Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] Present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to location disposition of a steering-lock unit in the saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Vehicles are typically equipped with a steering-lock unit that is coupled to a steering unit. The steering-lock unit is capable of being operated between a locked condition and an unlocked condition, through a key fob. In the locked condition the steering-lock unit is adapted to lock rotation of the steering unit, thereby immobilizing the steering unit. Thus, the steering-lock unit acts as an anti-theft feature in the vehicle.
[003] Typically, in vehicles such as two-wheeled vehicle, the steering-lock unit is mounted on a side portion of a headtube of the vehicle for ease of coupling with the steering unit, which is a handlebar. The steering-lock unit is mounted to the side portion of the headtube through a mounting bracket. Mounting of the steering unit on the side portion of the headtube makes the steering lock unit susceptible to unauthorized access, which may be through insertions of tools such as screw drivers, by an unauthorized person for forcibly unlocking the steering-lock unit. Also, size of the mounting bracket required for mounting the steering-lock unit on the side portion of the headtube is increased. Such a scenario, makes the steering-lock unit bulky and may interfere while maneuvering the steering shaft through the handlebar. Additionally, if the steering-lock unit is an electronic steering-lock unit, an ignition switch unit and a vehicle control unit are arranged flanking a front pipe. As a result, length of wiring between the ignition switch unit and the vehicle control unit increases. Consequently, efficiency in layout of the electronic steering-lock unit decreases, which is undesirable. Moreover, the steering-lock unit being positioned in the side portion of the headtube is visible from a side view of the vehicle, which is aesthetically unpleasant.
[004] Vehicles having steering locks disposed on the side of the head pipe are prone to thefts as the same are susceptible to insertion of tools such as screw drivers and the likes by an unauthorized person to unlock the steering lock. Also, bulky steering locks disposed on side of the head pipe, might hinder the maneuvering of the steering shaft, which is undesirable. Also, when the steering lock is disposed on the head pipe, a steering lock actuator for locking the steering shaft is received inside the head pipe through one or more holes provided on the head pipe. Provision of such holes on the head pipe might lead to water entry in the head pipe and also might compromise the structural integrity of the head pipe, which is undesirable.
[005] Thus, there is a need for a saddle-type vehicle, which addresses at least one or more aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[006] In one aspect, a saddle-type vehicle is disclosed. The saddle-type vehicle comprises a frame member comprising a headtube, one or more main tubes extending downwardly and rearwardly from the headtube and a steering-lock unit disposed in the saddle-type vehicle. The steering-lock unit is coupled to a handlebar of the saddle-type vehicle. The steering-lock unit is operable to a locked condition and to an unlocked condition, wherein the steering-lock unit in the locked condition is adapted to lock the handlebar of the saddle-type vehicle. The steering-lock unit is disposed in one of behind the headtube and in front of the headtube in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle.
[007] In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit is mounted on the one or more main tubes through one or more support brackets. The steering-lock unit is positioned behind the headtube upon mounting on the one or more main tubes in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle.
[008] In an embodiment, the one or more main tubes comprises a left main tube and a right main tube, wherein the steering-lock unit is positioned between the left main tube and the right main tube in a top-view of the saddle-type vehicle.
[009] In an embodiment, a fuel tank cover is mounted to the frame member, wherein the steering-lock unit is positioned below the fuel tank cover. The fuel tank cover is adapted to cover the steering-lock unit and a fuel tank of the saddle-type vehicle.
[010] In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit is disposed in-front of an air filter of the saddle-type vehicle. The air filter is positioned in front of an engine of the saddle-type vehicle.
[011] In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit is disposed in front of a fuel tank in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle.
[012] In an embodiment, the steering lock unit is disposed above an evaporative emission control device in a side view of the saddle-type vehicle.
[013] In an embodiment, the steering lock unit is disposed in front of an engine head of an engine in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle.
