Abstract:
A system is provided that permits access to one or more components of the power train of a straddle type vehicle (or another internal component or components) without requiring such component to protrude from the body cover of the vehicle. The system can comprise a foot area that includes a foot platform for placing one&#39;s feet, an opening positioned above at least the component of the power train, and a cover for permitting the opening to be opened and closed. This system, for example, allows a user to access the oil filler port of the engine via the opening in the foot area in order to add oil to the engine of the vehicle. The system can also include a foot platform comprising a first level and a second level where the second level is located at a higher elevation relative to the first level.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is based on and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(a)-(d) to Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-332849, filed Nov. 17, 2004, the entire content of which is hereby incorporated by reference.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to straddle type vehicles in general and, in particular, to a straddle type vehicle having a foot area that permits access to components of the power train of the vehicle.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     In order to maximize the operational life of a straddle type vehicle, the mechanical components of the vehicle must be properly maintained. Proper maintenance is particularly important for components of the power train of the straddle type vehicle since the power train is a mechanism which propels the vehicle. Without proper maintenance of the power train, the straddle type vehicle may not function properly and the useful life of the straddle type vehicle may be significantly shortened.  
         [0006]     Components of the power train of a straddle type vehicle are typically covered by the body cover of the vehicle. As a result, access to such components can often be obstructed by the vehicle body cover and other components of the straddle type vehicle. Such obstruction makes accessing components of the power train difficult and time consuming since the vehicle body cover may have to be removed in order to access particular components of the power train of a straddle type vehicle. One component of the power train that is particularly important is the lubricant filler port which is often located near the engine. Lubricant (e.g., oil) should be regularly added to the vehicle in order for mechanical components of the power train to be properly lubricated so that the vehicle is capable of operating at maximum effectiveness. As a result, an owner of a straddle type vehicle typically needs access to the filler port in order to add oil to the vehicle at least monthly and in some cases weekly.  
         [0007]     Some prior straddle type vehicles have positioned the oil filler port in the rear of the straddle type vehicle so that the oil filler port protrudes from the vehicle body cover. This configuration allows an owner to add oil more easily to their straddle type vehicle since the oil filler port can be accessed without removing the vehicle body cover. However, this configuration is disliked by many vehicle owners because the oil filler port protrudes from the vehicle body cover and is conspicuously noticeable on the outside of the straddle type vehicle.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Since many owners of straddle type vehicles are particularly concerned with the aesthetic appearance of their vehicle, the inventors of the present accessing system recognized the need for a system that permits easy access to components of the power train without having such components protrude from the vehicle. In addition, the inventors also recognized that the accessing system should provide an integrated cover concealing an opening in the vehicle body cover so that components of the power train can be accessed by opening the cover for maintenance purposes and the cover can be closed or otherwise repositioned when access to components of the power train is not necessary, such as when the vehicle is in operation.  
         [0009]     Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention involves a straddle type vehicle comprising at least one wheel rotatable about a generally horizontal axis and a vehicle body supported in part by the wheel. A power train includes an engine and a vehicle body cover encloses at least a portion of the power train. The vehicle body cover forms at least one foot area, at least a portion of which is disposed above at least part of the power train. In addition, the foot area comprises a foot platform, an opening, and a cover. The foot platform provides a location on which a rider can place his or her foot while straddling the vehicle. The opening is located above at least one internal component of the straddle type vehicle. The cover permits the opening in the foot area to open and close at the discretion of a user of the straddle type vehicle.  
         [0010]     In a preferred mode, the cover has a rear slant portion that extends upward at an angle relative to the horizontal axis towards a rear portion of the straddle type vehicle. In another preferred mode, the vehicle includes a detachable foot mat that is capable of being placed over the cover such that it substantially integrates with the foot platform. The detachable foot mat provides a mechanism to conceal both the opening and the cover in the foot area so that the outside of the straddle type vehicle does not expose components of the power train of the straddle type vehicle. In yet another preferred mode of this aspect of the invention, the vehicle includes a support frame for supporting the foot area. The support frame is configured so that the opening in the foot area is spaced apart from the support frame. Such configuration permits the foot area to be properly supported while at the same time allowing access to components of the power train of the vehicle via the opening in the foot area.  
