DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a protective member covering an engine assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle, a front fender is provided to prevent stones and other particles from entering into the internal parts of the vehicle. The front fender is disposed above a front wheel and in between a pair of front forks of the two-wheeled vehicle. The position of the front fender mounted above the front wheel may differ from one vehicle to another depending upon the user requirement. The front fender could be disposed just above the front wheel to prevent splashing of the mud on to the rider’s feet. The front fender could also be mounted to a lower bracket with a gap maintained between the front fender and the front wheel. In order to maintain a large gap between the front fender and the front wheel in the two-wheeled vehicle, the front fender is mounted to a lower bracket by means of a mounting bracket.
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 a straddle type two-wheeled motorcycle in accordance with an embodiment.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a protective member assembled below the engine assembly.
[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates a front mounting of the protective member assembly to the down tube of the vehicle frame assembly.
[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a front surface of the protective member assembly.
[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the protective member assembly.
[0009] Fig. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the front surface of the protective member assembly.
[00010] Fig.7 illustrates a perspective view of the support structure according to an embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] The front fender above the front wheel is lifted to be operated in off-road riding conditions. The off-road riding conditions include riding under rough and mud splashing environment. Due to the large gap between the front wheel and the front fender, the stones, mud and dust particles tend to constantly hit the parts lying behind the front wheel. The parts that are likely to get affected due to the stones hitting and mud being splashed constantly under vehicle riding condition include various vehicular parts such as critical engine assembly parts and various electrical components like a starter motor. The stones hitting and mud being splashed may lead to damaging of the critical engine assembly parts and the nearby electrical components. The damaged vehicular parts will eventually affect the performance of the vehicle.
[00012] Hence, in order to prevent affecting of the performance of the vehicle, the stones hitting and mud splashing onto the critical engine parts and surrounding electrical components should be prevented. Hence, an objective of the present invention is to protect the vehicular parts disposed behind the front wheel.
[00013] The vehicular parts disposed behind the front wheel include some of the critical but important parts, for example, an engine assembly. The engine assembly can be protected from damages occurring due to external factors including hitting of stones and other foreign materials by disposing a protective member in close proximity to the engine assembly. The protective member includes various mounting portions enabling attachment with the engine assembly or other structural parts of the vehicle. The mounting of the protective member is a challenging job, this is because, mounting the protective member below the engine assembly becomes a tedious job during assembling onto the vehicle.
[00014] Therefore, a more simpler mounting of the protective member is desired.
[00015] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protective member includes a central portion and at least one fin member extending in a vehicle width direction from each of the lateral side of the central portion. The central portion extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
[00016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the protective member covers at least a front portion and at least a bottom portion of the engine assembly. Further, the protective member includes one end detachably attached to a rear end portion of a down tube of the vehicle frame assembly. The down tube comprises a support member capable of receiving the one end of the protective member. Furthermore, the protective member includes other end comprising one or more extension members capable of being located on a cross member of the vehicle frame assembly. The cross member is in the present embodiment, a pillion footrest rod. Furthermore, in particular, the one or more extension members are abutting against a ledged surface disposed on the cross member. The ledged surface is capable of receiving the one or more extension members of the protective member.
[00017] Further, the cross member being a structural member, provides better stability to the protective member and reduces fluttering of the protective member.
[00018] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the protective member is detachably attached to the cross member of the vehicle frame assembly.
[00019] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the protective member is fixedly attached to the cross member.
[00020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one end of the protective member is a front end of the central portion. The front end is with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction. The other end of the protective member is a rear end of the central portion. The rear end is with respect to a vehicle longitudinal direction.
[00021] Further, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the support member is fixedly attached to the rear end portion of the down tube of the vehicle frame assembly.
[00022] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the other end of the protective member is attached to at least a bottom portion of the engine assembly.
[00023] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the central portion and the at least one fin are integrated. Furthermore, the protective member is made of polymers.
[00024] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a protective member protects a part of the engine assembly facing the front wheel. The protective member prevents the direct impact of the stones hitting and mud splashing on the critical engine assembly parts. The protective member receives all the dust particles, stones, and mud splashing occurring during the vehicle running condition. Hence, the protective member acts as a barrier between the front wheel and the vehicular parts lying behind the front wheel.
[00025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, one end of the protective member is attached to a vehicle frame assembly and other end is attached to a cross member, which is, in the present embodiment, a cross member. The protective member covers most of a bottom portion of the engine assembly. Further, the protective member assembly protects any electrical component that is placed behind the front wheel. The protective member assembly is made up of a flexible member.
