Harley-Davidson Motor Company Group, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20130200078 | FLUSH-MOUNT FUEL CAP WITH VALVE - The present invention provides a fuel cap adapted to close an inlet of a fuel tank. The fuel cap includes a body portion adapted to engage the inlet of the fuel tank. The body portion defines a central axis. The fuel cap also includes a valve coupled to the body portion. The valve selectively allows an airflow through the body portion. The fuel cap further includes a cap cover coupled to the body portion and movable along the central axis relative to the body portion. | 08-08-2013 |
20100193276 | CYLINDER HEAD COOLING SYSTEM FOR A MOTORCYCLE - A motorcycle including a frame and an engine and transmission assembly coupled to the frame. The engine and transmission assembly includes at least one cylinder head assembly having a cooling port and defining a cooling passageway in fluid communication with the cooling port and passing through at least a portion of the cylinder head assembly. The motorcycle also includes a conduit coupled to the cooling port and a fan in fluid communication with the conduit and operable at an operating speed to draw air from the cooling passageway, and move air through the cooling port and through the conduit. | 08-05-2010 |
20100175942 | MULTI-POSITION FOOTBOARD - A footboard assembly configured to be coupled to a motorcycle supported in a vertically upright position. The footboard assembly includes a footboard and a footpeg arm. The footboard is configured to couple to the motorcycle and to support a foot of a rider. A top surface of the footboard defines a foot support plane. The footpeg arm includes an attachment portion pivotally coupled to the footboard about a pivot axis that is not parallel to the foot support plane. The footpeg arm includes a footpeg portion spaced from the attachment portion. The footpeg arm pivots about the pivot axis between a stowed position, in which the footpeg portion defines a first height and a deployed position, in which the footpeg portion defines a second height higher than the first height. | 07-15-2010 |
20100013420 | REVERSE DRIVE CONTROL FOR A MOTORCYCLE - A vehicle comprising a rotatable wheel (e.g., three rotatable wheels), a forward drive mechanism including a forward drive motor (e.g., an internal combustion engine), and a reverse drive mechanism. The reverse drive mechanism includes a reverse drive motor (e.g., an electric motor) adapted to move the chassis in the rearward direction, and a reverse drive control programmed to inhibit operation of the reverse drive mechanism when the forward drive motor is off. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes a battery for operating the reverse drive motor, and the reverse drive control is programmed to inhibit operation of the motor when a characteristic of the battery (e.g., an output voltage) falls below a threshold. The vehicle can further include a temperature sensor for the reverse drive motor. In this embodiment, the reverse drive control is programmed to inhibit operation of the reverse drive motor when the temperature of the motor exceeds a threshold. | 01-21-2010 |
20100013180 | THREE-WHEELED VEHICLE WITH REAR AXLE CONTROL LINK - A three-wheeled vehicle includes a frame including a longitudinal axis and a steering head, an engine-transmission assembly coupled to the frame, a steering assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably coupled to the steering assembly, a rear axle assembly, a control arm coupling the rear axle assembly to the frame, a pair of rear wheels rotatably supported by the rear axle assembly, and a substantially laterally-extending link interconnecting the rear axle assembly and the frame to control lateral motion of the rear axle assembly relative to the frame. | 01-21-2010 |
20100012695 | SADDLEBAG MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A MOTORCYCLE - A saddlebag mounting system for use with a motorcycle defining an aperture includes a saddlebag frame including a projection configured to extend at least partially through the aperture and having an undercut. The undercut is configured to receive a portion of the motorcycle frame adjacent to the aperture to couple the saddlebag frame to the motorcycle. The saddlebag mounting system also includes a saddlebag coupled to the saddlebag frame. | 01-21-2010 |
