A front-end structure and a cover member of a two-wheeled vehicle
The modular front cowl with a cover member and bracket system addresses the challenges of accessible fog lamp mounting and adjustment in two-wheeled vehicles, enhancing serviceability and reducing costs through modularity and reduced part count.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/IN2024/052313
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-21
- Filing Date
- 2024-11-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-06-05
AI Technical Summary
Conventional two-wheeled vehicle front-end structures with fog lamps face challenges in accessible mounting arrangements, leading to increased time and cost for maintenance, as well as difficulties in adjusting the fog lamp's angle of incidence.
A modular front cowl with a cover member that includes a box-type enclosure and a bracket for securing a lighting unit, allowing for easy adjustment and aiming of the fog lamp without removing any parts, and reducing manufacturing costs through reduced part count and modularity.
The solution facilitates easy adjustment and serviceability of the fog lamp, reduces manufacturing costs, and simplifies the mounting process, making it easier to implement across different vehicle models.
Smart Images

Figure IN2024052313_05062025_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] A FRONT-END STRUCTURE AND A COVER MEMBER OF A TWO-WHEELED VEHICLE
[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD
[0003]
[0001] The present disclosure, in general, relates to the field of vehicles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a two wheeled vehicle equipped with a fog lamp. Further, the present disclosure also relates to a body cover for the vehicle. Embodiments of ihe present disclosure discloses a front cowl, a cover member, and a method of mounting a lighting unit to the cover member of the vehicle.
[0004] BACKGROUND
[0005]
[0002] The present disclosure is directed to overcome limitations associated with the conventional configuration of body covers used in vehicles. The body cover is basically a covering structure which covers various components of the vehicles and protects them from external environmental factors such as dust, rain, etc. Also, the body covers may be structured to accommodate various components of the vehicle. For instance, the body cover at the front side of the vehicle [also referred to as the front cover] is structured to receive and support various lighting components including a head lamp unit, indicator lights, comer lights, and the like. The body cover may be usually made of a polymeric / polycarbonate material.
[0006]
[0003] Further, vehicles in general, and two wheelers in particular, may be provided with a fog lamp to comply with local jurisdictional requirements and to cater to foggy weather conditions where vehicle is used. In some vehicles, fog lamp is positioned within (or mounted onto) a side body cover of the vehicle. The side body cover may be usually made of polymeric / polycarbonate material and may be configured to accommodate the fog lamp unit of the vehicle. The side body cover is configured to allow accommodation of the fog lamp in a manner configured to comply with packaging requirements of the fog lamp unit of the vehicle.
[0007]
[0004] Furthermore, the side body cover of the vehicle may be provided with a plurality of mountings configured to allow securing the fog lamp to the side body cover of the vehicle. The plurality of mountings may include provisions such as, but not limited to, screw mountings, fastener mountings, snap fittings, and the like. Further, in conventional arrangements, the plurality of mountings are provided on an internal side of the side body cover. In such arrangement (i.e., where plurality of mountings are provided on an internal side of the side body cover), the plurality of mountings are configured to be accessed by removing side body cover and / or wheel house (mudguards) of the vehicle. Such configuration affects time taken to access the fog lamp of vehicle, and may further require skilled worker to perform such tasks. Furthermore, in scenarios requiring adjustment of angle of incidence of the fog lamp, such adjustment would be time consuming and may cause inconvenience to vehicle user.
[0008]
[0005] In addition to the above, the plurality of mountings need to be accessible for aiming of the fog lamp, as per regulatory requirement and enhance serviceability. In some conventional arrangements, the fog lamp may include a pair of mountings including an inner screw mounting and an external screw mounting. While the exterior screw mounting is accessible from an external side of the vehicle, the inner screw mounting is not accessible from an external side. In such arrangements, accessing the inner screw mounting requires removal of wheel house (mudguards). Modification of the wheel house (mudguards) to provision easy access to the inner screw mounting, may affect aesthetics and may lead to cost implications. Therefore, there exists a requirement for a mounting scheme (mounting arrangement) configured to facilitate fog lamp aiming without removal of any part during serviceability and at the same time should ensure that the fog lamp is secured firmly to avoid any vibration / play during vehicle running condition. Moreover, the side body cover of the vehicle is manufactured individually adding up on the development cost and also manufacturing cost. Such body covers are manufactured individually for each variant. Manufacturing the side body cover for each variant adds up to the manufacturing cost, and developmental cost. Also, the part count substantially increases leading to handling expenditures.
[0009]
[0006] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or any other limitations associated with the existing two wheeled vehicles provisioned with fog lamps.
[0010] SUMMARY
[0011]
[0007] One or more shortcomings of the prior art are overcome by a front-end structure, a cover member for a vehicle as claimed and additional advantages are provided through a method of mounting a lighting unit to the cover member of a vehicle as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.
[0012]
[0008] In accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure, a front-end structure of a two-wheeled vehicle is described. The front-end structure includes a head tube, a down frame extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head tube. A modular front cowl being securable to and enclosing at least one of the down frame and a portion of the head tube. The modular front cowl includes an inner shield securable to the rear end of at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube. The front cowl further includes an outer shield securable to the front end of at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube. The outer shield includes a central panel, a first panel, and a second panel. Each of the first panel, the second panel being defined with a receiving portion. A cover member of a pre-defined configuration is securable to the receiving portion defined in the first panel and the second panel. The configuration of the modular front cowl of the present disclosure reduces part count, thereby leading to reduced handling expenditure. The modularity of the modular front cowl enables the user to customize the vehicle by replacing / swapping the cover member with the pre-defined configurations. The cost of manufacturing the modular front cowl of the present disclosure is substantially less.
[0013]
[0009] In an embodiment, the receiving portion defined in the first panel and the second panel is defined with a plurality of mounting provisions.
[0014]
[0010] In an embodiment, the plurality of mounting provisions is configured to be at least one of a male coupler and a female coupler, each configured to receive a counter coupler defined in the cover member to removably secure the cover member relative to the second panel and the first panel.
[0015] [OH] In an embodiment, the cover member is snap fitted to the second panel and the first panel.
[0016]
[0012] In an embodiment, the cover member is fastened to the second panel and the first panel by fastening means.
[0017]
[0013] In an embodiment, each of the pre-defined configurations of the cover member is structured to receive at least one of a first auxiliary lamp and a second auxiliary lamp.
