Patents by Inventor Takefumi Okubo

Takefumi Okubo has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 9834268
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle is capable of achieving miniaturization of a front cowl while ensuring a flow rate of air introduction. An opening penetrating through a longitudinal direction of a vehicle is formed below the center in a height direction of a vertically long windshield. First traveling air is passed through the opening formed in the windshield. A direction of the first traveling air is then changed by a guide member, and is moved upward along a back surface of the windshield. Excessive vacuum on the back surface of the windshield is corrected. Since an opening is formed in the windshield, it is not necessary to increase a width of the front cowl, and miniaturization of the front cowl can be achieved. Since the windshield is formed as a vertically long windshield, the opening can be formed to be vertically long, and an opening area can be ensured.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gen Tanabe, Satoshi Seo, Akihiro Komatsu, Takefumi Okubo, Masao Akieda
  • Patent number: 9714063
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl capable of improving appearance quality while suppressing enlargement of the front cowl. Recessed parts recessed rearwardly of a vehicle are formed in front cowls in positions outwardly of front members in a vehicle width direction. The introduction port is formed in the recessed part. The recessed parts are recessed rearwardly of the vehicle beyond tangents brought into contact with the front members and the front cowls. Since guide walls are arranged within a range viewed from introduction ports in a front view, such a possibility that wiring or the like in a front cowl is viewed through the introduction ports in the front view is precluded Immediately behind the introduction ports, air is guided in a desired direction by the guide walls. For this reason, a limited amount of air can be effectively utilized.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi Seo, Gen Tanabe, Akihiro Komatsu, Takefumi Okubo, Masao Akieda
  • Publication number: 20160244117
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle is capable of achieving miniaturization of a front cowl while ensuring a flow rate of air introduction. An opening penetrating through a longitudinal direction of a vehicle is formed below the center in a height direction of a vertically long windshield. First traveling air is passed through the opening formed in the windshield. A direction of the first traveling air is then changed by a guide member, and is moved upward along a back surface of the windshield. Excessive vacuum on the back surface of the windshield is corrected. Since an opening is formed in the windshield, it is not necessary to increase a width of the front cowl, and miniaturization of the front cowl can be achieved. Since the windshield is formed as a vertically long windshield, the opening can be formed to be vertically long, and an opening area can be ensured.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 25, 2016
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Gen TANABE, Satoshi SEO, Akihiro KOMATSU, Takefumi OKUBO, Masao AKIEDA
  • Publication number: 20160229475
    Abstract: A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl capable of improving appearance quality while suppressing enlargement of the front cowl. Recessed parts recessed rearwardly of a vehicle are formed in front cowls in positions outwardly of front members in a vehicle width direction. The introduction port is formed in the recessed part. The recessed parts are recessed rearwardly of the vehicle beyond tangents brought into contact with the front members and the front cowls. Since guide walls are arranged within a range viewed from introduction ports in a front view, such a possibility that wiring or the like in a front cowl is viewed through the introduction ports in the front view is precluded Immediately behind the introduction ports, air is guided in a desired direction by the guide walls. For this reason, a limited amount of air can be effectively utilized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: August 11, 2016
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Satoshi SEO, Gen TANABE, Akihiro KOMATSU, Takefumi OKUBO, Masao AKIEDA
  • Patent number: 8887851
    Abstract: A saddle-ride vehicle for reducing air resistance flowing toward the rear of the vehicle. A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl in a vehicle front part and a rear cowl provided in a vehicle rear part. The rear cowl is provided with a bulging part protruding to the left and right in a vehicle widthwise direction. In addition, the bulging part protrudes outward of the rear edges of the front cowl in the vehicle widthwise direction. Further, side surfaces of the bulging part are each formed in a curved shape which bulges toward an outside of the vehicle in a plan view of the vehicle. Furthermore, a peak part which is located at an outermost edge of the side surface in the vehicle widthwise direction is located at a position closer to the front of the vehicle within a length of the bulging part in a vehicle front-rear direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takefumi Okubo, Atsushi Takasaki
  • Patent number: 8517449
    Abstract: A motorcycle cowl structure for suppressing a flow of air flowing toward a rider and a pillion passenger when the rider travels alone or when a pillion passenger is mounted on the same vehicle. A flow of air flowing toward a rider sitting on a rider seat and a pillion passenger sitting on a pillion passenger seat is suppressed by the cowl structure that includes left and right cowl main body portions for preventing the flow of air from hitting the knee portions, thighs, waist and flanks of the rider. Left and right movable cowl portions are provided on the respective left and right cowl main body portions so as to be movable vehicle-widthwise and opened to prevent flow of air from hitting the pillion passenger. The opening and closing of the movable cowl portions can suppress flow of air flowing toward the rider and the pillion passenger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takefumi Okubo
