DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to a two-wheeled vehicle, and more particularly to a rear structure for the two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Two-wheeled vehicles are one of the most affordable forms of motorized transport and for most of the world’s population they are the most common type of motor vehicle. Generally, the two-wheeled vehicle includes a frame assembly, a fuel tank, a seat, a cowling, a front wheel rotatably supported on the lower portion of a front fork, a handle bar fixed to the upper portion of the front fork and a rear wheel rotatably supported on a rear fork.
[0003] Conventionally, the frame assembly for the two-wheeled vehicle acts as a skeleton and a structural member for the vehicle that supports the vehicle loads. The frame assembly extends rearward from a head tube. A front portion of the frame assembly connects the front wheel through one or more front suspension(s). The frame assembly extends towards a rear portion of the vehicle. The rear wheel is connected to the frame assembly through one or more rear suspension(s). An engine assembly is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. The engine assembly is functionally connected to the rear wheel, which provides the forward motion to the vehicle. Typically, a body panel is mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle that covers various vehicle parts mounted thereon.
[0004] Typically, the body panel of two-wheeled motor vehicles have a front structure that covers a front portion of the vehicle, and a rear structure that covers a rear portion of the vehicle. Such front and rear structures that constitutes body panel of the vehicle are often referred to as cover assemblies that cover one or more vehicle frame members.
[0005] Conventionally, the body panel structures of known two-wheeled vehicles merely serve the aesthetic purpose of the vehicle and often may hamper the functional requirements of the vehicle, especially, when the vehicle is meant for high speed applications. For instance, the shape and material of the front structure of the body panel is critical in deciding the aerodynamic performance of the vehicle that could enable the vehicle to move at high speeds without being affected by the drag coefficient.
[0006] In an existing two-wheeled vehicle, the rear structure of the body panel is critical in reducing the overall weight of the vehicle. The lesser the weight of the rear structure, the better the performance of the vehicle at high speeds. More often than not, ensuring proper ride comfort to the rider also relies on the rear structure of the body panel. For example, providing an optimal seated position for the rider depending upon the rider’s height and weight has been a challenge off late. More particularly, in case of high speed applications, where the rider bends his back predominantly, it is essential to allow the rider to rest his back at an optimal position, which will quickly ease his strain due to the predominant bending posture.
[0007] Hence, it is desirable to modify the rear structure of the body panel of the two-wheeled vehicle which can render better performance of the vehicle, comfort riding to the rider of the vehicle and additionally improves an aerodynamic characteristics of the vehicle and provides better appearance and aesthetic value to the vehicle
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] The detailed description of the present invention is described with reference to the accompanying figures. Same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0009] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle, in accordance with the one embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig. 2 illustrates an enlarged right side view of the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with the one embodiment of the present invention.
[00011] Fig. 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of a rear structure of a body panel for the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with the one embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the rear structure of the body panel for the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with the one embodiment of the present invention.
[00013] Fig. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the rear structure of the body panel for the two-wheeled vehicle depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with the one embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00014] Conventionally, a two-wheeled vehicle comprises a frame assembly extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction, a body panel detachably connected to said frame assembly and substantially covering said frame assembly. Generally, the body panel includes a front structure that covers a front portion of the vehicle and a rear structure that covers a rear portion of the vehicle. In an existing two-wheeled vehicle, the rear structure of the body panel of the two-wheeled vehicle plays a major role in the vehicle's ride, performance, weight and handling characteristics.
[00015] Typically, the rear structure for the two-wheeled vehicle is provided with a backrest portion to allow the rider of the vehicle to rest his back while riding. However, the conventional backrest portions have the problem of being rigid. Such backrest structures suit only one set of riders, and most often do not suit majority of the population who are not of standard height and weight. Moreover, because of being rigid, such backrest structures do not allow the rider to choose the most convenient posture that would suit him.