[0018]
[0014] In an embodiment, the cover member includes a first cover defined with a first configuration of the pre-defined configuration.
[0019]
[0015] In an embodiment, the first configuration of the first cover is defined with a recess to receive the first auxiliary lamp and a housing protruding outwardly from the first cover to receive the second auxiliary lamp.
[0020]
[0016] In an embodiment, the cover member includes a second cover defined with a second configuration of the pre-defined configuration, in the second configuration the second cover is defined with the recess to receive the first auxiliary lamp.
[0021]
[0017] In an embodiment, the cover member includes a third cover defined with a third configuration of the pre-defined configuration, in the third configuration the third cover is defined with the housing protruding outwardly from the third cover to receive the second auxiliary lamp.
[0018] In an embodiment, the cover member includes a fourth cover defined with a fourth configuration of the pre-defined, in the fourth configuration the fourth cover is structured enclosing the receiving portion.
[0022]
[0019] In an embodiment, the first auxiliary lamp and the second auxiliary lamp is at least one of a comer light, a fog light, an indicator lamp, and an auxiliary lamp.
[0023]
[0020] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a two-wheeled vehicle is described. The two-wheeled vehicle includes a steering unit, a seat arrangement, a power unit, and a body structure extending from a front end to a rider’s seat of the two-wheeled vehicle along a longitudinal length. The body structure includes a head tube configured to rotatably support a steering assembly. A down frame extending downward and rearward from the head tube. A cross member disposed in a lateral direction on a lower portion of the down frame. Further, a seat rail being connectable to the cross member and extending upward and rearward from the cross member and configured to accommodate the seat arrangement. The body structure further includes a floor rail securable to a portion of the down frame and the seat rail. A swing arm pivotally coupled with the cross member at one end and supported on the drive wheel of the vehicle on the other end. A front ground engaging member is supported by a plurality of front forks connected to the head tube of the vehicle and a rear ground engaging member is supported by a swing arm and a rear suspension device connected to the seat rail. The two-wheeled vehicle includes a modular front cowl securable to and enclosing at least one of the down frame and a portion of the head tube. The modular front cowl includes an inner shield securable to a rear end of at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube. .The front cowl further includes an outer shield securable to the front end of at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube. The outer shield includes a central panel, a first panel, and a second panel. Each of the first panel, the second panel being defined with a receiving portion. A cover member of a pre-defined configuration is securable to the receiving portion defined in the first panel and the second panel.
[0024]
[0021] In an embodiment, the configuration of the front-end structure having the modular front cowl of the present disclosure reduces part count, thereby leading to reduced handling expenditure. Further, the modularity of the modular front cowl enables the user to customize the vehicle by replacing / swapping the cover member with the pre-defined configurations. The cost of manufacturing the modular front cowl of the present disclosure is substantially less.
[0025]
[0022] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a cover member for a vehicle is disclosed. The cover member includes a box-type enclosure defined in the cover member, and a cover portion defined therein. The enclosure includes an opening. The opening is accessible from a first end of the enclosure. The cover member further includes a lighting unit adjustably supported and accommodated within the enclosure. The lighting unit includes a housing and a light source. The cover member further includes a bracket adapted to be coupled to the cover member. The bracket is configured to secure the lighting unit to at least one of the cover member and the enclosure. Further, the lighting unit is configured to be adjustably supported by the bracket.
[0026]
[0023] In an embodiment, the first end of the enclosure is accessible from an internal side of the cover member, for the housing to be selectively insertable into the box-type enclosure . Further, a wire harness connectable to the lighting unit is routed from the first end of the enclosure and into the box-type enclosure.
[0027]
[0024] In an embodiment, the housing is a substantially box-like structure. Further, at least a portion of the housing is configured to have a shape and profile that corresponds to shape and profile of the box-type enclosure.
[0028]
[0025] In an embodiment, at least one coupling member is configured to pivotally couple the housing with the bracket. The bracket is mounted on to an internal side of the cover portion. Further, the bracket includes at least a pair of fastening holes configured to engage with at least a pair of fastening members to couple the bracket with the cover portion.
[0029]
[0026] In an embodiment, a grommet is positioned at an interface of the coupling member and the bracket. Further, the grommet is configured to rotatably couple the one or more coupling member with the bracket.
[0030]
[0027] In an embodiment, the one or more coupling member includes a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion. Further, the second portion is configured to be accommodated in a hole of the grommet.
[0031]
[0028] In an embodiment, the bracket includes an aperture defined at an intermediate portion thereof. The aperture is configured to receive the grommet.
[0032]
[0029] In an embodiment, the bracket is defined with a guide member configured to co-operate with a guide pin defined in the housing. The guide member is configured to allow and limit rotation of the housing, relative to the enclosure. Further, the guide member is configured to be substantially obround shaped or pill-shaped.
[0033]
[0030] In an embodiment, an adjusting member is configured to secure the enclosure and the lighting unit at a second end opposite to the first end. Further, the adjusting member is accessible externally for regulating angular position of the housing relative to the enclosure.
[0031] In an embodiment, the cover member is a side body cover of the vehicle. Further, the lighting unit is a fog lamp unit of the vehicle. Furthermore, the light source is at least one of an incandescent filament light source, gas discharge light source, and a light emitting diode module.
[0034]
[0032] In accordance with another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of mounting a lighting unit to a cover member of a vehicle, is disclosed. The method includes inserting the housing within a box-type enclosure of the cover member. The housing is configured to at least partially accommodate a light source of the lighting unit of the vehicle. The method further includes mounting a bracket to the cover member and the housing, with a grommet positioned therebetween. The method further includes coupling the housing to the bracket by at least one coupling member. The at least one coupling member is configured to pivotally couple the housing with the bracket. The method further includes fastening of the bracket to an internal side of the cover portion. The bracket includes at least a pair of fastening holes, that are configured to engage with at least a pair of fastening members. The method further includes operating an adjusting member to rotatably adjust the lighting unit within the enclosure. The adjusting member is selectively operable to move a guide pin within a guide member, to allow and limit rotation of the housing relative to the enclosure.