[00026] Further, according to an embodiment, the protective member is attached to the vehicle body frame through a support structure. The support structure is a ‘C’ shaped member. The support structure is disposed at a rear end portion of a down tube forming a part of the vehicle frame assembly. The assembly of the protective member in the vehicle can be understood by the following description.
[00027] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle, for example, a motorcycle 1 according to an embodiment. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle 100 according to an embodiment includes a front wheel 101 steered by a handlebar 102 and a rear wheel 103 supported by a swing arm 104. Steering assembly parts including the handlebar 102 and the front wheel 101 are supported for pivotal steering operation on a head pipe 105 at the front end of the vehicle frame assembly 106. A seat assembly 110 for a driver and a pillion is placed rearward to a fuel tank 114. An engine assembly 113 is disposed below the fuel tank. A protective member 119 capable of covering most of a bottom portion of the engine assembly 113 is disposed just below the engine assembly 113. A front fender 111 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 112 is placed above the rear wheel 103, and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel 103. Rear fender 112 inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel 103.
[00028] The swing arm 104 along with a shock absorber 109 is supported at a front portion thereof for pivotal motion and upward and downward rocking motion on the rear side of a lower portion of the vehicle body frame 106. A suspension assembly including a pair of front forks 108 and the shock absorber 109 is provided in the two-wheeled vehicle 100 for providing better ride comfort to the rider and the pillion rider. In general terms, the shock absorbers help cushion vehicles on uneven roads. In the two-wheeled vehicle, shock absorbers reduce the effect of traveling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling. The vehicle body frame 106 includes the head pipe 105, a main tube 107 extending rearward from the head pipe 105. The head pipe 105 is positioned at a front-end portion of the vehicle body frame 106. A down tube 115 extending downward from the main tube 107.
[00029] Further, for handling the vehicle and for a pillion rider to hold while seated on the vehicle, a pillion handle 116 is provided at the rear end of the seat assembly 110. For safety purposes, a tail lamp 117 at the rear end of the vehicle and a headlamp 118 at the front end of the vehicle are provided.
[00030] Fig. 2 illustrates a protective member assembled below the engine assembly. According to an embodiment of the invention, the protective member 119 is disposed below the engine assembly 113. It can be observed from the figure that the protective member 119 protects most of the bottom portion of the engine assembly 113. One end 119a of the protective member 119 is connected to a rear end of the down tube 115 and other end 119b is connected to the cross member 201. The other end 119b of the protective member 119 is detachably attached to the cross member 201. The other end 119b is configured to include a number of mounting provisions. One or more extension member 203 protrudes from the other end 119b. The one or more extension member 203 is capable of being placed firmly on the cross member 201. The one or more extension member 203 act as huggers to the cross member 201.
[00031] Further, according to another embodiment, the other end 119b is fixedly attached to the cross member 201. A mounting provision 202 is provided to attach the other end 119b to the pillion footrest rod 201. For example, the other end 119b is fastened to the cross member 201. According to yet another embodiment, the fastening method can be used as an additional method along with the detachable attachment of the other end 119b to the cross member 201.
[00032] The protective member 119 protects most of the engine assembly 113. The main objective of the present invention in protecting the critical engine assembly 113 parts and the electrical components from being splashed by mud and hit by stones is achieved. The electrical component like starter motor placed in close proximity to the engine assembly 113 is also protected by the protective member 119.
[00033] Furthermore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the cross member 201 includes a ledged surface 204 capable of abutting against the one or more extension members 203 disposed on the other end 119b.
[00034] Fig. 3 illustrates a front mounting of the protective member assembly to the down tube of the vehicle frame assembly. One end 119a is attached to the rear end of the down tube 115. The protective member 119 is attached to the down tube 115 through a support structure 301. The one end 119a of the support structure 119 includes a provision 302 capable of receiving one or more fasteners 302a. The one or more fasteners 302a attach the one end 119a to the support structure 301. The support structure 301 is fixedly attached to the down tube 115 of the vehicle frame assembly 106. Further, the support structure 301 is configured to include a slot 301a enabling attachment of the support structure 301 to the vehicle frame assembly 106.
[00035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the support structure 301 is a ‘C’ shaped structure. The support structure 301 is disposed around the down tube 115 such that it covers at least a portion of the rear end of the down tube 115. The slot 301a according to an embodiment is an elongated hole. The slot 301a provides freedom of adjustment of the position of the support structure 301 mounted to the down tube 115. For example, the slot 301a facilitates the support structure 301 to stay close to the down tube 115 or facilitates the support structure 301 to remain a bit away from the down tube 115. Accordingly, depending upon the position of the engine assembly 113, the position of the protective member assembly 301 can be adjusted.
