DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled motor vehicle, and more particularly to an integrated fender for the two-wheeled motor vehicles.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle a frame assembly extends rearward from a head tube. The frame assembly is a structural member that acts as a skeleton for the vehicle, which supports the vehicle loads. A front portion of the frame assembly connects a front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon. Generally, a rear fender provided on the vehicle covers at least a portion of the rear wheel.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description of the present subject matter is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a top view of an integrated fender employed on the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 2 (b) depicts a left side view of the integrated fender, employed on the vehicle.
[0007] Fig. 3 depicts a right side view of an integrated fender employed on the vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0008] Typically, one end of the swing arm is swingably connected to the frame assembly of the vehicle and other of the swing arm rotatably supports the rear wheel. Further, the rear wheel is provided with a brake disc member that is concentrically disposed about the rear wheel and secured to the rear wheel. A rear caliper is mounted to the swing arm that is adapted to work the brake disc. The caliper is connected to the master cylinder through a hose member that extends rearwardly from the master cylinder that is positioned in proximity to a rear brake pedal. Generally, the hose member is made of an elastic member and disposed adjacently of the swing arm. The hose member is subject to wear and tear as the hose member is exposed thereby affecting the durability of the part. Also, in case of a brake hose made of metal, the hose is exposed to water, and dirt that may cause corrosion, reducing the life of hose. Importantly, in case of vehicles employed with anti-lock braking system (ABS) or synchronous braking system (SBS), the brake hose contributes to essential safety function. Moreover, the brake hose member is positioned in proximity to the muffler and the heat dissipated from the muffler would affect the hose member and vary the brake fluid properties.
[0009] The present subject matter is aimed at addressing the aforementioned and other problems in the prior art. Hence, it is an object of the present subject matter is to provide a two-wheeled vehicle employed with an integrated fender. According to one aspect, the integrated fender covers at least a portion of an outer circumferential surface of the rear wheel. According to another aspect, the integrated rear fender covers at least a portion of a chain member on one side. According to yet another aspect, the integrated rear fender covers at least a portion of the rear brake hose or a sensor cable on another side.
[00010] In an embodiment, the integrated fender comprise of a central member covering at least a portion of the rear wheel. A first arm of the integrated fender covers at least a portion of the chain member, wherein said first arm is disposed on one width side of the central member. A second arm of the integrated fender that is disposed on other width side of the central member covering at least a portion of the brake hose.
[00011] The integrated fender protects the chain member and the brake hose from dirt and dirt. Further, the integrated fender reduces heat dissipation from a muffler assembly on to the brake hose. Also, the integrated fender eliminates fouling of brake hose and chain member with pillion foot. In addition, the durability of brake and the chain member is improved. The integrated fender enables ease of assembly. Further, number of parts is reduced and vibrations are reduced.
[00012] A muffler assembly, emitting exhaust gases, is disposed adjacent to the swing arm. In one embodiment, one member of the swing arm is disposed between the rear wheel and the muffler assembly. Also, the integrated fender covers the brake hose assembly disposed adjacent to the muffler assembly protecting the hose assembly from heat emitting from muffler assembly. The hose assembly includes a brake hose assembly, or a speed sensor routing.
[00013] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00014] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled motor vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein the arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denoted downward direction. The vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly that extends from a head tube (not shown), which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle 100, towards a rear portion of the vehicle 100. The frame assembly 105includes a mainframe (not shown) comprising a main tube extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube. The frame assembly 105 may further comprise a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. An engine assembly 110 is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly 105. The engine assembly 110 acts as the power unit of the vehicle 100, wherein the power unit may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm 115 is swingably connected to the main frame of the frame assembly 105 and rear portion of the swing arm 115 rotatably supports a rear wheel 120. The rear wheel 120 is functionally coupled to the engine assembly 110 through a transmission system.
[00015] An integrated fender 200 is disposed upwardly of the rear wheel 120 covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 120. Further, the swing arm 115 is coupled to the frame assembly 105 through one or more rear suspension(s). In the present embodiment, a single mono-shock rear suspension 125 connects the swing arm 115 to the frame assembly. A pair of front forks 130 supports a front wheel 135 and is steerably supported by the head tube 105A. A handlebar assembly 140 is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front fork 130. Further, a front fender assembly 145 covers at least a portion of the front wheel 135and the front fender assembly 145 is mounted to the front forks 130.