[0035]
[0033] In an embodiment, the cover member of the present disclosure overcomes drawbacks associated with conventional fog lamp mounting arrangements. The configuration of the cover member provides a unique mounting arrangement that facilitates aiming of the fog lamp, without requiring removal of cover member and other components such as wheel house, for aiming. The cover member is configured such that there is no impact on surrounding tooled-up parts due to fog lamp mounting access. Further, cost impact that may arise, due to modification of wheel house, is prevented. Adjustment and aiming of the fog lamp can be carried out by just unfastening the adjusting member, as per requirement. The cover member of the present disclosure facilitates easy adjustment and serviceability of the fog lamp. The configuration of the cover member and associated method is easy to implement across different models of the vehicle, where fog lamp adjustment is difficult due to inaccessible mounting arrangements.
[0036]
[0034] The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.
[0037] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0038]
[0035] The novel features and characteristics of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying figures wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:
[0039]
[0036] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a front-end structure of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0040]
[0037] Figure 2 illustrate a front perspective of the vehicle of Figure 1 ;
[0041]
[0038] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded view of a modular front cowl for front cover of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and;
[0042]
[0039] Figures 4a to 4d illustrates an exemplary schematic view of a portion of a modular front cowl with a cover member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0043]
[0040] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of a two wheeled vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0044]
[0041] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a front perspective and a side perspective view of a cover member of the vehicle of the Figure 5, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure;
[0045]
[0042] Figure 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the cover member of the Figures 6a and 6b;
[0046]
[0043] Figure 8 illustrates a close-up view of a region ‘R’ outlined in the Figure 7, albeit in an isometric (or angled) perspective;
[0047]
[0044] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of assembly of components comprised in the region ‘R’ of the cover member, outlined in the Figure 7;
[0048]
[0045] Figure 10a illustrates another rear perspective view (internal side) of the cover member;
[0049]
[0046] Figure 10b illustrates a sectional view of the cover member, with section taken along axis A- A, depicted in the Figure 10a;
[0050]
[0047] Figure 11 illustrates a close up view of a bracket comprised in the cover member of the present disclosure;
[0051]
[0048] Figure 12 illustrates a close up view of region ‘P’ outlined in the Figure 11 ;
[0049] Figure 13a illustrates a close up view of an enclosure of the cover member, from an external side of the cover member;
[0052]
[0050] Figure 13b illustrates a close up view of region ‘S’ outlined in the Figure 13a; and
[0053]
[0051] Figure 14 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method of mounting a lighting unit to a cover member of a vehicle, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, and
[0054]
[0052] The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the front-end structure, the cover member and the method of mounting a lighting unit to the cover member of the vehicle illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.
[0055] DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0056]
[0053] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by the way of example in the Figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.
[0057]
[0054] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present disclosure and modify the various constructions of the front-end structure, the cover member and the method of mounting a lighting unit to the cover member of a vehicle, of the present disclosure. However, such modification should be construed within the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.
[0058]
[0055] In the present disclosure, the term “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment or implementation of the present subject matter described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
[0059]
[0056] The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, such that an apparatus, device, assembly, mechanism, system, structure and method that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such apparatus, system, assembly, structure or method. In other words, one or more elements in a system proceeded by “comprises... a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the system or apparatus or method.
[0060]
[0057] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, similar features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, and the like.
[0061]
[0058] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit application and uses. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or summary or the following detailed description. It is to be understood that the disclosure may assume various alternative orientations and step sequences, except where expressly specified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specific devices or components illustrated in the attached drawings and described in the following specification are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. While some specific terms of “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” and other terms containing these specific terms and directed to a specific direction will be used, the purpose of usage of these terms or words is merely to facilitate understanding of the present invention referring to the drawings. Accordingly, it should be noted that the meanings of these terms or words should not improperly limit the technical scope of the present invention.
[0062]
[0059] Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for description and should not be regarded as limiting. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms “accommodated,” “mounted,” “connected,” “supported,” and “coupled” and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings. Further, “connected” and “coupled” are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the specific devices, methods, applications, conditions, or parameters described and / or shown herein and that the terminology used herein is to describe embodiments by way of example and is not intended to be limiting of the claimed invention. Hereinafter in the following description, various embodiments will be described. For purposes of explanation, specific configurations and details are outlined to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will also be apparent to one skilled in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without the specific details. Furthermore, well-known features may be omitted or simplified in order not to obscure the embodiments being described.
[0063]
[0060] While the present disclosure is illustrated in the context of a cover member for a vehicle, and more particularly in the context of a two wheeler vehicle, however, the structure, configuration of the vehicle resulting from employing such structure, and aspects and features thereof can be used with other type of vehicles as well.
[0064]
[0061] The terms “vehicle” as used herein includes “modular vehicle”, “two-wheeled vehicle”, “electric vehicle”, “battery operated vehicle”, “three-wheeled vehicle”, “four-wheeled vehicle”, “electric vehicle (EV)” and have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicle, and the like. Further, the term “vehicle” may also include vehicles such as three-wheeled vehicle, four- wheeled vehicles, all-terrain vehicles (ATV), passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and the like, without limiting scope of the present disclosure.
[0065]
[0062] The following paragraphs
[0063] -
[0081] describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 4d and correspond to the claims 1- 13 in the present disclosure. The reference numerals used in the claims 1-13 correspond to reference numerals illustrated in the Figures 1- 4d and corresponding description in the paragraphs
[0063] -
[0081] of the present disclosure. In the figure, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. With general reference to the drawings, a vehicle with a modular front cowl is depicted in accordance with preferred embodiments of the present invention is illustrated and generally identified with reference numeral 100 and 102, respectively. It will be understood that the teachings of the present disclosure are not limited to any particular type of vehicle. Also, the corresponding figures illustrate only a portion of the vehicle. The complete vehicle is not illustrated in the corresponding figures for purpose of simplification.
[0066]
[0063] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the vehicle (100) comprises a front-end structure (1001), a floor rail / floorboard (not shown), a power unit [not shown], and a rear end structure (not shown). The frontend structure (1001) may comprise a steering mechanism, a modular front cowl (102), a front ground engaging member also referred to as maneuvering wheel, a dash assembly [not shown], a control unit [not shown], a headlamp unit (103) [refer Figure 1], a plurality of winkers (W) [shown in Figures 1 and 2] . The steering unit (108) comprises a handlebar. The handlebar is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (100). The steering unit (108) comprises a plurality of front forks (104) disposed at the front-end structure (1001) of the vehicle (100). The steering unit (108) may be operatively coupled to the front ground engaging members (106) via the plurality of front forks (104) [as seen in Figures 1 and 2],
[0067]
[0064] In the illustrated example, the dash assembly is provided on the steering mechanism. The dash assembly comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information relating to the vehicle (100) to the rider. In an embodiment, the display unit displays information such as distance travelled by the vehicle (100), and other operating parameters of the vehicle (100). The dash assembly may include additional components such as LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI) etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. In the illustrated example, the headlamp unit (103) is provided on the steering unit (108). Alternatively, the headlamp unit (103) may be provided on the modular front cowl (102), without limiting the scope of the invention. The front-end structure (1001) comprises first electronic connections (not shown) and first hydraulic connections (not shown). The first electronic connections may embody a main wiring harness. The first hydraulic connections may embody fluid hoses. Further, the front-end structure (1001) may further comprise additional components such as mirrors (101), front fenders etc. without limiting the scope of the disclosure.
