FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates broadly to a motorcycle.

BACKGROUND Traffic congestion in densely populated city and urban areas has been an ongoing and increasing problem in today's world. In addition to the great inconvenience caused by delays resulting from traffic congestion, and associated increase in travel time, more recently the environmental "side-effects" of such traffic congestion have been more fully realized. For example, the increased amount of C0 ₂ that is being produced by cars in a stop-and-go traffic environment has been identified as a major contributor to the problem associated with the diminishing Ozone layer in the atmosphere.

In practice, it has been recognized that many cars that contribute to the traffic congestion problem often carry only the rider and typically one passenger, which amounts to a very inefficient use of transport capacity per vehicle. Also, the vehicles contributing to the traffic congestion are becoming more spacious, and exhibit higher fuel consumption, due to the increased popularity of SUV's, people movers, and four wheel drives. During the working week, notwithstanding the capacity of those vehicles, again most cars would be used by only the rider and typically one passenger during the daily commute to and from the work place, for example.

In an effort to tackle traffic congestion and associated pollution, some city councils have introduced measures to encourage formation of car pools, such as introduction of car pool lanes for vehicles carrying two or more passengers. However, as with every regulated attempt, this relies heavily on the cooperation of the public, who often see such measures as an inconvenience. Indeed, in a paradox development, in some cities it has become a practice for persons to "offer" themselves as passengers during the ride into the city or urban areas for a small fee, thus enabling the rider to use the car pool lanes. This can lead to such measures being entirely fruitless in addressing the problems associated with traffic congestion.

In another development resulting from traffic congestion, motorcycle taxi services have come into existence, in particular in major Asian cities where the number of motorcycles registered in city and urban areas is comparatively large. However, such services do not offer an alternative for a large cross-section of users. For example persons going to or from business meetings would not typically avail themselves of motorcycle taxi services, due to the associated inconvenience of using the same. Those inconveniences include the generally uncomfortable seating arrangement for a pillion passenger on a motorcycle as a result of the single joint seats for riders and pillion passengers on most motorcycles, the exposure to the weather, pollution, and noise, the lack of storage space for briefcases, laptop cases etc., and a general lack of security for the pillion passenger.

While certain motorcycle manufacturers have started to address the issue of providing covers for motorcycles, such efforts have been focused on providing shelter for the rider, which does not address the problem associated with maximizing use of motorcycles for one rider and one passenger, e.g. as motorcycle taxis, to in turn address the above-mentioned traffic congestion problem.

A need therefore exists to provide a motorcycle that seeks to address at least one of the above-mentioned problems. SUMMARY

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a motorcycle comprising a rider seat; at least a first single pillion passenger seat, the rider and first passenger seats being disposed substantially along a longitudinal axis of the motorcycle; and a partition element disposed between the rider and first passenger seat extending from at least a seat level of first passenger seat to substantially a head level of a first pillion passenger.

The partition may extend from substantially a feet level to substantially the head level of the first pillion passenger. The motorcycle may further comprise a roof element connected to the partition element and extending rearward above the head level of the first pillion passenger. The motorcycle may further comprise a rear cover connected to the roof element and extending downward to at least the seat level of the first passenger seat.

The motorcycle may further comprise a second single pillion passenger seat disposed along the longitudinal axis of the motorcycle and rearwards from said first passenger seat, and wherein the roof element extends rearward above the head level of the first pillion passenger and a second pillion passenger, and the rear cover extends downward to at least the seat level of the second passenger seat. The motorcycle may further comprise door structures disposed on either side of at least the first passenger seat. ^" · ^{' '}

The motorcycle may further comprise a stabilizer structure arranged for supporting the motorcycle when slowing down and/or stopped.

The stabilizer structure may comprise a stand element and one or more wheels.

The wheels may be configured for use during slow down of the motorcycle.

The stand may be configured for use during stand-still of the motorcycle.

Two stabilizer structures may be provided on either side of the motorcycle. The motorcycle may further comprise an air-conditioning unit for at least the first pillion passenger.

The motorcycle may further comprise one or more airbags for at least the first pillion passenger.

The motorcycle may further comprise a solar panel for providing power to components of the motorcycle. The motorcycle may further comprise a storage compartment disposed behind at least the first passenger seat. The motorcycle may further comprise an engine cover for an engine of the motorcycle.

