PH12017000386A1 - Integrated tail cover assembly for a motorcycle - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention discloses a motorcycle (100) having an integrated tail cover assembly having a tail cover sub assembly (200a) and a rear fender sub assembly (200b) mounted on an integrated frame mounting bracket (201), which serves as a single point of assembly of said integrated tail cover assembly (200).

Description

engine or power train (110). Also, said motorcycle (100) includes a bottom cowl - assembly (170) that covers at least a portion of the engine or power train (110), = protecting the same from dust, dirt, and water. Furthermore, said motorcycle (100) includes one or more side panel(s) (175) disposed on either sides thereof and is £5 mounted to the main frame covering various parts including an air filter, and one = or more electronic/ electrical components that are mounted to the frame structure - (105). fn

[0033] A seat assembly (155) is disposed rearwardly of the fuel tank (150) = and is supported by the pair of rear frames (105b). =

[0034] A swing arm (115) extending rearwards is swingably connected at its front end to the main frame, and at its rear end is rotatably connected to a rear wheel (120). In the present embodiment, a single mono-shock rear suspension (116) connects the swing arm (115) to the frame structure (105). Furthermore, a front end portion of the swing arm (115) is detachably attached to a portion of a footrest assembly (190). As may be seen, said footrest assembly (190 is disposed adjacent to a transmission case (195) when viewed from a vehicle left hand side direction, said transmission case housing a transmission system including the gearbox. The rear wheel (120) is functionally coupled to the engine or power train (110) through the transmission system.

[0035] Further, the motorcycle (100) includes an integrated tail cover assembly (200) which extends obliquely upwardly towards a tail portion thereof, and is disposed upwardly of the rear wheel (120). Particularly, the integrated tail cover assembly (200) is disposed adjoining at least a portion of the seat assembly (155) and extends above the rear wheel (120). In the present embodiment, the integrated tail cover assembly (200) forms a rear structure of said motorcycle (100).

[0036] FIG.2 is a side view of the at least a portion of the integrated tail cover assembly (200) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The integrated tail cover assembly (200) as per an aspect of the present invention includes a tail cover sub assembly (200a) (shown in FIG.3) and a rear fender sub assembly (200b) (shown in FIG.6) adapted to be secured to the frame structure

(105). Particularly, the tail cover sub assembly (200a) includes a left tail cover » (200aa), a right tail cover (200ab) (shown in FIG.3), a bottom tail cover (200ac), = a lower tail cover (200ad), a central tail cover (200ae) (shown in FIG.3), and a we rear tail cover (200af). -

[0037] As may be seen in FIG.3, the left tail cover (200aa) and the right oe tail cover (200ab) are fastened to said at least a pair of rear frames (105b), and He extend rearwardly towards the tail portion of the motorcycle, and serve to cover a side portion of said at least a pair of rear frames (105b). Further, the left tail cover i (200aa) and the right tail cover (200ab) are connected to each other by the central be tail cover (200ae) and the rear tail cover (200af). Whereas the central tail cover (200ae) serves to bridge the left tail cover (200aa) and the right tail cover (200ab) at their front end, the rear tail cover (200af) serves to bridge the left tail cover (200aa) and the right tail cover (200ab) at their rear end.

[0038] Further, as may be seen in FIG.4, the left tail cover (200aa) and the right tail cover (200ab) are also detachably attached to the bottom tail cover (200ac). Furthermore, other parts of the tail cover sub assembly and a tail lamp assembly (202) as per the present invention are also attached to the bottom tail cover (200ac). For example, in the present embodiment, the tail lamp assembly (202) and the lower tail cover (200ad) are secured to the bottom tail cover (200ac). Further, the rear tail cover (200af) is located on mounting locators provided on a rear portion of both the left tail cover and the right tail cover and fastened to a tail lamp bracket (200ag), the tail lamp bracket (200ag) in turn being detachably attached to the tail lamp assembly (202). Thus, majority of the parts of the tail cover sub assembly (200a) as per the present invention are secured to the bottom tail cover (200ac), and the bottom tail cover (200ac) is as such mounted to an integrated frame mounting bracket (201) (shown in FIG.2) rigidly secured to a pair of lower rear frames (105ba) of said at least a pair of rear frames (105b). In the present embodiment, said at least a pair of rear frames (105b) includes the pair of lower rear frames (105ba) and a pair of upper rear frames (105bb) running substantially parallel to one another (shown in FIG.7)

