US20110083522A1

US20110083522A1 - Slide locking motorcycle kick arm

Info

Publication number: US20110083522A1
Application number: US12/970,906
Authority: US
Inventors: John Grant
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2007-01-24
Filing date: 2010-12-16
Publication date: 2011-04-14
Also published as: US20070137401A1; US7891271B2

Abstract

A slide locking kick arm includes a shaft connectable to an engine kick starter and a foot pedal which fits over the free end of the shaft for stowage and slides to the free end of the shaft where it can be pivoted outboard away from the engine to deploy. The shaft includes an offset as necessary to avoid interference by engine-mounted or vehicle mounted parts. A spring-loaded locking pin with one or more alignment plates may be incorporated to provide positive engagement.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims priority to, copending U.S. nonprovisional patent application Ser. No. 11/657,980 filed Jan. 24, 2007, which is hereby incorporated by reference into this Application.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Applicant's slide locking motorcycle kick arm relates to apparatus for manually starting small internal combustion engines.

BACKGROUND

Motorcycle kick arms are used to manually turn the crank of an internal combustion engine over such that the engine will start. Kick arms are also commonly used on other vehicles and apparatus with smaller engines where battery powered starters are undesirable due to weight, space or cost considerations, such as snowmobiles, all terrain vehicles, scooters, and other apparatus. Kick arms utilize a pedal connected to the kick arm, which the user actuates to force the kick arm to turn the engine over. Some motorcycles are equipped with electric starters which perform this function, and some motorcycles have both an electric starter and the option to start the engine manually by use of a kick arm. Kick arms are currently available but make use of a pedal rotationally connected to the kick arm, which when not in use is pivoted to a storage position. Current kick arm pedals are prone to drift from the storage position due to vibration or wind when the motorcycle is in use. This poses usability and safety problems for the operator of the motorcycle. Thus there is a need for kick arms that prevent the kick arm pedal from drifting from the storage position when the motorcycle is in use or when the kick arm is not in use.
A number of devices have provided motorcycle kick arms, but the art has not addressed these problems. The following represents a list of known related art:


Reference:	Issued to:	Date of Issue:

U.S. Pat. No. 3,533,389	Harker	Oct. 13, 1970

The teachings of each of the above-listed citations (which do not itself incorporate essential material by reference) are herein incorporated by reference. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singularly or in combination, is seen to describe the slide locking kick arm as claimed. U.S. Pat. No. 3,533,389 to Harker teaches a fairly conventional layout for a kick arm, where the foot pedal rotates out of the way, but is prone to drift due to vibration.
Thus, there is a need for a slide locking kick arm apparatus that stows completely out of the way, such that there is no danger of the pedal drifting out to interfere with the operator. There is also a need for a slide locking kick arm apparatus which can be operated with one hand and does not require tools to use. There is also a need for a slide locking kick arm apparatus which is designed to clear engine air filter and exhaust components. Still other features would be desirable in a motorcycle kick arm, such as the ability to lock or prevent the kick arm pedal from drifting from the storage position when not in use.
Thus, while the foregoing body of art indicates it to be well known to have a motorcycle kick arm, the art described above does not teach or suggest a motorcycle kick arm which has the desirable feature of preventing the kick arm pedal from drifting from the storage position when not in use.