The motorcycle may further comprise a side protection structure for the rider. The passenger seats and/or the rider seat may comprise a leg space extending from one side of the motorcycle to the other side.

The passenger seats may comprise a child seat extendable into a portion of the leg space.

The child seat may comprise a safety belt.

The passenger seats and/or the rider seat may comprise safety belts. The motorcycle may further comprise one or more crash guards positioned at one or more of a group of the front of the motorcycle, the rear of the motorcycle, a side bottom of the motorcycle, and a side top of the motorcycle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention will be. better understood and readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from the following written description, by way of example only, and in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

Figures 1a) and b) show respective schematic drawings of a motorcycle 100 according to an example embodiment.

Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a first modification of the motorcycle of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of a second modification of the motorcycle of Figure 1 .

Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of a third modification of the motorcycle of Figure 1. Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of a fourth modification of the motorcycle of Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The example embodiments described provide motorcycles with a dedicated pillion passenger compartment or cabin for providing shelter, privacy and security specifically for the pillion passenger. The described example embodiments advantageously provide a viable travel alternative in cities and urban areas for persons travelling by themselves but without driving their own vehicle. Compared to conventional taxi cars, the example embodiments described can additionally take advantage of the higher travel speed that is typically available for motorcycles in city and urban areas while substantially not compromising on comfort and protection. Furthermore, the example embodiments may contribute to reducing the number of cars present in city and urban areas, and thus contribute to reduce traffic congestion and associated delays and environmental problems.

The motorcycle in one embodiment comprises a rider seat; at least a first single pillion passenger seat, the rider and first passenger seats being disposed substantially along a longitudinal axis of the motorcycle; and a partition element disposed between the rider and first passenger seat extending from at least a seat level of first passenger seat to substantially a head level of a first pillion passenger. Preferably, the partition extends from substantially a feet level to substantially the head level of the first pillion passenger.

Figures 1a) and b) show respective drawings of a motorcycle 100 according to an example embodiment. The motorcycle 100 comprises a dedicated passenger cabin 102, formed by provision of a partition or cover 104 located between the rider's seat 106 and a pillion passenger seat 108. In this embodiment, the partition 104 is connected to, and partially supports an integral roof and back cover 10, and together the partition 104 and roof and back cover 110 form a substantially continuous cover for the pillion passenger cabin 102. The rider's seat 106 and a pillion passenger seat 108 are disposed substantially along a longitudinal axis of the motorcycle 100.

The partition 104 between rider / pillion passenger can be manufactured using FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) material, moulded plastic or phenolic plastic of suitable thickness. Stamp sheet metal can be used as an alternate, and composite material can be used for better strength and safety. A sliding glass 132 between rider and pillion passenger in the partition 104 can be used for communication between the pillion passenger and rider. The roof and back cover 1 0 can be manufactured using FRP material, moulded plastic or phenolic plastic of suitable thickness. Stamp sheet metal can be used as an alternate, or a composite material can be used for better strength and safety.

The chassis 130 can be made from square and round shape steel 4130 or equivalent material to be used for fabricating the chassis, or any other strong material as understood in the art.

The pillion passenger seat 108 is mounted and supported above a rear wheel cover 1 2 in such a way so as to allow a pillion passenger to enter the compartment 102 and rest on the seat 108 with ease compared to traditional single joint seats for rider and pillion passenger. In that regard, leg space e.g. 146 extending from one side of the motorcycle 100 to the other side is provided. The engine 1 4 coupled to the rear wheel 116, as understood by a person skilled in the art and not described in any detailed herein, is located behind the passenger seat 108. In the example embodiment, the passenger seat 08 is fitted with a seat belt 116 and is configured as a pushback rest seat for improved passenger comfort. Also in this embodiment, a retractable child seat 118 is provided, together with an additional child seat belt 129. Figure 1a) shows the child seat 18 in the retracted position, and Figure 1b) shows the child seat 118 in the extended position into the leg space 146.

