Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle having a coolant storage unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Traditionally, in a vehicle such as a scooter or a bike may implement and ambient air based cooling technique for cooling of a power generating unit or a liquid coolant based cooling technique for cooling of a power generating unit. In case the vehicle implements liquid coolant based cooling technique, the vehicle is provided with a coolant storage unit storing the liquid coolant.

[003] In one traditional option, the coolant storage unit may be disposed under the footboard. When the coolant storage unit is disposed under the footboard, it may be susceptible to dust and other contaminants. In another traditional option, the coolant storage unit is disposed under a storage compartment, the coolant unit being disposed between a set of seat frames. In this option, a storage space of the storage compartment is adversely impacted.

[004] Additionally, these traditional options for accommodating the coolant storage unit are riddled with other disadvantages including a difficulty in accessing of the coolant storage unit, a difficulty in filing the coolant in the coolant storage unit, etc. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[006] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a main frame extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle; a first seat frame disposed on a first side of the main frame, the first seat frame extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle; a second seat frame disposed on a second side of the main frame, the second seat frame extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle; a seat supported by the first seat frame and the second seat frame; a first side cover extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle so as to at least partially cover the first seat frame; a second side cover extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle so as to at least partially cover the second seat frame; a storage compartment disposed under the seat and between the first side cover and the second side cover; and a coolant storage unit disposed between the storage compartment and at least one of the first side cover and the second side cover, the coolant storage unit comprises a coolant filling port facing the storage compartment, the coolant filling port being accessible without removing the at least one of the first side cover and the second side cover.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the storage compartment comprises a coolant storage unit viewing portion for viewing a level of coolant in the coolant storage unit.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the storage compartment comprises a front wall extending in a width direction of the vehicle; a rear wall extending in a width direction of the vehicle, the rear wall being spaced apart from the front wall; a bottom wall extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle, the bottom side wall interconnecting the front wall and the rear wall; a first side wall extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle, the first side wall interconnecting the front wall, the rear wall and the bottom wall along a first side of the vehicle; a second side wall extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle, the second side wall interconnecting the front wall, the rear wall and the bottom wall along a second side of the vehicle; and a coolant storage unit viewing portion provided on at least one of the first side wall and second side wall for viewing a level of coolant in a coolant storage unit.

[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit viewing portion comprises a transparent area provided on at least one of the first side wall and second side wall.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit viewing portion comprises a semi-transparent area provided on at least one of the first side wall and second side wall.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit viewing portion comprises an aperture provided on at least one of the first side wall and second side wall.

[0012] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, there is provided a cap releasably attached to the aperture provided on at least one of the first side wall and second side wall.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit viewing portion on at least one of the first side wall and second side wall overlaps at least partially with the coolant storage unit in a vehicle width direction.

[0014] In another embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit comprises at least one transparent area facing the coolant storage unit viewing portion.

[0015] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit comprises at least one semi-transparent area facing the coolant storage unit viewing portion.

[0016] In still another embodiment of the invention, the filling port extends in width direction of the vehicle.

[0017] Compared to option of disposing the coolant storage unit under the footboard, the coolant storage unit of the present invention not susceptible to dust and other contaminants. Compared to the option of disposing the coolant storage unit under the storage compartment, the coolant storage unit of the present invention does not adversely impact a storage space of the storage compartment. Another advantage of the invention is that it is substantially easy to access the coolant storage unit. Yet another advantage of the invention is that it is substantially easy to fill the coolant in the coolant storage unit.

[0018] By providing a coolant storage unit viewing portion in the storage compartment which is in the form of an aperture provided on at least one of the first side wall and second side wall, which may be covered by a cap and by providing at least one transparent area in the coolant storage unit that faces the coolant storage unit viewing portion, it is possible to view the level of the coolant in the coolant storage unit without having to remove the coolant storage unit. By merely removing the cap, it is possible to view the level of the coolant in the coolant storage unit. Thus, even the user of the vehicle, who may not be a technician can detect a time for re-filling the coolant.

[0019] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0020] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a first side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a second side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a portion ofthe vehicle with the seat being removed and the coolant storage unit being shown in doted lines, as it is hidden behind the storage compartment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the vehicle after removal of the seat and the storage compartment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded perspective view showing the main frame structure, the first seat frame, the second seat frame, and the coolant storage unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the storage compartment in a cap attached state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the storage compartment with a cap detached state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0028] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of the coolant storage unit in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0030] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0031] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0032] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0033] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0034] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0035] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0036] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0037] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0038] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0039] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0040] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows F, R, U, D in the Figures.