SUMMARY AND ADVANTAGES

A slide locking kick arm comprises a shaft connectable to an engine kick starter and a foot pedal which fits over the free end of the shaft for stowage and slides to the free end of the shaft where it can be pivoted outboard away from the engine to deploy. The shaft includes an offset as necessary to avoid interference by engine-mounted or vehicle mounted parts. A spring-loaded locking pin with one or more alignment plates may be incorporated to provide positive engagement.
A slide locking kick arm includes a foot pedal, a shaft having a first end connectable to a kick starter, the shaft including an elongated portion extending to a free end; first connecting means for connecting the shaft to an engine kick starter; second connecting means for slidably attaching the foot pedal to the shaft elongated portion, the second connecting means including rotating means for rotating the pedal approximately ninety degrees outboard only when the pedal is moved proximal to the free end; and, locking means for locking the pedal in its outboard rotated position.
A slide locking kick arm includes a shaft having a first portion connectable to a motorcycle kick starter, a second offset portion extending from the first portion at an angle to prevent interference with engine-mounted parts, and a third portion extending from the offset portion to a free end; and, a foot pedal including a first interior cavity having a closed end and an open end receiving at least a portion of the shaft third portion therein, and further including a pivot engagement portion slidingly engagable to the shaft third portion along at least a portion of the length of the shaft third portion and pivotable outboard at a location proximal to the free end of the shaft third portion.
A slide locking kick arm includes the shaft third portion including an enclosed slot disposed along at least a portion of the shaft third part; and, the pivot engagement portion comprises an axel extending transversely through the foot pedal and the enclosed slot.
A slide locking kick arm includes the shaft third portion including a first channel disposed along at least a portion of the length of the shaft third part; and, the pivot engagement portion comprises a first bearing projecting into the interior of the foot pedal cavity and engaging the first channel.
A slide locking kick arm includes the shaft third portion further including a second channel, the first and second channels parallel and disposed along opposing sides of at least a portion of the length of the shaft third portion; and, the pivot engagement portion further comprising a second bearing projecting into the interior of the foot pedal cavity and engaging the second channel.
A slide locking kick arm includes the first bearing including a ball bearing and a spring acting on the ball bearing to urge the ball bearing into the first channel.
A slide locking kick arm includes each of the first and second bearings comprising a ball bearing and a spring acting on the ball bearing to urge the first and second ball bearings into the first and second channels, respectively.
A slide locking kick arm includes wherein each of the ball bearings and springs is retained within a corresponding hollow insert within a wall of the pedal, each of the hollow inserts including an exterior lip for engaging an interior wall of the pedal, and an internal retaining lip for retaining the ball bearing against the spring within the hollow insert.
A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the foot pedal further includes: a locking pin having first and second ends and a locking pin handle connected to the first end, the locking pin slidably insertable through the closed end of the foot pedal through the first cavity and beyond the first cavity open end; a fixed support plate fixedly connected to the locking pin and positioned within the first cavity of the foot pedal; a locking pin spring disposed within the first cavity acting between the fixed support plate and the first cavity closed end; and, the kick arm shaft third portion further comprises a first locking pin receiving hole through the free end extending into the length of the shaft third portion, and a second locking pin locking hole extending transversely into the shaft third portion proximal to the shaft third portion free end.
A slide locking kick arm includes a sliding support plate slidably attachable to the locking pin between the fixed support plate and the second end of the locking pin.
