Patent Description:
There is a type of straddled vehicle that a leg shield is provided with a loading hook. For example, <CIT> describes a straddled vehicle that a leg shield is divided into an upper inner member and a lower inner member. The upper inner member is disposed above the lower inner member and is joined thereto by screws. The loading hook is connected to the upper inner member. Besides, the leg shield is provided with an inner rack for accommodating items. The bottom surface of the inner rack is formed by part of the upper inner member. The front surface of the inner rack is formed by part of the lower inner member.

In the straddled vehicle described above, a load acts on the upper inner member from an item hooked on the loading hook. Besides, a load acts on the upper inner member from an item accommodated in the inner rack as well. However, in the straddled vehicle described above, the leg shield is divided into the upper and lower inner members. Because of this, when divided into components, the leg shield has a lower support strength than when integrally formed as a single component.

Contrarily speaking, when integrally formed as a single component, the leg shield has a higher support strength than when divided into components. However, the integrally formed leg shield, when provided with a loading hook or an accommodation pocket, is required to be shaped to exert a high stiffness against a load acting thereon from the loading hook or the accommodation pocket. Alternatively, for enhancement in stiffness of the integrally formed leg shield, it is required to separately provide fastening points at which the integrally formed leg shield is fastened to a frame. Because of this, the integrally formed leg shield is made complicated in structure.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a straddled vehicle that can achieve the following: inhibiting a leg shield from being made complicated in structure, and simultaneously, enhancing the leg shield in support strength and stiffness. According to the present invention said object is solved by a straddled vehicle having the features of independent claim <NUM>. Preferred embodiments are laid down in the dependent claims.

A straddled vehicle according to an aspect of the present teaching includes a vehicle body frame, a leg shield, and a loading hook. The vehicle body frame includes a head pipe and a down frame. The down frame extends downward from the head pipe. The leg shield is disposed behind the head pipe and the down frame. The loading hook is disposed on the leg shield.

The leg shield includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The lower panel is disposed below the upper panel. The lower panel is separated from the upper panel. The lower panel includes a bottom panel portion and an extending portion. The extending portion is integrated with the bottom panel portion. The extending portion extends from the bottom panel portion to an upper side than a lower end of the upper panel. The loading hook is fixed to the vehicle body frame through the extending portion.

In the straddled vehicle according to the present aspect, the extending portion, on which the loading hook is disposed, is integrated with the bottom panel portion. Because of this, a load applied by an item hooked on the loading hook is supported by the bottom panel portion through the extending portion. Accordingly, the leg shield is enhanced in strength for supporting the item. Besides, the extending portion is fixed to the vehicle body frame through the loading hook. Because of this, the leg shield can be inhibited from being made complicated in structure, while the lower panel is enhanced in stiffness.

The straddled vehicle may further include a seat and a foot board. The seat may be disposed behind the leg shield. The foot board may be disposed between the leg shield and the seat. The bottom panel portion may be connected to the foot board. In this case, the lower panel is connected to the foot board and is thereby further enhanced in strength for supporting the item.

The upper panel includes a pocket portion including a first opening. The first opening is disposed lateral to the extending portion. The straddled vehicle further includes an inner case. The inner case is disposed inside the upper panel. The inner case is disposed in the pocket portion. The inner case is connected to the lower panel. In this case, the inner case is connected to the lower panel and is thereby enhanced in support strength.

The inner case may be integrated with the lower panel. In this case, the inner case is integrated with the lower panel and is thereby further enhanced in support strength.

The upper panel may include a trunk for accommodating an item. The trunk may include a second opening and a lid portion. The second opening may be disposed lateral to the extending portion. The lid portion may open and close the second opening. The straddled vehicle may further include a hinge portion. The hinge portion may be disposed in the trunk. The hinge portion may support the lid portion so as to make the lid portion rotatable. The hinge portion may be connected to the lower panel. In this case, the hinge portion is connected to the lower panel and is thereby enhanced in support strength.

The hinge portion may be integrated with the lower panel. In this case, the hinge portion is integrated with the lower panel and is thereby further enhanced in support strength.

