Abstract:
A rear light assembly for a straddle type vehicle is provided that enhances illumination of the rear side of the vehicle while also allowing the rider sufficient cargo space in the trunk of the vehicle. The rear light assembly can comprise a movable cover on the trunk space, a first light unit extending in a generally horizontal direction, and a second light unit extending in a generally vertical direction. The assembly can also include two vertical light units, one positioned on the left side of the movable cover and the other positioned on the right side of the movable cover, and one horizontal light positioned below the movable cover. Connectors and fastening mechanisms can be utilized to connect the light units and movable cover of the assembly. In addition, the first light unit and the second light unit can both be a light-emitting diode (LED) light source.

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. 2004-332230, filed Nov. 16, 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 rear light assembly for providing sufficient light on an aft end of the vehicle at least during operating conditions.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     Some straddle type vehicles (e.g., motor scooters) are typically driven on highways, streets and roads during both the daytime and nighttime. As a result, straddle type vehicles typically have an exterior lighting system including a taillight and a pair of rear turning lights attached to the body frame of the vehicle. In addition, riders often desire to store cargo and other belongings in the vehicle during its operation. Storage space is limited in a straddle type vehicle and it is well known for such vehicles to have a trunk space, which often is located in the rear of the vehicle and is capable of storing cargo and other belongings of the rider. However, due to the compact nature of a straddle type vehicle and the desire to have the trunk as large as possible, the trunk&#39;s cover often comprises a significant portion of the rear surface of the vehicle.  
         [0006]     Prior straddle type vehicles have placed the taillight and rear turning lights directly on the cover of the trunk since this was the most feasible location for such lights. While this approach allows a rider to store belongings in the open space contained in the trunk, the taillight and rear turning lights are often made smaller.  
         [0007]     Consequently, there exists a need for a rear light assembly that provides larger rear lights, including a taillight and pair of turning lights, to enhance visibility of the vehicle and of its turn and braking indicators while still providing for ample trunk space.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     In accordance with an aspect of the present invention, a straddle type vehicle has at least one wheel that is rotatable about a generally horizontal axis and includes a vehicle body having a trunk space. A movable cover is capable of enclosing at least a portion of the trunk space. A first light unit, which has a first lens, extends in a direction generally parallel to the horizontal axis, and a second light unit, which has a second lens, extends in a direction generally normal to the horizontal axis. Each of the first light unit and the second light unit are disposed next to a respective side of the movable cover.  
         [0009]     In a preferred mode, the first light unit comprises a horizontal light unit having a horizontal lens and the second light unit comprises a vertical light unit having a vertical lens. In another preferred mode, a third light unit is provided which has a similar shape as the second light unit and is disposed such that its longitudinal axis lies generally parallel to the second light unit. In another preferred mode, the first light unit is located below the movable cover, the second light unit is located on the left side of the movable cover, and the third light unit is located on right side of the movable cover. In another preferred mode, a rear light assembly comprises the movable cover, vertical lights on both the left side and the right side of the movable cover, and a horizontal light on the bottom side of the movable cover.  
         [0010]     In another preferred mode, the horizontal length of the movable cover is less than the horizontal length of the vehicle body. In addition, the horizontal length of the first light unit is greater than the horizontal length of the movable cover. As a result, the first light unit is sufficiently large relative to the movable cover. In another preferred mode, the straddle type vehicle also includes a trunk bracket for supporting the trunk space. In this preferred mode, the first light unit covers the trunk bracket in a direction generally parallel to the horizontal axis.  
         [0011]     In another preferred mode, the trunk space is positioned at a rear end of the straddle type vehicle and can store cargo or other belongings of the rider. In addition, the first light unit comprises a horizontal first light unit and the second light unit comprises a pair of vertical flasher lights. In another preferred embodiment, the trunk space slants downward from an upper portion of the trunk space towards the rear end of the vehicle.  
         [0012]     In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a straddle type vehicle is provided comprising a vehicle body having an opening in the vehicle body, and a movable cover capable of covering at least a portion of the opening. The vehicle also includes at least one wheel that rotates about a horizontal axis. A first light unit has a first lens that extends in a direction generally parallel to the horizontal axis, a second light unit has a second lens that extends in a direction generally normal to the horizontal axis, and a third light unit has a third lens that extends in a direction generally normal to the horizontal axis. The first light unit extends along the bottom side of the movable cover, the second light unit extends along the left side of the movable cover, and the third light unit extends along the right side of the movable cover. In addition, the straddle type vehicle contains a first connector for attaching the first light unit to the second light unit and a second connector for attaching the first light unit to the third light unit. A first receiving member and a first fastening member are capable of mating in order to couple the second light unit to the trunk space. A second receiving member and a second fastening member are also capable of mating in order to couple the third light unit to the trunk space.  
