DESC:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to saddle type two & three wheeled vehicles and particularly, but not exclusively, to a tail cover assembly.

BACKGROUND
[0002] Saddle type vehicles are usually provided with a storage space located beneath a seat. The storage space is mounted on to a frame structure which provides skeletal support to the saddle type vehicle. One or more tail covers are adapted to be mounted to cover the storage space and other rearwardly mounted components of the saddle type vehicle and protect them from exposure to water, mud or dirt.
[0003] Conventionally, the storage space is formed to have a floor and walls surrounding the floor with the storage space being mounted at least a portion of the frame through the walls or the floor. The one or more tail covers have a sole function of shielding the saddle type vehicle from ingress of contaminants into inner regions of the saddle type vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0004] 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.
[0005] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a rear portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Figure 3 illustrates a left side view of the rear portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Figure 4 illustrates a top view of the rear portion of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following description is explained through an embodiment of a saddle type vehicle.
[0010] Saddle type vehicles provided with a storage space, generally have a storage space located beneath a seat assembly of the saddle type vehicle. The storage space is usually a trough like component having a floor and walls surrounding the floor. The seat assembly acts as a lid of the storage space. The storage space is supported by a rear portion of the frame and covered by a tail cover assembly from the sides.
[0011] It is customary to manufacture the storage space and the tail cover assembly as individual and different components of the saddle type vehicle. The function of the storage space being to receive objects such as, but not limited to, a helmet and a tool kit. The tail cover assembly is mounted to protect a rear portion of the saddle type vehicle and the components mounted in the rear portion from exposure to dirt, dust, water and other elements of the weather.
[0012] A tail cover assembly, as known in the art, is mounted to form a protective shield limited to a lower rear side of the saddle type vehicle. Gaps are likely to form between the tail cover assembly and the portion of the saddle type vehicle to which it is mounted. Contaminant entry through the gaps is highly likely as the gaps are present on the lower side of the saddle type vehicle and in direct exposure to water, mud or dirt thrown up by a rear wheel or other sources of contamination.
[0013] Therefore, a tail cover assembly capable of functioning as a storage space as well as forming an uninterrupted, protective shield on a lower side of the saddle type vehicle to prevent entry of contaminants such as dirt, dust or water from the lower side of the vehicle is desirable in the art.
[0014] The present invention discloses a tail cover assembly and a seat assembly, which form a storage space, such that a floor of the storage space is formed by the tail cover assembly.
[0015] In an embodiment, the tail cover assembly and the seat assembly form the storage space in which the floor and at least a portion of walls of the storage space are formed by the tail cover assembly.
[0016] In an embodiment, the tail cover assembly and the seat cover assembly are connected to form the storage space. The floor and at least a portion of the walls of the storage space, in an embodiment, are formed by the tail cover assembly.
[0017] In an embodiment, the tail cover assembly is adapted to extend from a main tube of a frame assembly of the saddle type vehicle up to a rear most end of the tail cover assembly of the saddle type vehicle. The tail cover assembly, in the present embodiment, is adapted to cover the saddle type vehicle on a lower side, above a rear wheel, uninterruptedly and without any gaps.
[0018] In an embodiment, the seat assembly forms a lid of the storage space formed by the tail cover assembly and the seat assembly of the saddle type vehicle. The lid of the storage space is configured to be opened and closed by a user of the saddle type vehicle.
[0019] In an embodiment, the seat assembly forms at least a portion of a roof of the storage space formed by the seat assembly and the tail cover assembly with a hinged cut-out on the roof of the storage space. In an embodiment, the seat assembly forms at least a portion of a roof of the storage space formed by the seat assembly and the tail cover assembly with a hinged cut-out on at least a portion on the walls of the storage space.
[0020] In an embodiment, the tail cover assembly and the seat assembly are connected through a hinge, where the hinge being disposed or supported by the tail cover assembly. In an embodiment, the hinge is mounted on one end of the tail cover assembly, preferably a foremost end, to which a foremost end of the seat assembly is connected. In an embodiment, the hinge is mounted on a rear end of the tail cover assembly to which a rear of the seat assembly is correspondingly attached. The hinge facilitates ease in accessing the storage space by opening and closing of the seat assembly which functions as a lid of the storage space.
[0021] In an embodiment, the seat assembly is connected to the saddle type vehicle through a hinge located on a frame assembly. The tail cover assembly, in this embodiment, is disposed below the seat assembly with the tail cover assembly adapted to form the storage space and the seat assembly adapted to form the lid of the storage space.
[0022] In an embodiment, the floor of the storage space formed by the tail cover assembly includes one or more ribs to provide skeletal support to the storage space. In an embodiment, one or more ribs are disposed in a longitudinal direction, lateral direction or lateral and longitudinal direction. In an embodiment, one or more ribs are formed integrally with the floor of the storage space formed by the tail cover assembly.
[0023] In an embodiment, the tail cover assembly forming the storage space has a deep portion and a shallow portion. The tail cover assembly is mounted in such a manner that the deep portion is oriented ahead of the shallow portion, with the shallow portion being disposed at the rear end of the saddle type vehicle. The tail cover assembly, in the present embodiment, is secured on only one end and left free to oscillate on a free end.