         [0011]     In another preferred mode, the engine of the vehicle includes an oil filler port that provides oil to components of the engine. In one preferred mode, the vehicle also includes a cylindrical portion extending upward from the engine in the direction of the foot area. In another preferred mode, the oil filler port mentioned above is located at a terminal end of the cylindrical portion of the engine so that the oil filler port extends in the general direction of the foot area. In yet another preferred mode, the cylindrical portion containing the oil filler port on its terminal end extends obliquely upward from the engine in the general direction of the opening in the foot area of the straddle type vehicle. Such configuration provides an oil filler port located substantially near the opening in the foot area so that a user can easily access the oil filler port of the engine when desired.  
         [0012]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a straddle type vehicle is provided having at least one wheel rotatable about a generally horizontal axis. The vehicle also includes a vehicle body supported in part by the wheel and a power train including an engine. A vehicle body cover encloses at least a portion of the power train, and forms a foot area such that the foot area is positioned above at least a portion of the power train of the vehicle. The foot area comprises a foot platform including both a first level and a second level. The foot area also comprises an opening and a cover. The second level of the foot platform is positioned at a higher elevation than the first level relative to a generally horizontal plane. The opening in the foot area is located on the second level of the foot platform, which is disposed above at least a component of the power train of the vehicle. Likewise, the cover is located on the second level of the foot platform and the cover allows the opening in the foot area to open and close at the discretion of a user of the straddle type vehicle.  
         [0013]     In a preferred mode of this aspect of the invention, the first level of the foot platform is generally configured to allow the operator of the straddle type vehicle to place their feet on the foot platform when straddling the vehicle. While the second level of the foot platform is generally configured to allow a rear seat passenger of the straddle type vehicle to place their feet on the foot platform when straddling a rear seat of the straddle type vehicle. The elevation of the second level of the foot platform relative to the first level of the foot platform generally corresponds with the elevation of a rear seat relative to a front seat of the straddle type vehicle. This configuration permits a rear seat passenger to comfortably place his or her foot on the second level of the foot platform. In a preferred mode, a detachable foot mat is positioned on the second level of the foot platform and is configured to be substantially integrate with the foot platform.  
         [0014]     In another preferred mode, the engine of the vehicle includes an oil filler port that provides oil to components of the engine. In one preferred mode, the vehicle also includes a cylindrical portion extending upward from the engine in the direction of the foot area. In another preferred mode, the oil filler port mentioned above is located at a terminal end of the cylindrical portion of the engine so that the oil filler port extends in the general direction of the foot area. In yet another preferred mode, the cylindrical portion containing the oil filler port on its terminal end extends obliquely upward from the engine in the general direction of the opening on the second level of the foot area of the straddle type vehicle. Such configuration provides an oil filler port located substantially near the opening on the second level of the foot area so that a user can easily access the oil filler port of the engine when desired.  
         [0015]     An additional aspect of the present invention involves a straddle type vehicle having at least one wheel that rotates about a generally horizontal axis. The vehicle also includes a vehicle body, a power train including an engine disposed at least partially within the vehicle body, and a vehicle body cover. The vehicle body cover encloses at least a portion of the power train of the vehicle. A seat is at least partially attached to the top of the vehicle body cover. The vehicle body cover forms a first foot area located on the left side of the vehicle body, and a second foot area located on the right side of the vehicle body. At least one of the foot areas includes an opening and a cover. The opening is located above at least one internal component of the straddle type vehicle. The cover permits the opening in the foot area to open and close at the discretion of a user of the straddle type vehicle. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0016]     These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will now be described in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, in reference to the accompanying drawings. The illustrated embodiments, however, are merely examples and are not intended to limit the invention. The drawings include the following eight figures.  
         [0017]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a straddle type vehicle including a system for accessing components of a power train of the straddle type vehicle configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0018]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged, top plan view of a foot area of the straddle type vehicle of  FIG. 1 . The figure illustrates components of a power train in phantom lines and also illustrates a detachable foot mat being attached to the straddle type vehicle in a manner covering at least some of the components of the power train.  
