OSSA Patent Application

Spanish Patent ES237123343A1 in English

I first learned of OSSA's patent because it was posted on Xiu's website.  I used the European Patents Office's facility to machine-translate it into English and then edited it to improve readability.  The original Spanish version is available for download at the end of this section.

The document has an application date of September 2009 and was allowed to lapse in September 2021.  

Unlike many patents, it's very readable.  We can see the thinking behind many of the advantages of OSSA's design. 

I'm no patent expert (especially regarding foreign patents) but the final WRITTEN OPINION seems to indicate that most of the claims were denied.  Of the 7 claims, it would seem only one (claim 4) was deemed novel and thus worthy of protection.  

As I looked into this further I realized that the document is titled “Solicitud de Patente” which is only a “patent request” or what we would consider a patent application here in the US.

Without further ado, below is the translation. 

ABSTRACT

It comprises a chassis (2) and a fuel tank (10) consisting of an elongated body (12) arranged at a front location and under the chassis (2) and inclined at an angle between 60 and 70 degrees, a radiator (20) parallel to the tank (10), an air filter box (30) parallel to both, and an engine block (40) inclined backward at an angle between 40 and 50 degrees.  This achieves lowering the center of gravity of the motorcycle (1) obtaining great maneuverability and a significant improvement in the agility and stability of the whole while driving.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a motorcycle and particularly, but not exclusively, to a motorcycle off-road type compact configuration and easy handling.

The invention has particular application in motorcycles off-road type, where it is stated that the center of gravity is in the lowest possible position.  However, although the term includes off-road type motorcycles trial, motocross, enduro, etc. generally used off-road, the invention is not limited to this type of motorcycle but can be applied to any other type of motorcycle which advantageous geometry with a center of gravity close to the ground.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Motorcycles, including off-road type, typically are defined by a series of elements arranged in a given relative position, normally fixed relative to the chassis configuration.  These elements include, among others, a fuel tank, a radiator, an air-cleaner case, and an engine block. The design of the particular relative position of these elements determines a center of gravity more or less appropriate to the objectives for motorcycle handling, traction, etc.

Typically, the design of these elements and their particular location on the motorcycle's main objective is to maintain the concentration of the masses as close as possible to the center of gravity and the position of the center of gravity is as low as possible and close the center of the bike so that the weight distribution between the axles is close to 50%.  Depending on the particular use of the motorcycle, it may be desirable to increase or reduce that percentage in one of the axes.

An example of a design for a low center of gravity is the provision proposed in EP1873048.  In that document, the fuel tank is mounted on the back of the motorcycle.  The proposed provision is achieved by lowering the center of gravity and increased traction is obtained by having more weight on the rear wheel relative to the front. However, the set is not all that could compact and takes advantage of the space that exists under the main frame of the motorcycle.

Another proposal configuration applied to an off-road type motorcycle in US5016725 where is described a configuration in which the reservoir is in a lower position in order to lower the center of gravity of the assembly is proposed. The main drawback of this lower engine layout is that it takes up too much space, which can lead to difficulties arranging elements of relatively large size, such as the radiator.

The arrangement of the different elements that are part of a motorcycle (fuel tank, radiator, airbox air, engine block) is a critical aspect influencing weight distribution and affects the position of the center of gravity motorcycle, an aspect of enormous relevance while using it, especially in off-road applications. As seen, the solutions known to lower the center of gravity on a motorcycle have associated drawbacks, as indicated, which may adversely affect other elements.

The present invention proposes a motorcycle, for example of the off-road type, having an array of elements particularly adapted to provide a handy and compact assembly, with which to reduce the center of gravity and also to avoid the inconveniences achieved considering provisions of the prior art, additional advantages are obtained, as will be detailed hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a motorcycle, for example of the off-road type, with a number of elements located in a particular relative arrangement.  These elements, which will be referred to hereinafter include, at least, the fuel tank, the radiator, the air filter box, and the engine block of the motorcycle, all mechanically linked through the chassis of the motorcycle.

The fuel tank comprises an inlet and reservoir body.  Said container body is adapted to receive fuel and preferably has an elongated configuration in the longitudinal direction of travel.  In the arrangement described according to the invention, the reservoir body is attached to the chassis of the motorcycle in front, close to the front wheel position, and at a location substantially lower with respect to the chassis.

Unlike the conventional location of the reservoir body, typically at the top of the motorcycle, the invention proposes the provision of this element in an area substantially lower and leaning forward an angle to the direction of travel of the motorcycle, i.e. inclined at an angle so that the front end of said tank body, according to that direction of motion, is elevated relative to the opposite end thereof. In some embodiments of the invention, it is preferred that the angle of inclination of the tank body is between 60 and 70 degrees.

