Claims:I/We claim:
1. A saddle ride-type vehicle (100) comprising:
a pair of side panels (106) configured to cover at least a rear portion of a vehicle frame assembly (404) of the vehicle (100);
a rear cover sub-assembly (200) disposed rearwardly of said pair of side panels (106), said rear cover sub-assembly (200) includes a rear cover (201) comprising a louvre region (203) including plurality of louvres (203a) disposed in a louvre plane (LL`), said louvre plane (LL`)positioned forwardly to a lamp plane (MM`) when seen from a rear of said vehicle (100), said lamp plane (MM`) comprising a light-source receiving portion (301), said light source receiving portion (301) is juxtaposed by the plurality of louvres (203a) when viewed from a side view.
2. The saddle ride-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said light-source receiving portion (301) is configured to receive at least one light source (202) disposed above a turn signal lamp receiving portion (302) configured to receive at least one turn signal lamp (205), said at least one light source (202) and said pair of turn signal lamps (205) are disposed within an inner width (209) of a side panel joining portions (208) of said rear cover sub-assembly (200).
3. The saddle-ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear cover (201) includes an extending member (304) extending downwards from said louvre region (203), said extending member (304) includes a display light receiving portion (206a) configured to receive a display light member (206) disposed above a reflector portion (207) configured to receive at least one reflector (207a).
4. The saddle-ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear cover (201) includes side panel joining portions (208) each disposed on a right side and a left side of the rear cover (201), said side panel joining portions (208) are tapered at portions disposed at a proximity to the pair of side panels (106).
5. The saddle-ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear cover (201) includes a rear surface (201rs) includes one or more mountings (201a) that enable attachment of the rear cover (201) with the pair of side panels (106).
6. The saddle-ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said the tail lamp receiving portion (301) includes a peripheral surface (301ps) comprising one or more enclosure receiving members (301a) that are configured to receive at least a portion of an enclosure (303).
7. The saddle-ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said rear cover sub-assembly (200) is attached to a pair of rear frames (401) through at least one attaching member (403), said at least one attaching member (403) includes rearwardly extending pair of arms 403r that are configured to receive at least a portion of the rear cover sub-assembly (201).
8. A rear cover sub-assembly (200) for a saddle-ride type vehicle (100), said rear cover sub-assembly (200) comprising:
a rear cover (201) including a light source receiving portion (301) configured to receive at least one light source (202);
at least one turn signal lamps receiving portion (302) configured to receive at least one turn signal lamp (205); and
a louvre region (203) configured to include plurality of louvres (203).
9. The rear cover sub-assembly (200) for a saddle-ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said plurality of louvres (203a) are disposed in a louvre plane (LL`) disposed forwardly to a lamp plane (MM`) comprising the at least one light source (202).
10. The rear cover sub-assembly (200) for a saddle-ride type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said the rear cover (201) includes an extending member (304) extending downwardly below the louvre region (203), the extending member (304) comprises the display light member (206) attached to a display light receiving portion (206a), and a reflector receiving portion (207) configured to receive the at least one reflex reflector (207a).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a saddle-ride type vehicle and more particularly, but not exclusively to a rear cover sub-assembly for the saddle ride-type vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Typically, vehicle layout design for a saddle ride-type scooter type vehicle features a step-through frame and a flat surface called as a floorboard used for disposing legs of a rider when the rider puts his/her feet on the floorboard. Further, the scooter features bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanisms. A seat assembly is disposed rearwardly to the front leg shield. A storage box is disposed under the seat assembly. Generally, in a step-through type scooter type motorcycle, frame structure is such that an internal combustion (IC) engine is positioned in the forward direction of the vehicle. The IC engine is positioned in a manner such that the cylinder head is either horizontal or inclined forwardly. Typically, in the scooter type motorcycle, an air intake system is disposed below a seat.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0003] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:
[0004] Figure 1 shows a left side perspective view of the scooter type vehicle.
[0005] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the rear cover sub-assembly for the saddle-ride type vehicle.
[0006] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the rear cover sub-assembly.
[0007] Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of the rear cover.
[0008] Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a rear cover sub-assembly assembled on to the vehicle body frame.
