U.S. patent application number 11/130928 was filed with the patent office on 2005-12-22 for wheeled vehicle with covers.
Invention is credited to Konno, Toshihiko, Matsumoto, Yoshiharu, Ooishi, Kouji.
Application Number | 20050279557 11/130928 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 35479421 |
Filed Date | 2005-12-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20050279557 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Konno, Toshihiko ; et
al. |
December 22, 2005 |
Wheeled vehicle with covers
Abstract
A wheeled vehicle includes a seat. A frame supports at least the
seat. The frame includes at least a first horizontal section
extending substantially horizontally in front of the seat. At least
first, second and third covers overlay the frame. The first
horizontal section includes a reference position. The first and
second covers abut against each other to form a flush surface and
overlap with each other to cover the reference position. The first
and second covers are attached together to the first horizontal
section at the reference position. The third cover is attached to
the first cover or the frame at a second location that is spaced
apart from the reference position and is determined with less
precision than the reference position.
Inventors: |
Konno, Toshihiko; (Shizuoka,
JP) ; Matsumoto, Yoshiharu; (Shizuoka, JP) ;
Ooishi, Kouji; (Shizuoka, JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KEATING & BENNETT, LLP
8180 GREENSBORO DRIVE
SUITE 850
MCLEAN
VA
22102
US
|
Family ID: |
35479421 |
Appl. No.: |
11/130928 |
Filed: |
May 17, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
180/219 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B62J 17/00 20130101;
B60R 16/04 20130101; B62K 2202/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
180/219 |
International
Class: |
B62M 007/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jun 18, 2004 |
JP |
2004-181463 |
Jul 22, 2004 |
JP |
2004-214807 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A vehicle comprising: a seat; a frame arranged to support at
least the seat, the frame having at least a first horizontal
section extending substantially horizontally in front of the seat;
and at least first, second and third covers arranged to cover the
frame; wherein the first horizontal section includes a reference
position, the first and second covers abut against each other to
define a flush surface and overlap with each other to cover the
reference position; the first and second covers are attached
together to the first horizontal section at the reference position;
and the third cover is attached to one of the first cover and the
frame at a second location that is spaced apart from the reference
position and is determined with less precision than the reference
position.
2. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the reference
position is a single reference position for all of the first,
second and third covers with respect to the frame.
3. The vehicle as set forth in claim 2, wherein the frame includes
a second horizontal section extending below the first horizontal
section.
4. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the frame includes
a second horizontal section extending below the first horizontal
section.
5. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the reference
position is located in an area of a top surface of the first
horizontal section.
6. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first and
second covers abut against each other adjacent to the reference
position.
7. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the first
horizontal section includes a bolt hole that has a substantially
round cross-sectional shape relative to an axis of the bolt hole,
and the first and second covers are attached to the first
horizontal section by a bolt that has an outer diameter that is
substantially the same as an inner diameter of the bolt hole.
8. The vehicle as set forth in claim 7, wherein the first
horizontal section includes a stay and a female screw member that
is internally threaded to define the bolt hole, the female screw
member includes a flange, and the bolt is screwed into the female
screw member so as to interpose the first and second covers and the
stay between a head of the bolt and the flange of the female screw
member.
9. The vehicle as set forth in claim 7, wherein the third cover
includes a first engaging portion, one of the first cover and the
frame includes a second engaging portion that engages the first
engage portion, one of the first engaging portion and the second
engaging portion is a projection, the other of the first engaging
portion and the second engaging portion is a slot, and the
projection is inserted into the slot.
10. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a stay
that extends from the first horizontal section, a female screw
member internally threaded to define a bolt hole that has a
substantially round cross-sectional shape relative to an axis of
the bolt hole, the female screw member including a flange, and a
bolt screwed into the female screw member such that the first and
second covers and the stay are interposed between a head of the
bolt and the flange of the female screw member.
11. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein the third cover
includes one of a first projection and a first aperture, one of the
first cover and the frame includes one of a second aperture
corresponding to the first projection and a second projection
corresponding to the first aperture, the one of the first aperture
and the second aperture is larger than the one of the first
projection and the second projection, the one of the first
projection and the second projection is inserted into the one of
the first aperture and the second aperture to attach the third
cover to the one of the first cover and the frame.
12. The vehicle as set forth in claim 11, wherein the one of the
first aperture and the second aperture is a slot, the one of the
first projection and the second projection is slidable within the
one of the first aperture and the second aperture.
13. The vehicle as set forth in claim 12, wherein the one of the
first projection and the second projection has a hook shape that
passes through the one of the first aperture and the second
aperture.
14. The vehicle as set forth in claim 1, wherein one of the first
cover and second cover includes a step that defines a first step
portion and a second step portion, a surface of the first step
portion is substantially flush with a surface of the other one of
the first cover and the second cover, the other one of the first
cover and the second cover overlaps the second step portion.
15. A vehicle comprising: a frame having first, second, third and
fourth frame sections, the first frame section extending
substantially vertically, the second frame section extending
substantially horizontally and forward from a top portion of the
first frame section, the third frame section extending
substantially vertically from a forward end of the second frame
section, the third frame section accommodating a steering shaft,
the fourth frame section extending substantially horizontally and
rearward from the top portion of the first frame section, and the
fourth frame section supporting a seat; a first cover arranged to
cover the second frame section; a second cover arranged to cover
the third frame section; and a third cover arranged to cover the
fourth frame section; wherein the second frame section has a
reference position; the first and second covers abut against each
other to define a flush surface and overlap with each other to
cover the reference position; the first and second covers are
attached together to the second frame section at the reference
position; and the third cover is attached to one of the first cover
and the frame at a second position that is spaced apart from the
reference position and that is determined with less precision than
the reference position.
