GB2510103A

GB2510103A - Suspension play indicator

Info

Publication number: GB2510103A
Application number: GB1222009.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jimmy Francis Elizaga
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2012-12-07
Filing date: 2012-12-07
Publication date: 2014-07-30

Abstract

The main purpose for this device is to measure extension and retraction of devices such as hydraulics and pneumatics in a motorcycle suspension. The device is attached to a suspension strut of a motorcycle and comprises a fork protector or shield with a scale and a window with a pointing device disposed adjacent the window to indicate suspension travel or displacement. It is stated that the device assists in simplifying the process of motorcycle to rider suspension set-up. Also, at a glance, the motorcycle rider will be able to determine the exact amount of suspension play or travel in millimetres.

Description

SUSPENSION PLAY INDICATOR

DESCRIPTION:

The main purpose for this device is to measure extension and retraction of devices such as hydraulics and pneumatics. The use of this invention is not solelylimited to motorcycle suspension.

This invention is an incorporation of a measuring device onto a motorcycle fork protector. With this incorporation of two gadgets, it also serves two purposes. It not only will the motorcycle fork be protected from road debris, it also gives an instant reference to the suspension play or travel.

Motorcycle suspension play is vita' in ensuring the motorcycle tyres are constantly in contact with the road, track, or ground.

This invention also relates to the simplification of motorcycle suspension set-up process and encourages awareness to all motorcycle riders about the importance of the suspension play in relation to riding.

The knowledge of suspension play shou'd be made readily available to all motorcycle riders. This is a very personal process that all motorcycle riders need to know. What is currently happening is that majority of motorcycle riders just jumps on their motorcycle, gets by and think that, that's just the way the motorcyde is. Not knowing the dynamics of suspension. At the moment, the whole idea of suspension set-up only seems to be restricted to motorcycle racing and only a handful of racing enthusiast With incorrect suspension setup. tire wear is increased and handling suffers, which in turn can result in rider fatigue, also decreases fuel economy. In motorcycle racing, lap times can be dramatically slower and in extreme cases may even save lives.

Setting up the motorcycle's suspension tolerances to the rider's weight. riding style and riding conditions will maximises the tyre to road/ground contact. This is called the contact patch. As per Compulsory Basic Training information, contact patch of a motorcycle tyre to the road is only as big as a postage stamp, so it is vital to utilise the contact patch to its maximum effects to ensure safety.

Traction is probably the most important factor in riding a motorcycle. By properly setting up the motorcycle to the rider, it makes the motorcycle's tyres are constantly in-contact with thc road, track, or ground.

By incorporating a measurement device to a motorcycle fork protector simplifies the process of setting up the motorcycle to the rider tolerance parameters.

At the moment, the process of setting up motorcyde suspension seem to be very difficult, awkward, and requires at least 2 people to complete the process.

1. The rider -using his own body weight 2. The measurer -finds 2 measurement points, uses a tape measure to measure distances before and after, then calculates the differences.

The measurer then has to calculate the difference for the following.

I. Rider's sag -the weight of the motorcycle and the rider 2. Maximum suspension travel before bottoming out.

With this invention, the motorcycle rider can simply glance at the middle window of the fork protector incorporated with a measuring device and instandy know suspension travel measurements in millimetres, adjustment of these tolerances within the specific parameters, thus setting up the motorcycle's suspension.

As the evolution of modern hydraulic and pneumatic are constantly altering the current design, future designs of this SUSPENSION PLAY INDICATOR will also adapt to accommodate the alterations to a more modern design.

THIS DEVICE WILL NOW BE DESCRIBED WITH REFERENCS AND

CORRESPONDING DRAWINGS.

COMPONENTS: Note: All of the components used were specifically chosen are constructed from materials that will not cause any disruption of any kind to the operation of the suspension while in motion, in any circumstance. All components will not damage surrounding mechanical parts near the suspension while in motion.

I. Fork protector -variable size 2. Measuring device, similar to a ruler, incorporated within the fork protector 3. Middle window 4. Cable tie with arrowhead -variable length.

5. Cable tie without the arrowhead APPLICATION: PART I I. The base of the fork protector is wrapped around the upper edge of the outer tube.

2. Ensuring that the measuring device window is facing at an angle where it can be easily seen.

3. Aligning the zero' marking to the edge of the outer tube or the edge of the dust seal if applicable.

4. Tightly secure the base of the fork protector with the cable tie without the arrowhead.

APPLICATION: PART 2 1. Wrap the cable tie with arrowhead onto the inner tube. Gently secure, with just enough grip to still move the cable tie with arrowhead up the tube without the cable tie with arrowhead falling down.

2. Point the arrowhead in the middle window of the measuring device for easy measurement reference.

SOLUTION FOR THE CONSUMERS: Practicality: 1. Making motorcycle riders aware of motorcycle suspension and what they do.

2. Making riding a pleasurable experience and reduces rider fatigue.

3. Maximising the use of the contact patch' 4. Making motorcycle handling better.

5. In racing, decreasing lap times.

6. May even save lives.

Economy: 1. Reduces tyre wear.

2. Increase in fuel economy

Claims

CLAIM: I. The main purpose for this device is to measure extension and retraction of devices such as hydraulics and pneumatics.
2. This device also relates to making motorcycle rider aware of suspension set-up.
3. This device also relates to highlighting the benefits of a properly set-up motorcycle.
4. This device also relates to simpfification of the process of motorcycle and rider suspension set up.
5. With proper adjustment, this device also relates to better motorcycle handling
6. Thus reduces rider fatigue
7. Thus reduces tyre wear
8. Thus increases fuel economy
9. Thus reduce lap times, only in motorcycle racing.
10. May even save lives