SIDE COVER FOR A SADDLE TYPE VEHICLE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates generally to a side cover for a saddle type vehicle, and more particularly, but not exclusively, to a side cover for a scooter type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A saddle type vehicle is provided with several covering members to cover the vehicle and protect the vehicle components from being affected due to environmental conditions. The covering members are mounted exterior or interior to the vehicle particularly to cover the constituents of the vehicle frame. Further, the covering members are also configured to impart a sportier and elegant look to the vehicle. This is because the visual appearance of the vehicle or its display is a significant factor in a customer's purchase decision, and a stimulating visual appearance that sets one vehicle apart from the other in the same category can positively influence the customer in his or her purchase decision.

[0003] A scooter type motorcycle is a saddle type vehicle having a swingable engine. Due to requirements of more utility space and leg space in the motorcycle, the engine is supported on the vehicle frame at a lower rear portion of the motorcycle. Particularly, the cylinder head of the engine is substantially covered on all sides by several covering members owing to which it generates significant heat during the engine operation.

[0004] Generally, a covering member in the form of a side cover is provided at a lower portion of the motorcycle to cover a portion of the motorcycle frame and the cylinder head. The side cover also increases the vehicle aesthetics. At least one such side cover is present laterally on each side of the motorcycle. The side cover is entirely a single element and in order to carry out any prompt change in the aesthetics, the entire side cover has to be replaced with a new side cover. For instance, to bring out a new variant of the motorcycle, the side cover is supplanted with an entirely new side cover to distinguish the new variant from the older variant. However, the manufacture of the new side cover requires new tool development leading to an increase in cost. In addition to this, the possibility of assembly mismatch is high in the new side cover as the matching of two adjacent parts is difficult because of warpage.

[0005] Further, a pivoted prop stand is connected to the motorcycle frame and is mounted below an endportion of the side cover. It is very difficult for a motorcycle user to quickly access and operate the prop stand while sitting on the motorcycle as his feet may foul with the side cover before accessing the prop stand.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] One of the objects of the present invention is to cover a portion of a frame of a scooter type motorcycle and enabling quick aesthetic change of the motorcycle for speedier churnout of its variant. Another object of the present invention is to provide a side cover subassembly with a trim member to improve the aesthetic appearance of the motorcycle while aiding in cooling of the cylinder head. It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a side cover subassembly having a provision to prevent interference with the functioning of a prop stand.

[0007] To this end, the present invention discloses a multipurpose side cover subassembly for a scooter type motorcycle comprising a side cover and a trim member accomodated within the side cover wherein the side cover subassembly is connected to an edgeportion of a floorboard of the motorcycle in a slide and lock mode. The trim member is detachably connected to the side cover and has a central portion made of a grill. The side cover also comprises a cut-out portion at a lower middle portion to accommodate a prop stand.

[0008] The foregoing objectives and summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form, and is not limiting. 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 subject matter and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The above and other features, aspects and advantages of the subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings where:

FIG. 1(a) shows an illustrative view of a two wheeled scooter type motorcycle comprising a side cover subassembly according to the present invention. FIG. 1(b) shows a frame of the scooter type motorcycle.

FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the side cover and its assembly to one side of the motorcycle frame.

FIG. 3 shows a side view of the motorcycle of FIG. 1(a) showing the side cover subassembly.

FIG. 4 shows a vehicle facing surface of the side cover according to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a vehicle opposing surface of the side cover according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a trim member secured to the side cover.

FIG. 7 shows an exploded view of another side cover and its assembly to the other side of the vehicle frame.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of trim member secured to the side cover.

FIG. 9 shows an illustrative view of the lower portion of the motorcycle and the side cover subassembly attached to it with a provision for the prop stand.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[00010] The present invention discloses a side cover subassembly for a scooter type motorcycle covering a lower portion of the motorcycle frame and allowing a prompt aesthetic change in the motorcycle in minimal costs. The side cover subassembly has a two piece construction having a side cover and a trim member connected to the side cover. The trim member is removably attachable to the side cover and hence easily replaceable. It comprises of a central portion with a grill. The grill has air recesses to allow passage of air toward the cylinder head of the engine mounted at a lower portion of the motorcycle.

[00011] The side cover comprises of a cavity, a footrest cavity and a cut- out portion. The cavity accommodates the trim member. The footrest cavity enables ease of attachment of a footrest to the motorcycle frame. The cut-out portion allows easy operation of a prop stand without a rider fouling with the side cover. The side cover is provided with at least one receptacle and at least one hook to connect the trim member. The trim member is first snapfitted and then secured to the side cover through the receptacle and the hook to form the side cover subassembly. This connection is configured in a manner so that only the outer surface of the trim member is visible to an onlooker. The side cover subassembly is then separately assembled and then attached to an edge portion of the floorboard in a slide and lock mode. The side cover subassembly is further secured to the frame through a plurality of mounting recesses provided therein.