[014] In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit is in-line with a centerline (C-C’) aligned along a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle, wherein the centerline (C-C’) is provided at a middle portion about a right-left direction of the saddle-type vehicle.
[015] In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit is mounted onto the handlebar through an upper bracket, wherein the steering-lock unit upon mounting onto the handlebar, is located in between a headlamp assembly and the headtube in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle.
[016] In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit is mounted on a right-side of the upper bracket in a top-view of the saddle-type vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 is a left-side view of a front portion of a saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 is a top view of the front portion of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 is a left-perspective view of a front portion of a frame member of the saddle-type vehicle depicting a steering-lock unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a left-perspective view of the front portion of the frame member depicting the steering-lock unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a top view of the front portion of the frame member depicting the steering-lock unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is a front-perspective view of the front portion of the frame member depicting the steering-lock unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 is a front view of the front portion of the frame member depicting the steering-lock unit, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 is a right-perspective view of the front portion of the saddle-type vehicle depicting the steering-lock unit being mounted on a handlebar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is an exploded view depicting mounting of the steering-lock unit onto the handlebar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 is a left-perspective view of the front portion of the frame member depicting mounting of the steering-lock unit on the handlebar, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention relates to a location of a steering-lock unit in a saddle-type vehicle. In the present invention, the steering-lock unit is located on one of behind a headtube and in front of the headtube. Such a location of the steering-lock unit is adapted prevent unintended access to the steering-lock unit in a locked condition, thereby preventing tampering for unintended access of a steering unit of the saddle-type vehicle. Additionally, such a location of the steering-lock unit is adapted to mitigate the need for lengthy wiring harness for connecting other electronic components that surround the steering-lock unit.
[019] In the present embodiment, the directions front, rear, right, left, top and down in the context of the present disclosure relate to front, rear, right, left, top and down directions of the vehicle, unless specified otherwise.
[020] Figure 1 is a left view of a front portion of a saddle-type vehicle 100, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The saddle-type vehicle 100 (hereinafter referred to as “vehicle 100”) comprises a frame member 102 having a headtube 104 that rotatably supports a steering shaft (not shown). One or more main tubes 106a, 106b extend rearwardly and downwardly from either side of the headtube 104. The main tube extending rearwardly and downwardly from a left side of the headtube 104 is a left main tube 106a, while the main tube extending rearwardly and downwardly from a right side of the headtube 104 is a right main tube 106b. The left main tube 106a and the right main tube 106b are parallel with one another. In an embodiment, the one or more main tubes 106a, 106b are connected to the headtube 104 through conventional techniques known in the art, such as welding. Further, a handlebar 110 is mounted onto the headtube 104 and is connected to the steering shaft. As such, actuation of the handlebar 110 operates the steering shaft for maneuvering a front wheel (not shown) of the vehicle 100.
[021] The vehicle 100 also comprises an engine 120 mounted onto the frame member 102. The engine 120 may be mounted to the frame member 102 through conventional mounting techniques such as fastening. The engine 120 is adapted to generate motive force required for movement of the vehicle 100. The engine 120 may be coupled to a rear wheel (not shown) of the vehicle 100 through a transmission assembly (not shown). The transmission assembly is adapted to transfer the motive force generated in the engine 120 to the rear wheel. In an embodiment, the engine 120 may be a machine that is adapted to convert one form of energy into another required for generating motive force to move the vehicle 100.
[022] In the present embodiment, the engine 120 is an internal combustion engine, and thus, the engine 120 is capable of receiving air and fuel mixture into an engine cylinder (not shown) for combustion, thereby generating the motive force. An engine head 122 is provided on the engine cylinder of the engine 120. The engine head 122 comprises a camshaft assembly (not shown) adapted to control inlet of the air and fuel mixture into the engine 120, and also control discharge of exhaust gases from the engine 120. In an embodiment, the engine 120 may be mounted on the frame member 102 such that, the engine head 122 is positioned below the one or more main tubes 106a, 106b, in a side view of the vehicle 100. The engine 120 is also coupled to an air filter 126 for filtering air entering the engine cylinder. The air filter 126 is positioned in front of the engine 120 in a front-rear direction of the vehicle 100, when viewed in a side view and/or a top view of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the air filter 126 may be a mesh-type filter or any other filter, as per design feasibility and requirement in the vehicle 100.