20100012416 | RACK-MOUNTED STORAGE CASE FOR A MOTORCYCLE - A motorcycle including a frame, an engine mounted to the frame, two wheels mounted for rotation to the frame with at least one of the wheels operably coupled to the engine, a rack coupled to the frame, and a storage case. The storage case including a body and a latch. The body defining a cavity and an opening that provides access to the cavity, and the body including a base that has a recess shaped to receive a portion of the rack. The latch is movably coupled to the base and is movable between an open position that provides access to the recess, and a closed position that inhibits access to the recess. The storage case is movable between an attached position where the portion of the rack is positioned within the recess and the latch is in the closed position, and a detached position where the latch is in the open position and the portion of the rack is positioned outside of the recess. | 01-21-2010 |
20100012415 | MOTORCYCLE HAVING A MULTI-PIECE FRAME ASSEMBLY - A motorcycle includes a first frame having a steering head and a first mount, an engine-transmission assembly coupled to the first frame, a steering assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably coupled to the steering assembly, a swing arm assembly pivotably coupled to the first frame, a rear wheel rotatably coupled to the swing arm assembly, a second frame having a second mount coupled to the first mount with a threaded fastener, and a suspension component having a first end coupled to the swing arm assembly and a second end coupled to the second frame. Forces exerted by the suspension component on the first frame are directed through the second frame and the second mount. | 01-21-2010 |
20100012414 | THREE-WHEELED VEHICLE - A three-wheeled vehicle includes a main frame assembly having a steering head disposed on a front portion of the main frame assembly, a front fork assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, a front wheel rotatably supported by the front fork assembly, a rear frame coupled to a rear portion of the main frame assembly, a rear axle assembly coupled to at least one of the main frame assembly and the rear frame, a pair of rear wheels rotatably supported by the rear axle assembly, an engine-transmission assembly supported by the main frame assembly and positioned between the front wheel and the pair of rear wheels, and a body including a first mounting portion directly mounted to the main frame assembly, and a second mounting portion directly mounted to the rear frame. | 01-21-2010 |
20100012411 | VEHICLE STORAGE COMPARTMENT - A storage compartment, configured to be supported by a vehicle frame, includes a body having an inner surface defining a cavity and an opening for access to the cavity, a door movable between an open position in which the door exposes the opening and a closed position in which the door covers the opening, and a hinge assembly coupling the door and the body. The hinge assembly is enclosed within the cavity when the door is in the closed position. The hinge assembly includes a first four-bar linkage mounted to the body and a second four-bar linkage mounted to the door. The first and second four-bar linkages have at least two unitary links in common. | 01-21-2010 |
20100009763 | TORQUE DAMPENING COMPENSATOR FOR A VEHICLE - A torque dampening compensator for a vehicle including an isolator member disposed between an input member and an output member. The isolator member includes isolator elements disposed between corresponding lugs of the respective input and output members. The lugs of the output member have a draft angle, and the isolator elements have contact faces corresponding to the respective lugs with unequal axial depths to induce a moment on each isolator element that counteracts a thrust load between the input and output members initiated by the draft angle. One isolator element of the isolator member is formed to have a size corresponding to the space provided between adjacent lugs of the input and output members and a shape that is dissimilar from the space. The one isolator element is resiliently deformable into the space. | 01-14-2010 |
20100005921 | CONTROL CABLE ADJUSTER - A control cable adjuster including a first adjusting element with a first engagement portion, a second adjusting element with a second engagement portion coupled to the first engagement portion, and a rigid cover removably coupled to at least one of the first adjusting element and the second adjusting element. The second adjusting element configured for adjustable axial movement relative to the first adjusting element while maintaining the first and second engagement portions coupled together. The rigid cover is movable between a covered position where the rigid cover substantially covers a portion of the first engagement portion, and an exposed position where the rigid cover substantially exposes a portion of the first engagement portion. | 01-14-2010 |