[0009] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the rear cover sub-assembly assembled in the vehicle with a left side panel disassembled.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00010] Generally, in a saddle type wheeled vehicle, all or most of the vehicular parts are concealed or covered by a number of body panels. The number of body panels includes a front panel, a rear panel, a front cover, and a rear cover. A rear portion of the vehicle including the rear portion of the frame assembly is covered by a pair of side panels including the right side panel and the left side panel. The pair of side panels extends towards a rearmost tip of the vehicle. Usually, a tail cover center piece is covered between the pair of rear panels at the rear end of the vehicle. The pair of side panels conceal the utility box, the rear portion of the frame assembly and most portion of the engine assembly. Because of which the pair of side panels are bulkier and are bulged out in the vehicle width direction. The bulkier vehicle is not aesthetically appealing and apart from this, the bulkier vehicle is difficult to handle during heavy traffic conditions, and also to park in a compact space in a parking lot. Therefore, it is not desirable to have bulkier pair of side panels in the vehicle. Furthermore, the tail lamp assembly and the pair of turn signal lamps that are extending beyond the width of the pair of side panels also account for the bulkier look of the vehicle. Under certain circumstances, such as road accidents, the vehicle encounters with other vehicles and also encounters with the hard and rough surface of the road. It is most certain that the critical, fragile, and sensitive vehicular component like the tail lamp assembly and the pair of turn signal lamps that are protruding outwardly are first damaged to an extent that it may be irreparable. Therefore, the user is left with an only option of replacing the entire tail lamp assembly and the entire pair of turn signal lamps, which are generally expensive.
[00011] Furthermore, it is also known in the art, wherein, all rear turn signal lamps are integrated with the tail lamp assembly to achieve a combination lamp. The combination lamp is mounted on to the vehicle frame assembly also including various other surrounding vehicular parts. This necessitates mounting of the combination lamp on the vehicle frame assembly through a mounting member which again increases the rear width of the vehicle and also effects fitment with surrounding parts. Therefore, such a combination lamp is not desirable.
[00012] The above said problem can be overcome by using the combination lamp that is mounted on the side panels and then mounted on to frame. But the attachment of the rear combination lamp as said above is still complex because one or more frame extensions have to be used to attached the combination lamp to the frame assembly and this will add to the overall weight of the vehicle and also to the weight of the vehicle rear portion and further, also provides very less design flexibility due to complicated mounting structure present.
[00013] Further, as known in the art, the combination lamp is mounted on to the pair of side panels and then on to the frame assembly. This will increase the rear width of the vehicle as it has to meet regulatory requirements of having a minimum predetermined gap between the pair of turn signal lamps. Increase in width of the vehicle hampers the aerodynamics.
[00014] Further, the heat produced by the combination lamp including the tail lamp assembly and the pair of turn signal lamps, which are usually of bulb-type, is not effectively dissipated. This degrades the mechanical properties of the rear panel which supports the tail lamp assembly.
[00015] Furthermore, conventionally, the combination lamp includes the tail lamp assembly integrated with the pair of turn signal lamps. This affects the visibility of the turn signal lamps as an effect of leakage of the light from the tail lamp assembly into the region of the pair of turn signal lamps.
[00016] Therefore, an improved rear cover sub-assembly to protect the tail lamp assembly and the pair of turn signal lamps is required which overcomes all of the stated problems & other problem in known art.
[00017] Therefore, the present invention proposes for an improved rear cover sub-assembly that includes a pair of turn signal lamps that are separated from the tail lamp assembly. This way, the tail lamp assembly is configured to achieve sleeker rear portion and also sleeker rear look in the vehicle.
[00018] Further, the sleeker rear portion of the vehicle also enables in achieving better aerodynamics, enabling better engine cooling.
[00019] The sleeker vehicle rear includes sleeker and smaller panels as compared to the conventional bulkier body panels. Therefore, the fit and finish with respect to the mating parts in the vehicle improved. Furthermore, the manufacturability of the sleeker parts is comparatively easier and also reduces the cost considerably.
[00020] Furthermore, according to the present invention, the tail lamp assembly is placed at a top most position of the vehicle rear. This way, the visibility of the tail lamp assembly is improved.
