DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a saddle type vehicle and more particularly to a guard assembly for said saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, a saddle type vehicle comprises of a frame assembly extending rearwardly from a head tube. The frame assembly acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. A front wheel is connected to a front portion of the frame assembly through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. A rear wheel is connected to a frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). The frame assembly comprises of an engine assembly coupled to it. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides forward motion to the vehicle. A muffler assembly is provided at a lateral side of the vehicle mounted to the frame assembly or the vehicle through a mounting bracket. Typically, plurality of panels is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0003] Moreover, the width of a step through saddle-type vehicle increases along a rearward direction of the vehicle. This is because the styling parts and body cover mounted on the frame of the vehicle are designed to protect the vehicle parts & these project out at a certain angle in such a fashion that the distance between the body cover mounted on either side increases as we move along in a rearward direction. Such a design often tends to suffer the drawbacks due to abrupt form change, aerodynamic drag resistance and difficulty in manufacturing of body panels, which also impacts the overall aesthetic appeal of the vehicle. Another contradictory challenge of the design is to have adequate space between the body panels & the internal vehicle parts to be able to required limited access for service & cleaning. Since dismantling of the body panels can be a very time consuming & costly process, this is another important problem to be addressed.
[0004] However, after implementation of the above design it has been observed that a substantial gap is created between the body cover (style parts) and the rearmost portion of the engine assembly adjoining the rear wheel. The gap created here brings upon various problems and challenges for the vehicle. Moreover, substantial amount of water and mud enters through such gap and is splashed upon the engine and the carburetor placed in it. This in turn affects the performance and life span of the engine, including the carburetor. The probability of rusting of the engine assembly and carburetor increases in such a case.
[0005] Conventionally, a footrest assembly is also provided in the gap described above. The footrest assembly disposed in that region lacks structural stability which affects the manufacturability and durability of the saddle-type vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] 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.
[0007] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 2 illustrates a substantial sectional rear view the saddle-type vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0009] Fig. 3 illustrates a left side view of the vehicle frame assembly of the saddle-type vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00010] Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the footrest assembly of the saddle-type vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00011] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded view of the detachable guard of the saddle-type vehicle show in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00012] Fig. 6 illustrates the assembly process of the detachable guard to the footrest assembly of the saddle-type vehicle show in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[00013] Fig. 7 illustrates a side view of the footrest assembly and the detachable guard assembled together of the saddle-type vehicle shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] Thus, the present system provides a construction which improves the above stated problems in the prior art. The present systems aim to protect the engine and carburetor form water and mud which gets splashed inside. In furtherance to it the present system also aims to provide stability to the footrest assembly. At the same time, the present system enables a flexibility of limited access of the inside parts of the vehicle.
[00015] Typically, a saddle type vehicle is operated through an engine assembly which is horizontally coupled to the rear end of the frame assembly and a fuel tank disposed between the rear portions of the pair of the side tubes. Air fuel mixture is supplied to the engine assembly by means of a carburetor. Thereafter combustion of the air fuel mixture takes place so that a piston disposed in the engine assembly is set into motion. The piston is operated in a linear motion, after which said liner motion is converted to a rotational motion, wherein said rotational motion is transferred to the rear wheel finally resulting into motion of the vehicle. This mechanism also results in generation of power and torque by the engine assembly.
[00016] Conventionally, the width of a saddle type vehicle increases along the rearward direction of the vehicle as the distance between the styling parts and body cover mounted on either side of the frame increases as we move along a rearward direction of the vehicle. Such a design results in creation of a substantial gap between the body cover and the rear most portion of the engine adjoining near the rear wheel. It is due to this gap that a substantial amount of water and mud enters inside and is splashed upon the engine assembly including the carburetor placed in it. This in turn results in deterioration of the performance and life span of the engine assembly including the carburetor. This also results in rusting of the engine assembly and the carburetor combined.
[00017] Generally, the saddle type vehicle also comprises of a footrest assembly mounted to the frame assembly at its one side on a rearmost portion. The footrest assembly comprises of couple of housing holes which help in mounting of the footrest assembly to the frame assembly. The housing holes are placed adjacent to each other in a same straight line and are attached to the frame assembly through couple of screws. The footrest assembly also comprises of couple of hollow tubes welded to the housing holes. These hollow tubes extend in a straight downward direction towards the ground projecting form the housing holes and are placed parallel to each other. A connecting element is attached to the hollow tubes at its end which project outwards in a longitudinal direction with respect to the hollow tubes. This connecting element is further connected to a foot support element which helps the pillion to rest his/her leg. The foot support element also projects outwards the same longitudinal direction as that of the connecting element and lies in the same as that of it. Though the foot support element extends in a forward direction along the length of the vehicle towards the front wheel. However, it has been observed that the footrest assembly is not stable because of the gap between the hollow tubes and lack of any support to hold it in between which results in dimensional deviation. This is one of the other challenges which the saddle type vehicle faces.
