DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to anarrangement for mounting an anti-theft device on a motorcycle.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] An anti-theft device is fitted onto a vehicle such as a motorcycle to help prevent theft of the vehicle or recover the vehicle if it is stolen. Such an anti-theft device could be one or more of an engine immobiliserto prevent unauthorised engine start, an alarm to alert when the vehicle is about to be stolen, and a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking unit to locate a stolen vehicle.

[0003] A GPS tracking unit uses the GPS to determine the precise location of the vehicle and record the location at regular intervals. The recorded information is transmitted to a remote computer system. This allows locating the vehicle either in real time or analysing the track of the vehicle at a later stage.

[0004] If the anti-theft device, such as a GSP tracking unit, is removed from the vehicle, it will fail to provide the intended function as described above. A GPS tracking unit simply transmits its own location information. It is only by virtue of the GPS tracking unit being fitted on to the vehiclethat the GPS tracking unit is able to send location information of the vehicle. If a GPS tracking unit is removed from the vehicle, it will not be able to locate the vehicle because its location will not coincide with that of the vehicle. Therefore, it is important or essential to make it difficult to remove or disable the GPS tracking unit.

[0005] There is a peculiar problem with locating a GPS uniton a vehicle. The transmission capability of a GPS tracking unit reduces drastically if it is covered by metal. Consequently, if a GPS tracking unit is fitted at a location on a vehicle such that it is covered by metal, tracking becomes difficult.

[0006] The anti-theft device and its mounting arrangement consume space on a vehicle. Particularly on two wheeled vehicles, such as a motorcycle, space for mounting an anti-theft device is very limited. For example, if the anti-theft device and its mounting arrangement isfitted inside a storage compartment, the useable space of the storage compartment is reduced. On the other hand, if the anti-theft device is to be fitted in the main body with other systems and sub-systems, the re-designing becomes extremely costly and many advantages of the original designs of systems/sub-systems could be lost. Also, if an anti-theft device protrudes from the motorcycle, it will affect the aesthetics or the styling of the vehicleand will be prone to theft or damage. If additional cover is required to conceal the anti-theft device, it would add to the cost and the weight of the anti-theft device.Therefore, fitting an anti-theft device along with its mounting arrangement on a motorcycle is extremely challenging.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a mounting arrangement for an anti-theft device on a motorcycle which does not affect other systems/sub-systems mounted on the motorcycle and preferably does not require additional frame structure and concealing structure/arrangement.

[0008] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mounting arrangement for an anti-theft device which is difficult to be removed or disabled.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mounting arrangement for an anti-theft device which is not readily accessible.

[0010] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a mounting arrangement for an anti-theft device which is simple, cost effective and light weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] With the aforementioned in mind, an aspect of the present invention provides anarrangement for mounting an anti-theft device on a two wheeled vehicle,said vehicle having a supplementary frame for mounting at least one of a front cowl and headlightarrangement, wherein an anti-theft device is mounted on the supplementary frame.

[0012] The supplementary frame already has members on which the anti-theft device can be mounted. There is no need to introduce a new framework to mount the anti-theft device. Furthermore, once the headlight and the front cowl mounted on the frame structure, these components partially cover the anti-theft device. Therefore additional covers are not required to protect the anti-theft device.

[0013] Preferably, the anti-theft device is:
• mounted longitudinal to the supplementary frame, the longitudinal member is located about mid-way in a transverse direction of the supplementary frame, and
• located substantially centrally of the supplementary frame.

[0014] Such location of the anti-theft device assists even weight distribution.

[0015] A mounting means may be attached to the supplementary frame for mounting the anti-theft device. Preferably, the mounting means is attached to a longitudinal member of the supplementary frame. Further preferably, the member is located about mid-way in a transverse direction of the frame structure.

[0016] The anti-theft device may include a plurality of units, and each unit may be provided with an independent mounting means.

[0017] Other components mounted on the supplementary frame may block access to the anti-theft device and even hide the anti-theft device from view.
[0018] The anti-theft device mayinclude a GPS device configured to transmit location information of the vehicle. Additionally, the anti-theft device may also include an alarm. Preferably, the alarm is triggeredwhen the GPS device is tampered with or it is sensed that the motorcycle is about to be stolen.

[0019] If the supplementary frame is suited for mounting single head light, the anti-theft device may be located adjacent to or behind the single head light.

[0020] If the supplementary frame is suited for mounting twin head lights, the anti-theft device may be located between the twin head lights.

[0021] Preferably, twin headlight design is selected to increase space available to mount the anti-theft device on the supplementary frame.