[0068]
[0065] The vehicle (100) further comprises a front side cover [not shown], a left side cover [not shown] and a right-side cover [not shown]. The front side cover is disposed adjacent to the floorboard and covers the front area below a seat arrangement. The left side cover and the right-side cover are disposed on both sides of the vehicle body and cover the lower sides of the rider’s seat and the passenger’s seat. Further, the vehicle (100) may also comprise a first battery unit (not shown). In an embodiment, the first battery unit may be disposed below the left seat rail (not shown) and the right seat rail (not shown). Other positions for positioning the first battery unit may be contemplated herein without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In an exemplary embodiment, the first battery unit may be disposed within the modular front cowl (102) of the two-wheeled vehicle (100). In another example, the first battery unit is disposed underneath the floorboard, without limiting the scope of the invention. The first battery unit is electrically coupled to the control unit and the power unit and provides necessary power to vehicle components as and when required.
[0069]
[0066] The vehicle (100) comprises the rear end structure (not shown). The rear end structure is disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle ( 100) . The rear end structure comprises a tail lamp and a rear side cover. The rear side cover is disposed on the rear portion of the vehicle (100) and covers a rear area below the passenger’s seat (not shown). In an embodiment, the tail lamp (not shown) is disposed on the rear side cover. A plurality of turn signal indicators (not shown) is disposed on either side of the tail lamp. The rear end structure comprises at least one suspension device. In an embodiment, the rear end structure comprises one suspension device which is operatively coupled between the body frame and the swing arm. The suspension device embodies a shock absorber. The rear end structure may comprise additional components such as rear grip, rear fender, license plate etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.
[0070]
[0067] The modular front cowl (102) according to the present disclosure may be disposed along the front-end structure (1001) of the vehicle (100). The modular front cowl (102) is structured to enclose the steering unit (108). The modular front cowl (102) is configured to enclose at least portion of the front-end structure (1001). In an embodiment, the modular front cowl (102) may be structured to be securable to and enclose a down frame (not shown) of the vehicle (100). In another embodiment, the modular front cowl ( 102) may be structured to be securable to and enclose the down frame and a portion of a head tube (not shown) of the vehicle (100) without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The body structure comprises the front-end structure (1001) disposed at the front portion of the vehicle ( 100) . The body structure further comprises a head tube, a down frame, a left frame member, and a right frame member (not shown) extending backward from the head tube of the body structure. Further, the body frame includes a cross frame member connecting the left frame member and the right frame member.
[0071]
[0068] The said modular front cowl ( 102) may be structured to be securable to and may enclose at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube with additional components mounted therebetween. In an exemplary embodiment, the horn may be positioned behind the modular front cowl (102) in such a manner that the modular front cowl (102) does not suppress the sound intensity of the horn. Other feasible components such as but not limited to wiring harness may be secured to the modular front cowl (102). The modular front cowl (102) may be aerodynamically structured and may result in a covering of the knees and lower legs against rain and cold. The modular front cowl (102) may be structured to provide protection to the substantially lower part of the rider / user from rain, wind, cold, stone pecking [stone impact damage], other projectile impacts and the like without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Accordingly, the modular front cowl (102) may be referred to as the leg shield (102) and may be interchangeably used in the present disclosure.
[0072]
[0069] The modular front cowl (102) may include an inner shield (107). The inner shield (107) may be referred to as the inner leg shield (107). The inner shield (107) may be securable to a rear end of at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube. In an implementation, the inner shield (107) may be securable to and may enclose the down frame of the vehicle (100) from the rear end. In another implementation, the inner shield (107) may be securable to and may enclose the down frame and the portion of the head tube from the rear end without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The inner shield (107) may be defined with plurality of provisions to accommodate a lock / key module, a charging module, a storage compartment, a pivotable hook and the like. However, other features may be contemplated thereof.
[0073]
[0070] The modular front cowl (102) may include an outer leg shield (105). The outer shield (105) may be referred to as the outer leg shield (105) and the outer leg shield (105). The outer leg shield (105) may be secured to a front end of at least one the down frame and the portion of the head tube. In an implementation, the outer shield (105) may be securable to and may enclose the down frame of the vehicle (100) from the front end. In another implementation, the outer leg shield (105) may be securable to and may enclose the down frame and the portion of the head tube from the front end without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0071] The outer shield (105) may include a central panel (1055c), a first panel (105 Ir), and a second panel (10511). The central panel (1055c) may be structured to cover at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube from the front when viewed in vehicle (100) front-rear direction. The first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) may be structured to cover at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube forms both sides and is positioned on the left and right sides of the central panel (1055c). For instance, the first panel (105 Ir) may be secured to the right side of the central panel (1055c) and the second panel (10511) may be secured to the left side of the central panel (1055c) [when viewed from the front rear direction]. The first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) may be secured to the central panel (1055c) by known joining mechanism including mechanical joining process, thermal joining process, and / or adhesive joining process without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) may be secured to the central panel (1055c) by at least one of fastening means and / or may be snap fit. In an embodiment, the central panel (1055c), the first panel (105 Ir), and the second panel (10511) may be formed as a unitary module and may be secured to at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In an embodiment, the central panel (1055c) may be structured to accommodate the headlamp unit (103). Likewise, the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) may be structured to accommodate various light configurations which is elucidated in the forthcoming embodiments.
[0074]
[0072] Referring now to Figure 3 which illustrates the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) in part. The first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) may be defined with a receiving portion (1056). The receiving portion (1056) defined in the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) may be structured to accommodate a cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055). In an embodiment, the shape of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) may complement the shape of the receiving portion (1056) defined in the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511). Although, the shape of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) complements the shape of the receiving portion (1056), the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) may be designed to improve the aesthetic appearance of the vehicle (100). Also, in the present disclosure, the shape of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) and the receiving portion (1056) is not specifically defined as any feasible geometrical or organic shapes may be contemplated herein. In an embodiment, the receiving portion (1056) may be defined with a plurality of mounting provisions (111) configure to receive and secure the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) to first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511).