[00018] The present subject matter overcomes the above stated problems of the saddle type vehicle known in the prior art. One of the objectives of the present subject matter is to provide a saddle type vehicle employed with a detachable guard which protects the engine assembly and the carburetor from rusting by stopping the water and mud from splashing inside. In another embodiment, yet another objective of the present subject matte is to provide stability to the footrest assembly by eliminating any kind of dimensional deviation present. The guard can be dismantled with little effort & thus enables ease of access of the internal parts for servicing & cleaning without compromising on the function during usage of the vehicle.
[00019] In an embodiment in accordance with the present subject matter, a saddle type vehicle is employed with a frame assembly which functions as a skeleton for the whole vehicle. All the systems and assemblies for the vehicle such as handlebar assembly, headlamp unit, front fork, engine assembly etc. are mounted over the frame assembly. Furthermore, the saddle type vehicle comprises of style parts and body covers provided to cover the vehicle and are mounted over the frame assembly of the vehicle.
[00020] In an embodiment, a footrest assembly is provided at one side of the vehicle to ensure a comfortable ride for the pillion where he/she can rest his/her feet in a driving condition of the vehicle. The footrest assembly comprises of couple of housing holes, couple of hollow tubes, a connecting element and a foot support element used by the pillion to rest his/her feet. In an embodiment, the footrest assembly is mounted on the frame assembly at its rearmost portion with the help of the housing holes. The housing holes are placed adjacent to each other in the same line on the frame assembly. The housing holes keep the footrest mounted on the frame assembly by attaching itself to the frame assembly through couple of screws. In an embodiment, the couple of hollow tubes are welded to the housing holes and project in a downward direction from the housing holes towards the ground. The hollow tubes extend in a substantial parallel manner to each other. In an embodiment, the connecting element is connected to the hollow tubes at its end, wherein the connecting element projects outwards in a substantial longitudinal direction with respect to the hollow tubes. The connecting element helps in connecting the foot support element to the footrest assembly, wherein the foot support element is used by the pillion to rest his/her foot. In an embodiment, the foot support element also projects outwards in the same longitudinal direction as that of the connecting element and lies in the same plane as that of it. The foot support element extends in a front direction along the length of the vehicle towards the front wheel.
[00021] In an embodiment, a gap is created between the body cover and the rear most portion of the engine adjoining near the rear wheel. This is so because the width of the vehicle increases along a rearward direction along the length of the vehicle. The distance between the body covers provided at either side of the vehicle increases as we move along a rearward direction along the vehicle length, hence it results into increased width of the vehicle along the rearward direction.
[00022] In an embodiment of present invention, a detachable guard is provided in the above-mentioned gap to stop water and mud from entering and splashing onto the engine including the carburetor. The detachable guard is provided by mounting it upon the footrest assembly at one side of the vehicle. As per another embodiment of present invention the footrest & guard may be provided on any one side or both left & right side of the vehicle. In one embodiment, a guard mounting plate is provided between the hollow tubes of the footrest assembly to mount the guard onto the footrest assembly. The guard mounting plate comprises of at least one opening to accommodate the guard onto it. In an embodiment, the guard comprises of at least one guard mounting hole which helps in mounting of the guard on the guard mounting plate through the opening. The guard is perfectly mounted on the guard mounting plate with the help of screws which pass through the guard mounting hole and the opening provided on the guard mounting plate. The guard mounted on the footrest assembly extends in a longitudinal rearward direction along the length of the vehicle towards its rear wheel. In an embodiment, the present subject matter is a solid plate shaped structure placed above the foot support element and substantially parallel to it, but the direction in which both extend are opposite to each other, i.e. the foot support element extends in a longitudinal forward direction along the length of the vehicle away from the rear wheel, where as the guard extends in a longitudinal rearward direction along the length of the vehicle towards the rear wheel.
[00023] The present subject matter protects the engine assembly and carburetor placed in it from water and mud which is splashed inside. In another embodiment, the present subject matter successfully provides a better stability to the footrest assembly by eliminating any kind of dimensional deviation.
