DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a side cover for a scooter type motorcycle, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a floorboard assembly for a scooter type motorcycle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A saddle type vehicle is provided with several covering members to cover the vehicle and protect the vehicle components from being affected due to environmental conditions. The covering members are mounted exterior or interior to the vehicle particularly to cover the parts/ sub systems attached to the vehicle frame. Further, the covering members are also configured to impart a sportier and elegant look to the vehicle. This is because the visual appearance of the vehicle or its display is a significant factor, and a stimulating visual appearance that sets one vehicle apart from the other.
[0003] A scooter type motorcycle is a saddle type vehicle having a swingable engine. Due to requirements of more utility space and leg space in the motorcycle, the engine is supported on the vehicle frame at a lower rear portion of the motorcycle. Particularly, the cylinder head of the engine is substantially covered on all sides by several covering members owing to which it generates significant heat during the engine operation.
[0004] Generally, a covering member in the form of a lower side cover is provided at a lower portion of the motorcycle to cover a portion of the motorcycle frame and the cylinder head. The side cover also increases the vehicle aesthetics. At least one such side cover is present laterally on each side of the motorcycle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of the scooter type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a portion of the floorboard assembly situated at a front portion of the scooter type motorcycle.
[0007] Fig. 3 illustrates the left side view of a floorboard assembly assembled to the vehicle frame assembly.
[0008] Fig. 4 illustrates a left side perspective of a portion of the scooter type motorcycle.
[0009] Fig. 5 illustrates a right side view of a portion of the scooter type motorcycle depicting a lower side cover.
[00010] Fig. 6 illustrates a right side perspective view of a portion of the scooter type motorcycle.
[00011] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] The present invention discloses a lower side cover assembly to cover a lower side portion of a two-wheeled vehicle. The lower side cover covers sides of the floorboard disposed in a well-defined gap formed between the handlebar assembly and the seat assembly and the lower side cover is removably attachable to the two-wheeled vehicle. In a conventional two-wheeled vehicle, the lower side cover comprises of relatively even profile from a vehicle front end to a vehicle rear end. The lower side cover prevents see through from the sides of the floorboard and prevents any dust particles or other foreign materials from entering into a vehicle body frame of the two-wheeled vehicle. Further, the lower side cover improves the appearance of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00013] Due to the even profile of the lower side cover, during vehicle running condition, the atmospheric air suddenly leaves the lower side cover surface and creates air turbulence at the local region of the lower side cover. In addition, the lower side cover shears the atmospheric air when the two-wheeled vehicle is in running condition. The shearing of the atmospheric air occurs due to tapering of the lower side cover at the rear end of the vehicle. The even surface and the tapering at the rear end of the lower side cover acts as a disadvantage with respect to directing the atmospheric air towards rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00014] The sheared atmospheric air deprives the lower side cover and the surrounding region including pillion footrest, engine region and air filter close to the engine region from availability of atmospheric air. The aerodynamic drag forces increase as atmospheric air is being sheared away from the body panels of the two-wheeled vehicle instead of atmospheric air hugging the two-wheeled vehicle. Further, the side panel of the two-wheeled vehicle encloses the vehicular parts including the engine region and the air filter. Hence, the vehicular parts at the rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle enclosed by the side panel are deprived of the availability of the atmospheric air.
[00015] Further, the vehicular parts enclosed by the side cover are subject to rapid increase in temperature. In order to maintain normal working condition of the vehicular parts, cooling of the vehicular parts has to be carried out in regular intervals. The atmospheric air should be available in abundance around the region of the vehicular parts enclosed by the side cover.
[00016] Hence, it is an objective of the present invention to have a lower side cover that aids in directing the atmospheric air towards the rear side of the two-wheeled vehicle. Further, it is an objective of the present invention to prevent shearing of the atmospheric air from the vehicle body during vehicle running condition. Furthermore, it is still an objective of the present invention to maintain aesthetics of the two-wheeled vehicle and additionally to maintain good fit and finish.