[0075]
[0073] The plurality of mounting provisions (111) may be configured to be at least one of a male coupler and a female coupler and may be configured to receive a counter coupler defined in the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) to receivably secure the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) relative to the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511). For instance, the plurality of mounting provisions (111) may be configured to be the male coupler and the counter coupler defined in the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) may be the female coupler structured to be received by the male coupler. In another instance, the plurality of mounting provisions (111) may be configured to be the female coupler and the counter coupler defined in the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) may be the male coupler without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the cover member (1055) may be snap fitted to each of the first panel (105 Ir), and the second panel (10511). For instance, the receiving portion (1056) may be defined with a catch and the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) may be defined with a snap (not explicitly shown) that may be receivable by the catch to secure the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) to the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511). In another implementation, the cover member (1055) may be fastened to each of the first panel (105 Ir), and the second panel (10511). However, other types of mountings may also be contemplated herein without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0076]
[0074] Referring to Figure 4a to 4d in conjunction with Figure 3, the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) mounted to the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) is illustrated. The cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) of the present disclosure may be defined with pre-defined configuration. Each of the pre-defined configurations of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) may be structured to receive at least one of a first auxiliary lamp (109) and a second auxiliary lamp (110). The first auxiliary lamp (109) and the second auxiliary lamp (110) may be at least one of a comer light, a fog light, an indicator lamp, an aux-lamp for long range illumination, and the like. The first auxiliary lamp (109) and the second auxiliary lamp (110) may contemplate a variety of lighting set-up(s) / configurations without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. In the present disclosure, the pre-defined configuration of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) may include a first cover with a first configuration, a second cover with a second configuration, a third cover with a third configuration, and a fourth cover with a fourth configuration. Although four configurations of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) is illustrated, the same should not be constmed as a limitation of the present disclosure as myriad configurations of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) may be contemplate herein.
[0077]
[0075] The first cover (1052) of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) defined with the first configuration is illustrated in the Figure 4a. In Figure 4a, the first cover (1052) is secured to the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511). The first cover (1052) with the first configuration may include a recess (1091). The recess (1091) may be stmctured to receive at least one of the first auxiliary lamp (109) and the second auxiliary lamp (110). The first cover (1052) may be defined with a housing (1101). The housing (1101) may be integrally formed on the first cover (1052). In an implementation, the housing (1101) may be slidably disposed on the first cover (1052). The housing (1101) may be protruding outwardly from the first cover (1052) defining an opening therebetween. That is an opening is defined between a surface of the first cover (1052) and the housing (1011). The housing (1101) may be a box-shaped member. Alternatively, the housing (1101) may be triangular, hexagonal, semicircular shaped member having an opening, without limiting the scope of the invention. However, other geometric and organic shapes may be contemplated herein for the housing (1101).
[0078]
[0076] The housing (1101) may be structured to receive at least one of the first auxiliary lamp (109) and the second auxiliary member (110). In an embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the first auxiliary lamp (109) and the housing (1101) may be structured to accommodate the second auxiliary lamp (110). In an exemplary embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the fog light, and the housing (1101) may be provisioned with the comer light. In another exemplary embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the indicator lamp, and the housing (1101) may be provisioned with the comer light. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the aux-lamp with long range illumination, and the housing (1101) may be provisioned with the comer light. In the other exemplary embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the comer light, and the housing (1101) may be provisioned with the fog light. In another exemplary embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the comer light, and the housing (1101) may be provisioned with the aux-lamp with long range illumination. However, other feasible configurations not disclosed above may be contemplated herein.
[0079]
[0077] Reference is now made to Figure 4b The second cover (1053) of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) defined with the second configuration is illustrated in the Fig. 4b. In Figure 4b, the second cover (1053) is secured to the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511). The second cover (1053) with the second configuration may include a recess (1091). The recess (1091) may be structured to receive at least one of the first auxiliary lamp (109) and the second auxiliary lamp (110). The recess (1091) may be a box-shaped member. Alternatively, the recess (1091) may be triangular, hexagonal, semicircular shaped member having an opening, without limiting the scope of the invention. However, other geometric and organic shapes may be contemplated herein for the recess (1101). In an implementation, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the first auxiliary lamp (109). In another implementation, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the second auxiliary lamp (110). In an exemplary embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the fog light. In another exemplary embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the indicator lamp. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the aux-lamp with long range illumination. In the other exemplary embodiment, the recess (1091) may be provisioned with the comer light. As described above, the recess (1091) may be structured to receive the variety of lighting set- up(s) / configurations without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.
[0078] Yet another configuration of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) is illustrated in the Figure 4c. Figure 4c illustrates the third cover (1054) defined with the third configuration is illustrated. In Figure 4c, the third cover (1054) is secured to the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511). The third cover (1054) with the third configuration may be defined with the housing (1101). The housing (1101) may be integrally formed on the third cover (1054). In an implementation, the housing (1101) may be slidably disposed on the third cover (1054). The housing (1101) may be protruding outwardly from the third cover (1054) defining an opening therebetween. That is an opening is defined between a surface of the third cover (1054) and the housing (1101). The housing (1101) may be a box-shaped member. Alternatively, the housing (1101) may be triangular, hexagonal, semicircular shaped member having an opening, without limiting the scope of the invention. However, other geometric and organic shapes may be contemplated herein for the housing (1101).
[0080]
[0079] The housing (1101) in Figure 4c may be structured to receive at least one of the first auxiliary lamp (109) and the second auxiliary lamp (110). In an exemplary embodiment, the housing (1101) may be provisioned with the comer light. In another exemplary embodiment, the housing (1101) may be provisioned with the fog light. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the housing (1101) may be provided with the indicator lamp. In the other exemplary embodiment, the housing (1101) may be provisioned with the aux-lamp with long range illumination. However, other feasible configurations not disclosed above may be contemplated herein.