The pillion passenger's seat 108 and rider's seat 106 can be a standard seating or custom designed, preferably with a push back mechanism for backrest for additional comfort, and including a seat support plate that can be made from a formed stamped metal CRCA (cold rolled cold annealed) metal or mild steel, plated or painted. The seat plate can be mounted on a spring cushioned platform 1 9. An air cushion suspension can be used as an alternative. A headrest and armrest (not shown) can also be provided. The seats 108, 106 can be adjusted for height and adjusted for front and back movement depending on height and size of the rider or pillion passenger. The safety or seat belt 116, 117 for the pillion passenger(s) and rider is preferably provided and can be in the form of a standard snap and hook safety belt mechanism, as understood in the art, provided for additional safety. Materials used can e.g. be leather, plastic, jute or any other suitable strong fibre. The extended leg space 146 cover for the pillion passenger can be made from FRP, moulded plastic or stamped sheet metal.

The child seat 118 in the form of a comfortable cushioned seat which can slide under the pillion passenger seat 108 using a retractable rail, or which can be folded under the pillion passenger's leg when not in use, can be provided. A seatbelt 129 can also be provided as an additional safety feature for the child seat 118. A back rest (not shown) can be attached with a hook and hole mechanism understood in the art. The seat belt 129 for the child can be a standard snap and hook mechanism safety belt provided for additional safely. The materials used can e.g. be leather, plastic, jute or any other suitable strong fibre.

Returning to Figure 1a), a luggage compartment 122 is provided within the passenger compartment 102 and behind the passenger seat 108, including hinged doors e.g. 124. The luggage compartment 122 is provided on the rear side of the motorcycle 100, and including doors with locks provided for security, as understood in the art. The doors can be configured for opening from the left or right side and can be made from FRP (fiber reinforced plastic) material, moulded plastic or stamped sheet metal. A solar panel 26 is mounted on the roof portion of the integral roof and back cover 110 for provision of power. Power generated from the solar panel 126 may be used in a number of ways, including for example providing charging power for a solar powered or hybrid engine configuration. Furthermore, power generated from the solar panel 126 may be used to power auxiliary devices such as a fan or air conditioning unit for the passenger cabin 102, an intercom and/or entertainment system etc.

In this example embodiment, the rider compartment 125 includes the rider seat 06, also configured so that the rider can enter the rider compartment 125 and rest on the rider seat 106 with ease compared to a single joint seat for rider and pillion passenger. Recesses e.g. 128 are formed in a bottom chassis 130 of the motorcycle 100, to facilitate use of the rider's leg(s) for balancing the motorcycle 100 when stopped. The rider seat 106 is also fitted with a seat belt in this example embodiment. A transparent panel or window 132 is formed in the partition wall 104 to enable visual contact between the rider compartment 125 and the passenger cabin 102. Figure 1b) shows a stabilizer structure in the form of a stand 134 and wheels 136 in respective fold-out or activated positions. In this embodiment, when the motorcycle 100. is about to stop, for example when approaching a red light or a destination, the wheels 136 can be activated by a lever, button or foot switch (not shown) by the rider to lower the wheels 136 for providing additional support/stability as the motorcycle 100 slows down. The lowering of the wheels 136 can be by a mechanical, pneumatic or hydraulic mechanism (not shown), as understood in the art. The wheels 136 can be machined or moulded from nylon 66 or delrin plastic material, and are mounted or housed using a ball bearing or a bush bearing, as understood in the art. The stand 134 in this embodiment can be separately operated by the rider, again by a lever, button or foot switch (not shown), when the motorcycle 100 has come to a complete stop. It will be appreciated that when stopping at e.g. a red light, the stand 134 may not always be operated, depending on the stopping time. Mild steel material or CRCA metal can be used in the fabrication of the stand 134. In this embodiment, once the rider wishes to proceed, the stand is retracted using e.g the lever, button or foot switch. Furthermore, in this embodimen the wheels 136 are automatically retracted once the motorcycle reaches a pre-determined speed, e.g. 0km/h, or may be manually retracted using e.g the lever, button or foot switch. It will be appreciated that various different manual and/or automatic operation modes may be implemented in relation to the activation and retraction of the stand 134 and wheels 136, in different embodiments. A set of stand 34 ¾nd wheels 136 is provided on each side of the motorcycle 100 in this embodiment.

As seen in Figure 1b), airbags 127 can be provided for the pillion passengers' safety. Standard airbags, as understood in the art, can be provided either from the front and/or from the sides of the passengers (in modification with sidewalls described below e.g. with reference to Figure 3) and /or also for the rider.

