DESC:Technical Field
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a scooter type vehicle and particularly relates to a body frame structure for a scooter-type vehicle.
Background
[0002] Typically, body frames of two-wheeled vehicles including scooter-type vehicles fall under two categories: 1. Tubular body frames 2. Monocoque body frames. Generally, tubular body frames are made using a plurality of metal tubes welded together to form a skeletal load bearing framework. Further, body panels are assembled over said plurality of metal tubes to complete the body and to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the two-wheeled vehicle. Unlike tubular body frames, monocoque body frames do not include said plurality of metal tubes to form the skeletal load bearing framework. Typically, in monocoque body frames, the skeletal load bearing framework and the body panels are unified to form a single unit. Further, internal components of the scooter-type vehicle such as the engine, the steering assembly, electrical and electronic components are supported by the monocoque body frame using various bracket arrangements.
[0003] Typically, in a scooter-type vehicle having a monocoque body frame, while a rider rests his feet on a floorboard of said monocoque body frame structure, a pillion rider rests his feet on a pillion footrest member each disposed on either sides of said floorboard. Particularly, a rear end on both sides of said floorboard is widened to accommodate said pillion footrest member in the floorboard. Widening of the floorboard in order to accommodate the pillion footrest member leads to an increase in width of the floorboard and an overall increase in width of said scooter-type vehicle. Particularly, widening of the floorboard leads to an increase in width near a side frame portion of the scooter-type vehicle. As a result of increase in width near the side frame portion, width of a side panel mounted over said side frame portion also increases, thereby resulting in pillion rider’s discomfort in resting his feet on the pillion footrest member disposed on the floorboard. Moreover, increased width of said vehicle also proves to be unfavourable while parking the vehicle and also in traffic conditions. Also, increased width of the floorboard proves to be an obstacle during banking. Further, in some instances the pillion foot may strike the rider’s foot rested on the floorboard owing to the minimal distance maintained between a rider foot resting positon and the pillion foot resting position, both being provided on the floorboard.
[0004] There is therefore a need to provide an alternative location for disposing a pillion footrest member in a scooter-type vehicle having a monocoque body frame.

Summary of the Invention
[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.
[0006] It is an object of the present invention to provide a scooter-type vehicle including a front wheel and a rear wheel, and a monocoque body frame structure connecting said front wheel and said rear wheel.
[0007] It is another object of the present invention to provide a monocoque body frame structure including a pillion footrest member, whose inclusion does not result in an increased width of said body frame structure.
[0008] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a monocoque body frame structure including a pillion footrest member whose location therein proves to be ergonomically viable and serves to provide enhanced foot resting comfort for a pillion rider.
[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a monocoque body frame structure including a pillion footrest member whose location therein enables a pillion rider to rest his foot without hindering a rider’s foot rested on a floorboard.
[0010] It is one more object of the present invention to provide a monocoque body frame structure adapted to reliably support a pillion footrest member.
[0011] To this end, the present invention seeks to provide a scooter-type vehicle including a monocoque body frame structure which integrally includes a pair of front frame members, a pair of bottom rim members extending rearwardly from a bottom portion of the pair of front frame members, and substantially perpendicularly thereto, a pair of side frame members, at least a portion of the same extending rearwardly and substantially inclinedly upwardly from a rear end of the pair of bottom rim members; said pair of front frame members, said pair of bottom rim members and said pair of side frame members constituting peripheral frame members of said monocoque body frame structure. Particularly, said peripheral frame members including the pair of front frame members, the pair of bottom rim members, and the pair of side frame members are formed in such way that they are aligned with one another extending from a front portion of said scooter-type vehicle to a rear portion of said scooter-type vehicle. More particularly, at least a portion of the pair of front frame members and the pair of bottom rim members extend in a manner so as to accommodate a floorboard of said monocoque body frame structure therewithin, said floorboard being disposed below a rear frame member connecting the pair of front frame members. Thus, a width of the floorboard is contained by the peripheral frame members of the monocoque body frame structure.
[0012] Further, the monocoque body frame structure integrally includes a central frame member extending upwardly from the floorboard. Particularly, the central frame member is adapted to support a seat of the scooter-type vehicle and is adjoined on its two sides by the pair of side frame members.
