FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to saddle-type vehicles and
particularly, but not exclusively, to a front panel sub-assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A saddle-type two or three-wheeled vehicle conventionally
disposes a vehicle approach warning device, such as a horn towards the foremost end of a frame structure of the vehicle. The frame structure of the vehicle provides skeletal support, acts as the principal load bearing member and enables mounting of a majority of components of the vehicle.
[0003] The disposal of the hom towards the foremost end of the vehicle is
ideal to facilitate transmission of sound of the horn to the largest extent in order to warn pedestrians or other vehicle riders on the track of the approach of the vehicle.
[0004] The horn is placed behind a front panel sub-assembly of said
vehicle to protect it from being contaminated by dust or dirt, said contamination being typical in the regular usage of said vehicle. The front panel sub-assembly usually comprises of a single panel. At least one aperture is provided in the front panel sub-assembly to allow emanation of sound of the horn from behind the front panel sub-assembly.
[0005] The aperture is conventionally an uncovered slot or a slot covered
by a reticulated screen. An aperture is necessary not only to allow emanation of sound of the horn but also to allow circulation of air around the horn in order to cool it. However, there is one drawback to the arrangement explained.
[0006] Vehicles are customarily washed in all directions during their
service, maintenance or wash. Direct impingement of water or any other fluid on the front panel sub-assembly of the vehicle causes entry of the water or fluid through the aperture in the front panel sub-assembly. Repeated entry of water or fluid into the region where the horn is housed results in damage of the hom over a

period of time and reduces its durability. The same applies for other water-sensitive components which may be housed in the space behind the front panel sub-assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0007] 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.
[0008] Figure 1 illustrates a front view of an exemplary saddle-type
vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Figure 2 illustrates a rear view of the exemplary saddle-type
vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0010] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the exemplary saddle-type
vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0011] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the front panel sub-
assembly of the exemplary saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0012] Figure 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the central panel of
the front panel sub-assembly of-the exemplary saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0013] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the central panel of the
front panel sub-assembly of the exemplary saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0014] Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the central panel of the front
panel sub-assembly of the exemplary saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter

[0015] Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the front panel and the
central panel of the front panel sub-assembly of the exemplary saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Generally, the front panel sub-assembly is a single unit mounted on
the front portion of a saddle-type vehicle. The function of said front panel sub-assembly is to render the vehicle aerodynamically efficient by streamlining airflow incident on the front of said vehicle when it is in motion. Additionally, the front panel sub-assembly also acts as a protective shield to prevent contamination of dust-sensitive or water-sensitive components placed in the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the frame structure. A few causes of contamination are accumulation of dust that is carried by the incoming airflow when said saddle-type vehicle is in motion and dirt that splashes up when said vehicle is ridden on water-logged tracks and rain water.
[0017] Conventionally, most saddle-type vehicles house the horn in the
lower region of the front portion of the vehicle, close to the front fender or the front splash guard. While use of such a location for the hom dispenses with the need to provide an aperture in the front panel sub-assembly, there is a disadvantage that the horn is susceptible to being splashed by dirt and water from below when the vehicle is ridden on water or dirt ridden tracks. This reduces the longevity of the hom and it is subject to frequent failures as a result.
[0018] A front panel sub-assembly having multiple panels such as that
disclosed in JP 2001034542 is known in the art. However, such a front panel sub¬assembly is provided with an open aperture to enable emanation of sound of the hom as is the case in the mentioned patent. In the absence of an aperture, the hom is housed in the lower regions, near a front-fork assembly of the saddle-type vehicle. This results in some disadvantages of the hom becoming vulnerable to