[00017] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower side cover of the two-wheeled vehicle is adapted to include at least one air vents to direct the air towards the rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle. The even surface of the lower side cover is made uneven by adapting the lower side cover to include at least one air vent. Hence, the uneven surface of the lower side cover prevents the atmospheric air from being sheared away from the vehicle. Instead, the air vents helps the atmospheric air to remain close to the vehicle body and directs the atmospheric air to pass towards the engine area and the surrounding parts. Hence, the air is available in abundance at the rear side of the vehicle. The abundant atmospheric air is made use by the air filter located near the engine of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one air vent is located at an elevation lowermost to the ground. According to yet another embodiment, the at least one air passage is located at an elevation uppermost to the ground. The at least one air passage located in the desired location according to various embodiments of the present invention ensure that the atmospheric air is directed towards the rear end of the vehicle. The abundant availability of atmospheric air at the rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle is made use by the vehicular parts enclosed by the side cover. Therefore, proper functioning of the vehicular parts is ensured by preventing over heating of the vehicular parts.
[00019] The previously mentioned and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00020] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of the scooter type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle has a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together, which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel 101 and a driven rear wheel 102. The body frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. The frame assembly includes a head tube (not shown), a main frame and also may have a sub-frame. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 103, a rear cover 104, and one or more side panel(s).
[00021] At least one front side cover 401 (not seen) is disposed rearwardly to the front wheel 101.
[00022] A handlebar assembly 108 and a seat assembly 109 are supported at opposite ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as a floorboard assembly 110 that functions as a step through space. The seat assembly 109 for a driver and a pillion is placed rear side of a floorboard assembly 110. A storage compartment (not seen) is disposed below the seat assembly 109 for the user to store any articles/ any vehicular accessories can be mounted in the storage compartment. A front fender 111 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 112 is placed behind the rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of the rear wheel 102. The rear fender 102 inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by the rear wheel 102.
[00023] A natural air cooled swingable type engine assembly 107 disposed below the seat assembly 109. In particular, the left side crankcase cover of the engine assembly is visible in the figure.
[00024] Suspensions are provided for comfortable riding of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly 113 including a pair of front forks is disposed on either side of the front wheel 101. The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear shock absorber 105 preferably on the left side of the vehicle. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions, namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlight 114 in the front portion of the vehicle and a tail light 115 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided.
[00025] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a portion of the floorboard assembly situated at a front portion of the scooter type motorcycle. The floorboard assembly 110 is situated forwardly to the seat assembly 109 in the vehicle. The floorboard assembly 110 is used by the rider and the pillion to rest his/her legs while riding the vehicle. Further, according to an embodiment, the floorboard assembly 110 comprises of a hump portion 203 to accommodate a fuel tank assembly beneath the floorboard assembly 110. The access to the fuel tank assembly is provided by an access point 202, the access point 202 in the present embodiment includes a fuel tank cap situated on the surface of the hump portion 203. Further, the floorboard assembly 110 includes one or more lateral sides 110a, 110b. Each of the one or more lateral sides 110a, 110b includes at least one footrest portion 110aa, 110ba.
[00026] Further, the hump portion 203 includes at least one side surface 203a, 203b. The at least one side surface 203a, 203b is capable of supporting one or more first air vents 201. The one or more first air vents 201 are disposed above the at least one footrest portion 110aa, 110ba.
[00027] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, a one or more first air vents 201 including a left side air vent and a right side air vent is provided each on either side of the hump portion 203. The left and right side air vent can be utilized by a person, for example a child seated in front of the rider to rest his/her feet. According to an embodiment, the left side and right side air vents comprises at least one downstream opening 201a on the top surface meant to let out the atmospheric air forced out during vehicle running condition. The one or more first air vents 201 perform the function of directing the atmospheric air towards rear side of the vehicle.
[00028] According to yet another embodiment, the access point 202 is a charging port capable of providing charge to one or more portable devices including various communication devices.