[0081]
[0080] Yet another configuration of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, and 1055) is illustrated in the Figure 4d. Figure 4d illustrates the fourth cover (1055) defined with the fourth configuration is illustrated. In Figure 4c, the fourth cover (1055) is secured to the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511). The fourth cover (1055) with the fourth configuration may be structured as an enclosure for the receiving portion (1056) defined in the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511). A surface (1055a) of the fourth cover (1055) facing away from the at least the down frame and the portion of the head tube may be substantially plain or may be textured and may be devoid of the recess (1091) and the housing (1101).
[0082]
[0081] In an embodiment, the configuration of the front-end structure (1001) having the modular front cowl (102) of the present disclosure reduces part count, thereby leading to reduced handling expenditure. The modularity of the modular front cowl (102) enables the user to customize the vehicle by replacing / swapping the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) with the pre-defined configurations. The cost of manufacturing the modular front cowl (102) of the present disclosure is substantially less.
[0083]
[0082] The following paragraphs
[0083] -
[0096] describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures 5 to 14 and correspond to the claims 14-24 in the present disclosure. The reference numerals used in the claims 14-24 correspond to reference numerals illustrated in the Figures 5 to 14 and corresponding description in the paragraphs
[0083] -
[0096] of the present disclosure. Reference will now be made to the exemplary embodiments of the disclosure, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, same numerals will be used to refer to the same or like parts. Embodiments of the disclosure are described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 5 to 14. In Figures 5 to 14, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs.
[0084]
[0083] The disclosure is described in the following paragraphs with reference to Figures 5 to 14. In the figures, the same element or elements which have same functions are indicated by the same reference signs. It is to be noted that, the entire set up of the cover member and the body frame or the vehicle, including mounting, or coupling arrangements therein used for mounting / coupling of the elements / components of the cover member to the body frame, is not illustrated in the figures for the purpose of brevity and simplicity. The term ‘body’ of the vehicle as used herein refers to the entire vehicle body including a body frame, where such body frame may include a front fork, a head tube, a down tube and a pair of seat rails and other essential / subsidiary components coupled to the body frame, that form the vehicle.
[0085]
[0084] Reference is now made to Figure 5, which illustrates a front view of a vehicle (200) in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. The vehicle (200) is equipped with a pair of fog lamps (1) as illustrated in the Figure 5. The vehicle (200) is further equipped with a pair of cover members (100) on either side of the vehicle (200). In the illustrative embodiment, the cover member (100) may be a side body cover of the vehicle (200). The term ‘cover member' (100) as used herein may also refer to a body cover of the vehicle (200). The cover member (100) may be made of polymeric / poly carbonate material.
[0086]
[0085] Figures 6a and 6b illustrate a front perspective and a side perspective view of the cover member (100). Further, Figure 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of the cover member (100). Referring to Figures 6a, 6b and 7, the cover member (100) may further include a lighting unit (1). In the illustrative embodiment, the lighting unit (1) may be a fog lamp unit of the vehicle (200). The lighting unit (1) may include a housing (2) and a light source (3) [shown in Figure 8], The light source (3) may be at least one of an incandescent filament light source, gas discharge light source, and a light emitting diode (LED) module.
[0087]
[0086] Referring again to Figures 6a, 6b and 7, the cover member (100) may include a box-type enclosure (16) [also referred to as the ‘enclosure’ (16) hereinafter] defined in the cover member (100). The lighting unit (1) is adjustably supported and accommodated within the box-type enclosure (16). The cover member ( 100) further includes a cover portion (5) defined therein. Body of the cover member (100) may be constituted by the cover portion (5). The box-type enclosure (16) may further include an opening (4). The opening (4) is configured to be accessible from a first end (7) of the enclosure (16). The term ‘first end’ (7) as used herein refers to an internal side of the vehicle (200), as visible in the Figures 7, 8 and 9.
[0088]
[0087] Figure 8 illustrates a close-up view of a region ‘R’ outlined in the Figure 7, albeit in an isometric (or angled) perspective. The first end (7) is accessible from an internal side of the cover member (100), for the housing (2) to be selectively insertable into the box-type enclosure (16). The housing (2) may be a substantially box-like structure. At least a portion of the housing (2) may be configured to have a shape and profile that corresponds to shape and profile of the box-type enclosure (16). Further, a wire harness connectable to the lighting unit (1) may be routed from the first end (7) of the enclosure (16), and into the box-type enclosure (16).
[0089]
[0088] Figure 9 illustrates an exploded view of assembly of components comprised in the region ‘R’ of the cover member (100). Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the cover member (100) may further include a bracket (6) adapted to be coupled to the cover member (100). The bracket (6) may be configured to secure the lighting unit (1) to at least one of the cover member (100) and the enclosure (16). Further, the lighting unit (1) may be configured to be adjustably supported by the bracket (6).
[0090]
[0089] Referring to Figures 8 and 9 again, the cover member (100) includes at least one coupling member (8) configured to pivotally couple the housing (2) with the bracket (6). The bracket (6) may be mounted on to an internal side of the cover portion (5). The term ‘internal side’ as used herein refers to the side of the vehicle (200), as visible in the Figures 7, 8 and 9. The bracket (6) may further include a pair of fastening holes (11, 12) configured to engage with at least a pair of fastening members (13). The pair of fastening members (13) are configured to couple the bracket (6) with the cover portion (5), in a fastened condition. Figure 10a illustrates another rear perspective view (internal side), of the cover member (100). Figure 10b illustrates a sectional view of the cover member (100), with section taken along axis A-A, depicted in the Figure 10a. The pair of fastening members (13) coupling the bracket (6) with the cover portion (5), can be seen in the Figure 10b.
[0091]
[0090] Referring to Figure 9, the cover member (100) may further include a grommet (9) positioned at an interface of the coupling member (8) and the bracket (6). The bracket (6) may include an aperture (14) defined at an intermediate portion (15) thereof. The aperture (14) may be configured to receive the grommet (9). Further, the grommet (9) is configured to rotatably couple the one or more coupling member (8) with the bracket (6). The grommet (9) may be made of a resilient material including at least one of natural rubber and a synthetic rubber. The grommet (9) may be made of Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM).
[0092]
[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more coupling member (8) may include a first portion and a second portion of different diameters (not shown in the Figures). An external diameter of the first portion may be higher than an external diameter of the second portion. The second portion may be configured to be accommodated in a hole (10) of the grommet (9). In an exemplary embodiment, the grommet (9) may include a pair of peripheral sections connected by a central section. The central section may be configured to have a lower diameter relative to the pair of peripheral sections. The central section may be configured to engage with an aperture (14) of the bracket (6).