16. The vehicle as set forth in claim 15, wherein the reference
position is located in an area of a top surface of the second frame
section.
17. The vehicle as set forth in claim 15, wherein the frame
includes a fifth frame section extending below the second frame
section.
18. The vehicle as set forth in claim 15, wherein the second frame
section includes a bolt hole having a substantially round
cross-sectional shape relative to an axis of the bolt hole, the
first cover and the second cover are attached to the second frame
section by a bolt that has an outer diameter that is substantially
the same as an inner diameter of the bolt hole.
19. The vehicle as set forth in claim 15, wherein the third cover
includes one of a first projection and a first aperture, the first
cover includes one of a second aperture corresponding to the first
projection and a second projection corresponding to the first
aperture, the one of the first aperture and the second aperture is
larger than the one of the first projection and the second
projection, the one of the first and the second projection is
inserted into the one of the first aperture and the second aperture
to attach the third cover to the first cover.
20. A vehicle comprising: a seat; a frame arranged to support at
least the seat, the frame including at least a first horizontal
section extending substantially horizontally in front of the seat;
and at least first, second and third covers arranged to cover the
frame; wherein the first and second covers abut against each other
to define a flush surface and overlapping with each other, the
first and second covers are attached together to the first
horizontal section at a first location in an overlapping area of
the first and second covers; and the third cover is attached to the
first cover or the frame at a second location that is spaced apart
from the first location and that is determined with less precision
than the first position.
21. A method for affixing a plurality of covers to a frame of a
wheeled vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: making a step
at an end of a first cover; abutting a second cover on the step of
the first cover such that the first and second covers form a flush
surface and overlap with each other; affixing first and second
covers to a first horizontal section of the frame located in front
of a seat of the vehicle at a reference position that is located in
an overlapping area of the first and second covers; and affixing a
third cover to the first cover or the frame at a location that is
spaced apart from the reference position and that is determined
with less precision than the reference position.
22. The method as set forth in claim 21, further comprising the
step of sliding a projection of one of the first cover and the
third cover within a slot of the other one of the first cover and
the third cover to affix the third cover to the first cover or the
frame.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] The present application is based on and claims priority
under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119 to Japanese Patent Applications No.
2004-181463, filed on Jun. 18, 2004, and No. 2004-214807, filed on
Jul. 22, 2004, the entire contents of which are expressly
incorporated by reference herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The present invention relates to a wheeled vehicle including
covers, and more particularly to a wheeled vehicle including covers
that cover a frame of the vehicle.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Wheeled vehicles such as, for example, motorcycles, scooters
and mopeds typically have a frame that supports wheels, an engine,
a seat and other components. Typically, an engine unit is provided
for powering one or more wheels. The scooters and mopeds include
multiple covers that cover the frame. Some of the covers are
directly attached to the frame, while other covers are coupled
together and are indirectly attached to the frame through the
covers that are directly attached to the frame. For example,
Japanese Patent No. P3406159 and Japanese Patent Publications No.
04-331686 and No. 10-67365 disclose coupling structures of such
covers to a frame or to another cover.
[0006] Conventionally, the covers that are directly attached to the
frame have fixing locations at which the covers are fixed to the
frame. In other words, the respective fixing locations are
determined independently from one another. The covers and the
frame, however, have dimensional variations due to tolerances that
cause the covers and the frame to have different dimensions, angles
and sizes within predetermined limits. The dimensional differences
due to tolerances occur in the production processes of the covers
or the frame. For example, the dimensional variations may occur
while components of the frame are welded to each other. Thus,
spaces between the covers may be produced when the covers are
affixed to the frame. Usually, the spaces can be concealed under
other components of the vehicle such that the rider or other
persons do not see the spaces.
[0007] Moped type vehicles typically include a frame portion that
extends horizontally in front of a seat and extends upward to
accommodate a steering shaft. Typically, a cover overlays the
horizontal section and another cover overlays the upward extending
section. The covers meet each other at a point at which the frame
portion turns upward from the horizontal section. The frame portion
of the moped type vehicles is disposed higher than foot rests or
foot boards for the rider, because a portion of the engine unit or
components for the engine unit are disposed under the horizontal
section of the frame portion. Such an arrangement causes a problem
in that the space created between the covers that overlay the frame
portion is clearly seen by the rider who sits on the seat.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] To overcome the problems described above, preferred
embodiments of the present invention provide a wheeled vehicle
including a multiple cover coupling structure that prevents spaces
from existing between the covers that extend in front of the rider
sitting on a seat of the vehicle.
[0009] A preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a
wheeled vehicle including a seat. A frame is arranged to support at
least the seat. The frame includes at least a first horizontal
section extending substantially horizontally in front of the seat.
At least first, second and third covers are arranged to cover the
frame. The first horizontal section includes a reference position.
The first and second covers abut on each other to define a flush
surface and overlap with each other so as to cover the reference
position. The first and second covers are together attached to the
first horizontal section at the reference position. The third cover
is attached to the first cover or the frame at a second position
that is spaced apart from the reference position and is determined
with less precision than the reference position.
[0010] In accordance with another preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a wheeled vehicle includes a frame having first,
second, third and fourth frame sections. The first frame section
extends substantially vertically. The second frame section extends
substantially horizontally and forward from a top portion of the
first frame section. The third frame section extends substantially
vertically from a forward end of the second frame section. The
third frame section accommodates a steering shaft. The fourth frame
section extends substantially horizontally and rearward from the
top portion of the first frame section. The fourth frame section
supports a seat. A first cover is arranged to cover the second
frame section. A second cover is arranged to cover the third frame
section. A third cover is arranged to cover the fourth frame
section. The second frame section includes a reference position.