[0013] The monocoque body frame structure further includes a pillion footrest member adapted to be mounted to said pair of side frame members, each side frame member of the pair of side frame members being provided on each side of said scooter-type vehicle. At least a portion of each side frame member of the pair of side frame members receiving the pillion footrest members is configured to be aligned with a side portion of the floorboard.
[0014] Further, a pillion foot peg of said pillion footrest member is hinged on a pillion footrest mounting bracket attached to each side frame member of the pair of side frame members and is extendable in vehicle width wise direction. Particularly, since the pillion footrest member is adapted to be mounted to the pair of side frame members, which is one of the peripheral frame members of the monocoque body frame structure, and at least a portion of said pillion footrest member being adapted to be retracted in its unused condition, it does not lead to an increase in overall width of the scooter-type vehicle. Moreover, since the pair of side frame members adjoins the central frame member which supports the seat, provision of the pillion footrest member in the pair of side frame members also ensures relative closeness of the pillion footrest member to the seat. Thus, better foot resting comfort for the pillion rider is ensured, without leading to any increase in overall width of the scooter-type vehicle. Moreover, provision of the pillion footrest member in the pair of side frame members also ensures that there is no hindrance of the pillion rider’s foot with that of the rider since the pillion footrest member is located away from the floorboard.
[0015] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
Brief Description of Drawings
[0016] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings where:
[0017] FIG.1 illustrates a scooter-type vehicle including a monocoque body frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0018] FIG.2 illustrates a side view of the monocoque body frame structure including a pillion footrest member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0019] FIG.3 illustrates an enlarged view depicting mounting of the pillion footrest member to a portion of the monocoque body frame structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] FIG.4a is an enlarged view depicting mounting of a footrest cover to the monocoque body frame structure in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention.
[0021] FIG.4b illustrates an enlarged view depicting the pillion footrest member mounted in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention.
[0022] FIG.4c illustrates an enlarged view depicting the footrest cover as assembled in accordance with the second embodiment of the present invention.
[0023] FIG.5a illustrates an enlarged top view depicting the pillion footrest member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0024] FIG.5b illustrates an enlarged top view depicting the pillion footrest member along with footrest cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] FIG.6 illustrates an enlarged cross sectional view depicting a stiffener member of the monocoque body frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
[0026] Exemplary embodiments detailing features of the monocoque body frame structure and its features, in accordance with the present invention will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the scooter-type vehicle with a driver riding thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to said vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0027] Firstly a description is made of an entire schematic structure of a scooter-type vehicle 100 with reference to FIG.1 in accordance with the present invention.
[0028] FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of said scooter-type vehicle 100. As shown in FIG.1, said vehicle 100 includes a monocoque body frame structure 200 suspended between a front wheel 110 and a rear wheel 125. Thus, the monocoque body frame structure 200 forms a skeletal load bearing framework of said two-wheeled vehicle 100 and is adapted to support a plurality of internal components and external components of said scooter-type vehicle 100 by means of a plurality of bracket arrangements to support said internal and said external components. For example, in the present embodiment, said monocoque body frame structure 200 supports a steering assembly including a steering tube ( not shown), and a handlebar 105 at its front portion. A front fork assembly 115 is pivotally supported to the steering tube. Particularly, the monocoque body frame structure 200 is connected to the front wheel 110 which in turn is connected with the front fork assembly 115 by inserting an axle of the front wheel 110 in the front fork assembly 115. The handlebar 105 provided above the front fork assembly 115 allows steering of the front wheel 110. As per one embodiment of the present invention, a headlamp unit 155 housed in a headlamp housing 155a is disposed in front of the handlebar 105.
[0029] Further, a front panel 165 is provided to cover at least a portion of a forward facing portion of the monocoque body frame structure 200, including the front portion of the monocoque body frame structure. A front fender 145 is provided to cover an upper portion of the front wheel 110 to prevent dust and debris splashed by the rotating front wheel 110 from striking parts lying behind the front wheel 110.
[0030] A seat 135 is supported above a centre frame member 205 (shown in FIG.2) of the monocoque body frame structure 200. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat 135. A grab handle 140 is provided to facilitate a pillion rider to hold onto said vehicle 100 while riding.
[0031] A fuel tank (not shown) is arranged at a rear portion of the monocoque body frame structure 200. The fuel tank forms a part of a fuel supply system which also includes a fuel pump unit (not shown). While the fuel tank stores fuel, said fuel pump unit supplies fuel for powering an engine 122. The engine 122 is powered by an air fuel mixture sent in by a throttle body to a combustion chamber of the engine 122.
