Claims:I/We Claim:
1. A tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (196), said frame assembly (196) includes a seat frame (202);
a first bracket (206);
a support structure (207); and
a tail lamp unit (204),
wherein,
said first bracket (206) being mounted on said frame assembly (196); and said first bracket (206) connects one end of a rear LH portion (203b) of said seat frame (202) to other end of a rear RH portion (203a) of said seat frame (202) of said frame assembly (196), such that the profile of said tail lamp unit (204) flushes a rearward profile of said seat assembly (125).
2. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tail lamp unit (204) being substantially covered by the rearward profile of said seat assembly (125) when viewed from top of said vehicle (100).
3. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tail lamp unit (204) is arc shaped.
4. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said rear end of a seat assembly (125) and said tail lamp unit (204) lie on single lateral vertical plane passing through a vertical axis (AA’) disposed at the rearmost edge of the seat assembly (125).
5. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 wherein, said tail lamp unit (204) being disposed in a sandwiched manner between said first bracket (206) and said support structure (207).
6. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein, said first bracket (206) includes a plurality of members; wherein said plurality of members include a first member (206a) and a second member (206b).
7. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6 wherein, said first member (206a) and said second member (206b) being an integrated single part.
8. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6 wherein, said first member (206a) being a plate shaped structure.
9. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6 wherein, said second member (206b) being a forged bracket.
10. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6 wherein, said second member (206b) being a tubular bone shaped structured.
11. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 6 wherein, said second member (206b) being capable of detachably attaching to one of the rear ends of said first portion (206a).
12. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein, said support structure (207) is made of a rubber material.
13. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein, said support structure (207) being mounted to an upper portion of a rear panel (205).
14. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein, said frame assembly (196) includes one or more protruded tubular structures extending rearwardly.
15. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 14 wherein, said one or more protruded tubular structures include a rear RH portion (203a) and a rear LH portion (203b).
16. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein, said first bracket (206) being mounted to a rear RH portion (203a) and a rear LH portion (203b) of said frame assembly (196).
17. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5 wherein, said rear fender (205) has a flat surface forming a predefined first space (208) to receive said tail lamp unit (204).
18. The tail lamp unit (204) mounting of a vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 17 wherein, said tail lamp unit (204) being disposed on said predefined first space (208).
, Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a two wheeled vehicle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a tail lamp unit mounting of a saddle type vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A saddle type vehicle includes a frame assembly 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.
[0003] The main frame of the vehicle serves as a skeletal member that enables mounting of components of the two-wheeled vehicle. Typically, the two-wheeled vehicle has a tail cover assembly having a plurality of panels assembled to a rear portion of the frame.
[0004] Conventionally, the rear portion of the saddle type vehicle is provided with a lamp unit, for example a tail lamp unit, including a housing provided with a tail lamp and a pair of winker lamps, provided on the sides of the tail lamp. Further the tail lamp unit is provided with a lens to cover the tail lamp and winker lamps.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The detailed description is described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle type two wheeled vehicle along with the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.
[0006] Fig. 1 illustrates a left-hand side view of a two wheeled vehicle, when viewed from left hand side of the rider while the rider is in riding position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0007] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a frame assembly of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom view of a seat frame of a frame assembly of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] Fig. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a frame assembly of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00010] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of a frame assembly of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00011] Fig. 6a illustrates a first bracket of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
[00012] Fig. 6b illustrates disposed tail lamp unit on a rear panel of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00013] In the known arrangements of the tail lamp unit mounting the tail lamp unit is mounted on the rear panel bottom of the vehicle and then the rear panel is affixed with the frame assembly.
[00014] Other known arts disclose mounting of the tail lamp unit directly mounted on the frame assembly of the vehicle. The tail lamp unit is provided with slots to affix the tail lamp unit into the corresponding slots provided on the vehicle body frame by means of fasteners. Therefore, for mounting the tail lamp unit to the vehicle, the vehicle body frame is to be provided with slots during manufacturing of the body frame, to accommodate the tail lamp unit. However, some manufacturing variations are unavoidable during manufacturing of such vehicle body frame.