[0024] The orientation, as disclosed in the present embodiment, ensures that the free end of the tail cover assembly, which is mounted to be a cantilever, is not burdened with a bigger or heavy storage space portion. The orientation of the deep portion of the storage space ahead of the shallow portion allows the deep portion to be closest to the one end of the tail cover assembly which is secured. Locating the deep portion closer to the secured one end of the cantilever mounted tail cover assembly has the advantage of improved body balance and centre of gravity of the saddle type vehicle. Moreover, the probability of a bigger or heavy portion coming in contact with a rear wheel of the saddle type vehicle, if located at the free end of the tail cover assembly is eliminated. The probability of the tail cover assembly interfering with the rear wheel dangerously disturbs the stability of the saddle type vehicle, especially when the saddle type vehicle is in motion.
[0025] In an embodiment, the tail cover assembly forming the storage space is adapted to taper from the deep portion up to a rearmost end of the shallow portion. Further, in an embodiment, the tail cover assembly forming the storage space is adapted to taper from a rear end of the deep portion up to a rearmost end of the shallow portion.
[0026] In an embodiment, the floor of the tail cover assembly forming the storage space, at the deep portion, is at least partly concave. The floor of the deep portion is at least partly concave to prevent interference of a rear wheel hugger with the tail cover assembly forming the storage space, especially in a full bump condition. Repeated coming into contact of the rear wheel hugger with the tail cover assembly results in damage or breakage of the rear wheel hugger or the tail cover assembly.
[0027] In an embodiment, the tail cover assembly includes a bottom tail cover and at least one separately casted side cover. The bottom tail cover forms the floor of the storage space and at least one separately casted side cover forms at least a portion of the walls of the storage space.
[0028] In an embodiment, the bottom tail cover and at least one side cover are formed together to form the tail cover assembly.
[0029] In an embodiment, a rear fender is attached to the tail cover assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the rear fender is attached to the bottom tail cover of the tail cover assembly. The rear fender shields the saddle type vehicle from mud splashes thrown up by the rear wheel of the saddle type vehicle.
[0030] Thus, the present subject matter providing a tail cover assembly of a saddle type vehicle, the tail cover assembly being adapted to form a storage space and form a protective shield on a lower side of the vehicle against entry of contaminants inside the vehicle, thereby reducing the number of components of the vehicle, overcoming problems mentioned & other problems in the known art.
[0031] The present invention provides an advantage of reduction in the number of components of a saddle type vehicle. Separate components to form the storage space and separate components to form the tail cover assembly are dispensed with. The tail cover assembly has a dual function of protecting the saddle type vehicle from entry of contaminants such as dust, dirt and water from a lower side as well as the function of forming a storage space. Reduction in the number of components improves ease of mounting and assembly, apart from reducing cost of manufacture.
[0032] The present invention advantageously discloses a tail cover assembly adapted to cover the entire lower side of the saddle type vehicle up to a rear most end of the tail cover assembly of the saddle type vehicle, including an area below a seat assembly. The tail cover assembly forms an uninterrupted shield for the saddle type vehicle on the lower side, thereby resolving the problem of contaminant entry due to gaps in the tail cover assembly on the lower side of the saddle type vehicle, as prevalent in state of the art. The tail cover assembly provides a cover which is continuous and gapless on the lower side of the saddle type vehicle.
[0033] Apart from the advantages already mentioned, the described invention has several advantages over conventional arrangements prevalent in state of the art.
[0034] A few embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail in conjunction with the figures in the following description.
[0035] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Typically, the frame assembly (not shown) comprises a head tube (not shown), a main tube (125) and a pair of side tubes (not shown). The head tube (not shown) is disposed towards a front portion. The main tube (125) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head tube (not shown). The other end of the main tube (125) is connected with the pair of side-tubes (not shown) through a bracket member (not shown). The head tube (not shown) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (not shown) and further connected to the front suspension system (104) at the lower end. A handlebar support member (105) is connected to an upper end of the steering tube (not shown) and supports a handlebar assembly (106).
[0036] Two telescopic suspensions of the front suspension system (104) are attached to a holding member (not shown) on the lower part of the steering tube (not shown) on which is supported the front wheel (109). The upper portion of the front wheel (109) is covered by a front fender (108) mounted to the lower portion of the steering shaft (not shown). The front end of the saddle type vehicle (100) is protected by a front panel assembly (120). A head lamp assembly (140) is disposed in the front portion with the head lamp (not shown) adapted to be surrounded by the front panel assembly (120).
[0037] A seat assembly (150), on which a rider may sit, is supported on a rear portion (151) of the saddle type vehicle (100). A tail cover assembly (141) is connected to the seat assembly (150) to form a storage space (shown in figure 2) disposed below the seat assembly (150). A coolant tank assembly (not shown) is also disposed below the seat (not shown).
[0038] There is front brake (111) and rear brake (not shown) arranged on the front wheel (109) and a rear wheel (110) respectively. The rear wheel (110) is covered by a rear wheel hugger (113) and a rear fender (114) with a tail light (not shown) disposed near it, at the end of the seat assembly (150). The rear wheel (110) is supported towards the rear side of the frame by a horizontally coupled transmission member (180). The transmission member (180) which also acts as a structural member and referred interchangeably as a swing arm, connects the rear wheel to the vehicle frame. The transmission member (180) is secured to the rear of the frame assembly (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle (100) through a rear suspension system (181).