The first and second covers abut each other to form a flush surface
and overlap with each other to cover the reference position. The
first and second covers are attached together to the second frame
section at the reference position. The third cover is attached to
the first cover or the frame at a second position that is spaced
apart from the reference position and is determined with less
precision than the reference position.
[0011] In accordance with a further preferred embodiment of the
present invention, a wheeled vehicle includes a seat. A frame is
arranged to support at least the seat. The frame includes at least
a first horizontal section extending substantially horizontally in
front of the seat. At least first, second and third covers are
arranged to cover the frame. The first and second covers abut each
other to define a flush surface and overlap with each other. The
first and second covers are together attached to the first
horizontal section at a first position in an overlapping area of
the first and second covers. The third cover is attached to the
first cover or the frame at a second position that is spaced apart
from the first position and is determined with less precision than
the first position.
[0012] In accordance with a still further preferred embodiment of
the present invention, a method is provided for attaching a
plurality of covers to a frame of a wheeled vehicle. The method
includes making a step at an end of a first cover, abutting a
second cover on the step of the first cover such that the first and
second covers form a flush surface and overlap with each other,
attaching the first and second covers to a first horizontal section
of the frame located in front of a seat of the vehicle at a
reference position that is located in an overlapping area of the
first and second covers, and affixing a third cover to the first
cover or the frame at a second position that is spaced apart from
the reference position and is determined with less precision than
the reference position.
[0013] These and other features, elements, steps, characteristics
and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent
from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments of
the present invention with reference to the attached drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevation view of a moped
configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present
invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevation view of a major portion
of the moped of FIG. 1, with a frame of this portion being shown in
dotted line;
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates a side elevation view of a center cover
of the moped;
[0017] FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the center cover of
FIG. 3 from a rear left side, with a portion of one of the side
covers also being shown;
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a side elevation view of the major
portion of the moped to show a coupling structure for the center
cover and a leg shield, and another coupling structure for the
center cover and the side covers, with the former coupling
structure being shown in partial cross-section;
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates a developed view of the coupling
structure for the center cover and the leg shield;
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 7-7 of FIG. 5;
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 8-8 of FIG. 5;
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates an enlarged, partial cross-sectional view
to show the coupling structure;
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevation view of the side cover
attached to a left side of the vehicle;
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a top plan view of the side cover of
FIG. 10;
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates an enlarged top plan view of the side
cover to show projections thereof for the coupling structure with
the center cover;
[0026] FIG. 13 partially illustrates a side elevation view of the
center and side covers to show the coupling structure for the
center and side covers, with the projections and slots of the
structure being shown in dotted line;
[0027] FIG. 14 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the
line of 14-14 of FIGS. 5 and 13;
[0028] FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic view of one slot of FIG.
13;
[0029] FIG. 16 illustrates a cross-sectional view taken along the
line 16-16 of FIG. 13; and
[0030] FIG. 17 illustrates a side elevation view of the center and
side covers to specifically show the projections moving within the
slots in the coupling structure for the center and side covers.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0031] With reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, an overall construction of
a moped 30 configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of
the present invention is described. The moped 30 merely exemplifies
one type of a wheeled vehicle. The fixing structures described
below can be used for other types of wheeled vehicles such as, for
example, motorcycles and scooters. Such applications will be
apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in light of the
description herein.
[0032] As used through this description, the terms "forward" and
"front" mean at or to the side where the leading end of the moped
30 is located, and the terms "rear" and "rearward" mean at or to
the opposite side of the front side, unless indicated otherwise or
otherwise readily apparent from the context used. Also, as used in
this description, the term "horizontally" means that the subject
portions, members or components extend substantially parallel to
the ground when the moped 30 is upright. The term "vertically"
means that portions, members or components extend substantially
perpendicular to those that extend horizontally.
[0033] The moped 30 includes a frame 32 (FIG. 2) that defines a
base of the moped 30. The frame 32 preferably includes a pair of
first vertical frame sections 34, a first horizontal frame section
36, a second vertical frame section 38, a second horizontal frame
section 40, a third vertical frame section 42, a head pipe 44, a
pair of seat rails 46, a pair of foot board bases and multiple
cross bars.
[0034] The second vertical frame section 38, the second horizontal
frame section 40 and the third vertical frame section 42 preferably
extend on a longitudinal center plane LCP (FIG. 4) of the moped 30
that extends vertically and from front to rear when the moped 30
stands normally on the ground. The respective first vertical frame
sections 34, seat rails 46 and foot board bases are transversely
spaced apart from each other so as to extend substantially
symmetrically on both sides of the longitudinal plane of the
vehicle. That is, the moped 30 in the illustrated preferred
embodiment is substantially symmetrical relative to the
longitudinal center plane LCP. The cross bars couple the respective
first vertical frame sections 34, seat rails 46 and foot board
bases with the other portions of the frame 32. Those components of
the frame 32 are preferably welded with each other or joined by
proper fasteners such as, for example, bolts and nuts.
[0035] The first vertical frame sections 34 swingably support an
engine unit 50 and a rear wheel 52 via a pair of swing arms. The
engine unit 50 preferably includes an internal combustion engine
and a transmission to power the moped 30. A rear end on the right
hand side of the engine unit 50 preferably accommodates the axle of
the rear wheel 52. Preferably, a suspension 54 extends between the
engine unit 50 and the seat rail 46 on the left hand side of the
moped 30.
[0036] The illustrated first horizontal frame section 36 extends
forward from a top end portion of the first vertical frame section
34 on the right hand side toward a bottom end of the second
vertical frame section 38. The first horizontal frame section 36
and the second vertical frame section 38 together define a main
frame portion of the moped 30.
