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

A SWITCH CONSOLE OF 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 switch console disposed on a handlebar of a vehicle. The present invention furthermore relates to an integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly disposed on the handlebar of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] In general, two-wheeled vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, scooties or three-wheeled vehicles such as auto-rickshaws or all terrain vehicles have handlebars that are equipped with control mechanism. Generally, the control mechanism comprises a throttle grip rotatably mounted on the handlebar and a switch console mounted on the handlebar. The switch console accommodates one or more switches such as an engine start switch, an engine kill switch, a horn switch, a blinker switch, a parking switch, at least one headlight controlling switch, an “SOS” switch, etc.

[003] The switch console generally comprises a first side wall facing the throttle grip and the throttle grip comprises a proximal end located close to the first side wall of the switch console. In order to ensure that the throttle grip rotates without any restriction, it is essential to provide a space between the first side wall of the switch console and the proximal end of the throttle grip.

[004] However, providing the space has some well known disadvantages. For instance, the distance between the throttle grip and the switch console increases. As a rider should be in a position to operate at least one switch disposed on the switch console without requiring to remove the hand from the throttle grip, providing the space hinders in attaining the aforesaid objective. Additionally, the space is visible and, hence, adversely affects the aesthetic look of the vehicle. Thus, it is desired to address one or more of the disadvantages mentioned above and otherwise generally known to a person skilled in the art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified format that are further described in the detailed description of the invention. This summary is neither intended to identify key or essential inventive concepts of the invention, and nor is it intended for determining the scope of the invention.

[006] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a switch console disposed on a handlebar of a vehicle; the switch console comprising a first side wall facing a proximal end of a throttle grip rotatably carried by the handlebar; the first side wall comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being in the form of a valley.

[007] In a further aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the first surface overlaps with the proximal end of the throttle grip in a side view of the vehicle.

[008] In an embodiment, the first surface being maintained at a first distance “D1” from the proximal end of the throttle grip and the second surface being maintained at a second distance “D2” from the proximal end of the throttle grip, the first distance “D1” being greater than the second distance.

[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the second surface projects beyond the proximal end of the throttle grip in a vehicle width direction.

[0010] In an embodiment of the invention, the proximal end of the throttle grip being in a convex shaped profile.

[0011] In another aspect of the invention, there is provided an integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly disposed on the handlebar of the vehicle comprises a switch console and a throttle grip rotatable with respect to the switch console; the switch console comprising a first side wall facing a proximal end of a throttle grip; the first side wall comprising a first surface and a second surface, the first surface being in the form of a valley.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, at least a portion of the first surface substantially overlaps with the proximal end of the throttle grip in a side view of the vehicle.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the first surface being maintained at a first distance “D1” from the proximal end of the throttle grip and the second surface being maintained at a second distance “D2” from the proximal end of the throttle grip, the first distance “D1” being greater than the second distance.

[0014] In an embodiment of the invention, wherein the second surface projects beyond the proximal end of the throttle grip in a vehicle width direction.

[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the proximal end of the throttle grip being in a convex shaped profile.

[0016] One of the advantages of the invention is that the distance between the second surface of the switch console and the proximal end of the throttle grip decrease while the distance between the valley of the switch console and the proximal end of the throttle grip can be maintained. Thus, an effective distance between the throttle grip and the switch console decreases. Thus, there is an increase in ease of operating at least one switch disposed on the switch console without requiring to remove the hand from the throttle grip. Another advantage of the invention is that the space which is visible decreases, and hence, the aesthetic look of the vehicle is increased.

[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 are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be appreciated that these drawings depict only some 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 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 side view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0020] Figure 2 illustrates a close up view of a right hand side part handlebar in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of a switch console in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the switch console in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of an integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a front view of the integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly in accordance with the embodiment of the invention; and
[0025] Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the switch console and the throttle grip in an operational state in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the flow charts illustrate the method in terms of the most prominent steps involved to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, in terms of the construction of the device, one or more components of the device 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 FIGURES
[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] The terms “comprises”,“comprising”, or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover anon-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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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 notintended to be limiting.

[0034] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided withrespect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illustrate the invention anddoes not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-mentioned element that is essential to the practice of the invention.

[0035] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein arenot to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimedindividually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements foundherein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasonsof convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, thespecification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used.

