Title of Invention	MOTORCYCLE INCLUDING A PROTECTIVE BAR PORTION OF A CANTILEVERED STRUCTURE
Abstract	A motorcycle includes a glove bar fixed to seat rails and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on a seat. The glove bar comprises a support portion fixed to the seat rails to extend outward in a vehicle width direction and above rear side covers, grips supported by the support portion to extend rearwardly of the seat and grasped by the fellow passenger, and protective bar portions of a cantilevered structure supported by portions of the support portion positioned above the rear side cover and passing above the rear side covers to extend forward in the vehicle width direction to protect the rear side covers.

Title of Invention

MOTORCYCLE INCLUDING A PROTECTIVE BAR PORTION OF A CANTILEVERED STRUCTURE

Abstract

A motorcycle includes a glove bar fixed to seat rails and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on a seat. The glove bar comprises a support portion fixed to the seat rails to extend outward in a vehicle width direction and above rear side covers, grips supported by the support portion to extend rearwardly of the seat and grasped by the fellow passenger, and protective bar portions of a cantilevered structure supported by portions of the support portion positioned above the rear side cover and passing above the rear side covers to extend forward in the vehicle width direction to protect the rear side covers.

Full Text	MOTORCYCLE This application claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2007-284224 filed on October 31, 2007. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to shapes of a rear side cover arranged on a rear portion of a motorcycle and a glove bar grasped by a fellow passenger. 2. Description of the Related Art There are known motorcycles comprising a pair of body frames extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and a seat, for a fellow passenger, arranged on the body frames. Some ones among the motorcycles comprise rear side covers that cover both body frames from outward in a vehicle width direction in order to improve a vehicle in outward appearance and style, the rear side covers being formed to project outward in the vehicle width direction (see WO2005-002954). However, there is caused a problem that such rear side covers projecting outward are susceptible to damage upon collision against a passenger and other things. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention has been thought of in view of the problem described above and has its object to provide a motorcycle capable of preventing damage to rear side covers. In order to solve such problem, a motorcycle according to the invention comprises a pair of body frames extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a fellow passenger seat arranged on the pair of body frames, a rear side cover that covers either of the body frames from outward in a vehicle width direction, and a glove bar fixed to at least either one of the body frames and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on the fellow passenger seat. The glove bar comprises a support portion fixed to the body frames to extend outward in the vehicle width direction and above the rear side cover, a grip supported by the support portion to extend rearwardly of the fellow passenger seat and grasped by the fellow passenger, and a protective bar portion of a cantilevered structure supported by a portion of the support portion positioned above the rear side cover to extend toward the front of a vehicle and above the rear side cover to protect the rear side cover. According to the invention, it is possible to prevent damage to a rear side cover. Also, since the protective bar portion is of a cantilevered structure, it is possible to protect the rear side cover without considerably modifying the construction of general rear side covers, body frames, or the like. For example, it is possible to support the protective bar portion without the provision of any bracket or the like, which supports a tip end of the protective bar portion, on the body frame. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a side view showing a motorcycle according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the motorcycle; Fig. 3 is a side view showing a rear portion of the motorcycle; Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the rear portion of the motorcycle; Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view showing a seat rail, a back stay, and a rear side cover and taken along the line V-V in Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a side view showing a glove bar mounted to seat rails; Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the glove bar mounted to the seat rails; Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 4; Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along the line IX-IX in Fig. 7; and Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along the line X-X in Fig. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view showing a motorcycle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention and Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the motorcycle 1. Also, Fig. 3 is a side view showing a rear portion of the motorcycle 1 and Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the rear portion of the motorcycle 1. As shown in Fig. 1 or 2, the motorcycle 1 comprises a front wheel 3, a rear wheel 4, a seat 5, an engine 10, a body frame 20, a glove bar 40, and a pair of left and right, rear side covers 30, 30. Also, the body frame 20 comprises a head pipe 21, a pair of left and right, main frames 22,, 22, and a pair of left and right seat rails 23, 23. Further, the body frame 20 comprises a left, back stay 24 and a right, back stay. In addition, Fig. 1 or 3 shows only the back stay 24 on the left in a vehicle traveling direction (direction indicated by Fr in the figures). As shown in Fig. 1, the head pipe 21 is arranged at a front end of the body frame 2 0 to support a steering shaft 6 rotatably. An upper portion of the steering shaft 6 is connected to a handle 8, which is arranged to extend in a vehicle width direction (direction indicated by W in Fig. 2 or 4) to change a direction of the front wheel 3, through two brackets 7, 7 aligned vertically. A front fork 9 is connected to a lower portion of the steering shaft 6. An axle shaft of the front wheel 3 is supported by the front fork 9. Front ends of the main frames 22, 22 are connected to the head pipe 21. As shown in Fig. 2, the main frames 22, 22 extend rearward (an opposite direction to a direction indicated by Fr in Figs. 1 to 4) from front ends thereof