[0037] The head pipe 44 is preferably welded to the top of the
second vertical frame section 38. The head pipe 44 accommodates a
steering shaft that includes a pair of front forks 56 at a bottom
portion. A front wheel 58 is interposed between the front forks 56.
A handle bar 60 extends substantially horizontally at a top portion
the steering shaft. The rider steers the moped 30 by turning the
handle bar 60. The handle bar 60 preferably includes a throttling
device that controls the power of the engine, and brake levers that
stop the rotation of the front and rear wheels 58, 52 through
braking devices.
[0038] The seat rails 46 supports a seat 62 for the rider. The seat
62 is preferably a tandem type such that two riders can ride the
moped at the same time.
[0039] The second horizontal frame section 40 extends forward from
the first vertical frame sections 34 via one of the cross bars.
That is, the second horizontal frame section 40 is located below
the first horizontal frame section 36. The third vertical frame
section 42 extends upwardly from a forward end of the second
horizontal frame section 40 and is coupled with the second vertical
frame section 38. In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the
second horizontal frame section 40 and the third vertical frame
section 42 are unitarily formed from a single material and together
define a sub frame portion of the moped 30.
[0040] The foot board bases preferably extend forwardly from the
respective bottom ends of the first vertical sections 34.
Preferably, a bracket extending transversely from the second
horizontal frame section 40 supports a front portion of each foot
board base.
[0041] The frame 32 has various shapes in cross-section. For
example, the illustrated first horizontal sections 36 preferably
have a shape of the letter L or U in section. The illustrated first
and second horizontal frame sections 36, 40, the second and third
vertical frame sections 38, 42 and the head pipe 44 preferably have
a substantially round shape or a substantially rectangular shape in
section. The illustrated seat rails 46 preferably have a
substantially U-shaped configuration in section.
[0042] Multiple covers are provided to cover the frame 32. The
covers in the illustrated embodiment include a center cover 64, a
leg shield 66, a front cover 68, a pair of side covers 70, a pair
of lower covers 72, and a bottom cover 74. A pair of foot boards 76
is also provided to support the rider's feet.
[0043] The center cover 64 covers a top surface of the first
horizontal frame portion 36 and front portions of the respective
seat rails 46. The leg shield 66 covers a rear surface of the
second vertical frame section 38. The front cover 68 covers a front
surface of the second vertical frame section 38. That is, the
second vertical frame section 38 is interposed between the leg
shield 66 and the front cover 68.
[0044] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the center cover 64
extends substantially horizontally along the first horizontal frame
section 36 and the seat rails 46. A forward half of the center
cover 64 is curved upward toward its center line from both sides to
substantially surround the first horizontal frame section 36. The
forward half of the center cover 64 has a generally flat surface 86
in a top portion. The forward half of the center cover 64 extends
gradually upward to a rear half thereof at which the seat 62 is
mounted. The rear half of the center cover 64 and the side covers
70 together define an opening 88 (FIG. 4). A helmet storage box 90
preferably is disposed below the opening 88. The rider thus can
store his or her helmet in the storage box 90 through the opening
88 by removing the seat 62. The helmet storage box 90 is preferably
attached to the seat rail 46.
[0045] The illustrated leg shield 66 extends substantially
vertically along the second vertical frame section 38. The leg
shield 66 is opposed to the knees of the rider. A center portion of
the leg shield 66 preferably protrudes rearward. A rear-most area
92 (FIG. 5) of the leg shield 66 extends substantially horizontally
along a forward end of the first horizontal frame section 36. The
leg shield 66 gradually transitions to the horizontally extending
rear-most area 92 from its forward area that extends substantially
vertically.
[0046] The side covers 70 cover respective side surfaces of the
seat rails 46. Preferably, a center portion 93 of each side cover
70 protrudes outward to be spaced apart from the longitudinal
center plane LCP.
[0047] The lower covers 72 extend substantially vertically below
the center cover 64 on both sides of the moped 30 so as to cover
side surfaces of the first vertical frame sections 34 and side
surfaces of the third vertical frame section 42. The foot boards 76
extend below the lower covers 72 and extend transversely outward
over the foot board bases. Each foot board 76 is attached to a top
surface of each foot board base. The bottom cover 74 extends
substantially horizontally below the foot boards 76 to generally
cover bottom surfaces of the first vertical frame sections 34 and a
bottom surface of the third vertical frame section 42.
[0048] The center cover 64, the leg shield 66, the front cover 68,
the side covers 70, the lower covers 72 and the bottom cover 74
cover substantially the entire frame 32 of the moped 30. In
addition, a portion of the engine unit 50 or components for the
engine unit 50 may be disposed within a space surrounded by the
center cover 64, the lower covers 72 and the bottom cover 74. In
the illustrated preferred embodiment, at least an air cleaner is
disposed within the space.
[0049] The front cover 68 preferably includes a pair of recesses in
a forward portion of the front cover 68 on both sides of the
longitudinal center plane LCP. Head lamp assemblies 78 are inserted
into the respective recesses to be arranged at the forward-most end
of the front cover 68.
[0050] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the moped 30
includes a front fender 82 and a rear fender 84 in addition to the
foregoing covers that cover the frame 32. The front fender 82
covers a top portion of the front wheel 58, and the rear fender 84
covers a rear top portion of the rear wheel 52.
[0051] The covers 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, the foot boards 76 and
the fenders 82, 84 are preferably made of resin. In the illustrated
preferred embodiment, some covers such as, for example, the center
cover 64 and the leg shield 66 are preferably made of PP
(Poly-Propylene) resin to provide a desired amount of strength.
Some other covers such as, for example, the front cover 68 and the
side covers 70 are preferably made of ABS
(Acrylonitorile-Butadiene-Styrene) resin so as to maintain an
attractive appearance. This is because the ABS resin can be coated.