[0036] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover andaspects 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 throughoutthe description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles,mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0037] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”,“down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” usedtherein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directionsare referred by arrows Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1, that illustrates a side view of a vehicle (10) according to anembodiment of the present invention. The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (12), ahead pipe (14), a front fender (16), a front wheel (18), a headlight (20), a handle bar (22), a fueltank (24), an engine unit (26), a rear wheel (28), a rear fender (30), a tail light (32), a seat (34), a tool box (36), a frame (38), and an exhaust pipe (40).

[0039] Referring to Figure 2, a right hand side of the handle bar (22) of the vehicle (10)comprises a throttle grip (42) and a switch console (44) located in close proximity thereof. The throttle grip (42) is opening and closing of the throttle valve of the vehicle(10), once the throttle grip (42) is rotated relative to the handlebar (22). The switch console accommodates at least one switch for controlling at least one function of the vehicle (10).In an embodiment of the invention, the switch console (44) comprising a first side wall (46) facing a proximal end (48) of a throttle grip (42).Now referring to Figure 3and Figure 4, in an embodiment of the invention, the first side wall (46) comprises a first surface (50) and a second surface (52). In an embodiment of the invention, the first surface (50) is in the form of a valley.

[0040] Now referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6, in a further aspect of the invention, there is provided an integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly (100) disposed on the handlebar of the vehicle comprising: a switch console (44) and a throttle grip (42) rotatable with respect to the switch console (44); the switch console (44) comprising a first side wall (46) facing a proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42). Now referring to Figure 7, in an embodiment of the invention, the first side wall (46)comprising a first surface (50) and a second surface (52), the first surface (50) being in the form of a valley

[0041] In an embodiment, the second surface (52) of the first side wall (46) projects solely in a vehicle height direction.

[0042] Although not illustrated, it may be noted that the at least a portion of the first surface (50) overlaps with the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) in a side view of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment, the second surface (52) projects beyond the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) in a vehicle width direction. Also, in an embodiment of the invention, the first surface (50) is maintained at a first distance from the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) and the second surface (52) is maintained at a second distance from the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42). In an embodiment of invention, the first distance is greater than the second distance.
[0043] In an embodiment, the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) being in a convex shaped profile.

[0044] One of the advantages of the invention is that the distance between the second surface of the switch console and the proximal end of the throttle grip decrease while the distance between the valley of the switch console and the proximal end of the throttle grip can be maintained. Thus, an effective distance between the throttle grip and the switch console decreases. Thus, there is an increase in ease of operating at least one switch disposed on the switch console without requiring removing hand from the throttle grip. Another advantage of the invention is that a space which is visible decreases and hence, the aesthetic look of the vehicle is increased.

[0045] 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. The drawings and the foregoing 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. 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 switch console (44) disposed on a handlebar (22) of a vehicle (10) comprising
a first side wall (46) of the switch console (44) facing a proximal end (48) of a throttle grip (42) rotatably carried by the handlebar (22);
the first side wall (46) comprising a first surface (50) and a second surface (52), the first surface (50) being in the form of a valley.

2. The switch console (44) as claimed in claim 1, at least a portion of the first surface (50) overlaps with the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) in a side view of the vehicle (10).

3. The switch console (44)as claimed in claim 1, the first surface (50) being maintained at a first distance “D1” from the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) and the second surface (52) being maintained at a second distance “D2” from the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42), the first distance “D1” being greater than the second distance.

4. The switch console (44) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second surface (52) projects beyond the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) in a vehicle width direction.

5. The switch console (44) as claimed in claim 1, the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) being in a convex shaped profile.

6. An integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly (100) disposed on the handlebar of the vehicle (10) comprising:
a switch console (44) and a throttle grip (42) rotatable with respect to the switch console (44);
the switch console (44) comprising a first side wall (46) facing a proximal end (48) of a throttle grip (42);
the first side wall (46) comprising a first surface (50) and a second surface (52), the first surface (50) being in the form of a valley.

7. The integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, at least a portion of the first surface (50) substantially overlaps with the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) in a side view of the vehicle (10).

8. The integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, the first surface (50) being maintained at a first distance “D1” from the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) and the second surface (52) being maintained at a second distance “D2” from the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42), the first distance “D1” being greater than the second distance.

9. The integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the second surface (52) projects beyond the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) in a vehicle width direction.

10. The integrated switch console and throttle grip assembly (100) as claimed in 6, the proximal end (48) of the throttle grip (42) being in a convex shaped profile.