Tail cover assembly for saddle-type vehicles

Abstract

The present invention discloses a tailgate assembly (108) in a saddle-type vehicle (100) to provide a better fit and finish while keeping the parts underneath safe and free from contamination, the tailgate assembly (108) being cost-effective and utilizing the spaces (202) between a plurality of tailgates (204, 110, 203, 205) to have easily accessible auxiliary storage spaces (301, 500), even when cargo (107) is mounted on a carrier (200). The tailgate assembly (108) includes a plurality of tailgates (204, 110, 203, 205), the plurality of tailgates (204, 110, 203, 205) including a left tailgate (110), a right tailgate (203), a center tailgate top (203), and a center tailgate bottom (205), wherein at least one tailgate (204, 110, 203, 205) is removably attached to a main frame (115).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present subject matter relates to a saddle-type vehicle, and more particularly, the present subject matter relates to a tailgate assembly for a saddle-type vehicle. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, saddle-type vehicles include a vehicle body frame, which includes a main frame extending obliquely backward and downward from the head tube and a seat frame extending backward from the main frame and supporting a seat and a pillion seat, wherein the front wheel is supported by the front portion of the vehicle body frame via a front fork, and the rear wheel is supported by the rear portion of the vehicle body frame. The rear portion of the vehicle is covered by a tailgate assembly assembled to the rear end of the body frame. Typically, the tailgate assembly of a saddle-type vehicle has a plurality of tailgates, i.e., a left tailgate and a right tailgate, which have an overall appearance when viewed from the top of the vehicle. Saddle-type vehicles also include two-wheeled freight vehicles, in which the pillion seat is usually removed and replaced by a bracket, which usually extends from the pillion area to the rear ends of the plurality of tailgates. Therefore, in a saddle-type freight vehicle, a plurality of tailgates remain as parts below the bracket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] The detailed description will be described with reference to an embodiment of a saddle-type vehicle and the accompanying drawings. In all drawings, the same reference numerals are used to refer to similar features and components.

[0004] Figure 1 A left side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0005] Figure 2 A perspective view illustrating an exemplary saddle-type vehicle tailgate assembly according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is shown.

[0006] Figure 3 An exploded view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle tailgate assembly is illustrated, according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0007] Figure 4 A perspective view illustrating a vehicle subassembly of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle according to an embodiment of the present subject matter.

[0008] Figure 5 A perspective view illustrating an exemplary saddle-type vehicle tailgate assembly according to another embodiment of the present subject matter is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] In two-wheeled vehicles including a split seat assembly, a single driver's seat is provided for the driver, and a separate, single pillion rider seat is provided for the pillion rider. To facilitate the transport of light cargo, emergency medical assistance, and delivery services by motorized two-wheeled vehicles, saddle-type vehicles are used in which the pillion seat is replaced or provided with a carrier.

[0010] Typically, saddle-type vehicles, particularly saddle-type freight vehicles, have a tailgate assembly comprising multiple tailgates, namely, a left tailgate and a right tailgate. The tailgate assembly is positioned toward the rear of the vehicle. A frame provides mounting and structural support for the vehicle. The tailgate assembly is adapted to be mounted on the rear end of the frame, beneath the rear seat or a mounted carriage. The carriage is mounted to the frame with fastening members, cargo can be mounted on the carriage, and the space beneath the carriage is shielded by the tailgate.

[0011] Using multiple tail caps instead of a single one eases the manufacture and assembly of the tail cap assembly. However, due to manufacturing variations and misalignment during assembly, gaps often develop between the tail caps or between one or more of the tail caps and the vehicle frame. Over time, the tail caps tend to separate further, resulting in gaps between the left and right tail caps, forming visible split portions and impairing the fit and finish of the tail cap assembly.

[0012] A gap in any portion of the tailgate assembly is disadvantageous because it allows dust, dirt, and water to enter through the gap during use of the vehicle. Such unwanted ingress of dirt, dust, and water causes them to accumulate in areas that are difficult to reach for cleaning or vacuuming.

[0013] In addition, the components contained in the interior of the tailgate assembly suffer damage, failure, and shortened service life due to continued exposure to contaminants and the accumulation of contaminants. Due to the rear wheel tangentially splashing mud or water, the multiple tailgates that constitute the tailgate assembly are impacted. Such tangential impact causes water, dirt, and dust to forcefully enter through the existing gaps. If a gap is formed due to misalignment of multiple tailgates when assembled to the main frame rear end, such propelled contaminants enter and can significantly increase the amount of dirt, dust, and water that the internal vehicle systems and key parts covered by the tailgate assembly are exposed to.

