Patent Application
20220081054
The present invention relates generally to the field of motorcycles. More specifically, the present invention relates to a radiator protector device comprising a front metal plate, a rear mesh plate and a plurality of fastening elements for attaching the front metal plate and the rear mesh plate together. The radiator protector device is a grille attachment that can be easily installed on a motorcycle grille, for protecting the radiator from being damaged due to debris entering the radiator. The radiator protector device features several bumper buttons that can be used to secure or release the protector device as needed. The radiator protector device of the present invention extends the life of a motorcycle and reduces the amount of money spent on repairs. Accordingly, the present disclosure makes specific reference thereto. Nonetheless, it is to be appreciated that aspects of the present invention are also equally applicable to other like applications, devices and methods of manufacture.
Typically, conventional motorcycles comprise radiators that are fin-like structures, which ensure close contact with the hot coolant coming out of the vehicle's engine along with the outside air, thereby ensuring high rates of heat transfer from coolant to air. The radiators are generally not covered and are thus exposed to the outside environment. However, without a grille or a cover, rocks and other debris can easily enter the radiator and cause damage. Once the radiator is damaged, the heat transfer process is not efficiently performed, which causes the radiator to overheat. Further, along with the damaged and ineffective radiator, other parts of the vehicle that work in coordination with the radiator may also become damaged, which impacts the overall vehicle performance as well.
While vehicles such as motorcycles are in motion, debris can fly into the radiator and damage the radiator. The debris that enters the radiator structure cannot be removed or easily cleaned and may require experts to repair the vehicle radiator. Such expensive repairs may not be affordable by all users.
Additionally, with conventional radiators in motorcycles, there is always a risk of dirt and dust deposits in the crevices of the radiator structure, which creates a buildup of minerals in the small crevices of the radiator. This eventually damages the radiator and requires expensive repairs. The damaged radiator not only impacts the performance of the motorcycle but also reduces the life of the motorcycle.
Modern motorcycle radiators feature soft, lightweight aluminum cooling fins that respond very badly to rough handling and can easily be damaged. Further, if a user is riding the motorcycle in rough terrain, the radiator can easily be damaged as well. This causes an inconvenience to users travelling on long routes.
Therefore, there exists a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that protects the radiator of motorcycles and prevents the radiator from damage. There is also a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that prevents any debris or rocks from entering the radiator and causing damage to the radiator. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that prevents dirt and dust from depositing inside the crevices of the motorcycle radiator. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that protects the radiator from damage and eliminates the need for expensive repairs. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that protects the radiator from damage and extends the life of the vehicle as well. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that is lightweight and affordable for users. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that can be easily attached to the radiator of conventional motorcycles.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an improved motorcycle radiator protector device. The radiator protector device comprises a metal front plate, a rear mesh plate, an LED strip, a plexiglass centerpiece, a pair of push buttons and a plurality of bumper buttons. More specifically, the metal front plate comprises laser cuts for allowing air to pass through to the radiator, and can even comprise a laser cut customized name for providing personalization of the radiator protector. Further, the metal front plate is attached to the rear mesh plate by the pair of push buttons, and the rear mesh plate is then attached to the radiator using said plurality of bumper buttons. The LED strip is detachably secured to the metal front plate circumscribing the laser cut customized name and illuminating the metal front plate. For reducing the glare of the LED light, a plexiglass centerpiece can be secured using mechanical fasteners.
In this manner, the novel radiator protector device of the present invention accomplishes all of the forgoing objectives, and provides a relatively safe, easy and convenient protector device which protects motorcycle radiators from debris, dust and stones. The device also increases the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle and provides personalization. The device does not need an additional power source to provide power to the LED lights.
The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed innovation. This summary is not an extensive overview, and it is not intended to identify key/critical elements or to delineate the scope thereof. Its sole purpose is to present some general concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
The subject matter disclosed and claimed herein, in one embodiment thereof, comprises an improved motorcycle radiator protector device. The motorcycle radiator protector device is configured to prevent debris from entering the radiator and causing damage. The radiator protector device comprises a metal front plate, a rear mesh plate, an LED strip, a plexiglass centerpiece, a pair of push buttons and a plurality of bumper buttons. Specifically, the rear mesh plate is installed on the radiator and the metal front plate is visually exposed from outside. Further, the metal front plate comprises laser cuts, which allow air to pass through the radiator and comprises a laser-cut customized name for providing personalization to the radiator protector device. The metal front plate is secured to the rear mesh plate by the pair of push buttons, and then the rear mesh plate is secured to the radiator using said plurality of bumper buttons. An LED strip is detachably-secured to the metal front plate, circumscribing the laser-cut customized name and illuminating the metal front plate. For reducing the glare of the LED light, a plexiglass centerpiece is secured to the metal front plate using mechanical fasteners.