[00021] Furthermore, the light leakage from the tail lamp assembly into the pair of turn signal lamps is prevented by placing the pair of turn signal lamps away from the tail lamp assembly and the visibility of the pair of turn signal lamps is also improved.
[00022] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the lateral sides of the rear cover includes projecting portions that is configured to protect the tail lamp assembly and the pair of turn signal lamps that are disposed there within. The projecting portions protect the tail lamp assembly and the pair of turn signal lamps from breakage and damage.
[00023] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the rear cover includes one or more louvers that are configured and disposed accordingly at the rear end of the vehicle to facilitate engine cooling.
[00024] Furthermore, the sleeker look of the tail lamp assembly accounts to improvement of the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.
[00025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rear cover sub-assembly covers at least a rear portion of the saddle-ride type vehicle. The rear cover sub-assembly is configured to remain within a predetermined gap between the pair of side panels when viewed from the rear view. The rear cover sub-assembly includes a light source receiving portion, at least one turn signal lamps receiving portion, and a louvre region. Further, the rear cover sub-assembly also includes a side panel joining portion extending in a forward direction from the louvre region.
[00026] The at least one light source is positioned at a topmost portion of the rear cover sub-assembly and the at least one turn signal lamps are disposed lower than the at least one light source. This way, the light emitting out of the tail lamp assembly does not interfere with the light emitted out of the at least one turn signal lamps. Therefore, the visibility of the tail lamp assembly is improved. Furthermore, the entire outer peripheral surface of the tail lamp assembly is enclosed by the light source receiving portion of the rear cover. Therefore, the tail lamp assembly is completely protected and in case of any external impacts, the tail lamp assembly is prevented from breakage.
[00027] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the side panel joining portion extends downwardly towards a region comprising a power unit. The side panel joining portion guides the hot air present in the region comprising the power unit to outside environment through the louvre region during vehicle running condition. This way, quicker heat dissipation occurs and effective engine cooling is achieved.
[00028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side panels and the side panel joining portion of the rear panel flush with each other under assembled condition. This particular assembly allows the smooth flow of atmospheric air towards the vehicle rear without experiencing any resistance by the vehicle due to flow of atmospheric air. Therefore, aerodynamic drag is not experienced by the vehicle, and a smooth operation of the vehicle during running condition is achieved.
[00029] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear cover sub-assembly is a rigid structural member and requires less number attachments with the surrounding parts. In particular, according to the present invention, the rear cover sub-assembly includes only two mounting portions to be attached to the vehicle frame assembly. The rear cover sub-assembly is attached to a rear end of the pair of rear frames of the vehicle frame assembly through at least one attaching member. The at least one attaching member eliminates the usage of frame extensions that may otherwise require to attach the rear-cover sub-assembly to the vehicle body frame.
[00030] These and other advantages of the present invention are described in the detailed description of the figures provided below.
[00031] Figure 1 shows a left side perspective view of the scooter type vehicle. 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. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevation view. The frame assembly includes a head tube 104, a main frame 111 and also may have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame using appropriate joining mechanism. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 103, a rear cover (not shown), a left front bottom panel 105, and a pair of side panels 106.
[00032] A handlebar assembly 109 and a seat assembly 116 are supported at opposing ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as floorboard 108 which functions as a step through space. The seat for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank and rear side of floorboard 108. A front fender 107 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the vehicle 100 and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 112 is placed between the fuel tank and the rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of the rear wheel 102. The rear fender 112 inhibits rain water or the like from being thrown up by the rear wheel 102. A front cover assembly 115 is disposed rearwardly to the floorboard 108.
[00033] Suspensions are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly (not shown) is connected to a front fork (not shown). The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear suspension (not shown) 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 headlamp assembly 110 in the front portion of the vehicle and a taillight assembly 114 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided. For the utility of the rider, a secondary storage assembly 113 is disposed in front of the front cover assembly 115.
