Device to aesthetically cover and provide protection to motorcycle vehicle identification numbers (vin) and/or/combination emission label sticker on a motorcycle frame

Abstract

Device to aesthetically cover and provide protection to motorcycle vehicle identification numbers (vin) and/or emission label stickers on a motorcycle frame. Typically motorcycle frames will have a vin and/or/combination emission information sticker attached to them. Typically these stickers are required and cannot be removed. Besides the fact that these stickers are aesthetically displeasing, they are also exposed to the elements and debris of the road when riding. The device comprises of a removable semi cylindrical panel. The panel is secured to a motorcycle frame to cover and protect a vin and/or/combination emissions information label sticker.

Claims

1. An apparatus for protecting a vehicle identification number label on a motorcycle, comprising: a semi-cylindrical cover of a semi flexible material, said cover shaped and sized to affix to a motorcycle frame and comprising an inner concave surface, an outer convex surface, and first and second edges distal from one another; at least one magnet attached to said inner surface of said cover, said at least one magnet comprising an exterior surface; felt covering said exterior surface of said at least one magnet, said felt preventing scratching of a surface of the motorcycle; said outer convex surface of said cover having a protective powder coat finish; wherein said cover is configured to flex upon installation over a motorcycle frame member; wherein said cover covers and protects a vehicle identification number and/or emission sticker located on a downtube of a motorcycle frame.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the edges are rounded.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the edges are square.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the material of the cover is selected from steel and plastic.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the magnets are attached to the inner surface by adhesive.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the cover is removable.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one magnet comprises a plurality of magnets.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the powder coat finish comprises a color finish which complements an exterior color of said motorcycle.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

(1) FIG. 1 is a plan view of the outward or top side of the panel in accordance with the present invention.

(2) FIG. 2 is a plan view of the inward or bottom side of the panel in accordance with the present invention.

(3) FIG. 3 is an exploded view of inward or bottom side of panel.

(4) FIG. 4 is a side perspective view of the front half portion of a motorcycle frame with the vin and/or/combination emission label sticker affixed to the down tube where commonly found. The figure also includes a perspective view of current invention next to frame showing installation motion.

(5) FIG. 5 is a side perspective of the front half portion of a motorcycle frame with current invention installed on frame down tube concealing and protecting vin and/or/combination emissions label.

FIGURES—REFERENCE NUMERALS

(6) 1. . . . Front outward side of current invention 2. . . . Back inward side of current invention 3. . . . Magnets 4. . . . Back inward side of current invention 5. . . . Magnets 6. . . . Felt tape 7. . . . Front half of a motorcycle frame 8. . . . Emission and/or/combination label sticker affixed to motorcycle frame 9. . . . Current invention 10. . . . Front half of a motorcycle frame 11. . . . Current invention installed on motorcycle frame concealing and protecting label 13. . . . edges of panel 14. . . . Adhesive for bonding magnets to inside of panel

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(7) Referring to the drawings, a preferred embodiment of a device for concealing and protecting the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) and/or/emissions label stickers on a motorcycle frame is illustrated as 1 in FIG. 1, but also includes various perspectives of current invention shown in 2 in FIG. 2, 4 in FIG. 3, 9 in FIG. 4, 11 in FIG. 5. Still referring to FIG. 1, 1 depicts front outward facing view of current invention including semi cylindrical shape body. The panel can have rounded or squared edges depicted in 13. The cover panel 1 will have a powder coat finish to protect panel surface from the outside elements and road debris 12. Variations of length and inside diameter of the semi cylindrical (arch) shaped cover 1 differ based on application of manufacturer and model motorcycle frame. The scale in FIG. 1 is approximately ½.

(8) Referring to FIG. 2, the back inward side of panel 2 will have a means to secure the panel to motorcycle frame. The most commonly used method for this will be two magnets 3 bonded to backside of panel 2. There can also be variations to how panel is fixed to motorcycle frame including bonded molded clips or zip ties affixed at the same location. The scale in FIG. 2 is approximately ½.

(9) Referring to FIG. 3, depicts exploded view of current invention. The current invention consisting of cover plate 4, comprised of mild steel or formed plastic, adhesive to bond magnets to cover 14, magnets to secure panel to ferrous motorcycle frame 5, and felt tape 6 that protects label on frame from outward facing magnet surface.

(10) Referring to FIG. 4, Motorcycle frame designs 7 vary based on manufacturer and model. Typically a motorcycle frame consists of round tubing bent to make up areas of frame. Typically motorcycle frames 7 will have a vin and/or/combination emissions label sticker 8 affixed to them in plain view for inspection and accessibility but create an aesthetically displeasing sight. Typically these stickers 8 cannot be removed from frame 7. The current invention 9 is installed by first determining orientation of cover relative to the motorcycle frame 7 containing the vin and/or/combination emissions label 7 and press inward 9 toward the frame and secure. The scale in FIG. 4 is approximately ⅓.

(11) Referring to FIG. 5, the present invention 11 is a device for concealing and protecting the vin and/or/combination emissions stickers on motorcycle frames 10. Relating to FIG. 5, depicts device 11 installed on motorcycle frame 10 and covering the vin and/or/combination emissions label previously depicted in FIG. 4 8. The current invention cover 11 will not only be coated a specific color to match and blend to the manufacturer and model factory finish of frame to minimize visually displeasing appearance of label but also protect against exposure to weathering elements and debris of the road when riding. Harsh weather including hail and rain and/or debris such as rocks picked up off the road by the motorcycle's front tire or other automobiles on the road can cause chips and unwanted wear and tear to said sticker.

(12) All features disclosed in this specification, including any accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings, may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

(13) Although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, various modifications and substitutions may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the present invention has been described by way of illustration and not limitation.