In general, the PP resin is stronger than the ABS resin.
[0052] With reference to FIGS. 2-9, the center cover 64 and the leg
shield 66 are preferably joined together and attached to the first
horizontal frame section 36 at a reference position 94 of the moped
30. The moped 30 includes only one reference position 94 on the
frame for all of the cover 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74. That is, the
reference position 94 is a sole reference point by which the
respective covers 64, 66, 68, 70, 72, 74 are directly or indirectly
attached to the frame 32. The reference position 94 is preferably
determined to be at a point on the longitudinal center plane LCP in
a front end and top surface area of the first horizontal frame
section 36.
[0053] The center cover 64 and the leg shield 66 in the illustrated
preferred embodiment are also joined with each other at four first
engagement structures 95 and three second engagement structures 96.
The engagement structures 95, 96 preferably are located adjacent to
the reference position 94.
[0054] As best shown in FIG. 6, the leg shield 66 preferably
includes a step 97 that defines a first step portion 98 and a
second step portion 100 at the rear-most area 92. The second step
portion 100 and a forward-most area of the center cover 64 overlap
with each other. In other words, the forward-most area of the
center cover 64 overlays the rear-most portion 92 of the leg shield
66. A forward end of the center cover 64 abuts on a rear end of the
leg shield 66 when the forward-most area of the center cover 64
overlays the rear-most area 92 of the leg shield 66. A top surface
of the first step portion 98 is preferably flush with the top
surface 86 of the center cover 64.
[0055] In one variation, the forward-most portion of the center
cover 64 may include the step 97. The rear-most portion 92 of the
leg shield 66 in this alternative arrangement overlays the
forward-most portion of the center cover 64.
[0056] The first and second engagement structures 95, 96 are
preferably provided between the second step portion 100 of the
rear-most area 92 of the leg shield 66 and the forward-most area of
the center cover 64. Preferably, the respective first and second
engagement portions 95, 96 are disposed along the second step
portion 100 at desired intervals.
[0057] In each first engagement structure 95, the leg shield 66
preferably includes an opening 104 (FIG. 7) in the second step
portion 100. An engagement projection 106 is provided at one end of
the opening 104 and extends toward the center cover 64. The center
cover 64, preferably includes a hook 108 that can be inserted into
the opening 104. The hook 108 has an engagement projection 110
extending toward the leg shield 66. The engagement projections 106
and 110 are nested with each other to prevent the projections 106
and 110 from separating from one another when the hook 108 is
inserted into the opening 104. Accordingly, the top surfaces of the
center cover 64 and the leg shield 66 are maintained flush with
each other.
[0058] In each second engagement structure 96, the leg shield 66
preferably includes an opening 112 (FIG. 8) in the second step
portion 100. The center cover 64 includes an engagement projection
114 is preferably substantially U-shaped in the view A of FIG. 8.
The engagement projection 114 is inserted into the opening 112. A
back side of the engagement projection 114 and a terminal end 116
of the center cover 64 abuts against a peripheral edge of the
opening 112. The center cover 64 and the leg shield 66 are thus
fixed in both of a front to rear direction and a transverse
direction of the moped 30.
[0059] With reference to FIGS. 5, 6 and 9, the first horizontal
frame section 36 preferably includes a stay 118 on a top surface of
the first horizontal frame section 36. The stay 118 includes an
aperture 119 (FIG. 9) that has a substantially round
cross-sectional shape. A center of the aperture 119 is located at
the reference position 94. A female screw member 120 preferably is
inserted into the aperture 119. The female screw member 120 is a
generally cylindrical and internally hollowed member. An aperture
122 of the female screw member 120 extends along a center axis CX
of the member 120. Because the center of the aperture 119 of the
stay 118 is located at the reference position 94, the center axis
CX is located at the reference position 94. The aperture 122 is
threaded and preferably has a substantially round cross-sectional
shape so as to define a bolt hole. The female screw member 120
preferably has a flange 124 at a bottom thereof. The flange 124 is
welded to a bottom of the stay 118 such that a major portion of the
female screw member 120 extends upward from the stay 118.
[0060] The leg shield 66 preferably includes a projection 128 that
extends rearward from the rear-most area 92. The projection 128 may
be integrally formed with the leg shield 66. Alternatively, a
separable member such as, for example, a metal plate may be
attached to the leg shield 66. The projection 128 has an aperture
130. An inner diameter of the aperture 130 preferably is equal to
an outer diameter of the body portion of the female screw member
120. The top surface 86 of the center cover 64 preferably has a
recessed portion 132 that has an aperture 134 at its bottom. An
inner diameter of the aperture 134 preferably is equal to the outer
diameter of the body portion of the female screw member 120. The
projection 128 of the leg shield 66 and the recessed portion 132 of
the center cover 64 are laid onto the stay 118 one by one such that
the female screw member 120 is inserted into the apertures 130,
134.
[0061] A bolt 138 having a flange 140 next to a head thereof
preferably is inserted into the bolt hole, i.e., the threaded
aperture 122 of the female screw member 120. A center axis of the
bolt 138 is aligned with the center axis CX of the female screw
member 120. In other words, the bolt 138 is located at the
reference position 94. The head of the bolt 138 is accommodated
within the recess 132 of the center cover 64. The center cover 64,
the leg shield 66 and the stay 118 are interposed between the
flange 124 of the female screw member 120 and the flange 140 of the
bolt 138. The bolt 138 is screwed until a top end of the female
screw member 120 tightly abuts on a bottom surface of the flange
140 of the bolt 138.
[0062] The flange 140 of the bolt 138 can be omitted if the head of
the bolt 138 has a bottom surface that has a sufficient area to
abut against the center cover 64.