The loading hook may be fixed to the head pipe. In this case, the loading hook is fixed to the head pipe; hence, the lower panel is enhanced in stiffness.

The extending portion may extend in an up-and-down direction in a middle of the led shield. The extending portion may be shaped to protrude rearward. In this case, the extending portion has the protruding shape and is thereby enhanced in stiffness.

The upper panel may be a painted component. The lower panel may be an unpainted component. In this case, the upper panel is the painted component; hence, the vehicle is enhanced in aesthetic properties. Besides, the item hooked on the loading hook is likely to contact with the extending portion. However, the extending portion is the unpainted component; hence, even when friction occurs between the extending portion and the item hooked on the loading hook, scratch on paint does not occur.

The extending portion may be smaller than the bottom panel portion in a right-and-left direction. In this case, the extending portion, provided as the unpainted component, is small; hence, degradation in aesthetic properties of the straddled vehicle can be inhibited.

The upper panel may include a first side panel. The first side panel may be disposed laterally on one side of the extending portion. The extending portion may be smaller than the first side panel in the right-and-left direction. In this case, the extending portion, provided as the unpainted component, is small; hence, degradation in aesthetic properties of the straddled vehicle can be inhibited.

The upper panel may include a second side panel disposed laterally on the other side of the extending portion. The extending portion may be smaller than the second side panel in the right-and-left direction. In this case, the extending portion, provided as the unpainted component, is small; hence, degradation in aesthetic properties of the straddled vehicle can be inhibited.

A straddled vehicle <NUM> according to an embodiment will be hereinafter explained with reference to drawings. <FIG> is a side view of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. In the present embodiment, the straddled vehicle <NUM> is a scooter. As shown in <FIG>, the straddled vehicle <NUM> includes a vehicle body frame <NUM>, a steering device <NUM>, a front wheel <NUM>, a seat <NUM>, a power unit <NUM>, a rear wheel <NUM>, and a vehicle body cover <NUM>. It should be noted that in the following explanation, front, rear, right, and left directions are defined as indicating front, rear, right, and left directions seen from a driver seated on the seat <NUM>. Accordingly, a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle extends from the rear of the vehicle to the front of the vehicle and vice versa. A right-and-left direction of the vehicle extends from the left of the vehicle to the right of the vehicle and vice versa. The right-and-left direction of the vehicle is synonymous to the width direction of the vehicle. An up-and-down direction of the vehicle extends from bottom-up the vehicle and vice versa. The up-and-down direction of the vehicle is synonymous to the vertical direction of the vehicle.

The vehicle body frame <NUM> includes a head pipe <NUM>, a down frame <NUM>, a lower frame <NUM>, and a seat frame <NUM>. The head pipe <NUM> is disposed in the middle of the straddled vehicle <NUM> in a right-and-left direction. The head pipe <NUM> extends forward and downward. The down frame <NUM> extends downward from the head pipe <NUM>. The lower frame <NUM> extends rearward from a lower portion of the down frame <NUM>. The seat frame <NUM> extends rearward and upward from a rear portion of the lower frame <NUM>.

The steering device <NUM> is supported by the head pipe <NUM> so as to be turnable. The steering device <NUM> supports the front wheel <NUM> such that the front wheel <NUM> is rotatable. The steering device <NUM> includes a front fork <NUM>, a handle member <NUM>, and a steering shaft <NUM>. The front wheel <NUM> is supported by the front fork <NUM> so as to be rotatable. The front fork <NUM> is connected to the steering shaft <NUM>. The steering shaft <NUM> is connected at the upper end thereof to the handle member <NUM>. The steering shaft <NUM> is supported by the head pipe <NUM> so as to be turnable.

The seat <NUM> is disposed behind the head pipe <NUM>. The seat <NUM> is disposed above the seat frame <NUM>. The seat <NUM> is supported by the seat frame <NUM> through a stay not shown in the drawings. The power unit <NUM> is disposed below the seat <NUM>. The power unit <NUM> includes an engine. Alternatively, the power unit <NUM> may include an electric motor. The rear wheel <NUM> is supported by the power unit <NUM> so as to be rotatable.

