Title of Invention	"DAMPENED SUSPENSION UNIT OF A MOTORCYCLES REAR WHEEL"
Abstract	A dampened suspension unit (29) of a motorcycle"s (11) rear wheel (18) or similar is connected to a frame (12) and includes a first (32) and second (30) shock absorber, where the first shock absorber (32) is connected to a casing (22) of a transmission and the second shock absorber (30) is connected to a plate (16) , which is, in turn, connected at one end to a motor (20) of the motorcycle (11) , and at the other end to the rear wheel (18) hub (27). The motorcycle (11) frame (12), is thus inclined with respect to the hub"s axis (27) so that it may house a large storage case (42) of particularly large dimensions.

Title of Invention

"DAMPENED SUSPENSION UNIT OF A MOTORCYCLES REAR WHEEL"

Abstract

A dampened suspension unit (29) of a motorcycle"s (11) rear wheel (18) or similar is connected to a frame (12) and includes a first (32) and second (30) shock absorber, where the first shock absorber (32) is connected to a casing (22) of a transmission and the second shock absorber (30) is connected to a plate (16) , which is, in turn, connected at one end to a motor (20) of the motorcycle (11) , and at the other end to the rear wheel (18) hub (27). The motorcycle (11) frame (12), is thus inclined with respect to the hub"s axis (27) so that it may house a large storage case (42) of particularly large dimensions.