[00016] In another known two-wheeled vehicle, the rear structure of the body panel of the two-wheeled vehicle includes a seat like backrest structure that extends laterally to the vehicle and protruding more than what is required to cover the rider’s back. Such backrest structures are often mounted to a tail cover assembly of the rear structure. The problem with such rear structures is that the backrest extending laterally more than what is sufficient to support the rider’s back, most often hampers the ride by not allowing any passage of air. For instance, when the rider is cruising at a comfortable speed, or when the rider is riding at higher speed, gush of air stream flows along the sides of the rider, when such an air stream is blocked by the laterally extending backrest, tends to weigh heavily on the rider’s sides and increases the drag coefficient, which may completely hamper the ease of ride and rider’s comfort.
[00017] Hence, it is desirable to provide a modified rear structure of the body panel for the two-wheeled vehicle which can provide a better riding experience to the rider and additionally improves the performance of the vehicle without affecting the appearance and aesthetic value of the two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, the improved rear structure for the body panel facilitates in reducing weight of the vehicle by simplifying the structure.
[00018] With the above objectives in view, the present invention provides the modified rear structure of the body panel for the two-wheeled vehicle that provides an optimal backrest for the rider at the same time do not increase the drag coefficient and hence provides a better riding comfort and improved performance of the two-wheeled vehicle.
[00019] As per one embodiment of the present invention, the modified rear structure of the body panel for the two-wheeled vehicle includes an adjustable backrest assembly being detachably mounted to at least a portion of the frame assembly through at least one mounting bracket and at least one backrest mounting member. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting bracket includes one or more slots to adjustably mount the backrest to said at least a portion of the frame assembly. Referring to one embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting bracket is integrated with the frame assembly of the vehicle. In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, said at least one mounting bracket is integrated to a tail cover assembly of the rear structure of the vehicle. For instance, said at least one mounting bracket enables said at least one adjustable backrest assembly to be mounted in any one of a plurality of mounting slots, thereby ensuring that the backrest is optimally adjusted to suit the rider’s riding requirements, and the rider’s body structure.
[00020] Further, in one embodiment, the present invention provides a tail cover assembly with one or more through holes formed adjoining the backrest structure, thereby allowing passage of air flow in the area surrounding the backrest structure and ensuring reduction in drag coefficient. Furthermore, in the one embodiment, a rear gyro camera is optimally supported on the tail cover assembly. For instance, a camera mounting bracket is laterally extended from a rear portion of the tail cover assembly allowing the rear gyro camera to be mounted.
[00021] Furthermore, in one embodiment, the tail cover assembly of the present invention includes a left hand side portion and a right hand side portion that are jointly mounted to form at least one air flow duct adjoining the backrest structure. In one embodiment, the left and right tail cover portions has a gradually enlarging profile that enables directing the air to flow through the enlarging profile without affecting the rider.
[00022] It is advantageous to provide the improved rear structure for the body panel of the two-wheeled vehicle as per one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the modified rear structure for the body panel of the two-wheeled vehicle including the adjustable backrest assembly mounted to said at least a portion of the frame assembly of the vehicle imparts an appropriate ride to the vehicle which caters to the comfort of the rider.
[00023] Various other features and advantages of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the corresponding reference number. With reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals will be used to identify the same or similar elements throughout the several views. It should be noted that the drawings should be viewed in the direction of orientation of the reference numerals.
[00024] 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 two-wheeled vehicle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the vehicle, while a lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the vehicle. 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.
