DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a straddle type motorcycle and more particularly but not exclusively to a turn signal lamp assembly of the straddle type motorcycle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a motorcycle is equipped with a number of safety devices for protection of the rider, the pillion rider, and other commuters on the road. The safety devices may include external peripheral devices and the parts of the vehicle itself, which are to be mandatorily incorporated in the motorcycle. The mandatory safety devices which form part of the motorcycle include audio-visual devices. The audio-visual devices include, for example, at least one horn, at least one headlamp; one or more turn signal lamps, at least one tail lamp, and one or more reflecting elements. The one or more turn signal lamps generally show visual indications by wink of light emitted by the bulbs/LEDs inside the turn signal lamp assembly. Further, the indication given by the one or more turn signal lamps will serve as directions to other vehicle users travelling on the road. The one or more turn signal lamps indicate about the expected movement of the vehicle, for example, about left turn or right turn of the motorcycle on the road. By taking indications from the one or more turn signal lamps, the other vehicle users on the road can be cautious regarding their movements on the road.
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 according to an embodiment.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear view of a turn signal lamp assembly.
[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of a turn signal lamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the turn signal lamp assembly for the motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of at least one protective member of the turn signal lamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig. 6 illustrates a right side perspective view of the at least one protective member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig. 7 illustrates a left side view of the at least one protective member according to an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] Generally, in a conventional motorcycle, the at least one turn signal lamp is disposed on a structural member holding the headlamp assembly. A circular relief is provided on a rear portion of a headlamp housing to allow the at least one turn signal lamp to project outward from the headlamp housing. The problem associated with the above explained construction is that the relief provided amounts to poor aesthetic appearance of the motorcycle. Further, the relief is generally prone to manufacturing variations, exposure of welded portion to the external environment, if any. Further, the relief tends to create undesired gaps with the interfering vehicular parts. The undesired gaps receive a lot of mud, dust, water particles, and other foreign particles. The mud and water particles may get deposited on internal vehicular parts disposed inside the relief. The water particles may enter the critical electrical components causing damages to the electrical components itself or to other associated parts in the motorcycle.
[00012] Furthermore, the undesired gaps between the at least one turn signal lamp and the relief may lead to rubbing between the at least one turn signal lamp and the inner diametrical surface of the relief owing to rotary movement, vibration and road shocks. Further, due to constant rubbing, the at least one turn signal lamp undergoes wear and tear, which may also cause breakage of the at least one turn signal lamp. This calls for frequent servicing of the motorcycle suffering from poor durability and reliability.
[00013] Hence, a more durable, robust, reliable and a stable turn signal lamp are desired. The proposed invention provides a reliable and stable operation of the turn signal lamp by addressing the problems as in conventional turn signal lamp as discussed above.
[00014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one turn signal lamp assembly is disposed on either side of a cowl assembly housing a headlamp assembly. In particular, the at least one turn signal lamp assembly is mounted to a front cowl of the cowl assembly. The front cowl includes one or more receiving portions on each of the lateral side to receive the at least one turn signal lamp. The front cowl is covered by a rear cowl from a rear side. The rear cowl protects the headlamp assembly from behind. The each of the lateral sides of the front cowl is disposed at a close proximity to the rear cowl.
[00015] There may be a gap formed between each of the lateral side of the front cowl and the rear cowl. At least one protective member is disposed in the gap so formed. The at least one protective member protects the inner surface of the headlamp rear side and also the at least one turn signal lamp assembly.
[00016] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shape and profile of the at least one protective member is in conformation with the gap so formed between the front cowl and the rear cowl. Therefore, the at least one protective member covers the gap and prevents entry of water particles, dust particles and any other foreign particles into the inner portion of the rear side of the headlamp assembly and the at least one turn signal lamp assembly.