A slide locking kick arm includes a sliding support plate spring extending along the locking pin between the fixed support plate and the sliding support plate.
A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the locking pin handle is a closed loop.
A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the foot pedal further comprises a raised retaining lip extending radially outward from the closed end of the foot pedal.
A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the foot pedal further includes a treaded outer surface.
A slide locking kick arm includes wherein the foot pedal further comprises a second cavity extending from the open end the first cavity, the second cavity comprising: a posterior wall; a posterior lip; two opposing lateral walls extending from the posterior wall, each of the lateral walls including a penetration for receiving a pivot engagement portion; and, an anterior lip connecting the two lateral walls, the anterior lip located opposite from the posterior lip across the open end of the first cavity; such that, when the foot pedal is extended to the free end of the shaft third portion, the foot pedal can be rotated outboard about the pivot engagement portion, thereby resting the posterior wall against the free end of the shaft third portion, and resting the anterior lip against an exterior surface of the shaft third portion, and engaging the shaft third portion free end against the posterior lip.
A slide locking kick arm includes the shaft third portion including an enclosed slot disposed along at least a portion of the shaft third part; and, the pivot engagement portion comprises an axel extending transversely through the sidewall penetrations and enclosed slot.
A slide locking kick arm can include a locking pin and locking pin handle, wherein the locking pin extends from the handle slidably through the closed end of the foot pedal, down the length of the first cavity, and partly into the second cavity, a fixed support plate fixedly connected to the locking pin, positioned within the first cavity of the foot pedal, a locking pin spring within the first cavity extending along the locking pin between the fixed support plate and the closed end of the first cavity, a sliding support plate slidably attachable to the locking pin between the fixed support plate and the distal end of the locking pin; and further wherein, the kick arm shaft second part further comprises a locking pin receiving hole through the distal endwall and a locking pin locking hole through a sidewall of enclosed slot.
Applicant's motorcycle kick arm for turning over internal combustion engines such that the engine starts, includes an arm attached perpendicular to the transmission kick shaft, a pedal rotatably connected to the kick arm, where said pedal contains a hollow portion such that when not in use the pedal can slide over the kick arm so as to be out of the way and prevent the pedal from drifting during operation of the motorcycle. In one embodiment, the kick arm contains a channel along the length of the kick arm allowing the pedal to slide into the storage position where said pedal slides over the kick arm longitudinally and allowing the pedal to slide out of the storage position and rotate perpendicular to the kick arm such that rotation of the kick arm about the kick shaft axis is achieved when the user applies force to the pedal. The pedal is secured to the kick arm by a bolt. In another embodiment the pedal is secured to the kick arm by a spring and bolt housed internal to the pedal and longitudinal to the kick arm when the pedal is in the storage position. The spring applies force to the pedal to keep it in the storage position when not in use.
Applicant's slide locking motorcycle kick arm presents numerous advantages, including: (1) the ability to secure the pedal in the storage position and (2) the ability to prevent the pedal from drifting from the storage position when not in use. Additional advantages will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. Further benefits and advantages of the embodiments of the invention will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description given with reference to the accompanying drawings, which specify and show preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of Applicant's slide locking motorcycle kick arm and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a kick arm shaft of a first embodiment with an enclosed slot.

