GB2459728A

GB2459728A - A motorcycle rear shock asborber and spring protector

Info

Publication number: GB2459728A
Application number: GB0820352A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Arthur Utin
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2008-11-07
Filing date: 2008-11-07
Publication date: 2009-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2028-11-07
Also published as: GB0820352D0; GB2459728B

Abstract

A motorcycle rear shock absorber and spring protector comprises a high impact waterproof vented E neoprene tube D which in use encloses the motorcycles rear shock absorber and spring, the tube D being attached to the shock absorber and spring by Velcro tabs C, F and heavy duty cable ties A. The protector prevents damage of the shock absorber and spring from road salt, water spray, stone chipping, dust and dirt. The protector can also be fitted to a motorcycle in a few minutes without the need to remove the shock absorber from the motorcycle.

Description

Title: Motorcycle rear shock absorber and spring protector.

Background:

This invention relates to the serious lack of protection for the rear shock absorbers and springs on many types of motorcycle old or new.

Being a motorcyclist myself I have come across many bikes that have damaged, pitted, chipped or leaking rear shocks, it has to be the most neglected item on any motorcycle, so I decided to do something about it! The exposed rear shock absorber and spring, is an important structural part of any motorcycle, not only does it provide stability, and comfort, it also controls the way the motorcycle handles.

The rear shock absorbers, and springs, are particularly susceptible to constant damage from the elements while riding the motorcycle in wet or dusty conditions.

The effects from road salt, water spray, and stone chipping alone, account for the most shock damage, and over time, can result in the premature failure of the shock absorber, or at worst an accident. * 2

Statement of invention:

To overcome this problem, my invention proposes the use of a high impact waterproof vented neoprene tube that encloses the motorcycles rear shock absorber and spring, preventing damage from road salt, water spray, stone chipping, dust and dirt, and can be fitted to a motorcycle without the need to remove the shock absorber.

The tube will protect the rear shock absorber and spring from damage while maintaining the condition of the shock for a substantially extended period of time throughout the life of the motorcycle.

Made from a high quality bonded 100% CR Neoprene, which is double lined with stretch nylon on both sides.

This type of lining is sometimes known as double lined, Nylon II or Nylon/Nylon.

Advantages: 1) Simple design: The tube is designed to be simplistic in application, effective in design, pleasing on the eye, Cost effective to produce, and safe to use.

2) Vented: 4 small eyelets, inserted into the neoprene skin at the top and bottom of tube, allow the escape of any possible heat generated by the shock, they also allow for water to escape when the bike is being cleaned.

3) 2 in 1 Safety system: The tube is secured by means of a heavy duty hook and eye, (Velcro) tape sewn into both sides of the opening on the tube, with heavy duty cotton and two heavy duty grip fasteners, (Cable ties) located in two channels running around the top, and bottom edges of the tube.

The (Cable ties) are fastened around the top and bottom adjustment collars of the shock absorber, holding the tube firmly in place, ensuring the tube cannot come loose.

4) Quick and easy to install and remove: The tube is quick, and easy to install and remove, taking only a few minutes to attach to the shock absorber, and even less to remove. In tests it took no more than 10 minuets to attach, and less than 30 sec to remove.

5) Light weight: The tube is very light, weighing just 65g or 2.5 oz complete.

6) Elastic and form fitting: The neoprene used conforms to the rear shock absorber and spring, and adapts perfectly to the varying sizes, and shapes of shock absorbers old and new, moving with the compression and rebound action of the shock without deforming, so is therefore ideal for this invention.

7) Impact absorbent: Neoprene has just the right amount of thickness, (3mm) and density, to absorb the impact of stones thrown onto the spring at speed, when riding the motorcycle.

Offering a high level of protection, both outside and inside the tube.

8) Waterproof: Neoprene sheds water like a duck, making it ideal for this invention.

9) Wear and heat resistant: Neoprene provides fantastic wear and heat resistant qualities, which is very important for my invention.

10) Fade resistant and cleanable: The tube will not fade, and is fully cleanable by hand or machine washable @ 4Ooc.

11) Light reflective safety strip: The logo on the front of the tube includes a light reflective safety strip.

Description of figure 1:

Figure 1 is showing the complete tube as viewed from above, with the tube placed open on a flat surface, the front and the back of the tube are identical.

Index: A = Cable tie's 12" in length.

B = Cable tie enclosures.

C = The Velcro tab with soft surface.

D = Body of the tube.

E = 2mm vented eyelets.

F = The Velcro tab with hooked surface.

Description of figure 2:

Figure 2 is showing a front view of the tube wrapped around the shock absorber, with a partial opening to show the exposed spring. (Closed when installed on motorcycle) Index: G = Suspension mounting points.

H = Suspension adjustment collars.

I = Exposed spring viewed through the tube body.

J = Cable tie position around the shock collars.

E = 2MM vented eyelets.

C = The Velcro tab with soft surface. (l"overlap when closed) F = The Velcro tab with hooked surface (1"overlap when closed) D = Body of the tube.

Description of figure 3:

Figure 3 is showing the tube in its enclosed state, and a view from the top of the shock, looking down the shock body.

F = The Velcro tab with hooked surface (1"overlap when closed) C = The Velcro tab with soft surface. (l"overlap when closed) D = Body of the tube.

J = Cable tie position around the shock collars.

H = Suspension adjustment collars.

I = Exposed spring viewed from above.

(Closed when installed on motorcycle) G = Suspension mounting points.

Detailed description:

Yamaha FZ1N Sports motorcycle 2008.

To produce the tube it is important find out the measurements for the motorcycles shock absorber length and the spring's circumference. eg. 7"L x 9"C With this information production can start.

Make a template from a piece of plywood or similar, marking out the length (Height) and the circumference the (width).

Place the template onto the Neoprene and draw around the template to produce the body of the tube (D).

Mark and cut out a l"x 1" square of Neoprene from each corner, this will produce the tabs for the attachment of the Velcro (F) and (C) Draw a 1" line in white pen, down from the top and bottom along the width of the body of the tube this will form The two channels (B) for the cable ties (A) when installing on the motorcycle.

Fold down the Neoprene along this white line, and sew the fabric using a zig zag stitch, overlapping the edge of the seam so as to maintain the channel for the cable ties (A). Cut lengths of the Velcro for each side of the fixing tabs, (One soft type surface and the other the hooked surface) making sure that one length of Velcro is sewn onto the opposite side of the fixing tab (F) to ensure that the sides overlap snugly when installed onto the motorcycle, then continue to sew the Velcro onto there respective tabs (C) and (F).

Trim off any excess cotton.

Pierce four 2mm holes in the four corners of the body of the tube (D) approx " from the top and side of the tube body (D).

Insert and press in four 2mm vented eyelets (E) Using the best looking side of the tube body (D) select the logo and apply to the surface.

The tube is now complete.

Mounting the tube to the motorcycle: Slide the cable ties (A) into their respective channels along the top and bottom of the tubes body (D).

Wrap the tube around the shock absorbers spring (I) with the Velcro opening (C) and (F) facing the rear of the motorcycle.

Push the tube down the length of the shock absorbers spring (I) so it sits evenly, and seal the Velcro (C) and (F) together.

Secure the bottom cable tie (J) around the adjustment collar (H) and tighten and trim the cable tie (J) so that the adjustment collar (H) is now within the tube body (D) Repeat the process with the top cable tie (J) so again the top adjustment collar is now within the tube body (D).

Grasp the tubes body (D) and turn the whole tube around the shocks spring (I) until the Velcro's joint (C) and (F) is now facing the front of the motorcycle.

The tube is now installed.