[0032] Further, combustion gases generated by the engine 122 is let out as exhaust from a muffler extending along a right hand side of the two-wheeled vehicle 100.
[0033] Power from the engine 122 is transmitted to the rear wheel 125 for driving said vehicle 100 by means of a transmission assembly 120. Particularly, the rear wheel 125 is connected to the engine 122 and said engine 122 is connected to said monocoque body frame structure 200 via a toggle link (not shown).The monocoque body frame structure 200 also supports a rear suspension system including a shock absorber 130 at its rear portion.
[0034] FIG.2 illustrates the monocoque body frame structure 200 as per an embodiment of the present invention. The monocoque body frame structure 200 is a light weight structure possessing sufficient rigidity for supporting the internal components and the external components as described above. In the present embodiment, said monocoque body frame structure 200 is constructed using a plurality of machined metal sheets which are shaped and connected together to form a monocoque frame structure. Particularly, the monocoque body frame structure 200 integrally includes a pair of front frame members 201. Each front frame member of the pair of front frame members 201 in the present embodiment is an elongated member which extends substantially vertically up to a front portion of the floorboard 206 of said scooter-type vehicle 100. In the present embodiment, the pair of front frame members 201 is adapted to encompass a steering tube (not shown) at least partially from its sides. Further, the pair of front frame members 201 also serves to function as a leg shield and protects the legs of the rider. In the present embodiment, the pair of front frame members 201 serve to provide support for the front panel 165 which in turn is provided to cover a front portion of the monocoque body frame structure 200 at least partially, said front portion including the steering tube. The monocoque body frame structure 200 integrally includes a rear frame member 202 connecting the pair of front frame members 201 at a rear side of said pair of front frame members 201. The rear frame member 202 also acts as a leg shield and protects a rider’s legs from a running wind blowing in a direction opposite to that of vehicle running direction. Further, the rear frame member 202 extends rearwardly downwards towards the floorboard 206 provided for a rider to place his legs. The floorboard 206 extends along a vehicle longitudinal direction towards said central frame member 205.
[0035] Further, the monocoque body frame structure 200 integrally includes a pair of bottom rim members 203 extending from a bottom portion of the pair of front frame members 201 towards a rear portion of said vehicle 100. Particularly, a bottom rim member each of the pair of bottom rim members 203 is disposed on a left and right side of the floorboard 206. At least a portion of the pair of bottom rim members 203 serves to support the floorboard 206, and in one embodiment, said pair of bottom rim members 203 may be integrally formed with said floorboard 206.
[0036] Further, the monocoque body frame structure 200 includes a pair of side frame members 204 extending rearwardly and substantially inclinedly upwardly from said pair of bottom rim members 203. As per the present embodiment, said pair of side frame members 204 extending on either side of said scooter type vehicle includes a pair of first side frame members 204a extending rearwardly and substantially inclinedly upwardly from the pair of bottom rim members 203 up to a rear fender 150 of said scooter-type vehicle 100, and a pair of second side frame members 204b extending rearwardly and substantially inclinedly upwardly from at least a portion of said floorboard 206, and adjoining at least a portion of said seat 135. As per another embodiment of the present invention, the pair of first side frame members 204a and said pair of second side frame members 204b may be integrally formed as a single piece.
[0037] Furthermore, the monocoque body frame structure 200 integrally includes said centre frame member 205 which extends upwardly from the floorboard 206. The central frame member 205 adjoined on its two sides by the pair of second side frame members 204b serves to support the seat 135.
[0038] As per an aspect of the present invention, the pair of front frame members 201, the pair of bottom rim members 203, and at least a portion of the pair of side frame members 204 constitute peripheral frame members of the monocoque body frame structure 200. Particularly, the pair of front frame members 201, the pair of bottom rim members 203, and the pair of side frame members 204 are formed in such a way that they are aligned with one another extending from a front portion of said scooter-type vehicle to a rear portion of said scooter-type vehicle. In other words, a width of said scooter-type vehicle is determined by said peripheral frame members. In the present embodiment, sheet metal parts are welded to form each front frame member of the pair of front frame members 201, each bottom rim member of the pair of bottom rim members 203, and each side frame member of the pair of side frame members 204 separately and subsequently followed by welding above mentioned parts on the left side and right side of the floorboard 206. However, in another embodiment, all peripheral frame members may be formed as a single part extending from a front portion of said scooter-type vehicle to a rear portion of said vehicle 100.