Figure 2 shows a first modification of the motorcycle 100', more specifically the inclusion of a rider cover 200. In this example embodiment, the rider cover 200 is transparent along its entire length, but it will be appreciated that in different embodiments the rider cover may be transparent only at the front windshield portion 202 thereof. A windscreen wiper 204 is also provided. For the rider's cover 200, the front side of the rider can be covered using tuff glass of standard automobile grade, or PMMA acrylic plastic can be used an alternative. A side protective structure for the rider, e.g. in the form of a short deployable cover e.g. 206 on the sides for the rider, can be provided and made from a standard plastic or any soft and foldable, water- proof material. The protective side cover 206 can be folded into a rider compartment when not in use, as ^' shown in this embodiment, or released with a suitable mechanism as would be understood in the art, when required in order to protect from rain, wind or sun. The protective side cover can be made from a single transparent material to be used when it rains or attached with an opaque material to be used to protect from sun glare.

Figure 3 shows a further modification of the motorcycle 100", more particular the inclusion of sidewalls e.g. 300 around the pillion passenger cabin 102. The sidewalls e.g. 300 comprise door portions e.g. 302 for allowing access to and from the pillion passenger cabin 102 from either side. In this embodiment, an upper portion e.g. 304 of the door portions 302 is made from a transparent material.

The sidewalls e.g. 300 further include engine access doors e.g. 306. Similarly, an engine access door 308 is provided at the rear portion of the integral roof and back cover 1 10.

The pillion passenger's side doors 302 can e.g. be made of three parts, 1) a tinted tuff glass (standard automotive grade), PVB (poly venyl butyral) glass, high impact acrylic plastic or reinforced plastic window with pivoted frame and a locking mechanism, 2) a fixed tinted tuff glass (standard automotive grade), PVB glass, high impact acrylic plastic or fiber reinforced plastic next to the pivoted window, 3) a fixed opaque tuff glass (standard automotive grade), stamp sheet metal or fiber reinforced plastic on the bottom. The three parts can be joined together with e.g. a metal frame which is attached with hinges, as is understood in the art. The upper portion of the doors 302 (the pivoted and upper fixed portion) can be a tinted glass or plastic in order to give additional security for the pillion passenger. Alternatively a sliding glass either vertically or horizontally can be used if required or a plastic or any other suitable roll-able or attachable material can be used. The doors can be opened either on one side or on both sides of the compartment. A child lock (not shown) can be provided as an additional safety feature. Figure 4 shows another modification of the motorcycle 100'", more particular replacement of the single rear wheel configuration (compare Figures 1 to 3), with a double wheel structure 400. As is understood in the art, motorcycles with double wheel structures at either the rear or the front have recently been introduced, to aid stabilization of motorcycles. However, it will be appreciated that such double wheel structures still provide the general small width characteristics of the motorcycle, as compared to traditional motorized or manual tricycle designs, where the rear wheels are typically configured for two passengers side by side or for extended cargo areas, which is distinct from being within the scope of a "motorcycle" in the context of the present description and claims. In the example embodiment shown in Figure 4, the double wheel structure preferably has a width of no more than about 70cm. Furthermore, it will be appreciated that in different embodiments, such double wheel structures may be provided at both the rear and the front.

Figure 5 shows another modification of the motorcycle 100"", more particular extension of the passenger cabin into two single seat passenger compartments 502, 504 disposed along the longitudinal access of the motorcycle 100"". In this embodiment, the side walls e.g. 506 include two doors 508, 510 on each side, allowing separate access to and from the passenger cabin compartments 502, 504 respectively. It will be appreciated that in different embodiments, the doors may be provided on one side of the motorcycle only. The construction of the wall structures e.g. 506 including doors 508, 510 can be the same as described above for the single passenger cabin embodiment with reference to Figure 3.

Additional example features of the motorcycles 100, 100', 100", 100"', and 100"" in embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to numerals as shown in Figure 5.

