Abstract:
An illumination assembly for a motorcycle structured to be installed primarily, but not exclusively, as an after market product on predetermined portions of a motorcycle and thereby serve as a replacement for the standard lighting of the original manufacturer of the motorcycle. A base of each light structure is dimensioned and configured to be connected to the predetermined portion of the motorcycle, which may comprise an apertured construction and which may be an original, pre-structured part of the motorcycle. Each base includes a casing for the containment of an illumination source on the interior thereof and is dimensioned and configured to protrude outwardly from the exterior surface of the motorcycle to facilitate viewing thereof. The replacement illumination assembly replaces the original signal and/or brake lights of the motorcycle in order to maintain the legal street status thereof, while significantly enhancing the appearance thereof.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    This invention is directed to an illumination assembly for a motorcycle such as, but not limited to, the Suzuki™, Hayabusa™ motorcycle. The illumination assembly includes at least one but more practically two light structures to be installed as an after-market product at or within predetermined portions of the motorcycle. Appropriate, legally required lighting is thereby provided in order to maintain the street legal status of the motorcycle when the original lighting is removed in order to significantly enhance the streamlined appearance of the motorcycle. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    In accordance with the laws of several states of the United States as well as other countries, a motorcycle intended to be operated on public roadways is required to have appropriate tail lights or brake lights as well as appropriate turn signal lights. As commonly installed and operated, the separate functions of these lights are to serve as running lights, indicate slowing or stopping of the motorcycle and indicate the intended direction of travel of the motorcycle when turning. As such, the requirement to maintain an appropriate lighting system is for the obvious purpose of safety in preventing collisions of motorcycles with the larger, more prevalent automobiles, trucks, or like passenger vehicles. 
         [0005]    As commonly designed and installed, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) includes the turn signal lights being two in number and separated so as to be disposed on opposite sides of the motorcycle. Their activation or operation thereby clearly indicates to surrounding vehicles and/or individuals in which direction the motorcycle is intending to travel. More specifically, a common placement or arrangement of signal lights, and to at least a minimal extent brake lights, is the rear fender of the motorcycle adjacent to, above and on each side of the rear wheel of the motorcycle. Accordingly, today&#39;s street legal motorcycles which are available directly from the dealer or manufacturer are equipped with large turn signals that protrude out from the sides of the cycle frame. 
         [0006]    The structure, operation and placement of such light assemblies meet required standards in order to maintain the street legal status of the motorcycle. However, many owners or riders have the opinion that the original light assemblies are unsightly because they generally detract from the flush, aerodynamic appearance of modern day cycles. As a result, these OEM light assemblies are frequently removed thereby making the motorcycle illegal in that they do not conform to the signal or running light requirements maintained by most authorities. If not replaced by a more streamlined after market and/or customized light assembly, the altered motorcycle jeopardizes the safety of the rider especially during night time driving conditions. Therefore, it is believed that while most owners or riders of motorcycle are desirous of obtaining a true “streamlined appearance” most responsible individuals are not willing to forego the safety of appropriate lighting. The result and actions of these more responsible individuals are to leave the OEM light assemblies in place or providing a customized replacement therefore. 
         [0007]    Accordingly, there is a need in the motorcycle industry for a product, which is preferably, but not necessarily an after market product designed, dimensioned and configured, to greatly facilitate an individual&#39;s ability to remove the OEM light assembly and replace it with a more “flushed fitting” light assembly. It is of course noted that among motorcycle enthusiasts, the Suzuki, Hayabusa model is extremely popular due not only to the operative and enhanced performs characteristics of the motorcycle but also the streamlined, aerodynamic appearance thereof. 