[00016] A fuel tank 150 is mounted to the main tube of the frame assembly 105 and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly 140. A seat assembly 155 is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly 150 and supported by the pair of rear tubes. A pair of rider foot pegs 160 mounted to the frame assembly 105 of the vehicle enable in supporting the rider foot. Further, the vehicle 100 comprises a front cowl assembly 165 that is disposed forwardly of the head tube and extending sidewardly covering at least a portion of the fuel tank 150 and at least a portion of the engine assembly 110. The front cowl assembly 165 is mounted with one or more headlamp(s) (not shown) that are disposed in a front portion of the front cowl assembly 165. Also, the vehicle 100 may include a bottom cowl assembly 170 that covers at least a portion of the engine assembly 110 whereby the engine assembly 110 is protected from dust, dirt, and water splashing.
[00017] Furthermore, the vehicle 100 includes one or more side panel(s) 175 disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on either sides of the vehicle 100 and is mounted to the main frame covering various vehicle parts including at least a portion of the main frame, an air filter, and one or more electrical / electrical components that are mounted to the frame assembly 105. A tail cover assembly 180 that are disposed rearwardly of the side panel(s) 175 and extend along the pair of rear tubes thereby covering at least a portion of the pair of rear tubes. The tail cover assembly 180 extends towards a rear portion of the frame assembly 105and the tail cover assembly 105is adapted to accommodate a tail lamp (not shown).
[00018] Fig. 2 (a) depicts a top view of an integrated fender 200 employed on the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Fig. 2 (b) depicts a left side view of the integrated fender 200, employed on the vehicle. The swing arm 115 of the vehicle is mounted to an aperture portion (not shown) that is adapted to the pivotally support the swing arm 115. The swing arm 115 is coupled to the frame 105 through a connecting portion 115A (shown in Fig. 2 (b)). The swing arm 115 includes a first member 115R and a second member 115L that are disposed on either sides of the rear wheel 120, wherein the first member 115L and the second member 115R support the rear wheel 120. A chain member 190 is coupled to a drive member of the engine assembly 110 on one side and to a driven member of the rear wheel 120. The chain member 190 extends substantially in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 100. The chain member 190 is disposed adjacently on one side of the rear wheel 120.
[00019] The rear wheel 120 is provided with a rear brake disc 185B (shown in Fig. 3) that works in conjunction with a rear caliper 185A. The rear brake disc 185B is concentrically disposed about the rear wheel 120 and the rear caliper is mounted to the swing arm 115 of the vehicle 100 in proximity to a rear wheel axle. A rear brake pedal, which is actuating member, is coupled to the rear caliper 185A through a brake hose assembly 185C that is disposed adjacently of the rear wheel 120on another side. The brake hose assembly extends along the swing arm 115 in longitudinal direction of the vehicle and is supported by the swing arm. The brake hose assembly is secured to the swing arm through one or more clamp(s) 115B of the like.
[00020] The integrated fender 200 includes a central member 205 that is disposed rearwardly of the rear suspension(s) 125 and extending rearward covering at least a portion of the outer circumferential surface of the rear wheel 120. Further, the integrated fender 200 includes a first arm 210 that is adjacent to the central member 205 and is provided on one side of the central member 205, the side where the chain member 190 is disposed. The first arm 210 is adapted to cover at least a portion of the chain member 190 in at least three directions, viz. either width sides, and top direction. The first arm extends substantially along the chain member 190. The integrated member 200 includes a second arm 215 that is adjacent to the central member and is provided on other side of the central member 205, the side where the brake hose assembly 185C is disposed. The second arm 215 is adapted to cover at least a portion of the brake hose assembly 185C.
[00021] The integrated fender 200 includes central member 205, the first arm 210, and the second arm 215 are integrally formed. The integrated fender 200 is made of a rigid material, for example plastic or the like. The integrated fender 200 is secured to the swing arm 115. One or more front fastener(s) 220A secure a front portion the integrated fender 200 to the swing arm 115. Further, one or more side fastener(s) 220BA, 220BB secure the first arm of integrated fender 200 to the swing arm 115.
[00022] The swing arm 115 includes a first member 115R elongated in the longitudinal direction F-R and the first arm 210 of the integrated fender 200 abuts the first member 115R enclosing at least a portion of the chain member 190, therein.
[00023] In one embodiment, the central member 205 includes a depression 205D provided at a central portion tapering towards said front portion 205F of said central member 205. In other words, depth of the depression 205D reduces when moving towards the front portion 305F. The depression 205D provided on the central member 205 forms a protrusion on the bottom side of the central member 205 thereby restricting dirt or dust to slides towards front.