[00012] Various other features and embodiments of the side cover subassembly according to the present subject matter here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. The detailed explanation of the constitution of parts other than the subject matter which constitutes an essential part has been omitted at suitable places. It is to be noted that in the ensuing description, the present invention is exemplified with a two wheeled scooter type motorcycle for better illustration. 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 scooter type motorcycle. Furthermore, a longitudinal axis, except otherwise mentioned, refers to a front to rear axis relative to the said motorcycle, while a lateral axis, except otherwise mentioned, refers generally to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the said motorcycle.

[00013] FIG- 1(a) shows a front perspective view of the scooter type motorcycle. The arrows at the top left corner indicate the front, rear, left and right directions as seen in a state of being seated on a seat of the motorcycle. The motorcycle includes a frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together supporting the body of said motorcycle. The motorcycle has a steerable front wheel 110 and a driven rear wheel 111 driven by driving force generated by a power unit 108. The front wheel 110 of the motorcycle is axially supported at a lower end of a front fork, and the front fork is pivoted in a steerable manner to a head pipe 43 [FIG. 1(b)] of the motorcycle frame. A handle bar 105 is attached to an upper end of the head pipe 43. The handle bar 105 and a seat 106 are supported at opposing ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined therebetween known as floorboard 107 which functions as a step through space. The seat 106 for a driver and a pillion is placed forward to a fuel tank and rearwardly of the floorboard 107. A utility box (not shown) is provided below the seat 106 for storing useful articles. A pivoted prop stand 120 is secured laterally to the body frame to support the motorcycle such that motorcycle inclines to the left side without falling.

[00014] In the said motorcycle, the power unit 108 is configured to drive, and is swingably supported on, the rear wheel 111. The power unit 108 is integrally formed with an engine and a transmission system, and the rear wheel 111 is connected to a drive shaft at the rear of the power unit 108. In an embodiment of the present invention, the engine is a four stroke internal combustion engine. The power unit is surrounded by a shroud (not shown) with a fan to enhance forced cooling of the power unit. Since the basic construction of an engine is known to those versed in the art, further details have been omitted.

[00015] FIG. 1(b) shows a side elevational view of the motorcycle with the frame assembly. The frame assembly of the motorcycle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a front end to a rear end of the motorcycle. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevational view. The motorcycle frame assembly comprises of a downpipe 44 extending downwards from the head pipe 43, a lower pipe 45 supporting and disposed below the low-slung floorboard 107 extending rearwards from a lower end of the downpipe 44, and a rear pipe 46 formed by curving a rear end section of the lower pipe 45 diagonally upwards. The rear pipe 46 is made of an inclined section extending diagonally upwards from a rear end of the lower pipe 45, and a horizontal section extending rearwards substantially horizontally from the inclined section. At least one side tube is attached laterally to the lower pipe 45 on each side of its sides. A steering tube is disposed partially inside the head pipe 43 and rotatably connected to it. The steering tube is manoeuvrable by a motorcycle rider through the handlebar 105. The lower pipe 45 and upward extending portion of the rear pipe 46 immediately after the lower pipe when seen from a front to rear direction of the motorcycle collectively form a lower portion of the motorcycle frame.

[00016] The motorcycle frame is covered by a plurality of covering members including a front panel assembly, an under seat cover 117, a left side panel 112 and a right side panel. The right side panel is symmetrical to the left side panel and hence not shown. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the front panel assembly of the motorcycle facing towards the front direction comprises of an upper member 115 and a lower member 113 mechanically connected to each other to develop into the front panel assembly. The lower member 113 of the front panel also functions as the wheel cover for the front wheel 110. However, the motorcycle may encompass a separate wheel cover. The front panel assembly covers the head pipe 43.

[00017] The lower portion of the motorcycle frame is covered from the bottom by an undercover 230 (FIG. 3). The undercover 230 protects the frame from any external damage and also from mud and water splash during the operation of the motorcycle. A side cover subassembly 200 is provided in the motorcycle to laterally cover the lower portion of the motorcycle frame spanning below the floorboard 107. As shown in FIG. 1(a), the side cover subassembly 200 comprises of a side cover 201 and a trim member 211 and is disposed substantially below the floorboard 107. The side cover subassembly also has an aesthetic value and may be used to provide a contrasting colour to the motorcycle by adopting a different colour scheme than the rest of the vehicle. Additionally, stickers can be pasted on the side cover or trim member or both for increased aesthetic value.

