DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a straddle type motorcycle and more particularly but not exclusively to a tail cover sub-assembly of the straddle type motorcycle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a straddle type two-wheeled motorcycle comprises a number of body panels covering and protecting the internal parts of the motorcycle. The number of body panels mostly covers the front portion and a rear portion of the motorcycle. The body panels covering the front portion of the motorcycle include side panels covering right side and left side of the motorcycle. The side panels are disposed below a fuel tank. The body panels covering the rear portion of the motorcycle includes the tail cover assembly comprising one or more rear side panels. In addition to protect the number of internal parts of the motorcycle, the number of body panels improves the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. Furthermore, in a straddle type motorcycle including split seat or separate seats for the purpose of the rider and the pillion rider, the body panels covering the motorcycle are different than the conventional motorcycle. Generally, a gap exists between the rider seat and the pillion rider seat, the gap is covered by a body panel to improve the aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. The body panel used to cover the gap forms a part of the tail cover assembly covering the rear portion of the motorcycle. In addition, the gap is provided to enable seating posture adjustment by the rider based on their heights as well as based on dynamic need to adjust their position in a vehicle longitudinal direction during in-plane and out-of-plane maneuvers.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE 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] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle, for example, a motorcycle according to an embodiment.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a tail cover assembly of the motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates a side perspective of a tail cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the tail cover assembly taken along rs axis as shown in Fig. 3.
[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates a front centre cover of the tail cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the tail cover assembly taken along pq axis as shown in Fig. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00010] A typical motorcycle with a split seat assembly includes the pillion rider seat at a different height compared to the driver seat. The difference in height between the pillion rider seat and the rider seat improves the appearance of the vehicle. Further, the body panel covering the gap between the rider seat and the pillion rider seat should be able to effectively prevent entry of dust, water and other foreign particles into the internal parts of the motorcycle. However, most split seat assemblies in the conventional motorcycle fails to provide sufficient support to the rider’s back. The failure in providing sufficient support to the rider’s back leads to poor riding comfort. Furthermore, upon usage, the gap between the body panel covering the gap between the rider seat and the pillion seat increases and there may be entry of water, dust and other foreign particles into the motorcycle. The entry of water into the body panels may be fatal and may affect the normal functioning of the motorcycle. The entry of water may affect the functioning of the critical and important electrical components that are placed in between the rider seat and the pillion rider seat.
[00011] Further, the entry of dust inside the internal parts of the motorcycle is not desirable, this is because the dust may get deposited on the vehicular frame assembly and other parts and may corrode the critical parts of the motorcycle leading to failure of the vehicular parts of the motorcycle. Further, the failure of vehicular parts due to deposition of dust and other foreign particles call for frequent servicing of the vehicular parts. This may not be desirable by the user.
[00012] Furthermore, due to formation of gap between the body panel and the rider seat and the pillion rider seat, the body panels may undergo deformation. The deformation occurs due to hitting/rubbing of the body panels with each other during vehicle riding condition, the body panels are loosened form their assembled condition due to the creation of undesired gap.
[00013] Furthermore, in a conventional motorcycle, the body panel covering the gap between the rider seat and the pillion rider seat is smaller in width and fails to sufficiently support the rider’s back and leads to partial contact with the rider’s back resulting in poor ride comfort. All of the above said disadvantages are proposed to be overcome by the present invention.
[00014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tail cover assembly covers the rear portion of the motorcycle. The tail cover assembly comprises of a right side cover, a left side cover, a rear center cover, and a front center cover. The rear center cover and the front center cover act as an interface between the right side cover and the left side cover. The right side cover, the left side cover, the front center cover, and the rear center cover in assembled condition accommodate the pillion rider seat and the rider seat is disposed in front of the pillion rider seat.
[00015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the front center cover is configured to include a convex shaped profile at the center of the front center cover and further, a left and right portion of the front center cover tapers when viewed from the vehicle plan view. The convex shaped profile is preferred due to a smooth curve achieved thereby in the central portion of the front center cover. The smooth curve without having any sharp edges does not provide any discomfort to the rider’s back. The smooth curve, in addition, provides a gentle support to the rider’s back while seated on the vehicle or even while riding the vehicle.
[00016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the tail cover assembly comprises of a right side tail cover, a left side tail cover separated by the rider seat and the pillion rider seat. The rider seat and the pillion rider seats are disposed such that they both lie in different planes. The pillion rider seat in the present embodiment is at a height greater than that of the rider seat.
[00017] A central cover is disposed in between the right side panel and the left side panel. The central cover is disposed such that it divides the rider seat and the pillion rider seat.
[00018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the central cover comprises a central portion and one or more arms extending forwardly from each of the lateral sides of the central portion. The central portion and the one or more arms are integrated. Further, the central portion of the central cover is projecting forwardly such that it forms a bulged portion in the central portion. The bulged portion functions as a supporting portion to the rider’s back.
[00019] According to an embodiment the one or more arms includes one or more cutouts. The one or more cutouts are covered by grilled members. The cutouts are utilized to place one or more electrical components.
