[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a
saddle riding type vehicle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a rear cover assembly for said saddle riding type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Typically, two or three wheeled saddle riding type vehicles include
rearwardly extending body panel members, commonly referred to as 'rear covers' for covering a rear portion of a frame structure of said saddle riding type vehicles. Conventional saddle riding type vehicles include at least two rear covers which are sub assembled in a sub assembly station and subsequently secured to a rear frame mounting bracket together with a tail lamp sub assembly. The rear covers thus assembled are disposed on either sides and above the tail lamp sub assembly when viewed from a vehicle rearward direction. The fit and finish and flush between said at least two rear covers and the tail lamp sub assembly goes a long way in determining the aesthetics/appeal of the vehicle when viewed from a vehicle rear side.
[0003] In a known art, where the tail lamp sub assembly is surrounded by
three rear covers from three sides, an intentional minimal gap is maintained between . .
one of the rear covers located above the tail lamp sub assembly and the tail lamp sub assembly for accommodating dimensional variations occurring in said rear cover due to warpage and to accommodate dimensional variations occurring in the frame, so that assembly/attachment of the tail lamp sub assembly with respect to the rear covers is not affected/hampered. Additionally, over time the minimal gap often widens into a large gap, especially when the tail lamp sub assembly experiences overhang. Presence of a large gap between the rear cover and tail lamp assembly affects the aesthetics of the vehicle, especially when viewed from a vehicle rearward direction. Moreover, presence of a large gap around the tail lamp sub assembly causes dust and water to enter into the tail, lamp assembly which is undesirable.

[0004] In another known art, in order to ensure that minimal/no undesirable
gap exists between the rear covers and the tail lamp sub assembly, rear covers
disposed on either side of the tail lamp unit are detachably attached to the tail lamp
unit from the sides. However, attaching each rear cover which is generally an
elongated part from the sides of the tail lamp .affects ease of assembly, as handling
an elongated part makes the assembly process cumbersome. Moreover, attaching
the rear covers from the sides to the tail lamp does not help in preventing overhang
of the tail lamp, which generally occurs due to weight of the tail lamp; overhang of
the tail lamp further resulting in creation of a gap between the rear covers and the
tail lamp in a space above the tail lamp. As a result, aesthetics of.the vehicle when
viewed from a vehicle rearward direction is affected. Moreover, large sub-assembly
includes large body panels which together necessitate higher geometric accuracy of
the mounting interfaces which makes manufacturing of the vehicle frame assembly
not only difficult but also leads to increase in cost of the vehicle.
[0005] It is therefore desirable to address all the problems stated in the
background while ensuring that ease of assembly of the rear covers and the tail lamp sub assembly is maintained and ease of serviceability of the tail lamp sub assembly
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present subject matter has been made in view of the above
circumstances.
[0007] The present subject matter seeks to overcome all of the above
problems and provide a rear cover assembly including a tail lamp unit which is
provided a flush fitting with a rear cover of said rear cover assembly.
[0008] The present subject matter seeks to provide a rear cover assembly
including a tail lamp unit, in which ease of assembly of the tail lamp unit with
respect to one of the rear covers of said rear coyer assembly is ensured.
[0009] The present subject matter seeks to provide a rear cover assembly,
the construction and configuration of which enables in improving overall aesthetics/appeal of the saddle riding type vehicle.

[0010] Accordingly, the present subject matter provides a saddle riding type
vehicle having a frame structure which supports different parts of the vehicle including a rear cover assembly at a rear portion thereof. The rear cover assembly as per an embodiment of the present subject matter is also supported to a rear portion of the frame structure through a rear frame mounting bracket. As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the rear cover assembly includes a plurality of rear covers and a tail lamp unit, said plurality of rear covers and said tail lamp unit being sandwich mounted to the rear frame mounting bracket. The rear cover assembly thus forms a rear structure of the saddle riding type vehicle. Particularly, when viewed from a vehicle rear side, the rear cover assembly is disposed above a rear fender of said saddle riding type vehicle, with the tail lamp unit being bordered by the plurality of rear covers on three sides.
[0011] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the rear cover
assembly comprises a plurality of rear covers including a left rear cover, a right rear cover and a top rear cover, the left rear cover being disposed to a left side of said tail lamp unit, the right rear cover being disposed to a right side of said tail lamp and said top rear cover being disposed above said tail lamp when viewed from said vehicle rear side.
[0012] As per one more aspect of the present subject matter, one of said
plurality of rear covers is adapted to flush fit with the tail lamp unit. As per an embodiment, said top rear cover is provided with at least two integrally formed insertion lugs to be inserted into a portion of said tail lamp unit for achieving the flush fit. Thus, the top rear cover is secured to a portion of the tail lamp unit ensuring that no gap is created between the top rear cover and the tail lamp unit. Further, the left rear cover and the right rear cover also being attached to the top rear cover, it is ensured that there is no gap created between the left rear cover and the tail lamp unit and between the right rear cover and the tail lamp unit. Particularly, the tail lamp unit is sandwich mounted to a rear frame mounting bracket together with the plurality of rear covers to a rear frame mounting bracket, said plurality of rear covers being attached to each other. As a result, although only the top rear cover is directly secured to the tail lamp unit, it is ensured that flush fit is achieved between

