HANDLE BAR COVER FOR A MOTORCYCLE
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a motorcycle having a handle bar and more particularly relates to a motorcycle including a handle bar cover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Typically a handle bar is provided at the front portion of a motorcycle with the handle bar extending laterally for steering the front wheel and clamped above the upper bracket between a pair of top and bottom clamp on either side of the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle.
In the prior art, a largely central portion of the handle bar is covered by a handle bar cover. A conventional handle bar cover is fastened directly over the top clamp through four openings present in the handle bar cover body, two each on either side of the longitudinal axis of the handle bar. The aluminium fasteners need to be tight so that the handle bar does not rotate in the clamp. These fasteners therefore cause a compressive stress on the handle bar cover main body that may result in its fracture over a period of time.
Further, the posterior portion of the upper bracket has a recess through which a hollow steering shaft is inserted into the head pipe and secured to it with the help of a steering nut positioned at the posterior top surface of the upper bracket and behind the handle bar assembly. The open recess

and hollow steering shaft is susceptible to foreign matter including dust and rain water in the absence of a proper cover over the aforementioned recess. The entry of unwanted heavy foreign matter or its accumulation may increase the steering mass which may result in improper handling of the motorcycle. The steering nut may also be subjected to corrosion during rain as it is exposed to the outer atmosphere. A conventional handle bar cover is unable to resolve this problem.
Furthermore, an ignition lock is usually present at the anterior portion of the handle bar assembly. It has uneven gaps around it leading to poor aesthetic appearance. Moreover the conventional handle bar is incapacitated to extricate this problem. The present invention addresses all or any of the above problems and obviate the lacunae in the prior art.
Therefore it is a principal object of this invention to disclose a removably attachable multipurpose handle bar cover covering a portion of a handle bar, covering one end of a hollow steering shaft, covering a steering nut and further locating the body of an ignition lock. Another object of this invention is to increase the aesthetic appearance of the instrument cluster area of a motorcycle by providing a handle bar cover which can either be fastened or press fitted, or fastened and press fitted, at separate locations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, the present invention relates to a novel removably attachable handle bar cover for a motorcycle for partially covering a handle bar, the

handle bar cover comprising a neck and a main body wherein the said neck comprising a means to fasten the neck on an upper bracket, the said neck also developing into an ignition lock cover for forming a periphery around an ignition lock and, the said main body comprising of an orifice with a rubber stopper, at least one mounting lug on either side of the longitudinal axis of the said main body of the handle bar cover, a steering shaft cover present at the bottom surface of the said main body, and wherein further the said handle bar cover is capable to be attached to the said handle bar assembly at least at three locations.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the main body of the handle bar cover is at a higher elevation to the neck.
According to an embodiment of the present invention, the means to fasten the neck on the upper bracket further comprises of at least two symmetrical extensions originating from the neck on either side of the longitudinal axis of the handle bar cover.
The foregoing objectives and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present subject matter. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present subject matter as well as the subject matter itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the ensuing detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The reference numerals have been used to refer to identical or functionally similar elements. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention wherein:
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a typical motorcycle.
Figure 2 illustrates a top view of a handle bar assembly including a handle bar cover in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 3 depicts a top view of a handle bar cover in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the handle bar cover in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a sectional side view of the handle bar cover in accordance with the present invention.
Figure 6 shows the rear view of the handle bar cover along with the handle bar assembly mounted on a motorcycle in accordance with the present invention.

Figure 7 shows the sectional view of the handle bar assembly on a motorcycle in accordance with the present invention.
Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The subject matter described herein relates to a novel removably attachable handle bar cover for a motorcycle for partially covering a handle bar which is not subjected to compressive forces while fastening it to the handle bar assembly.
Various other features and embodiments of the handle bar cover according to the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle used is a motorcycle. However it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to other types of vehicles capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the spirit of the invention, such as a moped or an under-bone motorcycle. Further "Front" and "rear", and "left" and "right" referred to in the ensuing description of the illustrated embodiment refer to front and rear, and left and right directions as seen in a state of being