[00036] Hence, according to an embodiment, the protective member 119 covers most of the bottom portion of the engine assembly 113 and the part of the engine assembly 113 facing the front wheel 101 is also covered by the protective member 119. The stones hitting and mud splashing upon the engine assembly 113 is prevented and the durability of the vehicle 100 is preserved.
[00037] Fig. 4 illustrates a top perspective view of a front surface of the protective member 119. The protective member 119 extends rearwardly from the front portion of the vehicle 100. The protective member 119 includes a central portion 119c extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, at least one fin 119d extending outward in a vehicle width direction from each lateral side 119ca, 119cb of the central portion 119c. The protective cover 119 is designed to cover effectively most of the portion of the engine assembly 113 facing the front wheel 101. The one end 119a includes the provision 302 and the one or more fasteners 302a enabling the fastening of the protective member 119 to the down tube 115.
[00038] Fig. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the protective member assembly. The figure depicts the top view of the central member 119c and at least one fin 119d extending from each lateral side of the central member 119c. The protective member 119 includes the number of extension members 203 capable of being detachably attached to the cross member 201. The mounting provision 202 enables the protective member to be fixedly attached to the cross member 201.
[00039] Fig. 6 illustrates a top perspective view of the front surface of the protective member. The protective member assembly is provided with a number of ribs 303 providing structural support to the protective member 119. The protective member 119 upon usage wears out or breaks and ceases to provide protection to the engine assembly 113. The plurality of ribs 303 prevents early wear out of the protective member 119 and prevents it from breakage. Furthermore the plurality of ribs 303 provides required structural stability to the protective member 119.
[00040] Further, at another end 119b of the protective member 119, one or more cushions are provided to prevent rattling of the protective member 119.
[00041] Furthermore, the central portion 119c includes a provision 304 to access the engine assembly 113 disposed above. Furthermore, the servicing of the engine assembly can be easily carried out through the provision 304 provided on the protective member. The oil in the engine assembly 113 can be drained out by accessing the engine assembly 113 through the provision 304.
[00042] Fig.7 illustrates a perspective view of the support structure according to an embodiment. The support structure 301 according to an embodiment is a ‘C’ shaped bracket capable of holding the protective member 119 to the vehicle frame assembly 106. The support structure 301 is attached to the vehicle frame assembly 106. In particular, the support structure 301 is bolted to the rear end of the down tube 115 of the vehicle frame assembly 106. The support structure 301 is a rigid member and is capable of holding the protective member 119 firmly to the vehicle frame assembly 106 of the vehicle 100. The shape of the support structure 301 is adaptable to fit suitably under the one end 119a of the protective member 119. The provision 302 enables the protective member 119 to be bolted to the support structure 301 and the slot 301a enables mounting of the support structure 301 to the vehicle frame assembly 106. Further, the support structure 301 is configured to include one or more protrusions 401 to provide additional stiffness to the support structure 301.
[00043] Although implementations for the present subject matter have been described in language specific to structural features and/or methods, it is to be understood that the present subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific features or methods described. Rather, the specific features and methods are disclosed as exemplary implementations of the present invention.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. A straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising:
a vehicle frame assembly (106) including a downtube (115) extending rearwardly downward from a head tube (105);
an engine assembly (113) supported by a rear end portion (115a) of said down tube (115);
a cross member (201) disposed below said engine assembly; and
a protective member (119) covering at least a portion of said engine assembly (113),
wherein,
said protective member (119) includes a central portion (119c) extending in a vehicle longitudinal direction, at least one fin portion (119d) extending outward in a vehicle width direction from each lateral side (119ca, 119cb) of said central portion (119c) and wherein said protective member (119) includes one end (119a) attached to at least a portion of said rear end portion (115a) of said down tube (115) and other end (119b) including one or more extension members (203) capable of abutting against at least a portion of said cross member (201).
2. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cross member (201) includes a ledged surface (204) capable of abutting against said one or more extension members (203) of said protective member (119).
3. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said one end (119a) is a front end of said central portion (119c) in said vehicle longitudinal direction and said other end (119b) is a rear end of said central portion (119c) in said vehicle longitudinal direction.
4. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protective member (119) is attached to said rear end portion (115a) of said down tube (115) through a support structure (301), said support structure (301) is attached to at least a portion of said rear end portion (115a) of said down tube (115).
5. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said other end (119b) is attached to at least a portion of said engine assembly (113).
6. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one fin portion (119d) and said central portion (119c) are integrated.
7. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central portion includes a provision (304) enabling access to said engine assembly (113).
8. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said other end (119b) includes a mounting provision (202a) enabling detachable attachment of said protective member (119) with said cross member (201).
9. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said cross member (201) includes a pillion footrest rod.
10. The straddle type two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said protective member (119) is made of polymers.