         [0013]     In a preferred mode, the straddle type vehicle includes a first plug hole located on the first connecter and a first plug piece extending vertically downward from the bottom of the second light unit. In yet another preferred mode, the straddle type vehicle includes a second plug hole located on the second connecter and a second plug piece extending vertically downward from the bottom of the third light unit.  
         [0014]     The light units of the straddle type vehicle are not limited to typical lens assemblies. In one preferred mode, the first light unit and the second light unit both comprise a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In another preferred mode, a third light unit is provided which also comprises a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. In another preferred mode, a first LED is positioned below the movable cover, a second LED is positioned on the left side of the movable cover, and a third LED is positioned on the right side of the movable cover.  
         [0015]     A preferred method of assembling a light unit is provided for a straddle type vehicle having at least one wheel rotatable about a generally horizontal axis and having a vehicle body with a trunk space. This method includes positioning a first light unit along at least one side of a movable cover capable of enclosing at least a portion of the trunk space, connecting the first light unit to at least one side of the trunk space, positioning a second light unit along at least one side of the movable cover, fastening a second light unit to the first light unit, and connecting the second light unit to at least one side of the trunk space. In a mode where the movable cover, the first light unit, and the second light unit form an assembly, the method can additionally include fixing the assembly to the vehicle body of the straddle type vehicle.  
         [0016]     For purposes of summarizing the invention and the advantages achieved over the prior art, certain objects and advantages of the invention have been described above. Of course, it is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0017]     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 nine figures.  
         [0018]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a straddle type vehicle including a rear light assembly configured in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 2  is a rear elevational view of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0020]      FIG. 3  is a rear perspective view of a trunk and the rear light assembly of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0021]      FIG. 4  is a partially exploded view of the trunk and the rear light assembly of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0022]      FIG. 5  is a top plan view of the trunk and the rear light assembly of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0023]      FIG. 6  is a top plan view of the trunk showing certain internal components of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0024]      FIG. 7  is a partially exploded side elevational view of the trunk and the rear light assembly of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 3 .  
         [0025]      FIG. 8 ( a ) is a front elevation view of a screw hole showing the relative dimensions of the screw hole with respect to a projecting portion of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0026]      FIG. 8 ( b ) is a front elevation view of another screw hole showing the relative dimensions of the screw hole with respect to a projecting portion of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0027]      FIG. 9  shows a positional relationship among a first light unit, a second light unit, and a third light unit in accordance with a modification of the straddle type vehicle as shown in  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT  
       [0028]     Description will be hereinafter made of the present straddle type vehicle in accordance with embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawings. Corresponding or similar components are denoted in the drawings by the same or similar reference numerals.  
         [0029]     The rear light assembly is illustrated in the drawings and is described below in the context of an application with a straddle type vehicle. The rear light assembly, however, can be used with other types of vehicles having limited space available at the rear of the vehicle. Preferably, the rear light assembly can be used with vehicles which have a wheel, 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 rear light assembly can be employed can include, but are not limited to, a motorcycle, a scooter, and a multi-terrain vehicle.  
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is a side elevational view of a straddle type vehicle  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, as seen from outside in the longitudinal direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 . In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the straddle type vehicle  10  is a direction A as shown in  FIG. 1 , and the vertical direction of the straddle type vehicle  10  is a direction B as shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0031]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , the straddle type vehicle  10  has wheels (front wheel  1   a  and rear wheel  1   b ) rotatably supported with an axle, fenders (fender  2   a  and fender  2   b ) for covering the peripheral area of the wheels from above, a fender cover  3  located rearward of the straddle type vehicle  10  from the rear wheel  1   b , and a pair of side covers  4  for covering the body of the straddle type vehicle  10  from outside in the longitudinal direction thereof. In one embodiment, the wheels of the straddle type vehicle are rotatable about a generally horizontal axis.  