         [0008]    Therefore a proposed illumination assembly structured to replace OEM motorcycle lighting should compliment the streamlined appearance of the Suzuki, Hayabusa motorcycle, as well as other popular motorcycle models intended to be operated on the roadways. Further, such a proposed and preferred illumination assembly should be structured to facilitate easy, secure and safe attachment such that it is reliably operative to serve as turn signals, running lights, brake lights, etc. once the OEM light assembly has been removed. In addition, a proposed replacement light assembly should be such as to accommodate its operative mounting or connection to predetermined portions of the motorcycle to which it is attached, wherein the predetermined portion of the motorcycle preferably comprises an original, pre-structured part of the cycle. This would eliminate the necessity for further customizing the fenders, fairings, or any other appropriate component of the motorcycle which may accommodate the preferred and proposed replacement illumination assembly. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The present invention is directed to an illumination assembly specifically structured to serve as replacement lighting for a motorcycle of the type intended to be operated on the streets or roadways of a given local. Moreover, it is mandated by governing authorities to include appropriate lighting assemblies which serve as running lights, turn signals, brake lights, etc. on motorcycles. While the requirements for an appropriate, legally acceptable illumination assembly for a motorcycle may vary, the minimum typically includes the aforementioned turn signals and/or brake lights. However, many of the motorcycles currently being manufactured and designed include turn signals and/or brake lights which many motorcycle enthusiasts consider as diminishing from the streamlined appearance of many of the modern streamlined motorcycles models. In particular, but not by way of limitation, the Suzuki, Hayabusa model motorcycle is extremely popular with motorcycle enthusiasts. However, it does include certain of the drawbacks or disadvantages of light assembly placement and design, as set forth above. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, the illumination assembly of the present invention is primarily structured and designed to serve as an “after market” product which can be easily, quickly and reliably mounted on or installed in one or more “predetermined portions” of the motorcycle in order that the OEM light assembly with which the motorcycle was equipped may be removed. As such, the illumination assembly of the present invention allows for the maintenance of the street legal status of the motorcycle while significantly enhancing the overall appearance by complimenting the streamlined design configuration commonly desired by many motorcycle enthusiasts. 
         [0011]    More specifically, the illumination assembly of the present invention comprises at least one light structure, but more commonly, a plurality of at least two light structures. Each of the preferably two light structures are dimensioned and configured to be mounted on cooperatively disposed and at least partially corresponding “predetermined portions” of the motorcycle. As such, the illumination assembly of the present invention may serve as operative turn signal lights and/or brake lights in that each of the preferably two light structures are mounted on opposite sides of the motorcycle adjacent a rear portion thereof. Further, the structural configuration in addition to their operative placement facilitates the individual light structures being disposed in an outwardly protruding orientation thereby facilitating observation of each of the light structures from a variety of different positions which may be assumed by individuals and/or other motor vehicles in the vicinity of the modified motorcycle. 
         [0012]    Each of the one or more light structures includes a base structured to be connected to the predetermined portion of the motorcycle in the aforementioned exteriorly observable position. In at least one preferred embodiment of the illumination assembly of the present invention, each light structure is removably connected to the motorcycle in the aforementioned predetermined portion, thereby further facilitating the installation and removal of the one or more light structures, as desired. Moreover, each of the light structures includes a casing connected to the base and dimensioned and configured to protrude outwardly from the exterior surface of the motorcycle as the base is securely and operatively connected to the aforementioned predetermined portion. An illumination source comprising any of a variety of one or more illumination elements such as, but not limited to, incandescent lamps, light emitting diodes (LED), etc. are mounted on the interior of the casing. As such each illumination source is cooperatively disposed and structured relative to the casing to generate illumination through the casing which is formed of a transparent, translucent or otherwise light transmitting material. 
         [0013]    As explained in greater detail hereinafter, the aforementioned “predetermined portions” of the motorcycle to which each of the preferably two light structures are mounted or connected preferably comprise an apertured construction. In the aforementioned very popular Suzuki, Hayabusa model motorcycle, such an apertured construction exists on the cycle as an original, pre-structured part thereof. Accordingly, each aperture or apertured construction is located on opposite sides of a fender or other component generally adjacent to but rearward of the seat portion of the motorcycle. The two apertured constructions of the aforementioned type of motorcycle have distinct configurations, which may be originally intended for use or cooperation with components other than light structures. However, these original apertured constructions are clearly appropriate for placement and mounting of the individual light structures of one or more embodiments of the illumination assembly of the present invention. 
