TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a saddle type vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present subject matter relates to side panels for a saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, vehicle layout design for a scooter type two or three-wheeled vehicle features a step-through frame and a defined space to accommodate a flat surface called as a floorboard for the rider's feet. Further, the scooter features bodywork, including a front leg shield and body that conceals all or most of the mechanisms. The body panels of the scooter include a pair of side panels covering a right side and, a left side of the vehicle and extending towards a rear side of the scooter. A rear structure is used to enclose the well-defined gap formed between the side panels covering the sides of the vehicle, below a tail lamp, at the rear side of the vehicle. Since, most of the parts in the scooter are concealed by the body, the body parts are to be designed such that optimum utilization of space in the scooter is achieved. Generally, a saddle type vehicle comprises of a single seat assembly for the purpose of the rider and the pillion rider. One or more side panels are mounted on each of a right side and a left side of the vehicle. The one or more side panels are disposed below the seat assembly and above a rear fender assembly encompassing a tail lamp unit at a rear end portion of the vehicle. The one or more side panels are fitted onto the vehicle frame through suitable brackets by suitable fastening methods. Further, the one or more side panels enclose other vehicular components and improve the aesthetics of the vehicle.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] 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.
[0004] Fig. 1 shows a side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle.

[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of side panels assembled with a front cover assembly.
[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the pair of side panels assembled with a front cover assembly.
[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a rear view of a left side panel of the pair of side panels.
[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates a detailed view of a front view of the 'V shaped cutout of the left side panel of the pair of side panels.
[0009] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a sectional view of a rear side of a left side panel taken along LI/axis as shown in the Fig. 4.
[00010] Fig. 7a illustrates a top view of a portion of the side panels assembled on to the vehicle.
[00011] Fig. 7b illustrates a sectional view of the pair of side panels taken along CC axis as shown in Fig. 7a.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00012] Conventionally, the scooter type vehicle comprises of a pair of side panels disposed at the rear end of the vehicle. The pair of side panels includes the right-side panel and the left side panel extending towards the rear end of the vehicle. A well-defined gap formed between the right-side panel and the left side panel is covered by a rear structure placed exactly in the gap formed below the tail lamp assembly at the rear side of the vehicle. One or more coupling structures are attached to the right-side panel and the left side panel. The one or more coupling structures enable mounting of the pair of side panels with a frame mounting structure.
[00013] The coupling structures are attached to the right-side panel and the left
side panel by means of welding. The welded coupling structures have
manufacturing variation and welding deformation associated with them. Further,
the frame mounting structures are attached to a vehicle frame having
manufacturing variation and welding deformation. The manufacturing variation
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and welding deformation leads to various concerns including fitment variation leading to poor fit and finish of the rear structure enclosing the gap between the right-side panel and the left side panel at the rear end of the vehicle. Further, such design results in difficulty in assembly.
[00014] The manufacturing variations owing to poor fit and finish makes the pair of side panels misalign from its normal position leading to poor vehicle appearance. Further, the misaligned pair of side panels produces vibration affecting the surrounding parts and creates rattling noise. The constant vibration of the pair of side panels results in breakage of the part. Further, the atmospheric dust and other foreign materials may enter through the gap formed by the misaligned pair of side panels. The atmospheric dust and other foreign materials are deposited in the internal parts affecting the normal functioning of the internal parts. Hence, the conventional pair of side panels is non-durable and causes high user dissatisfaction.
[00015] Further, the pair of side panels in the scooter type saddle vehicles are structural members that are made of sheet metal material conventionally. With the increase in the capacity of the engine assembly and capacity of the fuel tank assembly, the overall volume of the vehicle, in terms of capacity to accommodate plurality of bigger vehicular parts has also increased over the past decades. As a result, the size of the pair of side panels the enclose most of a rear portion of the vehicle has also increased over the years. Larger sized parts can be made structurally efficient using sheet metal material. However, in view of achieving desirable light weight components in addition to rapid increase in polymers, the pair of side panels made of polymers or resin is being exhaustively sought after. Manufacturing the pair of side panels in polymers will have failure with respect to structural integrating by result in warping of huge parts due to inherent nature of the polymers. However, plurality of stiffening members, in the form of ribs, has been provided to address the issue of warpage. But these lead to manufacturing concerns including tool design complexity. Moreover, as polymers are weaker in impact resistance compared to sheet metal material, any damage at one portion