[00034] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the rear cover sub-assembly for the saddle-ride type vehicle. The rear cover sub-assembly 200 is configured to receive at least one light source 202, for example, at least one tail lamp assembly. The at least one light source 202 is disposed at a topmost portion of the rear cover 201. The at least one turn signal lamp 205 is disposed substantially away from the at least one light source 202. In the present embodiment, the at least one turn signal lamp 205 is disposed below the at least one light source 202. The light emitted out of the at least one light source 202 is clearly visible without any interference due to absence of any other adjacently disposed light source and positioning of the at least one light source 202 at the topmost portion of the rear cover 201.
[00035] Further, the rear cover 201 comprises a louvre region 203 disposed between the at least one light source 202 and the at least one turn signal lamp 205. The louvre region 203 includes plurality of louvers 203a that are configured to let out the heated air from inside the body panels of the saddle-ride type vehicle 100. Further, in particular, the heat generated during the operation of the at least one light source 202 is also readily dissipated out into the atmosphere through the plurality of louvers 203a.
[00036] Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the rear cover 201 includes a display light member 206 disposed above a reflector portion 207. The reflector portion 207 is configured to receive at least one reflectors 207a. The display light member 206 provides required illumination to the display member (not shown) to facilitate its visibility during low-light conditions and during driving in dark. Furthermore, as a safety feature, the reflex reflector that facilitates recognition of the vehicle from a considerable distance is provided in the reflector portion 207.
[00037] Furthermore, the rear cover 201 includes side panel joining portions 208 each disposed on a right side and a left side of the rear cover 201. The side panel joining portions 208 are tapered at portions towards the pair of side panels 106. The tapering off the side panel joining portions 208 facilitates better fit and finish with the pair of side panels 106 by having a minimum joining surface and requiring negligible number of mounting portions therebetween the side panel joining portions 208 and the pair of side panels 106.
[00038] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one turn signal lamp 205 is disposed within the inner width 209 of the side panel joining portions 208. Further, the shape of the joining portion of the pair of side panels and the pair of side panels 106 are configured to be in conformation. This way, the atmospheric air is smoothly let to pass towards the vehicle rear without any resistance on the vehicle during vehicle running condition. Therefore, any aerodynamic drag is prevented and smooth running of the vehicle.
[00039] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of the rear cover sub-assembly. The rear cover 201 of the rear cover sub-assembly 200 includes a tail lamp receiving portion 301, at least one turn signal lamp receiving portion 302, and a louvre region 203. Further, the rear cover 201 includes the side panel joining portions 208 that taper towards the pair of side panels (not shown). Furthermore, the rear cover 201 includes an extending member 304 that extends downwards below the louvre region 203. The extending member 304 comprises the display light member 206 attached to the display light receiving portion 206a, and a reflector receiving portion 207 configured to receive the at least one reflex reflector 207a. The tail lamp receiving portion 301 includes a shape in conformation with the shape of the at least one light source 202. The tail lamp receiving portion 301 is disposed in between the plurality of louvres 203a. This way, most of the outer peripheral surface of the at least one light source 202 is enclosed by the rear cover 201 surface and required structural support and protection is provided to the at least one light source 202. In addition to providing necessary structural support and protection, the rear cover 201 of the present invention, includes a tail lamp receiving portion 301, at least one turn signal lamp receiving portion 302, and a louvre region 203. For example, the louvre region 203 is disposed in a louvre plane (LL`), which is positioned forwardly to a lamp plane (MM`) when seen from a rear of the vehicle 100. The lamp plane (MM`) contains the light source receiving portion, for example, the tail lamp receiving portion 301source receiving portion (301). This way, the tail lamp assembly is configured to achieve sleeker rear portion and also sleeker rear look in the vehicle. Further, the sleeker rear portion of the vehicle also enables in achieving better aerodynamics, enabling better engine cooling.

[00040] Further, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the rear portion of the at least one light source 202 and the display light receiving portion 206a comprising sensitive and critical electrical connections are covered by an enclosure 303. The enclosure 303 protects the electrical connections from entry of water that may lead to short circuit and malfunctioning of the at least one light source 202 and the display light member 206.
[00041] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a rear surface of the rear cover 201 includes one or more mountings 201a that enable attachment with the pair of side panels during assembly. The one or more mountings 201a includes one or more holes that are configured to receive mounting members like fasteners.