[0063] Any fastening structures other than the structure described
above is applicable for attaching the center cover 64 and the leg
shield 66 to the first horizontal frame section 36. For example,
the respective positions of the bolt 138 and the female screw
member 120 can be reversed. That is, a bolt is welded to the stay
118 to extend upward through the aperture 119 via a collar that has
a flange atop thereof. A nut is screwed onto an extended end of the
bolt.
[0064] The center cover 64 and the leg shield 66 may be further
attached to the frame 32 at locations other than the reference
position 94. For example, the illustrated leg shield 66 is affixed
to a rear portion of the head pipe 44. Because the actual leg
shield 66 may be longer or shorter than the designed leg shield due
to the above-described dimensional differences due to tolerances,
the leg shield 66 preferably includes a slot at the attachment
location on the head pipe 44. A bolt is inserted into the slot and
further into a bolt hole of the head pipe 44 to fasten the leg
shield 66 onto the head pipe 44. The slot of the leg shield 66
allows the bolt to be exactly placed in the bolt hole.
[0065] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the body portion of
the female screw member 120 isolates the inner surfaces of the
apertures 119, 130, 134 from the threaded surface of the bolt 138.
Because the inner diameters of the apertures 119, 130, 134
correspond with the outer diameter of the body portion of the
female screw member 120, the center cover 64 and the leg shield 66
are located exactly at the reference position 94.
[0066] As thus described above, the illustrated center cover 64 and
leg shield 66 abut each other to form the flush surface and overlap
each other to include the reference position 94. Also, the center
cover 64 and the leg shield 66 are together attached to the first
horizontal frame section 36 at the reference position 94.
Accordingly, no space exists between the center cover 64 and the
leg shield 66. In addition, the center cover 64 and the leg shield
66 abut against each other at a location adjacent to the reference
position 94. Because the distance between the location and the
reference position 94 is short enough and the dimensional
differences due to tolerances that occur during in the production
processes of the covers 64, 66 are small, the likelihood that a
space will exist is greatly reduced. As a result, the appearance of
the moped 30 is effectively maintained.
[0067] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the forward-most
area of the center cover 64 is disposed over the rear-most area of
the leg shield 66. This is convenient for maintenance services of
the components under the center cover 64 because the center cover
64 may be detached without removing the leg shield 66.
[0068] With reference to FIGS. 3-5 and 10-17, the side covers 70
preferably are coupled with the center cover 64 at locations that
are spaced apart from the reference position 94. Preferably, one
side cover 70 is coupled with the center cover 64 on the left hand
side, while another side cover 70 is coupled with the center cover
64 on the right hand side. The coupling structures for each of the
side covers 70 to the center cover 64 preferably are the same.
Thus, only the coupling structure of the left hand side will
described below, the coupling structure on the right hand side is
the same.
[0069] Because the coupling locations of the center cover 64 and
the side covers 70 are spaced apart from the reference position 94
and the side covers 70 may have the dimensional differences due to
tolerances, the locations are determined with less precision than
the reference position 94. In other words, each coupling location
is determined within a certain area rather than at a fixed point.
The illustrated moped 32 preferably includes three first type
coupling structures 142 and one second type coupling structure 144,
although other combinations of coupling structure may be used.
[0070] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 15, the center cover 64
includes three small slots 150a, 150b, 150c and one large slot 152
on each side. The small slots 150a, 150b, 150c define a portion of
the first type coupling structures 142. The large slot 152 defines
a portion of the second type coupling structure 144. The respective
small slots 150a, 150b, 150c are preferably disposed at a bottom
peripheral edge 154 of the center cover 64. The seat 62 is
preferably is arranged above a portion of the peripheral edge 154
where the slots 150a, 150b, 150c are disposed.
[0071] The illustrated slots 150a, 150b, 150c are aligned with each
other. That is, the respective slots 150a, 150b, 150c are elongated
to have a longitudinal axis 156, and the respective longitudinal
axes 156 are aligned with each other.
[0072] The slot 150a is disposed at a forward-most position. The
slot 150c is disposed at a rear-most position. The slot 150b is
interposed between the slots 150a and 150c. Because the center
cover 64 inclines upward and rearward, the slot 150c is located
higher than the slots 150a and 150b, and the slot 150b is located
higher than the slot 150a.
[0073] Each slot 150a, 150b, 150c is configured to have a
substantially rectangular shape. A forward end portion 158 (FIG.
15) is preferably narrower than a rear end portion 160. A mid
portion 162 gradually becomes narrower toward the forward end
portion 158 from the rear end portion 160.
[0074] The bottom peripheral edge 154 of the center cover 64
preferably includes a flange 166 that extends downward. The
illustrated flange 166 is located between the slots 150a and 150b
and closer to the slot 150a than to the slot 150b. The flange 166
has a relatively large area. The large slot 152 is disposed in the
area of the flange 166. In the illustrated preferred embodiment,
the small slots 150a, 150b and the large slot 152 are arranged to
form a triangle with each other. Every angle of the triangle is an
acute angle due to the arrangement of the slots 150a, 150b and the
slot 152.
[0075] The large slot 152 is elongated so as to have a longitudinal
axis 168. The longitudinal axis 168 of the large slot 152 does not
align with the longitudinal axes 156 of the small slots 150a, 150b
and 150c. The longitudinal axis 168, however, preferably extends
substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes 156. A forward end
portion 169 (FIG. 3) is preferably narrower than a rear end portion
170. A mid portion 171 gradually becomes narrower toward the
forward end portion 169 from the rear end portion 170. The large
slot 152 is configured to have a substantially mushroom-like
shape.