[0039] Further, according to an aspect of the present invention, the monocoque body frame structure 200 includes a pillion footrest member 207 adapted to be mounted to at least a portion of said pair of side frame members 204. Thus, the monocoque body frame structure 200 is provided with a pillion footrest member 207 each mounted on either sides of said floorboard 206.
[0040] With reference to FIGs.3-6, mounting aspect and other features of said pillion footrest member 207 is elaborated. FIG.3 is an enlarged view depicting mounting of the pillion footrest member 207 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The pillion footrest member 207 is adapted to be mounted to each side frame member of the pair of side frame members 204. Particularly, the pillion footrest member 207 is mounted at a lower portion 204c (shown in FIG.4b) of each side frame member of the pair of side frame members 204, said lower portion 204c being located beyond a rear end of the floorboard 206. In the present embodiment, said lower portion 204c of the pair of side frame members 204 is formed in such a way that it is aligned to a side portion 206a (shown in FIG.4b) of the floorboard 206.
[0041] As may be seen in FIG.4a, in the present embodiment, the pillion footrest member 207 is mounted to each first side frame member of the pair of first side frame members 204a.
[0042] The pillion footrest member 207 as per the present embodiment includes a pillion footrest mounting bracket 207a and pillion foot peg 207b. As may be seen, the pillion footrest mounting bracket 207a is rigidly attached to each first side frame member 204a of the pair of first side frame members 204. Further, the pillion foot peg 207b is pivotally attached to said pillion footrest mounting bracket 207a so that it can be extended in a vehicle width wise direction for a pillion rider to rest his foot, and can be retracted close to vehicle body when not in use.
[0043] FIG.4a depicts a footrest cover 208 as per an embodiment of the present invention. The footrest cover 208 is adapted to be mounted to each side frame member 204, and is disposed in a manner such that at least a portion of the pillion footrest member 207 is covered by the footrest cover 208. Particularly, the footrest cover 208 covers the pillion footrest mounting bracket 207a. In the present embodiment said footrest cover is detachably attached to each side frame member of said pair of side frame members 204. Whereas in one embodiment, said footrest cover 208 may be snap fitted to said side frame member, in another embodiment fasteners may be used to secure said footrest cover 208. Access to the pillion foot peg 207b is given through a cut out 208a provided in the footrest cover 208. The footrest cover 208 thus mounted to the pair of side frame members, overlaps with the lower portion 204c of the pair of side frame members 204 when viewed from a vehicle sideward direction. The footrest cover 208 serves to improve overall appeal of the scooter type vehicle 100.
[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention and as may be seen in FIG.4b, the pillion footrest mounting bracket 207a may be mounted vertically to each side frame member of the pair of side frame members 204 to receive the pillion foot peg 207b. Further, as may be seen in FIG.4c, the footrest cover 208 may be assembled to completely cover the pillion footrest member 207 including the pillion foot peg 207b. A foot peg projection 207ba extending outside the footrest cover 208 may be used to extend the foot peg 207b during use.
[0045] FIG.5a is a detailed top view depicting the pillion footrest member 207 as mounted to the pair of side frame members 204. As may be seen, since the lower portion 204c of each side frame member of the pair of side frame members 204 is formed to be aligned with the side portion 206a of the floorboard 206, the pillion footrest member 207 as mounted to the pair of side frame members 204 remains in line with each bottom rim member of the pair of bottom rim members 203, in its retracted condition, when viewed from a vehicle sideward and a vehicle top direction. Further, as may be seen in FIG.5b, assembly of the footrest cover 208 to the lower portion 204c of each side frame member of the pair of side frame members 204 aids in ensuring that the pair of side frame members 204 is aligned with the pair of bottom rim members 203 when viewed from the vehicle sideward and top direction. Thus, assembly of the footrest cover 208 enhances overall aesthetics of said vehicle, with smooth flow lines extending between the pair of bottom rim members 203 and the footrest cover 208.