The vehicle body cover <NUM> includes a front cover <NUM>, a leg shield <NUM>, a foot board <NUM>, and a rear cover <NUM>. The front cover <NUM> and the leg shield <NUM> are disposed in a front part of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. The front cover <NUM> is disposed in front of the head pipe <NUM> and the down frame <NUM>. The leg shield <NUM> is disposed behind the head pipe <NUM> and the down frame <NUM>. The seat <NUM> is disposed behind the leg shield <NUM>.

The foot board <NUM> is disposed between the leg shield <NUM> and the seat <NUM>. The foot board <NUM> extends rearward from the lower end of the leg shield <NUM>. The foot board <NUM> is disposed below and in front of the seat <NUM>. The foot board <NUM> has a flat shape in a right-and-left direction. However, the foot board <NUM> may include a center tunnel portion protruding upward from the middle thereof located in the right-and-left direction. The rear cover <NUM> is disposed in a rear part of the straddled vehicle <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> is disposed below the seat <NUM>. The rear cover <NUM> is disposed above the engine and the rear wheel <NUM>.

<FIG> is a view of the front part of the straddled vehicle <NUM> obliquely seen from behind. <FIG> is a rear view of the leg shield <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the leg shield <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the leg shield <NUM> includes an upper panel <NUM> and a lower panel <NUM>. The lower panel <NUM> is disposed below the upper panel <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> is a painted component. The lower panel <NUM> is an unpainted component.

<FIG> is a rear view of the upper panel <NUM>. <FIG> is a rear view of the lower panel <NUM>. <FIG> is a perspective view of the lower panel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the upper and lower panels <NUM> and <NUM> are separated from each other. As shown in <FIG>, the upper panel <NUM> includes an upper surface <NUM> and a middle recess <NUM>. The upper surface <NUM> is provided with an upper opening <NUM>. The upper opening <NUM> is opened upward. The upper opening <NUM> causes the steering shaft <NUM> described above to penetrate therethrough. The middle recess <NUM> is disposed in the middle of the leg shield <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The middle recess <NUM> extends upward from a lower end <NUM> of the upper panel <NUM>.

The upper panel <NUM> includes a middle upper portion <NUM>, a first side panel <NUM>, and a second side panel <NUM>. The middle upper portion <NUM> is disposed in the middle of the leg shield <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The middle upper portion <NUM> is disposed above the middle recess <NUM>. The middle upper portion <NUM> is shaped to protrude further rearward than the first side and second side panels <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first side panel <NUM> is disposed laterally on one side of the middle recess <NUM>. The second side panel <NUM> is disposed laterally on the other side of the middle recess <NUM>. The middle recess <NUM> is disposed between the first side and second side panels <NUM> and <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. In the present embodiment, the first side panel <NUM> is disposed on the right of the middle recess <NUM>, whereas the second side panel <NUM> is disposed on the left of the middle recess <NUM>. However, the positions of the first side and second side panels <NUM> and <NUM> may be bilaterally reversed to those herein configured.

The upper panel <NUM> includes a key opening <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a key switch <NUM> is disposed in the key opening <NUM>. The key switch <NUM> is operated to start and stop the power unit <NUM>. The key opening <NUM> is provided in the first side panel <NUM>. The key opening <NUM> is disposed lateral to the middle upper portion <NUM>.

The upper panel <NUM> includes a pocket portion <NUM> for accommodating an item. The pocket portion <NUM> is provided in the first side panel <NUM>. The pocket portion <NUM> is disposed below the key switch <NUM>. The pocket portion <NUM> is disposed lateral to the middle recess <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the pocket portion <NUM> includes a first opening <NUM> and a sidewall <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> is disposed below the key opening <NUM>. The first opening <NUM> is obliquely opened rearward and upward. The sidewall <NUM> protrudes from the first side panel <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> extends downward from the first opening <NUM>.