  • Patent number: 8512109
    Abstract: The effect of a windshield for a saddle-type vehicle such as a low-slung type of motorcycle or three-wheeled vehicle is enhanced, and pressure is sufficiently adjusted in an open space at the back of the windshield using an inventive windshield system. The vehicle includes a leg shield in front of legs of a rider, and a step space rearward of the leg shield. The windshield system includes a windshield which is provided with an air outlet that opens upward. An air inlet provided at the front of the vehicle communicates with the air outlet other through a duct, and the air outlet opens to the upper center of the windshield. Pressure adjusting outlets, for adjusting pressure in a space around the rider by blowing air toward the step space, are provided separately from the air outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukiya Ueda, Haruomi Sugita, Yukinori Kurakawa, Hiroyuki Ozawa, Takefumi Okubo
  • Publication number: 20130075184
    Abstract: A saddle-ride vehicle for reducing air resistance flowing toward the rear of the vehicle. A saddle-ride type vehicle includes a front cowl in a vehicle front part and a rear cowl provided in a vehicle rear part. The rear cowl is provided with a bulging part protruding to the left and right in a vehicle widthwise direction. In addition, the bulging part protrudes outward of the rear edges of the front cowl in the vehicle widthwise direction. Further, side surfaces of the bulging part are each formed in a curved shape which bulges toward an outside of the vehicle in a plan view of the vehicle. Furthermore, a peak part which is located at an outermost edge of the side surface in the vehicle widthwise direction is located at a position closer to the front of the vehicle within a length of the bulging part in a vehicle front-rear direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Takefumi Okubo, Atsushi Takasaki
  • Patent number: 8123273
    Abstract: A screen for a vehicle which allows air flow to flow appropriately along a rear face of a wind screen having an adjustable inclination angle. A baffle plate inclined toward the rear direction of a vehicle body is provided between a cowling which covers a front upper portion of the vehicle body and a movable wind screen. The inclination angle of the baffle plate can be adjusted so that air flow from between the cowling and the movable wind screen flows along a rear face of the movable wind screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruka Tsuda, Takefumi Okubo
  • Publication number: 20110233956
    Abstract: A motorcycle cowl structure for suppressing a flow of air flowing toward a rider and a pillion passenger when the rider travels alone or when a pillion passenger is mounted on the same vehicle. A flow of air flowing toward a rider sitting on a rider seat and a pillion passenger sitting on a pillion passenger seat is suppressed by the cowl structure that includes left and right cowl main body portions for preventing the flow of air from hitting the knee portions, thighs, waist and flanks of the rider. Left and right movable cowl portions are provided on the respective left and right cowl main body portions so as to be movable vehicle-widthwise and opened to prevent flow of air from hitting the pillion passenger. The opening and closing of the movable cowl portions can suppress flow of air flowing toward the rider and the pillion passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventor: Takefumi OKUBO
  • Patent number: 7878571
    Abstract: A windshield device for a motorcycle includes a front cowl located at a front side of the vehicle body to cover a vehicle body; a windscreen disposed at an upper part of the front cowl so as to be vertically movable; an air introducing port for introduction of air from the front side being formed between a lower end of the windscreen and a front surface of the front cowl; and an air guide for guiding the air introduced through the air introducing port to flow rearwards along a rear surface of the windscreen, wherein the air guide is firmly attached to the rear surface of the windscreen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Misaki, Takefumi Okubo, Hiroshi Tatsumi, Kenji Tako, Kanji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7686369
    Abstract: A windshield device provided at a front part of a vehicle body of a saddle ride type vehicle includes an air introduction port provided at a front part of the windshield device and opened toward the front side of the vehicle body. An air blow-off port is provided at an upper part of the windshield device and is opened toward the upper side. An air duct establishing communication between the air introduction port and the air blow-off port through an air passage extends rearwardly upwards. A straightening vane extends sideways in the air passage and is inclined rearwardly upwards so as to be along the air passage. In side view of the vehicle, a first straight line connecting both ends of the straightening vane is disposed at an obtuse angle in relation to a second straight line that is orthogonal to a steering axis and extends to a grounding point of a rear wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Matsuo, Emi Shida, Takefumi Okubo
  • Publication number: 20090195011
    Abstract: A screen for a vehicle which allows air flow to flow appropriately along a rear face of a wind screen having an adjustable inclination angle. A baffle plate inclined toward the rear direction of a vehicle body is provided between a cowling which covers a front upper portion of the vehicle body and a movable wind screen. The inclination angle of the baffle plate can be adjusted so that air flow from between the cowling and the movable wind screen flows along a rear face of the movable wind screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventors: Haruka TSUDA, Takefumi Okubo
  • Publication number: 20090189413