[0039] As may be seen in FIG.5, the bottom tail cover (200ac) is provided » with a mounting portion (200cm) for mounting to the integrated frame mounting = bracket (201). Particularly, said mounting portion (200cm) is provided with a = plurality of cut-outs (200cc) to be overlapped with corresponding cut-outs (201c) = in the integrated frame mounting bracket (201) and for receiving a plurality of N fastening members (205) (shown in FIG.8) used for securing said bottom tail cover (200ac) to the integrated frame mounting bracket (201). Further, the = mounting portion (200cm) also includes one or more cut out provisions (200cd) @ for allowing passage of plurality of electrical wires. he

[0040] As per an aspect of the present invention, the tail cover sub assembly is sandwich mounted to the integrated frame mounting bracket (201) together with the rear fender sub assembly (200b). The rear fender sub assembly (200b), as seen in FIG.6, includes a rear fender (200ba) and a rear fender bracket (200bb). More particularly, as per an aspect of the present invention, the rear fender sub assembly (200b) is sandwich mounted to the integrated frame mounting bracket (201) together with the bottom tail cover (200ac). As may be seen in FIG.6, the rear fender (200ba) is provided with a corresponding set of cut outs (200bc) for sandwich mounting with the bottom tail cover (200ac) and the integrated frame mounting bracket (201) and at least one cut out to facilitate passage of electric wires (200be). In the present embodiment, the rear fender bracket (200bb) is placed below the rear fender (200ba) and is held together with the rear fender (200ba) as a sub assembly by a plurality of integrated connecting members (200bd). In the present embodiment, said plurality of integrated connecting members (200bd) is rigidly secured to the rear fender bracket (200bb).

The plurality of integrated connecting members (200bd) thus extending from the rear fender bracket (200bb) serve to locate the rear fender sub assembly (200b) against the bottom tail cover (200ac). Thus, as can be made out from FIG.8, the rear fender sub assembly (200b) thus located against the bottom tail cover (200ac is secured to the integrated frame mounting bracket (201). Further as can be seen in FIG.7, said rear fender sub assembly (200b) thus located against the bottom tail cover (200ac) is secured to the integrated frame mounting bracket (201) by fori means of the plurality of fastening members (205). In the present embodiment, the — plurality of fastening members (205) is secured from a top side of the integrated = frame mounting bracket (201) and fastened into said plurality of integrated we connecting members (200bd). In the present implementation, the plurality of = integrated connecting members (200bd) serve not only to receive the plurality of - fastening members (205), but also serve to improve rigidity of the rear fender wo 200ba and that of the rear fender bracket (200bb). =

[0041] Thus, as may be seen in FIG.8 at least a portion of the tail cover = sub assembly (200a and the rear fender sub assembly (200b) are secured to the A integrated frame mounting bracket (201). Therefore, only a single mounting member/bracket is used for securing the tail cover sub assembly and the rear fender sub assembly to the frame structure (105). Use of a single mounting bracket for mounting both the tail cover sub assembly and the rear fender sub assembly aids in ensuring there is no misalignment between parts of the tail cover sub assembly and the rear fender sub assembly, thereby enhancing appearance of the motorcycle at the rear portion thereof. Moreover, use of a common bracket for mounting the rear fender and the tail cover assembly to a portion of the frame structure also aids in reducing the number of parts, and thereby the number of steps in assembly.

FORM 2 -

THE PATENT ACT, 1970 - (39 of 1970) or & ; oe

The Patents Rules, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

(Section 10 and Rule 13)

INTEGRATED TAIL COVER ASSEMBLY FOR A MOTORCYCLE

TVS MOTOR COMPANY LIMITED

Jayalakshmi Estates, No. 29 (Old No. 8), Haddows Road, Chennai-600006

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

LAE Technical Field = ( [0001] - The present subject matter described herein generally relates to a i motorcycle, and particularly but not exclusively relates to a tail cover assembly wo for said motorcycle. -

Background =

[0002] In motorcycles, it is common practice to provide a separate body = panel that covers a top and rear portion of the rear wheel of the motorcycle. Such pe separate body panel is usually referred to as a rear fender. In most motorcycles, the rear fender is independently mounted to a frame structure of the motorcycle using one or more frame mounting brackets and a plurality of fastening members.