and spread outward in the vehicle width direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 1, the main frames 22 extend obliquely downward toward the rear of a vehicle body and are bent downward midway thereof. Front ends of the seat rails 23 are connected to the main frames 22 and the seat rails 23 extend obliquely upward toward the rear of a vehicle body from the front ends to support the seat 5 arranged thereabove. Front ends of the back stays 24, respectively, are connected to the main frames 22. Positions, in which the back stays 24 and the main frames 22 are connected to each other, are lower than those, in which the seat rails 23 and the main frames 22 are connected to each other, and the back stays 24 extend obliquely upward toward the rear of a vehicle body from the positions of connection. Rear ends of the back stays are connected to the seat rails 23. As shown in Fig. 1, the engine 10 is arranged below the main frames 22 and suspended by the main frame 22. The rear wheel 4 is arranged on the rear of a vehicle body and positioned below the seat 5. Also, the rear wheel 4 is supported by a rear arm 11, which is arranged to extend in a longitudinal direction. A front end of the rear arm 11 is mounted to a pivot shaft 12 supported by the main frames 22, so that the rear wheel 4 swings vertically about the pivot shaft 12 according to road surface irregularities. A driving force output from the engine 10 is transmitted to the rear wheel 4 through a chain (not shown). The seat 5 is a so-called double seat to include a front seat 5a for a driver who operates the handle 8, etc. and a rear seat 5b for a fellow passenger who is present behind the driver to ride the motorcycle 1. The front seat 5a and the rear seat 5b are contiguous to each other in a state of being aligned in a longitudinal direction. Also, the rear seat 5b is provided in a higher position than that of the front seat 5a. An explanation will be given to the rear side covers 30, 30. Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view showing the rear side cover 30, the seat rail 23, and the back stay 24 and taken along the line V-V in Fig. 3. In addition, since the rear side cover 30 provided on the left of a vehicle body and the rear side cover 30 provided on the right of a vehicle body interpose therebetween a center line passing through a center of a vehicle body and are constructed in bilateral symmetry, an explanation will be given taking, as an example, the rear side cover 30 on the left. As shown in Fig. 3, the rear side cover 30 is provided below the seat 5 to adjoin the seat 5 as viewed from laterally of a vehicle. The rear side cover 30 extends longitudinally along the seat rail 23 and the back stay 24 outwardly of the seat rail 23 and the back stay 24 in the vehicle width direction. The rear side cover 30 covers the seat rail 23 and the back stay 24 from outward in the vehicle width direction. The rear side cover 30 is formed from, for example, a resin. Also, the rear side cover 30 is mounted to, for example, the seat rails 23 and supported by the seat rails 23 outwardly thereof. Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the rear side cover 30 is shaped to project outward in the vehicle width direction from an edge 5c of the seat 5 in the vehicle width direction. That is, an upper edge 30a of the rear side cover 30 is positioned between the edge 5c of the seat 5 and the seat rails 23. The rear side cover 30 extends outward in the vehicle width direction from the upper edge 30a and is bent at an edge 30b to be directed toward a center in the vehicle width direction. The lower edge 30c of the rear side cover 30 is positioned below the back stays 24. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, a rear edge 30e, positioned on the rear of a vehicle body, out of the edge 30b is positioned outwardly of the rear seat 5b in the vehicle width direction. A distance between the rear edge 30e and the edge 5c of the rear seat 5b increases as it goes forward and a front end 30d of the rear edge 30e is positioned most away from the edge 5c. The front end 30d is positioned outwardly of a front end 5d of the rear seat 5b in the vehicle width direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 2, a footrest 13, on which a fellow passenger seated on the rear seat 5b puts a foot, is provided below the front end 30d. A front edge 30f, positioned on the front of a vehicle body, out of the edge 30b extends from the front end 30d toward the front of a vehicle body and toward a center in the vehicle width direction. As shown in Fig. 4, the left and right, rear side covers 30, 30, respectively, extend rearward beyond a rear edge 5e of the seat 5. A tail cowl 31 positioned rearwardly of the seat 5 bridges between rear ends 30g, 30g of the rear side covers 30, 30. An outer surface of the tail cowl 31 is made smoothly contiguous to outer surfaces of the rear ends 30g without the generation of steps between it and outer surfaces of the rear side covers 30. An explanation will be given to the glove bar 40. Fig. 6 is a side view showing the glove bar 40 mounted to the seat rails 23, 23 and Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the glove bar 40 mounted to the seat rails 23, 23. Also, Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 4, Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view showing the glove bar 40 and taken along the line IX-IX in Fig. 7, and Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view showing the glove bar 40 and taken along the line X-X in Fig. 7. The glove bar 40 is grasped by a fellow passenger seated on the rear seat 5b whereby the fellow passenger is made stable in a ride posture. As shown in Fig. 7, the glove bar 40 has a shape of bilateral symmetry to interpose therebetween a center line passing through a center of a vehicle body and includes a support portion 41, a pair of left and right grips 42, 42, and a pair of left and right protective bar portions 43, 43. The support portion 41, the grips 42, 42, and the protective bar portions 43, 43 are molded integrally. As shown in Fig. 7, the support portion 41 is fixed to the left and right seat rails 23, 23, respectively. In an example illustrated herein, the support portion 41 includes a pair of left and right fixed portions 41a, 41a positioned below the rear seat 5b (see Fig. 4). The right fixed portion 41a is fixed to the right seat rail 23 by two bolts 44, 44 and the left fixed portion 41a is fixed to the left seat rail 23 by two bolts 44, 44. As shown in Fig. 6, 7, or 9, the fixed portions 41a are plate-shaped to extend forward from the support portion 41. The fixed portions 41a, respectively, are