Claims:. A tail cover assembly for a saddle type vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame member (115, 300) adapted to provide skeletal support to said saddle type vehicle (100);
a seat assembly (106) disposed over said frame member (115, 300);
a tail cover assembly (108) disposed towards a rear portion of said seat assembly (106);
a rear fender (111); and
a tail lamp (401)
said tail cover assembly includes a plurality of tail covers (204, 110, 203, 205), wherein the tail covers are configured to create a first storage space (202) disposed substantially between at least two tail covers of said plurality of tail covers (204, 110, 203, 205); and additionally configured to enable an easy access for the storage space through at least one tail cover.

2. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tail cover assembly (108) includes a left tail cover (110), a right tail cover (204), a tail cover center top (203), and a tail cover center bottom (205).

3. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the left tail cover (110) and the right tail cover (204) are secured to the tail cover center top (203), on an upper end of the left tail cover (110) and an upper end of the right tail cover (204) and, secured to the tail cover center bottom (205), on a rear end of the left tail cover (110) and a rear end of the right tail cover (204).

4. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a tail lamp assembly (400) is disposed on the rear fender (111) of said saddle type vehicle (100) and is operable to secure the tail lamp (401).

5. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the seat assembly (106) is configured to be opened and closed and, replaceable by a carrier (200).

6. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one tail cover (204, 110, 203, 205) of the plurality of tail covers (204, 110, 203, 205) is configured to be an auxiliary storage space (301, 500).

7. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one tail cover (204, 110, 203, 205) of said plurality of tail covers (204, 110, 203, 205) is detachably attached to said frame member (115, 300).

8. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one tail cover (204, 110, 203, 205) of said plurality of tail covers (204, 110, 203, 205) is slidably attached to said frame member (115, 300).
9. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one tail cover (204, 110, 203, 205) of said plurality of tail covers (204, 110, 203, 205) is rotatably attached to said frame member (115, 300).