[0039] Figure 2 illustrates a left side view of a rear portion (151) of the saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. In the present embodiment, the seat assembly (150) is hinged to the tail cover assembly (141) to form a storage space (201). The tail cover assembly (141) includes a bottom tail cover (250) and at least one side tail cover (260). The at least one side tail cover (260) is separately casted or manufactured and the bottom tail cover (250) is separately manufactured, in the present embodiment. Further, this embodiment increases the ease of accessibility of the components to the customers. As per as aspect of the present subject matter, the rearward end of the tail cover assembly (141) has at a portion partially extending beyond the rear wheel axle when seen in the side view while the rear end of the tail cover portion being substantially within the rearmost edge of the rear wheel thereby enabling adequate protection to the tail cover assembly & other illumination parts from potential damage owing to any rear ending accident.
[0040] The bottom tail cover (250) forms a floor (201a) and at least a portion of walls (201b) of the storage space (201) in the present embodiment. The storage space (201) is marked by a dotted line. The bottom tail cover (250) forming the storage space (201) extends from a mounting end (255) to a rear most end (256) of the tail cover assembly (141). The bottom tail cover (250) is attached to at least one side tail cover (260) through one or more fasteners. The at least one side tail cover (260) is attached to the bottom tail cover (250), providing rigidity to the embodiment. Further, this embodiment increases the ease of accessibility to the customer and also increases the aesthetic appearance of the saddle type vehicle.
[0041] A hinge (not shown) is disposed on the mounting end (255) of the tail cover assembly (141). The seat assembly (150) is secures to the hinge (not shown) disposed on the mounting end (255) of the tail cover assembly (141). The seat assembly (150) forms a lid of the storage space (201) adapted to be opened and closed by the rider or user of the saddle type vehicle (100).
[0042] In another embodiment, the hinge (not shown) is disposed on the main tube (125) of the saddle type vehicle (100), the hinge (not shown) being adapted to secure the seat assembly (150) to form the lid of the storage space (201) which may be opened and closed by the rider. The hinge (not shown) in this embodiment is disposed adjacent to the mounting end (255) of the tail cover assembly (141).
[0043] The bottom tail cover (250) forming the storage space (201) includes a deep portion (251) and a shallow portion (252). The bottom tail cover (250) is oriented in such a manner that the deep portion (251) is located ahead of the shallow portion (252). The deep portion (251) of the bottom tail cover (250) forming the storage space (201) is bigger with a large storage capacity. The shallow portion (252) has a tapering profile that tapers towards the rear most end (256) of the tail cover assembly (141).
[0044] The rear wheel (110) is covered by the rear wheel hugger (113) and the rear fender (114). The rear fender (114) is attached to the bottom tail cover (250) of the tail cover assembly (141). The rear wheel (110) is supported by the transmission member (180) which is secured to the saddle type vehicle (100) through the rear suspension system (181).
[0045] As seen in the figure, clearance between the rear most end (256) of the tail cover assembly (141) and the rear wheel (110) is sufficiently large to avoid interference of the tail cover assembly (141) with the rear wheel (110). The shallow portion (252) of the tail cover assembly (141) tapers towards the rear most end (256) of the tail cover assembly (141). Further, this embodiment results in reducing the number of required components and provides the protection to the vehicle from the external dirt, mud etc.
[0046] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the tail cover assembly (141) of the saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The bottom tail cover (250) forms the floor (201a) of the storage space (201) and at least one side tail cover (260) is attached to the bottom tail cover (250). The tail cover assembly (141) comprises the bottom tail cover (250) and at least one side tail cover (260). As per an aspect of the present subject matter, the tail cover assembly (141) is substantially tapered in the rear most end (256) with respect to the mounting end (255) of the tail cover assembly, enabling reduced weight & mass of the assembly towards the rear most end. This enables better mass concentration towards the front & closer to the centre of gravity (CG) of the vehicle thereby improving the dynamic ride & handling performance of the vehicle.
[0047] The bottom tail cover (250) includes the deep portion (251) and the shallow portion (252). The deep portion (251) of the bottom tail cover (250) has a concave portion (301) disposed substantially upwardly when viewed from side of the vehicle, the concave portion (301) being adapted to face the rear wheel (110) and the rear wheel hugger (113) of the saddle type vehicle (100). The concave portion (301) of the bottom tail cover (250) increases the clearance between the deep portion (251) of the bottom tail cover (250) and the rear wheel hugger (113), thereby, reducing the impact or contact of the rear wheel (110) and the rear wheel hugger (113) on the bottom tail cover (250) of the tail cover assembly (141), especially in full bump conditions. The reduction in the impact or contact on the bottom tail cover (250) increases its longevity and reduces the likelihood of damage or breakage of the tail cover assembly (141).
[0048] Thus, the present subject matter provides a tail cover assembly (141) of a saddle type vehicle (100), where the tail cover assembly (141) forms a storage space (201) and provides an uninterrupted and gapless protective shield on a lower side of the saddle type vehicle to prevent entry of contaminants such as mud, water, dirt or dust through the tail cover assembly (141), thereby dispensing with the need to have separate components to form a storage space and separate components which constitute the tail cover assembly, which reduces the number of components of the saddle type vehicle.
[0049] It is to be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Many modifications and variations of the present subject matter are possible in the light of above disclosure. Therefore, within the scope of claims of the present subject matter, the present disclosure may be practiced other than as specifically described.