all rear covers bordering the tail lamp unit and the tail lamp unit. The flush fit of the plurality of rear covers with the tail lamp unit thereby ensures that aesthetic . appeal of a rear portion of the saddle riding type vehicle is significantly enhanced. Moreover, absence of gap around the tail lamp unit, enables in ensuring that there is no dust or water entry into the tail lamp unit. Further, since fitment of the top rear cover with the tail lamp unit is secured by at least two integrally formed insertion lugs instead of using other attachment means such as fasteners, ease of assembly of the tail lamp unit with said rear covers is ensured. Thus, increase in part count is avoided, thereby ensuring that cost of manufacturing is not increased. Moreover, since the fitment or support is provided from the top of the tail lamp unit, overhang of the tail lamp unit'is prevented.
[0013] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the subject
matter and does not limit the scope of the subject matter. The nature and further characteristic features of the present subject matter will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0014] ' 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.
[0015] Fig.l illustrates a right side view of a two-wheeled saddle riding
type vehicle including a rear cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0016] Fig.2 illustrates a rear view of a rear side of the two-wheeled saddle
riding type vehicle depicting the rear cover assembly in accordance with an i embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0017] Fig.3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the rear cover assembly
taken along a line A-A in FIG.2
[0018] Fig.4 illustrates an exploded view of the rear cover assembly in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0019] Fig.5 illustrates a detailed view of a tail lamp unit of the rear cover
assembly as secured to one of the rear covers in accordance with an embodiment of
the present subject matter.
[0020] Fig.6 illustrates a cross sectional view taken along a line B-B in
Fig.2.
[0021] Fig-7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the tail lamp unit in
accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0022] ' Exemplary, embodiments detailing features of the rear cover
assembly in accordance with the present subject matter will be described hereunder
with reference to the accompanying drawings. Various aspects of different
embodiments of the present subject matter will become discernible from the
following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides
a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the subject
matter. Further, it is to be noted that terms "upper", "lower", "right", "left", "front",
"forward", "rearward", "downward", "upward", "top", "bottom" and like terms are
used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the saddle riding
type vehicle with a driver sitting thereon unless otherwise elaborated. Furthermore,
a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the saddle riding type
vehicle, defining a vehicle longitudinal direction; while a lateral axis refers to a side
to side, or left to right axis relative to said vehicle, defining a vehicle lateral
direction. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used
herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
[0023] With reference to FIG.l, a description is made of an entire
schematic structure of a two-wheeled saddle riding type vehicle (10) such as a motorcycle. Said saddle riding type vehicle (10) includes a frame structure (11) to support different parts of said vehicle (10). A head tube (12) is provided at a front end of said frame structure (11). The head tube (12) supports a steering shaft (not shown) rotatably in a certain range. In an upper portion of the head tube (12), a handlebar (20) is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft. The handlebar (20) is used to steer said vehicle (10) and is connected to a front wheel (21) through

