DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter generally relates to a scooter-type vehicle, and more particularly, relates to a front structure for covering a headlamp and a instrument cluster for a scooter-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, in existing vehicles, it is known to include chrome elements or bezel elements around headlamps and around instrument cluster of the vehicles. Chrome element also called as Chrome plating (less commonly chromium plating) is a technique of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a metal object. The product of chrome plating is called chrome. Such chrome elements can be decorative, provide corrosion resistance, ease cleaning procedures, or increase surface hardness.
[0003] Decorative chrome elements have become increasingly popular in designer and premium vehicles. For example, it is common in vehicle headlamps to find a high-gloss chrome element such as a silver-coloured surface, surrounding the periphery of the headlamps. It is also common to have handlebar assemblies, having multiple chrome elements around both headlamps and instrument clusters.
[0004] Such chrome elements serve multiple purposes. In some vehicles, these chrome elements are used to improve aesthetics or provide a premium look to the vehicles. They also serve the purpose of covering uneven gaps between multiple painted parts and unpainted parts coupled together and thus helps in avoiding visual disturbance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures, which is related to a two-wheeled vehicle being one embodiment of the present subject matter. However, the present subject matter is not limited to the depicted embodiment(s). In the figures, the same or similar numbers are used throughout to reference features and components.
[0006] Fig. 1 depicts a left-side view of an exemplary scooter-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of the scooter-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a rear view of the scooter-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates a front view of the scooter-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded front view of a front structure mounted on a handlebar assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 6 shows an exploded view of mounting of the front structure onto a front panel member of the scooter-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 7 illustrates a rear left-side exploded view of the instrument cluster mounted on the handlebar assembly and its location with respect to the front structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Fig. 8(a) illustrates a front enlarged perspective view of the front structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00014] Fig. 8(b) illustrates a rear enlarged perspective view of the front structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00015] Various features and embodiments of the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. It is contemplated that the concepts of the present subject matter may be applied to any kind of vehicle within the spirit and scope of this subject matter. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the present subject matter which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
[00016] Conventionally, in existing vehicles, a first chrome element is provided around the periphery of the headlamps which can be viewed from the front of the vehicle. To service such existing headlamps, almost the complete headlamp assembly along with the front and rear headlamp panel, chrome element and side mirrors are required to be disassembled first. Once, the afore-mentioned parts are disassembled, only then one can access the headlamp, for example bulb type headlamp assembly. This was a cumbersome process, which is not desired.
[00017] Moreover, these days homologation requirement mandates that day light running lamps or headlamps of vehicles are always on while the vehicle is on. Therefore, the headlamps are always in a switched-on state. However, the person who is looking at the vehicle from front is unable to see the chrome element due to high intensity of light produced by the headlamp.
[00018] Further, typically, a second chrome element is provided around a instrument cluster in the vehicle which can be viewed by the driver of the vehicle while driving the vehicle. While providing multiple chrome elements, the known two-piece approach suffers from several drawbacks. One of them is the high cost resulting from multiple pieces and the necessary labor to attach the two parts together. An additional problem of known two-piece assemblies is the potential for a poor surface appearance caused by any of several painting defects. Moreover, such multiple chrome elements are placed in such a manner in the existing vehicle that a person seeing from the front of the vehicle, sees the chrome element surrounded only around the headlamps and is unable to view the chrome element around the instrument cluster/speedometer. Similarly, the rider riding the vehicle can see the chrome element only around the instrument cluster and is unable to view chrome element touching the headlamp assembly. This is not desirable as it disturbs the visual aesthetics and the premium look which needs to be provided to the vehicle.
[00019] Moreover, existing vehicles have multiple fasteners visible on the handlebar assembly and the headlamp assemblies of the vehicle. These multiple fasteners need to be removed to access the headlamp or instrument cluster of the vehicle. It is desired to have no visible fasteners on the front and rear panel near the headlamp and instrument cluster of the vehicle. This is because fasteners are not aesthetically pleasant. Also, when exposed they rust and deteriorate, which is undesired.