[00015] In the case where there is slight variation in size of the slots provided in the vehicle body frame, uneven gaps can be observed with the nearby parts after mounting the tail lamp unit on the vehicle, thereby leading to poor fit & finish and aesthetics of the vehicle as these uneven gaps are seen through the tail lamp lens. These gaps are also source of dust / mud accumulations over a period and can corrode the nearby parts.
[00016] Such an unwanted entry of dirt, dust and water results in accumulation of the same in areas inaccessible for cleaning or vacuuming which necessitate removal of one or more of the plurality of panels of which the tail cover assembly is comprised.
[00017] Besides, components that are housed in the inner portion of the tail lamp unit suffer from damage, failure and reduced lifetime due to exposure to and accumulation of water, dirt and dust.
[00018] Also, other known arts disclose about vehicles having exposed rear frame assembly. In such vehicles the rear portion of the frame assembly is not covered by the rear panels or side panels of the vehicles. In such vehicles, direct mounting of the tail lamp unit onto the frame assembly results in formation of unwanted gaps between the frame assembly and the tail lamp unit and therefore in such arrangements maintenance of the tail lamp continuity to achieve good aesthetic appearance is a challenge.
[00019] The mounting arrangements as disclosed by the known arts typically lead to misalignment of the tail lamp unit with the nearby parts mounted on the vehicle, whereby causing rattling noise and vibration during vehicle running condition leading to riding discomfort and dissatisfaction.
[00020] Hence there is a need of an optimal mounting position of the tail lamp at an optimum position with respect to the design of different types of vehicles and which attains compatibility between functionality and appearance keeping in mind the convenience of the rider.
[00021] The present subject matter has been devised in view of the above circumstances as well as solving other problems of the known art.
[00022] The present subject matter discloses a tail lamp unit mounting of a vehicle comprising a frame assembly, a bracket, a support structure, and a tail lamp unit. The first bracket is mounted on the frame assembly; and the first bracket connects one end of the seat frame to other end of the seat frame of the frame assembly, along a bottom periphery of the seat frame, such that the profile of the tail lamp unit flushes a rearward profile of the seat assembly.
[00023] As per an aspect of the present embodiment, the tail lamp unit is arc shaped.
[00024] As per another aspect of the present embodiment, the bracket is mounted on the frame assembly and the tail lamp unit is sandwiched between the bracket and the support structure. Such mounting arrangement of the tail lamp aids in maintaining the design intent of continuity of the frame assembly with the tail lamp.
[00025] As per an alternate aspect of the present embodiment, the rear end of a seat assembly and the tail lamp unit lies along single lateral vertical plane. The mounting of the tail lamp unit is such that the tail lamp unit is substantially covered by the rearward profile of the seat assembly when viewed from top of the vehicle.
[00026] As per an aspect of the present embodiment, the bracket includes a plurality of portions. One of the plurality of portions of the bracket is a forged bracket. The forged bracket provides strength to the tail lamp and aids in holding the tail lamp firmly at desired angle and position.
[00027] As per another aspect of the present embodiment the support structure is made of a rubber material being mounted to an upper portion of a rear panel by means one or more fasteners or by welding. The forged bracket welded on to the frame assembly when engaged with the tail lamp unit via the rubber support structure aids in minimizing vibrations of the tail lamp unit.
[00028] As per another aspect of the present embodiment the frame assembly includes one or more tubular protrusions extending rearwardly.
[00029] As per an alternate aspect the bracket is mounted to one or more tubular protrusions of the frame assembly by means one or more fasteners or by welding.
[00030] As per another embodiment of the present invention the bracket is an integrated single part.
[00031] As per an efficacy of the present invention the present tail lamp unit mounting arrangement aids in improving the fit and finish of the rear portion of the vehicle thereby avoiding any see-through gaps between the frame assembly and the tail lamp unit.
[00032] As per another efficacy of the present invention the present tail lamp unit with the forged brackets of the mounting arrangement aids in locating the tail lamp unit in position by engaging with the rubber support structure.
