Abstract: A method of making a motorcycle backrest which has a back support cushion with a handhold aperture, and a support arm for mounting the backrest on a motorcycle saddle or frame uses a mold with a cavity and central post. A rigid frame is encapsulated in a rigid resin base and a cushion layer is formed thereon. The base and cushion layer have an aperture extending therethrough. The flexible cover is formed about the cushion layer and about the periphery of the backrest structure and through the aperture, and it is secured to the surface of the rigid base. A protective cover plate is secured over the cover on the rigid base.

Abstract: A readily removable storage unit for mounting on the rear fender of a motorcycle comprising a storage compartment member defining an open cavity and a cover pivotably mounted on the compartment member adjacent its front end for movement between a cavity closing position and an open position. A lock is provided on the compartment member and the cover adjacent the rear wall for securing the cover in the cavity closing position. A fastener on the bottom wall of the compartment member is engageable with the rear fender of the motorcycle, and the saddle and compartment member have a cooperating releasable tongue and bracket so that the storage unit is mounted by first engaging the saddle and then engaging the fastener in the motorcycle rear fender.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat portion and an adjustable backrest portion which is movable between a forward operating position and a rearward operating position relative to the seat portion. Both the upper and lower sections of the backrest portion move upwardly relative to the seating portion when the backrest portion moves from the forward operating position to the rearward operating position. A lockable adjustment mechanism is included to enable a user to lock the backrest in a suitable position from the forward to the rearward operating positions.

Abstract: An efficient method for making a vehicle seat. A vehicle seat is molded in a mold set which includes a base element and a series of upper elements with the cover supported in the mold cavity and layers of resins being molded thereon. The resultant seat, which is particularly well-suited for use on motorcycles, includes a cover, a cellular cushioning layer self-bonded directly to the cover, a generally ring-shaped support element disposed on the cellular cushioning layer, and a seat base layer self-bonded directly to the cellular cushioning layer and the skirt portion of the cover layer.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis providing a drier compartment and includes a door frame about an opening into the driver compartment. A door is cooperatively dimensioned and configured to close the opening, and is pivotably mounted on the door on the forward portion of the door frame by a hinge. The hinge includes a pivot pin having a pivot axis angled rearwardly and outwardly. The door pivots upwardly and forwardly about the pivot pin during opening movement. Upward opening of the door is facilitated by the inclusion of a spring arragement biasing the door into an open position.

Abstract: A motorcycle backrest has a back support cushion with a handhold aperture, and a support arm mounting for mounting the back support cushion on the motorcycle saddle or frame. The backrest can simultaneously function as a comfortable back support for the driver and a convenient handhold for the passenger.

Abstract: A tandem saddle assembly for mounting on the frame of a motorcycle has a tandem platform member with a driver and passenger seat sections and a driver backrest pod is secured to the platform adjacent the rear end of the driver section. Synthetic resin cushioning material substantially encapsulates the backrest pod, and fabric covers the cushioning material. Along one side of said driver seat section is a hinge to mount the driver section on a motorcycle frame for pivoting into an open position, and on the other side is a latch to secure it in a closed position. A backrest assembly has an elongated rigid support arm extending through aligned openings in the fabric covering and cushioning material and into a mounting aperture in the pod.

Abstract: An adjustable fairing for a motorcycle has a fairing body, a pivot assembly for mounting the fairing body on the vehicle, and an adjustment knob operative on the pivoting assembly for adjusting the angle of the fairing body while the motorcycle is in operation.

Abstract: A vehicle seat includes a seat portion and an adjustable backrest portion which is movable between a forward operating position and a rearward operating position relative to the seat portion. Both the upper and lower sections of the backrest portion move upwardly relative to the seating portion when the backrest portion moves from the forward operating position to the rearward operating position. A lockable adjustment means is included to enable a user to lock the backrest in a suitable position from the forward to the rearward operating positions.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with a front and rear ends and at least one front wheel mounted on the front end. A one-sided swing arm having an outer end portion, a support portion including a strut assembly, and an inner end portion is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis. A wheel mounting assembly is disposed on the outer end portion of the swing arm, and a rear wheel which is interchangeable with the front wheel is mounted thereon. In one embodiment, the vehicle includes steering means for pivoting the front wheel about a first vertical axis to control the direction of movement of the vehicle, and a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the outer end of the swing arm for pivotal movement of the rear wheel about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with at least one front wheel pivotable about a first vertical axis to control the direction of the vehicle. A rigid swing arm is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis for pivoting about a horizontal axis. On the rear end of the swing arm is a wheel mounting assembly including a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the rear end of the swing arm for pivotal movement about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: A vehicle has a chassis with at least one front wheel pivotable about a first vertical axis to control the direction of the vehicle. A rigid swing arm is pivotally mounted on the rear end of the chassis for pivoting about a horizontal axis. On the rear end of the swing arm is a wheel mounting assembly including a hub and pivot means mounting the hub on the rear end of the swing arm for pivotal movement about a second vertical axis. The rear wheel is rotatably supported on the hub and naturally tracks the front wheel in a cooperating turning arc.

Abstract: A readily removable storage unit for mounting on the rear fender of a motorcycle comprising a storage compartment member defining an open cavity and a cover pivotably mounted on the compartment member adjacent its front end for movement between a cavity closing position and an open position. A lock is provided on the compartment member and the cover adjacent the rear wall for securing the cover in the cavity closing position. A fastener on the bottom wall of the compartment member is engageable with the rear fender of the motorcycle, and the saddle and compartment member have a cooperating releasable tongue and bracket so that the storage unit is mounted by first engaging the saddle and then engaging the fastener in the motorcycle rear fender.