The upper panel <NUM> includes a trunk <NUM> for accommodating an item. The trunk <NUM> is disposed on the opposite side of the pocket portion <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The trunk <NUM> is provided in the second side panel <NUM>. The trunk <NUM> includes a second opening <NUM> and a lid portion <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> is opened rearward. The lid portion <NUM> opens and closes the second opening <NUM>. In a vehicle rear view, the second opening <NUM> is located at least in part at an identical height to the middle recess <NUM>. In the vehicle rear view, the second opening <NUM> is located at least in part at an identical height to the key opening <NUM>. In the vehicle rear view, the second opening <NUM> is located at least in part at an identical height to the first opening <NUM>.

A trunk case <NUM> shown in <FIG> is disposed in the second opening <NUM>. The trunk case <NUM> is disposed inside the lid portion <NUM>. The trunk case <NUM> is attached to the upper panel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the upper panel <NUM> includes bolt holes <NUM> to <NUM> disposed in the surroundings of the second opening <NUM>. The trunk case <NUM> is fixed to the upper panel <NUM> by bolts inserted through the bolt holes <NUM> to <NUM>.

The lower panel <NUM> is a panel integrally formed as a single component. The lower panel <NUM> includes a bottom panel portion <NUM> and an extending portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the bottom panel portion <NUM> is connected to the foot board <NUM>. The bottom panel portion <NUM> includes a middle bottom portion <NUM>, a first bottom panel <NUM>, and a second bottom panel <NUM>. The middle bottom portion <NUM> is disposed in the middle of the leg shield <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The middle bottom portion <NUM> protrudes further rearward than the first and second bottom panels <NUM> and <NUM>.

The first bottom panel <NUM> is disposed laterally on one side of the middle bottom portion <NUM>. The second bottom panel <NUM> is disposed laterally on the other side of the middle bottom portion <NUM>. The middle bottom portion <NUM> is disposed between the first and second bottom panels <NUM> and <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. In the present embodiment, the first bottom panel <NUM> is disposed on the right of the middle bottom portion <NUM>, whereas the second bottom panel <NUM> is disposed on the left of the middle bottom portion <NUM>. However, the positions of the first and second bottom panels <NUM> and <NUM> may be bilaterally reversed to those herein configured. The first bottom panel <NUM> is disposed below the first side panel <NUM>. The second bottom panel <NUM> is disposed below the second side panel <NUM>.

The lower panel <NUM> includes a first inner panel <NUM> and a second inner panel <NUM>. The first and second inner panels <NUM> and <NUM> are disposed inside the upper panel <NUM>. The first and second inner panels <NUM> and <NUM> overlap with the upper panel <NUM> in the vehicle rear view. The first inner panel <NUM> is disposed above the first bottom panel <NUM>. The first inner panel <NUM> is connected to the first bottom panel <NUM>. The first inner panel <NUM> is disposed inside the first side panel <NUM>. The first inner panel <NUM> overlaps with the first side panel <NUM> in the vehicle rear view. The second inner panel <NUM> is disposed above the second bottom panel <NUM>. The second inner panel <NUM> is connected to the second bottom panel <NUM>. The second inner panel <NUM> is disposed inside the second side panel <NUM>. The second inner panel <NUM> overlaps with the second side panel <NUM> in the vehicle rear view.

The lower panel <NUM> includes an inner case <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> is disposed inside the upper panel <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the inner case <NUM> is disposed in the pocket portion <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> is disposed in the first opening <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> is shaped to be recessed rearward. The inner case <NUM> is disposed on the right of the extending portion <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> is integrated with the extending portion <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> is disposed above the first inner panel <NUM>. The inner case <NUM> is integrated with the first inner panel <NUM>.