Both the rear mesh plate and the metal front plate prevent debris and stones thrown up by other vehicles from entering the motorcycle radiator, which protects the motorcycle radiator from physical damage. Further, the push buttons allow the metal front plate to snap on or off of the rear mesh plate via a push from the front surface of the metal front plate.
In yet another embodiment, zip ties are used for securing a wire connecting the LED light strip to an internal power supply of the motorcycle.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a radiator protector device configured to cover a motorcycle radiator is disclosed. The protector device comprises a two-layered structure with a metal front plate/grill and a rear mesh plate, secured together to protect the radiator from debris and dust. The front metal plate features a personalized text or name illuminated using an LED strip; the LED strip is powered by an internal battery of the motorcycle, on which the protector device is installed. The front metal plate is attached to the rear mesh plate through push buttons or screw with tabs. The rear plate comprises a mesh and the front metal grill comprises laser cuts, which allow air to pass through to the radiator.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the metal front plate and a rear mesh plate work in conjunction to prevent debris from entering the radiator and causing damage. The protector device extends the life of a motorcycle and reduces the amount of money spent on repairs.
In yet another embodiment of the present invention, a method of protecting a motorcycle radiator from debris by utilizing a radiator protector device is described. The method includes attaching a rear mesh plate in front of the radiator using bumper buttons, or alternatively mechanical screws, then connecting an LED strip of a single color or multiple colors to the power supply of the motorcycle, which allows the LED strip to light up when the ignition of the motorcycle is started. Further, attaching the plexiglass centerpiece to the front plate, such that the plexiglass is positioned between the rear mesh plate and the front plate and finally, positioning the metal front plate comprising laser cuts in front of the radiator and securing it to the rear mesh plate via push buttons or tabs with screws. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the method includes attaching the LED strip to the front plate, such that it circumscribes the customized name on the front plate.
To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects of the disclosed innovation are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative, however, of but a few of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be employed and are intended to include all such aspects and their equivalents. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.
The description refers to provided drawings in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts throughout the different views, and in which:
The innovation is now described with reference to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout. In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding thereof. It may be evident, however, that the innovation can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and devices are shown in block diagram form in order to facilitate a description thereof. Various embodiments are discussed hereinafter. It should be noted that the figures are described only to facilitate the description of the embodiments. They are not intended as an exhaustive description of the invention and do not limit the scope of the invention. Additionally, an illustrated embodiment need not have all the aspects or advantages shown. Thus, in other embodiments, any of the features described herein from different embodiments may be combined.
As noted above, there exists a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that protects a motorcycle radiator and prevents the radiator from damage. There is also a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that prevents debris or rocks from entering the radiator and causing damage to the radiator. Additionally, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that prevents dirt and dust from depositing inside the crevices of the motorcycle radiator. Moreover, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that protects a radiator from damage, and therefore eliminates the need for costly repairs. Further, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that protects a radiator from damage and extends the life of the vehicle. Furthermore, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that is lightweight and affordable by users. Finally, there is a long felt need in the art for a radiator protector device that can be easily secured to the radiator of a motorcycle.
The present invention, in one exemplary embodiment, is a novel radiator protector device configured to cover a motorcycle radiator. The radiator protector device comprises a two-layered structure, with a metal front plate/grill and a rear mesh plate secured together to protect the radiator from debris and dust. The front metal grill features a personalized text or name illuminated using an LED strip; the LED strip is powered by an internal battery of the motorcycle, on which the radiator protector device is installed. The front metal grill is secured to the rear mesh plate through push buttons or screw with tabs. The mesh plate comprises mesh and the front metal grill comprises laser cuts for allowing air to pass through to the radiator.
Referring initially to the drawings,
The metal front plate 102 is a designer plate that is visually exposed when the radiator protector device 100 is installed on a motorcycle. The metal front plate/grille 102 has a trapezium-like shape, but can be any suitable shape as is known in the art. Further, the metal front plate 102 comprises arcuate, non-parallel sides 1020, 1022 and a cutout design 106 along the surface of the plate/grille 102, such that air is able to flow through the metal front plate 102 and into the radiator. Further, the metal front plate 102 also comprises any indicia, logo, tagline or any other text 108 as is known in the art, preferably along the medial lateral axis of the metal plate 102, but can also be positioned at any other suitable position on the metal front plate 102. The text 108 is also cut out or carved into the metal plate 102 and can be customized as per the wants and/or needs of a user. The cutout design 106 and the text 108 are laser-cut and designed for maximum airflow to the radiator, such that cooling isn't compromised while using the radiator protector device 100. Further, the metal front plate 102 can also come in various colors such as black, red, white, brown, etc., or any other suitable color as is known in the art to match with the motorcycle. Additionally, it should be appreciated that the metal front plate 102 acts as a custom name grille that can be customized for different types of commercially available motorcycles.