[00018] FIG. 2 shows an exploded view of the side cover subassembly 200 and its assembly to left side of the motorcycle frame. The side cover 201 extends along the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle from the front direction to the rear direction and includes a vehicle facing surface 202 and a vehicle opposing surface 203. It comprises of a cavity 209 and a footrest cavity 210. The cavity 209 is provided for accommodating and supporting the trim member 211 and can be located anywhere along the length of the side cover 201. In an embodiment, the cavity 209 is provided approximately at a middle portion of the side cover 201. FIG. 5 shows the vehicle opposing surface 203 of the side cover 201. The outer profile of the cavity 209 is surrounded on all sides by an inwardly depressed surface 208 which is continuous with the rest of the vehicle opposing surface 203. Overall, the vehicle opposing surface 203 has a smooth contour visible to the onlooker and is spray painted to give a colour to the side cover 201. Further, the side cover 201 is configured to secure the trim member 211 from the vehicle facing surface of the motorcycle and hence aid the aesthetic value of the motorcycle.

[00019] FIG. 4 shows the vehicle facing surface 202 of the side cover 201. The vehicle facing surface 202 of the side cover 201 comprises of at least one receptacle and at least one hook for supporting the trim member 211 in the area adjoining the cavity 209. According to an embodiment, the side cover 201 comprises at least two diagonally opposed hooks 204a, 204b and at least two diagonally opposed receptacles 205a, 205b. The hooks and receptacles are respectively diagonally opposed in such a way that the cavity 209 is located therebetween. In an embodiment, the receptacle includes a boss.

[00020] FIG. 6 shows an embodiment of the trim member 211 having a central portion 218 in between and the outer contour 212 at the edges. In an embodiment, the central portion 218 is made of a grill having air recesses for cylinder head cooling. When the vehicle is in operation, the incoming environmental air is channelized toward the surrounded cylinder head of the engine 108 through the grill of the trim member 211. The air flows in the space between the floorboard 107 and the undercover 230 along the lower portion of the frame and makes contact with the forwardly exposed cylinder head and cools the cylinder head. Another embodiment is possible where the central portion 218 has grill with solid designer surface for allowing stickering.

[00021] To secure itself with the side cover 201 the trim member 211 comprises, towards its outer contour 212, at least one fastening provision 215a having a fastener receiving hole 216a and at least one positioning means 213a having a positioning hole 214a. In a preferred embodiment as shown in FIG. 6, the trim member includes two fastening provisions 215a, 215b and two positioning means 213a, 213b.

[00022] According to a further aspect, the trim member 211 can be of same colour as that of the side cover 201, or of a different colour.

[00023] The assembly of trim member 211 to the side cover 201 is now explained. An outer profile of the cavity 209 is configured to match an outer contour 212 of the trim member 211 so that both of them fit to each other and form a smooth contour on the vehicle opposing surface 203 of the side cover 201. According to an aspect, the trim member 211 is removably attachable and is secured to the vehicle facing surface 202 of the side cover 201. According to a preferred embodiment, the trim member 211 is snap fitted to the side cover 201 as each positioning hole (for example, 214a) receives the corresponding hook (for example, 204a) due to which the positioning means 213a snap fits against the said hook 204a. The trim member 211 is further secured to the side cover 201 by a fastener 217 (FIG. 2) received from the right direction toward the left direction in the fastener receiving hole 216a of the fastening provision 215a and is tightened against the corresponding receptacle 205a. Likewise, another fastener (also referred by 217) is used to fasten the trim member by passing through the fastener receiving hole 216b of the fastening provision 215b and is tightened against the corresponding receptacle 205b. The fastening provisions 215a, 215b and the positioning means 213a, 213b ensure that the trim member 211 is snap fitted and secured to the side cover 201 only from the vehicle facing surface 202 so that none of these provisions are visible to the onlooker. The trim member 211 and side cover 201 are thus assembled together to form the side cover subassembly 200.

[00024] Another implementation of the trim member 211 is shown in FIG. 8 which shows the trim member 211 as having two positioning means 213a, 213b respectively with a positioning hole 214a, 214b and one fastening provision 215b with a fastener receiving hole 216b. Here, only one positioning means is present in the upper portion of the trim member 211 while one positioning means and a fastening provision adjacent to the positioning means is located in the lower portion. For this embodiment, accordingly the vehicle facing surface 202 of the side cover would have corresponding hooks 204a, 204b and a receptacle 205b (FIG. 4).

[00025] As shown in FIG. 5, the side cover 201 further comprises a footrest cavity 210, and an adjoining footrest accommodating portion 224 for accommodating a pillion foot rest 121. The footrest accommodating portion 224 is bulged toward the vehicle to house the footrest 121 within itself without protruding out of the motorcycle. A mounting recess 222 (FIG. 4) for securing the side cover 201 to the motorcycle frame is provided in the footrest accommodating portion 224. The mounting recess 222 and the footrest cavity 210 are located at a rear portion of the side cover 201.

