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, the two-wheeled motorcycle is also provided with a front fender and a rear fender to prevent entry of mud, water, and dust particles into the internal parts of the vehicle during vehicle riding condition. The front fender is disposed above a front wheel at a front portion of the motorcycle and the rear fender is disposed above a rear wheel at a rear portion of the motorcycle.
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 left side view of the tail cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of an exploded view 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 VW axis as shown in Fig. 4.
[00010] Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the tail cover assembly taken along DE axis as shown in the Fig. 4.
[00011] Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of the lower tail cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Fig. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the lower tail cover according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] Typically, the rear fender of the motorcycle prevents the splashing of mud during vehicle riding condition. The rear fender prevents the mud, water, and dust particles from being splashed into internal parts of the motorcycle. The rear fender also prevents the mud from being splashed on to the pillion rider. In order to achieve effective operation of the rear fender, a lengthier rear fender is most preferred. However, having a lengthier rear fender in the motorcycle would amount to a heavier rear fender and adds to the overall weight of the motorcycle. Further, the lengthier rear fender is subject to overhang due to lack of sufficient support at various portions of the rear fender. Furthermore, during vehicle running condition, the overhanging rear fender undergoes constant fluttering due to running wind and the fluttering may cause breakage or cracking of the over hung portion of the rear fender. Hence, a conventional rear fender is not stable and is not reliable. An overhung and longer rear fender can also lead to poor aerodynamic performance of the vehicle, in particular, during high speeds. This deteriorates the drag performance of the vehicle and in addition can also lead to poor yaw behavior of the vehicle.
[00014] Furthermore, a conventional rear fender requires a number of mounting portions to mount the rear fender on to the motorcycle. The number of mounting provisions would increase the assembly time during assembling of the motorcycle.
[00015] Further, in order to protect the rear wheel and the surrounding vehicular parts from mud, dust particles being splashed, the rear fender has to have a bigger surface area. Furthermore, if a portion of the rear fender fails due to overhanging, the water, mud and other foreign particles may get splashed into internal vehicular parts of the motorcycle. The internal vehicular parts may include critical electrical components disposed at a rear portion of the motorcycle. The entry of water, mud and other particles into the electrical components may lead to fatal accidents. Hence, a reliable rear fender is required for safe functioning of the motorcycle.
[00016] Further, the overhanging rear fender leads to poor aesthetic appearance of the motorcycle. The poor aesthetics of the motorcycle may not be desirable by the user.
[00017] Furthermore, the number of mounting portions of the rear fender with other interfering parts of the motorcycle does not provide required degree of freedom to the rear fender during assembly and during servicing of the rear fender.
[00018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the rear fender forms a part of a tail cover assembly of the motorcycle. The tail cover assembly comprises of a right side cover, a left side cover, one or more center covers, and a bottom tail cover. The bottom tail cover particularly protects the rear portion of the motorcycle from water and mud particles being splashed.
[00019] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the tail cover assembly includes a lower tail cover disposed beneath the bottom tail cover. The lower tail cover is capable of supporting at least a portion of the right side cover, the left side cover and, the bottom tail cover. The lower tail cover is capable of fulfilling the functionality of a rear fender. Hence, according to the present invention, by having a lower tail cover, a rear fender can be eliminated.
[00020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a tip portion of the lower tail cover extends towards a vehicle rear. The lower tail cover extends towards vehicle rear so as to be able to substantially cover one or more cutouts provided on the bottom tail cover.
[00021] The one or more cutouts provided in the bottom tail cover is utilized to access the critical electrical components placed inside the one or more cutouts. Therefore, it is important that these one or more cutouts are protected and prevented from entry of any water, dust or any other foreign particles from being splashed. According to the proposed invention, the lower tail cover protects the critical electrical components placed inside one or more cutouts provided on the bottom tail cover.
[00022] Furthermore, when viewed from a vehicle bottom side, the lower tail cover substantially covers at least a portion of the bottom tail cover.
[00023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower tail cover extends inclinedly upwards towards the vehicle rear.
[00024] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the lower tail cover comprises of one or more receiving portions capable of receiving one or more protrusions disposed on an inner surface of each of the right side cover and the left side cover.