Full Text	The present invention refers to a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or'similar. ^Particular reference is made to motorcycles commonly known as scooters, In order to guarantee riding safety and comfort, the connection between the motorcycle frame and the rear wheel is effected always by shock absorbers, which allow the absorption of an uneven road surface. Motorcycles are usually made of a frame to which is hinged, so that it can oscillate, one end of a plate or motor timing case supporting a rear wheel hub. A second end of the plate is connected to the motorcycle frame through shock absorbers. Traditionally there are one or two shock absorbers and, in the latter case, these are symmetrically situated on both sides of the motorcycle. In particular, one of the shock absorbers is fixed to a bore made in a casing of the transmission, while the other is fixed to a bore made directly in the hub support plate. It is a well-known fact that traditional type dampened suspension units take up a lot of space, especially above the rear wheel, i.e. since the shock absorbers need a given space to be able to work properly. As a consequence, on one hand, the seat must be placed at a certain height from the ground, and on the other hand, that it is impossible to fit a container or storage case below the seat, unless of very limited size. The aim of the invention is, therefore, to eliminate the technical problems encountered, by producing a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar with a substantially reduced overall height. Another aim of the invention is to produce a dampened suspension unit which allows the mounting on the motorcycle of a larger storage case than has been possible until now. A further aim of the invention is to produce a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar which is essentially simple, safe and reliable. These and other aims, according to the present invention, are satisfied by producing a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar according to claim 1. Other features of the present invention are defined, besides, in the subsequent claims. Advantageously, the dampened suspension unit, according to the present invention, allows the production of motorcycles with low seats and, in addition, the provision of a large container or storage area below the seat itself, big enough to house a small case or a crash helmet. •Accordingly there is provided a dampened suspension unit (29) of a motorcycle's (11) rear wheel (18) said dampened suspension unit (29) being connected to a frame (12) and including a first (32) and second (30) shock absorber, where said » first shock (32) is connected to a transmission casing (22) and said second shock absorber (30) is connected to a plate (16), which is connected, in turn, at one end to a motor (20) of said motorcycle (11), and at the other end to the rear wheel (18) hub (27), characterized in that said motorcycle (11) frame (12), is thus inclined with respect to an axis of said hub (27) so that it may limit the bulk above said ,rear wheel (18). Additional features and advantages of a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar, according to the present invention, will be made more apparent by the following illustrative and non limiting description, referring to the enclosed outline diagrams, in which: Fig. -i* shows a partial perspective view of a motorcycle with a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a partial perspective view of the motorcycle in Fig. 1, on which the ^storage case is mounted; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a rear portion of the .motorcycle in Fig. 1, where the storage case is represented by the dotted l"fne/ and Fig. 4 shows a schematic side elevation view of a motorcycle detail according to the present invention. With reference to the Figures mentioned, a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar is shown, where the motorcycle, taken as aT~~wh~61e7" is ~ denoted by reference number 11. The motorcycle 11 includes a frame 12 supporting a motor 20, in such a way that this can oscillate. A plate 16 is fixed to the motor 20 at 14 which, in turn, supports the motorcycle's 11 rear wheel 18 hub 27. The plate 16 is located along one side of the motorcycle 11 and is placed between the same wheel 18 and the exhaust 19. Along the opposite side of the motorcycle 11 to that where there is the plate 16, instead is housed a transmission unit held by a casing 22, that transfers motion from the motor 20 to the wheel 18. The frame 12 is of metallic tube type and includes two lateral side members 24, 26 which go from the front part of the motorcycle 11 to its rear end, in line with the wheel 18, passing over the relative hub 27. The two lateral side members 24, 26 are shaped and are at different distances from the hub 27. In particular, the lateral side member 24 is the nearest to the hub 27 of the wheel 18 with respect to lateral side member 26, so that a tubular cross member 28, interposed between lateral side members 24 and 26, is inclined with respect to an axis of the hub 27 so as to minimise bulk, especially above the rear wheel 18. The cross member 28 is connected to the support 16 by a dampened suspension unit 29 which includes two shock absorbers 30, 32. A first shock absorber 30 has a pivoted end in a bore 34 of the cross member 28, placed near the lateral side members 24, with the opposite end pivoted in a bore 36 of plate 16. A second shock absorber 32 has one pivoted end in a bore 38 of the cross member 28, placed near the lateral side member 26 with the opposite end pivoted in a bore 40 joined to the transmission casing 22. As is particularly apparent in Fig. 1, the shock absorbers 30, 32 which are virtually the same, are mounted at different heights with respect to hub 27 of wheel 18, taken as the reference height. Instead, in Fig. 4 it is apparent how the same shock absorbers 30, 32 are mounted in a basically vertical position with the motorcycle 11 properly upright and, although being parallel between themselves are not mutually aligned. In fact, in Fig. 4 the axes 30a, 32a respectively, of the shock absorbers 30, 32 are parallel, but not overlapping. Besides, neither the axes 30a, 32a of the shock absorbers 30, 32 nor one of their extensions passes through hub 27. Above frame 12 is housed a container or storage case 42 fixed to the housing 44 of the same frame 12 by screws or wing nuts. Due to the frame's special structure 12, the storage case 42 has a bigger volume and, in particular, has a portion 46 which increases its volume compared to previous solutions, allowing the placing of a case 48 or similar inside it. The seat is mounted above the storage case 42 (not shown for simplification purposes). The functioning of the dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar according to the invention is essentially the same as that of traditional suspension units. Alterations and variations are certainly possible so that, for example, the storage case 42 may be click-fitted to the frame 12 of the motorcycle 11 in the jointed front part while, towards the rear, it may be fixed by screws or wing nuts. It has basically been confirmed how the dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar, according to the present invention appears especially advantageous since it allows the limiting of bulk above the motorcycle wheel. The dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar, thus designed, is capable of additional numerous alterations and variations, all coming within :he scope of the invention; besides, all the details may )e substituted by other technically equivalent parts. In practice, any suitable materials as well as sizes may be used, depending on the technical needs. We Claim: 1. A dampened suspension unit (29) of a motorcycle's (11) rear wheel (18), said dampened suspension unit (29) being connected to a frame (12) and having a first (32) and second (30) shock absorber, where said first shock absorber (32) is connected to a transmission casing (22) and said second shock absorber (30) is connected to a plate (16), which is connected, in turn, at one end to a motor (20) of said motorcycle (11), and at the other end to the rear wheel (18) hub (27), characterized in that said motorcycle (11) frame (12), is thus inclined with respect to an axis of said hub (27). 2. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (12) is of metallic tube type and comprising at least two lateral side members (24, 26) which extend from the front portion of said motorcycle (11) to the rear portion in line with said wheel (18). 3. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first lateral side member (24) of said two lateral side members (24, 26) is nearer to said hub (27) of said wheel (18) with respect to said second lateral side member (26), and a cross member (28), interposed between said two lateral side members (24, 26) is inclined with respect to said hub's (27) axis. 4. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first shock absorber (30) of said two shock absorbers (30, 32) has an end pivoted in a bore (34) of said cross member (28), placed near said first lateral side member (24), and an opposite end pivoted in a bore (36) of said support (16). 5. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a second shock absorber (32) has an end pivoted in a bore (38) of said cross member (28), placed near said lateral side member (26), with the opposite end pivoted in a bore (40) of said casing (22) of said transmission. 6. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shock absorbers (30, 32) are mounted in a vertical position with said motorcycle (11) in its proper position. 7. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shock absorbers (30, 32) are placed at a different height with respect to said hub (27) taken as the reference height. 8. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shock absorbers (30, 32) are parallel to each other. 9. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shock absorbers (30, 32) are mutually unaligned. 10. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claiml, wherein a container or storage case (42) is housed above said frame having a portion (46) giving it much increased volume. 11. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said container or storage case (42) has a seat mounted above it. 12. A dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Full Text

