Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a protective cover member for the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, in a saddle type vehicle, a pillion footrest structure is provided with a mounting provision which is provided distant from the foot peg, wherein the pillion footrest structure is supported on the frame. A rear side protective cover, which in Indian conditions, is known as a saree guard, is mounted to this mounting provision in the pillion footrest structure. In conventional type vehicles, the mounting zone of the saree guard is visible from the side of the vehicle, thus degrading the vehicle aesthetics.
[003] In these saddle type vehicles, the rear side protective cover or the saree guard can be attached or removed from the vehicle as per user preference. However, in cases where the user prefers to remove the rear side protective cover, the mounting provision for saree guard is left open and is visible from the side of the vehicle, which further degrades the vehicle aesthetics. Further, when the rear side protective cover is not mounted and the mounting provision is kept open to the atmosphere, there are potential chances of physical damage to the mounting provision.
[004] In existing attempts to provide a saree guard while ensuring that the vehicle aesthetics are not degraded, mounting provision for a cover member is provided in the pillion foot peg mounting itself. In this configuration, when the pillion foot peg is engaged, the pillion foot peg covers the mounting provision of this cover member and hence the vehicle appearance is improved. However, in this configuration, for assembly or dismantling of the saree guard, the pillion foot peg has to be removed completely which increases the effort is removing the saree guard. Further, mounting provision for the saree guard is distant from the mounting of pillion footrest structure to frame of the vehicle. This results in an increase in the overhang in the construction of pillion footrest mounting structure.
[005] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle type vehicle, which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, the present invention is directed towards a saddle type vehicle having a frame structure with a head pipe, a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe, and a pair of seat rails extending rearwardly from the main frame. The frame structure supports a rear wheel. A step mounting bracket is detachably attached to the frame structure. The step mounting bracket has a first flange portion configured to support a pillion footrest, and a second flange portion extending inwardly from the first flange portion in a vehicle width direction. A protective cover member is arranged substantially on a side of the rear wheel. The protective cover member is supported on the second flange portion of the step mounting bracket.
[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the step mounting bracket has one or more tubes extending upwardly from the first flange portion, and the one or more tubes are detachably attached to the frame structure.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the protective cover member has a plurality of longitudinal tubular members extending substantially in the vehicle front rear direction, and one or more transverse tubular members extending substantially in vehicle up-down direction.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the protective cover member has a bush configured to receive a fastener, thereby supporting the protective cover member on the second flange portion of the step mounting bracket.
[010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the bush is disposed substantially vertically. In an alternative embodiment, the bush is disposed at an inclination with respect to the vehicle up-down direction. In another alternative embodiment, the bush is disposed substantially horizontally.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the frame structure has a pair of rear frames extending rearwardly and upwardly between the main frame and the pair of seat rails. The pair of rear frames have a left rear frame and a right rear frame.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the protective cover member further has a top mounting bracket configured to support the protective cover member on the left rear frame.
[013] In a further embodiment of the invention, the step mounting bracket has a guard flange extending rearwardly from the first flange portion such that the guard flange overlaps with the bush in a vehicle side view.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first flange portion of the step mounting bracket is provided forwardly of the second flange portion of the step mounting bracket in a vehicle side view.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the step mounting bracket has a footrest mounting stay extending outwardly from the first flange portion. The footrest mounting stay is configured to support the pillion footrest.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates another left side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a left side view of a step mounting bracket and a protective cover member of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the step mounting bracket and the protective cover member of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the step mounting bracket and the protective cover member of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the step mounting bracket, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the protective cover member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a rear perspective view of the step mounting bracket and the protective cover member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a left side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a rear perspective view of the step mounting bracket and the protective cover member, in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a left side view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a rear perspective view of the step mounting bracket and the protective cover member, in accordance with another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a protective cover member for the saddle type vehicle.
[018] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The vehicle 10 includes an internal combustion engine 12 that is vertically disposed or a traction motor (not shown). Preferably, the Internal combustion engine 12 is a single-cylinder type direct injection internal combustion engine. The vehicle 10 further includes a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame structure 25 (shown in Figure 2), a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 40. The frame structure 25 includes a head pipe 22, a main frame (now shown), a down tube (not shown), and a pair of seat rails 60 that extend rearwardly from the main frame. The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front forks 26 (only one shown) attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The two telescopic front forks 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front forks 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A head light 32, a visor guard 33 and instrument cluster (not shown) are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22. The frame structure 25 having the down tube (not shown) may be located in front of the internal combustion engine 12 and extends slantly downward from the head pipe 22. The main frame of the frame structure 25 is located above the internal combustion engine 12 and extends rearward from the head pipe 22. The internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion of the main frame. In an embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase. In an alternative embodiment, the internal combustion engine 12 is mounted horizontally (not shown) with the cylinder block extending horizontally forwardly from the crankcase. In an embodiment, the cylinder block is disposed rearwardly of the down tube.
[019] The fuel tank 40 of the vehicle 10 is mounted on the main frame. The pair of seat rails 60 are joined to the main frame and extend rearward to support the seat assembly 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame structure 25 to swing vertically, and the rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension 36 or through two suspensions (not shown) on either side of the vehicle 10. A taillight unit 37 is disposed at the end of the vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. The rear wheel 16 arranged below seat 18 rotates by the driving force of the Internal combustion engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive 39 from the internal combustion engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[020] Further, an exhaust pipe (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle 10 extends vertically downward from the Internal combustion engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the Internal combustion engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler (not shown). The muffler is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16.