20090314569 | AXLE NUT COVER ASSEMBLY - An aesthetically pleasing and functional axle nut cover assembly for a motorcycle using minimal threaded fasteners and taking advantage of elastic deformation between multiple portions of a mounting bracket to bias the mounting bracket and a cover member to a motorcycle swingarm to reduce vibration and noise. Separate deformations in the mounting bracket occur during assembly of the mounting bracket to the swingarm and during assembly of the cover member to the mounting bracket. Spring portions of the mounting bracket are maintained in deformed conditions when the axle nut cover assembly is assembled. | 12-24-2009 |
20090255360 | HEEL SHIFTER FOR A MOTORCYCLE - A gear shifter for a motorcycle having a rotatable shifter shaft. The gear shifter includes a shifter arm having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion of the shifter arm is configured to engage the shifter shaft. The gear shifter further includes a shifter peg movably coupled to the second portion of the shifter arm such that the shifter peg is pivotable with respect to the shifter arm between a first position and a second position. A retainer assembly is operable to selectively retain the shifter peg in each of the first and the second positions. | 10-15-2009 |
20090158506 | LINER FOR A PROTECTIVE HELMET - A helmet includes an outer shell, an energy-absorbing layer disposed inside the outer shell, and a liner disposed inside of the energy-absorbing layer. The liner includes a central portion configured to extend along a longitudinal axis that runs between a front portion of the helmet and a rear portion of the helmet, a first side portion releasably coupled to the central portion, and a second side portion releasably coupled to the central portion. | 06-25-2009 |
20090126673 | THERMALLY INSULATING ELEMENT FOR AN ENGINE VALVE ASSEMBLY - A cylinder head assembly for an internal combustion engine including a cylinder head at least partially defining a flow path through the engine, including an intake port, an exhaust port, and a combustion chamber disposed between the intake post and the exhaust port. A valve is coupled to the cylinder head and movable relative to the cylinder head to selectively open the combustion chamber to one of the intake port and the exhaust port. A valve spring is positioned between the valve and the cylinder head and biases the valve to a closed position. A thermally insulating washer is positioned between the cylinder head and the valve spring. | 05-21-2009 |
20090126522 | REVERSE DRIVE ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTORCYCLE - A reverse drive assembly for a motorcycle that includes a transmission assembly having a main shaft and a counter shaft. The reverse drive assembly includes a first drive member configured to be coupled to an opposite end of the main shaft, a second drive member configured to be coupled to a second end of the counter shaft, and an engagement member operatively positioned between the second drive member and the counter shaft. The engagement member is movable between a first position out of engagement with the second drive member and the counter shaft, and a second position in engagement between the second drive member and the counter shaft to drive the counter shaft in a reverse direction. In some constructions, the engagement member is operatively positioned between the first drive member and the main shaft. | 05-21-2009 |
20090115231 | ADJUSTABLE BACKREST ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTORCYCLE - An adjustable backrest assembly includes a backrest and a first frame member coupled to the backrest. The adjustable backrest assembly also includes a second frame member configured to be coupled with a motorcycle. The first frame member is slidable relative to the second frame member along an adjustment axis. The adjustable backrest assembly further includes an actuator movable in the direction of the adjustment axis or about the adjustment axis to selectively allow adjustment of the backrest relative to the second frame member along the adjustment axis. | 05-07-2009 |
20090107754 | VEHICLE HAVING A DETACHABLE PULLEY MOUNT - The present invention provides a vehicle including a frame, a drive assembly supported by the frame, a rear wheel coupled to the frame, and a pulley assembly supported for rotation on the frame and positioned between the drive assembly and the rear wheel. The pulley assembly transfers power generated by the drive assembly to the rear wheel. The vehicle also includes a frame member positioned outboard of the pulley assembly and removably coupled to the frame to at least partially support the pulley assembly for rotation on the frame. | 04-30-2009 |