a front fork assembly (23). The front fork assembly(23) in turn is connected to the (
handlebar (20) by means of a pair of upper and lower brackets (not shown). The
front fork assembly (23) is further supported partially on a front fender (22) and is
connected to the front wheel (21). An upper portion of the front wheel (21) is
covered by the front fende? (22) which prevents mud and water from getting
deflected towards an upper portion of the front fork assembly (23).
[0024] In a front portion of the frame structure (11) a fuel tank (24) is
arranged immediately behind the handlebar (20) and is disposed over a main tube
(not shown) of said frame structure (11) and above a power generating unit (25). In
an embodiment where a fuel pump is provided, the fuel tank (24) constituting a part
of a fuel supply system supplies fuel to the power generating unit (25) through the
fuel pump (not shown) which also forms a part of said supply system. In another
embodiment where the fuel pump is absent, the fuel tank (24) supplies fuel to the
power generating unit (25) through a carburettor (not shown).
[0025] A seat (30) is placed behind the fuel tank (24). The seat (30) includes
a front rider portion and rear pillion portion. Whereas in one embodiment, said front rider portion and said rear pillion portion are provided as separate seat portions, in another embodiment, said front rider portion and said rear pillion portion are provided as a single seat portion.
[0026] For safety of the rider and for illumination cum visibility, a
headlamp unit (31) and a turn signal lamp unit (32) are provided in a front portion of said vehicle (10). The headlamp unit (31) and the turn signal lamp unit (32) are housed in a headlamp housing assembly (33).
[0027] Safety of said vehicle (10) is also improved by providing a braking
system, for example a linked type braking system which controls braking operation of a front brake device (41) and a rear brake device (not shown) of the front wheel. (21) and a rear wheel (35) respectively. The braking system provided herein includes a hydraulic pressure control unit (not shown) and aids in ensuring that there is appropriate distribution of braking force upon actuation of at least one of a front brake actuating means or a rear brake actuating means between the front brake

device (41) and the rear brake device, and thereby protects said vehicle from the risk of being toppled or from the risk of skidding.
[0028] Further, suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering
of said vehicle (10) on the road. The front fork assembly (23), which forms the front ■ suspension system, serves as rigidity component just like the frame structure (11). The front fork assembly (23) clamped to the head tube (12) through an upper bracket (not shown) and a lower bracket (not shown) is capable of being moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension system (37), which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame structure (11) at a rear portion thereof. Particularly, at the rear portion of the frame structure (11), the rear wheel (35) is suspended by the rear suspension system.
[0029] The power generating unit (25) is mounted to a front lower portion
of the frame structure (11) by means of a front power generating unit mounting bracket (not shown) and disposed below a portion of the main tube (not shown). The power generating unit (25) is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not shown) connected to the power generating unit (25) and a muffler (not shown) connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler (not shown) extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel (35).
[0030] Power from the power generating unit (25) is transmitted to the rear
wheel (35) through the transmission assembly, so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel (35). The transmission assembly includes a gearbox containing gear train and a drive mechanism connecting the gearbox to the rear wheel (35). Particularly, the gear train includes the gear shift shaft, and a plurality of gears, each having a varying gear ratio. Further, speed change is achieved by operation of a gear shift linkage assembly which is operatively connected to the gear shift shaft (not shown) of the transmission assembly.
[0031] Thus, power from the power generating unit (25) is transmitted to
the rear wheel (35) rotatably supported at a rear end of a swing arm (47). A" rear fender (48) for covering an upper side of the rear wheel (35) is mounted to a rear portion of the frame structure (11) to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating

rear wheel (35) from entering the muffler, the power generating unit (25) and other
parts disposed close by.
[0032] To enhance the overall aesthetics of said vehicle (10) and to prevent
undesired foreign particles from entering parts of said vehicle, a rear cover assembly (100) including a p.urality of rear covers (101) and a tail lamp urut (102) is attached to a rear portion of the frame structure (11).
[0033] FIG.2 illustrates a rear view of the rear cover assembly (100) in
accordance with an embodtment of the present subject matter. As may be seen m
FIG 2 the rear cover assembly (100) is secured to a rear portion of sard sadd.e
riding 'type vehicle (10), especially to a rear frame mounting bracket (not shown) of
the frame structure. In the present embodiment, said plurality of rear covers (101)
including a left rear cover (101a), a right rear cover (101b) and a top rear cover
(101O- and the tail lamp unit (102) secured to at .east one of the rear covers (101)
together constitute the rear cover assembly (100). Particularly, the rear covers (101)
; are disposed below a pillion handle (110) of said vehicle and border said uul lamp
unit (102) the left rear cover (101a) being disposed to the left side of the tail lamp
unit (102), the right rear cover (101b) being disposed to the right side of the tarl
,amp unit (102) and the top rear cover (101c) being disposed above the tail lamp
unit (102), when viewed from a rear s.de of said vehicle (10). The plurality of rear
0 covers (101) thus border the tail lamp unit (102) from three side, The rear fender
(48) of said vehicle extends below said tail lamp unit (102) for covenng a
substantial portion of the rear wheel of said vehicle. Further, the rear fender (48)
■ supports a pair of tum signal lamps (112) which function as indicators for tnd.catmg
' the direction in which the vehicle is turning.
,5. [0034] Mounting and installation of said rear cover assembly (100) m
accordance' with an aspect of the present subject matter is explained havrng reference to FIGs 3-4. As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the rear cover assembly (100) includ.ng one rear cover of said rear covers (101) and the tad lamp unit (102) are sandwich mounted to a rear frame mounting bracket (llr) on 30 etther stdes of a rear frame structure. For example, whrle the left rear cover (101a and a left side mounting portion (103a) of the tail lamp unit (102) are sandwtched