The lower panel <NUM> includes a hinge portion <NUM>. The hinge portion <NUM> is disposed in the trunk <NUM> and supports the lid portion <NUM> so as to make the lid portion <NUM> rotatable. The hinge portion <NUM> is disposed on the left of the extending portion <NUM>. The hinge portion <NUM> is disposed above the second inner panel <NUM>. The hinge portion <NUM> is disposed away from the second inner panel <NUM>. The hinge portion <NUM> is integrated with the extending portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII in <FIG>. As shown in <FIG>, the lid portion <NUM> includes a lid body <NUM>, an arm <NUM>, and a rotational shaft <NUM>. The arm <NUM> is connected to the lid body <NUM>. The rotational shaft <NUM> is connected to the arm <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> includes a lid support portion <NUM>. The lid support portion <NUM> is provided on the inner surface of the upper panel <NUM>. The lid support portion <NUM> includes a recess <NUM>. The rotational shaft <NUM> of the lid portion <NUM> is disposed in the recess <NUM>. The hinge portion <NUM> contacts with the lid support portion <NUM> from behind so as to close the recess <NUM>. The rotational shaft <NUM> is rotatably held between the hinge portion <NUM> and the lid support portion <NUM>.

The extending portion <NUM> is integrated with the bottom panel portion <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is provided in the middle of the leg shield <NUM> so as to extend in the up-and-down direction. The extending portion <NUM> is shaped to protrude rearward. The extending portion <NUM> is connected to the middle bottom portion <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is integrated with the middle bottom portion <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is disposed below the middle upper portion <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is separated from the middle upper portion <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is disposed between the middle upper portion <NUM> and the middle bottom portion <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is disposed to be flush with the middle upper portion <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is disposed to be flush with the middle bottom portion <NUM>.

The extending portion <NUM> extends from the bottom panel portion <NUM> further upward than the lower end <NUM> of the upper panel <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is disposed in the middle recess <NUM>. The extending portion <NUM> is disposed between the first side and second side panels <NUM> and <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The first side panel <NUM> is disposed on the right of the extending portion <NUM>. The second side panel <NUM> is disposed on the left of the extending portion <NUM>.

The extending portion <NUM> is disposed between the first and second openings <NUM> and <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The first opening <NUM> is disposed on the right of the extending portion <NUM>. The second opening <NUM> is disposed on the left of the extending portion <NUM>. An upper end <NUM> of the extending portion <NUM> is located on an upper side than the first opening <NUM>. The upper end <NUM> of the extending portion <NUM> is located at an identical height to part of the second opening <NUM>.

The extending portion <NUM> is smaller than the first side panel <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The extending portion <NUM> is smaller than the second side panel <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The extending portion <NUM> is smaller than the bottom panel portion <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The extending portion <NUM> is smaller than the first bottom panel <NUM> in the right-and-left direction. The extending portion <NUM> is smaller than the second bottom panel <NUM> in the right-and-left direction.

The extending portion <NUM> includes a hook mount portion <NUM>. The hook mount portion <NUM> is provided in an upper part of the extending portion <NUM>. The hook mount portion <NUM> is shaped to be recessed forward. The hook mount portion <NUM> is shaped to be elongated in the up-and-down direction. The leg shield <NUM> is provided with a loading hook <NUM>. The loading hook <NUM> is disposed on the extending portion <NUM>. The loading hook <NUM> is disposed in the hook mount portion <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view of <FIG> taken along line IX-IX. As shown in <FIG>, the loading hook <NUM> is fixed to the head pipe <NUM> through the extending portion <NUM>. The loading hook <NUM> includes a first hook portion <NUM>, a second hook portion <NUM>, and an intermediate portion <NUM>. The first hook portion <NUM> is bent forward from the lower end of the intermediate portion <NUM>. The first hook portion <NUM> has an upwardly curved shape. The first hook portion <NUM> is a portion on which an item is hooked. The second hook portion <NUM> is bent forward from the upper end of the intermediate portion <NUM>. The second hook portion <NUM> has a downwardly curved shape. The second hook portion <NUM> is a portion to which a retaining member <NUM> is attached. The retaining member <NUM> is locked to the first hook portion <NUM> so as to prevent the item from coming off from the loading hook <NUM>.

The intermediate portion <NUM> is disposed between the first and second hook portions <NUM> and <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> is shaped straight along a bottom surface <NUM> of the hook mount portion <NUM>. The intermediate portion <NUM> includes a bolt hole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the extending portion <NUM> includes a hook hole <NUM>. The hook hole <NUM> is provided in the hook mount portion <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, a hook connecting portion <NUM> is fixed to the head pipe <NUM>. The loading hook <NUM> is fixed to the hook connecting portion <NUM> by a bolt <NUM> inserted through the bolt hole <NUM> and the hook hole <NUM>.