[0022] If it difficult to find space on an existing motorcycle design, the headlight assembly can be changed from unitary headlight to a twin headlights. Twin head light assembly includes two smaller headlights which are located next to each other. Generally, the two headlights of the twin headlight assembly are located on either side of the motorcycle. Twin headlights occupy less space than a unitary headlight. Also, by using twin headlights space is created at the centre of the supplementary frame, whereby the anti-theft device can be centrally located.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

REFERENCE NUMBER TABLE
No. Feature
10 GPS tracking unit
12 GPS connector
14 GPS mounting means
16 GPS connector mounting means
20 Alarm
22 Alarm connector
24 Alarm mounting means
26 Alarm connector mounting means
50 Supplementary frame
51 Top transverse member
52 Middle transverse member
53 Bottom transverse member
54 First longitudinal member
55 Second longitudinal member
56 Third longitudinal member
57 Headlight mounting member
58 Connecting portion
60 Component mounting member
70 Headlight
80 Front Cowl
90 Motorcycle body frame

[0023] The above brief description as well as other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully appreciated by reference to the following detailed description of presently preferred but nonetheless illustrative embodiments in accordance with the present invention when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0024] Figure 1 is a front isometric view of an arrangement for mounting an anti-theft device on a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0025] Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment of figure 1.
[0026] Figure 3 is a front isometric view of the embodiment of figure 1 without the anti-theft devices.
[0027] Figure 4 is a side view of the embodiment of figure 1 without the anti-theft devices.
[0028] Figure 5 is a top isometric view of the embodiment of figure 1.
[0029] Figure 6 is a front isometric view of the embodiment of figure 1 with the twin headlights mounted on the supplementary frame.
[0030] Figure 7 is a front view of the embodiment of figure 1 with several components mounted on the supplementary frame.
[0031] Figure 8 is an isometric view of the supplementary frame of the embodiment of figure 1 attached to a motorcycle body frame.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0032] Referring to figures 1 and 2,anti-theft devices 10, 20 are mounted on the supplementary frame 50 of a motorcycle. The supplementary frame (50) is designed to mount head lights 70 and front cowl 80 (seen in figures 6 and 7). The supplementary frame 50 is designed to be connected to, and ahead of, the motorcycle body frame 90(shown in figure 8). The supplementary frame 50 is located ahead of the motorcycle head pipe.

[0033] There are two anti-theft devices 10, 20 in the present embodiment. The first anti-theft device is a GPS unit 10 similar to the one described in the background section. The GPS unit 10 records location information by GPS and sends this information to a remote computer. The second anti-theft device is an alarm 20. The alarm 20 is a siren.

[0034] The alarm 20 is programmed to sound on at least one of two conditions. Firstly, if the GPS unit 10 is attempted to be disabled or removed, for example by tampering with the wires connecting to the GPS unit 10 orphysically dismounting ofthe GPS unit 10. Secondly, if theft of the motorcycle is being attempted, for example attempting to start the engine by means of a counterfeit key.

[0035] Each anti-theft device 10, 20 is connected to the on-board computer and/or a battery source by means of respective connectors 12, 22. The GPS connector 12 is located proximate to the GPS unit 10. The alarm connector 22 is located proximate to the alarm 20.

[0036] Referring to figures 1 to 5, the supplementary frame 50 is a fixed frame includingtransverse members 51, 52, 53 and longitudinal members 54, 55, 56. The supplementary frame 50 includes a connecting portion 58 for attachment to the main body frame 90 of a motorcycle. When the supplementary frame 50 is attached to the main body frame 90 of the motorcycle, the transverse members 51, 52, 53 extend in a transverse direction i.e. between the left hand side and the right hand side of the motorcycle. The longitudinal members 54, 55, 56 are longitudinal to the motorcycle.

[0037] The transverse members include a top transverse member 51, a middle transverse member 52 and a bottom transverse member 53. The top transverse member 51 and the middle transverse member 52 are substantially U-shaped. The ends of the top transverse member 51 and the middle transverse member 52 are connected to each other. The center portion of the top transverse member 51 is attached to the connecting portion 58. A component mounting member 60 having three arms is attached to the top transverse member 51. A speedometer is mounted on the component mounting member 60. A headlight mounting member 57 of the supplementary frame 50 extends between the middle transverse member 52 and the bottom transverse member 53.

[0038] The longitudinal members 54, 55, 56 include:
• a first longitudinal member 54 extending between the connecting portion 58 and the center portion of the middle transverse member 52,
• a second longitudinal member 55 extending from the connecting portion 58 to, and beyond, the bottom transverse member 53, and
• a third longitudinal member 56 extending between the center portion of the middle transverse member 52 and the front portion of the second longitudinal member 55 such that the third longitudinal member 56 is oblique.

[0039] The ends of the transverse members 51, 52, 53 and the front end of the second longitudinal member 55 support the front cowl 80 (seen in figure 7). Portions for mounting the front cowl 80 are provided at these ends.

