FR2949428A1 - Protective shield for protecting driver of open vehicle i.e. scooter, from weather, has braces mounted externally on lateral sides of flexible sheet in respective manner to provide tensioning opposite to nominal position of legs of driver - Google Patents

Abstract

The shield has a flexible sheet covering a specific part of a body of a driver. An additional unit i.e. stiffening unit, is utilized for avoiding fluttering of a firewall/deck during driving an open vehicle. Two braces of the additional unit are mounted externally on two lateral sides of the flexible sheet in a respective manner to provide tensioning opposite to nominal position of legs of the driver. A rigid curved segment is fitted with a deflecting wing. A deck is placed on a platform footrest. An independent claim is also included for an open vehicle comprising a protective shield.

Description

Bagster22.FRD

Protective apron for two-wheeled vehicle with sidewall stiffening system. The invention relates to the sector of open vehicles, and more particularly those known as "scooters".

This sector is growing, with a race for performance. As a result, vehicles are becoming faster, but still with little protection for the rider in the face of bad weather, while speed increases the inconvenience caused by rain or cold. It is desirable to improve the protection, without hindering the movements and the feeling of freedom of the driver that provides this type of vehicle, in other words without harming the comfort of the driver and the space available inside the apron. . For this purpose, it is known to fix, on the front part of a scooter, a protective apron that extends over the legs and belly of the pilot, to protect it from the flow of water and flow more and more cold air with speed.

More generally, a protective apron is known for protecting the driver of an open vehicle such as a two, three or four wheel vehicle, or any other vehicle, from inclement weather. The protective apron includes a flexible sheet clean to partially cover the body of the driver. However, with this type of mounting, the sides or sides of the deck tend to float on each side of the driver, behind the front portion of the apron, mounted on the fairing of the vehicle. Aerodynamically speaking, this area is an area of turbulence, all the stronger as the speed increases. This results in a flag effect at the deck, that is to say that the sides of the deck behave like a flag in a strong draft. Thus, from 80 km / h, the sides of the deck undulate more and louder and slam on the legs of the 30 driver, which is very unpleasant and may even compromise the steering of the vehicle, or even become crippling. Various systems for stiffening the apron are known, designed to prevent the beats of the deck when the vehicle is moving. None is entirely satisfactory. In particular, it has been proposed to stiffen the deck by means of a metal strip inserted into a sheath. This system does not completely eliminate the flapping of the apron and the strip strikes the sides of the vehicle and / or the legs of the driver. The doubling of the sheet by another more rigid material makes the deck very heavy and uncomfortable for the pilot.

Finally, there is known a system of inflatable buoy or inflatable tube, type inflatable air bag, introduced between the two flexible surfaces of the deck. This system requires deflation and reinflation between two uses, otherwise it stiffens the deck permanently, which hinders the driver when he leaves his vehicle, and prevents rolling the deck when it does not rain. Beside that, this system is difficult to implement (it is necessary to inflate the pudding) and rather fragile (once pierced, the pudding is unusable). In addition, in order to have sufficient rigidity, the section of the coil must become quite large. This may result in driver discomfort, as it feels tight inside the apron.

In EP-A-1442971, the Applicant has proposed stiffened aprons by air sleeves: it is a flexible tunnel in which the air flowing around the scooter and apron. This stiffens the deck more and more as the speed increases. This type of solution has proved to have the following drawbacks: to offer no stiffening at a standstill and at a low speed which could allow the deck to hold up better (the deck being, at the base, completely flexible) and to to be more aesthetically pleasing, to be subject to the fact that the air fits well into the windsock with all the parameters of focus, maintenance and adaptation to the climatic fluctuations that entails.

The present invention improves the situation.

It starts from a protective apron to protect the driver of an open vehicle, such as a two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicle or any other vehicle, from the elements, including a flexible sheet capable of covering part of the driver's body, and stiffening means for preventing the beats of the deck when the vehicle rolls.

According to one aspect of the invention, the apron comprises a stiffener, fixed externally on each side blank of the flexible sheet, to provide the side blank an outwardly curved shape, substantially facing the nominal position of each leg of the driver .

This stiffener may comprise a reinforcement piece made of plastic, metal, optionally thermoformed foam or another material capable of providing similar rigidity, intrinsically or in view of its attachment.

The curved shape can come from the intrinsic form of the stiffener (molded or thermoformed part) or be induced by the deformation of a semi-rigid plate, as fixed. In this case, the stiffening of the deck is increased in the area stretched by the stiffener, in that the "flag" effect is minimized.

In all cases, the reinforcing piece can be deformed and put in tension, that is to say prestressing, in order to increase the rigidity of the assembly.

