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

THEFOLLOWINGSPECIFICATION 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, more particularly a vehicle comprising air gap for cooling one or more heat producing vehicle components located in-between a predetermined cover elements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Traditionally, in a vehicle such as a scooter there is provided a first cover, a second cover and a third cover. The first cover is disposed below the seat and extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle so as to at least partially cover first seat frame. The second cover is also disposed below the seat and extends in a rearward direction of the vehicle so as to at least partially cover a second seat frame. The third cover is also disposed below the seat and extends between the first cover and the second cover. Thus, a space is formed between the first, the second and the third seat covers. In the space thus formed one or more heat producing vehicle componentsmay be accommodated.

[003] Since it is imperative to cool the one or more heat producing vehicle components, the third cover is provided with an air gap which allows atmospheric air to enter into the space accommodating the one or more heat producing vehicle components and thereby cooling the one or more heat producing vehicle components.

[004] With an increase in the amount of heat being produced by the one or more heat producing vehicle components and an increase in a number of heat producing vehicle components accommodated in the space formed between the first, the second and the third seat covers, an amount of atmospheric air that needs to enter into the space (for effective cooling) increases. To cater to the increased quantity of atmospheric air that needs to enter into the space, a size of the air gap provided in the third cover has to be increased. An increase in the size of the air gap provided in the third cover has many disadvantages including but not limited to reduction in strength of the third cover and degradation in the visual aesthetic appeal of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND 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 comprisinga head pipe supporting a front fork in a steerable manner;a main frame connected to the head pipe, the main frame extending in a 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; and a seat supported by the first seat frame and the second seat frame.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention there is provided a first cover extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle so as to at least partially cover the first seat frame;a second cover extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle so as to at least partially cover the second seat frame; and a third cover extending between the first cover and the second cover.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, there is provided a first aperture extending between the third cover and the first cover and a second aperture extending between the third cover and the second cover.

[009] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first cover comprises a first surface extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle and a second surface extending from the first surface in a width direction of the vehicle.

[0010] In still another embodiment of the invention, the second cover comprises a third surface extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle and a fourth surface extending from the third surface in a width direction of the vehicle.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, the third cover comprises a fifth surface extending in a width direction of the vehicle, a sixth surface extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle from a first portion of the fifth surface, a seventh surface extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle from a second portion of the fifth surface, an eight surface extending in a width direction of the vehicle from the sixth surface, a ninth surface extending in a height direction of the vehicle from the eighth surface, a tenth surface extending in a width direction of the vehicle from the seventh surface, and an eleventh surface extending in a height direction of the vehicle from the tenth surface.

[0012] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the ninth surface of the third cover is operatively coupled to a first set of coupling elements provided on the first surface of the first cover.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the eleventh surface of the third cover is operatively coupled to a second set of coupling elements provided on the third surface of the second cover.

[0014] In still another embodiment of the invention, each of the first aperture and the second aperture provides air flow path for an atmospheric air towards one or more heat producing vehicle components located in a portion surrounded by the first cover, the second cover, and the third cover.

[0015] Advantages of invention are that an increased quantity of atmospheric air can be introduced into the space accommodating the one or more heat producing vehicle components. The increased quantity of atmospheric air can be introduced into the space without increasing a size of an air gap formed in the third cover. In an embodiment advantage of the invention, it becomes possible to reduce a size of the air gap provided in the third cover. In still another advantage of the invention, it becomes possible to avoid forming an air gap in the third cover. Thus, the present invention does not adversely impact strength of the third cover and may result in improving the strength of the third cover. Also, it is possible to reduce an air gap formed between the third cover and other components of the vehicle, such as the floor board. Thus, a visual appeal of the vehicle is not adversely impacted by creation of a large sized visible air gap. Also, all of the aforesaid advantages are attained without increasing a number of total parts or without having to increase an overall weight of the first, the second and the third covers.

[0016] Since atmospheric air is being introduced into the spacethrough two or more different directions, the one or more heat producing vehicle components can be more effectively cooled, as compared to cooling the one or more heat producing vehicle components from a single direction. Also, the atmospheric air is introduced into the spacethrough two or more different directions without using any additional air directing means, which leads to a reduction in the number of internal parts, substantial weight reduction, substantial cost reduction and other advantages relating to manufacturing and servicing of the vehicle.