[00024] The aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter would be described in greater detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[00025] Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated R direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denoted downward direction, an arrow Rh denotes right side, an arrow Lh denoted left side, as and where applicable.
[00026] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary scooter type vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle comprises of a main frame assembly (1) made of carbon fiber and resin material and is conventionally an underbone chassis frame which provides a generally open central area to permit “step-through” mounting by a rider. Typically, the frame assembly (1) comprises of a head tube (2), a main tube (3), and a pair of side tube LH (4) and side tube RH (only one shown). The head tube (2) is disposed towards the front portion, wherein the main tube (3) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (2) forming a flat horizontal step-through portion (3S). The other end of the main tube (3) is connected with the pair of side-tubes (4, 5) through a bracket (not shown).
[00027] The head tube (2) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and further connected to the front suspension system (6) 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 (9). The upper portion of a front wheel (7) is covered by a front fender (8). The pair of side-tubes (LH & RH) extend from the other end of the main tube (3) being disposed parallel on either side of the vehicle (10) width direction. Each of the said side tube extends from the main tube (3) in an upward inclined fashion and gradually after a certain length extends rearward in a substantially horizontal and parallel fashion being placed in the vehicle widthwise direction. A plurality of cross pipes (not shown) is secured in between the pair of side-tubes (LH & RH) at selected intervals to support vehicular attachments including a utility box (12), a seat assembly (11) and a fuel tank assembly (not shown). The vehicle furthermore, comprises of body cover (5) which covers the side tubes (LH & RH)) and covers the vehicle (10) structure from the sides.
[00028] Generally, the utility box (12) is supported between the side tube LH (4) and side tube RH so as to be disposed below the seat (11). A fuel tank assembly (not shown) may be disposed on between the rear portions of the pair of the side-tubes (LH & RH). The vehicle (10) further comprises of a rear wheel (13) covered by a rear fender (14) with a tail light (15) disposed above it and a support bar (16) placed above the tail light (15) at the end of the seat assembly (11). The rear wheel (13) is supported towards the rear side of the main frame (1) by an internal combustion (IC) engine (20) which is horizontally coupled swingably to the rear of the frame assembly (1) of the saddle-type vehicle (10) through a rear suspension system (17). The IC engine (20) transfers the drive directly to the rear wheel (13) as it is coupled directly to it through a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system (18). The vehicle further comprises of an air cleaner assembly (shown in Fig. 4) to provide filtered air to the IC engine (shown in Fig. 4) for combustion.
[00029] Fig. 2 illustrates a substantial rear view of the step through vehicle (10) shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the vehicle (10) comprises of style parts and body cover (5) mounted on either sides of the frame assembly (1). These are provided to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the vehicle (10) as well as protect various components of the vehicle. In one embodiment, the width of the vehicle (10) increases as we move further in a rearward direction along the length of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment, a footrest assembly (21) is provided at side of the vehicle. Generally, the body cover (5) and style parts mounted on either side of the frame assembly (1) project more and more outwards which results in increasing distance between them as we move further in a rearward direction along the length of the vehicle (10). But due to that increased width a substantial gap is formed in a rear part of the vehicle (10), between the body cover (5) and the rearmost portion of the engine assembly (20) adjoining near the rear wheel (13). This gap (G) poses serious challenges for the vehicle since substantial amount of water and mud enters through it when the vehicle (10) is in a running condition and splashes upon the engine assembly (20) including the carburetor. As per an aspect of the present invention, a guard (22) is provided on at least one of the sides of the vehicle (10) in the gap (G).
[00030] Fig. 3 illustrates a side view of the frame assembly (1) of the step through vehicle (50) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the frame assembly (1) comprises of footrest assembly (21) mounted onto it at one side. The footrest assembly (21) also comprises of a detachable guard (22) mounted on it to prevent any water and mud from splashing in through the gap.
[00031] Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of the footrest assembly (21) of the step through vehicle (10) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the footrest assembly (21) comprises of couple of housing holes (41) which are attached to the frame assembly (1) with the help of screws, and these housing holes (41) keep the footrest assembly mounted onto the frame assembly (1) tight and intact. In an embodiment, the footrest assembly (21) comprises of couple of hollow tubes (42) which are welded onto the housing holes (41) and project in a downward direction towards the ground extending from the housing holes (41). In one embodiment, the footrest assembly (21) comprises of a connecting element (43) adjoined to the hollow tubes (42) at its end, extending out in a longitudinal direction with respect to it. In another embodiment, the footrest assembly (21) comprises of a foot support element (44) used by the pillion to rest his/her feet. The foot support element (44) is attached to the footrest assembly (21) through the connecting element (43), and wherein the foot support element (44) also projects outwards in the same longitudinal direction as that of the connecting element (43) lying substantially in the same plane as that of it. The foot support element (43) extends in a forward direction along the length of the vehicle (10) towards the front wheel (7).