[0093]
[0092] Figure 11 illustrates a close up view of bracket (6). Further, Figure 12 illustrates a close up view of region ‘P’ outlined in the Figure 11. Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the bracket (6) may be defined with a guide member (17). The guide member (17) may be a slot defined in the bracket (6). The guide member (17) is configured to be substantially obround shaped or pill-shaped. The guide member (17) is configured to co-operate with a guide pin (18) defined in the housing (2). The guide pin (18) may be configured to protrude from an external surface of the housing (2). The guide pin (18) is configured to reciprocate within the guide member (17). The guide member (17) may be configured to allow and limit rotation of the housing (2), relative to the enclosure (16).
[0094]
[0093] Figure 13a illustrates a close up view of the enclosure (16), from an external side of the cover member (100). Further, Figure 13b illustrates a close up view of region ‘S’ outlined in the Figure 13a. Referring to Figures 13a and 13b, the cover member (100) may include an adjusting member (19). The adjusting member (19) may be configured to secure the enclosure (16) and the lighting unit (1) at a second end opposite to the first end (7). The adjusting member (19) may be accessible externally for regulating angular position of the housing (2) relative to the enclosure (16). The adjusting member (19) may be a fastening member, such as, but not limited to, a screw that can be fastened and unfastened by a user of the vehicle (200).
[0095]
[0094] Figure 14 illustrates a flow chart illustrating a method (300) of mounting a lighting unit (1) to a cover member (100) of a vehicle (200). The order in which the method (300) is described is not intended to be construed as a limitation, and any number of the described method blocks may be combined in any order to implement the method (300). Additionally, individual blocks may be deleted from the method (300) without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein.
[0096]
[0095] As depicted at block 301, the method (300) includes inserting the housing (2) within a box-type enclosure (16) of the cover member (100). The housing (2) is configured to at least partially accommodate a light source (3) of the lighting unit (1) of the vehicle (200). As depicted at block 302, the method (300) further includes mounting a bracket (6) to the cover member (100) and the housing (2), with a grommet (9) positioned therebetween. As depicted at block 303, the method (300) further includes coupling the housing (2) to the bracket (6) by at least one coupling member (8). The at least one coupling member (8) is configured to pivotally couple the housing (2) with the bracket (6). As depicted at block 304, the method (300) further includes fastening of the bracket (6) to an internal side of the cover portion (5). The bracket (6) includes at least a pair of fastening holes (11, 12), that are configured to engage with at least a pair of fastening members (13). As depicted at block 305, the method (300) further includes operating an adjusting member (19) to rotatably adjust the lighting unit (1) within the enclosure (16). The adjusting member (19) is selectively operable to move a guide pin (18) within a guide member (17), to allow and limit rotation of the housing (2) relative to the enclosure (16).
[0097]
[0096] In an exemplary embodiment, the cover member (100) of the present disclosure overcomes drawbacks associated with conventional fog lamp mounting arrangements. The configuration of the cover member (100) provides a unique mounting arrangement that facilitates aiming of the fog lamp, without requiring removal of cover member (100) and other components such as wheel house, for aiming. The cover member (100) is configured such that there is no impact on surrounding tooled-up parts due to fog lamp mounting access. Further, cost impact that may arise, due to modification of wheel house, is prevented. Adjustment and aiming of the fog lamp can be carried out by just unfastening the adjusting member (19), as per requirement. The cover member (100) of the present disclosure facilitates easy adjustment and serviceability of the fag lamp. The configuration of the cover member (100) and associated method (300) is easy to implement across different models of the vehicle (200), where fog lamp adjustment is difficult due to inaccessible mounting arrangements.
[0098]
[0097] It is to be understood that a person of ordinary skill in the art may develop a system of similar configuration without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. Such modifications and variations may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure covers such modifications and variations provided they come within the ambit of the appended claims and their equivalents.
[0099]
[0098] Equivalents:
[0100]
[0099] With respect to the use of substantially any plural and / or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and / or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and / or application. The various singular / plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
[0101]
[0100] It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as “open” terms (e.g., the term “including” should be interpreted as “including but not limited to,” the term “having” should be interpreted as “having at least,” the term “includes” should be interpreted as “includes but is not limited to,” etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases “at least one” and “one or more” to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles “a” or “an” limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases “one or more” or “at least one” and indefinite articles such as “a” or “an” (e.g., “a” and / or “an” should typically be interpreted to mean “at least one” or “one or more”); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of “two recitations,” without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, and C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, and C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to “at least one of A, B, or C, etc.” is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., “a system having at least one of A, B, or C” would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and / or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and / or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase “A or B” will be understood to include the possibilities of “A” or “B” or “A and B.”
[0102]
[0101] In addition, where features or aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognize that the disclosure is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.
[0103]
[0102] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.
Claims
We claim:
1. A front-end structure (1001) of a two-wheeled vehicle (100), the front-end structure (1001) comprising: a head tube; a down frame extending rearward and downward from the head tube; a modular front cowl (102) securable to and enclosing at least one of the down frame and a portion of the head tube, the modular front cowl (102) comprises: an inner shield (107) securable to a rear end of at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube; and an outer shield (105) securable to a front end of at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube, the outer shield (105) includes a central panel (1055c), a first panel (105 Ir) and a second panel (10511), each of the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) being defined with a receiving portion (1056); a cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) of a pre-defined configuration being securable to the receiving portion (1056) defined in the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511).
2. The front-end structure (1001) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the receiving portion (1056) defined in the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) is defined with a plurality of mounting provisions (111).
3. The front end structure ( 1001) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of mounting provisions (111) is configured to be at least one of a male coupler and a female coupler, each configured to receive a counter coupler defined in the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) to removably secure the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) relative to the second panel (10511) and the first panel (105 Ir).
4. The front-end structure (1001) as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054) is snap fitted to the second panel (10511) and the first panel (105 Ir).
5. The front-end structure (1001) as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) is fastened to the second panel (10511) and the first panel (1051 r) by fastening means.
6. The front-end structure (1001) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each pre-defined configuration of the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) is structured to receive at least one of a first auxiliary lamp (109) and a second auxiliary lamp (110).
7. The front-end structure (1001) as claimed in any one of the previous claims, wherein the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) includes a first cover (1052) defined with a first configuration of the pre-defined configuration.
8. The front-end structure (1001) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first configuration of the first cover (1052) is defined with a recess (1091) to receive the first auxiliary lamp (109) and a housing (1101) protruding outwardly from the first cover (1052) to receive the second auxiliary lamp (110).
