Illuminated gas tank or shell

Abstract

Disclosed is a double-walled gasoline or fluid tank having a hollow space allowing light to be visible externally through a variety of openings or designs. A concave side portion of an existing tank is removed and a flat side wall, having an illumination device attached thereto, is attached where the original side portion was removed to create a new tank. An opening is created on the original side portion and the original side portion is reattached to the tank. The illumination device provides light through the opening in the original side portion. In an alternative embodiment a lighting device is provided underneath the gas tank to help illuminate the area in front and to the sides of the motorcycle. The lighting device is provided with a reflective surface area which reflects light received a light bulb in the direction in front of the motorcycle and to the side of the motorcycle corresponding to the side of the gasoline tank to which the motorcycle is attached.

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 08 / 169,999, filed Dec. 17, 1993, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,479,324.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]1. Field of the Invention[0003]The present invention relates generally to motorcycles and more particularly to installing illumination means within the gasoline tank area of a motorcycle.[0004]2. Description of the Prior Art[0005]The motorcycle has been a means of fun and relatively inexpensive way of traveling for many years. Recently, the motorcycle has found increased popularity and has become widely accepted by a substantial portion of the purchasing public as their primarily means of traveling. Accordingly, sales figures for various motorcycle companies have reached new highs in recent years.[0006]One problem which has continuously plagued motorcyclist is the visibility of the motorcycle while riding especially during night travel. This problem is further emphasized by the fact that many motorcyclist wear dar...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0014]In a third embodiment, a lighting means is provided underneath the gas tank to help illuminate the area in front and to the sides of the motorcycle. The lighting member is attached to the bottom surface of each side of the motorcycle tank by conventional means, such as velcro, tape, gluing, adhesives, etc. The lighting means is provided with a reflective surface area which reflects light received a light bulb in the direction in front of the motorcycle and to the side of the motorcycle corresponding to the side of the gasoline tank to which the motorcycle is attached. Thus, the lighting means illuminates the side and front areas adjacent the motorcycle to allow the rider to have better familiarity with the surroundings during nighttime travel.

[0016]It is an object of the present invention to enhance the visibility of a motorcycle during nighttime travel while not altering the original look of the motorcycle.

[0017]It is another object of the present invention to provide additional safety to a motorcyclist during nighttime travel.

[0018]It is a further object of the present invention to reduce the number of motorcycle related accidents.

[0019]It is yet another object of the present invention to increase the aesthetic beauty of a motorcycle.

[0021]It is an even still further object of the present invention to provide additional lighting around the adjacent front and side area of a motorcycle.

Problems solved by technology

One problem which has continuously plagued motorcyclist is the visibility of the motorcycle while riding especially during night travel.

This problem is further emphasized by the fact that many motorcyclist wear dark clothing when riding.

Thus, many accidents involving motorcycles are the result of the non-motorcyclist failing to see the motorcyclist.

As the motorcycle itself provides minimal, if any, protection to the motorcyclist, many accidents involving motorcycles result in serious bodily injury or even death to the motorcyclist.

Such severe consequences often occur at relatively low traveling speeds.

However, the use of neon lighting is not as readily adaptable or applicable to motorcycles.

Another problem is the fact that many motorcyclists remove or disconnect the turn signals from their motorcycle feeling that the signals take away from the aesthetic features of the motorcycles as well as their own individuality.

Thus, frequently no indication is given to other vehicles on the road when these motorcyclists are preparing to turn which in turn results in unnecessary accidents.

Several problems immediately become apparent from the lack of illumination around the motorcycle, including the inability to detect glass, sand, tires, or other items which may be disposed on the surface to which the rider is approaching or is about to turn onto.

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