         [0032]     The rear end portion of the straddle type vehicle  10  preferably comprises a trunk space  20  for holding at least an article, a first light unit  30  having a lens surface (first lens  31  as described later) extending in the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 , a pair of flasher units  40  having a lens surface (flasher lens  41  as described later) extending in the vertical direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 , and a rear cover  5  attached below the first light unit  30  for covering the body of the straddle type vehicle  10  from rearward thereof.  
         [0033]     Preferably, the straddle type vehicle  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is of a tandem type, on which at least one rider can ride. In one embodiment, the straddle type vehicle  10  has a seating mechanism such that the vehicle is capable of supporting two riders during operation.  
         [0034]      FIG. 2  is a view of the straddle type vehicle  10 , as seen from rearward of the straddle type vehicle  10 . In this view, the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10  is a direction C shown in  FIG. 2 .  
         [0035]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the trunk space  20 , first light unit  30 , and the paired flasher units  40  (second light unit  40   a  and third light unit  40   b ) described above are located at a rear part of the straddle type vehicle  10 . The paired side covers  4  (body cover  4   a  and body cover  4   b ) described above cover the body of the straddle type vehicle  10  from outside in the transverse direction thereof.  
         [0036]     The trunk space  20  has a box surface which is disposed at least partially on a rear surface of the straddle type vehicle  10  and which is directed outside of the straddle type vehicle  10 . In one embodiment, the box surface is defined in part by a movable cover  21  when in a closed position.  
         [0037]     The movable cover  21  can be attached to the vehicle body by a variety of mechanisms. For example, in one embodiment, the movable cover  21  is hinged to the vehicle body such that the movable cover  21  is capable of opening in a generally upward vertical direction and closing in a generally downward vertical direction relative to the straddle type vehicle  10 . In such embodiment, the movable cover  21  is hinged at a top portion of the trunk space  20 . In other embodiments, the movable cover  21  can be hinged at other locations relative to the trunk space including, but not limited to, the bottom of the trunk space  20 , the left side of the trunk space  20 , and the right side of the trunk space  20 . The cover  21  can also be removable attached to the vehicle body rather than being hinged or otherwise tethered thereto.  
         [0038]     In some applications, the space accessible beneath the cover  21  does not need to be an enclosed space (e.g., the truck space  20 ) capable of storing at least one article. By way of example, the space may comprise a location where components of the power train of the straddle type vehicle  10  are disposed. In addition, the trunk space  20  does not have to be located at the very rear of the vehicle. The trunk space  20  can, for example, be disposed farther forward on the vehicle body in comparison to the truck space  20  in the illustrated embodiment. As a result, the trunk space  20  can have a variety of configurations for a variety of purposes and can be located in many locations of the straddle type vehicle  10 .  
         [0039]     The first light unit  30  has a first lens  31  extending in the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 . In one embodiment, the first lens  31  is positioned along the lower edge  21   a  of the box surface (movable cover  21  in the closed position). However, the first lens  31  can be positioned in other locations with respect to the box surface such as, but not limited to, above the trunk space  20  or at least partially over the trunk space  20 .  
         [0040]     The second light unit  40   a  has a second lens  41   a  extending in the vertical direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 . The second lens  41   a  is positioned along the side edge  21   b  of the box surface (movable cover  21  in the closed position). The second lens  41   a  is positioned adjacent to one end (hereinafter referred to as “left end”) of the first lens  31  in the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 . The second light unit  40   a  is positioned such that the second lens  41   a  is aligned with the first lens  31  (left end) in a direction D.  
         [0041]     Similarly, in one embodiment, the third light unit  40   b  has a third lens  41   b  extending in the vertical direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 . The third lens  41   b  is positioned along the side edge  21   c  of the box surface (movable cover  21  in the closed position). The third lens  41   b  is positioned adjacent to the other end (hereinafter referred to as “right end”) of the first lens  31  in the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 . The third light unit  40   b  is positioned such that the third lens  41   b  is aligned with the first lens  31  (right end) in a direction E.  
         [0042]     In one embodiment, the first lens  31  is positioned along the lower edge  21   a  of the box surface (movable cover  21  in the closed position), and the second lens  41   a  and the third lens  41   b  are positioned along the side edge  21   b  and the side edge  21   c , respectively, of the box surface (movable cover  21  in the closed position). Advantageously, this allows increasing the area of the first lens  31 , second lens  41   a , and third lens  41   b  as seen from the rear end of the straddle type vehicle  10 . In other words, visibility of the first lens  31 , the second lens  41   a , and third lens  41   b  when viewed from rearward of the straddle type vehicle  10  can be improved. As a result, other drivers are better able to see the rear lights of the vehicle when it is in operation.  