seated on a seat of the motorcycle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the motorcycle, while a lateral axis refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the motorcycle.
Before describing in detail embodiments it may be observed that the novelty of the present invention resides in the advantageous construction of the handle bar cover and its attachment to the handle bar assembly. The handle bar cover according to the present invention is now described in detail in connection with the rendered figures. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the invention which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places.
Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a typical motorcycle. A typical motorcycle M comprises a body frame assembly made up of a number of tubes welded together. The motorcycle M has a steerable front wheel 11 and a driven rear wheel 12. The body frame primarily includes a head pipe 1 disposed at a front end of the body frame, a main tube running across the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle M and enclosed by several motorcycle components, and a down tube 2. A front fork 3 may be connected to the head pipe 1 by any known type of suspension system and rotatably carries the front wheel 11. The head pipe 1 supports a steering shaft disposed inside the head pipe 1. The upper and lower ends of the steering shaft are fixed on an upper bracket and the under bracket. The front end of the main tube (not shown) and an upper end of the down tube 2 are connected to the head pipe 1. The down tube 2 extends

obliquely downward in front of an engine 15 from the head pipe 1 whereas the main tube extends rearward from the front end thereof.
A front fender 4 is provided below the under bracket to avoid the motorcycle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. A fuel tank 5 is disposed above the main tube for storing the fuel for propelling the motorcycle M. A seat 6 for a driver and a pillion is further provided, with the said seat 6 being placed behind the fuel tank 5 and rearwardly of the main tube.
The rear wheel 12 revolves about a sprocket splined shaft (or central axle) 13. The axle 13 is supported at each end by a swing arm 14, the swing arm in turn pivotally connected to the body frame of the motorcycle M by a rear suspension 10. Generally a motorcycle may use any of the two arrangements for rear suspensions, namely dual suspension and mono suspension. However the present motorcycle is exemplified through a dual suspension system. The dual suspensions are fixed at their upper ends to the motorcycle frame. Their lower ends are fixed to the swing arm 14.
The anterior portion of the motorcycle placed forward to the fuel tank 5 comprises of a headlamp assembly, the headlamp assembly further comprising a headlamp 8 and a visor 7 placed forward to a handlebar assembly. The handle bar assembly further comprises of a handle bar 101 extending transversely to the vehicle and several control switches for various motorcycle operations.

The said motorcycle M is powered by an internal combustion engine (hereinafter "engine") 15 disposed below the main tube and supported by the down tube 2. The engine may be liquid-cooled or air-cooled. Drive force output from the engine 15 is transmitted to the rear wheel 12 through a transmission system. The transmission system includes a clutch actuated by a clutch lever placed forwardly to one side of the handle bar 9, a gear box and a chain drive. The transfer of power from the engine to the rear wheel takes place generally by disengaging the clutch by pulling the clutch lever and thereafter manually shifting the gears in the gear box through a foot pedal 16 manually operated by the operator of the motorcycle M.
Figure 2 onwards, the handle bar cover according to the present invention is described in detail. Figure 2 shows a top view of the present invention disclosing a multipurpose handle bar cover 200 for a motorcycle attached to the handle bar assembly partially covering the handle bar. The handle bar assembly comprises of the handle bar 101, typically hollow, tubular and made of aluminium alloy, sandwiched between a top clamp 102 and a bottom clamp 103 present respectively at the top and bottom, on either side of the longitudinal axis of the handle bar 101. According to an embodiment of the present invention, at least one top clamp 102 and at least one bottom clamp 103 are present on either side of the longitudinal axis of the handle bar 101. The handle bar 101 is mounted on the upper bracket 104 and rotates leftward and rightward with the front suspension