With this position of the reservoir, the center of gravity drops significantly, being lower and forward with respect to conventional motorcycles.  This achieves greater maneuverability and effectiveness in driving and increases the load a little more weight on the front axle without lengthening the wheelbase.  This relocation of the tank also reduces the effect of the inertia of the fuel during piloting, which is particularly advantageous in motorcycles off-road type.  Another advantage of the configuration described is that it allows placing more weight near the center of gravity so that a marked improvement in agility and stability of the motorcycle is achieved.  The proposed arrangement also has the advantage that the fuel is removed from the points of heat emission over conventional solutions.

The advantages indicated for the arrangement described for the reservoir are increased in the embodiment wherein the airbox air is disposed of substantially parallel to the fuel tank body, resulting in a very compact assembly, which adds to the advantages concerning the workability and stability of the assembly indicated above.

It is preferable that motorcycle of the invention the radiator will also be substantially arranged parallel to the fuel tank behind the airbox body.  This ensures that the radiator is protected from external input, such as rocks, dirt, and mud, which could eventually seal it in certain situations and elements.

In one embodiment of the invention, the engine block is disposed of inclined rearwardly, unlike conventional engines, which are typically arranged inclined forwardly in the direction of travel.  According to this feature of the motorcycle of the present invention, it is preferred that the engine block is provided with a rearwardly inclined angle between 40 and 50 degrees cylinder. The combination of this engine configuration block and the tank (with the filter box and radiator) as described above allows bringing the engine to the front wheel, making the whole much more manageable and compact.

In addition to the above, and derived from this particular arrangement of the engine block, it is noted that the exhaust manifold may exit the cylinder directly back.  This offers significant advantages: it facilitates moving the engine forward to the front wheel (which is traditionally limited by the exhaust outlet) and moves heat sources away from the fuel tank of the motorcycle, etc.

The configuration described provides an assembly in which further advantages are obtained.  For example, the box air filter may be arranged at an upper location (higher than in conventional motorcycles) so that the air inlet is located farther from the ground with respect to known solutions, allowing submerging motorcycle safe deeper water input into the engine.  This is particularly important in off-road applications.

It is also anticipated that the admission of the air filter box is away from the radiator which receives the fresh air without being heated by the influence of this or the ready escape.  Thus, and generally, the various elements of the motorcycle according to the invention are located with regard to the temperature at which they operate.  Thus, the fuel and air filter box are arranged in a low-temperature zone, the radiator and the cylinder are arranged in areas of average temperature (about 100-110 degrees C ) and the exhaust is disposed at a high-temperature zone (which, if catalyzed, can reach temperatures above 400 degrees C).

With the described structural configuration, either in its basic embodiment (reservoir in front lower inclined position) as in any of the embodiments described (combined structure in which participates also the radiator, filter housing, engine block, exhaust, etc.) an advantageous grouping mass while the position of the center of mass is lowered, contributing to workability, strength stability of the motorcycle, especially a scooter type off-road is obtained.

Next description will be given of the invention of a preferred embodiment thereof, from which other objectives become clearer, including advantages and features of the motorcycle of the present invention.  The description given below is by way of a non-limiting example and is illustrated in the accompanying drawings herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In said drawings,

Figure 1 is the first side elevation view of an embodiment of a motorcycle according to the invention.

Figure 2 is the second side view of the embodiment of the motorcycle, Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the motorcycle in Figures 1 and 2.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The figures of the accompanying drawings it is shown an off-road type motorcycle, single-cylinder, two-stroke, and injection, which is designated by reference 1.   Although the embodiment described with relation to these figures is for a motorcycle of the type illustrated (off-road, ie trial type, motocross, enduro, etc.), the invention is not intended to be limited to this type of motorcycle, but is applicable to other types without further modification individuals.

As can be seen in Figures 1-3, motorcycle (1) includes a chassis (2) with a tubular inverted front fork (3) and a rear swingarm (4) associated with frame (2) and which are respectively, the corresponding front and rear wheels (50), (55).   Frame (2) of motorcycle (1) holds the fuel tank (10), the radiator (20), the air filter box (30), and the engine block (40).

Then the particular arrangement of these elements (10), (20), (30), and (40) on frame (2) of motorcycle (1) of the embodiment shown by way of example in Figures 1-3 is described.