[021] The vehicle 10 further includes a handlebar 50 connected to the head pipe 22 of the frame structure 25 and extending in a vehicle width direction. The handlebar 50 can rotate to both sides of the vehicle 10 during vehicle turning movements.
[022] Figures 2 and 3 illustrate the saddle type vehicle 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As mentioned earlier, the saddle type vehicle 10 has the frame structure 25. The frame structure 25 has the head pipe 22, the main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe 22, and the pair of seat rails 60 that extend rearwardly from the main frame. The frame structure 25 supports the rear wheel 16.
[023] The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a step mounting bracket 100 (shown in Figure 6) that is detachably attached to the frame structure 25. As illustrated in Figure 4, the step mounting bracket 100 has a first flange portion 110 that is configured to support a pillion footrest 112.
[024] The step mounting bracket 100 further has and a second flange portion 120 that extends inwardly from the first flange portion 110 in a vehicle width direction. In an embodiment, the first flange portion 110 of the step mounting bracket 100 is provided forwardly of the second flange portion 120 of the step mounting bracket 100 in a vehicle side view.
[025] The saddle type vehicle 10 further has a protective cover member 200 that is arranged substantially on a side of the rear wheel 16. The protective cover member 200 is supported on the second flange portion 120 of the step mounting bracket 100. The protective cover member 200 being arranged substantially on the side of the rear wheel 16 ensures that any loose piece of clothing such as a saree being worn by the pillion rider does not get entangled in the rear wheel 16. Especially, in Indian riding conditions, the protective cover member 200 ensures that if the pillion rider is a woman wearing a saree or a dupatta, or sitting with their legs on one side of the vehicle 10, their clothes do not get entangled in the rear wheel 16, thus ensuring that there is no risk of accident or injury from such an event.
[026] In an embodiment, the step mounting bracket 100 has a footrest mounting stay 150 that extends outwardly from the first flange portion 110. The footrest mounting stay 150 is configured to support the pillion footrest 112, thus providing mounting to the pillion footrest 112.
[027] As referenced in Figures 2, 3, 4 and 5, the step mounting bracket 100 comprises one or more tubes 130 that extend upwardly from the first flange portion 110. The one or more tubes 130 are detachably attached to the frame structure 25, thus detachably mounting the step mounting bracket 100 on the frame structure 25. In an embodiment, as depicted in Figure 2, the frame structure 25 has a pair of rear frames that extend rearwardly and upwardly between the main frame and the pair of seat rails 60. Herein, the pair of rear frames have a left rear frame 70A and a right rear frame. In an embodiment, the one or more tubes 130 of the step mounting bracket 100 are detachably attached on the left rear frame 70A. The one or more tubes 130 have through holes provided at an upper end of the tubes 130, which allow for a fastener to pass through, thereby attaching the one or more tubes 130 at the left rear frame 70A.
[028] Reference is made to Figure 7, wherein as illustrated, in an embodiment, the protective cover member 200 has a plurality of longitudinal tubular members 210 that extend substantially in the vehicle front rear direction, and one or more transverse tubular members 220 that extend substantially in vehicle up-down direction. The plurality of longitudinal tubular members 210 and the transverse tubular members 220 thus create a protective mesh like structure which prevent any loose piece of clothing from being entangled with the rear wheel 16. Further, in an embodiment, the protective cover member 200 comprises a top mounting bracket 250 configured to support the protective cover member 200 on the left rear frame 70A. This allows for the protective cover member 200 to be supported on the left rear frame 70A in addition to the step mounting bracket 100, thus reducing vibration and noise.
[029] To facilitate the supporting of the protective cover member 200 on to the second flange portion 120 of the step mounting bracket 100, the protective cover member 200 further has a bush 230 that is configured to receive a fastener 240 (shown in Figure 4). The fastener 240 is passed on to the second flange portion 120, thereby supporting the protective cover member 200 on the second flange portion 120 of the step mounting bracket 100. In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the bush 230 is disposed substantially vertically, which means that the fastener 240 is oriented vertically, and hence the fastener 240 can be accessed from the top direction for easily dismounting the protective cover member 200 from the vehicle 10 as required. Such a dismounting of the protective cover member 200 does not require disassembly of any other vehicle parts.
[030] In an alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 9 and 10, the bush 230 is disposed at an inclination with respect to the vehicle up-down direction, which means that the fastener 240 is oriented inclined manner, and hence the fastener 240 can be accessed from the top or rear direction for easily dismounting the protective cover member 200 from the vehicle 10 as required. Such a dismounting of the protective cover member 200 does not require disassembly of any other vehicle parts. In another alternative embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 11 and 12, the bush 230 is disposed substantially horizontally, which means that the fastener 240 is oriented horizontally, and hence the fastener 240 can be accessed from the rear or front direction for easily dismounting the protective cover member 200 from the vehicle 10 as required. Such a dismounting of the protective cover member 200 does not require disassembly of any other vehicle parts.
[031] Reference is made to Figure 6, wherein as illustrated, in an embodiment, the step mounting bracket 100 further comprises a guard flange 140. The guard flange 140 extends rearwardly from the first flange portion 110. As further referenced in Figures 2, 9 and 11, the guard flange 140 overlaps with the bush 230 in a vehicle side view. Such a configuration ensures that the mounting of the protective cover member 200 is not visible from the side of the vehicle 10, in cases of the protective cover member 200 being mounted on the vehicle 10 and in cases of the protective cover member 200 being dismounted from the vehicle 10. This ensures that there is no degradation in the vehicle aesthetics.
[032] Advantageously, the present invention provides a saddle type vehicle in which the protective cover member which is disposed along the side of the rear wheel, can be provided in the vehicle without hampering or degrading vehicle aesthetics.
[033] Further, in the present invention, the mounting and dismounting of the protective cover member can be done without significant effort, or without requiring any other part to be dismounted, thus increasing ease of serviceability and ease of assembly.
[034] Furthermore, in the present invention, the mounting of the step mounting bracket on the frame structure is not too distant from the mounting of the protective cover member on the step mounting bracket, thus the overhang required in the step mounting bracket is significantly reduced.
[035] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10), comprising:
a frame structure (25) having a head pipe (22), a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe (22), and a pair of seat rails (60) extending rearwardly from the main frame, the frame structure (25) supporting a rear wheel (16);
a step mounting bracket (100) detachably attached to the frame structure (25), the step mounting bracket (100) having a first flange portion (110) configured to support a pillion footrest (112), and a second flange portion (120) extending inwardly from the first flange portion (110) in a vehicle width direction; and
a protective cover member (200) arranged substantially on a side of the rear wheel (16), the protective cover member (200) being supported on the second flange portion (120) of the step mounting bracket (100).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step mounting bracket (100) comprises one or more tubes (130) extending upwardly from the first flange portion (110), the one or more tubes (130) being detachably attached to the frame structure (25).