damage due to exposure to dirt and dust splashed up from below, regardless of the number of panels constituting the front panel sub-assembly.
[0019] It is therefore, advantageous to locate the hom in a more protected
upper region of the front portion of the saddle-type vehicle. Disposal of the horn in an upper region of the front portion of die vehicle requires at least one aperture to allow emanation of sound of horn. The aperture when left exposed for unimpeded entry of air, water, dust and dirt to enter the space behind the front panel sub-assembly, leads to prolonged accumulation of the contaminants on sensitive components placed in said space, leading to their failure and reduction of life-time ultimately.
[0020] It is customary for a battery to be disposed towards the rear of a
saddle-type vehicle, usually beneath the seating location. While it is an advantageous location as regards providing a protected space for the battery, it has the drawback of diminishing volume of a storage box also located beneath the seating location. Disposing of the battery towards the front end of the saddle-type vehicle, behind the front panel sub-assembly offers protection to the battery as well as allows the storage box to have maximum volume thereby achieving compact vehicle layout with maximum utility / storage space.
[0021] However, if water and dust are allowed to enter freely through the
aperture cut-out to allow sound emanation of the hom, it could lead to short-circuit of the electrical connections on contamination by water or failure of battery due to prolonged accumulation of dust. Failure of the battery in not merely a disadvantage but could prove hazardous as well. Therefore, there is a need for compact vehicle with a front panel sub-assembly which allows emanation of sound of horn but restricts entry of water, dust or dirt into the space protected by said front panel sub-assembly.
[0022] The front headlamp sub-assembly of the saddle-type vehicle was
traditionally disposed on the handle bar. However, due to constraints such as limitation in space and hindrance of easy handling of the steering bar by the rider due to weight of the front headlamp sub-assembly, mounting on the front panel

sub-assembly is found to be more advantageous. With the additional inclusion of daylight running lamps into the front head lamp sub-assembly, greater space was required for mounting of the same than that afforded by the handle bar. Moreover, absence of space and weight constraints enables use of larger and wider reflectors in the head lamp sub-assembly, which greatly increases the range of visibility.
[0023] Mounting of the front headlamp sub-assembly on the front panel
sub-assembly of the saddle-type vehicle requires the front panel sub-assembly to withstand the load of the headlamp sub-assembly. The material out of which the . front panel sub-assembly is made must be strong enough to enable the front panel to function as a load bearing member. Use of a front panel sub-assembly consisting of a single unit necessitates the use of the material capable of supporting the front head lamp sub-assembly throughout the front panel sub¬assembly, irrespective of whether or not such strength in material is required in areas of the front panel sub-assembly other than those supporting the weight of the front headlamp sub-assembly.
[0024] Therefore, a front panel sub-assembly that allows mounting of a
horn along with other components which are sensitive to water, dust and dirt in the space behind said front panel sub-assembly, while providing easy access for installation, removal or maintenance of said components, necessitating removal of only a single panel of the front panel sub-assembly of the saddle-type vehicle is desirable in the art.
[0025] The present invention discloses a front panel sub-assembly of a
saddle-type vehicle, wherein said front panel sub-assembly comprises of a plurality of front panels, disposed towards the front portion of the saddle-type vehicle.
[0026] In an embodiment, the front panel sub-assembly comprises of a left
panel, a right panel, a front panel and a central panel. The panels of the front panel sub-assembly are mounted on the front portion of the saddle-type vehicle by mounting fasteners. The panels are assembled adjacent to each other, with the respective adjoining outer edges abutting and with no discontinuities between the

panels, so as not to allow entry of water, dirt and dust through the front panel sub¬assembly.
[0027] In another embodiment, the front panel sub-assembly comprises of
a left panel, a right panel, a front panel and a central panel. The left panel, front panel and the right panel are mounted on the saddle-type vehicle by mounting fasteners. The central panel comprises of a grill member and top member, wherein the grill member of the central panel and the top member of the central panel are secured through self-tapping screws.
[0028] In an embodiment, the front panel is configured to have at least one
cut-out large enough to allow assembly, removal and maintenance of the components housed in the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the front portion of the frame structure of the vehicle.
[0029] In an embodiment, the grill member of the central panel is shaped
to have at least one cut-out and at least one wall on the front face of the grill member of the central panel. At least one cut-out of die grill member is configured to be placed over corresponding at least one cut-out of the front panel. The area of the cut-out is to be large enough to allow tooling access to components such as horn, battery and other electrical components housed in the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the front portion of the frame structure of the vehicle. The top member of the central panel is shaped in such a manner as to allow it to mesh with the grill member, wherein said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member lies within the outer edges of the top member.
[0030] In an embodiment, the shape and height of said at least one wall on
the front face of the grill member and the shape of at least one outer edge of a plurality of outer edges of the top member of the central panel are in such a manner as to allow a lateral gap between the outer face of said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member and the inner face of the corresponding at least one outer edge of the top member, wherein the outer face of said at least one wall of the grill member and the inner face of the corresponding at least one outer edge