[00024] Fig. 3 depicts a right side view of an integrated fender 300 employed on the vehicle 100, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter. A rear brake disc 185B is disposed concentrically about a rear wheel axis and is secured to the rear wheel 120. The brake hose assembly 185C connects the caliper 185A with the rear brake pedal (not shown). The brake hose assembly 185C extends along the swing arm115, wherein at least a portion of the hose assembly 185C is supported by the swing arm 115.A front portion of the integrated fender 300 is abutted on the swing arm 115 and a central member extends rearward covering at least a portion of outer circumferential surface of the rear wheel 120. Further, the first arm (not shown) and the second arm 315 extend rearward from the front portion of the integrated fender covering at least apportion of chain member and at least a portion of the brake hose assembly 185C, respectively.
[00025] The said second arm 315 of the integrated fender 300 abuts a second member 115L of the swing arm 115 elongated in the longitudinal direction F-R and the second arm 315 abuts the second member 115L enclosing at least a portion of the hose assembly 185C therein. Therefore, the hose assembly 185C is secured by the integrated fender 300 by enclosing at least a portion of the hose assembly 185C disposed adjacent to the muffler assembly of the vehicle 100.
[00026] A muffler assembly (not shown) is disposed sidewardly of the swing arm. The integrated fender enables reduction of heat dissipation on to the brake hose assembly. Also, durability of the brake hose assembly is improved.
[00027] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
,CLAIMS:I/We claim:
1. An integrated fender (200, 300) for a two-wheeled vehicle (100), said two-wheeled vehicle (100) having a swing arm (115) with one end portion swingably connected to a frame assembly (105) and other end portion rotatably supporting a rear wheel (120), said integrated fender (200, 300) comprising:
a central member (205, 305) having a front portion (205F, 305F) with at least a portion seated on said swing arm (115), and said central member (205, 305) extends rearward from said front portion (205F, 305F) covering at least a portion of said rear wheel (120);
characterized in that
said integrated fender (200, 300) includes a first arm (210, 310) disposed at one later end (LH) of said central member (205, 305) and a second arm (215, 315) disposed at other lateral end (RH) of said central member (205, 305), wherein said first arm (210, 310) integrated with said central member (205, 305) extends in a longitudinal direction (F-R) enclosing at least a portion of a chain member (190) functionally connected to said rear wheel (120), and said second arm (215, 315) integrated with said central member (205, 305) extends in said longitudinal direction (F-R) enclosing at least a portion of a hose assembly (185C) functionally connected to said rear wheel (120).
2. The integrated fender (200, 300) of claim 1, wherein said swing arm (115) includes a first member (115R) elongated in said longitudinal direction (F-R) and said first arm (210, 310) abuts said first member (115R) enclosing at least a portion of the chain member (190) therein.
3. The integrated fender (200, 300) of claim 1, wherein said swing arm (115) includes a second member (115L) elongated in said longitudinal direction (F-R) and said second arm (215, 315) abuts said second member (115L) enclosing at least a portion of the hose assembly (185C) therein, disposed adjacent to at least a portion of a muffler assembly of the two-wheeled vehicle (100).
4. The integrated fender (200, 300) of claim 1, wherein said hose assembly (185C) includes a brake hose assembly (185C) connecting a brake pedal of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) to a brake caliper (185A) functionally connected to the rear wheel (120), and at least a portion of the brake hose assembly (185C) extends along the swing arm (115).
5. The integrated fender (200, 300) of claim 1, wherein said hose assembly (185C) includes a speed sensor hose assembly connecting an electronic control unit of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) to a sensor functionally connected to the rear wheel (120), and at least a portion of the speed sensor hose assembly extends along the swing arm (115).
6. The integrated fender (200, 300) of claim 1, wherein said integrated fender (200, 300) is secured to the swing arm (115) through the front portion (205F, 305F) of the central member (205, 305)
7. The integrated fender (200, 300) of claim 1, wherein said integrated fender (200, 300) is secured to said swing arm (115) through said first arm (210, 310) and second arm, wherein fasteners disposed in a lateral direction.
8. The integrated fender (200, 300) of claim 1, wherein said central member (205, 305) includes a rear portion (205R, 305R) extends beyond a rear portion (210R, 310R) of the first arm (210, 310).
9. The integrated fender (200) of claim 1, wherein said central member (205) includes a depression (205D) provided at a central portion tapering towards said front portion (205F) of said central member (205).
10. The integrated fender (200, 300) of claim 1, wherein said integrated fender (200, 300) is made of a polymer.