Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

A MOUNTING STRUCTURE FOR MOUNTING A WINDSCREEN OF A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a mounting structure for mounting a windscreen of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Traditionally, in a vehicle such as a scooter there is provided a handle cover disposed so as to cover a handlebar. In some instances, there may be additionally provided a windscreen at a front portion of the handle cover. In such instances, it is a common practice to connect the windscreen to the front portion of the handle cover so as to provide strength to the windscreen. In the absence of connection, the windscreen is susceptible to shaking movement which may happen for example due to wind stricken the windscreen or when the windscreen is touched. Thus, there exists a need to address the aforesaid disadvantage.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[004] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a mounting structure (100) for a windscreen (38) of a vehicle (10), comprising a first stay member (102) interconnecting a handle cover (36) and a handlebar (28) of the vehicle (10); and a second stay member (104) connected to the windscreen (38), the handle cover (36) and the first stay member (102).

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, a first set of interconnecting means (106) interconnects the windscreen (38), the handle cover (36) and the second stay member (104) such that the handle cover (36) is sandwiched between the windscreen (38) and the second stay member (104).

[006] In another embodiment of the invention, the first stay member (102) and the handle cover (36) are interconnected via a second set of interconnecting means (108).

[007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second stay member (104) and the handle cover (36) are further interconnected via a third set of interconnecting means (110).

[008] In still another embodiment of the invention, the second stay member (104) and the first stay member (102) are further interconnected via a fourth set of interconnecting means (112).

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second stay member (104) comprises a first arm (114) and a second arm (116) extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a predetermined portion (118) of the first arm (114).

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second stay member has a substantially “L” shape.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the second stay member (104) comprises a first arm (114), a second arm (116) extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a first portion (118a) of the first arm (114) and a third arm (120) extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a second portion (118b) of the first arm (114), the second arm (116) being parallel to the third arm (120).

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the windscreen (38) is held at a predetermined distance “D” from a front side of the handle cover (36).

[0013] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle (10) comprising: a head pipe (24) supporting a front fork (26) in a steerable manner and a handlebar (28) for steering the front fork (26); a main frame (18) connected to the head pipe (24), the main frame (18) extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10); a handle cover (36) covering at least a part of the handlebar (28); a windscreen (38) disposed on a front side of the handle cover (36); and a mounting structure (100) for mounting the windscreen (38), the mounting structure (100) comprising: a first stay member (102) interconnecting a handle cover (36) and a handlebar (28) of the vehicle (10); and a second stay member (104) connected to the windscreen (38), the handle cover (36) and the first stay member (102).

[0014] Advantages of invention are the windscreen (38) can be held at a predetermined distance “D” from a front side of the handle cover. This gives floating windscreen to the vehicle which enhances the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle without compromising the mounting strength of windscreen. Another advantage of the invention is that the windscreen is less susceptible to shaking movement which may happen for example due to wind stricken the windscreen or when the windscreen is touched. Yet another advantage of the invention is that a number of components used for holding the windscreen are minimum. Thus, aspects such as cost of the vehicle, weight of the vehicle, are not adversely impacted.

[0015] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0016] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0017] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a semi-transparent top view showing the connection of the handle cover (36) and the windscreen (38) to the handlebar (28) using the mounting structure (100) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figure 3 illustrates a semi-transparent side view showing the connection of the handle cover (36) and the windscreen (38) to the handlebar (28) using the mounting structure (100) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the second stay member (104) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the second stay member (104) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the second stay member (104) in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view showing the handlebar (28), the handle cover (36), the windscreen (38) and the mounting structure (100);

[0024] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the second stay member (104); and

[0025] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the handlebar (28) having the first stay member (102) attached thereto.

[0026] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0027] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0028] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0031] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0032] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0034] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0035] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows F, R, U, D in the Figures.

[0038] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10) that comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard (16). The front end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard (16) lies between the front end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14). The footboard (16) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a main frame (18) supporting the front end structure (12), the footboard (16), and the rear end structure (14).

[0040] The front end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (20), and a steering mechanism (22). The front ground engaging member (20) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (22). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (20) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (20) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention. The steering mechanism (22) comprises a head pipe (24) supporting a front fork (26) in a steerable manner and a handlebar (28) for steering the front fork (26). The handlebar (28) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10).