formed with two mount holes 41b, 41b. Plate-shaped brackets 23a, 23a having surfaces in parallel to a direction, in which the seat rails 23, 23 extend, are joined to outer peripheral surfaces of the seat rails 23, 23. The brackets 23a, respectively, are formed with two mount holes 23b, 23b. The bolts 44, 44 are inserted through the mount holes 23b, 23b and the mount holes 41b, 41b of the fixed portion 41a. In addition, nuts 45, 45 are provided on the back side of the mount holes 23b, 23b, the nuts 45, 45 being clamped to the bolts 44, 44 on the back side of the mount holes 23b, 23b (see Fig. 6) . As shown in Fig. 7, the support portion 41 is plate-shaped and arranged to extend outward (left and right directions) in the vehicle width direction from a center 41g in a width direction. As shown in Fig. 4, a front edge 41c of the support portion 41 is positioned below the rear seat 5b. A rear edge 41d of the support portion 41 is positioned rearwardly of the rear seat 5b. As shown in Fig. 8, the support portion 41 extends outward from a center of the vehicle body with ends 41e, 41e thereof above the rear side covers 30, 30. Also, the ends 41e, 41e are bent upward above the rear side covers 30, 30. As shown in Figs. 7 and 9, a projection 41f projecting upward (toward an underside of the seat 5) and extending in the vehicle width direction is formed between the rear edge 41d and the front edge 41c of the support portion 41. The projection 41f is positioned inwardly (forwardly) of the rear edge 5e of the seat 5 to prevent water, etc. from entering below the seat 5. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, the front edge 41c of the support portion 41 is inclined upward. The grips 42, 42 are rod-shaped and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on the rear seat 5b. As shown in Fig. 4 or 7, the grips 42, 42 are provided on the both ends 41e, 41e of the support portion 41 to extend rearwardly of the both ends 41e, 41e on the rear side of the rear seat 5b. Also, in an example described here, the grips 42, 42 extend rearward in a state of being inclined toward a center in the vehicle width direction from positions above the rear side cover 30. Rear ends 42a, 42a thereof are separated from each other in the vehicle width direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, edges 42b, 42b of the grips 42 in the vehicle width direction are positioned inwardly (forwardly) of an edge 31a of the tail cowl 31 as viewed in plan view of a vehicle body. Also, as shown in Fig. 6 or 10, the grips 42 are inclined so that the rear ends 42a, 42a thereof are higher than a front side thereof and a distance between lower surfaces 42c of the grips 42, and an upper surface of the rear side cover 30 and an upper surface of the tail cowl 31 increases as it goes rearward. Also, as shown in Fig. 3 or 8, dent portions 30h dented inward (toward the seat rails 23) are formed on portions of the rear side cover 30 positioned below the grips 42. As shown in Fig. 3, the dent portions 30h extend longitudinally below the grips 42. Thereby, gaps, into which a fellow passenger put hands when grasping the glove bar 40, are ensured between the upper surface of the rear side cover 30 or of the tail cowl 31 and the lower surfaces 42c of the grips 42. As shown in Fig. 4, 7, or 10, the protective bar portions 43, 43 extend forward above the rear side cover 30 from the ends 41e, 41e of the support portion 41 positioned above the rear side cover 30 to protect the rear side cover 30. As shown in Fig. 10, the protective bar portions 43 extend forward along the upper surface of the rear side cover 30 in positions spaced slightly upward from the upper surface and front ends 43a thereof are positioned outwardly of the rear seat 5b in the vehicle width direction (see Fig. 4). Also, the protective bar portions 43 are slightly inclined so that the front ends 43a are close to the upper surface of the rear side cover 30 as compared with rear portions (toward the ends 41e of the support portion 41) . Also, as shown in Fig. 4, edges 43b, 43b of the protective bar portions 43, 43 in the vehicle width direction are positioned outwardly of the rear edge 30e of the rear side cover 30 in the vehicle width direction as viewed in plan view of a vehicle body. Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the protective bar portions 43 extend toward the front of a vehicle in a state of being inclined outward in the vehicle width direction. Also, the support portion 41 extends outwardly of the center 41g in the vehicle width direction in a state of being inclined toward the front of a vehicle. Thereby, an angle formed between a direction, in which the support portion 41 extends, and a direction, in which the protective bar portions 43 extend, is an obtuse angle α as viewed in plan view of a vehicle body. The protective bar portions 43, 43 are supported in a cantilevered manner by the ends 41e, 41e of the support portion 41. That is, bases of the protective bar portions 43, 43 are supported on the ends 41e, 41e of the support portion 41 and front ends and intermediate portions of the protective bar portions 43, 43 are not fixed to a member, such as the seat rails 23, the rear side cover 30, etc., positioned therearound. In addition, as shown in Fig. 10, a plurality (here, three) of recesses 4 0b opened downward (toward the upper surface of the rear side cover 30) are formed on the protective bar portion 43 and the grip 42. As described above, the motorcycle 1 comprises the pair of seat rails 23, 23 extending longitudinally of a vehicle, the seat 5, for fellow passengers, arranged on the pair of seat rails 23, 23, the rear side covers 30, 30 that cover the seat rails 23, 23 from outward in the vehicle width direction, and the glove bar 40 fixed to the seat rails 23, 23 and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on the seat 5. The glove bar 40 comprises the support portion 41 fixed to the seat rails 23 to extend outward in the vehicle width direction and above the rear side covers 30, the grips 42 supported by the support portion 41 to extend rearwardly of the seat 5 and grasped by a fellow passenger, and the protective bar portions 43 of a cantilevered structure supported by the ends 41e of the support portion 41 positioned above the rear side cover 30 and extending toward the front of a vehicle and above the rear side covers 30 to protect the rear side covers 30. Thereby, it is possible to prevent damage to the rear side covers 30. Also, since the protective bar portions 43 are of a cantilevered structure, it is possible to protect the rear side covers without considerably modifying the construction of general rear side covers, seat rails, or the like. For example, it is possible to protect the protective bar portions 43 without the provision of any bracket or the like, which supports the front ends 43a of the protective bar portions 43, on the seat rails 23. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the protective bar portions 43, respectively, are provided on the left and right ends 41e, 41e of the support portion 41. Thereby, it is possible to prevent damage to the left and right, rear side covers 30. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the support portion 41 extends outward in the vehicle width direction and is inclined toward the front of a vehicle and the protective bar portions 43 extend forward from the ends 41e of the support portion 41 and are inclined outward in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, it is possible to increase that strength, with which the protective bar portions 43 are supported, as compared with the case where a direction, in which the support portion 41 extends, and a direction, in which the protective bar portions 43 extend, forms an acute angle therebetween. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the grips 42, respectively, are provided on the left and right of a vehicle body. Thereby, a fellow passenger can grasp the glove bar 40 with both hands, so that it is possible to make the fellow passenger stable in posture. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the grips 42, respectively, are provided on the left and right of a vehicle body and the rear ends 42a, 42a of the left and right grips 42, 42 are away from each other. Thereby, it is possible to make a fellow passenger further stable in posture while making the glove bar 40 light in weight. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the left and right grips 42, 42 extend rearward from the support portion 41 and, respectively, are inclined toward the center in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, a fellow passenger is made easy to grasp the grips 42, 42. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the edges 43b of the protective bar portions 43 in the vehicle width direction are positioned outwardly of the rear edge 30e of the rear side cover 30 in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, it is possible to further effectively protect the rear side cover 30. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the dent portions 30h are formed on the portions of the rear side cover 30 positioned below the grips 42. Thereby, a fellow passenger is made easy to grasp the grips 42. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the rear side cover 30 is formed from a resin. Thereby, it is possible to achieve lightening the motorcycle 1. In addition, the invention is not limited to the motorcycle 1 described above but susceptible to various modifications. For example, with the motorcycle 1 described above, the protective bar portions 43 extend forward from the ends 41e of the support portion 41. However, the protective bar portions 4 3 may extend forward from an intermediate portion of the support portion 41. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the grips 42 extend rearward from the ends 41e of the support portion 41. However, the grips 42 may extend rearward from an intermediate portion of the support portion 41. Also, with the motorcycle 1, the brackets 23a, 23a are provided on the seat rails 23, 23, respectively, and the fixed portions 41a, 41a are mounted to the respective brackets 23a, 23a. However, a single bracket and a single fixed portion will do. For example, a bracket may bridge between a pair of seat rails 23, 23 and a single fixed portion provided on the support portion 41 may be mounted to the bracket. WE CLAIM: 1. A motorcycle comprising: a pair of body frames extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle; a fellow passenger seat arranged on the pair of body frames; a rear side cover that covers either of the body frames from outward in a vehicle width direction; and a glove bar fixed to at least either one of the body frames and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on the fellow passenger seat, wherein the glove bar comprises: a support portion fixed to the body frames to extend outward in the vehicle width direction and above the rear side cover; a grip supported by the support portion to extend rearwardly of the fellow passenger seat and grasped by the fellow passenger; and a protective bar portion of a cantilevered structure supported by a portion of the support portion positioned above the rear side cover to extend toward the front of a vehicle and above the rear side cover to protect the rear side cover. 2. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the protective bar portion is provided at both left and right ends of the support portion, respectively. 3. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein: the support portion extends outward in the vehicle width direction and is inclined toward the front of a vehicle; and the protective bar portion extends forwardly of an end of the support portion and is inclined outwardly in the vehicle width direction. 4. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grip is provided on the left and right of the support portion. 5. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 4, wherein rear ends of the left and right grips are separated from each other. 6. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the left and right grips extend rearwardly of the support portion and are inclined toward a center in the vehicle width direction. 7 . The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein outer edges of the protective bar portion in the vehicle width direction are positioned outwardly of outer edges of the rear side cover in the vehicle width direction. 8. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dent is formed below the grip on the rear side cover. 9. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear side cover is formed from a resin. A motorcycle includes a glove bar fixed to seat rails and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on a seat. The glove bar comprises a support portion fixed to the seat rails to extend outward in a vehicle width direction and above rear side covers, grips supported by the support portion to extend rearwardly of the seat and grasped by the fellow passenger, and protective bar portions of a cantilevered structure supported by portions of the support portion positioned above the rear side cover and passing above the rear side covers to extend forward in the vehicle width direction to protect the rear side covers.