[00042] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the at least one light source 202 is positioned between the plurality of louvers 203a in the louvre region 203. The plurality of louvres 203a are projecting outwardly of the louvre region 203. In other words, the plurality of louvres 203a are disposed in a louvre plane LL` disposed forwardly to a lamp plane MM` comprising the at least one light source 202. Therefore, when viewed from a side view, the at least one light source 202 is juxtaposed between the plurality of louvres 203a. Therefore, whenever rear of the vehicle encounters the rough surface of the road, the at least one light source 202, being a fragile and critical component is protected from all the sides by the plurality of louvres 203a in the louvre region 203.
[00043] Figure 4 illustrates a rear view of the rear cover. The rear surface 201rs of the rear cover 201 includes the one or more mountings 201a. Furthermore, the tail lamp receiving portion 301 includes enclosure receiving members 301a that are configured to receive at least a portion of the enclosure at explained earlier. The entire peripheral surface 301ps of the tail lamp receiving portion 301 includes the enclosure receiving members 301a, these members provide required support to hold the enclosure in desired position and therefore, efficiently protect the rear surface portion comprising the electrical wiring.
[00044] Figure 5 illustrates a top perspective view of a rear cover sub-assembly assembled on to the vehicle body frame. The vehicle body frame includes a pair of rear frames 401 extending rearwardly. The pair of rear frames 401 are joined at a rear end by a cross-member 402. The cross member 402 is configured to support at least one attaching member 403. In particular, at least an end portion of the cross-member 402 is configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one attaching member 403 through one or more joining means 403b. The at least one attaching member 403 includes rearwardly extending pair of arms 403r that are configured to receive at least a portion of the rear cover sub-assembly 201. The pair of arms 403r includes receiving portions 403a that are configured to be mounted to at least a portion of the rear cover sub-assembly 200.
[00045] Further, the rear portion of the rear cover sub-assembly 200 is enclosed by the enclosure 303 and most portion of the rear portion of the rear cover sub-assembly other than the plurality of louvres is covered by the enclosure. The enclosure prevents any foreign particles from entering into the region comprising one or more electrical wiring.
[00046] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of the rear cover sub-assembly assembled in the vehicle with a left side panel disassembled. The side panel joining portion 208 of the rear cover sub-assembly 200 is extending downwardly towards the engine assembly 501 as illustrated in the figure. The plurality of louvres 203a are directed towards a cylinder head 501a of the engine assembly 501 in assembled condition. The plurality of louvres 203a include numerous intervals that allow the air to pass through. In the particular invention, the numerous intervals allow the hot air due to heat generated by the operation of the engine assembly 501 to pass through and let out of the plurality of louvres 203a. The path of hot air 501 dissipated out of the vehicle is indicated by series of arrows. Therefore, effective cooling of the engine assembly 501 is achieved and also the surrounding disposed parts are protected from the heat generated by the engine assembly 501.
[00047] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter as defined.

100- Saddle ride-type vehicle
101- Front wheel
102- Rear wheel
103- Front panel
104- Head tube
105- Left front bottom panel
106- Pair of side panels
107- Front fender
108- Floorboard
109- Handlebar assembly
110- Headlamp assembly
111- Main frame
112- Rear fender
113- Secondary storage assembly
114- Taillight assembly
115- Front cover assembly
116- Seat assembly
200- Rear cover sub-assembly
201- Rear cover
201a- One or more mountings
202- At least one light source
203- Louvre region
203a- Plurality of Louvres
205- At least one turn signal lamp
206- Display light member
206a- Display light receiving portion
207- Reflector receiving portion
207a- At least one reflex reflector
208- Side panel joining portions
209- Inner width
301- Tail lamp receiving portion
301a- Enclosure receiving members
301ps- Peripheral surface
302- At least one turn signal lamp receiving portion
303- Enclosure
304- Extending member
401- Pair of rear frames
402- Cross member
403- At least one attaching member
403a- Receiving portions
403b- One or more joining means
403r- Pair of arms
501- Engine assembly
501a- Cylinder head
MM`- Lamp plane
LL`- Louvre plane