10. The saddle type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auxiliary storage space (301, 500) is operable to be opened and closed rearwardly or outwardly of the said saddle type vehicle (100).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle type vehicle, and more particularly, the present subject matter relates to a tail cover assembly for a saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conventionally, a saddle type vehicle includes a vehicle body frame including a main frame extending obliquely rearward and downward from a head pipe, and a seat frame extending rearward from the main frame and supporting a riding seat and a pillion seat, wherein a front wheel is supported by a front portion of the vehicle body frame via a front fork, and a rear wheel is supported by a rear portion of the vehicle body frame via a swing arm. The rear portion of the vehicle is covered by a tail cover assembly which is assembled to a rear end of the body frame. Typically, the tail cover assembly of the saddle type vehicle has a plurality of tail covers, namely a left tail cover and a right tail cover, giving an integrated appearance, when viewed from the top of the vehicle. The saddle type vehicle also includes, a cargo two wheeled vehicle, in which the pillion seat is generally removed and replaced by a carrier, which usually extends from the pillion seat region to the rear end of the plurality of tail covers. Thus, in a saddle type cargo vehicle the plurality of tail covers remain as underlying parts below the carrier.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0004] Fig. 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the tail cover assembly of the exemplary saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0006] Fig. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the tail cover assembly of the exemplary saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0007] Fig. 4 illustrates a perspective view of vehicle sub assembly of the exemplary saddle type vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.
[0008] Fig. 5 illustrates a perspective view of the tail cover assembly of the exemplary saddle type vehicle in accordance with another embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0009] In a two-wheeled vehicle comprising of a split seat assembly, a single driver seat is provided for the purpose of the driver and a separate single pillion rider seat is provided for the pillion rider. For the ease of transportation of light weight goods, immediate medical aid and delivery services, by means of motorized two wheelers, saddle type vehicle are used, in which the pillion seat is replaced or provided with a carrier.
[00010] In general, a saddle type vehicle, particularly a saddle type cargo vehicle, has a tail cover assembly comprising a plurality of tail covers namely left tail cover and right tail cover. The tail cover assembly is disposed towards the rear side of the vehicle. A frame provides mounting and skeletal support to the vehicle. The tail cover assembly is adapted to be mounted on a rear end of the frame, below the pillion seat or the mounted carrier. The carrier is mounted on the frame with fastening members, on which cargo can be mounted and the space below the carrier is shielded by the tail cover.
[00011] Use of the plurality of tail covers instead of a single tail cover enables easy manufacturing and assembling of the tail cover assembly. However, due to variations during manufacture and misalignment during assembly, gaps tend to occur between the plurality of tail covers or between one or more of the plurality of tail covers and the frame of the vehicle. Along with it over the period of time, plurality of tail covers tends to split further and this leads to gap creation in between the left tail cover and right tail cover forming visible split part making the fit and finish of the tail cover assembly poor.
[00012] Gaps in any part of the tail cover assembly are disadvantageous as it allows ingress of dust, dirt and water through gaps in course of usage of the vehicle. Such an unwanted entry of dirt, dust and water results in accumulation of the same in areas inaccessible for cleaning or vacuuming.
[00013] Besides, components that are housed in the inner part of the tail cover assembly suffer from damage, failure and reduced lifetime due to constant exposure to and accumulation of contaminants. Mud or water is splashed up tangentially by the rear wheel striking the plurality of tail covers of which the tail cover assembly is comprised. Such tangential striking results into water, dirt and dust enter through the gaps present with force. Such a propelled contaminant entry drastically increases the volume of dirt, dust and water to which the inner vehicle systems & critical parts covered by tail cover assembly are exposed to, in the event of gaps being formed due to misalignment in assembly of the plurality of tail covers to the rear end of the main frame.
[00014] Water and mud splashed up tangentially by the rear wheel strikes the lower side of the vehicle with a certain amount of force, thereby vastly increasing the amount of contaminants entering through gaps exposed on the lower side of the tail cover assembly and accumulating in inner parts of the tail cover assembly. The inner parts of the tail cover assembly are inaccessible for cleaning or removal of contaminants without having to remove at least one of the plurality of tail covers of which the tail cover assembly is comprised, making it highly unserviceable and inconvenient for maintenance of the two-wheeled vehicle, even so in the case of a saddle type cargo vehicle.
[00015] Contaminant entry or accumulation in the inner areas of the two-wheeled vehicle requiring protection adversely affects the functioning capabilities of components housed in the inner part of the tail cover assembly. Ingress of contaminants and their subsequent accumulation reduces lifetime of the components leading to sudden failures of the components apart from causing immediate failure and damage of sensitive components. Failure of vital components like a battery is not merely a disadvantage but could prove hazardous as well, especially when the two-wheeled vehicle is in running condition. Therefore, there is a need to provide a tail cover assembly, which does not have a gap and that prevents entry of contaminants. Typically, tail cover assembly includes plurality of tail covers, namely a left tail cover and a right tail cover. These parts are usually painted and fitted onto the vehicle. Though these painted parts are appealing, but once the carrier is mounted above them, a large portion of the painted parts, which directly come under the carrier, tend to remain shielded with the loaded carrier from the top and unnoticed from the sides, making the painting of such parts redundant. Therefore, there is a need of reduction of painted parts while not compromising with the aesthetic appeal and fit and finish of the tail cover assembly.