The loading hook <NUM> includes a first protrusion <NUM> and a second protrusion <NUM>. The first and second protrusions <NUM> and <NUM> protrude from the intermediate portion <NUM>. The first protrusion <NUM> is disposed above the bolt hole <NUM>. The second protrusion <NUM> is disposed below the bolt hole <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the extending portion <NUM> includes a first lock hole <NUM> and a second lock hole <NUM>. The first and second lock holes <NUM> and <NUM> are provided in the hook mount portion <NUM>. The first protrusion <NUM> is disposed in the first lock hole <NUM>. The second protrusion <NUM> is disposed in the second lock hole <NUM>. Accordingly, the loading hook <NUM> is prevented from rotating.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper panel <NUM> includes a plurality of bolt holes <NUM> to <NUM>. The bolt holes <NUM> to <NUM> are provided in the upper surface <NUM>. The bolt hole <NUM> is provided in the first side panel <NUM>. The bolt hole <NUM> is provided in the second side panel <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> is fixed to the front cover <NUM> by bolts inserted through the bolt holes <NUM> to <NUM> herein described.

The lower panel <NUM> includes a plurality of bolt holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The bolt hole <NUM> is provided in the first bottom panel <NUM>. The bolt hole <NUM> is provided in the second bottom panel <NUM>. The lower panel <NUM> is fixed to the front cover <NUM> by bolts inserted through the bolt holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The lower panel <NUM> includes a plurality of bolt holes <NUM> and <NUM>. The bolt hole <NUM> is provided in the first bottom panel <NUM>. The bolt hole <NUM> is provided in the second bottom panel <NUM>. The lower panel <NUM> is fixed to the foot board <NUM> by bolts inserted through the bolt holes <NUM> and <NUM> herein described.

As shown in <FIG>, the lower panel <NUM> includes a plurality of bolt holes <NUM> to <NUM>. The bolt hole <NUM> is provided in the extending portion <NUM>. The bolt holes <NUM> and <NUM> are provided in the first inner panel <NUM>. The bolt holes <NUM> and <NUM> are provided in the second inner panel <NUM>. The bolt holes <NUM> and <NUM> are provided in the inner case <NUM>. The bolt holes <NUM> and <NUM> are provided in the hinge portion <NUM>. The upper panel <NUM> is fixed to the lower panel <NUM> by bolts inserted through the bolt holes <NUM> to <NUM> herein described.

The lower panel <NUM> includes a plurality of first lock holes <NUM>, a plurality of second lock holes <NUM>, and a plurality of third lock holes <NUM>. The first lock holes <NUM> and the second lock holes <NUM> are disposed along the extending portion <NUM>. The first lock holes <NUM> are disposed along the right edge of the extending portion <NUM>. The second lock holes <NUM> are disposed along the left edge of the extending portion <NUM>. The third lock holes <NUM> are provided in the inner case <NUM>.

It should be noted that in the drawings, reference numeral <NUM> is assigned to only part of the plural first lock holes <NUM> without being assigned to the others of the first lock holes <NUM>. In the drawings, reference numeral <NUM> is assigned to only part of the plural second lock holes <NUM> without being assigned to the others of the second lock holes <NUM>. In the drawing, reference numeral <NUM> is assigned to only part of the plural third lock holes <NUM> without being assigned to the others of the third lock holes <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the upper panel <NUM> includes a plurality of first lock protrusions <NUM>, a plurality of second lock protrusions <NUM>, and a plurality of third lock protrusions <NUM>. The plural first lock protrusions <NUM>, the plural second lock protrusions <NUM>, and the plural third lock protrusions <NUM> protrude from the inner surface of the upper panel <NUM>. The lock protrusions <NUM> to <NUM> are locked to the lock holes <NUM> to <NUM>, respectively, whereby the upper panel <NUM> is fixed to the lower panel <NUM>.