[00029] Fig.3 illustrates the left side view of a floorboard assembly assembled to the vehicle frame assembly. The floorboard assembly 110 according to an embodiment is configured to include the one or more first air vents 201 to direct the atmospheric air towards the rear side of the vehicle. The atmospheric air sheared away from the vehicle due to increased aerodynamic drag forces at vehicle higher speeds is channeled towards the air filter assembly and towards the engine assembly.
[00030] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the atmospheric air is directed from the front end of the vehicle towards rear side of the vehicle through various air vents disposed on various locations of the floorboard assembly 110. The airflow path pq is indicated by a series of arrows. The air enters through at least one first upstream opening disposed on at least one front side cover (not seen), then enters into the region of floorboard assembly 110. The air entering the region of floorboard assembly 110 cools the rider’s foot. The air further enters into an at least one downstream opening 201a and the air further enters into the engine assembly 107 area through at least one second upstream opening 303a of one or more second air vents 303 provided just below the seat assembly 109 on an under seat cover 304.
[00031] The directed air enters into the engine assembly 107 area protected by the left side panel 301. The atmospheric air cools the engine assembly area and the air is made abundantly available for an air filter assembly provided at proximity to the engine assembly. Further, the cooling of the engine assembly area prevents damage to other surrounding parts.
[00032] Fig. 4 illustrates a left side perspective of a portion of the scooter type motorcycle. The figure illustrates an airflow path pq of the air directed towards the rear side of the vehicle. During vehicle riding condition, atmospheric air is forced into at least one first upstream opening 401a provided on the at least one front side cover 401. From the at least one first upstream opening 401a, the air enters into the region of floorboard assembly 110 through one or more first air vents 201. Further, the air coming out of the at least one downstream opening 201a enters into the one or more second air vents 303 and further passes into the engine assembly 107 area. Hence, the natural cooling of the engine assembly and surrounding parts is achieved efficiently by providing a number of air vents on and around the floorboard assembly 110.
[00033] The at least one air vents of the plurality of air vents located in the desired location according to various embodiments of the present invention ensure that the atmospheric air is directed towards the rear end of the vehicle. The abundant availability of atmospheric air at the rear end of the two-wheeled vehicle is made use by the vehicular parts enclosed by the RH side cover and the LH side cover 301. Therefore, proper functioning of the vehicular parts is ensured by preventing over heating of the vehicular parts.
[00034] The right side and the left side of the floorboard assembly 110 are symmetrical to each other. Hence, the features described above with respect to the left side of the floorboard is also applicable to the right side of the floorboard and surrounding parts.
[00035] Fig. 5 illustrates a right side view of a portion of the scooter type motorcycle depicting a lower side cover. The at least one bottom side cover 503 according to an embodiment of the present invention directs the atmospheric air towards rear side of the vehicle. The atmospheric air enters into the passage provided by the at least one bottom side cover 503 disposed a right side portion 502 of the floorboard assembly 110. The one or more lower air vents 505 are provided on a rear end of the at least one bottom side cover 503. The air coming out of the at least one bottom side cover 503 enters into the one or more lower air vents 505 and exits out at the rear side of the vehicle. The vehicular parts present at the rear side of the vehicle include for example a radiator assembly 504. Hence, the atmospheric air is made abundantly available at the radiator assembly according to the present invention.
[00036] The atmospheric air is directed in a channelized manner. The arrows indicated in the figure represent the airflow path 501 of the atmospheric air channelized towards the radiator assembly 504 and the surrounding vehicular parts. Due to the plurality of air vents present on the surface of the at least one bottom side cover 503, the atmospheric air is not sheared away from the vehicle surface, instead, the atmospheric air is channelized to towards the engine assembly, the air filter assembly, and the radiator assembly 504. The atmospheric air is now available in abundance for the radiator assembly 504 and rapid cooling of the surrounding parts is carried out.