The metal front plate 102 is configured to be securely-attached in front of the rear mesh plate 104, using a fastening means such that the customized tag line 108 and cutout design 106 are visually exposed to users. Specifically, the fastening means in one embodiment of the radiator protector device 100 comprises tabs with screws 110 that are applied to the fastening slots 112, 114 disposed on the metal front plate 102. The tabs with screw fasteners 110 are slotted through the fastening slots 112, 114 and fasten to the rear mesh plate 104, thereby allowing a secure attachment of the rear mesh plate 104 and the metal front plate 102. In other embodiments of the radiator protector device 100, the metal front plate 102 and the rear mesh plate 104 can be fastened using push buttons 116, or any other suitable fasteners as is known in the art. The advantage of push buttons 116 is that detaching the metal front plate 102 from the rear mesh plate 104 is easy, and only requires a user to press the push buttons 116 which releases the metal front plate 102. The details of push button usage are described later in the disclosure.
In order to add illumination to the metal front plate 102 and the customized text 108, an illumination source such as a LED strip 118 is provided, that is secured along the customized text 108 on the back surface of the metal front plate 102. The LED strip 118 can be connected to a built-in power source of the motorcycle using LED strip connectors 1180, 1182 and connector wire 124. The connectors 1180, 1182 and connector wire 124 connect the LED strip 118 with the battery of the motorcycle, and thus when the ignition of the motorcycle is turned on, the LED strip 118 is automatically activated. To secure the LED strip 118 and the connector wires 124 of the LED strip 118, zip ties 122 or any other suitable fasteners as are known in the art can be used to create the secure connection, and bring aesthetic appeal to the motorcycle. Further, the LED strip 118 provides an aesthetic appeal to the motorcycle, while also providing additional protection to the radiator. The lights of the LED strip 118 can come in multiple colors such as yellow, red, blue, green or any combination of multiple colors.
Further, to reduce the glaring effect of the LED strip 118, a plexiglass component 120 can be fastened to the metal front plate 104, using screws or any other suitable fastening means as are known in the art. The plexiglass component 120 is typically positioned in the center of the front plate 101 and can be secured to either the front or back of the metal front plate 102. To secure the plexiglass 120, plexiglass holes 1200, 1202 are aligned with fastening slots 112, 114, respectively, and then fastened using the tabs with screws 110, or any other suitable fastening means as are known in the art.
It should be appreciated that both the front plate 102 and the rear mesh plate 104 are of the same dimensions as the front area of a motorcycle radiator. The device 100 protects the motorcycle radiator from debris and stones that can be thrown up by other vehicles. The metal front plate 102 can be manufactured of stainless steel or aluminum, or any other suitable metal as is known in the art, and is power-coated and impervious to rust. Preferably, the metal front plate 102 is manufactured of a 5 mm steel sheet. The radiator protector device can be custom designed for radiators of any commercially available motorcycle. The metal front plate 102 can be customized as per the needs and/or wants of a user, with the custom text and also with the choice of LED color.
Certain terms are used throughout the following description and claims to refer to particular features or components. As one skilled in the art will appreciate, different persons may refer to the same feature or component by different names. This document does not intend to distinguish between components or features that differ in name but not structure or function. As used herein “motorcycle radiator protector device”, “radiator protector device”, “protector device”, and “improved radiator protector device” are interchangeable and refer to the motorcycle radiator protector device 100 of the present invention.
Notwithstanding the forgoing, motorcycle radiator protector device 100 of the present invention can be of any suitable size and configuration as is known in the art without affecting the overall concept of the invention, provided that it accomplishes the above-stated objectives. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the size, configuration and material of the motorcycle radiator protector device 100 as shown in
Various modifications and additions can be made to the exemplary embodiments discussed without departing from the scope of the present invention. While the embodiments described above refer to particular features, the scope of this invention also includes embodiments having different combinations of features and embodiments that do not include all of the described features. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, and variations as fall within the scope of the claims, together with all equivalents thereof.
What has been described above includes examples of the claimed subject matter. It is, of course, not possible to describe every conceivable combination of components or methodologies for purposes of describing the claimed subject matter, but one of ordinary skill in the art may recognize that many further combinations and permutations of the claimed subject matter are possible. Accordingly, the claimed subject matter is intended to embrace all such alterations, modifications and variations that fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, to the extent that the term “includes” is used in either the detailed description or the claims, such term is intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as “comprising” is interpreted when employed as a transitional word in a claim.
The present application claims priority to, and the benefit of, U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/078,928, which was filed on Sep. 16, 2020 and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63078928 | Sep 2020 | US |