[023] In another embodiment, the engine 120 may be an electric motor capable of receiving electric current from a battery (not shown) disposed in the vehicle 100. The engine 120, on receiving the electric current may generate torque as the motive force for movement of the vehicle 100.
[024] The vehicle 100 further comprises a fuel tank 114 mounted onto each of the one or more main tubes 106a, 106b. The fuel tank 114 is mounted onto each of the one or more main tubes 106a, 106b through conventional mounting techniques such as fastening. The fuel tank 114 is coupled to the engine 120 (of internal combustion engine type) through an evaporative emission control device 118. The fuel tank 114 is adapted to supply metered quantity of fuel to the engine cylinder for enabling the engine 120 to generate the motive force. The fuel tank 114 is enclosed within a fuel tank cover 116 (also shown in Figure 2). In an embodiment, the fuel tank cover 116 is a styling part mounted on the fuel tank 114 and adapted to enclose the fuel tank 114. In an embodiment, the air filter 126 is disposed in front of the fuel tank cover 116, while being positioned in front of the engine 120.
[025] The evaporative emission control device 118 connecting the fuel tank 114 and the engine 120, is adapted to collect vapors generated within the fuel tank 114. The collected vapors are selectively routed into the engine 120 to ensure effective utilization of fuel, while also preventing vapor particles of fuel to escape into surroundings for emission control of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the evaporative emission control device 118 may be a canister. The evaporative emission control device 118 is located in front of the engine 120 and the fuel tank 114 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100, while being behind the headtube 104. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the evaporative emission control device 118 is positioned between the fuel tank 114 and the engine 120 in a side view of the vehicle 100.
[026] The vehicle 100 further comprises a steering-lock unit 108 disposed in the vehicle 100 and coupled to the handlebar 110. The steering-lock unit 108 is disposed in the vehicle 100 by mounting onto the one or more main tubes 106a, 106b. The steering-lock unit 108 may be mounted onto the one or more main tubes 106a, 106b through conventional mounting techniques known in the art such as the fastening. The steering-lock unit 108 is capable of being operated to a locked condition and to an unlocked condition through a key fob. The steering-lock unit 108 in the locked condition is adapted to lock the handlebar 110 of the vehicle 100. In the unlocked condition, the steering-lock unit 108 is adapted to allow movement of the handlebar 110 for maneuvering the vehicle 100. The steering-lock unit 108 is disposed in one of behind the headtube 104 and in front of the headtube 104 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. In other words, the steering-lock unit 108 is either mounted behind the headtube 104 or in front of the headtube 104 along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit 108 may be a mechanical unit or an electro-mechanical unit as per requirement.
[027] Referring to Figures 3 to 7 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the steering-lock unit 108 being positioned behind the headtube 104 is depicted. The steering-lock unit 108 is positioned behind the headtube 104 through one or more support brackets 112a, 112b. The one or more support brackets 112a, 112b are mounted onto the one or more main tubes 106a, 106b. As such, the steering-lock unit 108 is mounted onto the one or more main tubes 106a, 106b, when positioned behind the headtube 104.
[028] In an embodiment, the one or more support brackets 112a, 112b may comprise a left support bracket 112a mounted to the left main tube 106a and a right support bracket 112b is mounted to the right main tube 106b. As such, the steering-lock unit 108 may be mounted onto at least one of the support brackets 106a, 106b. In an embodiment, a support member 130 (shown in Figures 4, 6 and 7) may be provided on the one or more support brackets 112a, 112b for supporting the steering-lock unit 108. In other words, the steering-lock unit 108 may be either be mounted directly onto the one or more support brackets 112a, 112b or may be mounted on the support brackets 112a, 112b through the support member 130. The support member 130 may be a bracket member.