of the top member are assembled adjacently with said lateral gap between them. The lateral gap is operable to allow circulation of air in the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the front portion of the frame structure of the vehicle. Said lateral gap is also operable to allow emanation of sound of horn but restricts entry of dust, dirt and water on their incidence on the front panel sub¬assembly.
[0031] In an embodiment, said at least one wall on the front face of the
grill member is a slightly raised member that runs around said at least one cut-out of the grill member, bordering said.at least one cut-out on left, right and lower sides. The grill member comprises of an elevated head portion. Said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member integrates into the elevated head portion of the grill member, such that the upper surface of the elevated head portion and die upper surface of said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member together form a single, unbroken upper surface of the grill member. The top member is adapted to be assembled over said single, unbroken upper surface of the grill member, to form the central panel.
[0032] In an embodiment, the plurality of outer edges of the top member
of the central panel are configured to contain the outer edge of the elevated head portion and mesh with the outer face of said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member. The plurality of outer edges of the top member comprise of an upper outer edge, a left outer edge, a right outer edge and a lower outer edge. The upper outer edge of the top member is adapted to encompass the outer edge of the elevated head portion so as to be fitted snugly with each other, sealing the upper outer edge completely against entry of dust, dirt and water. The left outer edge, right outer edge and lower outer edge are configured to contain and run parallel to the left side, right side and lower side of said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member, respectively. The lower outer edge of the top member is adapted to be fitted snugly against the front face of the grill member and the contour shaped parallel to the lower outer edge of said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member.

[0033] In an embodiment, the left outer edge and right outer edge of the
top member of the central panel have portions cut out so that the lower ends of the left outer edge and the right outer edge are slightly lower than the top end of the left side and right side of said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member, respectively. The respective heights of the lower outer edges of the left outer edge and right outer edge of the top member, when measured from the base of at least one wall on the front face of the grill member, are lesser than the respective heights of the top ends of the left side and right side of said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member. This embodiment allows better emanation of sound of the horn and allows greater volume of air to be circulated in and out of the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the front portion of the frame structure of the vehicle, while having a front panel sub-assembly free from apertures allowing unimpeded entry of water, dirt and dust.
[0034] In another embodiment, the grill member of the central panel has
an outlying region around said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member. The outlying region is configured to slope inwardly from ridge contours of the grill member to base of said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member. The inward sloping outlying region lies partially outside the plurality of outer edges of the top member. The plurality of outer edges of the top member are positioned over the inward sloping region of the grill member, with at least some portion of said plurality of outer edges of the top member not being in contact with any part of the front face of the grill member. The inward sloping outlying region further increases the volume of the lateral gap between the top member and grill member of the central panel, thereby increasing the volume of air available for circulation for the components housed behind the front panel sub-assembly as well as improving audibility of the horn. The outer region of the grill member is configured to slope downwards from the ridge contours to the outermost contours of the grill member, in a direction opposite to that of the outlying region.
[0035] The grill member, in an embodiment, particularly comprises of the
elevated head portion, the wall on the front face of the grill member and the

