DESC:FRONT STRUCTURE OF STRADDLE-RIDE TYPE VEHICLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a straddle-ride type vehicle and, more particularly, to front structure of the straddle-ride type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, front structure of a straddle-ride type vehicle such as a scooter is formed by a front cover and a leg shield. The front cover and the leg shield, in combination, cover a front portion of a body frame of the straddle-ride type vehicle. The front cover covers the front portion of the body frame from a front side and the leg shield covers it from a rear side. Typically, the front cover is large in size so that it can cover an entire front portion of the body frame from the front side. Such configuration makes the structure of the front cover complex, and the front cover is required to be moulded into a single mould which increases the cost of moulding and makes manufacturing processes difficult. Also, it is difficult to handle such larger front cover during assembly of the straddle-ride type vehicle due to the front cover’s large size.
SUMMARY
[003] In an embodiment, a front cover structure of a straddle-ride type vehicle is provided. The front cover structure of a straddle-ride type vehicle comprises a left stay bracket and a right stay bracket, each fixed to a head tube of the straddle-ride type vehicle. The front cover structure further comprises a left stay member removably mounted to the left stay bracket and a right stay member removably mounted to the right stay bracket. The front cover structure further comprises a front cover. The front cover comprises a left side cover adapted to be removably mounted on the left stay member and a right side cover adapted to be removably mounted on the right stay member.
[004] In an embodiment, the front cover further comprises a centre cover supported by the left side cover and the right side cover. In another embodiment, the centre cover is supported on a body frame of the straddle-ride type vehicle.
[005] In an embodiment, the left stay bracket and the right stay bracket are welded to the head tube.
[006] In an embodiment, the front cover structure further comprises a left cover mounting bracket fixed at a free end of a mounting portion of the left stay member. The left cover mounting bracket is adapted to mount the left side cover of the front cover thereupon. In an embodiment, the front cover structure further comprises a right cover mounting bracket fixed at a free end of a mounting portion of the right stay member. The right cover mounting bracket is adapted to mount the right side cover of the front cover thereupon.
[007] In an embodiment, the left side cover is adapted to be supported by a left portion of a leg shield of the straddle-ride type vehicle and the right side cover is adapted to be supported by a right portion of a leg shield of the straddle-ride type vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, the left stay member comprises one or more left stay openings configured on a length portion of the left stay member, for engaging with corresponding one or more left bracket openings configured on the left stay bracket. In an embodiment, the right stay member comprises one or more right stay openings configured on a length portion of the right stay member, for engaging with corresponding one or more right bracket openings configured on the right stay bracket.
[009] In an embodiment, the left side cover comprises one or more left cover mounting holes for engaging with one or more left cover mounting openings of a left cover mounting bracket. In an embodiment, the right side cover comprises one or more right cover mounting holes for engaging with one or more right cover mounting opening of a right cover mounting bracket.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] The invention itself, together with further features and attended advantages, will become apparent from consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments of the present invention are now described, by way of example only wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0011] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a straddle-ride type vehicle such as a scooter, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0012] Figure 2 illustrates a view of a body frame of the straddle-ride type vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0013] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a front structure of the straddle-ride type vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0014] Figure 4 illustrates a view depicting stay members mounted to the body frame of the straddle-ride type vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0015] The drawings referred to in this description are not to be understood as being drawn to scale except if specifically noted, and such drawings are only exemplary in nature.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the spirit and the scope of the invention.
[0017] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a setup, device or method that comprises a list of components or steps does not include only those components or steps but may include other components or steps not expressly listed or inherent to such setup or device or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system or apparatus proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus.
[0018] The terms "saddle-ride type vehicle", straddle-ride type vehicle", "scooter", “vehicle”, and “two-wheeled vehicle” may have been interchangeably used throughout the description. These terms include vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, all terrain vehicles (ATV) and the like.
[0019] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / upward”, “down / downward / lower / lowerward” that may be used therein represent the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr in the drawing. Further, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” that may be used herein represent the directions as seen from the vehicle driver sitting astride.
