linkage protector  600 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 8 , in operation the linkage protector  300 ,  600  described above in  FIGS. 5-7 and 11-13  will be discussed.  FIG. 8  shows a portion of a motorcycle with a skid plate  800  and the linkage protector  300 ,  600  installed to protect the rear shock linkage  120 . As is understood, the motorcycle is moving in a forward direction and has contacted an obstacle, in this case a mound of dirt  802 . The mound of dirt  802  initially contacts the skid plate  800  of the motorcycle. While continuing moving forward, the mound of dirt  802  then contacts the deflection surface  420 ,  650  of the shield element  310  and/or the cover  605  if installed. Contacting the deflection surface  420 ,  650  causes the swing arm  110  to move upwardly about the swing arm mount, further causing the rear wheel  804  to move upwardly. The orientation of the deflection surface  420  provides a smooth transition from the skid plate  800  to the rear wheel  804  of the motorcycle, such that when the rear wheel  804  contacts the mound of dirt  802 , the rear wheel  804  will more easily overcome the mound of dirt  802 . Furthermore, the orientation of the deflection surface  420 ,  650  of the linkage protector allows the linkage  120  not to contact the obstacle, and thus, provides a smooth transition over the obstacle. 
     In contrast, if the standard linkage arm discussed above in  FIG. 1  encountered the same obstacle, the exposed rear shock linkage  120  would contact the obstacle. If the exposed rear shock linkage  120  contacted the obstacle several scenarios might play out. First, the exposed rear shock linkage  120  may impact and stick in the obstacle causing the motorcycle to suddenly stop, thereby causing the rider to be thrown from the motorcycle. Second, the exposed rear shock linkage  120  may impact and stick in the obstacle causing the motorcycle to suddenly stop, and could cause the rider valuable time in the race in which the rider is participating. Third, the exposed rear shock linkage  120  may impact the obstacle thereby damaging the rear shock linkage  120  and rendering the motorcycle inoperable. 
     The linkage protector may be suitably adapted to withstand elevated or low temperatures. The linkage protector may also be adapted to be exposed to environmental elements and environmental conditions such as water, sunlight, and cold temperatures without becoming structurally and/or aesthetically compromised. 
     The linkage protector may comprise any suitable material such as aluminum, steel, chromoly, titanium, magnesium, composite, plastic, and the like. In one embodiment the linkage protector can be made from 6061-T6 aluminum. In some embodiments the linkage protector can be made from 7075 and 2024 aluminum. The linkage protector may further comprise any suitable surface finish or treatment. For example, in one embodiment, at least a portion of the linkage protector may be formed of a surface hardened Aluminum. In one embodiment, the entire linkage protector may be formed of a surface hardened Aluminum. Additionally, in one embodiment the linkage protector may have a surface hardened type of a HARD ANODIZE MIL-A-8625F TYPE III. In another embodiment the linkage protector may have a surface hardened type of a SULFURIC ANODIZE MIL-A-8625 F TYPE II. In another embodiment, the deflection surface  420  may have a plastic or composite protection layer (not shown) attached thereto. Attachment of the plastic or composite protection layer may be by any suitable method. 
     In various embodiments, the linkage protectors describe above can be an integral piece or multiple pieces joined together by any suitable method. In some embodiments, depending on the type of material, the linkage protector may be fabricated by milling, casting, forging, powdered metal, and the like. In one embodiment, the linkage protector may be fabricated on a CNC milling machine. More specifically, in one embodiment the linkage protector may be unitary made from 6061-T6 aluminum fabricated using a CNC milling machine. In other embodiments, the aluminum, titanium, magnesium or other suitable material linkage protector linkage protector may be fabricated using a CNC milling machine. In other embodiments, the aluminum, titanium, magnesium or other suitable material linkage protector linkage protector may be fabricated by casting, forging, powdered metal, and the like. In other embodiments, a chrolmoly, steel, or other suitable material linkage protector can be made from multiple pieces and coupled together by welding or any other suitable method. 
     The particular implementations shown and described are illustrative of the invention and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Indeed, for the sake of brevity, conventional manufacturing, connection, preparation, and other functional aspects of the system may not be described in detail. Furthermore, the connecting lines shown in the various figures are intended to represent exemplary functional relationships and/or steps between the various elements. Many alternative or additional functional relationships or physical connections may be present in a practical system. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, rather than restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined by the claims and their legal equivalents rather than by merely the examples described. 
     For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims. 
     Benefits, other advantages and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments; however, any benefit, advantage, solution to problem or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required or essential features or components of any or all the claims. 
     As used herein, the terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes” or any variation thereof, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.