         [0019]      FIG. 3  is an enlarged top plan view of a foot area and components of a power train, similar to  FIG. 2 , with the detachable foot mat being detached from the foot area.  
         [0020]      FIG. 4  is an enlarged top plan view of a foot area and components of a power train, similar to  FIG. 3 , with a cover, in addition to the detachable foot mat, being detached from the foot area.  
         [0021]      FIG. 5 ( a ) is a perspective view of a foot area showing a detachable foot mat attached to a foot platform of the foot area of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 5 ( b ) is a perspective view of a foot area of  FIG. 5 ( a ) showing a cover in the foot area in a closed position and the detachable foot mat removed.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5 ( c ) is a perspective view of a foot area of  FIG. 5 ( b ) showing the cover removed from the foot area to expose one or more of the power train components.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view of the straddle type vehicle taken along line A-A as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the straddle type vehicle taken along line B-B as shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view of the straddle type vehicle taken along line C-C as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0027]     A system for accessing components of a power train is illustrated in the drawings and is described below in the context of an application with a straddle type vehicle. However, the system for accessing components of a power train can be used with other types of vehicles. Preferably, the system can be used with vehicles which have a wheel rotatable about a generally horizontal axis, a steering column, a steering mechanism coupled to the top of the steering column, and a straddle type seat located substantially near the steering column. For example, such vehicles in which a the system described herein can be employed include, but are not limited to, a motorcycle, a scooter, and a multi-terrain vehicle. Accordingly, the below description and the drawings describe a motorized scooter; however, the present accessing system can be used on other types of straddle type vehicles as well.  
         [0028]     Before describing the system for accessing components of a power train, the construction of the motor scooter will first be described in connection with  FIG. 1 . In  FIG. 1 , the reference numeral  10  indicates a motor scooter.  
         [0029]     A vehicle body cover  11  covers the periphery of a vehicle body. In the illustrated embodiment, the motor scooter  10  has a front seat  12  and a rear seat  13 . However, in another embodiment, the vehicle  10  might have only a single seat. On both lateral sides of the vehicle body cover  11 , a pair of foot areas  14  extend so that riders sitting on the seats  12 ,  13  can put their feet thereon. The foot areas  14  can comprise a first foot area and a second foot area. The first foot area preferably is formed in the vehicle body cover and is located on the left side of the motor scooter  10 . The second foot area preferably is formed in the vehicle body cover and is located on the right side of the motor scooter  10 .  
         [0030]     In one embodiment, the motor scooter  10  has a power train which includes at least an engine  16 . The power train operates so as to transmit power generated by components of the vehicle to at least one wheel of the vehicle. Such power generated in the power train is transmitted to rotational power and enables the motor scooter  10  to move. As a result, the vehicle  10  operates to transport a rider from one location to another location.  
         [0031]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the vehicle body cover  11  has a bottom end  15  corresponding to a lower portion of the vehicle body. The vehicle body cover  11  extends to a location lower than an engine  16  so as to cover a lateral side of a tubular member  18  which protrudes upward from the engine  16  and oil is poured. A top end of the tubular member  18  has an oil filler port  19 . A cap  20  is detachably fixed to the oil filler port  19 . The oil filler port  19  is positioned at a location adjacent to a bottom surface of a foot platform  21  which is a rear portion of the foot area  14 . In the illustrated embodiment, the foot platform  21  is configured so that the rider on the rear seat  13  can place their feet on the foot platform  21  while the motor scooter  10  is in operation.  
         [0032]     The foot platform  21  preferably comprises a first level and a second level; however, the platform can be flat, slanted or formed by multiple steps or levels. In the illustrated embodiment, the second level is generally at a higher elevation than the first level of the foot platform  21 . As a result, the first level is generally a foot rest portion for the rider in the front seat of the vehicle while the second level is generally a foot rest portion for the rider in the rear seat. The foot platform  21  preferably has an opening  22  through which the oil filler port  19  is exposed and accessible from outside the body cover  11 , and a cover  23  for closing the opening  22 . The cover  23  can be either detachable fixed to the foot platform (as described below) or can be otherwise attached (e.g., by one or more hinges). A detachable foot mat  24  detachably extends over the cover  23 . Preferably, the detachable foot mat  24  has a sufficient size for covering the cover  23 .  