[0020] Various embodiments of a front structure of the straddle-ride type vehicle are described herein with reference to Figures 1 to 4. For the better understanding of this invention, reference would now be made to the embodiments in the accompanying figures and description below, further, in the following figures, the same reference numerals are used to identify the same components in various views.
[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a straddle-ride type vehicle (10) (hereinafter referred to as 'vehicle (10)') according to an embodiment of the present invention. A main body frame (50) of the vehicle (10) is shown in Figure 2. The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (11), a front fender (13), a front wheel (14), a seat (17) a steering handlebar (15), a fuel tank (not visible in Figures) provided below the seat (17), an engine unit (18), a rear wheel (19), a front cover structure (25) comprising a front cover (20), and a leg shield (21). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) is shown to have included above stated parts, however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the vehicle (10) includes other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence are not shown and described.
[0022] As illustrated in the Figures 1, 2 and 3, the vehicle body frame (50) includes a head tube (102a), a main frame (102b) and a pair of rear seat sub-frames (21a), (21b) and one or more cross frame members such as a rear side cross frame member (102c) and a ‘U’ character-like front side crossing frame (120). The main frame (102b) extends downward and rearward from the head tube (102a) and then extends in substantially horizontal direction. The main frame (102b) is provided with a cross frame member (124) that is connected to a rear end of the main frame (102b). The cross frame member (124) extends in a cross direction of the vehicle (10). The rear seat sub-frames (e.g., right and left seat sub-frames) (21a) and (21b) extend rearwardly and upwardly from ends of the cross member (124) and then extend substantially horizontal. A rear part of the rear seat sub-frames (21a) and (21b) curves at rear end and are connected by a bracket (123). The ‘U’ character-like front side crossing frame (120) is constructed over a front part of the rear seat sub-frames (21a), (21b). The rear side cross frame member (102c) is constructed over a front part of a rear side approximately horizontal of the rear seat sub-frames (21a) and (21b).
[0023] A floor structure (125) of the vehicle (10) has two or more frame members provided by an upper surface of the front part of the approximately horizontal part of the main frame (102b), along a longitudinal and cross direction. In an example, the floor structure (125) is welded to the main frame (102b). Further, a first U-shaped frame tube (118a) extends obliquely downward and rearward, front ends of which are welded to the left rear seat sub-frame (21a) at a position near the front side cross frame (120). Similarly, a second U-shaped frame tube (118b) extends obliquely downward and rearward, front ends of which are welded to the right seat sub-frame (21b) at a position near the front side cross frame (120). The first and second U-shaped frame tubes (118a) and (118b) are used for mounting foot peg (not shown in any figures). The seat (17), on which one or more riders straddle, is supported by the pair of rear seat sub-frames (21a) and (21b). The floor structure (125) acts as a footboard disposed between a front portion of the seat (17) and the head tube (102a).
[0024] The front fork (11) is steerably supported by the head tube (102a) and the front wheel (14) is attached to a lower end of the front fork (11). The steering handlebar (15) is steerably connected to an upper end of the head tube (102a). The leg shield (21) that protects legs of the rider of the vehicle (10) is provided on the front side. A centre cover (104) is provided below a front portion of the seat (17). A side cover (101) is provided behind the centre cover (104), where the side cover (101) is present on both sides for covering side surface of the vehicle (10). A tail light (111a) and a rear fender (111) are provided towards rear portion of the vehicle (10).
[0025] The fuel tank is arranged under the seat (17) inside the side cover (101). Specifically, the fuel tank is arranged on rear end portion of the rear seat sub-frames (21a, 21b) and has a front end provided behind the cross frame member (102c) (shown in Figure 2). The engine unit (18) is arranged downwardly of the fuel tank. Discharge from the engine unit (18) after combustion is removed as exhaust gas from a muffler (not shown). The muffler is provided backwardly on a right side surface of the engine unit (18).