         [0014]    Therefore, the base of each of the light structures preferably includes a peripheral structure or construction which corresponds in dimension and configuration to the peripheral configuration of a corresponding one of the apertured constructions. Also the base is otherwise structured to greatly facilitate a “plug in” type of installation. As such, the base of the casing, along with its peripheral construction, may include a recess or elongated peripheral groove formed therein. Again, the peripheral groove of the base is such as to receive or at least partially enclose the peripheral edge or appropriate peripheral portion of the apertured construction of the motorcycle. In addition, the peripheral construction of the base may include an at least minimally flexible material so as to engage contiguous portions of the periphery of the apertured construction in a manner which accomplishes a sealing engagement. This sealing engagement is sufficient to restrict the unwanted entry of water into the interior of the motorcycle, through junction of each light structure and a corresponding one of the apertured constructions. 
         [0015]    In addition to the above, an appropriate connection assembly may be provided to establish an operative, electrical interconnection between the illumination source mounted on the interior of the casing and the power supply of the motorcycle as well as any operative or control components associated therewith. In the latter category appropriate control components of the motorcycle will be such as to cause an activation of an appropriate one of the light structures when the turn signal controls are operated and/or when the brake of the motorcycle is applied. 
         [0016]    It is emphasized that at least one preferred embodiment of the illumination assembly of the present invention comprises one more light structures being specifically dimensioned, configured and otherwise adapted to be mounted on a Suzuki, Hayabusa motorcycle. However, it is also within the intended spirit and scope of the present invention to facilitate the mounting of the illumination assembly of the present invention on other motorcycles with minimum or no structural modifications. 
         [0017]    These and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer when the drawings as well as the detailed description are taken into consideration. 
     
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0018]    For a fuller understanding of the nature of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0019]      FIG. 1  is a side, perspective view in partial cutaway of the one light structure comprising a preferred embodiment of the illumination assembly of the present invention mounted in a predetermined position on a motorcycle. 
           [0020]      FIG. 2  is a front end view in partial cutaway representing both interior and exterior portions of one light structure of the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 1 , while not being mounted on or connected to the motorcycle. 
           [0021]      FIG. 3  is a rear view of the embodiment of  FIG. 2 . 
           [0022]      FIG. 4  is a rear end view of the embodiment of  FIG. 1  wherein two light structures are operatively mounted on corresponding, predetermined portions of the motorcycle and further wherein the light assembly of the original equipment manufacturer are represented in phantom lines as being removed from the motorcycle. 
           [0023]      FIG. 5  is yet another embodiment varying in dimension and/or configuration from the preferred embodiment of  FIG. 4 . 
           [0024]      FIG. 6  is yet another preferred embodiment varying in dimension and/or configuration from the preferred embodiments of  FIGS. 4 and 5 . 
           [0025]      FIG. 7  is yet another preferred embodiment varying in dimension and/or configuration from the preferred embodiments of  FIGS. 4-6 . 
           [0026]      FIG. 8  is yet another preferred embodiment varying in dimension and/or configuration from the preferred embodiments of  FIGS. 4-7 . 
       
    
    
       [0027]    Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views of the drawings. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0028]    As shown in the accompanying drawings, the present invention is directed to a light assembly generally indicated as  10  structured to be mounted on or connected to a motorcycle generally indicated as  12 . In addition, one or more of the preferred embodiments of the illumination assembly  10  is structured to be mounted on the motor cycle  12  as an “after-market product and as a replacement for the original lighting with which the cycle  12  was manufactured. 