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective cover member (200) comprises a plurality of longitudinal tubular members (210) extending substantially in the vehicle front rear direction, and one or more transverse tubular members (220) extending substantially in vehicle up-down direction.

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective cover member (200) comprises a bush (230) configured to receive a fastener (240), thereby supporting the protective cover member (200) on the second flange portion (120) of the step mounting bracket (100).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bush (230) is disposed substantially vertically.

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bush (230) is disposed at an inclination with respect to the vehicle up-down direction.

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the bush (230) is disposed substantially horizontally.

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the frame structure (25) comprises a pair of rear frames extending rearwardly and upwardly between the main frame and the pair of seat rails (60), the pair of rear frames having a left rear frame (70A) and a right rear frame.

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the protective cover member (200) comprises a top mounting bracket (250) configured to support the protective cover member (200) on the left rear frame (70A).

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein in the step mounting bracket (100) comprises a guard flange (140) extending rearwardly from the first flange portion (110) such that the guard flange (140) overlaps with the bush (230) in a vehicle side view.

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first flange portion (110) of the step mounting bracket (100) is provided forwardly of the second flange portion (120) of the step mounting bracket (100) in a vehicle side view.

12. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the step mounting bracket (100) comprises a footrest mounting stay (150) extending outwardly from the first flange portion (110), the footrest mounting stay (150) configured to support the pillion footrest (112).

Dated this 28th day of June 2022

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED
By their Agent & Attorney

(Nikhil Ranjan)
of Khaitan & Co
Reg No IN/PA-1471