List of references:
Fig. 1:

100: Saddle type Vehicle
105: Handle Bar Support Member
106: Handle Bar Assembly
120: Front Panel Assembly
108: Front Fender
109: Front Wheel
104: Front Suspension System
111: Front Brake
140: Head Lamp Assembly
181: Rear Suspension System
180: Transmission Member
110: Rear Wheel
113: Real Wheel Hugger
141: Tail Cover Assembly
114: Rear Fender
130: Side Cover Assembly
150: Seat Assembly
125: Main Tube
151: Rear Portion

Fig.2:

255: Mounting End.
201: Storage Space.
251: Deep Portion.
201b: Portion of wall.
201a: Floor.
252: Shallow Portion.
256: Rear Most End.
250: Bottom Tail Cover
260: One Side Tail Cover.

Fig.3:

301: Concave Portion
,CLAIMS:We claim:
1. A saddle type saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame structure adapted to provide skeletal support to the saddle type vehicle (100);
a seat assembly (150) supported by the frame structure;
a tail cover assembly (141);
comprising said seat assembly (150) and said tail cover assembly (141) form a storage space (201), wherein, said tail cover assembly (141) includes a bottom tail cover (250) and at least one separately casted one side tail cover (260).

2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said bottom tail cover (250) forming the floor (201a) of said storage space (201) and said at least one side tail cover (260) forming at least a portion of walls (201b) of said storage space (201).

3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein said bottom tail cover (250) forming said storage space (201) is configured to have a deep portion (251) and a shallow portion (252).

4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein said bottom tail cover (250) is oriented in such a manner that said deep portion (251) is located ahead of said shallow portion (252).

5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said tail cover assembly (141) extends beyond the position partially beyond the rear axle and the rearmost end being disposed within the rear end of the rear wheel (110) of said saddle type vehicle (100).

6. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said floor (201a) of said storage space (201) includes one or more ribs in one or more of a longitudinal direction and lateral direction.

7. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said floor (201a) of said storage space (201) is at least partly configured to have a concave portion (301).

8. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear most end (256) of said tail cover assembly (141) is configured to be relatively tapered with respect to the mounting end (255) of the tail cover assembly.

9. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rear fender (114) is attached to said bottom tail cover (250) of said tail cover assembly (141).