[0040] The GPS unit 10 is mounted on the supplementary frame 50 by means of a GPS mounting means 14. The GPS mounting means 14 includes a bracket and a rubber strap. The bracket is C-shaped having a lower flange and an upper flange. The lower flange of the bracket is welded on the third longitudinal member 56. As the third longitudinal member 56 is positioned mid-way, in a transverse direction, of the supplementary frame structure, so is the GPS unit 10. The orientation of this bracket is restricted to a maximum of 40° from the horizontal. The two ends of the upper flange have notches to arrest the rubber strap such that these ends are substantially arrow shaped. The rubber strap is employed to hold the GPS unit 10 on the bracket.The rubber strap is inserted beyond the notches because of its elastic stretchability. The GPS unit 10 could be attached to the GPS mounting means 14 by fasteners.

[0041] Likewise, the alarm 20 is mounted on the supplementary frame 50 by means of an alarm mounting means 24. The alarm mounting means 24 includes a C-shaped bracket (see figure 3) and a rubber strap. The centre of the bracket is affixed to the first longitudinal member 54 of the supplementary frame 50 by welding or fastening.As the first longitudinal member 56 is positioned mid-way, in a transverse direction, of the supplementary frame structure, so is the alarm 20. The sides of the bracket are provided with notches to arrest the rubber strap, such that each side of the bracket represents an arrow head. The rubber strap is employed to hold the alarm 20 on the bracket.The rubber strap is inserted beyond the notches because of its elastic stretchability. The alarm 20 could be attached to the alarm mounting means 24 by fasteners.

[0042] As seen in figures 1 and 2, the anti-theft devices 10, 20 are located substantially centrally to the supplementary frame 50. The anti-theft devices are substantially central to the supplementary frame 50 in the transverse direction, the longitudinal direction and the elevation direction.

[0043] The GPS connector 12 and the alarm connector 22 are mounted on the component mounting member 60 by a GPS connector mounting means 16 and an alarm connector mounting means 26, respectively. The GPS connector mounting means 16 and the alarm connector mounting means 26 are brackets affixed to the component mounting member 60. The GPS connector 12 and the alarm connector 22 are fastened on to their respective mounting means 16, 26.

[0044] The brackets of the main component mounting means 14, 24 and the connector mounting means 16, 26 are made of metal such as steel.

[0045] Referring to figure 6 and 7, the headlight 70 and the front cowl 80 are mounted on the supplementary frame 50. A front fairing (not shown) is mounted adjoining the front cowl 80. The dials and meters are mounted on the component mounting member 60. The GPS unit 10 and the alarm 20 are hidden from view and blocked by these items surrounding them. Therefore, there is no need for an additional cover to protect the anti-theft devices 10, 20. Furthermore, most of items surrounding the GPS unit 10 (except of the frame structure) are made of materials other than metal. Therefore, signal transmitting capability of a GPS unit’s 10 positioned at this location remains intact.

[0046] The supplementary frame 50 is suited to mount twin headlights arrangement 70. The twin headlights arrangement 70 includes two separate headlights 70 of the same size and shape. The two headlights 70 may be operated separately, in tandem, or simultaneously. The two headlights 70 are spaced apart and located equidistant from the centre of the supplementary frame 50. Each head light 70 is mounted on the supplementary frame 50 by means of fasteners. The supplementary frame 50 is shaped to readily accept the fasteners. The anti-theft devices 10, 20, particularly the GPS unit 10, are mounted in the space between the two headlights 70.

[0047] The scope of patent protection is not to be limited to a motorcycle having twin-head light assembly. It is possible to incorporate the present invention in two-wheeled vehicles having other types of head light assemblies such as a single head light assembly.
,CLAIMS:WE CLAIM
1. An arrangement for mounting an anti-theft device on a two wheeled vehicle, said vehicle having a supplementary frame for mounting at least one of a front cowl and headlight arrangement, wherein the anti-theft device is mounted on the supplementary frame.
2. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the anti-theft device is located about mid-way in a transverse direction of the supplementary frame.
3. The arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the anti-theft device is mounted longitudinal to the supplementary frame.
4. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-theft device is located substantially centrally of the supplementary frame.
5. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, including a mounting means attached to the supplementary frame for mounting the anti-theft device.
6. The arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the mounting means is attached to a longitudinal member of the supplementary frame.
7. The arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the longitudinal member is located about mid-way in a transverse direction of the frame structure.
8. The arrangement according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the anti-theft device includes a plurality of units, and wherein each unit is provided with an independent mounting means.
9. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein other components mounted on the supplementary frame block access to the anti-theft device.
10. The arrangement according to claim 9, wherein said other components hide the anti-theft device from view.
11. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the anti-theft device includes a GPS device configured to transmit location information of the vehicle.
12. The arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the anti-theft device includes an alarm.
13. The arrangement according to claim 12, wherein the alarm is triggered when the GPS device is tampered with or it is sensed that the motorcycle is about to be stolen.
14. The arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the supplementary frame is suited for mounting single head light and the anti-theft device is located adjacent to or behind the single head light.
15. The arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the supplementary frame is suited for mounting twin head lights and the anti-theft device is located between the twin head lights.
16. The arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein twin head lights design is selected to increase space available to mount the anti-theft device on the supplementary frame.