[00020] Further, the retrofit ability of the instrument cluster is adversely affected wherein multiple-sized chrome elements are involved. In conventional vehicles, it is impossible to accommodate a modular instrument cluster. This is since the front and rear panel of the handlebar assembly along with the chrome element is designed in accordance with the shape and size of the instrument cluster of the vehicle. Thus, one needs to replace the entire front and rear panel of the handlebar assembly including the chrome element to replace and accommodate an instrument cluster according to the varying requirements of the customer and ever-changing designs of the vehicle.
[00021] Also, during daytime, while the driver is driving the vehicle, sunlight falling onto the chrome element disposed in and around the instrument cluster, causes glare due to reflection of sunlight. This results in causing discomfort to the driver as the chrome element tends to reflect light with higher intensity than painted and textured parts.
[00022] Thus, there arises a need for a scooter-type vehicle which can accommodate modular instrument cluster of varying shapes and sizes without the need for replacing the entire front panel and rear panel, while providing the vehicle with a premium look with less number of parts and cost involved, that further addresses the aforementioned and other problems of the prior art.
[00023] The present subject matter along with all the accompanying embodiments and their other advantages would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following paragraphs.
[00024] The present subject matter aims to provide a scooter-type vehicle which can accommodate modular or retrofittable instrument cluster/speedometer, while providing the vehicle a premium look with lesser number of parts and cost involved.
[00025] The present subject matter discloses a scooter-type vehicle comprising a headlamp assembly having one or more headlamps and a handlebar assembly having a front panel member, a rear panel member, an instrument cluster for displaying the speed of the vehicle and fuel level of the vehicle etc. and a front structure. Herein, the front panel member covers a front portion of the scooter-type vehicle when viewed from a front direction of the scooter-type vehicle and is disposed adjacent to the headlamp assembly. The rear panel member covers a rear portion of the handlebar assembly. The front structure is disposed above the front panel member and is connected to the front panel member from the front direction and to the rear panel member from the rear direction when viewed in a front-rear direction of the scooter-type vehicle. The front structure covers a top portion of said instrument cluster and a top portion of said headlamp assembly. Moreover, the front structure enables retrofit ability of the instrument cluster.
[00026] In another embodiment, the front structure includes a first elongated arm and a second elongated arm.
[00027] In yet another embodiment, the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm are securely fitted on one or more portions of the front panel member by means of a snap fit arrangement.
[00028] In another aspect of the invention, the front structure includes a curved portion joining the first elongated arm and the second elongated arm.
[00029] In yet another embodiment, the front structure includes a cut-out to mount a visor of the scooter-type vehicle.
[00030] In another embodiment, the front structure includes one or more press locks to securely mount the visor on the front structure.
[00031] In yet another embodiment, the front structure is fastened to the front panel member and the rear panel member through one or more fasteners.
[00032] In another embodiment, the front structure enables accommodation the instrument cluster of different shapes and sizes.
[00033] In another embodiment, the front structure is made up of chrome plating technique.
[00034] The present subject matter is further described with reference to accompanying figures. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof.
[00035] The present subject matter may be implemented in any two-wheeled vehicle. However, for the purpose of explanation and by no limitation, the present invention, and corresponding additional advantages and features are described through the following embodiments depicting a scooter-type vehicle. Arrows wherever provided on top right corner of the figure represent direction with respect to vehicle. Arrow F represents forward direction, arrow R represents rearward direction, arrow UW represents upward direction and arrow DW represents downward direction.
[00036] For brevity purposes, Fig.1 and Fig. 2 have been explained together. Fig. 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary scooter-type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig.2 illustrates a top view of the exemplary scooter-type vehicle (100) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle (100) includes a frame assembly (not shown) comprising a head tube (not shown), and a main frame (not shown in figure). In the depicted embodiment, the main frame (not shown in figure) comprises a main tube (not shown) extending rearwardly downward from the head tube (not shown), and one or more rear tubes (not shown) extending inclinedly rearward from a rear portion of the main tube (not shown). In the depicted embodiment, the frame assembly (not shown) defines a step-through portion (151), which is used by rider to rest his/her feet or to load luggage thereat. In another embodiment, a main tube (not shown) may be adapted to extend rearward from the head tube (not shown) and subsequently downward defining a space below the main tube (not shown), for supporting a powertrain (135). A first wheel (140) and a second wheel (145) are rotatably supported by a front suspension system (not shown) and a rear suspension system (not shown), respectively. In one embodiment, the second wheel (145) may be additionally supported by a swingarm (not shown). The powertrain (135) is swingably connected to the frame member (not shown) and is disposed substantially below a seat assembly (155) and rearward to the step-through portion (151). The powertrain (135) includes a transmission system (not shown) for transferring power to the second wheel (145) and an engine (not shown). The transmission system (not shown) may include a continuously variable transmission, an automatic manual transmission, a belt/chain drive.