[0041] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0042] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 there is illustrated a first side view and a second side view of a vehicle (10) that comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard (16). The front end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard (16) lies between the front end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14). The footboard (16) provides footrest for a rider riding the vehicle (10).

[0043] The front end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), and a steering mechanism (20). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (20). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention. The steering mechanism (20) comprises a head pipe (22) supporting a front fork (24) in a steerable manner and a handlebar (26) for steering the front fork (24). The handlebar (26) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a main frame (28) supporting the front end structure (12), the footboard (16), and the rear end structure (14).

[0044] Further, the front end structure (12) comprises a front cover (30) and a leg shield (32) at least partially covering the head pipe (22). The leg shield (32) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). The front end structure (12) further comprises a dash assembly (not shown). The dash assembly comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information about the vehicle (10) to the rider. The dash assembly may comprise additional components such as LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. The dash assembly is supported on the handlebar (26). The front end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as handle cover, windscreen, headlight, mirror(s), turn indicator(s), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0045] The main frame (28) extends in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10) from the head pipe (22). A first seat frame (34) extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from a first side of the main frame (28), and a second seat frame (36) extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from a second side of the main frame (28). Thus, the term “seat frame” is intended to include the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36).

[0046] The rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (38) and a rear ground engaging member (40). The seat (38) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (10). The seat (38) is supported by the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36). The rear ground end structure further comprises a power unit (not visible) disposed the seat (38). The rear ground engaging member (40) underling the seat (38) and is driven by the power unit. The power unit may be any of an internal combustion engine or an electrical powering unit, such as a motor. In the illustrated example, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the rear ground engaging member (40) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0047] The rear end structure (14) comprises a first side cover (42) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) so as to at least partially cover the first seat frame (34) from a first side; and a second side cover (44) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) so as to at least partially cover the second seat frame (36) from a second side. Thus, the term “side cover” is intended to include the first side cover (42) and the second side cover (44).

[0048] The rear end structure (14) further comprises acoolant storage unit (48) that stores the liquid coolant. The coolant storage unit (48) is more specifically shown in Figures 3 to 5.

[0049] Referring to Figure 3 there is illustrated a side view of a portion of vehicle (10) with the seat (38) being removed and the coolant storage unit (48) being shown in doted lines; Figure 4 there is illustrated a side view of a portion of the vehicle (10) after removal of the seat (38) and the storage compartment (46); and Figure 5 there is illustrated an exploded perspective view showing the main frame (28), the first seat frame (34), the second seat frame (36), and the coolant storage unit (48).

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit (48) is disposed between the storage compartment (46) and at least one of the first side cover (42) and the second side cover (44). In an embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit (48) comprises a coolant filling port (50) facing the storage compartment (46). In an embodiment of the invention, the coolant filling port (50) is accessible without removing the at least one of the first side cover (42) and the second side cover (44).

[0051] Referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7 there is illustrated a perspective view of the storage compartment (46) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. In an embodiment of the invention, the storage compartment (46) comprises a coolant storage unit viewing portion (52) for viewing a level of coolant in the coolant storage unit (48).

[0052] In an embodiment of the invention, the storage compartment (46) comprises a front wall (54) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10); a rear wall (56) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10), the rear wall (56) being spaced apart from the front wall (54); a bottom wall (58) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10), the bottom wall (58) interconnecting the front wall (54) and the rear wall (56); a first side wall (60) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10), the first side wall (60) interconnecting the front wall (54), the rear wall (56) and the bottom wall (58) along a first side of the vehicle (10); a second side wall (62) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10), the second side wall (62) interconnecting the front wall (54), the rear wall (56) and the bottom wall (58) along a second side of the vehicle (10); and a coolant storage unit viewing portion (52) provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62) for viewing a level of coolant in a coolant storage unit (48).

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit viewing portion (54) comprises a transparent area provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62). In another embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit viewing portion (54) comprisesa semi-transparent area provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62). In yet another embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit viewing portion (54) comprises an aperture (64) provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62).

[0054] In an embodiment of the invention, the storage compartment (46) comprises a cap (66) releasably attached to the aperture (64) provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62).

[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit viewing portion (52) on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62) overlaps at least partially with the coolant storage unit (48) in a vehicle width direction.

[0056] Now referring to Figure 8, there is illustrated a perspective view of the coolant storage unit (48). In an embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit (48) comprises a filling port (50). Referring back to Figure 5, it can be seen that the filling port (50) extends in width direction of the vehicle (10).

[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit (48) further comprises at least one transparent area (68) facing the coolant storage unit viewing portion (52). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit (48) further comprises at least one semi-transparent area (68) facing the coolant storage unit viewing portion (52).