[00017] According to an embodiment of the present invention, an inner surface of the front cowl comprises one or more receiving portions to receive the at least one protective member. The one or more receiving portions are disposed at a close proximity to the right side turn signal lamp and the left side turn signal lamp. In particular, the at least one protective member is mounted to the one or more receiving portions disposed at each of the lateral side of the inner surface of the front cowl. Further, the one or more receiving portions are configured to receive the one or more mounting portions enabling mounting of the at least one turn signal lamp with the front cowl through the at least one protective member. Furthermore, the at least one protective member is disposed on each side of the head lamp rear surface. Furthermore, the protective member protects the inner portion of the rear side of the headlamp by preventing entry of water particles, dust particles and any other foreign materials. Further, the sensitive electrical components like the at least one turn signal lamp and the headlamp are protected from entry of water particles.
[00018] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protective member comprises one or more mounting portions that enable mounting of the at least one protective member with the one or more receiving portions. The one or more mounting portions are extending outwards from a main body, such that the main body disposed between the one or more mounting portions. The main body is configured such that the main body fits into the gap formed between the front cowl and the rear cowl of the cowl assembly housing the headlamp assembly.
[00019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protective member facilitates easy access to the inside of the rear side of the headlamp assembly. By accessing the at least one protective member, the at least one turn signal lamp can be easily removed during servicing or to replace the defective turn signal lamp. After servicing, the at least one protective member can be mounted back easily to cover the gap used to access the at least one turn signal lamp.
[00020] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the main body is in conformation with the shape of the gap so formed. Hence, the at least one protective member completely covers the gap so formed and prevents the need for frequent servicing.
[00021] These and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00022] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a two-wheeled vehicle, for example, a motorcycle 100 according to an embodiment. The motorcycle 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 a front end of a vehicle body frame 106. A seat 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 114. A front fender 111 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the motorcycle 100 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 the rear wheel 103. A rear fender 112 inhibits rainwater or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel 103.
[00023] 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 front suspension assembly including a pair of front forks 108 and the shock absorber 109 is provided in the motorcycle 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 motorcycle, shock absorbers reduce the effect of travelling over rough ground, leading to improved ride quality and vehicle handling. The vehicle body frame 106 includes the head pipe 105, a pair of left and right main frames 107. The head pipe 105 is positioned at a front-end portion of the vehicle body frame 106. The main frames 107 extend in a leftwardly and rightwardly branching state obliquely downwardly rearwardly from a lower portion of the head pipe 105.
[00024] Fig. 2 illustrates a rear view of a turn signal lamp assembly. The turn signal lamp assembly 115 including the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b is disposed on each of a lateral side of the cowl assembly 202, 302. The cowl assembly 202, 302 includes the front cowl 202 and the rear cowl 302. In an assembled condition, a gap 301 is formed between the front cowl 202 and the rear cowl 302. The gap 301 so created enables access to the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b. By having the gap 301, the removal of other parts, for example the cowl assembly 202, 302 and other surrounding parts while accessing the mountings 303 of the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b. Hence, an easier servicing is provided. Further, the gap 301 so created is covered by an at least one protective member 203. The protective member 203 prevents the dust, water and other foreign particles from entering the inside region of the headlamp assembly. The protective member 203 is detachably attached to the cowl assembly 202, 302.
[00025] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protective member 203 is configured to be received from a rear side of the cowl assembly along a vehicle longitudinal direction. Such that, any see through from the rear side is covered, resulting in improved fit and finish and also protecting the underlying parts.
[00026] Fig. 3 illustrates a rear perspective view of a turn signal lamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The turn signal lamp assembly 115 comprises a right side turn signal lamp 115a, a left side turn signal lamp 115b, and a stay member 201. The stay member 201 is configured to support the right side turn signal lamp 115a, and the left side turn signal lamp 115b. The right side turn signal lamp 115a and the left side turn signal lamp 115b are mounted to a front cowl 202. The at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b mounted to the front cowl 202, creates a gap with a rear cowl (not shown). The gap so formed is covered by at least one protective member 203.