[0041] Further, the front end structure (12) comprises a front cover (30) and a leg shield (32) at least partially covering the head pipe (24). The leg shield (32) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). The front end structure (12) further comprises a dash assembly (34). The dash assembly (34) comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit (34) displays information about the vehicle (10) to the rider. The dash assembly (34) may comprise additional components such as LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. The dash assembly (34) is supported on the handlebar (28). There may be provided a handle cover (36) disposed between the dash assembly (34) and the handlebar (28). The handle cover (36) covers at least a part of the handlebar (28).

[0042] The front end structure (12) further comprises a windscreen (38) which may be connected to a front part of the handle cover (36). In an embodiment of the invention, the windscreen (38) may be held at a predetermined distance “D” from a front side of the handle cover (36). The front end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as headlight, mirror(s), turn indicator(s), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. Although not visible in Figure 1, there is also provided a mounting structure (100) for mounting the windscreen (38) on the vehicle (10).

[0043] The main frame (18) extends in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10) from the head pipe (24). A first seat frame (40) extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from a first side of the main frame (18), and a second seat frame (42) extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from a second side of the main frame (18).

[0044] The rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (44), a rear ground engaging member (46), and a power unit (not visible). The seat (44) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (10). The seat (44) is supported by the first seat frame (40) and the second seat frame (42). The power unit underlies the seat (44). Also, the rear ground engaging member (46) underlies the seat (44) and is driven by the power unit. In an embodiment of the invention, the rear ground engaging member (46) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the rear ground engaging member (46) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, the power unit may comprise an engine or a motor.

[0045] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3 there is illustrated a semi-transparent top view and a semi-transparent side view showing the connection of the handle cover (36) and the windscreen (38) to the handlebar (28) using the mounting structure (100). In an embodiment of the invention, the mounting structure (100) for the windscreen (38) comprises a first stay member (102) interconnecting a handle cover (36) and a handlebar (28) of the vehicle (10); and a second stay member (104) connected to the windscreen (38), the handle cover (36) and the first stay member (102).

[0046] In an embodiment of the invention, a first set of interconnecting means (106) interconnects the windscreen (38), the handle cover (36) and the second stay member (104) such that the handle cover (36) is sandwiched between the windscreen (38) and the second stay member (104).

[0047] In another embodiment of the invention, the first stay member (102) and the handle cover (36) are interconnected via a second set of interconnecting means (108).

[0048] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second stay member (104) and the handle cover (36) are further interconnected via a third set of interconnecting means (110).

[0049] In still another embodiment of the invention, the second stay member (104) and the first stay member (102) are further interconnected via a fourth set of interconnecting means (112).

[0050] Referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, there is illustrated a side view and a top view of the second stay member (104) in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. The second stay member (104) comprises a first arm (114) and a second arm (116) extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a predetermined position (118) of the first arm (114).

[0051] Although not illustrated, in an alternative embodiment the second stay member (104) has a substantially “L” shape.

[0052] Referring to Figure 6 there is illustrated a top view of the second stay member (104) in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. The second stay member (104) comprises a first arm (114), a second arm (116) extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a first position (118a) of the first arm (114) and a third arm (120) extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a second position (118b) of the first arm (114), the second arm (116) being parallel to the third arm (120).

[0053] Referring to Figure 7 there is illustrated an exploded view showing the handlebar (28), the handle cover (36), the windscreen (38) and the mounting structure (100). Also, referring to Figure 8, there is illustrated a perspective view of the second stay member (104) and referring to Figure 9, there is illustrated a perspective view of the handlebar (28) having the first stay member (102) attached thereto. The handle cover (36) comprises a first set of apertures (122). The second stay member (104) and more particularly the second arm (116) and the third arm (120) of the second stay member (104) comprises a second set of apertures (124). The second set of apertures (124) formed in the second stay member (104) are aligned with the first set of apertures (122) formed in the handle cover (36). There is also provided a first set of locking members (126) and a second set of locking members (128) that connect the handle cover (36) and the second stay member (104).

[0054] The handle cover (36) is further provided with a third set of apertures (130) and the first stay member (102) comprises a fourth set of apertures (132). The third set of apertures (130) and the fourth set of apertures (132) are aligned with one another. Although not shown, there may be provided a third set of locking members and a fourth set of locking members that interconnects the handle cover (36) and the first stay member (102).