         [0043]     In another embodiment, the light units are mounted over a portion of the trunk space  20  located at the rear part of the straddle type vehicle  10 , being attached to either the vehicle body or the cover  21 . Additionally, as noted above, the present light assembly can be employed at other locations on the vehicle. For example, the light units may be mounted about a space located at a front part of the straddle type vehicle  10 . In particular, a headlight unit (transversely extending lamp unit) having a headlight lens (transversely extending lamp lens surface) extending in the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 , and a pair of flasher units and/or a pair of fog lamp units (vertically extending lamp unit) may be mounted to a space located at the front part of the straddle type vehicle  10 .  
         [0044]     As shown in  FIG. 2  and subsequent figures described below, the first light unit  30 , the second light unit  40   a , and the third light unit  40   b  are substantially continuous around a portion of the movable cover  20  and the trunk space  21 . However, the configuration of the light units need not be continuous. In one embodiment, there may be a gap between, for example, the first light  30  and the second light unit  40   a . In another embodiment, there may be a gap between the first light unit  30  and the third light unit  40   b.    
         [0045]     While the light units described above are configured around the movable cover  20 , and not on the movable cover  20 , the light units may also be substantially integrated with the movable cover  20 . For example, in one embodiment, the first light unit  30  is integrated with at least a portion of the movable cover  20 . In another embodiment, the second light unit  40   a  and the third light unit  40   b  are at least partially integrated with the movable cover  20 . In yet another embodiment, all three light units are integrated with at least a portion of the movable cover  20 .  
         [0046]     The light units of the straddle type vehicle  10  are not limited to traditional vehicle light units. For example, in one embodiment, the light units comprise a light-emitting diode (LED) light source. Since an LED light source may provide certain advantages over traditional vehicle light sources in certain applications, the first light unit  30  can comprise an LED, the second light unit  40   a  can comprise an LED, and/or the third light unit  40   b  can comprise an LED.  
         [0047]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of a rear portion of the straddle type vehicle  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , the trunk space  20  defines an opening  20   a  slanting downward rearward from an upper portion of the trunk space  20 . In other words, the lower end of the opening  20   a  is positioned rearward from the upper end thereof. The trunk space  20  has a movable cover  21  for covering the opening  20   a  from above.  
         [0048]     The trunk space  20  has a pair of support parts (support part  23   a  and support part  23   b ) for pivotally supporting the movable cover  21  about a rotation shaft  22 , which extends in the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 . The trunk space  20  also has a pair of retained slots (retained slot  24   a  and retained slot  24   b ) into which a pair of retaining parts (retaining part  15   a  and retaining part  15   b ) formed on the movable cover  21  are inserted respectively.  
         [0049]     Advantageously, in this embodiment, the opening  20   a  of the trunk space  20  slants downward rearward from the upper portion of the trunk space  20 . This makes it easier to put an article into and out of the trunk space  20 . However, the opening  20   a  can slant in other directions and may provide certain advantages for such other configurations depending on the particular application.  
         [0050]      FIG. 4  is a partially exploded perspective view of the rear portion of the straddle type vehicle  10  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The fender cover  3 , side cover  4 , and rear cover  5  are not shown in  FIG. 4 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the trunk space  20  has a screw hole  26 , into which a screw  6  for securing the second light unit  40   a  to the trunk space  20  is fitted in the transverse direction of the vehicle. In addition, the trunk space  20  has a screw hole  27  for receiving a screw for securing the second light unit  40   a  to the trunk space  20  and a plate-like member  28  projecting outside in the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 .  
         [0051]     In one embodiment, the screw  6  includes a projecting portion  6   a  (portion in which a spiral groove is cut) and a head  6   b . The screw hole  26  has approximately the same diameter as the projecting portion  6   a  of the screw  6 . Fitting the screw  6  into the screw hole  26  allows the second light unit  40   a  to be substantially fixed to the trunk space  20 .  
         [0052]     In another embodiment, the plate-like member  28  has a screw hole  29   a  and a screw hole  29   b  into which a screw  12   a  and a screw  12   b  for securing a trunk bracket  50   a  to the trunk space  20  are fitted respectively. The trunk bracket  50   a  extends backward from a vehicle body frame  60  defining the frame structure of the straddle type vehicle  10 .  