[00037] Furthermore, the at least one footrest portion 110aa, 110ba includes a lower portion 110ab covered by the at least one bottom side cover 503. The at least one bottom side cover 503 comprises one or more lower air vents 505 including at least one third opening 505a. Furthermore, the at least one bottom side cover 503 includes an air receiving portion 503a that is capable of directing air towards the at least one third opening 505a.
[00038] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more lower air vents 505 and the at least one bottom side cover 503 are integrated. Further, the air receiving portion 503a is disposed in between an inner surface 503b of the at least one bottom side cover 503 and at least one lower side cover 116. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the air receiving portion 503a is a narrow passage. Furthermore, the air receiving portion 503a includes a tip portion 503b disposed at a close proximity to the at least one lower side cover 116.
[00039] Fig. 6 illustrates a right side perspective view of a portion of the scooter type motorcycle. The air flow path 501 enters into the lower right side cover 503. Further, passes through the one or more lower air vents 505 of the at least one bottom side cover 503 and exits at the rear side of the vehicle. The air is abundantly made available for other vehicular parts including a muffler 506 releasing hot exhaust gases. Hence, the air exiting out provides cooling of the muffler 506. The proposed invention prevents shearing away of the atmospheric air from the at least one lower side cover 116.
[00040] The lower right side cover is symmetric to lower left side cover. Hence, the features of the invention described above are also applicable to the lower left side cover. Hence, the lower left side cover is not shown.
[00041] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A scooter type motorcycle (100) including a natural air cooled swingable type engine assembly (107), said scooter type motorcycle (100) comprising:
a rear cover assembly (104) disposed at a front portion of said scooter type motorcycle (100);
a seat assembly (109) disposed rearwardly to said rear cover assembly (104);
an under seat cover (304) disposed below a front end portion (109a) of said seat assembly (109);
a hump portion (203) disposed in between said rear cover assembly (104) and said seat assembly (109);
a floorboard assembly (110) disposed below said hump portion (203), said floorboard assembly (110) includes one or more lateral sides (110a, 110b);
at least one footrest portion (110aa, 110ba) disposed on each lateral side of said one or more lateral sides (110a, 110b); and
at least one front side cover (401) disposed forwardly to said floorboard assembly (110),
wherein,
said hump portion (203) includes at least one side surface (203a, 203b) capable of supporting one or more first air vents (201) disposed above said at least one footrest portion (110aa, 110ba), said under seat cover (304) is capable of supporting one or more second air vents (303) and wherein said one or more first air vents (201) includes at least one downstream opening (201a) capable of directing air towards an at least one second upstream opening (303a) of said one or more second air vents (303) whereby air through an at least one first upstream opening (401a) traverses an airflow path (pq) to direct air towards said engine assembly (107).
2. The scooter type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said airflow path (pq) traverses through said at least one first upstream opening (401a), at least one downstream opening (201a), and at least one second upstream opening (303a).
3. The scooter type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one first upstream opening (401a) is disposed on at least one front side cover (401).
4. The scooter type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one footrest portion (110aa, 110ba) includes a lower portion (110ab) covered by at least one bottom side cover (503) comprising one or more lower air vents (505), said one or more lower air vents (505) include at least one third opening (505a) disposed in line with an air receiving portion (503a) of said at least one bottom side cover (503).
5. The scooter type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said one or more lower air vents (505) and said at least one bottom side cover (503) are integrated.
6. The scooter type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said air receiving portion (503a) is disposed between an inner surface (503b) of said at least one bottom side cover (503) and at least one lower side cover (116).
7. The scooter type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said air receiving portion (503a) includes a tip portion (503b) disposed at a close proximity to said at least one lower side cover (116).
8. The scooter type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more first air vents (201) and said hump portion (203) are integrated.
9. The scooter type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more second air vents (303) and said under seat cover are integrated.
10. The scooter type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more first air vents (201) and said one or more second air vents (303) are integrated with said hump portion (203).