[0026] As illustrated in Figure 2, a battery tray (30) is attached to the front portion of the body frame (50) of the vehicle (10), particularly to the head tube (102a) through a bracket. However, in an embodiment, the battery tray (30) can be directly fixed to the head tube (102a). Generally, the battery tray (30) is made up of metallic body having sufficient rigidity. The battery tray (30) is a container such as a box comprising an opening that opens upward. A battery is housed in the battery tray (30) from the upside.
[0027] Referring specifically to Figure 3, a first stay member, for example a left stay member (31) is provided extending leftward and frontward from the head tube (102a) and a second stay member, for example, a right stay member (32) is provided extending rightward and frontward from the head tube (102a). In an embodiment, the left stay member (31) is mounted to a left stay bracket (131) which in turn is fixed onto the head tube (102a). Similarly the right stay member (32) is mounted to a right stay bracket (132) which in turn is fixed onto the head tube (102a). In an embodiment, the left stay bracket (131) and the right stay bracket (132) are welded to the head tube (102a).
[0028] In an embodiment, the left stay bracket (131) is welded to the head tube (102a) and extends towards left and then substantially along length of the vehicle (10). On a portion of the left stay bracket (131) that extends along the length of the vehicle (10), at least one left bracket opening is provided. For instance, as shown in Figure 3, two such left bracket openings (131a) and (131b) are provided. The left stay member (31) is substantially a L shaped rod having a length portion (31L) and a mounting portion (31M). The length portion (31L) of the left stay member (31) is provided with at least one left stay opening. For instance, as shown in Figure 3, two such left stay openings (31a) and (31b) are provided. The left stay member (31) is mounted to the left stay bracket (131) using the left bracket openings (131a) and (131b) of the left stay bracket (131) and the left stay openings (31a) and (31b) of the left stay member (31). Towards free end of the mounting portion (31M) of the left stay member (31), a left cover mounting bracket (231) is fixed. The left cover mounting bracket (231) is adapted to mount a left side cover (20L) of the front cover (20). The left cover mounting bracket (231) is provided with at least one left cover mounting opening to mount the left side cover (20L). Without limiting to the scope, as can be seen in the Figure 3, two such left cover mounting openings (231a) and (231b) are provided to mount the left side cover (20L).
[0029] Similarly, in an embodiment, the right stay bracket (132) is welded to the head tube (102a) and extends towards right and then substantially along the length of the vehicle (10). On a portion of the right stay bracket (132) that extends along the length of the vehicle (10), at least one right bracket opening is provided. For example, as shown in Figure 3, two such right bracket openings (132a) and (132b) are shown. The right stay member (32) is substantially a L shaped rod having a length portion (32L) and a mounting portion (32M). The length portion (32L) of the right stay member (32) is provided with at least one right stay opening for example two such right stay openings (32a) and (32b). The right stay member (32) is mounted to the right stay bracket (132) using the right bracket openings (132a) and (132b) of the right stay bracket (132) and the right stay openings (32a) and (32b) of the right stay member (32). Towards free end of the mounting portion (32M) of the right stay member (32), a right cover mounting bracket (232) is fixed. The right cover mounting bracket (232) is adapted to mount a right side cover (20R) of the front cover (20). The right cover mounting bracket (232) is provided with at least one right cover mounting opening. For example, as shown in the Figure 3, two such right cover mounting opening (232a) and (232b) are provided to mount the right side cover (20R).