Such motorcycles are also provided with plurality of rearwardly extending body panel members that is used for covering the rear portion of the frame structure, and are usually referred to as tail cover panels. These tail cover panels are also independently mounted to the frame structure of the motorcycle using separate set of frame brackets and fastening members.

[0003] In such motorcycles, which involve separate mounting of the tail cover panels and the rear fender, the overall lead time required for assembly of such body parts is significantly higher. Moreover, since the number of parts including the plurality of frame brackets and the number of fastening members is high, the independent mounting of the above body parts on to the frame structure increases the number of mounting parts, which in turn increases the overall cost of manufacturing. Further, higher the number of parts being independently mounted to the frame structure, the chances of misalignment between these parts is also increased. Such misalignment leads to poor aesthetic appeal of the motorcycle. In some cases, misalignment between such body parts also causes entry of external debris or foreign particles through any gaps that may be formed due to the misalignment. Most often, several electronic components which are mounted behind the tail cover panels also become prone to failure and damage due to entry of external debris and foreign matter. Additionally separate rear fender is susceptible to problems of vibrations, rattling noise, crack & breakage. A separate i, rear fender not conforming with the overall form of the vehicle rear body parts = also leads to poor aerodynamic flow of the air leading to high drag forces & poor Le high speed performance of the vehicle. =

[0004] Further, in such motorcycles, where the body parts such as the tail : cover panels and the rear fender are independently assembled, one or more of re such parts, for example, the rear fender is required to be bottom mounted to the “ frame structure. Such bottom mounting of the rear fender makes the assembly = process cumbersome, as the reach of the tools used for assembly of such parts = becomes difficult. Furthermore, in cases where the rear fender is separately mounted to the frame structure, the chances of removing the rear fender without the knowledge of the motorcycle user is more, especially, when such motorcycles are used in racing applications. As a result, chances of theft of rear fender increases.

[0005] It is therefore desirable to provide a motorcycle in which the problems set out above can be overcome.

Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle including an integrated tail cover assembly which aids in eliminating the use of a plurality of frame mounting brackets for mounting of a rear fender and one or more tail cover panels of said integrated tail cover assembly to a frame structure.

[0008] It is another object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle including an integrated tail cover assembly which facilitates ease of mounting of the rear fender and said one or more tail cover panels to a frame structure of said motorcycle.

[0009] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle including an integrated tail cover assembly which aids in reducing overall assembly time required for mounting of the rear fender and one or more ~ tail cover panels to the frame structure of motorcycle. =

[0010] It is still another object of the present invention to provide a Cs motorcycle including an integrated tail cover assembly whose manner of = mounting to frame structure enables easy removal of the rear fender while - ensuring theft-proofness of the motorcycle. rv

[0011] It is one more object of the present invention to provide a = motorcycle including an integrated tail cover assembly whose manner of = mounting to the frame structure enables elimination of misalignment between one wt or more tail cover panels and the rear fender.

[0012] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a motorcycle including an integrated tail cover assembly which aids in improving overall aesthetic appearance of the motorcycle so as to make the rear fender look like a continuous conforming part of the vehicle style as well as reduce the aerodynamic drag of the vehicle thereby achieving good handling performance of the vehicle.

[0013] Accordingly, a motorcycle as per the present invention comprises a frame structure including at least a pair of rear frames, a fuel tank mounted to a front portion of said frame structure, a seat assembly disposed over said at least a pair of rear frames, an engine or power train mounted to the frame structure and disposed below the fuel tank, and an integrated tail cover assembly adapted to be mounted to both sides of said at least a pair of rear frames and covering a side portion of said at least a pair of rear frames, and at least a portion of the rear wheel.