and the front wheel around the steering shaft 301. Both the clamps are secured to each other by fasteners to prevent the handle bar from rotating forward or backward or moving from left to right. The angular position of the handle bar 101 is variable relative to the top and bottom clamps.
The handle bar cover 200 is positioned on top of the central portion of the handle bar assembly, and more particularly over the middle portion of the handle bar 101. Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a handle bar cover 200 in accordance with the present invention where the said cover is broadly divided into two parts, a neck 212 present at the anterior portion and a main body 201 present at the posterior portion of the handle bar cover. The neck 212 rests over an ignition lock as well as the upper bracket 104 and forming a periphery around the ignition lock. The main body 201 rests over the handle bar 101. According to an aspect of the present invention, the main body 201 is at a higher elevation than the neck 212 so that the handle bar cover 200 may be conveniently fitted to the handle bar assembly.
A conventional handle bar cover construction is independent of the ignition lock. However the neck 212 of the present handle bar cover is contoured corresponding to the shape of the ignition lock (not shown). Thus, the neck 212 is structured to form a covering around the ignition lock thereby developing also into an ignition lock cover 202 and additionally it secures the handle bar cover 200 to the upper bracket 104 with the help of at least two symmetrical extensions 213 on either side of the longitudinal axis of

the handle bar cover 200. One end of these extensions is connected to the ignition lock cover 202 whereas the free end has mounting bosses 203a, 203b respectively to fasten the overall handle bar cover 200 to the upper bracket 104 with the help of fasteners. In this way, the handle bar cover 200 is fastened to the upper bracket 104 at the neck portion rather than at the main body. These fasteners are directly accessible and therefore the handle bar cover 200 can be removably attached thereby increasing the serviceability and maintainability of the handle bar assembly.
Figure 4 expounds the bottom view of the embodied handle bar cover 200. According to an aspect of the present invention, the ignition lock is shaped like a cylinder open from both the sides with a circular top and bottom end in such a way that both the ends are enclosed by a covering 208 on all sides which receives the ignition lock from the bottom. The key inserting portion of the ignition lock is visible to the eye from the top. The neck 212 has an outer covering 206 and a first recess 207 is provided between the outer covering 206 and the covering 208. The outer covering 206 of the neck can be designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the handle bar cover 200.
Figures 3 to 6 expound the main body 201 of the handle bar cover 200 in detail. The main body 201 partially engulfs the central portion of the handle bar 101 and a portion of the main body 201 is at a higher elevation compared to the neck 212. To enhance the aesthetic appearance of the handle bar cover 200, a hollow orifice 204 of suitable shape is provided in

the main body 201. This orifice 204 further improves the overall exterior appearance of the handle bar cover 200. A rubber stopper (not shown) may be inserted into the said orifice 204 which will butt onto the handle bar 101 at one end. The said stopper may support the handle bar cover 200 and further absorbs the vibrations experienced in the handle bar 101
Figure 6 shows the rear view of the handle bar cover along with the handle bar assembly mounted on a motorcycle in accordance with the present invention. The rear end of the main body 201 of the handle bar cover 200 comprises of a plurality of mounting lugs 205a, 205b present respectively on either side of the longitudinal axis of the handle bar cover 200. Further 205a refers to a left mounting lug and 205b refers to a right mounting lug. The said lugs project out transversely from the rear end of the main body 201 of the handle bar cover. A similar projection 211a extends out from the posterior portion of the left top clamp 102. The left mounting lug 205a is fastened to the left top clamp 102 through this projection 211a with the help of a fastener in the forward direction. Likewise the right mounting lug 205b is fastened to the right top clamp through the right projection 211b. The main body 201 of the handle bar cover 200 is thus further secured to the handle bar assembly at either side of the longitudinal axis of the handle bar cover.
Figure 7 shows the sectional view of the handle bar assembly on a motorcycle in accordance with the present invention. The rear end of the main body of the handle bar cover comprises a steering shaft cover 210.

The steering shaft cover 210 is not visible to an onlooker when viewed from the top as it is present at the bottom surface of the main body 201 of the handle bar cover 200. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the steering shaft cover 210 is cylindrical in shape, open at one end and is capable of being inserted into the open steering shaft 301 from the top. It is gently press fitted into the steering shaft so that the steering shaft 301 is completely covered from the top. The entry of foreign matter including water, dust, mud and pebbles is thus prevented and consequently the steerability of the motorcycle is improved. The press fit ensures firm grip and removes any undesired clearance. The steering shaft cover 210 enters the steering shaft 301 up to a sufficient distance so as to ensure proper attachment. Additionally, the main body 201 of the handle bar cover 200 also forms a cover over the steering nut (not shown) owing to the main body completely covering the steering shaft 301. The steering nut is prevented from corrosion due to its exposure to the rain water which increases its durability. The main body thus cover the handle bar 101 as well as the steering nut along with the steering shaft 301. A second recess 209 is provided between the boundary of the steering shaft cover 210 and the rearmost boundary of the main body of the handle bar cover 200.
Hence, the handle bar cover 200 is attached to the handle bar assembly at least at three locations, upper bracket 104, top clamp 102 and steering shaft 301. While the neck 212 is secured to the upper bracket 104, the