[00037] Further, the first wheel (140) is pivotally supported by the frame assembly (not shown) and a handlebar assembly (110) is functionally connected to the first wheel (140) for maneuvering and steering the vehicle (100). The handlebar assembly (110) supports an instrument cluster (120), vehicle controls (not shown) including throttle, clutch, or electrical switches. Further, a seat assembly (155) is supported by the frame assembly (not shown) and the rider can operate the vehicle (100) in a seated position on the seat assembly (155). Moreover, in the depicted embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes the step-through portion (151) formed between the handlebar assembly (110) and the seat assembly (155). The handlebar assembly (110) includes front panel member (not shown) and a rear panel member (115) and a visor (125) mounted on a top portion of the front panel member (112).
[00038] Referring to Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, which illustrates a rear view and a front view of the scooter-type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter have been explained here together for brevity purposes. The handlebar assembly (110) of the vehicle (100) has a front structure (300) which is mounted on the front panel member (112) and above a headlamp assembly (105). The front structure (300) covers the headlamp assembly from only a top portion, on either sides of the headlamp assembly. Thus, the homologation requirement that mandated that day light running lamps or headlamps of vehicles are always on while the vehicle is on which resulted in the person looking at the vehicle from front being unable to see the front structure due to high intensity of light produced by the headlamp is eliminated. Herein, the front structure (300) does not entirely cover the headlamp assembly (105) but only at a top portion on either sides of the headlamp assembly (105). Thus, the problem of reflection from the headlamp assembly which results in non-viewing of the front structure (300) is prevented.
[00039] Referring to Fig.5 which illustrates an exploded front view of a front structure mounted on a handlebar assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, the mounting arrangement and location of the front structure (300) is shown. The front structure (300) is assembled from top and fitted to the front panel member (112) through snap fit arrangement (510) on both the sides of the front panel member (112). A headlamp (106) is fitted to the headlamp assembly (105) through a front-rear direction. The front structure (300) has a cut-out to mount a visor (125). Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of mounting of the front structure (300). Herein, the front structure (300) is mounted on a portion (610) of the front panel member (112) on either sides and is connected to the rear panel member (115) through one or more fasteners (620). Thus, the front structure (300) is made in such a manner, that a single front structure (300) runs from the front panel member (112) to the rear panel member (115), thereby making it visible from the front of the vehicle, as well as to the rider when the rider sits on the vehicle (100), thus achieving the objective of providing a premium look to the vehicle (100). Moreover, in the present invention, minimum number of fasteners (620) are being used, i.e., only two on the top of the handlebar assembly (110) to that prevents the problem of undesirable view of fasteners (620), which used to get rusted over a continuous use of the vehicle (100). Herein, the fasteners are not visible to human eye from above since the visor (125) is being mounted over the fasteners (620).
[00040] Fig. 7 illustrates a rear left-side exploded view of the instrument cluster mounted on the handlebar assembly and its location with respect to the front structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Herein, the front structure (300) covers a top portion of the instrument cluster (120). The visor (125) is mounted over the front structure (300). The front structure (300) includes one or more press locks to securely mount said visor (125) on the front structure (300).