[00025] The lower tail cover is also detachably attached to the bottom tail cover. The bottom tail cover comprises of one or more second receiving portions to receive one or more second protrusion members disposed on the lower tail cover.
[00026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by considering the assembled condition, the tip portion of the lower tail cover extends rearwardly to cover at least half the portion of the bottom tail cover.
[00027] Furthermore, the lower tail cover also prevents the water and mud particles from being splashed on to a bottom portion of the pillion rider seat portion.
[00028] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00029] 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.
[00030] 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.
[00031] 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 there between 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.
[00032] 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.
[00033] 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.
[00034] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the tail cover assembly is made of polymers.
[00035] Fig. 4 illustrates a left side view of the tail cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lower tail cover 401 is capable of supporting at least a portion of the left side cover 202 and the bottom tail cover 304. The tip portion 401a of the lower tail cover 401 extends inclinedly rearward such that at least half the length C of the length B of the bottom tail cover 304 is protected by the tip portion 401a of the lower tail cover 401. Furthermore, any mud, water and other foreign particles being splashed by the rear wheel is prevented from entering into the surrounding area of the bottom tail cover 304 by the lower tail cover 401.
[00036] Furthermore, the tip portion 401a of the lower tail cover 401 is disposed forwardly of an upper end of the rear wheel.
[00037] Furthermore, the tail cover assembly also supports at least a portion of the tail lamp holding member 303.
[00038] Fig. 5 illustrates a side perspective view of an exploded view of the tail cover assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lower tail cover 401 comprises one or more receiving portions comprising a first set of receiving portions 401aa disposed on each of the peripheral surfaces of the lower tail cover 401. The first set of receiving portions 401aa disposed on each of the peripheral surfaces of the lower tail cover 401 receive the right side cover 201 and the left side cover 202 respectively. Furthermore, the lower tail cover 401 also comprises of one or more second set of receiving portions 401ab capable of receiving at least a portion of the bottom tail cover 304. Furthermore, the area enclosed by the right side cover 201, the left side cover 202, the bottom tail cover 304, and the lower tail cover 401 is utilized for placement of one or more electrical components that are critical to the stable operation of the motorcycle. Therefore, such electrical components are protected from entry of water, dust or other foreign particles by the lower tail cover 401 which is juxtaposed with at least a portion of the bottom tail cover 304 when viewed from the motorcycle bottom side.
[00039] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the each of the inner surface of the right side cover 201 and the left side cover 202 comprises of a plurality of protrusions 201aa capable of being received by the first set of receiving portions 401aa.
[00040] Fig. 6 illustrates a sectional view of the tail cover assembly taken along VW axis as shown in Fig. 4. The lower tail cover 401 is disposed beneath at least a portion of the bottom tail cover 304. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the bottom tail cover 304 includes one or more cutouts 304a enabling accessibility to the one or more electrical components enclosed by the bottom tail cover 304. In particular the tip portion 401a of the lower tail cover 401 is extending inclinedly rearward such that it covers the one or more cutouts 304a disposed on the bottom tail cover 304. Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the bottom tail cover axis yz passing through the center of one of the cutouts of the one or more cutouts 304a also passes through the tip portion 401a of the lower tail cover 401. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower tail cover 401 is detachably attached to the bottom tail cover 304 by means of one or more attaching members 501.
[00041] Fig. 7 illustrates a sectional view of the tail cover assembly taken along DE axis as shown in the Fig. 4. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the right side cover 201, and the left side cover 202 is detachably attachable to the lower tail cover 401 through the one or more mounting members 503. According to the proposed invention, the accessibility of lower tail cover 401 is easier comparatively; this is because by accessing only the one or more mounting members 503, the lower tail cover 401 can be easily dismounted.