         [0053]     The first light unit  30  has a plug hole  32 , which is open upward, at one end (left end) thereof in the transverse direction of the vehicle. As described in more detail below, a plug piece  42  can be inserted into the plug hole  32 . The second light unit  40   a  has the plug piece  42  projecting downward from a bottom part of the second light unit  40   a , and a screw hole  43  into which the screw  6  described above is fitted.  
         [0054]     The screw hole  43  has a diameter larger than that of the projecting portion of the screw  6 . The screw  6  is fitted into both screw hole  43  and screw hole  26  while the second light unit  40   a  is adjusted to a position where the second light unit  40   a  is fixed to the trunk space  20 .  
         [0055]     The second light unit  40   a  is locked with the first light unit  30  as the plug piece  42  is inserted into the plug hole  32 . At this time, the second lens  41   a  is positioned adjacent to the first lens  31  in the direction D (not shown in  FIG. 4 ). In addition, the second light unit  40   a  is fixed to the trunk space  20  as the screw  6  is fitted into both screw hole  43  and screw hole  26  with the first lens  31  and the second lens  41   a  aligned with each other in the direction D (not shown in  FIG. 4 ).  
         [0056]     As described above, the diameter of the screw hole  43  is larger than that of the projecting portion  6   a  of the screw  6 . This allows fitting the screw  6  into both screw hole  43  and screw hole  26  with the first lens  31  and the second lens  41   a  aligned with each other in the direction D (not shown in  FIG. 4 ).  
         [0057]     In one embodiment, the second light unit  40   a  is formed to cover the trunk bracket  50   a  from outside in the transverse direction of the vehicle as the second light unit  40   a  is fixed to the trunk space  20 . In another embodiment, the third light unit  40   b  is locked with the first light unit  30  and then fixed to the trunk space  20  in the same way as the second light unit  40   a . Thus, description of the structure of locking the third light unit  40   b  with the first light unit  30  (plug piece, plug hole, etc.) and the structure of fixing the third light unit  40   b  to the trunk space  20  (screw holes, etc.) is not repeated. The trunk bracket  50   a  is secured to the trunk space  20  with the screw  12   a  and the screw  12   b  and also to the vehicle body frame  60  with a screw  13   a  and a screw  14   a.    
         [0058]     In the foregoing embodiment, the second light unit  40   a  (and third light unit  40   b ) is fixed to the trunk space  20  with the screw  6  fitted. However, the present light assembly is not limited to this. The second light unit  40   a  may be fixed to the trunk space  20  with a tapping screw, a washer, a bolt and a nut, or a similar fixing mechanism.  
         [0059]     Further, in the foregoing embodiment, the second light unit  40   a  (and third light unit  40   b ) is locked with the first light unit  30  by the plug piece  42  of the second light unit  40   a  being inserted into the plug hole  32  of the first light unit  30 . However, the present light assembly is not limited to this. The second light unit  40   a  may be locked with the first light unit  30  by the plug piece of the first light unit  30  being inserted into the plug hole of the second light unit  40   a.    
         [0060]      FIGS. 5 and 6  are plan views of the trunk space  20 , first light unit  30 , second light unit  40   a , and third light unit  40   b  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In order to show certain components of the vehicle, the movable cover  21  described above is not shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 .  
         [0061]     As shown in  FIG. 5 , a size (b) of the first light unit  30  in the transverse direction of the vehicle is larger than a size (a) of the truck space  20  in the transverse direction of the vehicle, outside of which the second light unit  40   a  and the third light unit  40   b  are located. The size (a) of the trunk space  20  in the transverse direction of the vehicle is smaller than a size (c) of the vehicle body frame  60  in the transverse direction of the vehicle, as shown in  FIG. 6 . More specifically, since the size (a) of the trunk space  20  in the transverse direction of the vehicle is smaller than the size (b) of the first light unit  30  in the transverse direction of the vehicle and the size (c) of the vehicle body frame  60  in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the area outside of the trunk space  20  in the transverse direction of the vehicle is used to locate the second light unit  40   a  and the third light unit  40   b.    