[0058] Referring once again to Figure 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the coolant storage unit (48) is held in a coolant storage unit attachment structure (70). The coolant storage unit attachment structure (70) comprises a coolant storage unit receiving aperture (72). The coolant storage unit attachment structure (70) is attached to the second seat frame (36) via an attachment structure (74, 76 and 78). In particular, the first attachment structure comprises a set of holding structures (74) attached to the second seat frame (36), a first set of apertures (76) formed in the coolant storage unit attachment structure (70), and a first set of attachment means (78) that couples the set of holding structures (74) and the set of apertures (76).

[0059] In close proximity of the coolant storage unit receiving aperture (72), there is provided a first attachment means receiving aperture (80) and the coolant storage unit (48) is provided with a second attachment means receiving aperture (82). When the coolant storage unit (48) is located in the coolant storage unit receiving aperture (72), the first attachment means receiving aperture (80) and the second attachment means receiving aperture (82) are aligned with one another and there can be inserted a second attachment means (84) vide the first attachment means receiving aperture (80) and the second attachment means receiving aperture (82) thereby coupling the coolant storage unit (48) to the coolant storage unit attachment structure (70). In an embodiment of the invention, access to the second attachment means (84) can be gained after removal of the storage compartment (46) and hence, the coolant storage unit (48) can be removed from the coolant storage unit attachment structure (70) without having to remove the coolant storage unit attachment structure (70) from the second seat frame (36).

[0060] Compared to option of disposing the coolant storage unit under the footboard, the coolant storage unit of the present invention not susceptible to dust and other contaminants. Compared to the option of disposing the coolant storage unit under the storage compartment, the coolant storage unit (48) of the present invention is not disposed under the storage compartment (46) and hence, a space available for the storage compartment (46) is not adversely impacted.Another advantage of the invention is that it is substantially easy to access the coolant storage unit (48). Since the filling port (50) is disposed

[0061] Yet another advantage of the invention is that it is substantially easy to fill the coolant in the coolant storage unit.

[0062] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0063] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a main frame (28) extending in a rearward anddownward direction of the vehicle (10);
a first seat frame (34) disposed on a first side of the main frame (28), the first seat frame (34) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10);
a second seat frame (36) disposed on a second side of the main frame (28), the second seatframe (36) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10);
a seat (38) supported by the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36);
a first side cover (42) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) so as to at least partially cover the first seat frame (34);
a second side cover (44) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) so as to at least partially cover the second seat frame (36);
a storage compartment (46) disposed under the seat (38) and between the first side cover (42) and the second side cover (44); and
a coolant storage unit (48) disposed between the storage compartment (46) and at least one of the first side cover (42) and the second side cover (44), the coolant storage unit (48) comprises a coolant filling port (50) facing the storage compartment (46), the coolant filling port (50) being accessible without removing the at least one of the first side cover (42) and the second side cover (44).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage compartment (46) comprises a coolant storage unit viewing portion (52) for viewing a level of coolant in the coolant storage unit (48).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage compartment (46) comprises:
a front wall (54) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10);
a rear wall (56) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10), the rear wall (56) being spaced apart from the front wall (54);
a bottom wall (58) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10), the bottom side wall (58) interconnecting the front wall (54) and the rear wall (56);
a first side wall (60) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10), the first side wall (60) interconnecting the front wall (54), the rear wall (56) and the bottom wall (58) along a first side of the vehicle (10);
a second side wall (62) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10), the second side wall (62) interconnecting the front wall (54), the rear wall (56) and the bottom wall (58) along a second side of the vehicle (10); and
a coolant storage unit viewing portion (52) provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62) for viewing a level of coolant in a coolant storage unit (48).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the coolant storage unit viewing portion (52) comprises at least one of:
(a) a transparent area provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62);
(b) a semi-transparent area provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62); and
(c) an aperture (64) provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, comprising a cap (66) releasably attached to the aperture (64) provided on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the coolant storage unit viewing portion (52) on at least one of the first side wall (60) and second side wall (62) overlaps at least partially with the coolant storage unit (48) in a vehicle width direction.

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the coolant storage unit (48) comprises:
a. at least one transparent area (68) facing the coolant storage unit viewing portion (52); or
b. at least one semi-transparent area (68) facing the coolant storage unit viewing portion (52).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein thefilling port (50) extends in a width direction of the vehicle (10).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coolant storage unit (48) is held in a coolant storage unit attachment structure (70).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coolant storage unit attachment structure (70) comprises a coolant storage unit receiving aperture (72) for holding the coolant storage unit (48).