The invention also differs from the prior art in its simplicity of implementation and the very low impact on the comfort of the pilot, given the level of stiffening provided to the sidewalls of the deck. The proposed solutions have the advantage of being very easy to implement, to be light and virtually do not interfere with the driver inside the deck.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: FIG. 1 illustrates, in diagrammatic form, a scooter having a apron provided with a device according to a first embodiment of the invention,

FIGS. 2A and 2B are two different views of orientation, illustrating in more detail the device of FIG. 1,

FIGS. 3A, 3B and 3C are views taken at different angles, illustrating a second embodiment of the invention, and

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D and 4E are views taken at different angles, illustrating a third embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a motorcycle 1 having a scooter-type bodywork comprising a transverse front wall 2. This motorcycle is equipped with a protective apron 3 comprising, in known manner, a flexible ply 4, for example made of leather or fabric, which is fixed by an edge 5 to the wall 2, and which extends rearwardly from this edge to cover at least the driver's legs.

FIG. 1 also shows a first embodiment of the device according to the invention, inside an oval box which is not part of the real view. The device is generally denoted 10. Its detailed structure will now be described with reference to FIG. 2A, which gives a side view in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle 1. FIG. 2B gives a similar view, but in FIG. a direction where you look from behind the motorcycle. In FIGS. 1, 2A and 2B, the stiffener according to the invention consists of a piece or "segment" of curved polypropylene 11 (for example the product Akyplen thickness 1.2 mm HS black from Cadillac Plastic). This piece here has the general shape of a cylindrical surface sector, rounded in corners. On the front side of the vehicle, the long edge of the segment 11 is fixed on the apron, for example by sewing. Furthermore, under the segment 11 (location not visible), self-gripping strips 12 and 13 are attached to the deck by their end, in particular by stitching. The self-gripping strips 12 and 13 go up over the segment 11 at locations where it is secured to homologous strips, on which the hooking is carried out, which holds the piece of curved propylene in position until the free ends 15 and 16 said bands.

Preferably, the curved propylene piece itself comprises a deflector 14. In the embodiment described, the deflector consists of a cutout in the piece of propylene 11, this cutout extending on three sides towards the rear of the vehicle, so that results in a flap 14 which, escaping the curvature imposed or given to the piece of polypropylene, will protrude outwardly of the motorcycle, laterally.

The piece of polypropylene is fixed in a substantially vertical position. The vertical zone in which it extends is located substantially opposite the nominal position of the driver's leg.

Thus, according to this first embodiment of the invention, the stiffener comprises a reinforcement piece of relatively curved shape with respect to the outer surface of the deck on which it is fixed. The curved surface is adjusted so that the workpiece 20 acts on the apron as a deflector with respect to the air flow. Opposing the flow of air, the part hardens the apron in the area where it is affixed. This area extends substantially vertically along the height of the room. The area in question is plated along the pilot's leg. At the same time, she offers him better cold protection, in particular because he can no longer pass air along his legs.

In the first embodiment, the convex shape can come from the intrinsic form of the stiffener (molded or thermoformed part). Alternatively, or in addition, the reinforcing member may be deformed and tensioned, i.e. prestressed, to increase the rigidity of the assembly.

More generally, in the first embodiment, each stiffener comprises a curved rigid segment (11) of large vertical axis, fixed externally (12, 13) to the apron blank. Preferably, each curved rigid segment (11) is provided with a deflecting fin (14).

Figures 3A to 3C show a second embodiment. Here, the stiffener comprises a generally V-shaped part, the axis of symmetry of which will be mounted in a substantially horizontal direction. This piece is, in a particular embodiment, a polyethylene, such as rigid polyethylene (PE-HD) HML 500, thickness 3 mm, Cadillac Plastic company.

Here, the piece 20 is held under stress, in that the two ends of the V are housed in pockets or sleeves 21, 22 and 23, each formed by a strip of material topstitched on the sheet of the apron 4, according to a contour adapted to match the shape of the homologous end of the V-shaped part 20. Thus, the sockets 21 and 23 house the two free ends of the V formed by the part 20, while the tip of the V is housed in the socket 22 The positions of the bushings on the apron surface are determined to correspond to a little less than the corresponding flat dimension of the part 20, so that the latter inflates outwards when it is put into place in the bushes 21, 22 and 23.

The bending curvature thus given to the piece 20 extends to the side part of the deck itself. It is best seen in Figure 3B, which is a view from above, as well as in Figure 3C, which is a view taken from the rear of the motorcycle. The perpendicular to the axis of symmetry of the V formed by the part 20, placed in position on the deck, is substantially vertical, and, as previously, located substantially to the right of the nominal position of the leg of the driver or the conductor.

In this second embodiment, the convex shape is induced by the deformation of a semi-rigid plate, as fixed. Here, the plate is V-shaped, but other shapes are possible. In this case, the stiffening of the deck is increased in the area stretched by the stiffener, so that in this area at least, there will no longer be a "flag" effect on the deck. The curved shape can come from the intrinsic form of the stiffener (molded or thermoformed part) and / or its attachment in pretensioned state on the apron. Here, the stiffener, subjected to deformation, will induce a tension at the outer material of the deck. In addition, its curved shape tends to deflect, as before.

In the embodiment just described, the V-piece is exposed outside the apron. We will now describe a variant, where this piece is covered.

A third embodiment will now be described with reference to Figures 4A to 4E. FIG. 4A shows a part 30, in V, which has a somewhat asymmetrical shape, slightly different from that of FIGS.