[00025] Fig. 1 illustrates a right side view of an exemplary two-wheeled vehicle (100) (hereinafter ‘vehicle’), in accordance with the one embodiment of the present invention. Arrows provided in the top right corner of each figure depicts direction with respect to the vehicle (100), wherein the arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicated rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, and an arrow Dw denoted downward direction. The vehicle (100) includes the frame assembly (114) that extends from a head tube (not shown), which is disposed in the front portion of the vehicle (100), towards a rear portion of the vehicle (100). In the one embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly (114) includes at least a main frame (not shown) and a sub-frame (not shown). In the one embodiment, the main frame includes a main tube extending rearward from a rear portion of the head tube and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube. In the one embodiment, the frame assembly (100) may further include a sub-frame formed by a pair of rear tubes (not shown) that extend obliquely rearward from the main frame. In one embodiment, the main frame and the sub-frame are integrated as a single unit such that both of them act as load bearing members. In an alternative embodiment, the main frame and the sub-frame are formed as two different frame structures. In the one embodiment, an engine assembly (112) of the vehicle (100) is supported by the main frame of the frame assembly (114). The engine assembly (112) acts as the power unit of the vehicle (100), which may also include a traction/electrical motor (not shown). A front portion of a swing arm (116) is swingably connected to the main frame of the frame assembly (114) and a rear portion of the swing arm (116) rotatably supports a rear wheel (122). The rear wheel (122) is functionally coupled to the engine assembly (112) through a transmission system (not shown). A rear fender (not shown) disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (122) covers at least a portion of the rear wheel (122). A rear wheel brake assembly (130) is mounted on the rear wheel (122). Further, the swing arm (116) is coupled to the frame assembly (114) through one or more rear suspension(s) (118). In one embodiment of the present invention, a single mono-shock rear suspension (118) connects the swing arm (116) to the frame assembly (114). A pair of front forks (not shown) supports the front wheel (120) and is steerably supported by the head tube. A handlebar assembly (102) is connected to an upper portion of the pair of front fork. Further, a front fender assembly (128) covers at least a portion of the front wheel (120) and the front fender assembly (128) is mounted to the front forks.
[00026] Further in Fig.1, as per one embodiment, the vehicle (100) includes a fuel tank assembly (104) mounted to the frame assembly (114) and disposed rearwardly of the handlebar assembly (102). In one embodiment, an air cleaner sub-assembly (not shown) is disposed in the vicinity of the fuel tank assembly (104). In one embodiment, a seat assembly (106) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank assembly (104) and upwardly supported by the frame assembly (114). A pair of rider foot pegs (not shown) are mounted to the frame assembly (114) of the vehicle (100) for supporting the rider foot. Further, the vehicle (100) also include a body panel (110) including a fairing assembly (108) disposed forwardly of the head tube and extending sidewardly and rearwardly covering at least a portion of the fuel tank assembly (102) and at least a portion of the engine assembly (112). In one embodiment, the fairing assembly (108) of the body panel (110) is mounted with one or more headlamp(s) (not shown) that are disposed in a front portion of the fairing assembly (108). In one embodiment, the body panel (110) of the vehicle (100) that is disposed symmetrically or asymmetrically on either sides of the vehicle (100) and mounted to the main frame, covers at least a portion of the engine assembly (112) whereby the engine assembly (112) is protected from dust, dirt, and water splashing. In one embodiment, the body panel (110) further includes a tail cover assembly (124) disposed rearwardly and extending from the frame assembly (114) covering at least a portion of the frame assembly (114). In one embodiment, the tail cover assembly (124) that is extending towards a rear portion of the frame assembly (114) is adapted to accommodate at least a tail lamp sub-assembly (not shown). Further, in one embodiment, a muffler sub-assembly (126) is disposed rearwardly extending from an exhaust port (not shown) of the engine assembly (112). In one embodiment, the muffler sub-assembly (126) is supported at front at least by a supporting member (not shown) mounted to the engine assembly (112), and support at rear at least by a supporting member mounted to the frame assembly (114).
[00027] Fig. 2 illustrates an enlarged right side view of the vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the fuel tank assembly (104) is disposed in a front portion of the vehicle (100), in such a manner that it extends rearwardly from a head tube (not shown) of the frame assembly (114) of the vehicle (100) towards a seat structure (202) disposed intermediately along a longitudinal axis (AA) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, a lateral plane of the seat structure (202) is substantially lower and proximal to a ground surface as compared to a lateral plane of the fuel tank assembly (104), which is disposed at a higher elevation as compared to the seat structure (202). In one embodiment, an adjustable backrest assembly (204) is disposed substantially rearwardly of the seat structure (202) at an elevation higher than the lateral plane of the seat structure (202). In the one embodiment, the adjustable backrest assembly (203) is disposed substantially inclined with respect to the lateral plane of the seat structure (202), such that the adjustable backrest assembly (204) allows the rider of the vehicle (100) to lean inclinedly about the backrest assembly (204) when seated on the seat structure (202).