[029] Upon mounting onto the one or more support brackets 112a, 112b, the steering-lock unit 108 is located so as to be positioned between the left main tube 106a and the right main tube 106b (as shown in Figures 2 and 5), when viewed from a top view of the vehicle 100. The steering-lock unit 108 is also in-line with a centerline C-C’ (as shown in Figures 2 and 5) aligned along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100, wherein the centerline C-C’ is provided at a middle portion about a right-left direction of the vehicle 100. Additionally, the steering lock unit 108 is disposed infront of the engine head 122 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100.
[030] Also, upon mounting onto the one or more support brackets 112a, 112b, the steering-lock unit 108 is located or positioned below the fuel tank cover 116 and in front of the fuel tank 114. In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit 108 is located or positioned below the fuel tank cover 116 refers to the steering-lock unit 108 being below a top surface (not shown) of the fuel tank cover 116 and above a bottom surface (not shown) of the fuel tank cover 116. Additionally, the steering-lock unit 108 is located in-front of the air filter 126 and above the evaporative emission control device 118 in the side view of the vehicle 100. Such a disposition, ensures that the steering-lock unit 108 is completely covered with one or more style panels (not shown) of the vehicle 100, thereby ensuring that aesthetics of the vehicle 100 is enhanced or maintained. Additionally, such a disposition of the steering-lock unit 108 is completely masked in the vehicle 100, thereby mitigating susceptibility of unintended access to the steering-lock unit by unintended personnel.
[031] Referring to Figures 8-10 in conjunction with Figures 1 and 2, the steering-lock unit 108 being positioned in front of the headtube 104 is depicted. The steering-lock unit 108 is positioned in front of the headtube 104 through an upper bracket 128. The upper bracket 128 is mounted on the handlebar 110. As such, the steering-lock unit 108 is mounted onto the handlebar 110, when positioned in front of the headtube 104. In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit 108 is mounted to the upper bracket 128 through fasteners 134 (as shown in Figure 9), wherein the upper bracket 128 may comprise one or more protrusions 132 capable of receiving the fasteners 134. In an embodiment, the steering-lock unit 108 is mounted on a right-side of the upper bracket 128 (as shown in Figures 8 and 9) in the top-view of the vehicle 100.
[032] Upon mounting onto the upper bracket 128, the steering-lock unit 108 is located between a headlamp assembly 124 (as shown in Figure 8) and the headtube 104 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. Additionally, upon mounting onto the upper bracket 128, the steering-lock unit 108 is located so as to be in-line with a centerline C-C’ (as shown in Figures 2 and 5) aligned along the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100. Also, the steering lock unit 108 is disposed in front of the engine head 122 in the front-rear direction of the vehicle 100.
[033] Further, upon mounting onto the upper bracket 128, the steering-lock unit 108 is located or positioned below the fuel tank cover 116 and in front of the fuel tank 114. Also, the steering-lock unit 108 is located in-front of the air filter 126 and above the evaporative emission control device 118 in the side view of the vehicle 100. Such a disposition, ensures that the steering-lock unit 108 is completely covered with one or more style panels (not shown) of the vehicle 100, thereby ensuring that aesthetics of the vehicle 100 is enhanced or maintained. Additionally, such a disposition of the steering-lock unit 108 is completely masked in the vehicle 100, thereby mitigating susceptibility of unintended access to the steering-lock unit by unintended personnel.