[00033] Exemplary embodiments detailing features regarding the aforesaid and other advantages of the present subject matter will be described hereunder with reference to the accompanying drawings. 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. It should be noted that the description and figures merely illustrate principles of the present subject matter. Various arrangements may be devised that, although not explicitly described or shown herein, encompass the principles of the present subject matter. Moreover, all statements herein reciting principles, aspects, and examples of the present subject matter, as well as specific examples thereof, are intended to encompass equivalents thereof. Further, it is to be noted that terms “upper”, “down”, “right”, “left”, “front”, “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, arrows wherever provided in the top right corner of figure(s) in the drawings depicts direction with respect to the vehicle, wherein an arrow F denotes front direction, an arrow R indicates rear direction, an arrow Up denotes upward direction, an arrow Dw denotes downward direction, an arrow RH denotes right side, and an arrow LH denotes left side. 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.
[00034] Fig. 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The vehicle 100 includes a frame assembly 196 to support different parts of the vehicle 100. In an upper portion of the frame assembly 196, a handlebar assembly 115 is rotatably integrally connected to the steering shaft (not shown). The handlebar assembly 115 is used to steer the vehicle 100 and is connected to a front wheel 185 through the steering shaft (not shown) and a front fork assembly (not shown).
[00035] An upper portion of the front wheel 185 is covered by a front fender 190 which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft (not shown). Further, the front fork assembly (not labeled) is supported on the front fender 190 by means of a brace fender (not shown).
[00036] In a front portion of the frame assembly 196 a fuel tank assembly 120 is arranged immediately behind the handlebar assembly 115 and is disposed over a first power source, for example an engine assembly 180. A seat assembly 125 is placed behind the fuel tank assembly 120. A telematics unit (not shown) is located behind the cover frame assembly of the saddle type vehicle 100, below the fuel tank assembly 120.
[00037] The seat assembly 125 includes a front rider seating portion and a pillion rider seating portion. The pillion rider seating portion is placed on the rear part of the frame assembly 196, where the rear part of the frame assembly 196 is covered by the tail cover assembly 130.
[00038] For the safety of the rider and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlamp assembly 105 that includes a headlamp 110 and front indicator lights 140a are provided in the front portion of the vehicle 100.
[00039] The headlamp 110 assembled with a housing headlamp rear is supported by a front fork lower bracket which has a pivot axis for the head lamp 110 beam adjustment. On the rear portion of the two wheeled vehicle 100 a tail lamp (not labeled) and rear indicator light 140b are provided on the rear portion of the tail cover assembly 130. Above the tail cover assembly 130 and behind the seat assembly 125 a pillion handle 135 is provided for the pillion rider to grab.
[00040] Suspension systems are provided for comfortable steering of the two wheeled vehicle 100 on the road. A front suspension assembly 195 serves as rigidity component for the front portion of the vehicle 100 just like the frame assembly 196. The front suspension assembly 195 clamped to the head tube (not shown) through an upper bracket (not shown) and a lower bracket (not shown) is capable of being moved to the left and right. Further, a rear suspension system 160, which is a hydraulic damped arrangement, is connected to the frame assembly 196. The rear suspension system 160 comprises of at least one rear suspension 160 preferably disposed centrally in the longitudinal mid plane of the vehicle 100. However, in a vehicle 100 with two rear suspensions, the same may be disposed on the left side and the right side respectively of the vehicle 100.
[00041] The first power source, for example the engine assembly 180 is mounted to a front lower portion of the frame assembly 196 by means of an engine mounting bracket (not shown). The engine assembly 180 is partially covered on the lower side of the engine assembly 180 by an engine cover 175. The engine assembly 180 is equipped with an exhaust system that includes an exhaust pipe (not labeled) connected to the engine assembly 180 and a muffler assembly 155 connected to the exhaust pipe. The muffler assembly 155 extends rearwards along the right side of the rear wheel 150.
[00042] A battery (not shown) of the saddle type vehicle is 100 is disposed below the rider seat and the fuel tank assembly 120 of the vehicle 100. Also, the battery is enclosed behind a right hand side cover frame (not labeled) of the vehicle 100. Additionally, a cover of the fuel tank assembly 120 is disposed below the fuel tank assembly 120.
[00043] Further, a swing arm (not labeled) extending rearwards is swingably connected to a lower rear portion of the vehicle 100. The rear wheel 150 is rotatably supported at a rear end of the swing arm (not labeled). Power from the engine assembly 180 is transmitted to the rear wheel 150 through a power drive mechanism, such as a drive chain, so as to drive and rotate the rear wheel 150. A center stand 165 is provided in between the front wheel 185 and the rear wheel 150 for parking the vehicle 100.