[00028] Further in Fig.2, as per one embodiment, a tail cover assembly (124) is provided rearwardly of the seat structure (202). In one embodiment, the tail cover assembly (124) and the adjustable backrest assembly (204) forms the rear structure of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the tail cover assembly (124) is forwardly mounted to the frame assembly (114), underneath the seat structure (202). In one embodiment, the tail cover assembly (124) is rearwardly mounted to the frame assembly (114) at a position underneath the adjustable backrest assembly (204). Further, as per one embodiment of the present invention, a rear gyro camera (208) is rearwardly mounted on the tail cover assembly (124) by means of at least one camera holding structure (210). In one embodiment, the seat structure (202) is disposed substantially above a rear suspension unit (118) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, a muffler assembly (126) is disposed substantially rearwardly of the rear suspension unit (118) and held firmly by means of at least one muffler supporting bracket (206). In one embodiment, the muffler supporting bracket (206) is mounted to the frame assembly (114) substantially downwardly of the seat structure (202).
[00029] Fig. 3 illustrates an enlarged perspective view of the rear structure (300) of the body panel (124) of the vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the tail cover assembly (124) includes a tail cover LH portion (302), and a tail cover RH portion (304) disposed on either side of the adjustable backrest assembly (204) in such a manner that surfaces of the tail cover RH portion (304) and the LH portion (302) has a profile correspondingly mapping an external surface of the adjustable backrest assembly (204), such that these surfaces substantially cover the external surface of the adjustable backrest assembly (204) extending towards LH and RH sides of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, the rear gyro camera (208) is disposed substantially rearwardly of the adjustable backrest assembly (204) at a rearmost tip portion of one of the tail cover LH portion (302) and the tail cover RH portion (304).
[00030] Fig. 4 illustrates an exploded view of the rear structure (300) of the body panel (124) for the vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the tail cover LH portion (302) includes a rearwardly disposed mounting slot (406), while the tail cover RH portion (304) includes another rearwardly disposed mounting slot (408) that enables mounting of the tail cover LH portion (302) and the RH portion (304) underneath the adjustable backrest assembly (204). In one embodiment, the base member (402) of the frame assembly (114) enables mounting of the seat structure (202) and the tail cover LH portion (302) and the RH portion (304). In one embodiment, the base member (402) is part of a main frame structure of the frame assembly (114). In an alternative embodiment, the base member (402) is part of sub-frame structure attached to the main frame structure of the frame assembly (114). In one embodiment, the base member (402) extends rearwardly with a flat portion near the fuel tank assembly (104) and a tapered portion at the other end. In one embodiment, the tapered portion of the base member (402) includes at least one backrest mounting member (404), which allows assembly and disassembly of the adjustable backrest assembly (204) to the frame assembly (114).
[00031] Fig. 5 illustrates a top perspective view of the rear structure (300) of the body panel (124) for the vehicle (100) depicted in Fig. 1, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the adjustable backrest assembly (204) includes a rider support surface (504) inclinedly disposed to the lateral plane of the seat structure (202) that allows the rider of the vehicle (100) to incline along the rider support surface (504) while riding. In one embodiment, the adjustable backrest assembly (204) is detachably attached to the base member (402) (shown in Fig.4) of the frame assembly (114) of the vehicle (100). In one embodiment, one or more adjustment slots (502) are disposed adjoining the tapered rear end of the base member (402) of the frame assembly (114) that allows the adjustable backrest assembly (204) to be mounted at an optimal position that suits the rider. In an alternative embodiment, a sliding mechanism (not shown) is provided on tapered rear end of the base member (402) that allows longitudinal sliding of the backrest assembly (204) in order to suit the rider.