The present invention refers to a dampened suspension
unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or'similar. ^Particular
reference is made to motorcycles commonly known as
scooters,
In order to guarantee riding safety and comfort, the
connection between the motorcycle frame and the rear
wheel is effected always by shock absorbers, which allow
the absorption of an uneven road surface.
Motorcycles are usually made of a frame to which is
hinged, so that it can oscillate, one end of a plate or
motor timing case supporting a rear wheel hub. A second
end of the plate is connected to the motorcycle frame
through shock absorbers.
Traditionally there are one or two shock absorbers and,
in the latter case, these are symmetrically situated on
both sides of the motorcycle.
In particular, one of the shock absorbers is fixed to a
bore made in a casing of the transmission, while the
other is fixed to a bore made directly in the hub support
plate.
It is a well-known fact that traditional type dampened
suspension units take up a lot of space, especially
above the rear wheel, i.e. since the shock absorbers need
a given space to be able to work properly.
As a consequence, on one hand, the seat must be placed at
a certain height from the ground, and on the other hand,
that it is impossible to fit a container or storage case
below the seat, unless of very limited size.
The aim of the invention is, therefore, to eliminate the
technical problems encountered, by producing a dampened
suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar
with a substantially reduced overall height.
Another aim of the invention is to produce a dampened
suspension unit which allows the mounting on the
motorcycle of a larger storage case than has been
possible until now.
A further aim of the invention is to produce a dampened
suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar
which is essentially simple, safe and reliable.
These and other aims, according to the present invention,
are satisfied by producing a dampened suspension unit of
a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar according to claim
1.
Other features of the present invention are defined,
besides, in the subsequent claims.
Advantageously, the dampened suspension unit, according
to the present invention, allows the production of
motorcycles with low seats and, in addition, the
provision of a large container or storage area below the
seat itself, big enough to house a small case or a crash
helmet.
•Accordingly there is provided a dampened suspension unit (29) of a motorcycle's (11) rear wheel (18) said dampened suspension unit (29) being connected to a frame (12) and including a first (32) and second (30) shock absorber, where said
»
first shock (32) is connected to a transmission casing (22) and said second shock absorber (30) is connected to a plate (16), which is connected, in turn, at one end to a motor (20) of said motorcycle (11), and at the other end to the rear wheel (18) hub (27), characterized in that said motorcycle (11) frame (12), is thus inclined with respect to an axis of said hub (27) so that it may limit the bulk above said ,rear wheel (18).
Additional features and advantages of a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar, according to the present invention, will be made more apparent by the following illustrative and non limiting description, referring to the enclosed outline diagrams, in which:
Fig. -i* shows a partial perspective view of a motorcycle with a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar according to the present invention; Fig. 2 shows a partial perspective view of the motorcycle in Fig. 1, on which the ^storage case is mounted; Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of a rear portion of the .motorcycle in Fig. 1, where the storage case is represented by the dotted l"fne/ and
Fig. 4 shows a schematic side elevation view of a motorcycle detail according to the present invention. With reference to the Figures mentioned, a dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar is shown, where the motorcycle, taken as aT~~wh~61e7" is ~ denoted by reference number 11. The motorcycle 11 includes a frame 12 supporting a motor

20, in such a way that this can oscillate. A plate 16 is
fixed to the motor 20 at 14 which, in turn, supports the
motorcycle's 11 rear wheel 18 hub 27.
The plate 16 is located along one side of the motorcycle
11 and is placed between the same wheel 18 and the
exhaust 19.
Along the opposite side of the motorcycle 11 to that
where there is the plate 16, instead is housed a
transmission unit held by a casing 22, that transfers
motion from the motor 20 to the wheel 18.
The frame 12 is of metallic tube type and includes two
lateral side members 24, 26 which go from the front part
of the motorcycle 11 to its rear end, in line with the
wheel 18, passing over the relative hub 27. The two
lateral side members 24, 26 are shaped and are at
different distances from the hub 27.
In particular, the lateral side member 24 is the nearest
to the hub 27 of the wheel 18 with respect to lateral
side member 26, so that a tubular cross member 28,
interposed between lateral side members 24 and 26, is
inclined with respect to an axis of the hub 27 so as to
minimise bulk, especially above the rear wheel 18.
The cross member 28 is connected to the support 16 by a
dampened suspension unit 29 which includes two shock
absorbers 30, 32.
A first shock absorber 30 has a pivoted end in a bore 34
of the cross member 28, placed near the lateral side
members 24, with the opposite end pivoted in a bore 36 of
plate 16.
A second shock absorber 32 has one pivoted end in a bore
38 of the cross member 28, placed near the lateral side
member 26 with the opposite end pivoted in a bore 40
joined to the transmission casing 22.
As is particularly apparent in Fig. 1, the shock
absorbers 30, 32 which are virtually the same, are
mounted at different heights with respect to hub 27 of
wheel 18, taken as the reference height.
Instead, in Fig. 4 it is apparent how the same shock
absorbers 30, 32 are mounted in a basically vertical
position with the motorcycle 11 properly upright and,
although being parallel between themselves are not
mutually aligned. In fact, in Fig. 4 the axes 30a, 32a
respectively, of the shock absorbers 30, 32 are parallel,
but not overlapping. Besides, neither the axes 30a, 32a
of the shock absorbers 30, 32 nor one of their extensions
passes through hub 27.
Above frame 12 is housed a container or storage case 42
fixed to the housing 44 of the same frame 12 by screws or
wing nuts.
Due to the frame's special structure 12, the storage case
42 has a bigger volume and, in particular, has a portion 46 which increases its volume compared to previous solutions, allowing the placing of a case 48 or similar inside it.
The seat is mounted above the storage case 42 (not shown for simplification purposes).
The functioning of the dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar according to the invention is essentially the same as that of traditional suspension units.
Alterations and variations are certainly possible so that, for example, the storage case 42 may be click-fitted to the frame 12 of the motorcycle 11 in the jointed front part while, towards the rear, it may be fixed by screws or wing nuts.
It has basically been confirmed how the dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar, according to the present invention appears especially advantageous since it allows the limiting of bulk above the motorcycle wheel.
The dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel or similar, thus designed, is capable of additional numerous alterations and variations, all coming within :he scope of the invention; besides, all the details may )e substituted by other technically equivalent parts.
In practice, any suitable materials as well as sizes may be used, depending on the technical needs.