         [0033]     The opening is not limited to accessing the oil filler port  19 . Other components of the power train may be disposed such that the opening  22  provides access to such components of the power train. For example, in certain embodiments, the opening  22  may provide access to components of the engine  16  or alternative filling ports for fluids other than oil. Additionally, other components of the vehicle not associated with the power train (for example, window washing fluid or fuses for auxiliary components) can be disposed near and accessible through the opening.  
         [0034]     As shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ( c ), in the illustrated embodiment, the opening  22  has a generally triangular shape. However, the opening  22  may comprise a variety of other shapes including, but not limited to, a square, rectangle, oval, or circle. The opening  22  is defined at a location spaced apart (rearward) from a support frame  25  supporting the foot platform  21 . As shown in  FIG. 6 , the foot platform  21  is fixed to the support frame  25  by a screw  26 .  
         [0035]     In the embodiment, the cover  23  generally has a generally triangular shape  22  that is slightly larger than the opening  22  and detachably extends to cover the opening. However, the cover  23  can comprise a variety of other shapes including, but not limited to, a square, rectangle, oval, or circle. Preferably, the cover  23  is configured in a substantially similar shape as the opening  22  so that the cover  23  will fit suitably over the opening  22 .  
         [0036]     As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 7 , a front end of the cover  23  preferably has a pair of insertion pieces  23   a . The insertion pieces  23   a  are inserted into respective slits  22   a  formed at a circumferential portion of the opening  22  so as to be locked. As shown in  FIGS. 3 and 8 , a rear end of the cover  23  has an elastic engaging piece  23   b  which projects downward and generally has a U shape. A tip of the elastic engaging piece  23   b  has an engaging cut  23   c . The circumferential portion of the opening  22  has an engaging portion  22   c . The engaging cut  23   c  engages with the engaging portion  22   c  by its elastic force so that the cover  23  is attached. Under a condition that the cover  23  is attached, i.e., the cover  23  closes the opening  22 , the cover  23  has a slant portion extending obliquely upward rearward toward a rear portion of the vehicle body.  
         [0037]     When the cover  23  is detached, the elastic engaging piece  23   b  is elastically deformed to separate the engaging cut  23   c  from the engaging portion  22   c . Under the condition, a rear end portion of the cover  23  is lifted so that the cover  23  slants. Then, the insertion pieces  23   a  are pulled out from the slits  22   a . The cover  23  thus can be removed.  
         [0038]     When the cover  23  is attached, the insertion pieces  23   a  of the cover  23  are inserted into the slits  22   a , and the cover  23  is pivotally moved downward generally about the inserted portions. The elastic engaging piece  23   b  is elastically deformed so that the engaging cut  23   c  engages with the engaging portion  22   c.    
         [0039]     The detachable foot mat  24  is preferably made of a rubber material. However, the detachable foot mat  24  may be comprised of a variety of other materials including, but not limited to, plastic, metal, or a composite material. As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , in one embodiment, the detachable foot mat  24  has a sufficient size to generally cover the whole area of the foot platform  21 . In addition, as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 5 , the detachable foot mat  24  has a plurality of fit-in projections  24   a  as shown in  FIG. 7 . The fit-in projections  24   a  are detachably fitted into fit-in apertures  23   d  of the cover  23  and fit-in apertures  21   a  of the foot platform  21 . In addition, the tubular member  18  obliquely extends upward toward the opening  22  of the foot platform  21 .  