20090107753 | VEHICLE HAVING MULTIPLE-PIECE PIVOT SHAFT ASSEMBLY - The present invention provides a vehicle including a frame, a rear wheel, a swingarm coupling the rear wheel to the frame, and a pivot shaft assembly rotatably coupling the swingarm to the frame. The pivot shaft assembly includes a first shaft having a non-circular outer surface engageable with a corresponding non-circular aperture in the frame. The pivot shaft assembly also includes a second shaft threaded to one end of the first shaft. The second shaft pivotably supports one side of the swingarm with respect to the frame. The pivot shaft assembly further includes a third shaft threaded to the other end of the first shaft. The third shaft pivotably supports the other side of the swingarm with respect to the frame. | 04-30-2009 |
20090001780 | FLIP-UP SEAT WITH REAR SEAT STORAGE - A seat assembly for a motorcycle includes a rider seat having a forward end and a rearward end, a mounting bracket pivotally coupling the forward end of the rider seat to a frame of a motorcycle, the rider seat being pivotable to raise the rearward end of the seat, and a support arm. The seat assembly further includes a rear seat support having a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being pivotally coupled to the support arm and the second end portion supporting a rear seat. The rear seat support is pivotal from a first position in which the rear seat is hidden from view below the rider seat to a second position in which the rear seat can support a passenger. The seat assembly also includes a stop feature for supporting the second end portion relative to the support arm and a lock feature for inhibiting pivoting of the rear seat support. | 01-01-2009 |
20090001114 | SADDLEBAG MOUNTING SYSTEM FOR A MOTORCYCLE - A saddlebag mounting system for use with a motorcycle that includes a frame having a mounting location for coupling a footpeg to the motorcycle. The saddlebag mounting system includes a first bracket configured to securely attach the mounting location, a second bracket removably coupled to the first bracket, and a saddlebag coupled to the second bracket such that uncoupling the second bracket from the first bracket disconnects the saddlebag and the second bracket from the motorcycle and leaves the first bracket attached to the frame. | 01-01-2009 |
20090001113 | LUGGAGE RACK AND PASSENGER SEAT FOR A MOTORCYCLE - A luggage rack and passenger seat combination for a motorcycle includes a luggage rack assembly configured to mount to the motorcycle. The luggage rack assembly has a support member operable to support cargo on a support surface thereof, the luggage rack assembly including a first engaging feature and a second engaging feature. A passenger seat assembly includes a movable mounting member and a fixed mounting member. The movable mounting member is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. The movable mounting member is engageable with the first engaging feature and the fixed mounting member is engageable with the second engaging feature to removably couple the passenger seat assembly to the luggage rack assembly to support a passenger of the motorcycle. | 01-01-2009 |
20090000924 | INTEGRATED IGNITION AND KEY SWITCH - An ignition and key switch assembly for a motorcycle includes a cover having a front surface, a rear surface, a first cover portion and a second cover portion, an ignition coil located in the first cover portion, the ignition coil being held in the first cover portion by a protective layer, and a key switch received within the second cover portion and being accessible at the cover front surface. A mounting bracket is provided for mounting the cover to the key switch and an aligning feature is provided for aligning the cover to the key switch. | 01-01-2009 |
20090000845 | MOTORCYCLE HAVING DETACHABLE SUPPORT MEMBERS - A motorcycle includes a steering head, a steering assembly pivotably coupled to the steering head, at least one longitudinal frame member extending rearwardly from the steering head, and a rear frame member coupled to the longitudinal frame member. The rear frame member includes a mounting portion having a mounting surface, and first and second walls extending from the mounting surface at an oblique angle to the mounting surface. The motorcycle also includes a support coupled to the rear frame member. The support includes a coupling portion having a coupling surface, and first and second walls extending from the coupling surface at an oblique angle to the coupling surface. The first and second walls of the mounting portion are wedged against the first and second walls of the coupling portion, respectively, to substantially prevent rotation of the support with respect to the rear frame member. | 01-01-2009 |
20090000419 | HANDLEBAR ASSEMBLY WITH AXIAL LOCKING FEATURE - A handlebar assembly for a motorcycle includes a riser and a cap coupled to the riser. The cap and riser define a clamp having a cavity. The handlebar assembly also includes a handlebar having a first end portion and a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The second end portion is configured to support a hand grip. The first end portion defines an axis and is at least partially received within the cavity. At least one of the clamp and the first end portion includes an axial locking feature to inhibit movement of the handlebar relative to the clamp in a direction along the axis. The axial locking feature permits rotation of the handlebar assembly about the axis to adjust the position of the second end portion. | 01-01-2009 |