It should be noted that in the drawing, reference numeral <NUM> is assigned to only part of the plural first lock protrusions <NUM> without being assigned to the others of the first lock protrusions <NUM>. In the drawing, reference numeral <NUM> is assigned to only part of the plural second lock protrusions <NUM> without being assigned to the others of the second lock protrusions <NUM>. In the drawing, reference numeral <NUM> is assigned to only part of the plural third lock protrusions <NUM> without being assigned to the others of the third lock protrusions <NUM>.

In the straddled vehicle <NUM> according to the present embodiment, the extending portion <NUM>, on which the loading hook <NUM> is disposed, is integrated with the bottom panel portion <NUM>. Because of this, the load applied by an item hooked on the loading hook <NUM> is supported by the bottom panel portion <NUM> through the extending portion <NUM>. Accordingly, the leg shield <NUM> is enhanced in strength for supporting the item. Besides, the extending portion <NUM> is fixed to the head pipe <NUM> through the loading hook <NUM>. Because of this, the leg shield <NUM> can be inhibited from being made complicated in structure, while the lower panel <NUM> is enhanced in stiffness.

The straddled vehicle <NUM> is not limited to the scooter, and alternatively, may be another type of vehicle such as a moped. The embodiment is limited by the features of the appended claims. The structure of the leg shield <NUM> is not limited to that in the embodiment described above and may be changed. The structure of the upper panel <NUM> is not limited to that in the embodiment described above and may be changed. For example, the upper panel <NUM> may be composed of a plurality of panels separated from each other.

The structure of the lower panel <NUM> is not limited to that in the embodiment described above and may be changed. For example, the extending portion <NUM> may have another shape such as a triangular shape. The inner case <NUM> may be separated from the lower panel <NUM>. The hinge portion <NUM> may be separated from the lower panel <NUM>. The pocket portion <NUM> may be omitted. The trunk <NUM> may be omitted.

The loading hook <NUM> may be fixed to a component of the vehicle body frame <NUM> other than the head pipe <NUM>. For example, the loading hook <NUM> may be fixed to the down frame <NUM>. The loading hook <NUM> may be fixed to a stay attached to either the head pipe <NUM> or another component of the vehicle body frame <NUM>. The structure of the loading hook <NUM> is not limited to that in the embodiment described above and may be changed. For example, the second hook portion <NUM> may be omitted. The retaining member <NUM> may be omitted.

Claim 1:
A straddled vehicle (<NUM>) comprising:
a vehicle body frame (<NUM>) including a head pipe (<NUM>) and a down frame (<NUM>) extending downward from the head pipe (<NUM>) with regard to an up-and-down direction of the vehicle;
a leg shield (<NUM>) disposed behind the head pipe (<NUM>) and the down frame (<NUM>) with regard to a front-and-rear direction of the vehicle; and
a loading hook (<NUM>) disposed on the leg shield (<NUM>), wherein
the leg shield (<NUM>) includes
an upper panel (<NUM>), and
a lower panel (<NUM>) disposed below the upper panel (<NUM>) with regard to the up-and-down direction of the vehicle, the lower panel (<NUM>) is separated from the upper panel (<NUM>),
the lower panel (<NUM>) includes
a bottom panel portion (<NUM>), and
an extending portion (<NUM>) integrated with the bottom panel portion (<NUM>), the extending portion (<NUM>) is extending from the bottom panel portion (<NUM>) to an upper side than a lower end of the upper panel (<NUM>) with regard to the up-and-down direction of the vehicle, and
the loading hook (<NUM>) is fixed to the vehicle body frame (<NUM>) through the extending portion (<NUM>), characterized in that
the upper panel (<NUM>) includes a pocket portion (<NUM>), the pocket portion (<NUM>) including a first opening (<NUM>), the first opening (<NUM>) disposed lateral to the extending portion (<NUM>) with regard to a right-and-left direction of the vehicle,
the straddled vehicle (<NUM>) further comprises an inner case (<NUM>) disposed inside the upper panel (<NUM>), the inner case (<NUM>) is disposed in the pocket portion (<NUM>), and
the inner case (<NUM>) is connected to the lower panel (<NUM>).