[0017] 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:
[0018] 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:

[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a first side view of a vehicle , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a second side view of the vehicle, , in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a first perspective view of the first cover, the second cover and the third cover in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a second perspective view of the first cover, the second cover and the third cover in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a third perspective view of the first cover, the second cover and the third cover in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;and

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a fourth perspective view of the first cover, the second cover and the third cover in an assembled state, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] 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:
[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1and Figure 2 there is illustrated 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).

[0039] 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 front fork (24) supported on the head pipe (22) in a steerable manner and a handlebar (26) for steering the front ground engaging member (18) operationally coupled to 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).

[0040] 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.

[0041] The main frame (28) extends in a downward and rearward 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).

[0042] 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 below the seat (38) and a storage compartment (not visible) disposed over the power unit and under the seat (38).The rear ground engaging member (40) under the seat (38) is driven by the power unit. The power unit may be any of an internal combustion engine or an electrical powering unit, such as an electric 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.

[0043] The rear end structure (14) comprises a first 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 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.

[0044] Now referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the rear end structure (14) further comprises a third cover (46) extending between the first cover (42) and the second cover (44). The first cover (42), the second cover (44), and the third cover co-operate to define a space (86). The space (86) accommodates one more heat producing vehicle components (not shown). The one or more heat producing vehicle components include but are not limited to the power unit, one or more electronic components. The one or moreelectronic components include but are not limited to electronic control unit for controlling operation of the vehicle, fuse elements, inverter, Power Distribution Unit (PDU), telemetry unit for establishing connection between the vehicle and an external device, etc.

[0045] It can be seen from Figures 3 and 4 that there is provided a first aperture (48) extending between the third cover (46) and the first cover (42), and a second aperture (50) extending between the third cover (46) and the second cover (44). Each of the first aperture (48) and the second aperture (50) provides air flow path for an atmospheric air towards the one or more heat producing vehicle components located in the space (86) surrounded by the first cover (42), the second cover (44), and the third cover (46).

[0046] Now referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6, in an embodiment of the invention, the first cover (42) comprises a first surface (52) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) and a second surface (54) extending from the first surface (52) in a width direction of the vehicle (10). Likewise, the second cover (44) comprises a third surface (56) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) and a fourth surface (58) extending from the third surface (56) in a width direction of the vehicle (10).

[0047] In an embodiment of the invention, the third cover (46) comprises a fifth surface (60) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10), a sixth surface (62) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from a first portion (64) of the fifth surface (60), a seventh surface (66) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from a second portion (68) of the fifth surface (60). In embodiment of the invention, the third cover (46) further comprises an eight surface (70) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10) from the sixth surface (62), and a ninth surface (72) extending in a height direction of the vehicle (10) from the eighth surface (70). In an embodiment of the invention, the third cover (46) further comprises a tenth surface (74) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10) from the seventh surface (66), and an eleventh surface (76) extending in a height direction of the vehicle (10) from the tenth surface (74).

[0048] In an embodiment of the invention, the ninth surface (72) of the third cover (46) is operatively coupled to a first set of coupling elements (78) provided on the first surface (52) of the first cover (42). Likewise, in an embodiment of invention, the eleventh surface (76) of the third cover (46) is operatively coupled to a second set of coupling elements (80) provided on the third surface (56) of the second cover (44). Thus, the first set of coupling elements (78) and the second set of coupling elements (80) are not visible from an external view of the vehicle. Thus, the visual aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is not adversely impact by providing coupling elements.

[0049] By way a non-limiting example, some of the first set of coupling elements (78) may be in the form of male members projecting from the first surface (52) of the first cover (42) while the ninth surface (72) of the third cover (46) is provided with apertures that receives male members. In an embodiment of the invention, the male member acts like a cantilever which bends and returns to its original position during snapping action with the respective aperture. By way a non-limiting example, a remaining of the first set of coupling elements (78) may be in the form of platform projecting from the first surface (52) of the first cover (42). The platform comprises a fastener receiver portion. The ninth surface (72) of the third cover (46) is provided with an aperture. The aperture provided in the ninth surface (72) is aligned with the fastener receiver portion and a fastener is inserted via the aperture and locked with the fastener receiver portion.