[0014] Water and mud splashed tangentially by the rear wheels strike the underside of the vehicle with considerable force, significantly increasing the amount of contaminants that enter through gaps exposed on the underside of the tailgate assembly and accumulate in the interior portion of the tailgate assembly. The internal parts of the tailgate assembly cannot be accessed for cleaning or removal of contaminants without removing at least one of the plurality of tailgates comprising the tailgate assembly, thereby making the serviceability of the tailgate assembly poor and inconvenient for maintenance of two-wheeled vehicles, even in the case of saddle-type freight vehicles.

[0015] The entry or accumulation of contaminants in the interior area of a two-wheeled vehicle requiring protection can adversely affect the functionality of the components housed within the interior portion of the tailgate assembly. The intrusion of contaminants and their subsequent accumulation can reduce the service life of components, causing immediate failure and damage to sensitive components, and even leading to sudden component failure. The failure of critical components like the battery is not only a disadvantage but can also prove dangerous, especially when the two-wheeled vehicle is in motion. Therefore, there is a need to provide a tailgate assembly that is free of gaps and prevents the ingress of contaminants. Typically, a tailgate assembly includes multiple tailgates, namely a left tailgate and a right tailgate. These parts are typically painted and assembled to the vehicle. While these painted parts are attractive, once a bracket is mounted on them, the majority of the painted parts directly below the bracket tend to be obscured from view by the bracket being loaded from above and are not noticeable from the sides, making the painting of these parts unnecessary. Therefore, there is a need to reduce the number of painted parts without compromising the aesthetic appeal, fit, and finish of the tailgate assembly.

[0016] In addition to the problems referred to above, another difficulty is the availability and accessibility of the auxiliary storage space for storing rider's personal belongings, particularly in saddle-type freight vehicles. Conventionally in motorized two-wheeled vehicles, an auxiliary storage space is provided below the rear seat, which is normally detachable or removable. Different from other two-wheeled vehicles, the shortcoming of saddle-type freight vehicles is to lack the accessible auxiliary storage space for documents, personal belongings or small accessories, for the comfort and convenience of the rider. Although there is sizable space between these multiple tailgates, namely right tailgate and left tailgate. But routinely, space is not used. Restriction on such auxiliary storage space is due to the structural limitations of saddle-type freight vehicles. Because the space above the carrier is usually occupied by the installation of cargo; the space below the left and right tailgates cannot be used as storage space because it is sandwiched between the frame and the carrier, and using this space for storage requires disassembly of the carrier and tailgate assembly, and any such disassembly makes the entire arrangement inconvenient and inaccessible to the rider, especially when cargo is installed on the carrier; and because the taillights are installed on the left and right tailgates, the rear end of the tailgate assembly becomes unavailable for installation of additional storage compartments. It is necessary to solve this problem and provide convenient and accessible auxiliary storage space even when cargo is installed on the carrier.

[0017] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a tailgate assembly for a saddle-type vehicle including a two-wheeled freight vehicle, the tailgate assembly having a better fit and finish, keeping the parts below safe and free from contamination, thereby eliminating the possibility of environmental pollution, being cost-effective, and at the same time having an easily accessible auxiliary storage space that utilizes the space between the multiple tailgates used, which is convenient and safe for the driver even when the goods are mounted on a bracket. The present invention discloses a tailgate assembly for a saddle-type vehicle, the tailgate assembly comprising a left tailgate, a right tailgate, a tailgate central top, and a tailgate central bottom. The tailgate central top is installed between the left tailgate and the right tailgate. The tailgate central bottom is arranged between the left tailgate and the right tailgate, below the tailgate central top. The left tailgate and the right tailgate are fixed to the tailgate central top on the upper end of the left tailgate and the upper end of the right tailgate, and are fixed to the tailgate central bottom on the rear end of the left tailgate and the rear end of the right tailgate.

[0018] The tailgate center top portion is operable to bridge any gap that may form upwardly between the right and left tailgates after the tailgate assembly is assembled on the vehicle or during any further use. The tailgate center top portion is adapted to protect the vehicle from the intrusion of mud, dirt, and water from the top of the tailgate assembly. The tailgate center bottom portion is operable to bridge any gap that may form downwardly between the right and left tailgates after the tailgate assembly is assembled on the vehicle or during any further use.