[00016] Apart from the mentioned problems, another difficulty arises with the availability as well as accessibility of an auxiliary storage space for storing rider’s personal belongings especially in saddle type cargo vehicle. Usually in motorized two wheelers auxiliary storage space is provided below the pillion seat, which is generally detachable or removable. Unlike other two wheeler vehicles, a saddle type cargo vehicle has the disadvantage of lacking an accessible auxiliary storage space for documents, personal belongings or small accessories for the ease and convenience of the rider. Though there is a considerable space between these plurality of tail covers, namely right and left tail cover. Conventionally, the space remains unused. The restriction on such auxiliary storage space is because of the constructional constraints of a saddle type cargo vehicle. As generally the space above the carrier is engaged by the mounting of the cargo; the space under left tail cover and right tail cover cannot be used as storage space, since it is sandwiched between the frame and the carrier and the usage of the space for storage would require dismantling of carrier and the tail cover assembly, any such dismantling makes the whole arrangement inconvenient and inaccessible for the rider, especially when the cargo is mounted on the carrier and; the rear end of the tail cover assembly also becomes inaccessible for mounting an additional storage compartment because of the mounting of the tail lamp on the left tail cover and right tail cover. There is a need to resolve this problem and provide a convenient and accessible auxiliary storage space even when the cargo is mounted on the carrier.
[00017] Therefore, there exists a need to provide a tail cover assembly for a saddle type vehicle including a two- wheeled cargo vehicle, which has better fit and finish, keeps the underlying parts safe and shielded from contaminants and thus eliminates possibility of environmental contamination, is cost effective and at the same time has an easily accessible auxiliary storage space utilizing the space between the plurality of tail covers used which is convenient and safe for the rider even when the cargo is mounted on the carrier. The present invention discloses a tail cover assembly of a saddle type vehicle comprising a left tail cover, a right tail cover, a tail cover center top and a tail cover center bottom. The tail cover center top is mounted between the left tail cover and right tail cover. The tail cover center bottom is disposed between the left tail cover and right tail cover, below the tail cover center top. The left tail cover and the right tail cover are secured to the tail cover center top, on an upper end of the left tail cover and an upper end of the right tail cover and, secured to the tail cover center bottom, on a rear end of the left tail cover and a rear end of the right tail cover .
[00018] The tail cover center top is operable to bridge any gap which may form after assembly of the tail cover assembly on the vehicle or on any further usage between right tail cover and left tail cover upwardly. The tail cover center top is adapted to protect the vehicle from ingress of mud, dirt and water from top of the tail cover assembly. The tail cover center bottom is operable to bridge any gap which may form after assembly of the tail cover assembly on the vehicle or on any further usage between right tail cover and left tail cover downwardly.
[00019] As per an aspect of the present invention, the tail cover center bottom of the tail cover assembly extends rearwards with an upward inclination, operable to bridge any gap, between left tail cover and right tail cover, which may be formed after assembly of the tail cover assembly or on any further usage. The tail cover center bottom is disposed directly above the rear wheel in such a manner as to receive & shield mud and water splashed up by the rear wheel on its outer face. The tail cover center bottom is adapted to protect the vehicle from ingress of mud, dirt and water, especially from mud or water splashed up tangentially by the rear wheel striking the plurality of tail covers.
[00020] Thus, the present subject matter additionally provides a solution to the problem of water, dirt or dust entering through gaps formed between the pluralities of tail covers of the tail cover assembly of the vehicle.
[00021] As per another aspect of the present invention, the tail cover center top of the tail cover assembly is a textured part, unlike the other painted parts, namely, tail cover center bottom, right tail cover and left tail cover. The textured tail cover center top reduces the overall vehicle’s painting cost by reducing the overall painted part surface area, making the present subject matter cost effective. Moreover, the textured part can be used to display different patterns such as high-visibility reflective strips, graphics and logos, making it further more cost effective.
[00022] As per an aspect of the present invention, the tail cover center top and tail cover center bottom of the tail cover assembly are textured parts, unlike the other painted parts, namely, right tail cover and left tail cover. The textured tail cover center top and tail cover center bottom reduces the overall vehicle’s painting cost by reducing the overall painted part surface area, making the present subject matter cost effective. Moreover, the textured part can be used to display different patterns such as high-visibility reflective strips, graphics and logos, making it further more cost effective. As per another aspect of the present invention, the tail cover center top and the tail cover center bottom is so configured to create a utility space thereat thereby effectively generating an auxiliary storage space between the tail cover center top and the tail cover center bottom for storing rider’s personal belongings. As per an aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary storage space is configured with a detachable opening enabled through at least one part of the tail cover assembly. As per an embodiment, the tail cover center bottom is operable detachably rearwardly and can be opened in rearward direction and closed in opposite direction. A lock set is provided on the left tail cover or right tail cover, to secure the storage space and make it theft proof.
[00023] As per an aspect of the present invention, a tail lamp is mounted on a rear fender of the vehicle, which is mounted on the body frame of the vehicle. The tail lamp mounted on the rear fender aids in ease of assembly of the tail cover center bottom, which is operable rearwardly as opposed to a tail lamp mounted on the tail cover assembly.
[00024] As per an aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary storage space is provided in the center of the tail cover center top, while the tail cover center bottom acts as the base of the storage space. The tail cover center top is operable upwardly and can be opened in outward direction. The auxiliary storage space is made convenient and accessible by providing a hinge mechanism for rotating the carrier, while the cargo box is mounted, along the vertical axis outward which in turn gives access to tail cover center top.
[00025] Therefore, the present invention addresses the drawbacks prevalent in the state of the art and provides a solution to the problem of providing a tail cover assembly with no visible gap restricting the entry of contaminants; less painted parts making the assembly cost effective; and with an auxiliary storage space which is accessible, convenient and secure, aiding to the rider’s comfort of storing personal belongings etc. securely, thus utilizing the space between the plurality of tail covers effectively.