will require replacement of the entire part. This leads to increase in cost to the user and also in service time. Further, with increase in awareness for customer delight, it is desirable to provide parts with different colors and texture.
[00016] The above concerns can be addressed by splitting the single larger pair of side panel into several parts. But with the increase in number of parts, the number of the interfaces and the time taken to assemble them onto the vehicle also increases in addition to variation related potential gaps giving poor aesthetics. One of the primary functions of the panels is to cover and protect the internal parts. Any form of uneven gap due to reasons already explained above and also due to increasing interfaces, will lead to water entry during rainy season and also during regular maintenance occurring during servicing. The uneven gaps also lead to poor aesthetic appeal. As the assembling time increases, parts need to have provisions to prevent assembling difficulty.
[00017] However, by splitting the bigger parts into smaller parts, there is a scope to improve serviceability, by ensuring removal of minimum number of parts for access to primary serviceable components, such as battery and critical components of the engine assembly. During the vehicle assembling, it is also important to check whether internal parts have been assembled correctly or wire routing is fault-free. This has to be done before final integration of all the vehicular parts. Also, accessing the electrical parts for inspection and service is of utmost importance. Thus, a significant portion of internal parts have to be visible before final vehicle integration; this is another constraint which has to be considered while splitting the single component to multiple parts.
[00018] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the pair of side panels is disposed below a seat assembly. The pair of side panels includes a right-side panel and a left side panel each disposed on a right side and a left side of the vehicle respectively. The pair of side panels includes a top portion, a bottom portion. The top portion is a portion of the pair of side panels disposed immediately below the seat assembly. The top portion is disposed at a close Fproximity to Ohe kseat* assemblyM. Further, the, bottom, portion is disposed

adjoiningly to the top portion. The top portion and bottom portion of the pair of side panels are integral members. The top portion and the bottom portion include a substantially 'V shaped cutout. The 'V shaped cutout includes two walls comprising a top wall and a bottom -wall. The top wall is a portion of the top portion in the cutout and likewise, the bottom wall is portion of the bottom portion in the cutout. The top wall and the bottom wall are configured to include a connecting member disposed therebetween. The connecting member forms an ■ integral portion of the cutout between the top wall and the bottom wall. The two walls are extending away from other to form a 'V shaped cutout.
[00019] Further, the top wall and the bottom wall include a first tip portion and the bottom tip portion respectively. The bottom tip portion is situated forwardly to the top tip portion. The 'V shaped cutout is configured to receive a vehicle body panel. The vehicle body panel can be removed to access serviceable parts that are disposed underneath the pair of side panels. The 'V shaped cutout also results in reduction in weight of the pair of side panels, making it lighter and easy to handle while assembly on the vehicle. Further, the pair of side panels includes at least one trough disposed at a proximity to a rear end of the pair of side panels. The user can insert his/her fingers or tool into the at least one trough to have access to the under surface of the seat assembly and lift up the seat assembly.
[00020] Therefore, a durable and reliable rear structure assembly is desired. The rear structure assembly according to the present embodiment is capable of effectively covering the gap formed between the right-side panel and the left side panel. Further, the rear structure as per the present invention is less prone to vibrations thereby increasing the durability. The rear structure assembly as proposed in the present invention is understood in detail by the following description.
[00021] Fig. 1 shows a left side perspective view of a step-through type saddle
vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 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 lOUand a^driverurear wheel 102. The bodv frame

assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. The said 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 side panel 106.
[00022] A handlebar assembly 109 and a seat assembly 110 are supported at
opposing ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there
between known as a 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 fuel tank (not shown) 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.
[00023] Suspensions are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly is connected to a front-fork 118. The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear suspension 117 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 116 in the front portion of the vehicle and a taillight 113 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided.
[00024] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of side panels assembled with a front cover assembly. The pair of side panels 106, 106a includes a right-side panel 106a and a left side panel 106. Both the pair of side panels is connected together by a front cover assembly 115 that is disposed under the seat assembly (not shown). The front cover assembly 115 is configured to include a profile to cover and protect most portion of the under-seat surface, such that a smaller and a lighter pair of side panels can be achieved. Accordingly, the pair of

side panels 106, 106a extending rearwardly from the front cover assembly 115 is compact as compared to the conventional side panels. Further, due to compact size of the pair of side panels 106, 106a, abrupt breakage due to continuous rattling does not occur, frequent servicing is not required and hence cost to the user is also saved.
[00025] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the pair of side panels assembled with a front cover assembly. The front cover assembly 115 includes a pair of front side covers 115a. The pair of front side covers 115a is detachably attached to a front cover of the front cover assembly 115. As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the front cover assembly 115 has a substantially conforming V shaped projection profile in order to be detachably attached with the side panels 106, thereby enabling a robust & stable panel structure capable to withstanding vibrations, achieving good fit & finish without abnormal gaps & ensuring ease of assembly & manufacturing. As per an embodiment, the different panels can be of different color or material to enhance the aesthetic appeal & functionality of the panel structure & enable customization by the user for the vehicle. Further, the pair of side panels 106, 106a includes one or more mounting provisions 106b enabling attachment with the front cover assembly 115. The one or more mounting provisions 106b provide detachable attachment of the pair of side panels 106, 106a with the front cover assembly 115. The pair of side panels 106, 106a includes include at least one frame mounting member 106a enabling attachment with at least a portion of the vehicle body frame (not shown). The attachment of the pair of side panels 106, 106a with the vehicle body frame provides stability and prevents rattling and vibrations from being transferred to the surrounding panels at a close proximity to the pair of side panels 106, 106a. Furthermore, the pair of side panels 106, 106a includes one or more gripping members 201 detachable attached to an upper portion of the pair of side panels 106, 106a. The one or more gripping members 201 are disposed below the seat assembly (not shown). Such that it is readily available for the rider to place his/her hands while riding pillion. In addition, the one or more gripping members 201 are also used to place the fingers^of the^ser^tq^liif up^th© seat asiembiy(to4ccess the

storage member disposed underneath the seat assembly (not shown). This way a specified space for placing the fingers of the user is available and any damage otherwise being caused due to placement of the fingers underneath the seat assembly to lift the seat assembly is prevented.
[00026] Fig. 4 illustrates a rear view of a left side panel of the pair of side panels. The left side panel 106 includes a rear surface 106rs comprising plurality of mounting provisions enabling attachment of the left side panel 106 with various other parts of the vehicle. In particular, the left side panel 106 includes at least one frame mounting member 201a configured to receive at least a portion of the one or more gripping members 201. Furthermore, the rear surface 106rs includes a first frame mounting member 201a enabling attachment of a front portion of the left side panel 106 with the vehicle body frame. The one or more gripping members 201 are disposed at a close proximity to an upper peripheral surface 106Up of the left side panel 106. The one or more gripping members 201 are attached to a top portion 106T of the left side panel 106. Further, the left side panel 106 also includes a bottom portion 106B being an integral portion. The top portion 106T and a bottom portion 106B together include a cutout 106V in the form of a substantial 'V shaped cutout. The *V shaped cutout 106V provides sufficient surface area for accommodating at least a portion of the front cover assembly (not shown). This surface area provided by the 'V shaped cutout 106V enables-easy access to the underlying area of the pair of side panels as well as the front cover assembly. For example, important cylinder head parts of the engine assembly and critical electrical components that require frequent servicing can be easily accessed through the 'V shaped cutout 106V.
[00027] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the one or more gripping members 201 are fixedly attached to the left side panel 106.
[00028] Fig. 5 illustrates a detailed view of a front view of the 'V shaped cutout of the left side panel of the pair of side panels. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the 'V shaped cutout 106V includes two walls comprising a top wall 106Y and a bottom wall 106X connected by a connecting member 106Z.

