Wind introducing system for motorcycle

• US 5,301,767 A
• Filed: 10/21/1992
• Issued: 04/12/1994
• Est. Priority Date: 10/21/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha (Yamaha Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha (Yamaha Corporation)
• Inventors: Shiohara, Masakazu
• Primary Examiner(s): Focarino, Margaret A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): MATTIX, CARLA
• Application Number:
  US07/964,196
• Time in Patent Office: 538 Days
• Field of Search: 180/219, 180/229, 180/68.1, 180/68.3, 180/219, 180/229, 180/68.1, 180/68.3, 280/288.2, 165/41, 165/44, 296/78.1, 296/208, 123/41.7
• US Class Current: 180/219
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 13/06 using structural parts of the vehicle as ducts, e.g. frame parts
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/12 Motorcycles, Trikes; Quads; Scooters
• CPC Class Codes: B62J 17/10 Ventilation or air guiding devices forming part of fairings
• CPC Class Codes: B62K 11/04 characterised by the engine being between front and rear wheels
• CPC Class Codes: B62M 7/06 directly under the saddle or seat
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 2075/025 two
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 2075/1816 four
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 61/02 for driving cycles
• CPC Class Codes: F02B 75/22 with cylinders in V, fan, or star arrangement

Abstract

A motorcycle arrangement having a frame with an integral air inlet device that takes ram air and delivers it to the engine induction system. The frame air inlet device includes an enlarged portion that encircles components of the front wheel suspension so as to provide a large flow volume without interfering with the steering of the motorcycle.

Claims

1. A motorcycle type of vehicle having a frame assembly, at least one rear wheel carried by said frame assembly, an internal combustion engine supported by said frame assembly and driving said rear wheel, a front wheel, and a front wheel suspension and steering arrangement for journaling said front wheel for rotation and for steering movement, said frame assembly including an integral air delivery device for delivering ram air to said engine, said air delivery device being comprised of an atmospheric air inlet disposed in an area to receive high pressure air as said motorcycle is traveling, an air outlet for delivering said air to said engine, and a portion between said air inlet and said air outlet encircling a component of said front wheel suspension and steering arrangement for air flow there around without interfering with the steering of said front wheel.

2. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the front wheel suspension and steering arrangement includes a head pipe formed by the frame assembly and a front fork supported for steering movement by said head pipe.

3. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 2 wherein the portion of the air delivering device encircling the component encircles the head pipe.

4. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 2 wherein the portion of the air delivery device encircles the front fork.

5. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 4 wherein the front fork has a pair of spaced apart sections.

6. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 5 wherein both of the spaced apart sections of the front fork are encircled by the portion of the air delivery device.

7. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 6 wherein the head pipe is also encircled by the portion of the air delivery device.

8. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 2 wherein the engine is provided with an induction system.

9. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 8 wherein the air outlet delivers air to the engine induction system.

10. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 9 wherein the air outlet communicates with a further separate duot that delivers the air to the induction system.

11. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 8 wherein the engine is at least partially water cooled and further including a radiator for dissipating heat from the engine, said radiator being positioned forwardly of the engine induction system.

12. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 11 wherein the air outlet delivers air to the induction system without passing across the radiator.

13. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 12 wherein there are a pair of radiators mounted on opposite sides of the head pipe and rearwardly of the head pipe.

14. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 2 wherein the engine is at least partially water cooled and includes a radiator for dissipating heat from the water coolant.

15. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 14 wherein the air outlet delivers air to an induction system of the engine without passing across the radiator.

16. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 15 wherein there are a pair of radiators mounted on opposite sides of the head pipe and rearwardly of the head pipe.

17. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 2 further including a cowling assembly extending forwardly of the head pipe.

18. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 17 wherein the cowling assembly is provided with an opening in registry with the air inlet of the air delivery device of the frame.

19. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 18 wherein the air inlet extends forwardly of the head pipe.

20. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 1 wherein the frame assembly includes a head pipe and a pair of main frame members.

21. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 20 wherein the air delivery portion is comprised of a forwardly extending air inlet, an intermediate device that encircles the head pipe and is formed partially by the main frame members and a closure plate affixed thereto.

22. A motorcycle type of vehicle as set forth in claim 21 further including a duct affixed to the air outlet and delivering the air to the engine.