[00027] Further, the absence of gap does not leave any scope for entry of water particles, dust, and other foreign materials into the rear side of the headlamp assembly 116. Further, the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b is attached to at least a side portion 204a, 204b of the front cowl 202. The at least a side portion 204a, 204b is a rigid portion of the front cowl 202. Therefore, the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b is more stable and reliable. The undesired flexing or bending of the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b is prevented to a greater extent, because of this, the life of the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b is extended.
[00028] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the turn signal lamp assembly for the motorcycle according to an embodiment of the present invention. According to an embodiment of the present invention, a rear surface 202r of the front cowl 202 comprises one or more receiving portions 202a, 202b to receive the at least one protective member 203. The one or more receiving portions 202a, 202b are disposed at a close proximity to the right side turn signal lamp 115a and the left side turn signal lamp 115b. In particular, the at least one protective member 203 is mounted to the one or more receiving portions 202a, 202b disposed at each of the lateral sides of the rear surface 202r of the front cowl 202.
[00029] Further, the one or more receiving portions 202a, 202b are configured to receive the one or more fastening members 202aa enabling mounting of the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b with the front cowl 202 through the at least one protective member 203. Furthermore, the at least one protective member 203 is disposed on each side of the front cowl 202 rear surface 202r. The gap so created between the front cowl 202 and the rear cowl (not seen) is covered by the at least one protective member 203. Furthermore, the protective member 203 protects the inner portion of the rear side of the headlamp by preventing entry of water particles, dust particles and any other foreign materials. Further, the sensitive electrical components like the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b and the headlamp 116 are protected from entry of water particles.
[00030] Fig. 5 illustrates a front view of at least one protective member of the turn signal lamp assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. The at least one protective member 203 comprises one or more mounting portions 203a, 203b that enable mounting of the at least one protective member 203 with the one or more receiving portions 202a, 202b (not shown). The one or more mounting portions 203a, 203b are extending outwards from a main body 203d, such that the main body 203d disposed between the one or more mounting portions 203a, 203b. The main body 203d is configured such that the main body 203d fits into the gap formed between the front cowl 202 (not shown) and the rear cowl of the headlamp assembly 116.
[00031] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the one or more mounting portions 203a, 203b include at least one provision 203aa, 203ba that enable mounting of the at least one protective member 203 to the one or more receiving portions 202a, 202b (not shown) through the one or more fastening members 202aa. The mounting of the at least one protective member 203 to the front cowl (not shown) is achieved such that the one or more mounting portions 203a, 203b are completely disposed inside and beneath the rear cowl (not shown). This protects the one or more fastening members 202aa from being affected due to external environmental factors. By preventing any damage to the one or more fastening members 202aa by completely concealing, a more reliable mounting of the protective member 203 is obtained. Further, the aesthetics in that particular region of the rear side of the cowl assembly is improved.
[00032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protective member 203 facilitates easy access to the inside of the rear side of the headlamp assembly. By accessing the at least one protective member 203, the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b can be easily removed during servicing or to replace the defective turn signal lamp. After servicing, the at least one protective member 203 can be mounted back easily to cover the gap used to access the at least one turn signal lamp 115a, 115b.
[00033] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the shape of the main body 203d matches the shape of the gap so formed. Hence, the at least one protective member 203 completely covers the gap so formed and prevents the need for frequent servicing.
[00034] Fig. 6 illustrates a right side perspective view of the at least one protective member according to an embodiment of the present invention. The at least one protective member 203 is disposed at a close proximity to the left side turn signal lamp 115b. The least one protective member 203 comprises a ‘C’ shaped or a semi-circular shaped relief 203c configured to receive at least a portion of the left side turn signal lamp 115b in assembled condition. The left side turn signal lamp 115b projects inwards into the front cowl in assembled condition. The at least a portion that is projecting inwards into the front cowl is received by the ‘C’ shaped relief 203c. The ‘C’ shaped relief 203c substantially supports the at least a portion that is projecting inwards into the front cowl. Thereby, providing a more stable mounting of the left side turn signal lamp 115b. The stable mounting of the left side turn signal lamp 115b provides a more reliable and efficient working of the left side turn signal lamp 115b. The at least one protective member 203 also isolates the vibrations or any other external disturbances that may reach the left side turn signal lamp 115b.