[0030] As illustrated in the Figure 4, the front cover (20) of the front cover structure (25) is divided into three parts as a centre cover (20C), the left side cover (20L) and the right side cover (20R). The left side cover (20L) is supported by a left portion (21L) of the leg shield (21) and the left stay member (31). Similarly, the right side cover (20R) is supported by a right portion (21R) of the leg shield (21) and the right stay member (32). The left side cover (20L) is having left side cover mounting holes such as left cover mounting holes (22a), (22b). The left side cover (20L) is mounted to the left cover mounting bracket (231) by aligning the left cover mounting holes (22a), (22b) with the left cover mounting openings (231a) and (231b), respectively. At the same time, the left side cover (20L) is supported by the left portion (21L) of the leg shield (21) at a plurality of points. The right side covers (20R) is having right side cover mounting holes such as right cover mounting holes (24a), (24b). The right side cover (20R) is mounted to the right cover mounting bracket (232) by aligning the right cover mounting holes (24a), (24b) with the right cover mounting openings (232a) and (232b), respectively. At the same time, the right side cover (20R) is supported by the right portion (21R) of the leg shield (21) at a plurality of points. The centre cover (20C) is supported by the left side cover (20L) and the right side cover (20R).
[0031] Since the left side cover (20L) is mounted to the independent left stay member (31), if any damage is caused to the left side cover (20L) and / or the left stay member (31), only that part i.e. the left side cover (20L) and / or the left stay member (31) is / are required to be changed. Accordingly, the right side cover (20R) and the right stay member (32) are unaffected. Similarly, if any damage is caused to the right side cover (20R) and / or the right stay member (32), only that part i.e. the right side cover (20R) and / or the right stay member (32) is / are required to be changed.
[0032] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the particular features of this invention, it will be appreciated that various modifications can be made, and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the invention. These and other modifications in the nature of the invention or the preferred embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the invention herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the invention and not as a limitation.

CLAIMS
We claim:
1. A front cover structure (25) of a straddle-ride type vehicle (10), comprising:
a left stay bracket (131) and a right stay bracket (132), each fixed to a head tube (102a) of the straddle-ride type vehicle (10);
a left stay member (31) removably mounted to the left stay bracket (131);
a right stay member (32) removably mounted to the right stay bracket (132); and
a front cover (20) comprising:
a left side cover (20L) adapted to be removably mounted to the left stay member (31); and
a right side cover (20R) adapted to be removably mounted on the right stay member (32).

2. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front cover (20) further comprises a centre cover (20C) supported by the left side cover (20L) and the right side cover (20R).
3. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the front cover (20) further comprises a centre cover (20C) supported on a body frame (50) of the straddle-ride type vehicle (10).
4. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left stay bracket (131) and the right stay bracket (132) are welded to the head tube (102a).
5. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a left cover mounting bracket (231) fixed at a free end of a mounting portion (31M) of the left stay member (31), wherein the left cover mounting bracket (231) is adapted to mount the left side cover (20L) of the front cover (20) thereupon.
6. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a right cover mounting bracket (232) fixed at a free end of a mounting portion (32M) of the right stay member (32), wherein the right cover mounting bracket (232) is adapted to mount the right side cover (20R) of the front cover (20) thereupon.
7. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claims 1 or 2 or 5, wherein the left side cover (20L) is adapted to be supported by a left portion (21L) of a leg shield (21) of the straddle-ride type vehicle (10).
8. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claims 1 or 2 or 6, wherein the right side cover (20R) is adapted to be supported by a right portion (21R) of a leg shield (21) of the straddle-ride type vehicle (10).
9. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left stay member (31) comprises one or more left stay openings (31a, 31b) configured on a length portion (31L) of the left stay member (31) for engaging with corresponding one or more left bracket openings (131a, 131b) configured on the left stay bracket (131).
10. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the right stay member (32) comprises one or more right stay openings (32a, 32b) configured on a length portion (32L) of the right stay member (32) for engaging with corresponding one or more right bracket openings (132a, 132b) configured on the right stay bracket (132).
11. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left side cover (20L) comprises one or more left cover mounting holes (22a, 22b) for engaging with one or more left cover mounting openings (231a, 231b) of a left cover mounting bracket (231).
12. The front cover structure (25) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the right side cover (20R) comprises one or more right cover mounting holes (24a, 24b) for engaging with one or more right cover mounting opening (232a, 232b) of a right cover mounting bracket (232).