[00044] A rear fender 145 for covering an upper side of the rear wheel 150 is mounted to a rear portion of the vehicle 100 to prevent mud and water splashed by the rotating rear wheel 150 from entering the muffler assembly 155, the engine assembly 180 and other parts disposed close by. To enhance the overall aesthetics of the vehicle 100 and to prevent undesired foreign particles from entering parts of the vehicle 100, a plurality of rear covers (not labeled) is attached to a rear portion of the frame assembly 196.
[00045] The rear fender 145 includes a main fender made of metal, and a bottom fender made of plastic (not shown). The main fender is disposed on the frame assembly 196 of the saddle type vehicle 100 and is substantially shorter. The bottom fender is disposed under the main fender and extends further toward the rear end of the saddle type vehicle 100. The main fender includes a cutout to pass the harness associated with the TSLs and the license lamps toward the rear of the vehicle 100. Further, a harness is routed between the overlapping region of the main fender and the bottom fender. As such, a considerable portion of the harness (beyond the cutout of the main fender) is disposed and hidden between the main fender and the bottom fender.
[00046] Area below the seat assembly 125 and the fuel tank assembly 120 of the vehicle 100 is covered on both sides by a cover frame assembly 170. The cover frame assembly 170 includes the one or more side covers. XX’ representing vehicle length wise longitudinal direction.
[00047] Fig. 2 illustrates a top view of a frame assembly 196 of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The frame assembly 196 as depicted in the present illustration includes a main frame 201 extending obliquely rearward and downward from a head pipe 200, and a seat frame 202 extending rearward from the main frame 201 and supporting a seat assembly 125 (shown in Fig. 1), which includes a riding seat and a pillion seat, wherein a front wheel 185 (shown in Fig. 1) is supported by a front portion of the vehicle 100 frame assembly 196 via a front fork (not shown), and a rear wheel 150 is supported by a rear portion of the vehicle 100 frame assembly 196 via a swing arm.
[00048] The main frame 201 of the vehicle 100 serves as a skeletal member that enables mounting of components of the two-wheeled vehicle 100.
[00049] Fig. 3 illustrates a bottom view of a seat frame 202 of a frame assembly 196 of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The seat frame 202 includes a front portion 202a that extends forwardly and joins with the head tube 201 (as shown in Fig. 1). The seat frame 202 further includes a rear portion 202b. The rear portion 202b of the seat frame 202 of the frame assembly 196 includes a rear RH portion 203a and a rear LH portion 203b, extending rearwardly.
[00050] Fig. 4 illustrates a side perspective view of a frame assembly 196 of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The depicted figure shows a main frame 201 extending obliquely rearward and downward from a head pipe 200. The seat frame 202 extends rearwardly from the main frame 201 and supports the seat assembly 125, which includes a riding seat and a pillion seat. The rear portion 202b of the seat frame 202 supports a tail lamp unit 204. The rear portion 202b of the seat frame 202 further supports a rear panel 205 of the vehicle 100. The rear end of a seat assembly 125 and the tail lamp unit 204 lie along a single lateral vertical plane (not shown) which is orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and passing through a vertical axis ( AA’) disposed at the rearmost edge of the seat assembly 125. The mounting of the tail lamp unit 204 is such that the tail lamp unit 204 is substantially covered by the rearward profile of the seat assembly 125 when viewed from top of said vehicle 100.
[00051] The upper portion of the rear panel 205 further supports a pair of indicator lights 206 disposedly attached on each lateral side of the vehicle 100.
[00052] Fig. 5 illustrates an exploded side perspective view of a frame assembly 196 of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention with many parts omitted for clarity. The depicted illustration shows a frame assembly 196 of a vehicle 100 including a head tube 200, a main frame 201 and a seat frame 202. The seat frame 202 includes one or more tubular protrusions extending rearwardly. Namely the one or more tubular protrusions are a rear RH portion 203a and a rear LH portion 203b present of the right-hand side and left-hand side of the frame assembly 196 respectively.