[00035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the at least one protective member 203 is made of polymer material.
[00036] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the features of the at least one protective member 203 is also applicable to the at least one protective member 203 disposed at a close proximity to the right side turn signal lamp 115a.
[00037] Fig. 7 illustrates a left side view of the at least one protective member according to an embodiment of the present invention. The at least one protective member 203 is disposed at a close proximity to the left side turn signal lamp 115b. The at least one protective member 203 comprises a ‘C’ shaped or a semi-circular shaped relief 203c configured to receive at least a portion of the left side turn signal lamp 115b in assembled condition.
[00038] The ‘C’ shaped relief 203c is an integrated part of a side wall 203e that connects the one or more mounting portions 203a, 203b and the main body 203d. The side wall 203e provides sufficient support to the one or more mounting portions 203a, 203b. During assembling of the at least one protective member 203 on to the front cowl 202, the stress applied to the one or more mounting portions 203a, 203b is distributed to the side wall 203e. Thereby, reducing the stress on the one or more mounting portions 203a, 203b. Furthermore, the side wall 203e prevents breakage of the at least one protective member 203.
[00039] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the features of the at least one protective member 203 is also applicable to the at least one protective member 203 disposed at a close proximity to the right side turn signal lamp 115a.
[00040] 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 straddle type motorcycle (100) and a turn signal lamp assembly (115) thereof, said motorcycle (100) comprising:
a headlamp assembly (116) housed within a cowl assembly (202, 302) including a front cowl (202) and a rear cowl (302); and
at least one turn signal lamp (115a, 115b) attached to said cowl assembly (202, 302),
wherein,
said turn signal lamp assembly (115) includes at least one protective cover (203) configured to be received along a vehicle longitudinal direction (LN) by at least a portion of said cowl assembly (202, 302).
2. The straddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one protective cover (203) is disposed in a gap (301) between said front cowl (202) and said rear cowl (302) in said at least one of a lateral side of said cowl assembly (202, 302).
3. The straddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said front cowl (202) includes a rear surface (202r) configured with one or more receiving portions (202a, 202b) capable of receiving at least a portion of said at least one protective cover (203).
4. The straddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one protective member (203) includes one or more mounting portions (203a, 203b) extending outwardly from a main body (203d), the main body (203d) is disposed between the one or more mounting portions (203a, 203b).
5. The straddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one protective member (203) includes a ‘C’ shaped relief (203c) configured to receive at least a portion of the at least one turn signal lamp assembly (115a, 115b) in assembled condition.
6. The straddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least one protective member (203) comprises one or more mounting portions (203a, 203b) that enable mounting of the at least one protective member (203) with the one or more receiving portions (202a, 202b).
7. The straddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said one or more mounting portions (203a, 203b) are concealed by said rear cowl (302) in assembled condition.
8. The straddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 3 or 4, wherein said one or more mounting portions (203a, 203b) include at least one provision (203aa, 203ba) configured to receive one or more fastening members (202aa) enabling attachment with said one or more receiving portions (202a, 202b).
9. The straddle type motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein said ‘C’ shaped relief (203c) is disposed on a side wall (203e) connecting the one or more mounting portions (203a, 203b) and the main body (203d), said side wall (203e) is disposed outwardly to be at a proximity to the at least one turn signal lamp (115a, 115b).
10. A protective cover (203) for a turn signal lamp assembly (115) for a motorcycle (100), said protective cover (203) comprising:
a main body (203d);
one or more mounting portions (203a, 203b) extending outwardly from said main body (203d); and
a ‘C’ shaped relief (203c) disposed on a side wall (203e) connecting the one or more mounting portions (203a, 203b) and the main body (203d).