[0019] According to one aspect of the present invention, a tailgate central bottom portion of the tailgate assembly extends rearwardly at an upward inclination and is operable to bridge any gap that may form between the left and right tailgates after assembly of the tailgate assembly or during any further use. The tailgate central bottom portion is positioned directly over the rear wheels to receive and shield mud and water splashed onto the outer surface thereof by the rear wheels. The tailgate central bottom portion is adapted to protect the vehicle from the intrusion of mud, dirt, and water, and in particular, to prevent mud or water splashed tangentially by the rear wheels from striking the plurality of tailgates.

[0020] Thus, the present subject matter additionally provides a solution to the problem of water, dirt, or dust ingress through gaps formed between multiple tailgates of a vehicle tailgate assembly.

[0021] According to another aspect of the present invention, the center top of the tailgate assembly is a textured part that is different from the other painted parts, namely the center bottom of the tailgate, the right tailgate, and the left tailgate. The textured center top of the tailgate reduces the painting cost of the entire vehicle by reducing the surface area of the entire painted part, making the present invention cost-effective. In addition, the textured portion can be used to display different patterns, such as high-visibility reflective strips, graphics, and logos, making it more cost-effective.

[0022] According to one aspect of the present invention, the center top and center bottom of the tailgate assembly are textured parts that are different from other painted parts, namely the right and left tailgates. The textured center top and center bottom of the tailgate reduce the overall vehicle painting cost by reducing the surface area of the overall painted parts, making the present invention cost-effective. In addition, the textured parts can be used to display different patterns, such as high-visibility reflective strips, graphics, and logos, making it more cost-effective. According to another aspect of the present invention, the center top and center bottom of the tailgate are configured to form a practical space there, thereby effectively creating an auxiliary storage space between the center top and center bottom of the tailgate for storing the rider's personal belongings. According to one aspect of the present invention, the auxiliary storage space is configured with a detachable opening that can pass through at least a portion of the tailgate assembly. According to one embodiment, the center bottom of the tailgate is detachably operable backwards and can be opened in a backward direction and closed in the opposite direction. A lock is provided on the left or right tailgate to protect the storage space and prevent theft.

[0023] According to one aspect of the present invention, the taillight is mounted on the rear fender of the vehicle, which is mounted on the main frame of the vehicle. In contrast to the taillight mounted on the tailgate assembly, the taillight mounted on the rear fender facilitates easy assembly of the rearwardly accessible center bottom of the tailgate.

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, an auxiliary storage space is provided in the center of the central top portion of the tailgate, while the central bottom portion of the tailgate serves as the base of the storage space. The central top portion of the tailgate is operable upward and can be opened in an outward direction. By providing a hinge mechanism for rotating the bracket outward along a vertical axis when the cargo box is installed, the auxiliary storage space becomes convenient and accessible, which in turn provides access to the central top portion of the tailgate.

[0025] Therefore, the present invention addresses the shortcomings prevalent in the prior art and provides a solution to the problem, namely, providing a tailgate assembly that has no visible gaps, thereby limiting the ingress of contaminants; has fewer painted parts, making the assembly cost-effective; and has accessible, convenient, and secure auxiliary storage space, contributing to the comfort of riders safely storing personal items, etc., thereby effectively utilizing the space between multiple tailgates.

[0026] The present invention also has the advantage that the central top of the tail cap holds the central bottom of the tail cap, and the multiple left and right tail caps are evenly spaced apart from each other, thereby preventing the ends of the left and right tail caps from peeling off due to continuous friction between them. This design helps prevent wear and tear on the parts of the tail cap assembly that would otherwise occur due to continuous friction between them. This arrangement also has the additional advantage of ensuring consistent assembly of the multiple tail caps of the tail cap assembly.

[0027] In the following description, embodiments of the present invention are described in more detail with reference to an embodiment of a saddle-type vehicle and the accompanying drawings. The tailgate assembly includes a tailgate center top, a tailgate center bottom, a left tailgate, and a right tailgate. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that other embodiments of the present invention are also possible within the scope thereof.

[0028] Various aspects of the different embodiments of the present invention will become apparent from the description set forth below. Rather, the following description provides a convenient illustration of an exemplary embodiment for implementing the present invention. In addition, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "front," "rear," "forward," "backward," "downward," "upward," "top," "bottom," "outer," "inner," and similar terms are used herein based on the illustrated state or the standing state of the two-wheeled vehicle when the driver is riding thereon. In addition, the two-wheeled vehicle longitudinal axis refers to the front-to-back axis relative to the two-wheeled vehicle, while the two-wheeled vehicle transverse axis refers to the side-to-side or left-right axis relative to the two-wheeled vehicle. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered as limiting.