         [0029]    In a most preferred embodiment, the light assembly  10  includes at least one but more practically at least a plurality of two light structures  14 . Each of the preferably two light structures  14  have corresponding or substantially equivalent structural features but may differ in an overall configuration based on the two light structures  14  being mounted on or connected to predetermined portions  16  on opposite sides of the motorcycle  12  as schematically represented in  FIGS. 4-8 . Accordingly, the various structural and operative features of each of the light structures  14  will be described in detail, especially with reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , by referring to a single one of the preferably two light structures  14 . Accordingly, other than a possible “reversed” configuring of the light structures  14 , due to the mounting or positioning thereof on opposite sides of the cycle  12 , a description of one of the light structures  14  is intended to be representative of a detailed description of each of the light structures  14 . 
         [0030]    As set forth above, a most preferred embodiment of the light assembly  10  comprises each of the one or more light structures  14  comprising an “after market” product which are not a part of the original equipment manufactured or assembled with the motorcycle  12 . In addition, each of the light structures  14  are intended to be mounted or connected to a “predetermined portion” of the motorcycle  12 . Moreover, the predetermined portion preferably comprises an apertured construction generally indicated as  18 . As such, the apertured construction  18  includes a surrounding peripheral edge or portion  18 ′. To facilitate mounting thereof, each of the light structures  14  are configured, dimensioned and structured to establish a confronting, at least partially sealing engagement with the periphery  18 ′ or portions of the cycle  12  contiguous thereto. 
         [0031]    Further by way of example, a popular motorcycle currently commercially available is the Suzuki, Hayabusa motorcycle. This model includes an “apertured construction” on each side of the cycle  12  which define respective predetermined portions  16  to which the different light structures  14  are connected. Each apertured construction  18  has a somewhat elongated streamlined appearance and is originally intended to serve as a mounting or connection for a decorative and/or functional insert on each side of the motorcycle  12 . As such, each of the light structures  14  are specifically dimensioned, and configured to be connected to or inserted in a different one of the apertured constructions  18  of the predetermined portions  16 . 
         [0032]    More specifically, and with primary reference to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , each of the preferably two light structures  14  includes a base  20  and a casing  22  connected to the base  20 . The casing  22  is formed by transparent, translucent or other material through which light may pass. Each casing further includes an at least partially hollow interior  24  of sufficient dimension to contain at least one or a plurality of light generating elements  26 . The light generating elements are schematically represented and as such may take the form of one or more incandescent lamps, a plurality of light emitting diodes (LED) or any other appropriate light generating element capable of generating enough light to facilitate use of each of the light structures  14  as running lights, turn signal lights, brake lights, etc. 
         [0033]    Further, the casing  22  is cooperatively dimensioned and configured with the base  20  and both are cooperatively dimensioned and configured to correspond to the dimension and configuration of the apertured construction  18  and more specifically the periphery  18 ′ thereof. Also, the casing is further configured so as to protrude outwardly from the predetermined portion  16  and an adjacent, corresponding exterior surface  28  of the motorcycle  12 . The outward extension of the casings  22  should be sufficient to allow the light structures  14  to be clearly observable from an area adjacent, rearward or surrounding the motorcycle  12 . Therefore, in the embodiment of FIGS.  1  and  4 - 8  the casing  22  extends outwardly from the predetermined portion  16  and also from the exterior surface  28  of a fender or other body part on which the light structures are mounted. 
         [0034]    In order to facilitate a stable, secure, possibly removable and quick and easy connection of each of the light structures  14  to corresponding ones of the predetermined portions  16 , the base  20  comprises an elongated peripheral recess or groove generally indicated as  30 . The recess or groove  30  extends along at least a portion and preferably along a majority of the outer periphery of the base  20  as represented in  FIG. 2 . Further, the depth and width of the recess of groove  30  is such as to receive and retain the corresponding periphery  18 ′ of the apertured construction  18  of the predetermined portions  16  therein. 