and secured to a left rear frame mounting bracket (not shown), the right rear cover . (101b) and a right side mounting portion (103b) of the tail lamp unit (102) are sandwiched and secured to a right rear frame mounting bracket (llr). In the present embodiment, said right side mounting portion (103b) and said left side mounung portion (103a) are provided in a reflector (103) of the mil lamp unit (102), the reflector (103) being covered by a lens (104).
[0035] As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the sequence of
securing the rear cover assembly involves firstly, securing the plurality of rear
covers (101) to each other, followed by sandwich mounting together with the tail
lamp unit (102) to both the rear frame mounting brackets. For example, as may be
seen in FIG.4, the top rear cover (101c) is detachably attached to-mounting lugs
(lOlac, lOlbc) provided in the left rear cover and the right rear cover (101b). Thus,
the plurality of rear covers (101) are sub-assembled. Further, as per an embodiment
of the present subject matter, the top.rear cover (101c) sub assemb.ed to the left and
right rear cover is fitted to said tail lamp unit (101) from the top, and the tail lamp
unit (102) is further sandwich mounted to both the left (not shown) and right rear
frame mounting bracket (llr). The sub-assembly of the rear covers (101) is
followed by assembling the tail lamp unit (102) to the top rear cover (101c) and
finally securing the tail lamp unit (102) together with the plurality of rear covers
) (101) to the left and right rear frame mounting bracket. Thus, the rear cover
assembly (100) is secured to a rear portion of the frame (11).
[0036] The fitting of the top rear cover (101c) with'the tail lamp unit (102)
as per an aspect of the present subject.matter is explained with reference to FIGs 5-
7.
.5 [0037] FIG.S illustrates a detailed view of a tail lamp unit (102) of the rear
cover assembly as secured to the top rear cover (102c) in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As may be seen in FIG.S, the tail lamp unit (102) includes a reflector (103) and a lens (104), the lens (104) formmg an external portion of the tail lamp unit and the reflector (103) forming an internal 30 portion of the tail lamp unit. Particularly, the lens (104) forms a housing for the reflector (103), whose front reflecting surface is covered by the lens. Further, a rear

surface of the reflector (103) is provided with mounting provisions such as a pair of mounting bosses (103m) for mounting to the rear frame mounting brackets, through mounting lugs (lOlac and lOlbc) of said left and right rear covers (101a,101b). In other words, said mounting bosses (103m) aid in the sandwich mounting of the tail lamp unit (102) to the rear frame mounting brackets along with the left and right rear covers (101a,101b).
[0038] Besides, being secured to the rear frame mounting brackets, the tail
lamp unit (102) is flush fitted with the top rear cover (101c), the fitment being provided along an upper inner periphery of the lens (104). As per an embodiment of the present subject matter, the flush fit of the tail lamp unit (102) is achieved by providing a gap (105) (see Fig.6) between an inner peripheral surface of the lens (104) and an inner peripheral surface of the reflector (103), the gap (105) serving to receive at least two integrally formed insertion lugs (lOlcl) provided "in the top rear cover (101c). Particularly, as may be seen in FIG.7, at least two contoured slots (106) are provided in the gap (105) to receive said at least two integrally formed insertion lugs (lOlcl). Provision of said contoured slots (106) ensures that said insertion lugs (lOlcl) are properly located. Further proper locking of said insertion lugs (lOlcl) in the gap (105) is also ensured and lateral movement of the insertion lugs (lOlcl) is prevented.
[0039] As per one embodiment, three integrally formed insertion lugs
(lOlcl) are provided so that a good flush fit is obtained uniformly along an upper inner periphery of the tail lamp unit (102). Moreover, as may be seen in FIG.6, each of the integrally formed insertion lugs (lOlcl) include an insertion portion (lOlci) which are made to have an optimal length, as the length of said insertion portion (lOlci) provided in each lug determines the tightness with which each of them fits into the gap (105). For example, in ne embodiment, said insertion portion (lOlci) has a length in the range of 3mm-6mm. If the insertion portion (lOlci) of said lugs are made to be very lengthy, so as to fit completely into the gap (105), then it would result in the top rear cover (101c) being very tightly fit with the tail lamp unit (102), thereby affecting the ease with which the tail lamp unit (102) can be disassembled from the top rear cover (101c) for servicing. On the other hand, if the insertion