Full Text

MOTORCYCLE
This application claims priority from Japanese Patent
Application No. 2007-284224 filed on October 31, 2007.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to shapes of a rear side
cover arranged on a rear portion of a motorcycle and a glove
bar grasped by a fellow passenger.
2. Description of the Related Art
There are known motorcycles comprising a pair of body
frames extending in a longitudinal direction of a vehicle and
a seat, for a fellow passenger, arranged on the body frames.
Some ones among the motorcycles comprise rear side covers that
cover both body frames from outward in a vehicle width direction
in order to improve a vehicle in outward appearance and style,
the rear side covers being formed to project outward in the
vehicle width direction (see WO2005-002954).
However, there is caused a problem that such rear side
covers projecting outward are susceptible to damage upon
collision against a passenger and other things.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention has been thought of in view of the problem

described above and has its object to provide a motorcycle
capable of preventing damage to rear side covers.
In order to solve such problem, a motorcycle according
to the invention comprises a pair of body frames extending in
a longitudinal direction of a vehicle, a fellow passenger seat
arranged on the pair of body frames, a rear side cover that
covers either of the body frames from outward in a vehicle width
direction, and a glove bar fixed to at least either one of the
body frames and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on the
fellow passenger seat. The glove bar comprises a support
portion fixed to the body frames to extend outward in the
vehicle width direction and above the rear side cover, a grip
supported by the support portion to extend rearwardly of the
fellow passenger seat and grasped by the fellow passenger, and
a protective bar portion of a cantilevered structure supported
by a portion of the support portion positioned above the rear
side cover to extend toward the front of a vehicle and above
the rear side cover to protect the rear side cover.
According to the invention, it is possible to prevent
damage to a rear side cover. Also, since the protective bar
portion is of a cantilevered structure, it is possible to
protect the rear side cover without considerably modifying the
construction of general rear side covers, body frames, or the
like. For example, it is possible to support the protective
bar portion without the provision of any bracket or the like,

which supports a tip end of the protective bar portion, on the
body frame.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Fig. 1 is a side view showing a motorcycle according to
an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the motorcycle;
Fig. 3 is a side view showing a rear portion of the
motorcycle;
Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the rear portion of the
motorcycle;
Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view showing a seat rail,
a back stay, and a rear side cover and taken along the line
V-V in Fig. 3;
Fig. 6 is a side view showing a glove bar mounted to seat
rails;
Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the glove bar mounted to
the seat rails;
Fig. 8 is a cross sectional view taken along the line
VIII-VIII in Fig. 4;
Fig. 9 is a cross sectional view taken along the line
IX-IX in Fig. 7; and
Fig. 10 is a cross sectional view taken along the line
X-X in Fig. 7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

An embodiment of the invention will be described below
with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a side view showing
a motorcycle 1 according to an embodiment of the invention and
Fig. 2 is a plan view showing the motorcycle 1. Also, Fig.
3 is a side view showing a rear portion of the motorcycle 1
and Fig. 4 is a plan view showing the rear portion of the
motorcycle 1.
As shown in Fig. 1 or 2, the motorcycle 1 comprises a
front wheel 3, a rear wheel 4, a seat 5, an engine 10, a body
frame 20, a glove bar 40, and a pair of left and right, rear
side covers 30, 30. Also, the body frame 20 comprises a head
pipe 21, a pair of left and right, main frames 22,, 22, and a
pair of left and right seat rails 23, 23. Further, the body
frame 20 comprises a left, back stay 24 and a right, back stay.
In addition, Fig. 1 or 3 shows only the back stay 24 on the
left in a vehicle traveling direction (direction indicated by
Fr in the figures).
As shown in Fig. 1, the head pipe 21 is arranged at a
front end of the body frame 2 0 to support a steering shaft 6
rotatably. An upper portion of the steering shaft 6 is
connected to a handle 8, which is arranged to extend in a vehicle
width direction (direction indicated by W in Fig. 2 or 4) to
change a direction of the front wheel 3, through two brackets
7, 7 aligned vertically. A front fork 9 is connected to a lower

portion of the steering shaft 6. An axle shaft of the front
wheel 3 is supported by the front fork 9.
Front ends of the main frames 22, 22 are connected to
the head pipe 21. As shown in Fig. 2, the main frames 22, 22
extend rearward (an opposite direction to a direction
indicated by Fr in Figs. 1 to 4) from front ends thereof and
spread outward in the vehicle width direction. Also, as shown
in Fig. 1, the main frames 22 extend obliquely downward toward
the rear of a vehicle body and are bent downward midway thereof.
Front ends of the seat rails 23 are connected to the main frames
22 and the seat rails 23 extend obliquely upward toward the
rear of a vehicle body from the front ends to support the seat
5 arranged thereabove. Front ends of the back stays 24,
respectively, are connected to the main frames 22. Positions,
in which the back stays 24 and the main frames 22 are connected
to each other, are lower than those, in which the seat rails
23 and the main frames 22 are connected to each other, and the
back stays 24 extend obliquely upward toward the rear of a
vehicle body from the positions of connection. Rear ends of
the back stays are connected to the seat rails 23.
As shown in Fig. 1, the engine 10 is arranged below the
main frames 22 and suspended by the main frame 22. The rear
wheel 4 is arranged on the rear of a vehicle body and positioned
below the seat 5. Also, the rear wheel 4 is supported by a
rear arm 11, which is arranged to extend in a longitudinal

direction. A front end of the rear arm 11 is mounted to a pivot
shaft 12 supported by the main frames 22, so that the rear wheel
4 swings vertically about the pivot shaft 12 according to road
surface irregularities. A driving force output from the
engine 10 is transmitted to the rear wheel 4 through a chain
(not shown).
The seat 5 is a so-called double seat to include a front
seat 5a for a driver who operates the handle 8, etc. and a rear
seat 5b for a fellow passenger who is present behind the driver
to ride the motorcycle 1. The front seat 5a and the rear seat
5b are contiguous to each other in a state of being aligned
in a longitudinal direction. Also, the rear seat 5b is
provided in a higher position than that of the front seat 5a.
An explanation will be given to the rear side covers 30,
30. Fig. 5 is a cross sectional view showing the rear side
cover 30, the seat rail 23, and the back stay 24 and taken along
the line V-V in Fig. 3. In addition, since the rear side cover
30 provided on the left of a vehicle body and the rear side
cover 30 provided on the right of a vehicle body interpose
therebetween a center line passing through a center of a vehicle
body and are constructed in bilateral symmetry, an explanation
will be given taking, as an example, the rear side cover 30
on the left.
As shown in Fig. 3, the rear side cover 30 is provided
below the seat 5 to adjoin the seat 5 as viewed from laterally