[00020] Furthermore, the one or more arms of the central cover comprise one or more provisions to receive the right side tail cover and the left side tail cover.
[00021] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the center cover includes one or more extending members acting as flanges, which extend from the peripheral edges into beneath the seat. The extending members prevent entry of dust, water and other foreign materials inside the gaps between the rider seat and/or the pillion rider seat and the center cover.
[00022] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00023] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle, for example, a motorcycle according to an embodiment. The motorcycle 100 according to an embodiment includes a front wheel 104 steered by a handlebar 108 and a rear wheel 105 supported by a swing arm 113. Steering assembly parts including the handlebar 108 and the front wheel 104 are supported for pivotal steering operation on a head pipe at the front end of the vehicle body frame 102. A rider seat 109 for a rider and a seat for a pillion rider 110 is placed rearward to a fuel tank 114. An engine assembly 101 is disposed below the fuel tank 114. A front fender 115 is provided above the front wheel 104 to avoid the said motorcycle 100 and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 116 is placed above the rear wheel 105, and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel 105. The rear fender 116 inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel 105.
[00024] The swing arm 113 along with a rear suspension assembly 107 is supported at a rear portion thereof for pivotal motion and upward and downward rocking motion on the rear side of a lower portion of the vehicle body frame 102. A front suspension assembly 106 including a pair of front forks two-wheeled motorcycle 100 for providing better ride comfort to the rider. In general terms, the shock absorbers help cushion vehicles on uneven roads. In the two-wheeled motorcycle, shock absorbers reduce the effect of travelling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling. The motorcycle 100 further comprises of a headlamp 111, a tail lamp assembly 112 and at least two turn signal lamps.
[00025] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a tail cover assembly of the motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. The motorcycle 100 comprises of a tail cover assembly 200 including a right side cover 201, a left side cover 202, and one or more center covers 203, 204. The one or more center covers 203, 204 includes a rear center cover 203 disposed at a rear end of the tail cover assembly 200 and a front center cover 204 disposed in between the rider seat accommodating portion 205 and the pillion rider seat accommodating portion 206. The right side cover 201 protects a rear right side of the motorcycle 100 and the left side cover 202 protects the rear left side of the motorcycle 100. The right side cover and the left side cover also protects the tail lamp assembly 112 disposed therebetween and at the rear end of the motorcycle 100. Further, the one or more center covers 203, 204 serve to connect the right side cover 201 and the left side cover 202. Furthermore, the front center cover 204 is disposed such that it provides sufficient support to the rider’s back. In addition, the front center cover 204 includes a profile conforming to an abutting portion of body of the rider thereby providing required and necessary support to a lower back portion of the rider. Further,
[00026] Fig. 3 illustrates a side perspective of a tail cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tail cover assembly 200 includes a plurality of mounting provisions 301, 302 provided on each of the right side cover 201, the left side cover 202, the front center cover 204, and the rear center cover 203. The first set of plurality of mounting provisions 301 are provided on the inner peripheral edges of the pillion rider seat accommodating portion 206. The first set of mounting provisions 301 are configured to receive the pillion rider seat 110. Further, a second set of plurality of mounting provisions 302 are provided on another inner peripheral edges of the rider seat accommodating portion 205. The second set of plurality of mounting provisions 302 are capable of receiving the rider seat 109. Furthermore, the rear center cover 203 also includes one or more mounting provisions 301a configured to receive a rear most portion of the pillion rider seat 110. Furthermore, the second set of plurality of mounting provisions 302 are disposed on the front center cover 204. The second set of plurality of mounting provisions 302 on the front center cover 204 are capable of receiving at least a rear portion of the rider seat 110.
[00027] The plurality of mounting provisions 301, 302 includes one or more holes capable of receiving at least a portion of the rider seat 109 and the pillion rider seat 110 respectively.
[00028] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tail cover assembly is made of polymers.
[00029] Fig. 4 illustrates a sectional view of the tail cover assembly taken along rs axis as shown in Fig. 3. The sectional view illustrates a well-defined gap G between the rider seat 109 and the pillion rider seat 110. The front center cover 204 is disposed in the well-defined gap G between the rider seat 109 and the pillion rider seat 110. The front center cover 204 is disposed in the well-defined gap G such that one or more edges closer to the rider seat 109 and the pillion rider seat 110 are substantially tucked inside the rider seat 109 and the pillion rider seat 110 respectively. The one or more edges 204a and 204b prevents gaps between the rider seat 109, the pillion rider seat 110, and the front center cover 204. Furthermore, due to prevention of said gaps, the entry of mud, water, dust particles, and any other foreign material beneath the rider seat 109 and the pillion rider seat 110 is prevented effectively. Furthermore, the one or more edges 204a and 204b takes the shape of flanges which remain closer to the seat base portion 109a, 110a of the rider seat 109 and the pillion rider seat 110 respectively.
[00030] Furthermore, the front center cover 204 includes a slot 401 to receive a key member. The key member is used to access the underneath portion of the rider seat 109 and the pillion rider seat 110.