[00026] The present invention also has the advantage of the tail cover center top holding the tail cover center bottom and the plurality of left tail cover and right tail cover at a uniform distance from each other, thereby, preventing the ends of the left tail cover and right tail cover from rubbing off due to constant friction between each other. Such design helps in preventing wear and tear of the parts of tail cover assembly which otherwise would occur due to constant friction between them. Such arrangement also has an additional advantage of ensuring uniformity of assembly of the plurality of tail covers of the tail cover assembly.
[00027] An embodiment of the present invention is described in further detail in conjunction with an embodiment of a saddle type vehicle along with the figures in the following description. The tail cover assembly comprises of a tail cover center top, tail cover center bottom, left tail cover and right tail cover. It is obvious to a person ordinarily skilled in the art that other embodiments of the present invention are possible within the scope of the same.
[00028] Various aspects of different embodiments of the present invention will become discernible from the following description set out hereunder. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration for implementing exemplary embodiments of the invention. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “down”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “rear”, “forward”, “rearward”, “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom”, “exterior”, “interior” and like terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the two wheeled vehicle with a driver riding thereon. Furthermore, a two wheeled vehicle longitudinal axis refers to a front to rear axis relative to the two wheeled vehicle, while a two wheeled vehicle lateral axis refers to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the two wheeled 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.
[00029] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The saddle type vehicle (100) has a frame assembly comprising one or more frame members including a main frame (115), a head tube (not shown), a rear sub frame (not shown) and a swing arm (116). The head tube (not shown) is disposed of towards the front end of the saddle type vehicle (100). The main frame (115) extends from the head tube (not shown). The rear sub frame (not shown) and the swing arm (116) are secured pivotally to the other end of the main frame (115). The head tube (not shown) is configured to rotatably support a steering tube (102). The steering tube (102) supports a handle bar assembly (104).
[00030] Two telescopic front suspension systems (117) are attached to a bracket (not shown) on the lower part of the steering tube (102) on which is supported the front wheel (101). A fuel tank (105) is disposed between a seat assembly (106) and the handle bar assembly (104). The internal combustion (IC) engine (not shown) is disposed towards the front end of the vehicle below the fuel tank (105) and behind the head tube (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle (100).
[00031] The rear sub-assembly (not shown) comprises a seat assembly (106), a tail cover assembly (108), rear indicators (109) and, a rear fender (111) on which tail lamp (401) is mounted. The seat assembly (106) includes a rider’s seat (106a) and a pillion seat (not shown). In a saddle type cargo vehicle the rider sits on the rider’s seat (106a) and the pillion seat (not shown) is replaced and provided with a carrier (200). The carrier (200) is mounted on the frame member, for instance the main frame (115), along with co-mounting of the rear suspension (114) with fastening members (not shown), on which cargo (107) can be mounted and the space below the carrier is shielded by the tail cover assembly (108).
[00032] Figure 2 illustrates an exploded view of the tail cover assembly (108) of the exemplary saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, showing a tail cover assembly (108) comprising a plurality of tail covers (110, 203, 204, 205) including a left tail cover (110), a right tail cover (204), a tail cover center top (203) and a tail cover center bottom (205) mounted on a rear frame (300) of the vehicle. The left tail cover (110) and the right tail cover (204), as seen in the figure 2 are attached to the tail cover center top (203) and a tail cover center bottom (205).
[00033] The left tail cover (110) and the right tail cover (204) are secured to the tail cover center top (203), on an upper end of the left tail cover (110) and an upper end of the right tail cover (204) and, secured to the tail cover center bottom (205), on a rear end of the left tail cover (110) and a rear end of the right tail cover (204).
[00034] A first space (202) is configured between the plurality of tail covers (110, 203, 204, 205). When any one or all of the plurality of the tail covers (110, 203, 204, 205) are dismantled, the first space (202) is exposed. This first space (202) between the plurality of tail covers (110, 203, 204, 205) can be used as an auxiliary storage space (301, 500).
[00035] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the tail cover assembly (108) of the exemplary saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter, showing a tail cover assembly (108) comprising a plurality of tail covers (110, 203, 204, 205) including a left tail cover (110), a right tail cover (204), a tail cover center top (203) and a tail cover center bottom (205). The left tail cover (110) and the right tail cover (204), as seen in the figure are attached to the tail cover center top (203) and a tail cover center bottom (205).
[00036] In another embodiment, an auxiliary storage space (301) is created by configuring the tail cover center bottom in a slidable or detachable form in the area (202 as shown in Fig. 2) between the plurality of tail covers, particularly the area (202) between the tail cover center top (203) and the tail cover center bottom (205) to be easily accessible from the rear side of the vehicle for storing rider’s personal belongings without off-loading or dismantling the good carriage. The tail cover center bottom (205) is operable rearwardly and can be opened in rearward direction. A lock set (201) is provided on the right tail cover (204) or the left tail cover (110), to secure the auxiliary storage space (301) and make it theft proof cum secure. As per an embodiment, a slidable or detachable opening is enabled to create an easy access opening by at least one of a sliding movement or rotary movement of at least one of the tail covers thereby allowing access to the storage space without the tail cover part being detached from the tail cover assembly. As per an aspect, the access is configured to permit access to the auxiliary storage space without dismantling or unloading of the load carrier thereby enabling convenient access by opening and closing of the space by at least one of the tail covers.
[00037] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the exemplary saddle type vehicle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 4 particularly shows the mounting arrangement of the tail lamp (401) on the rear fender (111). The tail lamp (401) is mounted on the rear fender (111) of the saddle type vehicle (100), which is mounted on the main frame (115) of the saddle type vehicle (100).The tail lamp (401) is additionally sandwiched between the tail cover center bottom (205) and the rear fender (111) above the rear wheel (113). The tail lamp (401) mounted on the rear fender (111) aids in ease of assembly of the tail cover center bottom (205) which is operable rearwardly as opposed to a tail lamp (401) mounted on the left tail cover (110) and the right tail cover (204).