[0014] The integrated tail cover assembly as per the present invention includes a tail cover sub assembly and a rear fender sub assembly adapted to be detachably attached to one another. Particularly, as per an aspect of the present invention, the tail cover sub assembly includes a left tail cover, a right tail cover, a central tail cover, a bottom tail cover, and a rear tail cover. Further, the rear fender sub assembly includes a rear fender and a rear fender bracket. As per an aspect of the present invention, the integrated tail cover assembly including the

EEE rere tail cover sub assembly and the rear fender sub assembly are secured to an = integrated frame mounting bracket provided in the frame structure of the = motorcycle. In other words, the present invention as per one of its aspects seeks to i. provide a single integrated tail cover assembly and an integrated frame mounting en bracket for mounting of the tail ‘cover sub assembly and the rear fender sub ol assembly, thereby eliminating the need for plurality of mounting brackets for e individual parts of the tail cover assembly and the rear fender. Moreover, as a CE single integrated frame mounting bracket is used for mounting said tail cover sub = assembly and the rear fender sub assembly, problem of misalignment between o parts of the tail cover sub assembly and the rear fender is also eliminated

[0015] As per another aspect of the present invention, a plurality of fastening members used for securing the tail cover sub assembly and the rear fender sub assembly to the integrated frame mounting bracket are fastened from a top side of said integrated frame mounting bracket, thereby easing access of an assembly tool used for fastening said plurality of fastening members.

[0016] As per one more aspect of the present invention, the rear fender sub assembly is capable of being removed by accessing said plurality of fastening members by opening at least a portion of the seat assembly of said motorcycle.

[0017] As per another aspect of the present invention, the tail cover assembly and said rear fender sub assembly are interconnected with each other by means of a plurality of integrated connecting members extending from said rear fender, ensuring that the assembly is tightly secured. As per an embodiment, said plurality of integrated connecting members is rigidly secured to the rear fender.

The plurality of integrated connecting members thus not only serve to interconnect parts of the tail cover sub assembly and the rear fender sub assembly, but also serve to improve rigidity and strength of the rear fender.

[0018] Summary provided above explains the basic features of the invention and does not limit the scope of the invention. The nature and further characteristic features of the present invention will be made clearer from the following descriptions made with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings »

[0019] The above and other features, aspects, and advantages of the - subject matter will be better understood with regard to the following description - and accompanying drawings where:

[0020] FIG.1 illustrates a side view of a motorcycle including an I. integrated tail cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present +“ invention. -

[0021] FIG.2 illustrates a side view of the integrated tail cover assembly = in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. w

[0022] FIG.3 illustrates a top view of the integrated tail cover assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] FIG.4 illustrates an exploded view of a tail cover sub assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. illustrates a top view of a bottom tail cover in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] FIG.6 illustrates an exploded view of a rear fender sub assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] FIG.7 illustrates a perspective view depicting the bottom tail cover as mounted to the integrated frame mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] FIG.8 illustrates a cross sectional view of the integrated tail cover assembly as mounted to an integrated frame mounting bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

[0028] Exemplary embodiments detailing construction of an integrated tail cover assembly in accordance with the present invention 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 is to be noted that terms “upper”, “lower”, “right”, “left”, “front”, » “rear”, “forward” “downward”, “upward”, “top”, “bottom” and like terms are = used herein based on the illustrated state or in a standing state of the motorcycle we with a rider sitting thereon. Furthermore, a motorcycle longitudinal axis refers to a = front to rear axis relative to the motorcycle, while a motorcycle lateral axis refers - to a side to side, or left to right axis relative to the motorcycle. Also, it is to be ww understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of = description and should not be regarded as limiting. =

[0029] FIG.1 illustrates a left side view of an exemplary two-wheeled w= vehicle such as a motorcycle (100), in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0030] Said motorcycle (100) depicted in FIG.1 includes a frame structure (105) including a head tube (105a) in a front portion thereof, said frame structure (105) extending from said head tube (105a), towards a rear portion of said motorcycle (100). The frame structure (105) includes a mainframe (not shown) comprising a main tube (not shown) extending rearwards from the head tube (105a), and a down tube (not shown) that extends rearwardly downward from the head tube (105a). The frame structure (105) may further comprise a sub-frame formed by at least a pair of rear frames (105b) (shown in FIG.3) that extend rearwards and obliquely upward from the main frame.