[00032] Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of the guard (22) used in the gap (G) at the rearmost portion of the step through vehicle (10) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the guard (22) is a solid plate shaped structure with at least one guard mounting hole (51) provided in it for its perfect mounting onto the footrest assembly (21).
[00033] Fig. 6 illustrates an exploded view of the footrest assembly (21) of the step through vehicle (10) as shown in Fig. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the hollow tubes (42) of the footrest assembly (21) comprise of a guard mounting plate (61) welded between them. The guard mounting plate (61) comprises of at least one opening (62) to accommodate the detachable guard (22) mounted upon it. In an embodiment, the guard mounting hole (63) and opening (62) on the guard mounting plate (61) lie coaxially such that a screw passes between them to hold the guard (22) to the guard mounting plate (61). In another embodiment, the detachable guard (22) is solid plate shaped structure placed above the foot support element (44) substantially parallel to it. In one embodiment, the guard (22) extends in a rearward longitudinal direction along the length of the vehicle (10), towards the rear wheel (13). The direction in which both the guard (22) and foot support element (44) extend are substantially opposite to each other even though they project out in the same longitudinal direction, i.e. the guard (22) extends in a rearward direction along the length of the vehicle (10) towards the rear wheel (13) whereas the foot support element (44) extends in a longitudinal forward direction along the length of the vehicle (10), away from the rear wheel (13).
[00034] Fig. 7 illustrates a perspective side view of the footrest assembly (21), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In an embodiment, the guard (22) is mounted on the footrest assembly (21) through a guard mounting plate (61) welded between the hollow tubes (42). The guard (22) is placed above the foot support element (44), wherein both of them extend in a parallel and opposite direction to each other.
[00035] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.
,CLAIMS:We Claim:
1. A saddle type vehicle (10) comprising:
a main frame assembly (1) comprising a head tube (2) formed at a front portion of said vehicle (10) and a main tube (3) extending in a downward and rearwardly direction from said head tube (2) to form a step through structure (3S);
a side tube LH (4) and side tube RH extending in an upward and rearwardly direction from said step through structure (3S), and wherein said side tube LH (4) and said side tube RH (5) further extend gradually in a substantial parallel and horizontal manner being placed along a widthwise direction of said vehicle (10);
a side body cover (5) mounted on said frame assembly (1) on both sides of said vehicle (10) to cover said side tube LH (4) and said side tube RH;
at least one gap (G) formed between said side body cover (5) and said side tubes (LH & RH); and
a footrest assembly (21) mounted to said frame assembly (1) on at least one side of said vehicle (10), wherein said footrest assembly (21) comprises a detachable guard (22) attached to it and being disposed in said gap (G) formed between said body cover (5) and said side tubes (LH & RH).

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said footrest assembly (21) comprises a couple of housing holes (41) placed adjacent to each other to allow mounting of said footrest assembly (21) to said frame assembly (1).

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said footrest assembly (21) comprises a couple of hollow tubes (42) welded to said housing holes (41 and extending substantially parallel to each other from said housing holes (41) in downward direction towards ground.

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said footrest assembly (21) comprises a connecting element (43) attached at the end of said hollow tubes (42) and projects outwards in a straight longitudinal direction with respect to said hollow tubes (42).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said footrest assembly (21) comprises a foot support element (44) attached to said connecting element (43).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said detachable guard mounting plate (61) comprises of at least one opening (62) to accommodate said guard (22).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 6, wherein said detachable guard (22) comprises at least one mounting hole (63) lying coaxially with respect to said opening (62).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detachable guard (22) projects outwards in a longitudinal direction with respect to said hollow tubes (42).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said detachable guard (22) is disposed above said foot support element (44) in a substantially parallel direction to it.

10. A footrest assembly (21) for a saddle type vehicle (10) comprising a frame structure (1), wherein said footrest assembly (21) comprises:
a couple of hollow tubes (42) attached to said frame structure (1) through a couple of housing holes (121) provided therein, wherein said couple of hollow tubes extend parallel to each other in a downward direction towards ground with a foot support element (44) attached thereto at its end through a connecting element (43), and wherein said couple of hollow tubes (42) comprises a detachable guard (22) attached thereto through a guard mounting plate (61) disposed between said hollow tubes (42).