We Claim:
1. A dampened suspension unit (29) of a motorcycle's (11) rear wheel (18), said
dampened suspension unit (29) being connected to a frame (12) and having a first (32)
and second (30) shock absorber, where said first shock absorber (32) is connected to a
transmission casing (22) and said second shock absorber (30) is connected to a plate
(16), which is connected, in turn, at one end to a motor (20) of said motorcycle (11), and
at the other end to the rear wheel (18) hub (27), characterized in that said motorcycle
(11) frame (12), is thus inclined with respect to an axis of said hub (27).
2. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said frame (12)
is of metallic tube type and comprising at least two lateral side members (24, 26) which
extend from the front portion of said motorcycle (11) to the rear portion in line with said
wheel (18).
3. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said first lateral
side member (24) of said two lateral side members (24, 26) is nearer to said hub (27) of
said wheel (18) with respect to said second lateral side member (26), and a cross
member (28), interposed between said two lateral side members (24, 26) is inclined with
respect to said hub's (27) axis.
4. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a first shock
absorber (30) of said two shock absorbers (30, 32) has an end pivoted in a bore (34) of
said cross member (28), placed near said first lateral side member (24), and an opposite
end pivoted in a bore (36) of said support (16).
5. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 3, wherein a second shock
absorber (32) has an end pivoted in a bore (38) of said cross member (28), placed near
said lateral side member (26), with the opposite end pivoted in a bore (40) of said casing
(22) of said transmission.
6. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shock
absorbers (30, 32) are mounted in a vertical position with said motorcycle (11) in its
proper position.
7. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shock
absorbers (30, 32) are placed at a different height with respect to said hub (27) taken as
the reference height.
8. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shock
absorbers (30, 32) are parallel to each other.
9. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said shock
absorbers (30, 32) are mutually unaligned.
10. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claiml, wherein a container or
storage case (42) is housed above said frame having a portion (46) giving it much
increased volume.
11. A dampened suspension unit (29) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said container or
storage case (42) has a seat mounted above it.
12. A dampened suspension unit of a motorcycle's rear wheel substantially as herein
described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Documents:

821-del-2000-abstract.pdf

821-del-2000-claims.pdf

821-del-2000-correspondence-others.pdf

821-del-2000-correspondence-po.pdf

821-del-2000-description (complete).pdf

821-del-2000-drawings.pdf

821-del-2000-form-1.pdf

821-del-2000-form-13.pdf

821-del-2000-form-19.pdf

821-del-2000-form-2.pdf

821-del-2000-form-3.pdf

821-del-2000-form-6.pdf

821-del-2000-gpa.pdf

821-del-2000-petition-138.pdf

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Patent Number

216815

Indian Patent Application Number

821/DEL/2000

PG Journal Number

13/2008

Publication Date

31-Mar-2008

Grant Date

19-Mar-2008

Date of Filing

11-Sep-2000

Name of Patentee

PIAGGIO & C. S.P.A.

Applicant Address

VIALE RINALDO PIAGGIO, 25, PONTEDERA, PISA, ITALY

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	ALESSANDRO BAGNOLI	VIA GIOVANNI PASCOLI 64, PERIGNANO DI LARI (PISA), ITALY

PCT International Classification Number

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	MI99A001907	1999-09-13	Italy