of a vehicle. The rear side cover 30 extends longitudinally
along the seat rail 23 and the back stay 24 outwardly of the
seat rail 23 and the back stay 24 in the vehicle width direction.
The rear side cover 30 covers the seat rail 23 and the back
stay 24 from outward in the vehicle width direction. The rear
side cover 30 is formed from, for example, a resin. Also, the
rear side cover 30 is mounted to, for example, the seat rails
23 and supported by the seat rails 23 outwardly thereof.
Also, as shown in Fig. 5, the rear side cover 30 is shaped
to project outward in the vehicle width direction from an edge
5c of the seat 5 in the vehicle width direction. That is, an
upper edge 30a of the rear side cover 30 is positioned between
the edge 5c of the seat 5 and the seat rails 23. The rear side
cover 30 extends outward in the vehicle width direction from
the upper edge 30a and is bent at an edge 30b to be directed
toward a center in the vehicle width direction. The lower edge
30c of the rear side cover 30 is positioned below the back stays
24.
Also, as shown in Fig. 4, a rear edge 30e, positioned
on the rear of a vehicle body, out of the edge 30b is positioned
outwardly of the rear seat 5b in the vehicle width direction.
A distance between the rear edge 30e and the edge 5c of the
rear seat 5b increases as it goes forward and a front end 30d
of the rear edge 30e is positioned most away from the edge 5c.
The front end 30d is positioned outwardly of a front end 5d

of the rear seat 5b in the vehicle width direction. Also, as
shown in Fig. 2, a footrest 13, on which a fellow passenger
seated on the rear seat 5b puts a foot, is provided below the
front end 30d. A front edge 30f, positioned on the front of
a vehicle body, out of the edge 30b extends from the front end
30d toward the front of a vehicle body and toward a center in
the vehicle width direction.
As shown in Fig. 4, the left and right, rear side covers
30, 30, respectively, extend rearward beyond a rear edge 5e
of the seat 5. A tail cowl 31 positioned rearwardly of the
seat 5 bridges between rear ends 30g, 30g of the rear side covers
30, 30. An outer surface of the tail cowl 31 is made smoothly
contiguous to outer surfaces of the rear ends 30g without the
generation of steps between it and outer surfaces of the rear
side covers 30.
An explanation will be given to the glove bar 40. Fig.
6 is a side view showing the glove bar 40 mounted to the seat
rails 23, 23 and Fig. 7 is a plan view showing the glove bar
40 mounted to the seat rails 23, 23. Also, Fig. 8 is a cross
sectional view taken along the line VIII-VIII in Fig. 4, Fig.
9 is a cross sectional view showing the glove bar 40 and taken
along the line IX-IX in Fig. 7, and Fig. 10 is a cross sectional
view showing the glove bar 40 and taken along the line X-X in
Fig. 7.
The glove bar 40 is grasped by a fellow passenger seated

on the rear seat 5b whereby the fellow passenger is made stable
in a ride posture. As shown in Fig. 7, the glove bar 40 has
a shape of bilateral symmetry to interpose therebetween a
center line passing through a center of a vehicle body and
includes a support portion 41, a pair of left and right grips
42, 42, and a pair of left and right protective bar portions
43, 43. The support portion 41, the grips 42, 42, and the
protective bar portions 43, 43 are molded integrally.
As shown in Fig. 7, the support portion 41 is fixed to
the left and right seat rails 23, 23, respectively. In an
example illustrated herein, the support portion 41 includes
a pair of left and right fixed portions 41a, 41a positioned
below the rear seat 5b (see Fig. 4). The right fixed portion
41a is fixed to the right seat rail 23 by two bolts 44, 44 and
the left fixed portion 41a is fixed to the left seat rail 23
by two bolts 44, 44.
As shown in Fig. 6, 7, or 9, the fixed portions 41a are
plate-shaped to extend forward from the support portion 41.
The fixed portions 41a, respectively, are formed with two mount
holes 41b, 41b. Plate-shaped brackets 23a, 23a having
surfaces in parallel to a direction, in which the seat rails
23, 23 extend, are joined to outer peripheral surfaces of the
seat rails 23, 23. The brackets 23a, respectively, are formed
with two mount holes 23b, 23b. The bolts 44, 44 are inserted
through the mount holes 23b, 23b and the mount holes 41b, 41b

of the fixed portion 41a. In addition, nuts 45, 45 are provided
on the back side of the mount holes 23b, 23b, the nuts 45, 45
being clamped to the bolts 44, 44 on the back side of the mount
holes 23b, 23b (see Fig. 6) .
As shown in Fig. 7, the support portion 41 is plate-shaped
and arranged to extend outward (left and right directions) in
the vehicle width direction from a center 41g in a width
direction. As shown in Fig. 4, a front edge 41c of the support
portion 41 is positioned below the rear seat 5b. A rear edge
41d of the support portion 41 is positioned rearwardly of the
rear seat 5b.
As shown in Fig. 8, the support portion 41 extends outward
from a center of the vehicle body with ends 41e, 41e thereof
above the rear side covers 30, 30. Also, the ends 41e, 41e
are bent upward above the rear side covers 30, 30.
As shown in Figs. 7 and 9, a projection 41f projecting
upward (toward an underside of the seat 5) and extending in
the vehicle width direction is formed between the rear edge
41d and the front edge 41c of the support portion 41. The
projection 41f is positioned inwardly (forwardly) of the rear
edge 5e of the seat 5 to prevent water, etc. from entering below
the seat 5. Also, as shown in Fig. 9, the front edge 41c of
the support portion 41 is inclined upward.
The grips 42, 42 are rod-shaped and grasped by a fellow
passenger seated on the rear seat 5b. As shown in Fig. 4 or