9. The front end structure (1001) as claimed in claim 1 and 7, wherein the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) includes a second cover (1053) defined with a second configuration of the pre-defined configuration, in the second configuration the second cover (1053) is defined with the recess (1091) to receive the first auxiliary lamp (109).
10. The front end structure (1001) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) includes a third cover (1054) defined with a third configuration of the pre-defined configuration, in the third configuration the third cover (1054) is defined with the housing (1101) protruding outwardly from the third cover (1054) to receive the second auxiliary lamp (110).11 . The front-end structure (1001) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) includes a fourth cover (1055) defined with a fourth configuration of the pre-defined configuration, in the fourth configuration the fourth cover (1055) is structured enclosing the receiving portion (1056).
12. The front-end structure (1001) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first auxiliary lamp (109) and the second auxiliary lamp (110) is at least one of a comer light, a fog light, an indicator lamp, and an aux lamp.
13. A two-wheeled vehicle (100) comprising: a steering unit (108); a seat arrangement; a power unit; a body structure extending from a front end to a rider’s seat of the two-wheeled vehicle (100) along a longitudinal length, the body structure comprising: a head tube configured to rotatably support a steering assembly; a down frame extending downward and rearward from the head tube; a cross member disposed in a lateral direction on a lower portion of the down frame; a seat rail connectable to the cross-member and extending upward and rearward from the cross member and configured to accommodate the seat arrangement;a floor rail securable to a portion of the down frame and the seat rail; a swing arm pivotally coupled with the cross member at one end and supported on the drive wheel of the vehicle (100) on the other end; a front ground engaging member (106) supported by a plurality of front forks (104) connected to the head tube of the vehicle (100); a rear ground engaging member supported by a swing arm and a rear suspension device connected to the seat rail; and a modular front cowl (102) securable to and enclosing at least one of the down frame and a portion of the head tube, the modular front cowl (102) comprises: an inner shield (107) securable to a rear end of at least one of the down frame and the portion of the head tube; and an outer shield (105) securable to the front end of at least one of the down frame and the portion ofthe head tube, the outer shield (105) includes a central panel (1055c), a first panel (105 Ir) and a second panel (10511), each of the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511) being defined with a receiving portion (1056); a cover member (1052, 1053, 1054, 1055) of a pre-defined configuration being securable to the receiving portion (1056) defined in the first panel (105 Ir) and the second panel (10511).
14. A cover member (100) of a vehicle (200), the cover member (100) comprising: a box-type enclosure (16) defined in the cover member (100) and a cover portion (5), the enclosure (16) includes an opening (4), and the opening (4) accessible from a first end (7) of the enclosure (16); a lighting unit (1) adjustably supported and accommodated within the enclosure (16), and the lighting unit (1) including a housing (2) and a light source (3); and a bracket (6) adapted to be coupled to the cover member (100), the bracket (6) configured to secure the lighting unit (1) to at least one of the cover member (100) and the enclosure (16), wherein the lighting unit (1) being configured to be adjustably supported by the bracket (6).
15. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the first end (7) is accessible from an internal side of the cover member (100), for the housing (2) to be selectively insertable into the box-type enclosure (16), and wherein a wire harness connectable to the lighting unit (1) is routed from the first end (7) of the enclosure (16) and into the box-type enclosure (16).
16. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the housing (2) is a substantially boxlike structure, and wherein at least a portion of the housing (2) being configured to have a shape and profile that corresponds to shape and profile of the box-type enclosure (16).
17. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 14, comprises at least one coupling member (8) configured to pivotally couple the housing (2) with the bracket (6), and wherein the bracket (6) being mounted on to an internal side of the cover portion (5), and wherein the bracket (6) includes at least a pair of fastening holes (11, 12) configured to engage with at least a pair of fastening members (13) to couple the bracket (6) with the cover portion (5).
18. The cover member (100) as claimed in claims 14 and 17, comprises a grommet (9) positioned at an interface of the coupling member (8) and the bracket (6), the grommet (9) being configured to rotatably couple the one or more coupling member (8) with the bracket (6).
19. The cover member (100) as claimed in claims H and 18, wherein the one or more coupling member (8) includes a first portion and a second portion adjacent to the first portion, the second portion being configured to be accommodated in a hole (10) of the grommet (9).
20. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the bracket (6) includes an aperture (14) defined at an intermediate portion (15) thereof, the aperture (14) being configured to receive the grommet (9).21 . The cover member ( 100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the bracket (6) being defined with a guide member (17) configured to co-operate with a guide pin (18) defined in the housing (2), to allow and limit rotation of the housing (2) relative to the enclosure (16), and wherein the guide member (17) configured to be substantially obround shaped or pill-shaped.
22. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 14, comprises an adjusting member (19) configured to secure the enclosure (16) and the lighting unit (1) at a second end opposite to the first end (7), and the adjusting member (19) being accessible externally for regulating angular position of the housing (2) relative to the enclosure (16).
23. The cover member (100) as claimed in claim 14, wherein the cover member (100) is a side body cover of the vehicle (200), and wherein the lighting unit (1) is a fog lamp unit of the vehicle (200), and the light source (3) being at least one of an incandescent filament light source, gas discharge light source, and a light emitting diode (LED) module.
24. A method (300) of mounting a lighting unit (1) to a cover member (100) of a vehicle (200), the method (300) comprising: inserting (301) the housing (2) within a box-type enclosure (16) of the cover member (100), the housing (2) configured to at least partially accommodate a light source (3) of the lighting unit (1) of the vehicle (200);mounting (302) a bracket (6) to the cover member (100) and the housing (2), with a grommet (9) positioned therebetween; coupling (303) the housing (2) to the bracket (6) by at least one coupling member (8), the at least one coupling member (8) configured to pivotally couple the housing (2) with the bracket (6); fastening (304) of the bracket (6) to an internal side of the cover portion (5), the bracket (6) includes at least a pair of fastening holes (11, 12) configured to engage with at least a pair of fastening members (13); operating (305) an adjusting member (19) to rotatably adjust the lighting unit (1) within the enclosure (16), the adjusting member (19) being selectively operable to move a guide pin (18) within a guide member (17), to allow and limit rotation of the housing (2) relative to the enclosure (16).
Citation Information
Patent Citations
Front cowl and vehicle provided with the same
US20060087144A1