outlying portion sloping inwards from ridge contours of the grill member to the base of said wall. The wall on the front face of the grill member and the elevated head portion, together are configured to form one uniform surface on the front face of the grill member and to surround die plurality of cut-outs. The wall is configured to taper and integrate into the elevated head portion. The outer region of the grill member slopes downwards from the ridge contour to the outermost contours of the grill member, in a direction opposite to that of the outlying region. Lower side contours and lower contour of the top member are shaped to run approximately parallel to the wall on the front face of the grill member. Upper side edge and upper edge of the top member are shaped to run in line with the side contours of the outermost contours of the grill member to form a uniform outer edge of the central panel as a whole.
[0036] In another embodiment, the front panel sub-assembly comprises of
a left panel, a right panel, a front panel and a central panel. The left panel, front panel and the right panel are mounted on the saddle-type vehicle by mounting means e.g. fasteners. The central panel is a single-member panel and the front panel is configured to have at least one cut-out large enough to allow assembly, removal and maintenance of the components housed in the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the front portion of the frame structure of the vehicle.
[0037] In an embodiment, the front panel of the front panel sub-assembly
is shaped to have at least one wall on the front face of the front panel. The central panel is shaped in such a manner as to allow it to mesh with the front panel, wherein said at least one wall on the front face of the grill member lies within the outer edges of the central panel.
[0038] In an embodiment, the shape and height of said at least one wall on.
the front panel and the shape of at least one outer edge of a plurality of outer edges of the central panel are in such a manner as to allow a lateral gap between the outer face of said at least one wall and the inner face of the corresponding at least one outer edge of me central panel, wherein the outer face of said at least one

wall and the inner face of the corresponding at least one outer edge of the central panel are assembled adjacently with said lateral gap between them. The lateral gap is operable to allow circulation of air in the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the front portion of die frame structure of the vehicle. Said lateral gap is also operable to allow emanation of sound of hom but restricts entry of dust, dirt and water on their incidence on the front panel sub-assembly.
[0039] In an embodiment, a hom, a battery and electrical components
associated with the battery are housed in the space between the front panel sub¬assembly and the front portion of the frame structure of the vehicle. The battery is housed in a battery housing which also holds the associated electrical components and the horn is disposed above the battery. The head tube of the main frame supports the battery housing through a bracket. The front panel of the front panel sub-assembly is mounted through a plurality of brackets, at least one of which is present on the battery housing. The front panel of the front panel sub-assembly supports the head lamp sub-assembly.
[0040] The front panel sub-assembly as disclosed in one or more of the
above embodiments serves to restrict entry of water, dirt or dust into the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the front portion of the frame structure of the vehicle. The wall on the face of the grill member prevents water from going through, even if any contaminant is incident upon the lateral gap between the top member and the grill member of the central panel. The outlying member, as mentioned in one or more embodiments, serves to increase the volume of air circulation available for the components housed in the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the front portion of the frame structure of the vehicle as well as to maximize audibility of the horn. Thus, the front panel sub-assembly as disclosed dispenses widi the need to use an aperture to ensure audibility of the horn.
[0041] Thus, the present subject matter provides a solution to the problem
of components housed in the space between the front panel sub-assembly and the front portion of the frame structure of the vehicle being damaged due to

unimpeded entry of dirt, dust and water due to at least one aperture on said front panel sub-assembly, said at least one aperture being a feature for reasons of air circulation and ventilation of said components and in case of one of the components being a horn, to allow emanation of sound of the hom.
[0042] Such a configuration has the advantage of preventing
contamination of said components, thereby increasing their longevity and reducing the probability of failure.
[0043] The present invention discloses a front panel sub-assembly
comprising of a plurality of panels arranged to allow sound of the horn to emanate through a covered lateral gap, said covered lateral gap preventing entry of water, dust or dirt which is incident directly on the front panel sub-assembly, while allowing circulation of air to said components to facilitate their cooling.
[0044] Apart from the horn, other components may also be housed behind
the front panel sub-assembly of the saddle-type vehicle. For example, the battery may be disposed in the front portion of the saddle-type vehicle. Incidence of water on the battery may lead to failure of battery or the surrounding electrical components such as connecting wires and fuse. Failure of these vital components could prove hazardous during operation of the vehicle.
[0045] The present invention advantageously discloses a front panel sub-
assembly comprising of a plurality of panels that allows easy maintenance and servicing of the saddle type vehicle by allowing direct hosing of a vehicle in all directions without allowing entry of the fluid being hosed through the front panel sub-assembly.
[0046] Further, the present invention advantageously discloses a front
panel sub-assembly wherein the material of each panel may be varied to enable it to have pre-determined characteristics, particularly with respect to load bearing capacity and impact resistance.
[0047] The present invention additionally has the advantage of enabling
easy painting of the front panel sub-assembly. Use of multiple panels have the