7, the grips 42, 42 are provided on the both ends 41e, 41e of
the support portion 41 to extend rearwardly of the both ends
41e, 41e on the rear side of the rear seat 5b. Also, in an
example described here, the grips 42, 42 extend rearward in
a state of being inclined toward a center in the vehicle width
direction from positions above the rear side cover 30. Rear
ends 42a, 42a thereof are separated from each other in the
vehicle width direction. Also, as shown in Fig. 4, edges 42b,
42b of the grips 42 in the vehicle width direction are
positioned inwardly (forwardly) of an edge 31a of the tail cowl
31 as viewed in plan view of a vehicle body.
Also, as shown in Fig. 6 or 10, the grips 42 are inclined
so that the rear ends 42a, 42a thereof are higher than a front
side thereof and a distance between lower surfaces 42c of the
grips 42, and an upper surface of the rear side cover 30 and
an upper surface of the tail cowl 31 increases as it goes
rearward. Also, as shown in Fig. 3 or 8, dent portions 30h
dented inward (toward the seat rails 23) are formed on portions
of the rear side cover 30 positioned below the grips 42. As
shown in Fig. 3, the dent portions 30h extend longitudinally
below the grips 42. Thereby, gaps, into which a fellow
passenger put hands when grasping the glove bar 40, are ensured
between the upper surface of the rear side cover 30 or of the
tail cowl 31 and the lower surfaces 42c of the grips 42.
As shown in Fig. 4, 7, or 10, the protective bar portions

43, 43 extend forward above the rear side cover 30 from the
ends 41e, 41e of the support portion 41 positioned above the
rear side cover 30 to protect the rear side cover 30.
As shown in Fig. 10, the protective bar portions 43 extend
forward along the upper surface of the rear side cover 30 in
positions spaced slightly upward from the upper surface and
front ends 43a thereof are positioned outwardly of the rear
seat 5b in the vehicle width direction (see Fig. 4). Also,
the protective bar portions 43 are slightly inclined so that
the front ends 43a are close to the upper surface of the rear
side cover 30 as compared with rear portions (toward the ends
41e of the support portion 41) . Also, as shown in Fig. 4, edges
43b, 43b of the protective bar portions 43, 43 in the vehicle
width direction are positioned outwardly of the rear edge 30e
of the rear side cover 30 in the vehicle width direction as
viewed in plan view of a vehicle body.
Also, as shown in Fig. 7, the protective bar portions
43 extend toward the front of a vehicle in a state of being
inclined outward in the vehicle width direction. Also, the
support portion 41 extends outwardly of the center 41g in the
vehicle width direction in a state of being inclined toward
the front of a vehicle. Thereby, an angle formed between a
direction, in which the support portion 41 extends, and a
direction, in which the protective bar portions 43 extend, is
an obtuse angle α as viewed in plan view of a vehicle body.

The protective bar portions 43, 43 are supported in a
cantilevered manner by the ends 41e, 41e of the support portion
41. That is, bases of the protective bar portions 43, 43 are
supported on the ends 41e, 41e of the support portion 41 and
front ends and intermediate portions of the protective bar
portions 43, 43 are not fixed to a member, such as the seat
rails 23, the rear side cover 30, etc., positioned therearound.
In addition, as shown in Fig. 10, a plurality (here,
three) of recesses 4 0b opened downward (toward the upper
surface of the rear side cover 30) are formed on the protective
bar portion 43 and the grip 42.
As described above, the motorcycle 1 comprises the pair
of seat rails 23, 23 extending longitudinally of a vehicle,
the seat 5, for fellow passengers, arranged on the pair of seat
rails 23, 23, the rear side covers 30, 30 that cover the seat
rails 23, 23 from outward in the vehicle width direction, and
the glove bar 40 fixed to the seat rails 23, 23 and grasped
by a fellow passenger seated on the seat 5. The glove bar 40
comprises the support portion 41 fixed to the seat rails 23
to extend outward in the vehicle width direction and above the
rear side covers 30, the grips 42 supported by the support
portion 41 to extend rearwardly of the seat 5 and grasped by
a fellow passenger, and the protective bar portions 43 of a
cantilevered structure supported by the ends 41e of the support
portion 41 positioned above the rear side cover 30 and extending

toward the front of a vehicle and above the rear side covers
30 to protect the rear side covers 30.
Thereby, it is possible to prevent damage to the rear
side covers 30. Also, since the protective bar portions 43
are of a cantilevered structure, it is possible to protect the
rear side covers without considerably modifying the
construction of general rear side covers, seat rails, or the
like. For example, it is possible to protect the protective
bar portions 43 without the provision of any bracket or the
like, which supports the front ends 43a of the protective bar
portions 43, on the seat rails 23.
Also, with the motorcycle 1, the protective bar portions
43, respectively, are provided on the left and right ends 41e,
41e of the support portion 41. Thereby, it is possible to
prevent damage to the left and right, rear side covers 30.
Also, with the motorcycle 1, the support portion 41
extends outward in the vehicle width direction and is inclined
toward the front of a vehicle and the protective bar portions
43 extend forward from the ends 41e of the support portion 41
and are inclined outward in the vehicle width direction.
Thereby, it is possible to increase that strength, with which
the protective bar portions 43 are supported, as compared with
the case where a direction, in which the support portion 41
extends, and a direction, in which the protective bar portions
43 extend, forms an acute angle therebetween.