[00053] The illustration further depicts a lamp unit 204 mounted on a vehicle 100 comprising the frame assembly 196, a first bracket 206, a support structure 207. The tail lamp unit 204 is arc shaped substantially conforming to the shape of the rear portion of the seat when seen in a top view of the vehicle. The first bracket 206 being mounted on the frame assembly 196; and the first bracket 206 connects one end of a rear LH portion 203b of the seat frame 202 to other end of a rear RH portion 203a of the seat frame 202 of the frame assembly 196, along a bottom periphery of the seat frame 202, such that the profile of the tail lamp unit 204 flushes with a rearward profile of the seat assembly 125.
[00054] The first bracket 206 is further mounted on the frame assembly 196 and the tail lamp unit 204 is disposed in a sandwiched manner between the first bracket 206 and the support structure 207. Such mounting arrangement of the tail lamp unit 204 aids in maintaining the design intent of continuity of the rear portion of the frame assembly 196 with the tail lamp unit 204.
[00055] As per an embodiment, the first bracket 206 includes a plurality of portions, namely first member 206a and a second member 206b. One of the plurality of members namely the first member 206a of the first bracket 206 is a forged bracket 206b. The forged bracket 206b provides sturdy support to the tail lamp unit 204 and aids in holding the tail lamp unit 204 firmly at desired angle and position.
[00056] As per an embodiment, the support structure 207 is made of a rubber material being mounted to an upper portion of a rear panel 205 by means one or more fasteners or made of steel and attached to the rear panel 205 by welding. The forged bracket 206b is welded on to the frame assembly and is coupled with the tail lamp unit 204 via the rubber support structure 207 which aids in minimizing vibrations of the tail lamp unit 204
[00057] The first bracket 206 is mounted to one or more tubular protrusions of the frame assembly 196, namely the rear RH 203a and a rear LH 203b by means one or more fasteners or by welding. The present tail lamp unit 204 mounting design aids in improving the fit and finish of the rear portion of the vehicle 100 hereby avoiding any see-through gaps between the frame assembly 196 and the tail lamp unit 204 . Further the forged bracket 206b of the mounting aids in locating the tail lamp unit 204 in position by engaging with the rubber support structure 207.
[00058] A rear panel 205, housing a pair of indicator lamps 140a and 140b are detachably attached on either side of the top portion of the rear panel 205 which is further mounted directly onto the frame assembly 196 of the vehicle 100. The rear panel 205 has a flat surface forming a predefined first space 208 to receive the tail lamp unit 204. The mounting of the rear panel 205 is such that the tail lamp unit 204 is disposed on a predefined first space 208 provided on the upper portion of the rear panel 205 of the vehicle 100. A rear fender 145 is further attached to the lower portion of the rear panel 205 extending towards the rear wheel of the vehicle 100.
[00059] Fig. 6a illustrates a first bracket 206 of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The first bracket 206 includes a plurality of members. The plurality of members includes a plate shaped first member 206a and a tubular bone shaped structured second member 206b. The second member 206b is a forged bracket 206b and is capable of being detachably attached to one of the rear ends of the plate shaped first member 206a of the bracket 206.
[00060] Fig. 6b illustrates disposed tail lamp unit 204 on a rear panel 205 of a vehicle 100 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The mounting of the rear panel 205 is such that the tail lamp unit 204 is disposed on a predefined first space 208 provided on the upper portion of the rear panel 205 of the vehicle 100. A rear fender 145 is further attached to the lower portion of the rear panel 205 extending towards the rear wheel of the vehicle 100.
[00061] 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: Vehicle
105: Headlamp assembly
110: Headlamp
115: Handlebar assembly
120: Fuel tank assembly
125: Seat assembly
130: Tail cover assembly
135: Pillion handle
140a: Front indicator lights
140b: Rear indicator lights
145: Rear fender
150: Rear wheel
155: Muffler assembly
160: Rear suspension system
165: Centre stand
170: Cover frame assembly
175: Engine cover
180: Engine assembly
185: Front wheel
190: Front fender
195: Front suspension
196 Frame assembly
200: Head tube
201: Main frame
202: Seat frame
202a: Front portion
202b: Rear portion
203a: Rear RH portion
203B: Rear LH portion
204: Tail lamp unit
205: Rear panel
206: First bracket
206a: First member
206b: Second member
207: Support structure
208: First space