advantage of dispensing with the need of masking certain portions while painting or texturing of other surfaces, as required in case of a front panel sub-assembly consisting of a single unit.
[0048] Therefore, the present invention addresses the drawbacks prevalent
in the state of the art. Further, it has the added advantage of increasing the ease of maintenance and cleaning of the saddle-type vehicle. Apart from the advantages already mentioned, the described invention has several advantages over conventional arrangements prevalent in state of the art.
[0049] An embodiment of the present invention is described in further
detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description. The horn, battery, fuse and other related electrical components are placed in the space behind the front panel sub-assembly, which is constructed out of a plurality of panels configured in a manner so as to dispense with the need to provide an aperture to allow dissemination of sound of the horn as well as to facilitate cooling of components. The' panels are configured to enable to advantageously achieve a lateral gap of optimum dimensions, while restricting entry of dirt, dust and water. It is obvious that other embodiments of the present invention are possible within the scope of the same.
[0050] Figure 1 illustrates a front side view of an exemplary saddle-type
vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. A pair of left and right mirror of the rear view mirror unit (102) is mounted on the saddle-type vehicle (100) through a mirror stem (103). The vehicle comprises of a frame assembly (not shown) which is conventionally an underbone chassis frame which provides a generally open central area to permit "step-through" mounting by a rider.
[0051] Typically, the frame assembly (not shown) comprises of a head
tube, a main tube (not shown), and a pair of side tubes (not shown). The head tube is disposed towards the front portion. The main tube (not shown) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube forming a flat horizontal step-tfirough portion (not shown). The other end of the main tube (not shown) is

connected with the pair of side-tubes (not shown) through a bracket (not shown). The head tube is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and further connected to the front suspension system (104) at the lower end. A handlebar support member (not shown) is connected to an upper end of the steering tube (not shown) and supports a handlebar assembly (106).
[0052] Two telescopic suspensions of the front suspension system (104)
are attached to a bracket on the lower part of the steering tube (not shown) on which is supported the front wheel (109). The upper portion of the front wheel (109) is covered by a front fender (108) mounted to the lower portion of the steering shaft (not shown). The front end of the saddle-type vehicle (100) is protected by a front panel sub-assembly (120). The front panel sub-assembly (120) comprises of a left panel (121), a right panel (122), a front panel (124) and a central panel (123). A front head lamp sub-assembly (140) is supported by the front panel (124) of the front panel sub-assembly (120).
[0053] The pair of side-tubes (not shown) extends from the other end of
the main tube and are disposed parallel on either side of the vehicle width direc¬tion. Each of the said side tube (not shown) includes a down frame section (not shown) inclined and extending from the main tube (not shown) and gradually af¬ter a certain length extending rearward in a substantially horizontal direction to the rear of the vehicle. A plurality of cross pipes (not shown) is secured in be¬tween the pair of side-tubes (not shown) at selected intervals to support vehicular attachments including a utility box (not shown), a seat assembly (not shown) and a fuel tank assembly (not shown).
[0054] A seat (not shown) is supported on the pair of side-tubes (not
shown) on which a rider may sit. Generally, the utility box (not shown) is sup¬ported between the front portions of the left and right end of the pair of side-tubes (not shown) so as to be disposed below the seat (not shown). A fuel tank assembly (not shown) is disposed on between the rear portions of the pair of the side-tubes (not shown).