[0050] Likewise and by way a non-limiting example, some of the second set of coupling elements (80) may be in the form of male members projecting from the third surface (56) of the first cover (42) while the eleventh surface (76) of the third cover (46) is provided with apertures that receives male members. In an embodiment of the invention, the male member acts like a cantilever which bends and returns to its original position during snapping action with the respective aperture. Similarly, a remaining of the second set of coupling elements (80) may be in the form of platform projecting from the third surface (56) of the first cover (42). The platform comprises a fastener receiver portion. The eleventh surface (76) of the third cover (46) is provided with an aperture. The aperture provided in the eleventh surface (76) is aligned with the fastener receiver portion and a fastener is inserted via the aperture and locked with the fastener receiver portion.

[0051] By providing a construction as described above, a variety of advantages are derived. For instance, an increased quantity of atmospheric air can be introduced into the space (86) accommodating one or more heat producing vehicle components (not shown). The increased quantity of atmospheric air can be introduced into the space (86) without increasing a size of an air gap formed in the third cover (46). In an embodiment advantage of the invention, it becomes possible to reduce a size of the air gap provided in the third cover (46). In still another advantage of the invention, it becomes possible to avoid forming an air gap in the third cover (46). In fact, it can be seen in Figures 3 to 6 that the third cover (46) is not provided with any aperture. Rather the first aperture (48) is formed between the third cover (46) and the first cover (42) and a second aperture (50) is formed between the third cover (46) and the second cover (44). Thus, the present invention does not adversely impact strength of the third cover (46).

[0052] Also, it is possible to reduce a size of an air gap formed between the third cover (46) and other components of the vehicle, such as the floor board (16). Thus, a visual aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is not adversely impacted by creation of a large sized visible air gap (wherein the air gap may be either formed in the third cover (46) or between the third cover (46) and the floor board (16)).

[0053] Since atmospheric air is being introduced into the space (86) through two or more different directions, the one or more heat producing vehicle components can be more effectively cooled, as compared to cooling the one or more heat producing vehicle components from a single direction. Also, the atmospheric air is introduced into the space (86) through two or more different directions without using any additional air directing means. Also, all of the aforesaid advantages are attained without increasing a number of total parts thus, leading to a reduction in the number of internal parts, a substantial weight reduction, substantial cost reduction and other advantages relating to manufacturing and servicing of the vehicle (10). Also, the aforesaid advantages are attained without having to increase weight of the first cover (42), the second cover (44), and the third cover (46), and an overall weight of the vehicle (10).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Additionally, numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe (22) supporting a front fork (24) in a steerable manner;
a main frame (28) connected to the head pipe (22), the main frame (28) extending in a downward and rearward 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 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 cover (44) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) so as to at least partially cover the second seat frame (36);
a third cover (46) extending between the first cover (42) and the second cover (44); and
a first aperture (48) extending between the third cover (46) and the first cover (42) and a second aperture (50) extending between the third cover (46) and the second cover (44).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cover (42) comprises a first surface (52) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) and a second surface (54) extending from the first surface (52) in a width direction of the vehicle (10).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cover (44) comprises a third surface (56) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) and a fourth surface (58) extending from the third surface (56) in a width direction of the vehicle (10).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the third cover (46) comprises a fifth surface (60) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10), a sixth surface (62) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from a first portion (64) of the fifth surface (60), a seventh surface (66) extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10) from a second portion (68) of the fifth surface (60), an eight surface (70) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10) from the sixth surface (62), a ninth surface (72) extending in a height direction of the vehicle (10) from the eighth surface (70), a tenth surface (74) extending in a width direction of the vehicle (10) from the seventh surface (66), and an eleventh surface (76) extending in a height direction of the vehicle (10) from the tenth surface (74).

5. The vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the ninth surface (72) of the third cover (46) is operatively coupled to a first set of coupling elements (78) provided on the first surface (52) of the first cover (42).

6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 4, wherein the eleventh surface (76) of the third cover (46) is operatively coupled to a second set of coupling elements (80) provided on the third surface (56) of the second cover (44).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of the first aperture (48) and the second aperture (50) provides path for air-flow towards one or more heat producing vehicle components located in a space (86) surrounded by the first cover (42), the second cover (44), and the third cover (46).