         [0062]     As shown in  FIG. 6 , a pair of trunk brackets (trunk bracket  50   a  and trunk bracket  50   b ) are attached to the vehicle body frame  60  and extend backward therefrom. Specifically, the trunk bracket  50   a  is secured to the vehicle body frame  60  with a screw  13   a  and a screw  14   a . Similarly, the trunk bracket  50   b  is secured to the vehicle body frame  60  with a screw  13   b  and a screw  14   b . In one embodiment, the trunk space  20  has a retaining part  16   a  and a retaining part  16   b , with which the trunk space  20  is retained to the vehicle body frame  60 . The trunk space  20  is supported with the trunk bracket  50   a  and the trunk bracket  50   b  from outside in the transverse direction of the vehicle.  
         [0063]     Advantageously, since the size (a) of the trunk space  20  in the transverse direction of the vehicle is smaller than the size (b) of the first light unit  30  in the transverse direction of the vehicle and the size (c) of the vehicle body frame  60  in the transverse direction of the vehicle, the area outside of the trunk space  20  in the transverse direction of the vehicle can be used to locate the second light unit  40   a  and the third light unit  40   b . In other words, the area outside of the trunk space  20  in the transverse direction of the vehicle can be effectively used.  
         [0064]     The second light unit  40   a  and the third light unit  40   b  cover the trunk bracket  50   a  and the trunk bracket  50   b  respectively from outside in the transverse direction of the vehicle. This prevents the appearance of the straddle type vehicle  10  from being ruined due to an exposure of the trunk bracket  50   a  and the trunk bracket  50   b.    
         [0065]     Additionally, the trunk space  20 , first light unit  30 , second light unit  40   a , third light unit  40   b , trunk bracket  50   a , and trunk bracket  50   b  are assembled together to form the box peripheral assembly, and the assembly is fixed to the vehicle body frame  60 . This allows improving the efficiency of mounting work of the first light unit  30 , second light unit  40   a , and third light unit  40   b.    
         [0066]      FIG. 7  shows the mounting structure and mounting method of the first light unit  30  and the second light unit  40   a  in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.  FIG. 7  is a view of the rear portion of the straddle type vehicle  10 , as seen in a direction F as shown in  FIG. 4 .  
         [0067]     As shown in  FIG. 7 , in one embodiment, the trunk space  20  has a screw hole  25 , into which a screw  7  is fitted, and the first light unit  30  has a screw hole  33 , into which the screw  7  is fitted. The first light unit  30  is fixed to the trunk space  20  as the screw  7  is fitted into both screw hole  25  and screw hole  33 . The first lens  31  is thereby positioned along the lower edge  21   a  of the box surface (movable cover  21  in the closed position) (step S 1 ).  
         [0068]     In one embodiment, the second light unit  40   a  is locked with the first light unit  30  as the plug piece  42  described above is inserted into the plug hole  32 . The second lens  41   a  is thereby positioned along the side edge  21   b  of the box surface (movable cover  21  in the closed position). The second lens  41   a  is positioned adjacent to the left end of the first lens  31  (step S 2 ).  
         [0069]     Similarly, the third light unit  40   b  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) is locked with the first light unit  30  as the plug piece is inserted into the plug hole. The third lens  41   b  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) is thereby positioned along the side edge  21   c  of the box surface (movable cover  21  in the closed position). The third lens  41   b  is positioned adjacent to the right end of the first lens  31 .  
         [0070]     The second light unit  40   a  is fixed to the trunk space  20 , as the screw  6  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) is fitted into both screw hole  43  and screw hole  26  with the second lens  41   a  aligned with the first lens  31  (step S 3 ). Similarly, the third light unit  40   b  is fixed to the trunk space  20  with the third lens  41   b  aligned with the first lens  31 .  
         [0071]     The second light unit  40   a  is fixed to the trunk space  20  as a screw (not shown) is fitted into both screw hole  44  and screw hole  27  (step S 4 ). The second light unit  40   a  is fixed to the first light unit  30  as a screw  8  is fitted into both screw hole  45  and screw hole  34  (step S 5 ). In a similar manner, the third light unit  40   b  is fixed to the trunk space  20  and also to the first light unit  30 .  
         [0072]     The trunk bracket  50   a  is fixed to the trunk space  20  as the screw  12   a  and the screw  12   b  are fitted into the screw hole  29   a  and the screw hole  29   b , respectively, of the plate-like member  28  described above (step S 6 ). In a similar manner, the trunk bracket  50   b  is fixed to the trunk space  20 . As a result, the first light unit  30 , second light unit  40   a , third light unit  40   b , trunk bracket  50   a , and trunk bracket  50   b  are fixed to the trunk space  20  to form a box peripheral assembly.  