[0055] The exhaust emission system (not shown) is disposed at the side
extending rearward coupled to the frame assembly. There is front brake (not shown) and rear brake (not shown) arranged on the front wheel (109) and a rear wheel (not shown) respectively. The rear wheel (not shown) is covered by a rear fender (not shown) with a tail light (not shown) disposed above it and a support bar (not shown) place above it at the end of the seat assembly (not shown). The rear wheel (not shown) is supported towards the rear side of the frame by the internal combustion (IC) engine (not shown) which is horizontally coupled swingably to the rear of the frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle through a rear suspension system (not shown).
[0056] Figure 2 illustrates a rear side view of the exemplary saddle-type
vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, showing a plurality of mounting fasteners (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b, 203a, 203b, 204) used to mount the panels (123, 124) of the front panel sub-assembly (120). The front panel (124) is mounted by several mounting fasteners including 201a, 201b, 203a, 203b and 204. The central panel (123) is mounted by several mounting fasteners including 202a and 202b. The mounting fasteners (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b, 203a, 203b, 204) secure the panels (123, 124) of the front panel sub-assembly (120) to the leg shield (210) of the saddle-type vehicle (100), both of which are supported by the head tube (as shown in Figure 3) of the vehicle (100). As shown in the figure, the leg shield (210) lies below the handle bar assembly (106) and the rear view mirrors (102) are supported on mirror stems (103) on the handle bar assembly (106).
[0057] Figure 3 illustrates a top side view of the exemplary saddle-type
vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, showing particularly a space (301) between the front panel sub-assembly (120) and the front portion of the frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle (101). As shown in the figure, the space (301) is between the head tube (302) the front panel sub assembly (120). Said space (301) is protected by the central panel (123) of the front panel sub-assembly (120), which is removed to form an opening to show the

inside of the space (301). In this embodiment, a horn (305) and a battery (306) are disposed in said space (301). The head lamp sub-assembly (140) is located below the space (301) and supported by the front panel (124) of the front panel sub¬assembly (120). The front fender (108) is located below the head lamp sub¬assembly (140) and shrouds the front wheel (109) of the saddle-type vehicle (100). The front panel (124) is flanked on both sides below by the left panel (121) and the right panel (122).
[0058] In this embodiment, the head tube (302) supports the housing of
the battery (306) through a bracket. The front panel (124) of the front panel sub¬assembly (120) is mounted through a plurality of brackets, at least one of which is present on the housing of the battery (306).
[0059] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the front panel sub-
assembly (120) of the exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, showing the central panel (123) and the front panel (124) of the front panel sub-assembly (120). The left panel (121) and right panel (122) of the front panel sub-assembly (120) are not shown in this figure. The space (301) between the front panel sub-assembly (120) and the front portion of the frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle (101) is surrounded by the front panel (124) on the sides and the central panel (123) from the top, as may be seen in the figure. The head lamp sub-assembly (140) is mounted on the front panel (124) of the front panel sub-assembly (120). It may be seen in the figure that the front panel (124) is mounted on the vehicle (100) through a bracket (401) on the housing of the battery (306) and a plurality of mounting fasteners (203a, 203b, 402a, 402b, 403a, 403b) used to secure the front panel (124) to the leg shield (210).
[0060] Figure 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the central panel
(123) of the front panel sub-assembly (120) of the exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, showing the two members comprising the central panel (123), namely the grill member

(501) and the top member (502). The top member (502) is configured to be assembled over the front face (510) of the grill member (501).
[0061] The grill member (501) of the central panel (123), as shown in
Figure 5, has a plurality of cut-outs (503, 504), one cut-out (503) to allow ventilation of the battery (306) and its associated electrical components and the upper cut-out (504), located near the horn (305), being operable to allow emanation of sound of the horn (305). The top member (502) is secured to the grill member (501) through three self-tapping screws (505a, 505b, 506). This layout.eases out maintenance and service of the battery (306) and the horn (305) as the need for removal of the entire central panel (123) is dispensed with. The battery (306) and the horn (305) may be accessed directly through the cut-outs (503, 504), by removing only the top member (502), to carry out minor repairs which do not require their removal from their disposed location.
[0062] The grill member (501), in this embodiment, particularly comprises
of an elevated head portion (511), a wall (512) on the front face (510) of the grill member (501), an outlying portion (513) sloping inwards from ridge contours (514) of the grill member (501) to the base of said wall (512) and an outer region (516) of the grill member (501) that slopes outwards and downwards from the ridge contour (514) to the outermost contours (517) of the grill member (501). The wall (512) on the front face (510) of the grill member (501) and the elevated head portion (511), together are configured to form one uniform surface (515) on the front face (510) of the grill member (501) and to surround the plurality of cut¬outs (503, 504). The wall (512) is configured to taper (512a) and integrate into the elevated head portion (511). The outer region (516) of the grill member (501) slopes outwards and downwards from the ridge contour (514) to the outermost contours (517) of the grill member (501), in a direction opposite to that of the outlying region (513).
[0063] The top member (502), in this embodiment, is operable to cover
the plurality of cut-outs (503, 504) of the grill member (501) and mount the central panel (123) on the saddle-type vehicle (100). Mounting fasteners (202a,