main body 201 is fastened to the top clamp 102 through fasteners and the steering shaft cover 210 is press fitted into the steering shaft 301. There are thus two fastening locations and one press fit location. The construction of the handle bar cover ensures that even if one of the attachment points fail, the handle bar cover 200 remains firmly attached to the handle bar assembly. The insertion of steering shaft cover into the open steering shaft further enhances the attachment of handle bar cover to the front portion of the motorcycle.
From the forgoing brief description, it will be appreciated that the present subject matter and its equivalent thereof offer many advantages, including those which have been described henceforth. The present invention provides a multipurpose handle bar cover which covers partially covers the handle bar, locates the ignition lock body and substantially covers the steering shaft as well as the steering nut. It prevents the entry of foreign matter into the steering shaft. The presence of neck and the main body in the handle bar cover improves the exterior appearance of the handle bar cover (and consequently the exterior appearance of the vehicle). The merchantability of the vehicle is thus also improved.
Further the presence of mounting lugs as projections clears the main body of any direct compressive forces from the top as observed in prior art. The absence of fasteners directly on the top surface of the main body 201 removes any stress on the said handle bar cover leading to increase in the durability of the said cover. The directly accessible fasteners in the neck

increase the serviceability and maintainability of the handle bar assembly. Furthermore, while the material for making said handle bar cover is not limited in any way, a plastic material such as PPE (polyphenylene ether) is preferable. The said handle bar cover can be modified to use with other vehicles as well and is not limited to use only with a motorcycle.
The present invention is thus described. The description is not intended to be exhaustive nor is it intended to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the disclosed embodiments may be modified in light of the above description. The embodiments described are chosen to provide an illustration of principles of the invention and its practical application to enable thereby one of ordinary skill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments and with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. Therefore the forgoing description is to be considered exemplary, rather than limiting, and the true scope of the invention is that described in the appended claims.

claim:
1. A removably attachable handle bar cover for a motorcycle for
partially covering a handle bar comprising a neck present in an
anterior portion of the handle bar cover and a main body present in
a posterior portion of the handle bar cover wherein the said neck
further comprises a means to fasten the neck on an upper bracket,
the said neck also developing into an ignition lock cover for forming
a periphery around an ignition lock and,
the said main body further comprises of an orifice with a rubber stopper, at least one mounting lug on either side of the longitudinal axis of the said main body of the handle bar cover, a steering shaft cover present at the bottom surface of the said main body, and wherein further the said handle bar cover is capable to be attached to the said handle bar assembly at a plurality of locations, preferably three locations.
2. The handle bar cover for a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said mounting lug of the said main body is fastened to a top clamp on either side of the longitudinal axis of the said handle bar cover through a projection provided on the top clamp.
3. The handle bar cover for a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said means to fasten the said neck on the upper bracket further comprises of at least two symmetrical extensions

originating from the neck on either side of the longitudinal axis of the handle bar cover.
4. The handle bar cover for a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1
wherein the said steering shaft cover is preferably cylindrical in
shape and open at one end, the steering shaft cover being press
fitted into a steering shaft so as to act as a covering for the steering
shaft and a steering nut.
5. The handle bar cover for a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1
wherein a portion of the said main body of the said handle bar
cover is at a higher elevation to the neck.
6. The handle bar cover for a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1 wherein a first recess is provided in the handle bar cover in an anterior portion and a second recess is provided in the handle bar cover in a posterior portion.
7. The handle bar cover for a motorcycle as claimed in claim 1 wherein the said handle bar cover is made of any material including plastic resin.
8. A handle bar assembly comprising of a handle bar cover as claimed
in any of the preceding claims.
9. A handle bar cover substantially as herein described and illustrated
with reference to the accompanying drawings.