The tyres 512, 514 can be manufactured from standard silicone rubber tyre material, and can be tubeless or air filled. Mud guards 516-5 8 can be moulded from thermoplastic material preferably HIP (high impact polystyrene) or ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. The mud guards 516-518 can also be made from any metal and spray painted or powder coated in different embodiments, and can also be made from a FRP, glass filled suitably and formed by a pattern mould or rim (reaction injection moulding). The rims 519, 520 can be chromeplated, and can be with or without spikes. The rims 519, 520 can be made from sheet metal that is drawn and formed or can also be made form aluminum cast, zinc cast or any other cast material.

The front 522, indicator 524, rear and brake lights 526 can be standard lights, e.g. 35w 12v bulb for the front light. The casings of the light can be made using ABS plastic coated with nickel chrome on the reflector. Side mirrors 528, 530 including a standard mirror can be used or a custom designed mirror can be made using moulded thermo plastic casing attached with adjustable arms for better rear view. The steering handle bar 532 can be made from 20mm -25 mm standard galvanized iron pipe covered with moulded plastic ABS can be used. Front crash guards 534, side bottom e.g 536, side top e.g. 537 and rear crash guards 538 e.g. formed from 20mm - 25 mm standard round or square galvanized iron pipe with nickel chrome plating, stainless steel or aluminum pipe can be. provided can advantageously provide improved protection for passenger(s) and rider and may minimize damage and resulting repairs, e.g. in case of an accident.

The petrol tank, which is located in the rear portion of the motorcycle 100"" between the two wheels of the double wheel structure in this embodiment, can be formed from any plastic may preferably be formed from ABS plastic. Metal tanks can be used as an alternate with proper inner and outer coating and plating, as is understood in the art. A petrol cap made from moulded ABS plastic or HIP plastic.

The engine, here located within an engine cover 540 disposed underneath the first passenger seat 54 , has a minimum of 00cc class in an example embodiment. A chain cover 543 is also provided to cover the drive chain to the rear double wheel structure 545. Petrol, diesel, biofuel or gasoline can be used as fuel for the engine, but the engine can also be battery operated or solar powered or a hybrid engine. The engine can be a 2 stroke or 4 stroke engine, as is understood in the art. An engine cover 540 can be opened from the side or from the rear, with a protective fire retardant plastic casing preferably provided in case of fire in the engine, as well as to have a protective heat proof from inside to avoid transfer of heat into the passenger compartments 502, 504. A standard or premium battery can be provided for the motorcycle, as is understood in the art. Standard breaks can be provided, e.g. in the form of drum or disk breaks for the front and/or rear wheels, as is understood in the art. A parking handbrake operated through e.g. a lever provided on the bottom chassis for the rider to bend and pull the lever up, as is understood in the art, can also be provided.

With reference to Figure b), an air conditioning unit 138 can be custom designed to suit the size of the pillion passenger compartment 102 , in the form of a ½ ton air conditioning in one preferred embodiment. The air conditioning unit 138 can be powered using the battery or the solar cells. The solar panel 126 is used for mounting the solar cells, as is understood in the art, and power from the solar cells can be used for the intercom 140, air-condition 138, lights 142 etc. A fan 144 e.g. in the form of a standard ceiling fan, or custom designed to suit the space, can be provided, and can be powered by the battery or the solar cells. A standard intercom 140 can be provided for facilitating easy communication between the rider and pillion passenger. A tool kit 146 made e.g. from plastic or moulded casing, or made with sheet metal or a custom stamping can be provided. One or two hanger or hooks 148, as understood in the art, can be provided on the partition plate for the pillion passenger to hang their laptop, briefcase or handbags etc. A beauty mirror 50 for the pillion passenger can be provided as an additional feature, as well as I/O ports such as a USB port and an electrical socket 152 for computer etc. A standard fire extinguisher and a water bottle or cup holder 154, as understood in the art, can be provided for the pillion passenger and/or rider. An advertising board 120 formed from standard sheet metal, particle board, hardboard or wood mounted with bolts can be provided, e.g. at the rear of the passenger compartment 102 in this embodiment. The board 120 can be used to advertise products e.g. where employed as taxi motorcycles and can be an additional income means to the taxi riders.

Returning to Figure 5, standard available wipers 542 and mechanism understood in the art can be used for the rider cover front, or can be custom designed to suit the need, as well as a- standard steering lock. The exhaust 544 can be made from a standard pipe of from galvanized iron, stainless steel pipe or fire retardant plastic, as is understood in the art.

It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the present invention as shown in the specific embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. .