202b) are used to mount the central panel (123) to the leg shield (210). The lower side outer edges (as shown in Figure 6) and lower outer edge (as shown in Figure 6) of the top member (502) are shaped to run approximately parallel to the wall (512) on the front face (510) of the grill member (501). The upper side outer edges (521a, 521b) and the upper outer edge (522) of the top member (502) are shaped to run in line with the outermost contours (517) of the grill member (501), on the sides, as shown in the figure. The upper side outer edges (521a, 521b) and the upper outer edge (522) of the top member (502) are in tine with the side contours (517a, 517b) of the outermost contours (517) of the grill member (501) to form a uniform outer edge of the central panel (123) as a whole.
[0064] Figure 6 illustrates an exploded view of the central panel (123) of
the front panel sub-assembly (120) of the exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, showing the top member (502) and the grill member (501). The lower side outer edges (601a, 601b) of the top member (502) have portions cut out (602a, 602b) such that the portions cut out (602a, 602b) of the lower side outer edges (601a, 601b) do not touch the front face (510) of the grill member (501) when the central panel (123) is assembled and a lateral gap (shown in Figure 7) is formed. The portions cut-out (602a, 602b), through the formed lateral gap (shown in Figure 7) increase the volume of air circulation for the components (305, 306) housed in the space (301) between the front panel sub-assembly (120) and the front portion of the frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle (100). The top member (502) is attached to the grill member (501) through self-tapping screws (505a, 505b, 506). The figure illustrates the passage (605a, 605b, 606) of the self-tapping screws (505a, 505b, 506) on the rear face (610) of the top member (502). The lower outer edge (603) of the top member (502) is configured to sit on the front face (510) of the grill member (501).
[0065] The demarcation (610) between the upper side outer edges (521a,
521b) and lower side outer edges (601a, 601b) of the top member (502) is marked by an imaginary line 610.

[0066] Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the central panel (123) of
the front panel sub-assembly (120) of the exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter showing the top member (502) meshed over the grill member (501) and a lateral gap (701) formed between the wall (512) of the grill member (501) and the lower side outer edges (601a, 601b) of the top member (502). As seen it may be seen in the figure, the lower side outer edges (601a, 601b) of the top member (502) do not touch the front face (510) of the grill member (501). The lower side outer edges (601a, 601b), in this embodiment, comprise of portions cut-out (602a, 602b) to enable greater volume of air circulation through the lateral gap (701) formed between the wall (512) and the lower outer edges (601a, 601b) of the top member (502).
[0067] Figure 8 illustrates a sectional view of the front panel (124) and the
central panel (123) of the front panel sub-assembly (120) of the exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100), in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter wherein the front panel sub-assembly (120) comprises of a left panel (121), a right panel (122), a front panel (124) and a central panel (123). The left panel (121), the front panel (124) and the right panel (122) are mounted on the saddle-type vehicle (100) by mounting fasteners (201a, 201b, 202a, 202b, 203a, 203b, 204). The central panel (123) is a single-member panel and the front panel (124) is configured to have at least one cut-out (503, 504). In this embodiment, the front panel (124) of the front panel sub-assembly (120) is shaped to have at least one wall (812), similar to the wall (512) on the face of the grill member (501) as disclosed in the first embodiment. The wall (812) lies on the front face (810) of the front panel (124). The central panel (123) is shaped in such a manner as to allow it to mesh with the front panel (124), wherein said at least one wall (812) on the front face (810) of the front panel (124) lies within the outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel (123). A lateral gap (801) is formed between said at least one wall (812) on the front face (810) of the front panel (124) and the outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel (123), wherein at least a portion of said outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) are removed to enable greater air circulation into the space (301) between the front panel sub-assembly (120)

and the front portion of the frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle (101) without allowing unimpeded entry of wafer, dirt and dust through the lateral gap (801). The central panel (123) comprises an outlying region (813), said outlying region (813) being configured to slope inwards and downwards, and wherein the side outer edges (802a, 802b) are adapted to be positioned above the outlying region (813).
[0068] 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.