[00038] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of vehicle sub assembly of the exemplary saddle type vehicle (100). In accordance with another embodiment the auxiliary storage space (500) is created by configuring an access opening on the tail cover center top (203) the first space (202) between the plurality of tail covers, when the auxiliary storage space (500) is configured in the center of the tail cover center top (203) while the tail cover center bottom (205) acts as the base of the storage space (500). The tail cover center top (203) is operable upwardly and can be opened in outward direction. The auxiliary storage space (500) is made convenient and accessible by providing a hinge mechanism (501) for rotating the carrier, while the cargo (107) is mounted, along the vertical axis outward which in turn gives access to tail cover center top (203).
[00039] 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 reference numerals

100: Saddle type vehicle
101: Front wheel
102: Steering tube
103: Head light
104: Handle bar
105: Fuel tank
106: Seat assembly
106a: Rider’s seat
107: Cargo box
108: Tail cover assembly
109: Rear Indicator
110: Left tail cover
111: Rear fender
112: Rear suspension
113: Rear wheel
114: Rear suspension
115: Main frame
116: Swing arm
117: Front suspension system
200: Carrier
201: Lock Set
202: Space between the plurality of tail covers
203: Tail cover center top
204: Right tail cover
205: Tail cover center bottom
300: Rear frame
301: Auxiliary storage space
401: Tail lamp
500: Auxiliary storage space
501: Hinge mechanism to rotate cargo box outward