20090000282 | PERFORMANCE EXHAUST SYSTEM - An exhaust system for a motorcycle engine including a header having an upstream end adjacent a combustion chamber of the engine and having a downstream end opposite the upstream end. The exhaust system includes a catalytic converter positioned downstream of the combustion chamber and configured to improve the emissions quality of exhaust gases discharged from the combustion chamber. The exhaust system further includes a perforated section at least partially defining an exhaust passageway, the perforated section disposed adjacent the downstream end of the header. A resonator chamber is in fluid communication with the perforated section. The resonator chamber is configured to allow expansion of the exhaust gases in the exhaust passageway through the perforated section. | 01-01-2009 |
20080285292 | MOTORCYCLE TAIL LIGHT ASSEMBLY - A tail light assembly for a motorcycle includes a first array of at least one LED in illuminated in at least a first color. The first group of LEDs operates in a non-operating condition, a running condition where each LED of the first array is illuminated at first intensity, and a braking condition where each LED is illuminated at a second, brighter intensity. A second array of at least one LED is illuminated in at least a second color. The second array operates in a non-operating condition, and a flashing condition where each LED of the second array alternates between being illuminated and not illuminated. Each LED of the first array is illuminated at the first or the second intensity while each LED of the second array alternates between being illuminated and not illuminated in the flashing condition. | 11-20-2008 |
20080252041 | INTELLIGENT INTERLOCK FOR A MOTORCYCLE STAND - A motorcycle including a frame, an engine mounted to the frame, and a stand movable between an extended position in which the stand supports the motorcycle and a retracted position. The motorcycle includes a sensor operable to generate a stand signal indicative of at least one of the extended and retracted positions of the side stand and a controller electrically coupled to the sensor to receive the stand signal. The controller is programmed for preventing operation of the engine based on the stand signal during a first operating condition of the motorcycle and is further programmed to allow running of the engine during a second operating condition of the motorcycle, regardless of the stand signal. | 10-16-2008 |
20080236346 | UNIVERSAL PRIMARY LOCKING TOOL - A primary locking tool for use with first and second primary drive assemblies. The first primary drive assembly includes a first drive sprocket and a first input sprocket a first distance from one another. The second primary drive assembly includes a second drive sprocket and a second input sprocket a second distance from one another. The second distance is greater than the first distance. The primary locking tool includes a first side portion having a drive jaw configured to engage the first and second drive sprockets. A second side portion includes an input jaw configured to engage the first and second input sprockets. The first and second side portions are coupled together for movement between a retracted position and an extended position that engage and resist rotation of the first drive sprocket and first input sprocket and the second drive sprocket and second input sprocket, respectively. | 10-02-2008 |
20080223327 | DUAL-SIDED AIR INTAKE ASSEMBLY WITH CROSSOVER - The present invention provides an air intake assembly including a first portion defining a first chamber through which airflow passes. The first portion is coupled to a first throttle member to allow communication from the first chamber to the first throttle member. The air intake assembly also includes a first filter element coupled to the first portion and positioned upstream of the first chamber, and a second portion defining a second chamber through which airflow passes. The second portion is coupled to a second throttle member to allow communication from the second chamber to the second throttle member. The air intake assembly further includes a second filter element coupled to the second portion and positioned upstream of the second chamber, and a conduit coupling the first and second portions. The conduit allows communication between the first and second chambers at a location downstream of the first and second filter elements. | 09-18-2008 |