We claim:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly, said frame assembly further comprising a head tube (302) disposed in the front portion of said vehicle (100); a front panel sub-assembly (120) disposed in the front of the head tube (100) of said frame assembly;
wherein the front panel sub-assembly (120) comprises a plurality of panels (1021, 122, 123, 124) including a central panel (123), said central panel (123) comprising a grill member (501) and a top member (502), wherein a plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) of the top member (502) are adapted to mesh with a front face (510) of the grill member (501).
2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front face (510) has at least one wall (512), and wherein the grill member (501) is configured to have at least one cut-out (503, 504), said at least one cut-out (503, 504) being disposed within said at least one wall (512), said cut-out (503, 504) being operable to access for tooling of at least one component (305, 306), said at least one component (305, 306) being housed in a space (301) between the front panel sub-assembly (120) and the head tube (302), and wherein said at least one cut-out (503, 504) and said at least one wall (512) are disposed within the plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) of the top member (502).
3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein a lateral gap (701) is formed between one or more portions of said at least one wall (512) and at least one edge of the plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) of the top member, wherein said at least one edge of the plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) is adapted to be positioned above the front face (510) of the grill member

(501), and wherein said one or more portions of said at least one wall (512) lies below the top member (502).
4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of outer edges (521a, 521b, 522, 601a, 601b, 603) of the top member (502) comprise two side outer edges (521a, 521b, 601a, 601b), a lower outer edge (603) and an upper outer edge (522), wherein a portion (602a, 602b) of at least one of the two side outer edges (521a, 521b, 601a, 601b) are removed to form an opening, and wherein the side outer edges (521a, 521b, 601a, 601b) are adapted to be positioned above the front face (510) of the grill member (501).
5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the grill member (501) comprises an outlying region (513), said outlying region (513) being configured to slope inwards and downwards, and wherein the side outer edges (521a, 521b, 601a, 601b) are adapted to be positioned above the outlying region (513).
6. A saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly, said frame assembly further comprising a head
tube (302) disposed in the front portion of said vehicle (100);
a front panel sub-assembly (120) disposed in the front of the head
tube (100) of said frame assembly;
wherein the front panel sub-assembly (120) comprises a plurality of panels (121, 122, 123, 124) including a front panel (124) and a central panel (123), wherein a plurahty of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel (123) are adapted to mesh with a front face (810) of the front panel (124) and wherein the front face (810) has at least one wall (812).
7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the front face
(810) is configured to have at least one cut-out (503, 504), said at least one

cut-out (503, 504) being disposed within said at least one wall (812), said cut-out (503, 504) being operable to access for tooling of at least one component (305, 306), said at least one component (305, 306) being housed in a space (301) between the front panel sub-assembly (120) and the head tube (302), and wherein said at least one cut-out (503, 504) and said at least one wall (812) are disposed within the plurality of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel (123).
8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6 or claim 7, wherein a lateral gap (801) is formed between one or more portions of said at least one wall (812) and at least one edge of the plurality of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel (123), and wherein said at least one edge of the plurality of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) is adapted to be positioned above the front face (810) of the front panel (124), and wherein said one or more portions of said at least one wall (812) lies below the central panel (123).
9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of outer edges (802a, 802b, 803, 804) of the central panel comprises of two side outer edges (802a, 802b), a lower outer edge (804) and an upper outer edge (803), wherein a portion of at least one of the two side outer edges (802a, 802b) is removed to form an opening, and wherein the side outer edges (802a, 802b) are adapted to be positioned above the front face (810) of the front panel (124).
10. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6 or claim 9, wherein the central panel (123) comprises an outlying region (813), said outlying region (813) being configured to slope inwards and downwards, and wherein the side outer edges (802a, 802b) are adapted to be positioned above the outlying region (813).