         [0073]     In one embodiment, the box peripheral assembly is retained to the vehicle body frame  60  with the retaining part  16   a  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) and the retaining part  16   b  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) of the trunk space  20 . The box peripheral assembly is fixed to the vehicle body frame  60 . In another embodiment, the trunk bracket  50   a  is fastened to the vehicle body frame  60  with the screw  13   a  and the screw  14   a  and the trunk bracket  50   b  is fastened to the vehicle body frame  60  with the screw  13   b  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ) and the screw  14   b  (not shown in  FIG. 7 ).  
         [0074]     Advantageously, the second light unit  40   a  is locked with the first light unit  30  by the plug piece  42  of the second light unit  40   a  being inserted into the plug hole  32  of the first light unit  30  from above, and then the second light unit  40   a  locked with the first light unit  30  is fixed to the trunk space  20 . This allows improving the efficiency of mounting work of the second light unit  40   a . In a similar manner, the efficiency of mounting work of the third light unit  40   b  can be improved as well.  
         [0075]     Advantageously, the second light unit  40   a  and the third light unit  40   b  are individually locked with the first light unit  30 . Thus, even when the positions of both ends of the first lens  31  are displaced from each other in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 , the second lens  41   a  and the third lens  41   b  can be located adjacent to the corresponding ends of the first lens  31 .  
         [0076]     Additionally, the second light unit  40   a  and the third light unit  40   b  are individually fixed to the trunk space  20  with the second lens  41   a  and the third lens  41   b  aligned with the first lens  31 . This allows mounting the first light unit  30 , second light unit  40   a , and third light unit  40   b  to the trunk space  20  such that the first lens  31 , second lens  41   a , and third lens  41   b  appear as a single surface, even when the positions of both ends of the first lens  31  are displaced from each other in the longitudinal or vertical direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 .  
         [0077]     In the foregoing embodiment, the second lens  41   a  and the third lens  41   b  are located above the first lens  31 . However, the present light assembly is not limited to this configuration and the above components may be positioned in a variety of configurations. For example, the first lens  31  might be positioned above the second lens  41   a  and the third lens  41   b . In another embodiment, the first lens  31  is positioned generally at the same level as the center of the second lens  41   a  and the center of the third lens  41   b  such that the first lens  31 , the second lens  41   a , and the third lens  41   b  comprise a H-like configuration. In addition, the first lens  31  may be configured at an angle with respect to the horizontal axis.  
         [0078]     FIGS.  8 ( a ) and  8 ( b ) show the screw hole  43  and the screw hole  26 , respectively, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The screw hole  43  has a diameter p larger than a diameter q of the projecting portion  6   a , as shown in  FIG. 8 ( a ). The screw hole  26  has a diameter r, which approximately equals the diameter q of the projecting portion  6   a , as shown in  FIG. 8 ( b ).  
         [0079]     In the foregoing embodiment, the screw hole  26  has approximately the same diameter as the projecting portion  6   a  of the screw  6 , but the screw hole  26  also may have a diameter larger than that of the projecting portion  6   a  of the screw  6 .  
         [0080]      FIG. 9  shows the positional relationship among the first lens  31 , second lens  41   a , and third lens  41   b  in accordance with another embodiment of the rear light assembly. It should be noted that this embodiment is merely illustrative of another embodiment of the rear light assembly and does not limit the scope of the invention. Other light assemblies not specifically described are also possible.  
         [0081]     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the second lens  41   a  and the third lens  41   b  may be located outside of the first lens  31  in the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10  and along the sides of the trunk space  20  in the transverse direction of the straddle type vehicle  10 . The method of mounting the first light unit  30 , second light unit  40   a , and third light unit  40   b  to the trunk space  20  is the same as in the foregoing embodiment described above with respect to  FIGS. 1-8 .  
         [0082]     More specifically, the second light unit  40   a  and the third light unit  40   b  are individually locked with the first light unit  30  such that the second lens  41   a  and the third lens  41   b  are located adjacent to the first lens  31 . Then, the second light unit  40   a  and the third light unit  40   b  are fixed to the trunk space  20  with the second lens  41   a  and the third lens  41   b  aligned with the first lens  31 .  
         [0083]     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 subcombinations 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.