[0031] In a front end portion of the motorcycle (100), a steering shaft (not shown) is supported rotatably in a certain range. Further a handlebar (140) steerably supported to the head tube (105a) is connected to a front wheel (135) through the steering shaft. An upper portion of the front wheel (135) is covered by a front fender (145) which prevents mud and water from getting deflected towards the steering shaft. Further, a front fork assembly (not shown) extending upwards from the front wheel (135) is also steerably supported to the head tube (105a).

[0032] Further, a front portion of the motorcycle (100) also includes a front fairing assembly (165) that is disposed forwardly of the head tube (105a) and extending sidewardly covering at least a portion of a fuel tank (150) which is arranged immediately behind the head tube (105a) and is disposed above an

Claims (12)

We claim: »

1. A motorcycle (100) comprising; = a frame structure (105) including at least a pair of rear frames . (105b); be B oH «a tail lamp assembly (202) operable to secure a tail lamp; o ! - , a seat assembly (155) disposed over said at least a pair of rear La : | frames (105b), said seat assembly (155) having at least one portion = we Re operable to be opened and closed; and = oo wherein said motorcycle (100) comprises an integrated tail cover assembly = (200), at least a portion of the integrated tail cover assembly (200) being assembled on both sides of said at least a pair of rear frames (105b) and covers a side portion of said at least a pair of rear frames (105b) and at least a portion of a rear wheel (120), and wherein said integrated tail cover assembly (200) further comprises a tail cover sub assembly (200a) and a rear fender sub assembly (200b) adapted to be detachably attached together are secured to an integrated frame mounting bracket (201).

2. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tail cover sub assembly (200a) is sandwich mounted to the integrated mounting bracket (201) and the rear fender sub assembly (200b).

3. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear fender sub assembly (200b) comprises a rear fender (200ba) and a rear fender bracket (200bb). I.) co!

4. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tail cover sub . = / assembly (200a) and the rear fender sub assembly (200b) are secured bya -. plurality of fastening members (205), said plurality of fastening members , ~ . (205) being fastened from the top side of the integrated frame mounting ' . bracket (201). vo oo jE

5. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 4, wherein the rear fender sub assembly (200b) is operable to be removed by unfastening said = 2 plurality of fastening members (205), said plurality of fastening members LH (205) being accessible by opening said at least one portion of the seat = assembly (155). - ye

6. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, wherein the tail - cover sub assembly (200a) and the rear fender sub assembly (200b) are = - connected by a plurality of integrated connecting members (200bd), said o plurality of integrated connecting members (200bd) extending from the rear fender (200ba).

7. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the tail cover sub assembly (200a) comprising a plurality of tail covers (200aa, 200ab, 200ac, 200ad, 200ae) including left tail cover (200aa), a right tail cover (200ab), a central tail cover (200ae), a lower tail cover (200ad), a bottom tail cover (200ac) and a rear tail cover (200af).

8. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 7, wherein of the left CL tail cover (200aa), the right tail cover (200ab), the lower tail cover ‘ (200ad) and the tail lamp assembly (202) are detachably attached to the bottom tail cover (200ac).

9. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 7, wherein the bottom tail cover (200ac) is mounted to the integrated frame mounting bracket (201) through a mounting portion (200cm) on the bottom tail cover > (200ac), said mounting portion (200cm) including a plurality of cut-outs (200cc, 200cd), and wherein at least one of said plurality of cut-outs (200cc) are adapted to overlap with a corresponding plurality of cut-outs (201¢) in the integrated frame mounting bracket (201).

10. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein at least one of said plurality of cut-outs (200cd) on the bottom tail cover (200ac) is adapted to - “allow passage of a plurality of electric wires. —

11. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 9, wherein the rear = (A fender sub assembly (200b) is sandwich mounted to the integrated frame i. mounting bracket (201) with the bottom tail cover (200ac), wherein the = i "rear fender (200ba) has a plurality of cut-outs (200bc, 200be) = corresponding to said at least one of the plurality of cut-outs (200cc) included in the mounting portion (200cm) adapted to overlap with the corresponding plurality of cut-outs (201c¢) in the integrated frame mounting bracket (201).

12. The motorcycle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein at least one of said Co plurality of cut-outs (200be) on the rear fender (200ba) is adapted to allow passage of a plurality of electric wires. Dated this 13" of December, 2017

R. Nagarajan General Manager, IP Compliance TVS Motor Company Limited