FIG. 1A shows a side view of a pivot engagement portion axle of a first embodiment.

FIG. 1B shows a side view of a foot pedal of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 shows a perspective view a foot pedal cavity of a first embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a slide locking kick arm of a first embodiment in the engaged position attached to a motorcycle.

FIG. 4 shows a slide locking kick arm of a first embodiment in the collapsed position attached to a motorcycle.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of a kick arm shaft with side channels of a second embodiment.

FIG. 5A shows cutaway end-view of a kick arm shaft with side channels of a second embodiment.

FIG. 5B shows a side view of a foot pedal of a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view a foot pedal cavity of a second embodiment.

FIG. 6A shows a cutaway side view of a pedal connector of a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a side view of a kick arm shaft of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7A shows a side view of a pivot engagement portion axle of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7B shows an interior side view of a foot pedal with a locking pin mechanism of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7C shows a side view a foot pedal locking pin mechanism of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7D shows a cutaway side view of a slide locking kick arm with a locking pin mechanism in the engaged position of a third embodiment.

FIG. 7E shows a cutaway side view of a slide locking kick arm with a locking pin mechanism in the stowed position of a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before beginning a detailed description of the subject invention, mention of the following is in order. When appropriate, like reference materials and characters are used to designate identical, corresponding, or similar components in differing figure drawings. The figure drawings associated with this disclosure typically are not drawn with dimensional accuracy to scale, i.e., such drawings have been drafted with a focus on clarity of viewing and understanding rather than dimensional accuracy.
In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the implementations described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time-consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of engineering for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.
The slide locking kick arm is most useful for motorcycles with engine kick starters, but is applicable to similar motorized apparatus which use engine kick starters, such as scooters, snowmobiles, and three-wheel or four-wheel all-terrain-vehicles (ATV's). Therefore, where claims read “motorcycle” this term includes scooters, snowmobiles, and ATV's with kick starters.
As shown in FIGS. 1-4, a slide locking kick arm includes a kick arm shaft 10 having a first portion 12 connectable to an engine kick starter or transmission (T) and an elongated portion 16 extending to a free end 80, first connecting means 42 and 46 for connecting shaft 10 to kick starter T, and a foot pedal 26 slidably attached to elongated shaft portion 16 using pedal engaging means 44 connected through enclosed slot 18.
Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, a first embodiment of a slide locking kick arm includes a first portion 12 connectable to an engine starter or transmission T through opening 46, a second offset portion 14, and a third elongated portion 16 extending from offset portion 14 to a free end 80. Foot pedal 26 slidingly attachable to the kick arm shaft third portion 16 with axel 44. Third portion 16 includes an enclosed slot 18 to receive axel 44. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, foot pedal 26 can be pivoted outboard to a position approximately normal to an engine starter T to accept the foot of an operator when foot pedal 26 is slid to the extended distal position along kick arm shaft 10.
In the embodiment, a slide locking kick arm has a kick arm shaft 10 with a second angled portion 14 connected to an elongated third portion 16 with enclosed slot 18, distal end wall 20, distal locking corner 22, and distal rounded corner 24. Angled portion 14 provides an offset sufficient that foot pedal 26 will clear air filter F and the motorcycle exhaust components. The required offset varies depending on the motorcycle layout but easily determined by simple measurements. On motorcycle models not requiring this offset, offset shaft portion 14 and third shaft portion 16 can form a continuous straight shaft, or a continuous straight shaft angled out from connecting end 12.
Foot pedal 26 has a first cavity 30 which is open at one end and closed at the other end. The internal cross section of first cavity 30 approximates the cross section of the shaft second part 16, which in this embodiment is rectangular, to prevent foot pedal 26 from spinning. Other cross section shapes could be used to achieve the same effect, including other polygonal shapes or eccentric cross sections. In the embodiment, first cavity 30 opens to a second open cavity 82 bounded by posterior wall 36, lateral sidewalls 40, posterior lip 34, and anterior lip 32. Foot pedal 26 preferably includes a retaining lip 28 at the closed end to prevent the operator's foot from sliding off. Foot pedal 26 can also flare out around the opening of the second cavity to prevent the operator's foot from sliding in that direction. Foot pedal 26 can include tread hatchings embedded into the exterior surface, or alternatively a slip-resistant material, such as rubber or epoxy “nonskid”, can be applied. In another alternative, a removable rubber tread could be used. Foot pedal attachment means 44 includes axle 44 a, which passes through lateral sidewall holes 38 and enclosed slot 18. In the embodiment, axle 44 a is a shoulder bolt held in place by retaining bolt 44 d, with washers 44 b and 44 c providing smooth rotation. Retaining bolt 44 d is preferably a locknut. Different styles of bolts, rivets, or shafts known to those of skill in the art could also be used to achieve the same results.
