GB464708A - Improvements in or relating to spring forks for motor-cycles - Google Patents

Abstract

464,708. Spring forks. NORTON MOTORS, Ltd., and FRANKS, E. M. Dec. 19, 1935, No. 35175. [Class 136 (iii)] - In a spring fork for motorcycles, a compression spring is connected at its ends to abutments on the steering- head and fork by means of universal or pivoted joints of which the axes are set in some distance from the ends of the spring, whereby the spring is compressed and extended in a truly axial direction, and lateral distortion of the spring is avoided. The fork a, carried from the steering-head by pairs of upper and lower links c, d, is controlled by a coiled compression spring f, which is interposed between the head and fork with its end coils at each end engaged in a helical groove on the surface of a sleeve or cap g having a domed inner end forming a socket h to receive a part-spherical head k on a stud j. These parts are held in engagement by a sleeve l which is screwed into the cap g and is spherically shaped at its inner edge where it engages the head k. Lubrication of the joint is effected through an axial passage bored in the stud j and fitted with a nipple n. The upper stud j is rigidly secured in a lug p on the steering-head by a nut q, while the lower stud j is similarly secured in a lug r on the fork. The outer end of each cap g is formed with an annular groove to receive a ring or washer s, which is held in place by swaging over the end of the cap and forms a stop for the end coil of the spring. In a modification, in which the ends of the spring rock in one plane only, the cap engaged with the end coils of the spring is transversely slotted at its inner end to receive an eye on the inner end of an attachment stud over which the cap fits, the cap being pivotally connected to the stud by a pin passing through the cap and eye.