[034] The claimed invention as disclosed above is not routine, conventional or well understood in the art, as the claimed aspects enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. Specifically, the claimed aspect of disposition of the steering-lock unit behind the headtube or in front of the headtube, ensures that the steering-lock unit is completely covered with one or more style panels of the vehicle, thereby ensuring that aesthetics of the vehicle is enhanced or maintained. Additionally, the disposition of the steering-lock unit being in front of the engine, in front of the engine head, in front of the fuel tank, below the fuel tank cover, in front of air filter, in front of the evaporative emission control device and between the one or more main tubes completely masks the steering-lock unit in the vehicle, thereby mitigating susceptibility of insertion of tools such as screw drivers and the like for unlocking the steering-lock unit by unauthorized personnel, consequently reducing possibility of theft of the vehicle. Also, the disposition of the steering-lock unit behind the headtube or in front of the headtube mitigates the requirement of a lengthy mounting bracket (as required in conventional vehicles), thereby making the steering-lock unit compact. Consequently, maneuverability of the vehicle is enhanced due to compactness of the steering-lock unit. Additionally, the requirement of holes in the headtube for mounting the steering-lock unit is mitigated, due to disposition of the steering-lock unit. Thus, maintaining structural integrity and as well as ensuring ingress protection in the headtube.
[035] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals and Characters
100 Saddle-type vehicle
102 Frame member
104 Headtube
106a, 106b Main tubes
108 Steering-lock unit
110 Handlebar
112a, 112b Support brackets
114 Fuel tank
116 Fuel tank cover
118 Evaporative emission control device
120 Engine
122 Engine head
124 Headlamp assembly
126 Air filter
128 Upper bracket
130 Support member
132 Protrusions
134 Fasteners

, Claims:1. A saddle-type vehicle (100), comprising:
a frame member (102) comprising:
a headtube (104);
one or more main tubes (106a, 106b) extending downwardly and rearwardly from the headtube (104); and
a steering-lock unit (108) disposed in the saddle-type vehicle (100) and coupled to a handlebar (110) of the saddle-type vehicle (100), the steering-lock unit (108) being operable to a locked condition and to an unlocked condition, the steering-lock unit (108) in the locked condition being adapted to lock the handlebar (110) of the saddle-type vehicle (100),
wherein, the steering-lock unit (108) is disposed in one of behind the headtube (104) and in front of the headtube (104) in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering-lock unit (108) is mounted on the one or more main tubes (106a, 106b), through one or more support brackets (112a, 112b), the steering-lock unit (108) being positioned behind the headtube (104) upon mounting on the one or more main tubes (106a, 106b), in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more main tubes (106a, 106b) comprises a left main tube (106a) and a right main tube (106b),
wherein, the steering-lock unit (108) is positioned between the left main tube (106a) and the right main tube (106b) in a top-view of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprises a fuel tank cover (116) mounted to the frame member (102),
wherein the steering-lock unit (108) is positioned below the fuel tank cover (116) in a side view of the saddle-type vehicle (100), the fuel tank cover (116) being adapted to cover the steering-lock unit (108) and a fuel tank (114) of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering-lock unit (108) is disposed in-front of an air filter (126) of the saddle-type vehicle (100), the air filter (126) being positioned in front of an engine (120) of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering-lock unit (108) is disposed in front of a fuel tank (114) in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering lock unit (108) is disposed above an evaporative emission control device (118) in a side view of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering lock unit (108) is disposed in front of an engine head (122) of an engine (120) in a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering-lock unit (108) being in-line with a centerline (C-C’) aligned along a front-rear direction of the saddle-type vehicle (100), the centerline (C-C’) being provided at a middle portion about a right-left direction of the saddle-type vehicle (100).

10. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering-lock unit (108) is mounted onto the handlebar (110) through an upper bracket (128), the steering-lock unit (108) upon mounting onto the handlebar (110) being located between a headlamp assembly (124) and the headtube (104) in the front-rear direction of the saddle-type (100).

11. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the steering-lock unit (108) is mounted on a right-side of the upper bracket (128) in a top-view of the saddle-type vehicle (100).