In operation, a first embodiment is shown in its collapsed position in FIG. 4, attached to a Harley Davidson™ motorcycle. The slide locking kick arm is attached to the kick starter T through attachment hole 46 using fastener 42. Motorcycles typically use a square shaft to connect a kick arm to kick starter T, in order to prevent slip. Foot pedal 26 resides vertically, out of the way, enclosing kick arm shaft elongated third portion 16. The operator pulls foot pedal 26 vertically to its extended position, proximal to free end 80, causing axle 44 a to slide within enclosed slot 18 until proximal to endwall 20. As shown in FIG. 2, foot pedal 26 is then rotated away from the motorcycle to its engaged position, approximately normal to the motorcycle itself. In this position, posterior wall 36 is contacting against distal endwall 20, and posterior lip 34 is locked against distal locking corner 22. Anterior lip 32 is resting against the exterior wall of enclosed channel 18. Thus, foot pedal 26 is locked in place and can accept the force of an operator's foot pushing down to crank the motorcycle engine. Distal rounded corner 24 is radiused to allow smooth rotation of foot pedal 26.
Referring to FIGS. 5-6, a second embodiment is shown which is similar in many respects to the previously described embodiment, but incorporates side channels 118 rather than an enclosed slot 18. In the embodiment, a slide locking kick arm includes a kick arm shaft 110 which is attachable to a motorcycle kick starter T at first end 112 through hole 146. Shaft 110 includes offset portion 114 and elongated third portion 116 with at least one exterior lateral channel 118 disposed along at least a portion of shaft third portion 116. In the embodiment, first and second parallel channels 118 are provided on opposing sides for more reliable operation, but a single channel could be used. Additionally, multiple channels could be provided on a single side or opposing sides of shaft 116, depending on desired operating characteristics and manufacturing considerations known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Shaft third portion 116 fits snugly within foot pedal first cavity 130 when collapsed.
Foot pedal 126 is slidingly attached to kick arm shaft 110 using two pivot engagement portions 148 on either side. In the embodiment, pivot engagement portions 148 include ball bearings 148 b contained in round-headed hollow shaft studs with external retaining lips 148 c engaging the internal sidewall 140 of second cavity 182, and internal retaining lips 148 d retaining ball bearings 148 b within the stud insert. The external lips lock the stud against lateral sidewalls 140, while the internal lips retain ball bearing 148 b against spring 148 a. Springs 148 a urge ball bearings 148 b to engage and ride within channels 118, while the protrusion of lips 148 c into channels 118 prevents foot pedal 126 from coming completely off shaft 116 during use. Lips 148 c can be formed by pressing or by using a rivet gun, by threading each of pivot engagement portion 148 together from two parts, or other commonly known methods. Side channels 118 are preferably part-round cross sections to allow smooth operation of ball bearings 148 b. Alternatively, pivot engagement portions s could simply consist of one or more studs or bolts extending into corresponding channels 118 as simple bearings, without ball bearings, to save costs.
In operation, the second embodiment operates similarly to the first embodiment. The slide locking kick arm is attached to the kick starter T through attachment hole 146 using a fastener. Foot pedal 126 stows vertically, out of the way, enclosing kick arm shaft third portion 116. The operator pulls foot pedal 126 up vertically from its stowed position. The operator pulls foot pedal 126 vertically to its extended position, causing pivot engagement portions 148, with ball bearings 148 b, to slide within opposing side channels 118. Foot pedal 126 is then pivoted away from the motorcycle to its engaged position, approximately normal to the motorcycle itself. In this position, posterior wall 136 is contacting against distal endwall 120, and posterior lip 134 is locked against distal locking corner 122. Anterior lip 132 is resting against the side of shaft 116. Thus, foot pedal 126 is locked in place and can accept the force of an operator's foot pushing down to crank the motorcycle engine. Distal rounded corner 124 is radiused to allow smooth rotation of foot pedal 126.
Referring to FIGS. 7-7E, a third embodiment is shown. In a third embodiment foot pedal 226 is internally similar to the previous described embodiments. Locking pin 250 is provided to ensure the foot pedal remains locked in the engaged position during operation by acting through locking hole 238 through a sidewall of enclosed channel 218. Locking pin 250 includes a first end 284 and a second end 286, and a handle 252 connected at first end 284. In the embodiment, locking pin handle 252 forms a closed loop. A closed loop is easier to grip with fingers than a post, or alternatively the operator could use a small hook, perhaps kept on a key ring, to grab the pin. Other convenient shapes could be used for handle 252 which are known to those of skill in the art. Locking pin 250 fits slidingly through the closed end 288 of foot pedal 226, extending through first cavity 230 and partly into the second cavity opening out from first cavity 230. Fixed support plate 258 is rigidly attached to locking pin 250. Locking pin spring 260 is positioned between fixed support plate 258 and the closed end of cavity 230, while sliding support plate 254 is slidably attached to locking pin 250 on the other side of fixed support plate 258, allowing it to travel freely up and down the length of locking pin 250. In the embodiment, a weak sliding support plate spring 256 is included to ensure sliding plate 254 operates properly during use. Sliding support spring 256 should be selected so that the spring force when fully compressed does not exceed the weight of foot pedal 226 in order to prevent foot pedal 226 from inadvertently lifting. Alternatively, sliding support plate spring 256 could be eliminated for simplicity.