[00042] Fig. 8 illustrates a top view of the lower tail cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. The lower tail cover 401 includes at least one peripheral edge 502 disposed on either of the lateral side of the lower tail cover 401. Each of the at least one peripheral edge 502 comprises the first set of receiving portions 401aa. These first set of receiving portions 401aa enable attachment of the lower tail cover 401 with the right side cover and the left side cover of the tail cover assembly. Furthermore, the lower tail cover 401 also comprises of the one or more second set of receiving portions 401ab capable of receiving the at least one portion of the bottom tail cover 304. The one or more second set of receiving portions 401ab is disposed towards the rear end of the lower tail cover 401.
[00043] Fig. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the lower tail cover according to an embodiment of the present invention. The tip portion 401a is extending inclinedly rearward when compared to the other portions of the lower tail cover 401. The inclinedly rearward extension RE is configured to substantially protect at least a portion of the bottom tail cover 304.
[00044] The lower tail cover 401 is easy to access because of simpler mounting provisions provided which enables detachable attachment of the lower tail cover 401 with the interfering vehicular parts. Further, the lower tail cover 401 is smaller and lighter in size and weight respectively when compared to the conventional rear fender. Because of which, the lower tail cover 401 does not flutter due to running wind and does not undergo breakage upon usage. Hence, a more stable and reliable functioning of the lower tail cover 401 is achieved according to the proposed invention.
[00045] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the inclinedly rearward extension RE extends inclinedly rearward along a ZZ axis. The ZZ axis is inclined with respect to the RR axis.
[00046] Furthermore, according to another embodiment of the present invention, the lower tail cover 401 is detachably attachable to the right side cover and the left side cover by only snap fitting. This does not require any additional components to enable attachment of the lower tail cover with the interfering parts. Therefore, the number of parts used in assembling the lower tail cover 401 is also reduced.
[00047] 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:We claim:
1. A saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) comprising:
a tail cover assembly (200) including a RH tail cover (201), a LH tail cover (202), a bottom tail cover (304) including one or more cutouts (304a);
characterized in that,
said tail cover assembly (200) includes a lower tail cover (401) configured to support at least a portion of each of said RH tail cover (201), said LH tail cover (202), and said bottom tail cover (304), wherein said lower tail cover (401) includes a tip portion (401a) configured to substantially cover said one or more cutouts (304a) of said bottom tail cover (304) when viewed from a vehicle bottom view.
2. The saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tip portion (401a) comprising inclinedly rearward extension (RE) is configured to cover at least half the length (C) of a length (B) of said bottom tail cover (304) and wherein a bottom tail cover axis (yz) intersecting through substantially central portion (Ce) of said one or more cut outs (304a) also intersects the tip portion (401a) of the lower tail cover (401).
3. The saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower tail cover (401) includes one or more receiving portions (401aa, 401ab) including a first set of receiving portions (401aa) disposed on each of a peripheral edge (502) of the lower tail cover (401) and a second set of receiving portions (401ab) disposed on said tip portion (401a), said first set of receiving portions (401aa) are configured to receive the right side cover (201) and the left side cover (202) respectively and said second set of receiving portions (401ab) are configured to receive at least a portion of the bottom tail cover (304).
4. The saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower tail cover (401) is disposed beneath at least a portion of said bottom tail cover (304) and said lower tail cover (401) is juxtaposed with at least a portion of said bottom tail cover (304) when viewed from a vehicle bottom.
5. The saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the right side cover (201), the left side cover (202), the bottom tail cover (304), and the lower tail cover (401) are capable of accommodating one or more electrical components there within, said one or more cut outs (304a) is configured to enable access to said one or more electrical components.
6. The saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said lower tail cover (401) is detachably attached to the bottom tail cover (304) by means of one or more attaching members (501), said lower tail cover (401) is made of polymer.
7. The saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said inclinedly rearward extension (RE) extends rearwardly along ZZ axis disposed at an angle to a RR axis passing through a front portion (FR) of said lower tail cover (401).
8. The saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tip portion (401a) of said lower tail cover (401) is disposed away from said bottom tail cover (304).
9. The saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said the right side cover (201) and the left side cover (202) are detachably attachable to the lower tail cover (401) through the one or more mounting members (503).
10. The saddle type two-wheeled motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said the right side cover (201) and the left side cover (202) are detachably attachable to the lower tail cover (401) by a method of snap fitting.