[0076] With reference to FIGS. 10-12, each side cover 70 preferably
includes three small projections or engaging pieces 172a, 172b,
172c and one large projection or engage piece 174 which correspond
to the small slots 150a, 150b, 150c and the large slot 152 of the
center cover 64, respectively. The small projections 172a, 172b,
172c define another portion of the first type coupling structures
142. The large projection 174 defines another portion of the second
type coupling structure 144. The small projections 172a, 172b, 172c
are disposed on a top periphery of the side cover 70. The small
projections 172a, 172b, 172c are preferably integrally formed with
each side cover 70.
[0077] Each projection 172a, 172b, 172c preferably has a hook
shape. More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 12, each projection
172a, 172b, 172c is a thin plate or sheet including a base portion
176 and an engaging portion 178. Preferably, the thickness of each
projection 172a, 172b, 172c is substantially equal to the thickness
of a body of the side cover 70. The base portion 176 extends
substantially horizontally toward the longitudinal center plane LCP
of the moped 30 from the top periphery of the side cover 70. The
engaging portion 178 extends substantially upward from an end of
the base portion 176.
[0078] The large projection 174, also as best shown in FIG. 12,
preferably includes a base portion 182, a stem portion 184 and a
cap portion 186. The large projection 174 is preferably is
integrally formed with each side cover 70.
[0079] The base portion 182 is preferably a pedestal for the stem
portion 184 and extends toward the longitudinal center plane LCP
from an inner surface of the side cover 70.
[0080] The stem portion 184 extends further toward the longitudinal
center plane LCP from the base portion 182. A cross-section of the
illustrated stem portion 184 taken along a line normal to an axis
of the stem portion 184 is preferably a substantially round shape.
Preferably, the stem portion 184 is thicker than the engage portion
178 of each small projection 172a, 172b, 172c.
[0081] The cap portion 186 is preferably disposed on the stem
portion 184 so as to be closer to the longitudinal center plane LCP
than the stem portion 184. A rear half of the illustrated cap
portion 186 is configured as a half of a mushroom cap, while the
other half, i.e., a front half thereof, is configured as a half of
the stem portion 184. That is, the stem portion 184 further extends
to the cap portion 186 so as to be the half of the cap portion 186.
The rear half of the cap portion 186 has an outer diameter that is
greater than an outer diameter of the stem portion 184. In other
words, a step is provided between the rear half of the cap portion
186 and the stem portion 184. Thus, the stem portion 184 and the
cap portion 186 together define a hook. The cap portion 186 is
preferably smaller than the rear end portion of the large slot 152
and is larger than the forward end portion 169 thereof.
[0082] With reference to FIGS. 4, 5, 13, 14, 16 and 17, the side
covers 70 are joined to the center cover 64 with the first type
coupling structures 142 and the second type coupling structure 144.
As described above, the first type coupling structures 142 include
combinations of the small slots 150a, 150b, 150c and the small
projections 172a, 172b, 172c, and the second type coupling
structure 144 includes a combination of the large slot 152 and the
large projection 174. The second type coupling structure 144 is
omitted in FIGS. 4 and 5.
[0083] In the first type coupling structures 142, each small
projection 172a, 172b, 172c is inserted into the associated small
slot 150a, 150b, 150c as best shown in FIG. 4. More specifically,
the base portion 176 together with the engage portion 178 is
inserted into the rear end portion 160 of the small slot 150a,
150b, 150c. Meanwhile, in the second type coupling structures 144,
the large projection 174 is inserted into the large slot 152. More
specifically, the stem portion 184 together with the cap portion
186 is inserted into the rear end portion 170 of the large slot
152. Then, all the small projections 172a, 172b, 172c are shifted
forward, i.e., toward the forward end portions 158 of the
respective small slots 150a, 150b, 150c as indicated by the arrow
194 of FIG. 17. Simultaneously, the large projection 174 is shifted
forward, i.e., toward the forward end portions 169 of the large
slot 152 as indicated by the arrow 196 of FIG. 17. In other words,
each small projection 172a, 172b, 172c slides toward the forward
end portion 158 within the small slot 150a, 150b, 150c, while the
large projection 174 slides toward the forward end portion 169
within the large slot 152.
[0084] Afterwards, the engage portion 178 of each small projection
172a, 172b, 172c engages a periphery of the associated forward end
portion 158 of each small slot 150a, 150b, 150c as best shown in
FIG. 14. Because the forward end portion 158 of the small slot
150a, 150b, 150c is narrowed, the small projection 172a, 172b, 172c
are securely maintained in the small slot 150a, 150b, 150c so as
not to slip out. Also, the stem portion 184 of the large projection
174 engages a periphery of the forward end portion 169 of the large
slot 152 as best shown in FIG. 16. Because the forward end portion
169 of the large slot 152 is narrowed and the cap portion 186 of
the large projection 174 is larger than the forward end portion
169, the large projection 174 is securely maintained in the large
slot 152 so as not to slip out. It should be noted that the
projections 172a, 172b, 172c, 174 are not necessarily disposed at
the terminal ends of the forward end portions 158, 169 of the
associated slots 150a, 150b, 150c, 152.
[0085] The illustrated first and second type coupling structures
142, 144 include the slots 150a, 150b, 150c, 152. Thus, the side
covers 70 are easily attached to the center cover 64. Because
unreasonable stress does not exist in the first and second type
coupling structures 142, 144, none of the engagement pieces such
as, for example, the engage portions 178, are broken.
[0086] In the illustrated first and second type coupling structures
142, 144, the small slots 150a, 150b and the large slot 152 (or the
small projections 172a, 172b and the large projection 174) are
arranged to form the triangle with each other. Because of the
arrangement, even if the side covers 70 receive a force that would
rotate the small projections 172a, 172b, 172c about an axis of each
small projection 172a, 172b, 172c, the second type coupling
structures 144, particularly the stem portion 184, also receive the
force and prevents the small projections 172a, 172b, 172c from
being twisted or broken. In addition, the stem portion 184 of the
large projection 174 is substantially thicker than the engage
portion 178 of each small projection 172a, 172b, 172c, the large
projection 174 so as to effectively oppose the foregoing force.