[0029] Figure 1 A left side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is illustrated. The saddle-type vehicle (100) has a frame assembly that includes one or more frame members, the frame members including a main frame (115), a head tube (not shown), a rear subframe (not shown), and a swing arm (116). The head tube (not shown) is arranged toward the front end of the saddle-type vehicle (100). The main frame 115 extends from the head tube (not shown). The rear subframe (not shown) and the swing arm (116) are pivotally fixed to the other end of the main frame (115). The head tube (not shown) is configured to rotatably support the steering tube (102). The steering tube (102) supports the handlebar assembly (104).

[0030] Two telescopic front suspension systems (117) are attached to brackets (not shown) on the lower portion of the steering tube (102) supporting the front wheels (101). A fuel tank (105) is arranged between the seat assembly (106) and the handlebar assembly (104). An internal combustion (IC) engine (not shown) is arranged below the fuel tank (105) of the saddle-type vehicle (100) toward the front end of the vehicle and behind the head tube (not shown).

[0031] The rear subassembly (not shown) includes a seat assembly (106), a tailgate assembly (108), a rear indicator (109) and a rear fender (111), and a taillight (401) is mounted on the rear fender. The seat assembly (106) includes a rider seat (106a) and a pillion seat (not shown). In a saddle-type freight vehicle, the rider sits on the rider seat (106a), and the pillion seat (not shown) is replaced and provided with a bracket (200). Together with the rear suspension (114) mounted with a fastening member (not shown), the bracket (200) is mounted on a frame member, such as a main frame (115). The cargo (107) can be mounted on the bracket (200), and the tailgate assembly (108) shields the space below the bracket.

[0032] Figure 2 An exploded view of a tailgate assembly (108) of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is illustrated, showing the tailgate assembly (108) including a plurality of tailgates (110, 203, 204, 205) including a left tailgate (110), a right tailgate (204), a tailgate center top (203), and a tailgate center bottom (205) mounted on a vehicle rear frame (300). Figure 2 As shown, the left tail cap (110) and the right tail cap (204) are attached to the tail cap center top (203) and the tail cap center bottom (205).

[0033] The left tail cover (110) and the right tail cover (204) are fixed to the tail cover central top (203) on the upper end of the left tail cover (110) and the upper end of the right tail cover (204), and are fixed to the tail cover central bottom (205) on the rear end of the left tail cover (110) and the rear end of the right tail cover (204).

[0034] A first space (202) is constructed between the plurality of tail covers (110, 203, 204, 205). When any one or all of the plurality of tail covers (110, 203, 204, 205) are removed, the first space (202) is exposed. The first space (202) between the plurality of tail covers (110, 203, 204, 205) can be used as an auxiliary storage space (301, 500).

[0035] Figure 3A perspective view of a tailgate assembly (108) of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100) according to an embodiment of the present subject matter is illustrated, showing the tailgate assembly (108) including a plurality of tailgates (110, 203, 204, 205), the plurality of tailgates (110, 203, 204, 205) including a left tailgate (110), a right tailgate (204), a tailgate center top (203), and a tailgate center bottom (205). As shown, the left tailgate (110) and the right tailgate (204) are attached to the tailgate center top (203) and the tailgate center bottom (205).

[0036] In another embodiment, the area between the plurality of tail caps (eg Figure 2 In the embodiment shown in FIG202 , in particular in the area ( 202 ) between the central top ( 203 ) and the central bottom ( 205 ) of the tailgate, an auxiliary storage space ( 301 ) is formed by constructing the central bottom of the tailgate in a slidable or detachable form so as to be easily accessible from the rear side of the vehicle for storing the rider's personal belongings without having to unload or disassemble the cargo compartment. The central bottom ( 205 ) of the tailgate is operable in a rearward direction and can be opened in a rearward direction. A lock ( 201 ) is provided on the right tailgate ( 204 ) or the left tailgate ( 110 ) to protect the auxiliary storage space ( 301 ) and make it theft-proof and secure. According to an embodiment, the slidable or detachable opening can be formed into an easily accessible opening by at least one of a sliding movement or a rotational movement of at least one tailgate, thereby allowing access to the storage space without removing the tailgate component from the tailgate assembly. According to one aspect, the access is configured to allow access to the auxiliary storage space without disassembling or unloading the load carrier, thereby enabling convenient access by opening and closing the space by at least one tailgate.

[0037] Figure 4 A perspective view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100) is illustrated according to an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 4 The invention particularly shows the mounting arrangement of the taillight (401) on the rear fender (111). The taillight (401) is mounted on the rear fender (111) of the saddle-type vehicle (100), and the rear fender is mounted on the main frame (115) of the saddle-type vehicle (100). In addition, the taillight (401) is sandwiched between the tailgate central bottom (205) and the rear fender (111) above the rear wheel (113). In contrast to the taillight (401) mounted on the left tailgate (110) and the right tailgate (204), the taillight (401) mounted on the rear fender (111) facilitates the easy assembly of the rear-operable tailgate central bottom (205).