         [0040]     With reference to the structure of the motor scooter  10  described above, situations will be described below including a situation in which the oil is poured through the oil filler port  19 . First, the respective fit-in projections  24   a  of the detachable foot mat  24  are removed from the fit-in apertures  23   d ,  21   a  of the cover  23  and the foot platform  21  so as to detach the detachable foot mat  24 . Next, the elastic engaging piece  23   b  of the cover  23  is elastically deformed so that the engaging cut  23   c  leaves from the engaging portion  22   c . Then, the insertion pieces  23   a  are pulled out from the slits  22   a . The cover  23  thus is detached to uncover the opening  22 .  
         [0041]     As described, the detachable foot mat  24  and the cover  23  are easily removed. Under this condition, as shown in  FIGS. 4 and 5 ( c ), the cap  20  of the oil filler port  19  is exposed outside through the opening  22 . Thus, an operator can remove the cap  20  to pour oil or to perform maintenance work. When the pouring of oil or other work is completed, the opening  22  is closed by the cover  23 , and the detachable foot mat  24  is placed on the cover  23  so as to conceal the cover  23  and to substantially integrate the foot platform  21  with the vehicle body cover.  
         [0042]     In the illustrated embodiment, the foot platform  21  has the opening  22  through which the oil filler port  19 , or other component of the power train of the vehicle, is exposed to the outside of the vehicle, and the cover  23  can open or close the opening  22 . Thus, oil can be poured through the oil filler port  19 , and an oil amount, degree of dirtiness of the oil, etc. can be confirmed or inspected through the opening  22  by opening the cover  23 , even though the bottom end  15  of the vehicle body cover  11  is lowered to keep the lateral side surface of the tubular member  18  therein.  
         [0043]     In addition, because the cover  23  is attached to the foot platform  21 , the structure can assure good external appearance more than other structures in which the cover  23  is attached to other portions. That is, even though the foot platform  21  has the cover  23 , which is a separate member, the cover  23  can set the vehicle body off as emphasizing that it is the foot area portion. Therefore, the external appearance of this structure is improved as compared to a structure in which the cover, which is the separate member, is attached to the vehicle body cover  11 . The cover  23  also can be a mark of the oil filler port  19 . Advantageously, the workability for pouring oil or the like can be performed satisfactorily since the cover  23  can be attached or detached in such a simple action.  
         [0044]     One benefit of a preferred embodiment of the present system is that the cover  23  in the closing position of the opening  22  has a slant portion extending obliquely upward rearward toward a rear portion of a vehicle body. The cover  23  thus can block the foot of the rider in the rear seat from excessively moving rearward.  
         [0045]     Advantageously, the detachable foot mat  24  having a sufficient size for covering the cover  23  detachably extends over the cover  23  for safeguard or the like. The external appearance of the motor scooter  10  thus can be improved.  
         [0046]     The support frame  25  supports the foot platform  21  because a large load of the rider in the rear seat affects the foot platform  21 . The opening  22 , however, is spaced apart from the support frame  25 . Thus, the load of the rider in the rear seat does not affect the opening  22 . Accordingly, rigidity of the circumferential portion of the opening  22  can be assured.  
         [0047]     Advantageously, the tip portion of the tubular member  18  extending upward from the crankcase  17  has the oil filler port  19  positioned adjacent to the opening  22 . The oil pouring work or the like made from the oil filler port  19  through the opening  22  thus can be easier. In addition, because the tubular member  18  obliquely extends upward toward the opening  22  of the foot platform  21 , the workability of the oil pouring work can be improved.  
         [0048]     Although this invention has been disclosed in the context of certain preferred embodiments and examples, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention extends beyond the specifically disclosed embodiments to other alternative embodiments and/or uses of the invention and obvious modifications and equivalents thereof. In addition, while a number of variations of the invention have been shown and described in detail, other modifications, which are within the scope of this invention, will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art based upon this disclosure. It is also contemplated that various combinations or sub-combinations of the specific features and aspects of the embodiments may be made and still fall within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, it should be understood that various features and aspects of the disclosed embodiments can be combined with or substituted for one another in order to form varying modes of the disclosed invention. Thus, it is intended that the scope of the present invention herein disclosed should not be limited by the particular disclosed embodiments described above, but should be determined only by a fair reading of the claims.