DESC:FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a covering structure for a two-wheeled vehicle and more particularly to a front panel structure for a two wheeled scooter type vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0002] For a two-wheeled vehicle especially for a scooter type vehicle, the front covering structures play dual roles, firstly providing aesthetic look to the vehicle and secondly to reduce the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle and rider. To achieve such a dual purpose, the front panels of the scooter type vehicles are designed accordingly. Such a front covering panel also increases the fuel efficiency of the vehicle since it reduces the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle. The front covering structures provide aesthetic appearance to the vehicle; hence, the safety of the front covering structure becomes very important. Generally, when a vehicle falls, the side-trim breaks, which results in loss of aesthetic beauty of the vehicle & requires replacement of the whole panel assembly. Hence, it is required to provide a split-type front panel that is easily replaceable and cost effective solution to replace front panels in case of damages or breakage during usage of the vehicle.
[0003] Furthermore, due to regulatory requirement of wearing helmets while driving a vehicle in various jurisdictions, providing storage of helmets and the toolbox becomes challenging. Furthermore, in the jurisdictions where the regulatory requirement requires both the riders to wear the helmet, this challenge of accommodating twin helmets along with the toolbox without increasing the overall size of the vehicle, becomes more difficult. Hence, there is a need for an improvement in the existing front panels without comprising on the overall layout and still enabling to overcome the problems associated with the replacement of front panel (s) and simultaneously get additional storage space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] To obviate the limitations associated with the replacement of complete existing front covering structure in case of possible breakage of front covering structure during the event of vehicle falling, the current invention provides a triple split front covering structure. The triple split front covering structure as disclosed in the current invention comprises of a front panel side LH, front panel bottom LH and a front panel top LH. In the event of vehicle roll over or vehicle falling, the front panel bottom LH that also functions as a leg shield, is more susceptible to be damaged as this is an exposed covering member and can be easily replaced without the need of replacement for changing the complete front covering structure.
[0005] The front panel bottom LH, which is more susceptible to breakage on falling of vehicle is made smaller and as a segregated unit, which further leads to a front panel portion, which is easier to replace. Since only a small portion of the front panel is to be replaced, it is cost effective as well. A smaller and segregated unit, which is susceptible to breakage on falling of vehicle, leads to an easier and lesser cost of replacement.
[0006] In addition, according to the current invention, the triple split front covering structure comprises a separate front panel side LH, a separate front panel bottom LH and a separate front panel top LH. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the front panel side LH performs a function of covering lid for a storage area beneath it. Similarly, on the other side, front panel side RH also performs function of a covering lid for a storage area beneath it. Thus, the present invention provides a double storage area on the front covering structure.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] Figure 1 shows typical two-wheeled vehicle.
[0008] Figure 2 Illustrates perspective view of the said two wheeler.
[0009] Figure 3 Illustrates the fastening mechanism of the front panel bottom LH with front panel top LH and front panel side LH.
[00010] Figure 4 illustrates the exploded view of the triple split front panel.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[00011] According to the current invention, the disclosed triple split front covering structure as disclosed in the current invention comprises of a front panel side LH, front panel bottom LH and a front panel top LH. In case of vehicle roll over or vehicle falling, the front panel bottom LH, being an exposed covering member, which also functions as a leg shield, is more susceptible to be damaged. The front panel bottom LH, which is more susceptible to breakage on falling of vehicle is made smaller and as a segregated part which further leads to a front panel portion, which is easier to replace.
[00012] Figure 1 shows vehicle 1 with rear wheel 2, engine 3, air filter 4, front wheel 5, floorboard 6, utility box 7, head light 8, side panel 9, rear suspension 10, grab rail 11, tail lamp 12, rider seat 13 and a visor 14. The current invention relates to the front portion of this vehicle 1. Generally a vehicle is more susceptible to fall on the sides and the side lower portion of the front portion is more vulnerable for scratches and breakages.