[00026] FIG. 9 shows a lower portion of the motorcycle wherein the prop stand 120 is accommodated in the space between the undercover 230 and the side cover 201. The side cover 201 also comprises of a cut-out portion 206 to accommodate the prop stand 120. The cut-out portion is arc shaped having sharp edges to aid in styling. The cut-out portion 206 ensures that the side cover 201 maintains sufficient clearance with the prop stand and thus makes the prop stand easily operable by the user.

[00027] The side cover subassembly 200 as a single component is connected to an edge portion of the floorboard 107 in a slide and lock mode. As shown in FIG. 2, the edge portion of the floorboard 107 comprises a plurality of sliding slots 225a, 225b, 225c. The side cover 201 has corresponding pips 226a, 226b, 226c located at the upper portion of the side cover 201 when viewed laterally. The pips are provided at an edge portion of the side cover. Through the footrest cavity 210, the side cover 201 receives the footrest 121 which houses itself in the footrest accommodating portion 224. Then the side cover subassembly is slided along the edge portion of the floorboard 107 and the pips 226a, 226b, 226c are locked into the respective sliding slots 225a, 225b, 225c. For firm connection, the side cover subassembly is further secured to the lower portion of the motorcycle frame. As illustrated in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5, a first fastener 220 and a second fastener 221 are used to secure the side cover subassembly to the vehicle frame. The first fastener 220 and the second fastener 221 are located at the opposite ends of the side cover 201, the second fastener passing through the mounting recess 222.

[00028] The scooter type motorcycle has at least two side cover subassemblies with one being secured to the left side of the motorcycle and the other being secured to the right side of the motorcycle. FIG. 3 shows a left side view of the motorcycle showing the assembled side cover for the left side. However, a slightly modified version of the side cover is provided on the right side of the motorcycle as shown in FIG. 7. Here, the side cover is substantially similar to the side cover of FIG. 3 except that it does not have a cut-out portion 206 as by convention, the scooter type motorcycle does not have any prop stand on the right side.

[00029] According to a further aspect, the side cover 201 and the trim member 211 may be made of any material including plastic resin or sheet metal.

[00030] From the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the present invention offers many advantages including those described above. It is an advantage of the present invention to provide the side cover 201 with the trim member 211 for scooter type motorcycle capable of effecting an improved degree of freedom in designing and aid in cylinder head cooling. The engine is thus cooled quickly in less time. To effect a prompt aesthetic change in the said motorcycle, the trim member 211 of the side cover 201 is easily replaceable with another trim member having similar construction and profile, but with a different colour scheme or grill shape or stickering pattern. Thus, a quick product differentiation is achieved with lower costs and in significantly reduced time rather than replacing the entire side cover. The trim member 211, being modular, small and removably connectable, can be easily changed over to new design keeping the outer profile 212 same. The invention also facilitates ease of assembly as trim member is snap fitted and secured to the side cover from the vehicle lateral side to form side cover subassembly. Further, no fasteners or mounting recesses are visible to the onlooker in the side cover subassembly which provides good flush to the side cover and the vehicle appears aesthetically pleasing. The invention also eases the accessibility of the prop stand by the vehicle occupant.

[00031] The present subject matter 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.

We claim:

1. A side cover subassembly (200) for a scooter type motorcycle comprising: a side cover (201) having a cavity (209), a footrest cavity (210), and a footrest accommodating portion (224) adjacent to the footrest cavity, a detachable trim member (211) accommodated within the cavity (209) and attached to a vehicle facing surface (202) of the side cover, wherein the side cover subassembly is connected to a floorboard (107) of the scooter type motorcycle.

2. The side cover subassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cavity (209) is provided at a middle portion and the footrest cavity (210) is provided at a rear portion of the side cover.

3. The side cover subassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trim member (211) includes a central portion (218) made of a grill having air recesses.

4. The side cover subassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle facing surface (202) of the side cover comprises at least one receptacle (205a) and at least one hook (204a) in the area adjoining the cavity (209).

5. The side cover subassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the trim member (211) further comprises of at least one fastening provision (215b) with a fastener receiving hole (216b) and at least one positioning means (213a) with a positioning hole (214a).

6. The side cover subassembly as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the at least one positioning means (213a) is snap fitted to the at least one hook (204a) and the at least one fastening provision (215b) is secured against the at least one receptacle (205a) through a fastener (217).

7. The side cover subassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side cover subassembly is connected to an edge portion of the floorboard (107) in a slide and lock mode.

8. The side cover subassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side cover (201) also comprises a cut out portion (206) at a lower middle portion to accommodate a prop stand (120).

9. The side cover subassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side cover further comprises of a plurality of pips (226a, 226b, 226c) located at an upper portion of the side cover along an edge portion and the pips are correspondingly locked into a plurality of sliding slots (225a, 225b, 225c) of the floorboard (107).

10. The side cover subassembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the side cover and the trim member are made of any material from a group consisting of plastic resin and sheet metal.