[0038] Figure 5A perspective view of a vehicle subassembly of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle (100) is illustrated. According to another embodiment, when an auxiliary storage space (500) is constructed in the center of a tailgate central top (203) and a tailgate central bottom (205) serves as a base for the storage space (500), the auxiliary storage space (500) is formed by constructing an access opening on the tailgate central top (203) to a first space (202) between multiple tailgates. The tailgate central top (203) is operable upward and can be opened in an outward direction. By providing a hinge mechanism (501) for rotating the bracket outward along a vertical axis when installing cargo (107), the auxiliary storage space (500) is convenient and accessible, which in turn makes the tailgate central top (203) accessible.

[0039] It should be understood that the aspects of the embodiments are not necessarily limited to the features described herein. Based on the above disclosure, many modifications and variations of this theme are possible. Therefore, within the scope of the claims of this theme, the disclosure can be implemented in a manner different from that specifically described.

[0040] Reference Signs List

[0041] 100: Saddle-type vehicle

[0042] 101: Front wheel

[0043] 102: Steering tube

[0044] 103: Headlight

[0045] 104: Handlebars

[0046] 105: Fuel tank

[0047] 106: Seat assembly

[0048] 106a: Cyclist's seat

[0049] 107: Cargo Box

[0050] 108: Tail cover assembly

[0051] 109: Rear indicator

[0052] 110: Left tail cover

[0053] 111: Rear fender

[0054] 112: Rear suspension

[0055] 113: Rear wheel

[0056] 114: Rear suspension

[0057] 115: Main frame

[0058] 116: Swing Arm

[0059] 117: Front suspension system

[0060] 200: Bracket

[0061] 201: Locks

[0062] 202: Space between multiple tail covers

[0063] 203: Center top of tail cover

[0064] 204: Right tail cover

[0065] 205: bottom center of tail cover

[0066] 300: Rear frame

[0067] 301: Auxiliary storage space

[0068] 401: Taillight

[0069] 500: Auxiliary storage space

[0070] 501: Hinge mechanism that allows the cargo box to rotate outward

Claims

1. A saddle-type vehicle (100) having a tailgate assembly (108), the saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising: a frame member (115, 300), the frame member (115, 300) being adapted to provide skeletal support to the saddle-type vehicle (100); a seat assembly (106) disposed above the frame member (115, 300); The tail cover assembly (108), the tail cover assembly (108) is arranged toward the rear portion of the seat assembly (106); rear fender (111); and Tail lights (401), in, The tailgate assembly (108) includes a plurality of tailgates (204, 110, 203, 205), wherein the plurality of tailgates are configured to create a first storage space (202) disposed substantially between at least two tailgates (204, 110, 203) of the plurality of tailgates (204, 110, 203, 205); and wherein the first storage space (202) is configured to be readily accessible through at least one tailgate (204, 110, 203) without opening or disassembling the rider seat of the seat assembly (106); and At least one tail cap (204, 110, 203, 205) of the plurality of tail caps (204, 110, 203, 205) is slidably, rotatably, or detachably attached to the frame member (115, 300).

2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein The tailgate assembly (108) of the saddle-type vehicle (100) includes a left tailgate (110), a right tailgate (204), a tailgate center top (203), and a tailgate center bottom (205).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The left tail cover (110) and the right tail cover (204) are fixed to the central top (203) of the tail cover at the upper end of the left tail cover (110) and the upper end of the right tail cover (204), and the left tail cover (110) and the right tail cover (204) are fixed to the central bottom (205) of the tail cover at the rear end of the left tail cover (110) and the rear end of the right tail cover (204).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) according to claim 2, wherein: The taillight (401) is arranged on the rear fender (111) of the saddle-type vehicle (100), and the tail cover center bottom (205) can be operated backward.

5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) according to claim 1, wherein The seat assembly (106) is configured to be opened and closed and is replaceable by a bracket (200).

6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) according to claim 2, wherein: A pair of tail covers (203, 205) among the plurality of tail covers (204, 110, 203, 205) is configured to define an auxiliary storage space (301, 500).

7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) according to claim 6, wherein: The auxiliary storage space (301, 500) is accessible based on opening and closing the tailgate center bottom (205) rearward or outward from the saddle-type vehicle (100).

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