The connecting member 106Z prevents warpage of the left side panel 106 that may cause structural deformation. Thereby better fit and finish between the pair of side panels and the adjoining panels is achieved. Further, the top wall 106Y and the bottom wall 106X includes a first tip portion 106Ta and a second tip portion 106Ba respectively. The first tip portion 106Ta and the second tip portion 106Ba are disposed away from each other and the second tip portion 106Ba is disposed forwardly to said first tip portion 106Ta.
[00029] The top wall 106Y is disposed along pq axis and the bottom wall 106X is disposed along rs axis, the connecting member 106Z is disposed along a 01 plane. The connecting member 106Z extends at least more than half the height of the top wall 106Y and lesser than half the height of the bottom wall 106X.
[00030] Fig. 6 illustrates a perspective view of a sectional view of a rear side of a left side panel taken along LL/axis as shown in the Fig. 4. The left side panel 106 includes a projection 202 capable of mounting the left side panel 106 to the vehicle body frame (not shown). The projection 202 is provided in addition to the frame mounting member (not shown).
[00031] Fig. 7a illustrates a top view of a portion of the side panels assembled on to the vehicle. The one or more gripping members 201 are disposed underneath the seat assembly (not shown) and at a close proximity to the storage member 204. Fig. 7b illustrates a sectional view of the pair of side panels taken along CC axis as shown in Fig. 7a. The one or more gripping member 201 are trough formations to facilitate the fingers to slide therein.
[00032] 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.

We claim:
1. A step-through type saddle vehicle (100) comprising:
a seat assembly (110) disposed rearwardly to a handlebar assembly
(109);
a floorboard (108) disposed in between said seat assembly (110) and
said handlebar assembly (109);
a front cover assembly (115) disposed underneath said seat
assembly (110); and
a pair of side panels (106, 106a) disposed below said seat assembly
(110) including a right-side panel (106a) and a left-side panel (106), ■ said pair of side panels (106, 106a) includes a top portion (106T), and a bottom portion (106B) forming a cutout (106V) therebetween, said cutout (106V) includes a connecting member (106Z) attached to at least a portion (106Ta, 106Ba) of one or more walls (106X, 106Y) of said cutout (106V).
2. The step-through type saddle vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more walls (106X, 106Y) includes a top wall (106Y) and a bottom wall (106X) comprising a first tip portion (106Ta) and a second tip portion (106Ba) respectively disposed away from each other, said second tip portion (106Ba) is disposed away from and forwardly to said first tip portion (106Ta).
3. The step-through type saddle vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of side panels (106, 106a) include one or more gripping members (201) detachably attached to an upper peripheral surface (106Up) of the pair of side panels (106, 106a).
4. The step-through type saddle vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of side panels (106, 106a) includes a rear surface (106rs) having at
z p , -least oneifirst.frarnermounting member (20^a) ejiabUng attachment of the

pair of side panels (106, 106a) with a body frame assembly of the vehicle (100).
5. The step-through type saddle vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said at least one first frame mounting member (201a) is configured to receive at least a portion of the one or more gripping members (201).
6. The step-through type saddle vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front cover assembly (115) has a substantially conforming V-shaped projection profile detachably attached to said pair of side panels (106).
7. The step-through type saddle vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said cutout (106V) is formed substantially V-shaped for accommodating at . ;, .
least a portion of said front cover assembly (115).
8. The step-through type saddle vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, said
connecting member (106Z) extends at least more than half the height of said
top wall (106Y) and lesser than half the height of said bottom wall (106X).