Also, with the motorcycle 1, the grips 42, respectively,
are provided on the left and right of a vehicle body. Thereby,
a fellow passenger can grasp the glove bar 40 with both hands,
so that it is possible to make the fellow passenger stable in
posture.
Also, with the motorcycle 1, the grips 42, respectively,
are provided on the left and right of a vehicle body and the
rear ends 42a, 42a of the left and right grips 42, 42 are away
from each other. Thereby, it is possible to make a fellow
passenger further stable in posture while making the glove bar
40 light in weight.
Also, with the motorcycle 1, the left and right grips
42, 42 extend rearward from the support portion 41 and,
respectively, are inclined toward the center in the vehicle
width direction. Thereby, a fellow passenger is made easy to
grasp the grips 42, 42.
Also, with the motorcycle 1, the edges 43b of the
protective bar portions 43 in the vehicle width direction are
positioned outwardly of the rear edge 30e of the rear side cover
30 in the vehicle width direction. Thereby, it is possible
to further effectively protect the rear side cover 30.
Also, with the motorcycle 1, the dent portions 30h are
formed on the portions of the rear side cover 30 positioned
below the grips 42. Thereby, a fellow passenger is made easy
to grasp the grips 42.

Also, with the motorcycle 1, the rear side cover 30 is
formed from a resin. Thereby, it is possible to achieve
lightening the motorcycle 1.
In addition, the invention is not limited to the
motorcycle 1 described above but susceptible to various
modifications. For example, with the motorcycle 1 described
above, the protective bar portions 43 extend forward from the
ends 41e of the support portion 41. However, the protective
bar portions 4 3 may extend forward from an intermediate portion
of the support portion 41.
Also, with the motorcycle 1, the grips 42 extend rearward
from the ends 41e of the support portion 41. However, the grips
42 may extend rearward from an intermediate portion of the
support portion 41.
Also, with the motorcycle 1, the brackets 23a, 23a are
provided on the seat rails 23, 23, respectively, and the fixed
portions 41a, 41a are mounted to the respective brackets 23a,
23a. However, a single bracket and a single fixed portion will
do. For example, a bracket may bridge between a pair of seat
rails 23, 23 and a single fixed portion provided on the support
portion 41 may be mounted to the bracket.

WE CLAIM:
1. A motorcycle comprising:
a pair of body frames extending in a longitudinal
direction of a vehicle;
a fellow passenger seat arranged on the pair of body
frames;
a rear side cover that covers either of the body frames
from outward in a vehicle width direction; and
a glove bar fixed to at least either one of the body frames
and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on the fellow passenger
seat,
wherein the glove bar comprises:
a support portion fixed to the body frames to
extend outward in the vehicle width direction and above
the rear side cover;
a grip supported by the support portion to extend
rearwardly of the fellow passenger seat and grasped by
the fellow passenger; and
a protective bar portion of a cantilevered
structure supported by a portion of the support portion
positioned above the rear side cover to extend toward
the front of a vehicle and above the rear side cover to
protect the rear side cover.
2. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the

protective bar portion is provided at both left and right ends
of the support portion, respectively.
3. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the support portion extends outward in the vehicle width
direction and is inclined toward the front of a vehicle; and
the protective bar portion extends forwardly of an end
of the support portion and is inclined outwardly in the vehicle
width direction.
4. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the grip
is provided on the left and right of the support portion.
5. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 4, wherein rear ends
of the left and right grips are separated from each other.
6. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 5, wherein the left
and right grips extend rearwardly of the support portion and
are inclined toward a center in the vehicle width direction.
7 . The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein outer edges
of the protective bar portion in the vehicle width direction
are positioned outwardly of outer edges of the rear side cover
in the vehicle width direction.

8. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a dent is
formed below the grip on the rear side cover.
9. The motorcycle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear
side cover is formed from a resin.

A motorcycle includes a glove bar fixed to seat rails and grasped by a fellow passenger seated on a seat. The glove bar comprises a support portion fixed to the seat rails to extend outward in a vehicle width direction and above rear side covers, grips supported by the support portion to extend rearwardly of the seat and grasped by the fellow passenger, and protective bar portions of a cantilevered structure
supported by portions of the support portion positioned above the rear side cover and passing above the rear side covers to extend forward in the vehicle width direction to protect the
rear side covers.

Documents:

http://ipindiaonline.gov.in/patentsearch/GrantedSearch/viewdoc.aspx?id=ZayImSx1l7YlvHzemBU8Fg==&loc=wDBSZCsAt7zoiVrqcFJsRw==

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Patent Number

270769

Indian Patent Application Number

1714/KOL/2008

PG Journal Number

04/2016

Publication Date

22-Jan-2016

Grant Date

18-Jan-2016

Date of Filing

03-Oct-2008

Name of Patentee

YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA

Applicant Address

2500 SHINGAI, IWATA-SHI, SHIZUOKA

Inventors:

#	Inventor's Name	Inventor's Address
1	TETSUYA HANAI	C/O. YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA 2500 SHINGAI, IWATA-SHI, SHIZUOKA 4388501
2	YUUTA KOBAYASHI	C/O. YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA 2500 SHINGAI, IWATA-SHI, SHIZUOKA 4388501

PCT International Classification Number

B60K 11/00

PCT International Application Number

N/A

PCT International Filing date

PCT Conventions:

#	PCT Application Number	Date of Convention	Priority Country
1	2007-284224	2007-10-31	Japan