Locking arrangement for motorcycle

• US 6,237,710 B1
• Filed: 10/25/1999
• Issued: 05/29/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 10/26/1998
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha (Yamaha Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha (Yamaha Corporation)
• Inventors: Okada, Shinsuke, Kubo, Yutaka, Kuwata, Masaaki, Mori, Shuuichi
• Primary Examiner(s): Hurley, Kevin
• Application Number:
  US09/425,305
• Time in Patent Office: 582 Days
• Field of Search: 180/219, 280/272, 280/833, 280/835, 70/233, 70/252, 70/261
• US Class Current: 180/219
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 5/00 Appliances preventing or indicating unauthorised use or theft of cycles; Locks integral with cycles fittings for preventing or indicating use or theft of vehicles in general B60R; general features of locks E05B
• CPC Class Codes: B62H 5/02 for locking the steering mechanism
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 70/5872 For cycles

Abstract

A motorcycle includes an integrated locking system. The locking system actuates a seat lock from the main switch as well as a handlebar or steering lock. The steering lock is structured such that an overlap of components results in a locking pin passage that extends into a locking pin chamber. The locking pin passage is substantially shielded by a labyrinth defined by overlapping components. The main switch is positioned forward of at least one gauge and a meter cover surrounds at least the gauge and the main switch as well as covers at least a portion of the fuel tank.

Claims

1. A motorcycle comprising a frame, a front wheel being dirigibly connected to a forward portion of said frame with a steering assembly, a seat being moveably attached to said frame, a fuel tank being mounted on said frame and being positioned at least partially between said seat and said steering assembly, a main switch being positioned forward of at least a portion of said fuel tank, a gauge mounted above said fuel tank, a dash cover extending around said gauge and said main switch, said main switch controlling at least a portion of an electrical system of the motorcycle, said main switch also controlling a front wheel lock and a seat lock, said front wheel lock comprising a strike member that limits steering movement of said front wheel when engaged, and said seat lock comprising a latch mechanism that locks said seat to said frame when engaged.

2. The motorcycle of claim 1 further comprising resilient members that are positioned between said gauge and said frame such that vibratory energy transmission between said frame and said gauge may be reduced.

3. The motorcycle of claim 1, wherein said front wheel lock forms a portion of said main switch, said steering assembly including a recess into which said portion of said main switch extends.

4. The motorcycle of claim 3, wherein said striking member moves between an engaged position and a disengaged position within said recess.

5. The motorcycle of claim 4, wherein said striking member is a lock pin.

6. The motorcycle of claim 1, wherein said gauge and said main switch are positioned along a longitudinally extending substantially vertical plane that substantially bisects said motorcycle.

7. The motorcycle of claim 1, wherein said dash cover is attached to said fuel tank with a fastener that extends through a slot such that said dash cover is adjustably fitted to said fuel tank.

8. The motorcycle of claim 1, wherein said gauge is mounted above said fuel tank in said dash cover.

9. The motorcycle of claim 1, wherein said main switch is mounted to said frame.

10. The motorcycle of claim 1 further comprising an interface between said dash cover and said fuel tank and a resilient gasket being positioned along said interface.

11. The motorcycle of claim 10, wherein said gasket includes a lip that accommodates manufacturing tolerances.

12. The motorcycle of claim 1, wherein said main switch is actuated by a key and said key rotates about an axis that is inclined relative to a vertically extending axis.