    Abstract: A windshield device for a motorcycle includes a front cowl located at a front side of the vehicle body to cover a vehicle body; a windscreen disposed at an upper part of the front cowl so as to be vertically movable; an air introducing port for introduction of air from the front side being formed between a lower end of the windscreen and a front surface of the front cowl; and an air guide for guiding the air introduced through the air introducing port to flow rearwards along a rear surface of the windscreen, wherein the air guide is firmly attached to the rear surface of the windscreen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventors: Kenichi Misaki, Takefumi Okubo, Hiroshi Tatsumi, Kenji Tako, Kanji Hayashi
  • Patent number: 7448461
    Abstract: To provide a cowl structure for a vehicle for improving the appearance of the vehicle without increasing the weight of the vehicle and also for enhancing the operational stability. In a cowl structure for a vehicle which includes a front cowl for covering a front portion of a vehicle body, a radiator is positioned in front of the cylinder heads of the engine. A radiator cover is provided for covering the radiator ranging from side surfaces to a lower end of the radiator. Bulging portions are provided for bulging from a front portion to a rear portion of the radiator cover and being formed in a direction to be rearwardly and upwardly oblique in a side view of the vehicle. The bulging portions are formed on a lower end portion of the radiator cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2008
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kenichi Misaki, Atsushi Takasaki, Takefumi Okubo, Masato Nagata, Hiroyuki Miyazaki, Yoshiaki Muta
  • Publication number: 20080185865
    Abstract: A windshield device provided at a front part of a vehicle body of a saddle ride type vehicle includes an air introduction port provided at a front part of the windshield device and opened toward the front side of the vehicle body. An air blow-off port is provided at an upper part of the windshield device and is opened toward the upper side. An air duct establishing communication between the air introduction port and the air blow-off port through an air passage extends rearwardly upwards. A straightening vane extends sideways in the air passage and is inclined rearwardly upwards so as to be along the air passage. In side view of the vehicle, a first straight line connecting both ends of the straightening vane is disposed at an obtuse angle in relation to a second straight line that is orthogonal to a steering axis and extends to a grounding point of a rear wheel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Hisashi MATSUO, Emi Shida, Takefumi Okubo
  • Patent number: 7261358
    Abstract: To provide a windscreen apparatus which can provide a good screening effect from traveling wind from the front of a driver while suppressing the height of the screen. The windscreen apparatus includes a front cowl having a screen mounted to a vehicle body. An upwardly opening air outlet port is provided at the center portion of the upper portion of the screen. An air duct for communicating the air outlet port and an air introduction port provided in the front cowl is formed in the screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2007
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinori Kurakawa, Yukiya Ueda, Haruomi Sugita, Osamu Suzuki, Takefumi Okubo, Hiroyuki Ozawa, Kenji Tako
  • Publication number: 20070066210
    Abstract: The effect of a windshield for a saddle-type vehicle such as a low-slung type of motorcycle or three-wheeled vehicle is enhanced, and pressure is sufficiently adjusted in an open space at the back of the windshield using an inventive windshield system. The vehicle includes a leg shield in front of legs of a rider, and a step space rearward of the leg shield. The windshield system includes a windshield which is provided with an air outlet that opens upward. An air inlet provided at the front of the vehicle communicates with the air outlet other through a duct, and the air outlet opens to the upper center of the windshield. Pressure adjusting outlets, for adjusting pressure in a space around the rider by blowing air toward the step space, are provided separately from the air outlet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Publication date: March 22, 2007
    Applicant: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukiya Ueda, Haruomi Sugita, Yukinori Kurakawa, Hiroyuki Ozawa, Takefumi Okubo
  • Publication number: 20060219450
    Abstract: To provide a cowl structure for a vehicle for improving the appearance of the vehicle without increasing the weight of the vehicle and also for enhancing the operational stability. In a cowl structure for a vehicle which includes a front cowl for covering a front portion of a vehicle body, a radiator is positioned in front of the cylinder heads of the engine. A radiator cover is provided for covering the radiator ranging from side surfaces to a lower end of the radiator. Bulging portions are provided for bulging from a front portion to a rear portion of the radiator cover and being formed in a direction to be rearwardly and upwardly oblique in a side view of the vehicle. The bulging portions are formed on a lower end portion of the radiator cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Publication date: October 5, 2006
    Inventors: Kenichi Misaki, Atsushi Takasaki, Takefumi Okubo, Masato Nagata, Hiroyuki Miyazaki, Yoshiaki Muta
  • Publication number: 20060022490
    Abstract: To provide a windscreen apparatus which can provide a good screening effect from traveling wind from the front of a driver while suppressing the height of the screen. The windscreen apparatus includes a front cowl having a screen mounted to a vehicle body. An upwardly opening air outlet port is provided at the center portion of the upper portion of the screen. An air duct for communicating the air outlet port and an air introduction port provided in the front cowl is formed in the screen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2005
    Publication date: February 2, 2006
    Inventors: Yukinori Kurakawa, Yukiya Ueda, Haruomi Sugita, Osamu Suzuki, Takefumi Okubo, Hiroyuki Ozawa, Kenji Tako