[0055] The first stay member (102) further comprises a fifth set of apertures (134) and a fifth set of locking members (136). The second stay member (104) and more particularly the second arm (116) and the third arm (120) of the second stay member (104) comprises a sixth set of locking members (138). The sixth set of locking members (138) penetrate through the fifth set of apertures (134) and co-operate with the fifth set of locking members (136) so as to couple the first stay member (102) and the second stay member (104).

[0056] A rear side of the windscreen (38) comprises a sixth set of apertures (140), a face of the handle cover (36) facing the windscreen (38) comprises a seventh set of apertures (142) and the first arm (114) of the second stay member (104) comprises an eighth set of apertures (144). The sixth set of apertures (140), the seventh set of apertures (142) and the eighth set of apertures (144) are aligned with one another. There is provided a seventh set of locking members (146) that penetrates through the sixth set of apertures (140), the seventh set of apertures (142) and the eighth set of apertures (144) so as to couple the second stay member (104), the handle cover (36) and the windscreen (38) such that the handle cover (36) is sandwiched between the second stay member (34) and the windscreen (38).

[0057] Thus, the seventh set of locking members (146), the sixth set of apertures (140), the seventh set of apertures (142), and the eighth set of apertures (144) act as the first set of interconnecting means (106). The third set of apertures (130), the fourth set of apertures (132), the third set of locking members and the fourth set of locking members act as the second set of interconnecting means (108). The first set of apertures (122), the second set of apertures (124), the first set of locking members (126) and the second set of locking members (128) act as the third set of interconnecting means (110). The fifth set of apertures (134), the fifth set of locking members (136), and the sixth set of locking members (138) act as the fourth set of interconnecting means (112).

[0058] The mounting structure (100) as constructed above maintains the windscreen (38) at a predetermined distance “D” from a front side of the handle cover (36). Also, the mounting structure restricts shaking movement of the windscreen which may happen for example due to wind stricken the windscreen or when the windscreen is touched. Additionally, a number of components used for holding the windscreen are minimum. Thus, aspects such as cost of the vehicle, weight of the vehicle, are not adversely impacted. Also, a time involved in assembling the windscreen is substantially less.

[0059] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0060] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Additionally, numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A mounting structure (100) for a windscreen (38) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
a first stay member (102) interconnecting a handle cover (36) and a handlebar (28) of the vehicle (10); and
a second stay member (104) connected to the windscreen (38), the handle cover (36) and the first stay member (102).

2. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a first set of interconnecting means (106) interconnects the windscreen (38), the handle cover (36) and the second stay member (104) such that the handle cover (36) is sandwiched between the windscreen (38) and the second stay member (104).

3. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first stay member (102) and the handle cover (36) are interconnected via a second set of interconnecting means (108).

4. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second stay member (104) and the handle cover (36) are further interconnected via a third set of interconnecting means (110).

5. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second stay member (104) and the first stay member (102) are further interconnected via a fourth set of interconnecting means (112).

6. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second stay member (104) comprises a first arm (114) and a second arm (116) extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a predetermined portion (118) of the first arm (114).

7. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second stay member has a substantially “L” shape.

8. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second stay member (104) comprises a first arm (114), a second arm (116) extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a first portion (118a) of the first arm (114) and a third arm (120) extending in a substantially perpendicular direction from a second portion (118b) of the first arm (114), the second arm (116) being parallel to the third arm (120).

9. The mounting structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the windscreen (38) is held at a predetermined distance “D” from a front side of the handle cover (36).

10. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe (24) supporting a front fork (26) in a steerable manner and a handlebar (28) for steering the front fork (26);
a main frame (18) connected to the head pipe (24), the main frame (18) extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10);
a handle cover (36) covering at least a part of the handlebar (28);
a windscreen (38) disposed on a front side of the handle cover (36); and
a mounting structure (100) for mounting the windscreen (38), the mounting structure (100) comprising:
a first stay member (102) interconnecting a handle cover (36) and a handlebar (28) of the vehicle (10); and
a second stay member (104) connected to the windscreen (38), the handle cover (36) and the first stay member (102).

11. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, comprising a dash assembly (34) supported on the handlebar (28) such that the handle cover (36) is sandwiched between the dash assembly (34) and the handlebar (28).