Figures 4B and 4C show a sheath 32, whose shape corresponds to that of the part 30.

At the ends of the V it forms, that is to say at 32A and 32B, the sheath 32 is fixed on the apron. Internally, it also carries housings 34 and 35, which form receptacles or bushings for the free ends of the V of the workpiece 30. The tip of the sheath 32 is internally provided at 33 with another housing for the tip of the V than This forms part 30. All this is visible in FIG. 4B, where it is also possible to distinguish an eyelet 39 provided remotely on the apron.

The respective distances of the housings 33, 34 and 35 are smaller than the size of the workpiece 30, so that the workpiece 30 is kept curved when it is placed in said housings. Similarly, the position of the eyelet 39 of Figure 4B is set accordingly, to account for this curvature of the part 30, and even contribute to it. FIG. 4C shows the part 30, in a nonoperational position, in that it is not engaged in the tip pocket 33. This makes it possible to see an orifice 38 formed in the part 30, to come substantially into glance of the eyelet 39 of the apron. In FIG. 4D, on the other hand, the part 30 is totally mounted inside the sheath 32, and thus invisible. Here, the orifice 38, which also exists in the sheath, is practically opposite the eyelet 39.

In the end position (FIG. 4E), a snap button 37 is placed in the orifices 38 of the sheath and of the piece 30, in order to be fixed in the eyelet 39, thus completing the mounting of the reinforcing piece, according to this third embodiment of the invention.

In Figure 4E, we see the seams 32A, 32B which has already been discussed. Straps 40 to 42 are also seen, which optionally secure the attachment of the lower part of the apron to the underbody of the motorcycle, so as to prevent each side of the deck from rising in the manner of a wing, with the speed. Thus, in the case of a scooter, the apron is fixed on the front fairing, as well as on the platform footrest, which is particularly interesting. Due to the curvature imposed by the workpiece 30 to the apron, clearly visible in FIG. 4E, as before, a deflector effect is obtained which will press each side of the apron onto the driver's leg. In addition, the stiffener, subjected to deformation, will induce a tension at the outer material of the deck. In the foregoing, each stiffener comprises a semi-rigid piece (20; 30) fixed to the apron in a prestressed mode (21-23; 33-35), which forces the tension of the deck while curving the workpiece ( 20; 30) to make it a deflector. The semi-rigid piece (30) can be housed in a sheath (32) in prestressed mode, while the sheath 30 is itself fixed on the apron. In addition, the semi-rigid piece (30) may be generally V-shaped, or the like. In one embodiment, the semi-rigid piece (30) is held by bushes (21-23; 33-35) cooperating with the tip and the ends of the V, to fix them directly or indirectly on the apron. These bushings may be external to the deck. Alternatively, the sleeves are provided internally on a sheath, which is itself fixed on the deck.

The apron thus obtained can be fixed on the front part of the vehicle. For a vehicle of the scooter type, the apron can be fixed on the front fairing, as well as on the platform footrest. Although the invention has been described in connection with a motorcycle-type scooter, it could be used with other open vehicles likely to receive a protective apron, two wheels or even four wheels.

In all embodiments, the attachment on the flexible outer surface of the apron can be done by sewing, welding, gluing, holding by means of elastic bands or self-gripping, themselves fixed in one of the ways indicated or by clamping with a counterpart located inside the apron, or by a combination of these means. 20

Claims (10)

Revendications1. Protective apron for protecting the driver of an open vehicle from inclement weather, comprising a flexible sheet capable of partially covering the body of the driver, and additional means intended to prevent the beats of the apron when the vehicle is rolling, characterized in that said additional means comprise two stiffeners mounted externally on the two lateral flanks of the flexible sheet, respectively, to provide a tensioning, with an inward deflector effect, substantially opposite the nominal position of each leg of the pilot. 2. Apron according to claim 1, characterized in that each stiffener comprises a curved rigid segment (11) of large vertical axis, fixed externally (12, 13) to the side of the deck. 3. Apron according to claim 2, characterized in that each curved rigid segment (11) is provided with a deflector fin (14). 4. Apron according to claim 1, characterized in that each stiffener 20 comprises a semi-rigid piece (20; 30), fixed on the apron in a prestressed mode (21-23; 33-35), which forces the tension of the apron while curving the piece (20; 30) to make a deflector. 5. Apron according to claim 4, characterized in that the semi-rigid piece 25 (30) is housed in a sheath (32). Prestressed mode, while the sheath is itself fixed on the apron. 6. Apron according to one of claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the semi-rigid piece (30) is in the general shape of V. 10 30 7. Apron according to claim 6, characterized in that the semi-rigid piece (30) is held by sockets (21-23; 33-35) cooperating with the tip and the ends of the V, to fix them directly or indirectly on apron. 8. Apron according to claim 7, taken in combination with claim 5, characterized in that the sleeves are provided internally on the sheath, which is itself fixed on the deck. 9. Vehicle uncovered, comprising an apron according to one of the preceding claims, fixed on the front part of the vehicle. 10. Vehicle according to claim 9, characterized in that it is of the scooter type, and that the deck is fixed on the front fairing, and on the platform footrest.