[00041] Fig. 8 (a) illustrates a front enlarged perspective view of the front structure and Fig. 8 (b) illustrates a rear enlarged perspective view of the front structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The front structure (300) is made from chrome plating technique. The front structure (300) has a first elongated arm (805) and a second elongated arm (806) that is capable of securely fitting onto the front panel member (112) through snap fit arrangement (510). The front structure (300) further comprises a curved shape portion (807) at the top of the front surface (300) joining the first elongated arm (805) with the second elongated arm (806). The curved shape portion (807) is of the same shape as that of the instrument cluster (120) to effectively mount the instrument cluster (120) of varying shapes and sizes. Therefore, to replace the instrument cluster (120) and to provide a modular, retrofittable instrument cluster, only the front structure (300) needs to be replaced as opposed to the existing prior art where the entire front panel member, rear panel member needs to be changed to change the size of the instrument cluster. Moreover, the ease of assembly and disassembly of headlamp is also enhanced, since minimum number of fasteners are used, thereby it is not required to completely remove the front panel member and the rear panel member and side mirrors to disassembly headlamp.
[00042] Therefore, the present invention provides ease in serviceability and assembly/disassembly of the headlamp and the instrument cluster as only the front structure needs to be taken out and not the entire front panel member, rear panel member, or the side mirrors to service such parts from the handlebar assembly and the headlamp assembly by removing only two fasteners. A single front structure can hide uneven gaps due to multiple hidden parts that are non-painted is also achieved.
[00043] Since it is a single front structure, it is cost-effective as it removes the high cost resulting from multiple pieces and the necessary labor to attach the two parts together. Further, the retrofit ability of the instrument cluster is achieved in the present invention as it becomes possible to accommodate a modular instrument cluster. This is since the front and rear panel of the handlebar assembly along with the front structure need not be changed in case one needs to change the instrument cluster.
[00044] Also, the problem of reflection or glare caused to rider of the vehicle during daytime, while driving the vehicle is solved as the front structure is covering only the top portion of the instrument cluster and not the entire instrument cluster itself.
[00045] While certain features of the claimed subject matter have been illustrated and described herein, many modifications, substitutions, changes, and equivalents will now occur to those skilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the claimed subject matter.

List of reference signs:
100 vehicle
105 headlamp assembly
106 headlamp
110 handlebar assembly
112 front panel member
115 rear panel member
120 instrument cluster
125 visor
300 front structure
510 snap fit arrangement
610 one or more sides of front panel member
620 fasteners
805 first elongated arm
806 second elongated arm
807 curved portion

,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A scooter-type vehicle (100) comprising:
a headlamp assembly (105), said headlamp assembly (105) including one or more headlamps (106); and
a handlebar assembly (110), said handlebar assembly (110) including:
a front panel member (112) covering a front portion of said scooter-type vehicle (100) when viewed from a front direction of said scooter-type vehicle (100), said front panel member (112) being disposed adjacent to said headlamp assembly (105);
a rear panel member (115) covering a rear portion of said handlebar assembly (110);
an instrument cluster (120); and
a front structure (300) being disposed above said front panel member (112), said front structure (300) being connected to said front panel member (112) from the front direction and to said rear panel member (115) from the rear direction when viewed in a front-rear direction of said scooter-type vehicle (100);
wherein said front structure (300) covers a top portion of said instrument cluster (120) and a top portion of said headlamp assembly (105); and
wherein said front structure (300) enables retrofit ability of said instrument cluster (120).
2. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said front structure (300) includes a first elongated arm (805) and a second elongated arm (806).
3. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said first elongated arm (805) and said second elongated arm (806) being securely fitted on one or portions (610) of said front panel member (112) by means of snap fit arrangement (510).
4. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 2, wherein said front structure (300) includes a curved portion (807) joining said first elongated arm (805) and said second elongated arm (806).
5. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said front structure (300) includes a cut-out (not labelled) to mount a visor (125) of said scooter-type vehicle (100).
6. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 5, wherein said front structure (100) includes one or more press locks (not labelled) to securely mount said visor (125) on said front structure (300).
7. The sooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said front structure (300) being fastened to said front panel member (112) and said rear panel member (115) through one or more fasteners (620).
8. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said front structure (300) being capable of accommodating said instrument cluster (120) of different sizes.
9. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said front structure (300) being made up of chrome plating.
10. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein said front structure (300) being detachably attached to said scooter type vehicle (100) for enabling ease of replacement and service.