First, the fuel tank (10) of the motorcycle (1) comprises an upper inlet (11) and the tank body (12) itself.  As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, the body (12) of tank (10) has a narrow configuration and is longitudinally elongated in the direction of travel.  The body (12) of the reservoir (10) in motorcycle (1) of the invention is disposed of in a front position, substantially lower, substantially below the main chassis structure (2), next to the front wheel (50) of motorcycle (1), as it is shown in the figures.  According to the cited Figures 1 and 2 of the drawings, body (12) of reservoir (10) is tilted forward at an angle [ alpha ] in the direction of travel of motorcycle (1), with respect to the horizontal, i.e. with the front-rear high with respect to the body (12) of the tank (10).  In the embodiment shown in these figures, the tilt angle [alpha] of the body (12) of container (10) is between 60 and 70 degrees which is the appropriate range for the adjacent assembly, such as the radiator (20) or the air cleaner box (30), in a motorcycle (1) off-road type elements illustrated by way of example in the drawings.  In the illustrated case, the radiator (20) of motorcycle (1) is mounted behind the box air filter (30) under which the corresponding intake duct (35) is provided, which in turn, is located behind the body (12) fuel tank (10), provided these elements (10), (20), (30) in substantially parallel position between them and inclined at the said angle [alpha].  Although this inclination is preferred for the embodiment described according to the figures, other values or said angle of inclination is not ruled [alpha] according to the design and the required characteristics of the motorcycle (1).

In the whole tank, radiator box air-filter (10), (20), and (30) of motorcycle 1 illustrated, all elements are arranged substantially parallel to each other and inclined forward as said angle [alpha], which takes values between 60 and 70 degrees to the illustrated motorcycle.  As indicated, values for said angle [alpha] are preferred for the described embodiment, not other discarded depending on the design and the required characteristics of the motorcycle (1).

In the embodiment shown in the figures, the engine block (40) of motorcycle (1) of the invention comprises a single cylinder 45.  Said cylinder is arranged inclined rearwardly relative to the direction of travel of the motorcycle (1).  The opposite inclination of the cylinder 45 degrees relative to the assembly formed by the reservoir, radiator, and air filter box (10), (20), and (30) can engage the entire set in a remarkably compact design.

In the illustrated example, the tilted cylinder (45) in the engine block (40) is defined by an inclination angle [beta] between 40 and 50 degrees to the vertical.  It will also be appreciated that other embodiments in which the engine block includes more than one cylinder are also within the scope of the invention.

The layout of motorcycle 1 described according to the attached figures also includes the exhaust system.  In such a system, and thanks to said rearward tilting motor (40) block, manifold ?? can escape out of the cylinder directly back (45), thus preventing bending the collector (60) to direct the exhaust from front to back as in conventional motorcycles.

Although the present invention has been described in the specification and illustrated 15 in the accompanying drawings with reference to a preferred embodiment thereof, the motorcycle, including off-road type, the object of the invention is susceptible to various changes without departing from the scope of protection defined in the following claims

CLAIMS

1. Motorcycle (1) comprising an arrangement of elements formed by at least a chassis (2) and a fuel tank (10), characterized in that said fuel tank (10) comprises a body (12) disposed at a front location of the motorcycle (1) and inclined angle (alpha) so that a front end of said body (12), according to the direction of travel of the motorcycle (1), is raised with respect to a rear end thereof and being disposed of said body (12) in a position substantially lower relative to the chassis (2) of the motorcycle (1).

2. Motorcycle (1) according to claim 1, is characterized in that said body (12) of the fuel tank (10) has an elongated configuration.

3. Motorcycle (1) according to claim 1 or claim 2, is characterized in that said arrangement further comprises a radiator (20), said radiator (20) substantially parallel to the body (12) of the fuel tank being disposed of (10).

4. Motorcycle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said arrangement further comprises an air filter housing (30), said airbox being disposed of filter (30) substantially parallel to the body (12) of the fuel tank (10).

5. Motorcycle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, is characterized in that said inclination angle ([alpha]) of the body (12) and the reservoir (10) is between 60 and 70 degrees.

6. Motorcycle (1) according to any of the preceding claims, is characterized in that its said arrangement further comprises a motor (40) block disposed of rearwardly inclined an angle of inclination [beta] relative to the direction of travel of motorcycle (1).

7. Motorcycle (1) according to claim 6, is characterized in that said inclination angle [beta] of the motor (40) block is between 40 and 50 degrees.