In the embodiment, shaft third portion 216 includes a first locking pin receiving hole 268 extending lengthwise into shaft third portion 216 and a second locking pin receiving hole 262 extending transversely into shaft third portion 216 proximal to free end 280.
Referring again to FIG. 7E, in the collapsed (i.e. vertical) condition, locking pin 250 extends through distal endwall 220 through first locking pin receiving hole 268 and extends into enclosed slot 218. Sliding support plate 254 rests against distal endwall 220, and locking pin spring 260 is not fully compressed. To engage and lock foot pedal 226, the operator pulls up on locking pin 250, thereby causing fixed support plate 258 to act against locking pin spring 260 and lift foot pedal 226 up, with foot pedal pivot engagement portion axle 244 a sliding within enclosed channel 218. When axle 244 a reaches the top of enclosed channel 218 (making contact with distal endwall 220) continued pulling force on locking pin 250 compresses locking pin spring 260, so that locking pin 250 clears first locking pin receiving hole 268 allowing foot pedal 226 to pivot away from the motorcycle.
When foot pedal 226 is in the engaged position, approximately normal to the motorcycle, the operator releases locking pin 250, allowing locking pin spring 260 to force locking pin 250 through second locking pin receiving hole 262 by acting against fixed support plate 254. As foot pedal 226 is lifted, sliding support plate 254 slides down locking pin 250 by force of gravity, assisted by sliding support plate spring 256 if it is present, to ensure locking pin 250 remains properly aligned to engage second locking pin receiving hole 262. Locking pin 250 could also be made long enough to pass completely through both sidewalls of enclosed slot 218 for more support. Posterior wall 236 rests against distal endwall 220, anterior lip 232 rests against the side of shaft 216, and posterior lip 234 locks distal locking corner 222 in place. At this point the operator can put his boot on foot pedal 226, crank the engine, stow foot pedal 226 by reversing the above steps, and ride off into the sunset, without the possibility that the kick arm pedal will drift out and catch their leg.
Locking pin 250 can easily be assembled using a shaft with a threaded end. Fixed support plate 258 can be tack welded at the desired position, determined by the desired amount of travel of locking pin 250 and compression characteristics of locking pin spring 260. Alternatively support plate 258 could be glued or pressed in place, or fixed by other methods known in the art. Locking pin spring 260 can then be placed over the shaft, which is then inserted into the foot pedal cavity and through the closed endwall, at which point handle 252 can be threaded onto the protruding end of the locking pin shaft. Other methods could also be used.
A locking device can be included to prevent foot pedal 226 from inadvertently being lifted. A locking device would preferably be a simple spring-loaded lever at the open end of foot pedal 226. The spring-loaded lever includes a hook which engages a raised lip on the side of shaft 216, or a tooth engaging a detent on the side of shaft 216. A transverse axle at approximately the midpoint of the lever allows the lever to rock, similar to a see-saw. A spring positioned under the upper half of the lever, where the operator's thumb would be positioned, biases the lever to the locked position—i.e. causing the hook or tooth to engage the raised lip or detent respectively. By pressing the upper half of the lever in, against the spring bias, the hook or tooth is disengaged, allowing the foot pedal 226 to be extended and engaged. Equivalent devices are known in the art, such as sliding locks, interrupted thread twist locks, and friction locks. The use of a locking device also allows for using a stronger sliding support plate spring 256, thereby assisting the operator in lifting foot pedal 226.
A slide locking kick arm shaft is preferably fabricated with stainless steel or chrome plated conventional or tool steel for strength, durability, corrosion resistance, and visual appeal. However, a slide locking kick arm could be made from any material with suitable strength and toughness characteristics, including aluminum and composites. The dimensions of a slide locking kick arm can be varied to accommodated riders of different sizes and different models of motorcycle or other motorized apparatus using kick starters.
Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous modifications and changes may be made to the preferred embodiment without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. It will, of course, be understood that modifications of the invention, in its various aspects, will be apparent to those skilled in the art, some being apparent only after study, others being matters of routine mechanical, chemical and electronic design. No single feature, function or property of the preferred embodiment is essential. Other embodiments are possible, their specific designs depending upon the particular application. As such, the scope of the invention should not be limited by the particular embodiments herein described but should be defined only by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A slide locking kick arm, comprising:

a foot pedal;

a shaft having a first end portion connectable to a kick starter and an elongated portion extending to a free end;

first connecting means for connecting said shaft to an engine kick starter;

second connecting means for slidably attaching said foot pedal to said shaft elongated portion, said second connecting means including rotating means for rotating said pedal approximately ninety degrees outboard only when said pedal is moved proximal to said free end; and,

locking means for locking said pedal in its outboard rotated position.

2. A slide locking kick arm, comprising:

a shaft having a first portion connectable to a motorcycle kick starter, a second offset portion extending from said first portion at an angle to prevent interference with engine-mounted parts, and a third portion extending from said offset portion to a free end; and,

a foot pedal including a first interior cavity having a closed end and an open end receiving at least a portion of said shaft third portion therein, and further including a pivot engagement portion slidingly engagable to said shaft third portion along at least a portion of the length of said shaft third portion and pivotable outboard at a location proximal to the free end of said shaft third portion.

3. A slide locking kick arm as in claim 2, further comprising:

said shaft third portion including an enclosed slot disposed along at least a portion of said shaft third part; and,

said pivot engagement portion comprises an axel extending transversely through said foot pedal and said enclosed slot.

4. A slide locking kick arm as in claim 2, further comprising:

said shaft third portion including a first channel disposed along at least a portion of the length of said shaft third part; and,

said pivot engagement portion comprises a first bearing projecting into the interior of said foot pedal cavity and engaging said first channel.

5. A slide locking kick arm as in claim 4, further comprising:

said shaft third portion further including a second channel, said first and second channels parallel and disposed along opposing sides of at least a portion of the length of said shaft third portion; and,

said pivot engagement portion further comprising a second bearing projecting into the interior of said foot pedal cavity and engaging said second channel.

6. A slide locking kick arm as in claim 4, further comprising:

said first bearing including a ball bearing and a spring acting on said ball bearing to urge said ball bearing into said first channel.

7. A slide locking kick arm as in claim 5, further comprising:

each of said first and second bearings comprising a ball bearing and a spring acting on said ball bearing to urge said first and second ball bearings into said first and second channels, respectively.

8. A slide locking kick arm as in claim 6 or 7, further comprising:

wherein each of said ball bearings and springs is retained within a corresponding hollow insert within a wall of said pedal, each of said hollow inserts including an exterior lip for engaging an interior wall of said pedal, and an internal retaining lip for retaining the ball bearing against the spring within the hollow insert.

9. The slide locking kick arm of claim 2, further comprising:

wherein said foot pedal further includes:

a locking pin having first and second ends and a locking pin handle connected to said first end, said locking pin slidably insertable through the closed end of said foot pedal through said first cavity and beyond said first cavity open end;

a fixed support plate fixedly connected to said locking pin and positioned within said first cavity of said foot pedal;

a locking pin spring disposed within said first cavity acting between said fixed support plate and said first cavity closed end; and,

said kick arm shaft third portion further comprises a first locking pin receiving hole through said free end extending lengthwise into said shaft third portion, and a second locking pin receiving hole extending transversely into said shaft third portion proximal to said shaft third portion free end.

10. The slide locking kick arm of claim 9 further comprising:

a sliding support plate slidably attachable to said locking pin between said fixed support plate and said second end of said locking pin.

11. The slide locking kick arm of claim 10 further comprising:

a sliding support plate spring extending along said locking pin between said fixed support plate and said sliding support plate.

12. The slide locking kick arm of claim 9, wherein said locking pin handle is a closed loop.

13. The slide locking kick arm of claim 2, wherein said foot pedal further comprises a raised retaining lip extending radially outward from the closed end of said foot pedal.

14. The slide locking kick arm of claim 2, wherein said foot pedal further includes a treaded outer surface.

15. A slide locking kick arm as in claim 2, further comprising:

wherein said foot pedal further comprises a second cavity extending from said open end said first cavity, the second cavity comprising: a posterior wall; a posterior lip; two opposing lateral walls extending from said posterior wall, each of said lateral walls including a penetration for receiving a pivot engagement portion; and, an anterior lip connecting the two lateral walls, said anterior lip located opposite from said posterior lip across the open end of said first cavity;

such that, when said foot pedal is extended to the free end of said shaft third portion, said foot pedal can be rotated outboard about said pivot engagement portion, thereby resting said posterior wall against the free end of said shaft third portion, and resting said anterior lip against an exterior surface of said shaft third portion, and engaging said shaft third portion free end against said posterior lip.

16. The slide locking kick arm of claim 15, further comprising:

said pivot engagement portion comprises an axel extending transversely through said sidewall penetrations and enclosed slot.