         [0035]    Further, the groove is bordered by at least one outwardly extending lateral flange  32 . However, a most preferred embodiment of the light structure  14  includes spaced apart, substantially oppositely disposed flanges  32  and  34  disposed laterally on opposite sides of the groove  30  and cooperatively defining the boundaries thereof. Each of the flanges  32  and  34  extend along at least a portion of the length of the recess or groove  30  and are cooperatively dimensioned to facilitate retention of the periphery  18 ′ of the apertured construction  18  therein such that the flanges  32  and  34  engage surfaces contiguous to the periphery  181 . By virtue of this construction and further due to the fact that the flanges  32  and  34  and/or additional adjacent or corresponding portions of the groove or recess  30  are formed from a flexible material, a water restrictive seal is formed between the base  20  and the periphery  18 ′ and/or contiguous portions of the apertured construction  18 . Such a sealing engagement is sufficient to restrict the entry of water or the like, such as when the motorcycle  12  is exposed to harsh weather conditions. For purposes of clarity, the periphery  18 ′ of the apertured construction  18  defining the respective predetermined portions  16  is represented in phantom lines in  FIG. 3 . Also schematically represented is the water restrictive seal formed by the flanges  32  and  34  engaging opposite surfaces of the fender or other body component  28  in which the apertured construction  18  of the respective predetermined portions  16  are formed. 
         [0036]    With primary reference to  FIG. 3 , the illumination assembly of the present invention also comprises a connecting assembly generally indicated as  38  passing from the interior  24  of the casing  22 . The connecting assembly  38  more specifically defines at least one but more practically a plurality of conductors  40  and  42  which include an appropriate connector or terminal  44 . As such, the connecting assembly  38  and more specifically the one or more conductors  40  and  42  serve to operatively and electrically interconnect the one or more illumination sources  26  to the power supply of the motorcycle  12  (not shown for purposes of clarity) and/or to control components associated with the operation and/or activation of the illuminating elements  26 . Therefore, the connecting assembly  38  not only provides electrical power for the operation of the one or more illumination elements  26  but also serves to regulate the activation thereof such as causing the illumination thereof when the turn signal control, brake, etc. is operated by a rider of the motorcycle  12 . 
         [0037]    With primary reference to  FIGS. 4-8 , the illumination assembly  10  of the present invention in a most preferred embodiment is intended for use as an after market product which provides proper lighting for the motorcycle  12  while significantly increasing the overall aesthetic appearance and maintaining the streamlined look of the Suzuki, Hayabusa motorcycle, as well as a variety of other motorcycle models. The desirability of the illumination assembly  10  occurs by the preference of motorcycle enthusiasts to maintain his or her motorcycle “street legal” by having the appropriate brake lights, running lights, turn signal lights, etc. mounted thereon. Accordingly, in order to enhance the overall aesthetic appearance of the motorcycle  12  the conventional turn signal lights and/or other brake/running lights, generally indicated in phantom lines as  50 , are removed. As set forth in detail above, removal of the OEM lights  50  without adding an additional illumination assembly, such as defined by the present invention, would render the motorcycle  12  illegal in terms of its ability to be driven on the roadways of most jurisdictions. 
         [0038]    As shown in  FIG. 4 , the casings  22  are disposed in an outwardly protruding orientation and their substantially rounded or curved transverse configuration allows them to be viewed from the rear of the motorcycle during travel. Somewhat similarly, the additional preferred embodiment of  FIG. 5  has the transverse dimension and/or configuration of each casing  22  having a more angled shape than that represented in  FIG. 4 . 
         [0039]    Additional embodiments of the light structures  14  are represented in  FIGS. 6-8  wherein the transverse configuration of the casing  22  provides differently configured outwardly protruding shapes especially, but not exclusively, when viewed from the rear of the motorcycle  12 . More specifically,  FIG. 6  provides a curved but more elongated transverse configuration of the casing  22 .  FIG. 7  provides a combined elongated curved transverse configuration and a linear segment extending along a bottom portion of the casing  22 . In addition, another preferred embodiment is represented in  FIG. 8 , wherein the casing  22  may include a plurality of illuminated segments each being schematically representative of one of a plurality of LED&#39;s mounted on the interior  24  of the respective casings  22 . 
         [0040]    Since many modifications, variations and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiment of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 
         [0041]    Now that the invention has been described,