[00013] Figure 2 shows visor 14, headlamp 8, number plate mounting bracket 21,handlebar cover top 22, handle bar cover bottom 23, front panel top LH 24, front panel side LH 25, front panel bottom LH. According to the current invention, the front portion of the vehicle 1 comprising of visor 14, headlamp 8, number plate mounting bracket 21,handlebar cover top 22, handle bar cover bottom 23, front panel top LH 24, front panel side LH 25, front panel bottom LH. The left side and right side of the vehicle front portion is symmetrical with respect to the line AA’. The embodiments disclosed herein are for the left side view of the vehicle and the corresponding embodiments on the right side are substantially similar.
[00014] Figure 3 illustrates the fastening mechanism of the panels. Figure 3 further shows headlamp 8, front panel top LH 24, front panel side LH 25 and front panel bottom LH 26. The plurality of fasteners 27 as shown in Figure 3 are used to fasten the front panel top LH 24, front panel side LH 25 and front panel bottom LH 26 among each other. As shown in the Figure 2 in an assembled condition, the front panel bottom LH 26 is press fitted and by help of required number of fasteners among the fasteners 27 is fastened to the front panel side LH 25 and front panel top LH 24. The front panel top LH 24 is further fastened to a frame member beneath the visor 14. In one embodiment of the present invention, the front panel bottom LH 26 is made substantially smaller than the front panel top LH 24, and front panel side LH 25.
[00015] Figure 4 shows headlamp 8, visor 14, number plate mounting bracket 21, front panel top LH 24, front panel side LH 25 and front panel bottom LH 26. Figure 4 further shows exploded view of the front panels. In yet another embodiment of the present invention, the region 51 beneath the front panel side LH 25 is used as a storage area. A split front panel prevents the replacement of bigger single panels viz. front panel top LH 24 and front panel side LH 25, in event of vehicle falling and merely replacement of front panel bottom LH 26 may solve the purpose.
[00016] Figure 5 shows headlamp 8, visor 14, number plate mounting bracket 21, front panel top LH 24, front panel side LH 25 and front panel bottom LH 26 and front storage 51. Figure 5 illustrates the storage box opening made out of the front panel side LH. As described earlier, since the front panel being described herein has a symmetrical counterpart on the right side along the axis AA’, a similar storage box would be on right side on front panel side RH.
[00017] Thus, the current invention provides a twin storage box for a step through vehicle on front panels of the vehicle. This storage box 51 is in addition to the storage area available under the rider seat 13. It is further disclosed that the front panel side LH 25 which functions as the lid or cover for the storage box 51 opens the storage box 51 when the front panel side LH 25 is rotated forwardly in the vehicle forward direction hinged either on the front panel top LH 24, or front panel bottom LH 26 or on the frame member.
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A front structure for a scooter type vehicle, said scooter type vehicle comprising:
a headlamp (8) for directing light on the road to assist a rider during night time riding;
a visor (14) to deflect gust of wind away from rider’s face during riding; and
a front panel structure to cover frame structure of the vehicle and to reduce the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle;
characterized in that:
the front panel structure to cover frame structure of the vehicle (1) is substantially symmetrical along a central line (AA’) wherein left side symmetrical portion (L) is triparted into a front panel top LH (24), front panel side LH (25) and front panel bottom LH (26).
2. A front structure for a scooter type vehicle, said scooter type vehicle comprising:
a headlamp (8) for directing light on the road to assist a rider during night time riding;
a visor (14) to deflect gust of wind away from rider’s face during riding; and
a front panel structure to cover frame structure of the vehicle and to reduce the aerodynamic drag on the vehicle;
characterized in that:
the front panel structure to cover frame structure of the vehicle (1) is substantially symmetrical along a central line (AA’) wherein right side symmetrical portion (R) is triparted into a front panel top RH, front panel side RH and front panel bottom RH.
3. The front structure for a scooter type vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said front panel bottom LH (26) and said front panel bottom RH is substantially smaller in size than the front panel top LH (24), front panel side LH (25), front panel top RH and front panel side RH.
4. The front structure for a scooter type vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the front panel top LH (24) and the front panel top RH hold said headlamp (8).
5. The front structure for a scooter type vehicle as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said triparted portions of the front panel are fastened to each other using suitable snap fit fasteners (27) and said front panel top (24) is detachably attached to frame.