[00032] Further in Fig.5, as per one embodiment, the tail cover LH portion (302) and the tail cover RH portion (304) are joined in such a manner to form a pair of LH and RH ducts (508) that allows passage of air along the sides of the rider seated on the seat structure (202) while riding. In one embodiment, both the tail cover LH portion (302) and the RH portion (304) have gradually enlarging profile while extending rearwardly, which enables directing the air to flow (506) through the enlarging profile without affecting the rider. In one embodiment, the rider support surface (504) is provided an optimal width without affecting the air flow (506) passing through said at least one air flow duct thereby ensuring rider comfort and ease of handling of the vehicle (100) while riding at high speed.
[00033] Advantageously, the one embodiment of the present invention provides the improved rear structure for the body panel of the two-wheeled structure which includes the adjustable backrest assembly and thus provides a better and improved riding experience for the rider of the vehicle. Additionally, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the tail cover LH portion and the tail cover RH portion are joined in such a manner to form said at least one air flow duct including a pair of LH and RH ducts that allows passage of air along the sides of the rider seated on the seat structure, thereby ensuring rider comfort and ease of handling of the vehicle. Thus, as per one embodiment of the present invention, the modified rear structure of the body panel for the two-wheeled vehicle provides a light weight, better performance characteristics to the two-wheeled vehicle and furthermore, the improved rear structure improves the appearance and aesthetic value of the vehicle.
[00034] Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible within the spirit and scope of the present invention, in the light of above disclosure.
,CLAIMS:I/ We claim:
1. A two-wheeled vehicle (100), the vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (114) extending along a vehicle longitudinal direction (AA);
a seat structure (202) supporting a rider’s seat assembly (106), said seat structure (202) detachably mounted to the frame assembly (114);
a body panel (110) detachably connected to said frame assembly (114) and substantially covering said frame assembly (114), said body panel (110) includes a front structure (400) that covers a front portion of the vehicle (100), and a rear structure (300) that covers a rear portion of the vehicle (100);
said rear structure (300) comprising a tail cover assembly (124) provided rearwardly of the seat structure (202), said tail cover assembly (124) includes a left hand side portion (302) and a right hand side portion (304);
wherein said rear structure (300) of the body panel (110) for the two-wheeled vehicle (100) further comprises an adjustable backrest assembly (204) being detachably mounted to at least a portion of the frame assembly (114); and further wherein said left hand side portion (302) and said right hand side portion (304) of the tail cover assembly (124) are jointly mounted on said at least a portion of the frame assembly (114) to form at least one air flow duct adjoining said adjustable backrest assembly (204).
2. The two-wheeled vehicle (100), as claimed in claim 1, wherein said left hand side portion (302) and said right hand side portion (304) of the tail cover assembly (124) comprises an enlarging profile configured to direct air flows through said at least one air flow duct.
3. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said at least a portion of the frame assembly (114) comprises a base member (402) extending rearwardly with a flat portion at one end and a tapered portion at the other end.
4. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the tapered portion of the base member (402) includes at least one backrest mounting member (404) and at least one mounting bracket configured to detachably mount said adjustable backrest assembly to the frame assembly (114) of the vehicle (100).
5. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, said at least one mounting bracket is integrally formed with said at least a portion of the frame assembly (114).
6. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, said at least one mounting bracket is integrally formed with the tail cover assembly (124).
7. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein one or more adjustment slots (502) are disposed adjoining the tapered portion of the base member (402) of the frame assembly (114).
8. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a sliding mechanism is provided on at least a portion of the tapered portion of the base member (402) of said frame assembly (114) that allows longitudinal sliding of the backrest assembly (204).
9. The two-wheeled vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rear gyro camera is optimally supported on the tail cover assembly.
10. The two-wheeled vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the adjustable backrest assembly (204) includes a rider support surface (504) inclinedly disposed to the lateral plane of the seat structure (202).