[0046] In other words, the present invention ensures that the pillion footrest member 207 remains in line with a vehicle peripheral portion and does not lead to an increased width of said vehicle. Moreover, since the pillion footrest member 207 is mounted to the pair of side frame members 204, which is a side peripheral member of the monocoque body frame structure 200, location of the pillion footrest member 207 is relatively closer to the seat 135. Therefore, it is easier for the pillion rider to reach the pillion footrest member 207. Thus, ergonomics of said scooter-type vehicle is significantly improved. Moreover, location of the pillion footrest member 207 in the pair of side frame members 204, which is away from the floorboard 206 aids in ensuring that a pillion rider’s foot does not hinder a rider’s foot placed on the floorboard 206.
[0047] FIG.6 is an enlarged cross sectional view taken in a vehicle width direction along a substantially mid-section of the monocoque body frame structure 200 including the pair of side frame members 204 and the pillion footrest member 207. In the present embodiment, a stiffener member 209 is rigidly attached to a portion of an inner surface of the pair of side frame members 204 which is located exactly behind an outer surface portion of said pair of side frame members 204 to which the pillion footrest mounting bracket 207a is rigidly attached. The stiffener member 209 is provided to locally increase the stiffness of the pair of side frame members 204 of the monocoque body frame structure 200. Thus, it is ensured that the pillion footrest member 207 each supported on the pair of side frame members 204 is able to withstand higher loads. Particularly, in an embodiment where higher capacity engine has to be accommodated, for example as in case of AMT vehicles, the pair of side frame members 204 have to be substantially widened. Thus in cases where the pair of side frame members 204 is widened, a dimple (not shown) may be provided in the lower portion 204c of the pair of side frame members so as to ensure that the lower portion 204c remains aligned with the side portion 206a of the floorboard 206 and thereby ensuring that the pillion footrest member 207 does not lead to an increase in width of the vehicle. Presence of the stiffener member 209 specifically aids in ensuring sufficient stiffness for the lower portion of the pair of side frame members where the dimple is provided.
[0048] While the present invention has been shown and described with reference to the foregoing preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes in form, connection, and detail may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
,CLAIMS:I/We Claim:
1. A scooter-type vehicle (100), said scooter type vehicle (100) having a front wheel (110) and a rear wheel (125) spaced apart longitudinally and connected by a monocoque body frame structure (200), wherein the monocoque body frame structure (200) includes:
a pair of front frame members (201);
a rear panel member (202) connecting said pair of front frame members (201) from a rear side of said pair of front frame members (201) and extending downwardly and rearwardly;
a floorboard (206) extending from a bottom portion of said rear frame member (202) in a vehicle longitudinal direction;
a pair of bottom rim members (203) extending from a bottom portion of the pair of front frame members (201) rearwardly and substantially perpendicularly thereto; and
a pair of side frame members (204) extending rearwardly and substantially inclinedly upwardly from said pair of bottom rim members (203);
characterized in that, said monocoque body frame structure (200) further includes a pillion footrest member (207) adapted to be mounted to a lower portion (204c) of said pair of side frame members (204).
2. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of side frame members (204) includes a pair of first side frame members (204a) extending rearwardly and inclinedly upwardly from the pair of bottom rim members (203).
3. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pair of side frame members (204) includes a pair of second side frame members (204b) extending rearwardly and inclinedly upwardly from the floorboard (206).
4. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower portion (204c) of said pair of side frame members (204) is configured to be aligned with a side portion (206a) of the floorboard (206) when viewed from a vehicle side view and vehicle top view.
5. The scooter-type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said pillion footrest member (207) includes a pillion footrest mounting bracket (207a), and a pillion foot peg (207b), said pillion footrest mounting bracket (207a) being adapted to be mounted to each side frame member of the pair of side frame members (204).
6. The scooter-type vehicle as claimed in claim 5, wherein said pillion foot peg (207b) is pivotally mounted to said pillion footrest mounting bracket (207a).
7. The scooter-type vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein said monocoque body frame structure (200) further includes a footrest cover (208) adapted to be detachably attached to said lower portion (204c) of the pair of side frame members (204).
8. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 7, wherein said footrest cover (208) is adapted to be aligned to each bottom rim member of the pair of bottom rim members (203) when viewed from a vehicle side view and top view.
9. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said monocoque body frame structure (200) includes a stiffener member (209) rigidly attached to an inner surface of each side frame member of said pair of side frame members (204).
10. The scooter-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5 or claim 9, wherein said inner surface is located exactly behind an outer surface portion of said pair of side frame members (204) to which said pillion footrest mounting bracket (207a) is rigidly attached.