[00031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more edges 204a and 204b are configured to take the shape of the seat base portion 109a, 110a so that the one or more edges 204a, 204b and the seat base portion 109a, 110a are evenly abutted against each other, which leave no scope for any formation of gaps therebetween.
[00032] Fig. 5 illustrates a front center cover of the tail cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The front center cover 204 comprises a central portion 204e, one or more arms 204c, and 204d extending forwardly from each of a lateral side of the central portion 204e. The one or more arms 204c and 204d include a right arm 204c and the left arm 204d. Further, the one or more arms 204c and 204d are each configured to accommodate one or more grilled members 204ca and 204da. The one or more grilled members 204ca and 204da are used to cover the one or more cutouts that are capable of receiving one or more electrical components and other vehicular components.
[00033] Further, the central portion 204e of the front center cover 204 is projecting forwardly from each of the lateral side of the central portion 204e along the vehicle longitudinal direction. The forwardly projecting central portion 204e is configured such that it substantially supports the rider’s back. Furthermore, the front center cover 204 comprises a bigger width compared to the conventional center cover. The bigger width of the front center cover 204 aids in facilitating a proper riding posture, enabling space for ease of adjustment of the rider for dynamic riding requirements as well as accommodate different percentile of ergonomics of the rider thereby providing a comfortable riding experience to the rider.
[00034] Furthermore, the one or more arms 204c and 204d includes the second set of plurality of mounting provisions 302 capable of receiving the rider’s seat. The portion of the one or more arms 204c and 204d located near the second set of plurality of mounting provisions 302 are tapered.
[00035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more arms 204c and 204d each include one or more extending members 204cb, 204db functioning as flanges and each extending under the rider seat 109. The one or more extending members 204cb, 204db configured to extend under the rider seat 109 provide good fit and finish and functionally cover the gap between the rider seat 109 and the side cover including the right side cover 201 and the left side cover 202. The one or more extending members 204cb, 204db also prevent dust, water particles, and any other foreign particles from entering below the rider seat 109.
[00036] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the tail cover assembly taken along pq axis as shown in Fig. 2. The central portion 204e is extending forwardly to the one or more arms 204c and 204d. Therefore, whenever the rider is seated on the rider’s seat 109, firstly the rider’s back encounters the central portion 204e. Due to the forwardly projection of the central portion 204e, according to the proposed invention, the rider’s back is sufficiently supported by the central portion 204e.
[00037] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the right side cover 201 and the left side cover 202 are attached to the front center cover 204 through one or more attaching members 501 each disposed at a junction between the right side cover 201 and the front center cover 204, and left side cover 202 and the front center cover 204.
[00038] Although the subject matter has been described in considerable detail with reference to certain embodiments thereof, other embodiments are possible. It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A straddle type motorcycle (100) comprising:
a tail cover assembly (200) including
a RH tail cover (201) and a LH tail cover (202) separated by a rider seat (109) and a pillion rider seat (110), said rider seat (109) and said pillion rider seat (110) are disposed in different planes; and
a front center cover (204) disposed in between said RH tail cover (201) and said LH tail cover (202), and between said rider seat (109) and said pillion rider seat (110), said front center cover (204) includes a central portion (204e), and one or more arms (204c, 204d) extending forwardly from each of a lateral side of said central portion (204e), wherein said central portion (204e) is projecting forwardly of said one or more arms (204c, 204d) of said front center cover (204).
2. The saddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front center cover (204) is disposed in the well-defined gap (G) between said rider seat (109) and said pillion rider seat (110) such that one or more edges (204a, 204b) of said front center cover (204) at a close proximity to the rider seat (109) and the pillion rider seat (110) are substantially extending inside the rider seat (109) and the pillion rider seat (110) respectively.
3. The saddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central portion (204e) includes said one or more arms (204c, 204d) as an integral portion.
4. The saddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central portion (204e) is projecting forwardly to said one or more arms (204c, 204d), said central portion (204e) is convex in shape when viewed in a plan view.
5. The saddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more arms (204c, 204d) include one or more extending members (204cb, 204db) configured to extend into beneath said rider seat (109) under assembled condition.
6. The saddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one or more arms (204c, 204d) includes one or more cutouts (204x, 204y) each covered by one or more grilled members (204ca, 204da).
7. The saddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said one or more arms (204c, 204d) include second set of plurality of mounting provisions (302) capable of receiving said RH tail cover (201) and said LH tail cover (202).
8. The saddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front center cover (204) is made of polymer.
9. The saddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 4, wherein said one or more extending members (204cb, 204db) include second set of plurality of mounting provisions (302) configured to receive said rider seat (109), said one or more extending members (204cb, 204db) at a proximity to said second set of plurality of mounting provisions (302) are tapered.
10. The saddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 and claim 6, wherein said one or more cutouts (204x, 204y) are capable of receiving one or more electrical components including a TCI unit, a speaker unit and other vehicular components.