portion (lOlci) is made to have a short length, then effective fitting of the top rear
cover (101c) with the tail lamp unit (102) would not be achieved. Thus, the length
of the insertion portion (lOlci) of said lugs (lOlcl) not only determines the
effectiveness of fitment of the tail lamp unit (102) with the top rear cover (101c)
but also the ease with which the tail lamp unit (102) can be disassembled for
servicing. Moreover, as the top cover (101c) which is a single piece substantially
small part, is secured to the tail lamp unit (102), it is ensured that handling of the
part for assembly with the tail lamp unit (102) is made easy, while still ensuring that
flush fit of all the rear covers with the tail lamp unit is achieved.
[0040] Thus, as is apparent from the above teaching, providing a rear cover
assembly, in which top rear cover is flush fitted with a tail lamp unit thereof, enables in ensuring/achieving a good fit and finish in a rear portion of the saddle riding type vehicle, thereby enhancing overall appeal of said vehicle when viewed from a rearward direction thereof. Particularly, the construction of the rear cover assembly as per the present subject matter aids in ensuring that a flush fit with the tail lamp unit is achieved even if the rear covers bordering the tail lamp unit undergo part warpage due to painting or other environmental factors. Moreover, the flush fit with the tail lamp unit is achieved without involving the use of any additional components.

We Claim:
1. A rear cover assembly (100) for a saddle riding type vehicle (10) comprising:
a plurality of rear covers (101) including a left rear cover (101a), a right rear cover (101b), and a top rear cover (101c); and
tail lamp unit (102) including a reflector (103) and a lens (104), said tail lamp unit (102) being disposed'on a rear side of said vehicle and bordered by said plurality of rear covers (101) on three sides; said top rear cover (101c) being adapted to fit flush with the tail lamp unit (102).
2. The rear cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said top rear cover (101c) is fitted in a gap (105) formed between the lens (104) and the reflector (103) of the tail lamp unit (102). ■ 3. The rear cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said top rear cover (101c) includes at least two integrally formed insertion lugs (lOlcl) to be inserted in said gap (105).
4. The rear cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said integrally formed insertion lugs (lOlcl) are received in corresponding contoured slots (106) formed in the gap (105). ,
5. The rear cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein said integrally formed lugs (lOlcl) include an insertion portion (lOlci) having length 3mm-6mm inserted into said contoured slots (106).
6. The rear cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said plurality of rear covers (100) and said tail lamp unit (102) is sandwich mounted to a portion of a frame structure (11) of said vehicle.
7. The rear cover assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein said plurality of rear covers (100) and said tail lamp unit (102) is sandwich mounted to a rear frame mounting bracket (1 lr) of said frame structure.
8. A saddle riding type vehicle (10) comprising a rear cover assembly (100),
said rear cover assembly (100) comprising:

a plurality of rear covers (101) including a left rear cover (101a), a right rear
cover (101b), and a top rear cover (101c); and
tail lamp unit (102) including a reflector (103) and a lens (104), said tail
lamp unit (102) being disposed on a rear side of said vehicle and bordered
by said plurality of rear covers (101) on three sides;
said top rear cover (101c) being adapted to fit flush with the tail lamp unit
(102).
9. The saddle riding type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein said top rear cover (101c) is fitted in a gap (105) formed between the lens (104) and the reflector (103) of the tail lamp unit (102).
10. The saddle riding type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein said top rear cover (101c) includes at least two integrally formed insertion lugs (lOlcl) to be inserted in said gap (105).
11. The saddle riding type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein said integrally formed insertion lugs (lOlcl) are received in corresponding contoured slots (106) formed in the gap (105).
12. The saddle riding type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 11, wherein each of said integrally formed lugs (lOlcl) include an insertion portion (lOlci) having length 3mm-6mm inserted into said contoured slots (106).