WRITTEN OPINION

[ Webmaster's note: the following is exactly as machine-translated and unedited. ]

EspaA OFFICE OF PATENTS OLA

N.a SDR request: 200930670

EspaA A

Date of filing: 09.09.2009

Priority date:

REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE ART

51 Int Cl.. See Additional Sheet

SIGNIFICANT DOCUMENTS

Category 56 Documents cited claims affected

X JP 2002284072 A (HONDA MOTOR CO LTD) 03.10.2002, 1-3,5-7

paragraphs [0033] - [0053]; 3,5-8,11,14 figures.

X US 3269480 A (KIRBY EDWARD J) 30.08.1966, 1,2,5,6

column 2, lines 8-66; Figure 1.

X GB 517604 A (ERNEST EDWIN WALLINGTON BUTT) 02.02.1940, 1,2,5

page 2, lines 53-90; Figures 1.2.

X WO 2008123205 A1 (YAMAHA MOTOR CO LTD et al.) 16.10.2008, 1.6

paragraphs [0021] - [0031]; Figure 1.

Category cited documents X: particularly relevant Y: particularly relevant combined with other / s in the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: referring to non-written disclosure P: published between the priority date and the filing E: earlier document but published after the filing date of the application

This report has been made - for all claims - claims n for DEG:

Date of the report 12.04.2012 Population Examiner V. Bolano Page 1/4

STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE TÃ

SDR application N: 200930670

STANDINGS OBJECT OF THE APPLICATION

B62J35 / 00 (2006.01) B62J37 / 00 (2006.01) B62K11 / 04 (2006.01) B62K11 / 08 (2006.01)

Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols)

B62J, B62K

Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, search terms used)

INVENES, EPODOC

Report of the State of the Art Page 2/4

WRITTEN OPINION N

SDR application N: 200930670

Recorded Written Opinion: 12.04.2012

Declaration

New (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986) Claims Claims 1-3,6 4,5,7 OR

inventive step (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986) 1-3,5-7 Claims Claims 4 OR

It is considered that the application meets the requirement of industrial application.  This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).

Base Opinión.-

This opinion was made on the basis of the patent application as published.

Status Report Technical Page 3/4

SDR application N: 200930670

Recorded Written Opinion: 12.04.2012

Declaration

New (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986) Claims Claims 1-3,6 4,5,7 OR

Inventive step (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986) 1-3,5-7 Claims Claims 4 OR

It is considered that the application meets the requirement of industrial application.  This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).

Base Opinión.-

This opinion was made on the basis of the patent application as published.

Status Report Technical Page 3/4

WRITTEN OPINION N

SDR application N: 200930670

1. considerados.- documents

The documents belonging to the prior art are taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion relate.

Document Publication Number or ID Issue Date

D01 JP 2002284072 A (HONDA MOTOR CO LTD) 03.10.2002

2. Reasoned statement under Articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Implementing Regulations of Law 11/1986, of March 20, Patent on novelty and inventive step; quotes and explanations in support of this statement

The invention study aims for a motorcycle with an arrangement of elements in which the fuel tank is located under the chassis, radiator, and box air filter are parallel to the tank and the engine block is tilted back.

Document D01, considered the closest prior art, shows a motorcycle with an arrangement of elements including a chassis (110) and a fuel tank (230), which comprises a body disposed of in a front location of the motorcycle in a substantially lower position relative to the chassis (110).  The fuel tank (230) is inclined so that its front end in the direction of running of the motorcycle is high relative to the rear end thereof and has an elongated configuration.  The disposition of elements further comprises a radiator (22) substantially parallel to the fuel tank (230) body.

Therefore claims 1 to 3 are not new according to Article 6 of Law 11/1986 of Patents.

As to claim 6 of the application, it is indicated in the arrangement of elements comprises a "disposed of inclined rearwardly inclination angle (?) Relative to the running direction of the motorcycle" engine block. Since the direction of travel of the motorcycle is a line parallel to the road, the motorcycle engine reflected in the figures of document D01 block is tilted backward relative to the line.

Consequently, claim 6, as is written, also presents novelty under Article 6 of Law 11/1986 of Patents.

Moreover, in claim 5 an inclination angle of the tank between 60 DEG and 70 DEG body is proposed, without indicating if the angle is measured relative to one of the outer walls of the tank, its midline or other point reference. In reference to document D01 tilt of the motorcycle tank is not made; however, in view of the figures in this document and taking into account the lack of specificity in the application as to the angle measure claimed, it is considered that claim 5 has no inventive character.

Similarly, claim 7 ranges for the angle of the engine, which also would be inventive in view of the document proposes block D01.

For the above reasons, it is considered that claims 5 and 7 lack inventive steps under Article 8 of the Patent Law 11/1986.