[0087] The illustrated cap portion 186 is convenient for casting
each side cover 70 because only the rear half of the cap portion
186 is larger than the stem portion 184. That is, the configuration
of the cap portion 186 enables a decrease in the number of molds
and facilitates the separation of the side cover 70 from the molds.
In addition, the large projection 174 is disposed at a location
adjacent to the forward end of the side cover 70. Thus, the side
cover 70 provides one of the molds for forming the step between the
rear half of the cap portion 186 with a sufficient space to
move.
[0088] Openings having any suitable shape may replace the slots
150a, 150b, 150c, 152 as long as the projections 172a, 172b, 172c,
174 can engage the openings. On the other hand, projections having
any suitable shape may replace the projections 172a, 172b, 172c,
174 as long as the replaced projections can engage the slots or the
openings.
[0089] The longitudinal axes 156 of the small slots 150a, 150b,
150c may not necessarily align. However, all the longitudinal axes
156 preferably extend substantially parallel to each other.
[0090] Also, two of the small slots 150a, 150b, 150c and two of the
small projections 172a, 172b, 172c corresponding to the slots are
sufficient to make the triangle. In the illustrated preferred
embodiment, the small slots 150a, 150b and the small projections
172a, 172b are used to make the triangle. The extra small slot 150c
and the extra small projection 172c are provided because the side
cover 70 is long enough to require the extra slot 150c and
projection 172c to securely attach the side cover 70. If longer
side covers are used, four or more small slots and small
projections may be provided. In addition, one or more second type
coupling structures may be added to the illustrated second type
coupling structures 144.
[0091] With reference to FIG. 11, each side cover 70 may be
directly attached to the associated seat rail 46 by a bolt.
Specifically, each side cover 70 preferably includes a bracket 200
at a rear portion thereof. The illustrated bracket 200 extends
substantially horizontally toward the longitudinal center plane
LCP. The bracket 200 is preferably integrally formed with the body
of the side cover 70. On the other hand, each seat rail 46
preferably includes another bracket corresponding to the bracket
200. Because the rear portion of the side cover 70 is spaced apart
from the reference position 94, and the side cover 70 or the seat
rail 46 may have the dimensional differences due to the tolerances,
at least one of the brackets includes a slot. In the illustrated
preferred embodiment, the bracket 200 includes a slot 202, while
the bracket of the seat rail 46 includes a bolt hole that
preferably has a substantially round shape. The bolt is inserted
into the slot 202 and the bolt hole of the bracket of the seat rail
46. The side cover 70 is thus attached to the seat rail 46 even if
the side cover 70 or the seat rail 46 has the dimensional
variations due to tolerances.
[0092] With reference to FIG. 10, each side cover 70 includes a
bracket 204 to which each lower cover 72 is attached by a bolt. The
illustrated bracket 204 extends substantially vertically from a
front portion of the side cover 70. The bracket 204 preferably
includes a bolt hole 206 that preferably has a substantially round
shape. The bracket 204 preferably integrally formed with the body
of the side cover 70. The lower cover 72, on the other hand, has
another bracket corresponding to the bracket 204. Because the
position where the bracket 204 is spaced apart from the reference
position 94, and the bracket 204 includes the substantially round
bolt hole 206, the bracket of the lower cover 72 includes a slot.
The bolt is inserted into the bolt hole 206 and the slot of the
bracket of the lower cover 72. The lower cover 72 is thus attached
to the side cover 70 even if the side cover 70 or the lower cover
72 has the dimensional variations due to tolerances.
[0093] The covers 64, 66, 70, 72 may be directly or indirectly
attached to other portions of the frame 32. For example, the leg
shield 66 is further directly attached to the third vertical frame
section 42. Also, each lower cover 72 is further attached to the
leg shield 68 and the foot board 76 by bolts without being directly
affixed to the frame 32. Because the lower covers 72 are often
detached for the maintenance services of the components inside of
the lower covers 72, the lower covers 72 are preferably attached to
the leg shield 68, the side covers 70 and the foot boards 76 after
those covers 68, 70 and the foot boards 76 are attached.
[0094] The front cover 68, the bottom cover 74 and the foot board
76 may be directly or indirectly attached to other portions of the
frame 32. For example, the front cover 68 is attached to the leg
shield 66 by bolts.
[0095] Because those portions are spaced apart from the reference
position 94, the locations are determined with less precision than
the reference position. Coupling structures for those locations
thus include slots similar to the slots described above or holes
having a diameter larger than a diameter of bolts inserted into the
holes. Preferably, the farther the locations of the slots or the
holes are spaced from the reference position 94, the larger the
slots or the holes. This is because the larger slots or holes can
absorb larger dimensional variations of the covers or the frame
that can accumulate at the farther locations.
[0096] In the illustrated preferred embodiment, every angle of the
triangle is preferably an acute angle. The triangle having the
acute angles is advantageous because the small projections 172a,
172b, 172c less likely to break when a force is applied thereto
than with a triangle that has an obtuse angle.
[0097] Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of
certain preferred embodiments, it will be understood by those
skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the
specifically disclosed preferred embodiments to other alternative
embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications
and equivalents thereof.
[0098] While the present invention has been described with respect
to preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in
the art that the disclosed invention may be modified in numerous
ways and may assume many embodiments other than those specifically
set out and described above. Accordingly, it is intended by the
appended claims to cover all modifications of the present invention
that fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.
* * * * *