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, particularly to a vehicle accommodating at least one electronic component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Conventionally, a vehicle in particular a two-wheeler comprises numerous electronic components, which is required for proper functioning of the vehicle. Generally, these electronic components are positioned around various locations of the vehicle, such as on a handle bar or under a floor board, or inside a utility box located underneath seat. A diagnostic coupler is one of the electronic components provided in the vehicle which is coupled to a control unit storing data representative of parameters that affect either individual components of the vehicle and/or the overall functioning of the vehicle. The diagnostic coupler may be removably connectable to an external electronic device for providing electronic access to vehicle data stored in the control unit.

[003] In one option, the diagnostic coupler may be positioned on the handle bar of the vehicle, but due to generation of vibration there is a high probability that the diagnostic coupler may get dislodged from its position. Additionally, the handlebar is susceptible to a lot of foreign contaminants. If the contaminants enter into the diagnostic coupler, the life of the diagnostic coupler may be adversely impacted. In other option, the diagnostic coupler may be positioned under the floorboard. But, in case of the floor board, the accessibility of the diagnostic coupler reduces, thus gaining access of the diagnostic coupler requires dismantling many parts. Dismantling multiple parts is a time-consuming process and increases the service time of the vehicle.

[004] In another option the diagnostic coupler may be positioned directly inside the utility box located underneath the seat of the vehicle. But, the main purpose of the utility box is to serve as a storage space for various items, including helmets, vehicle-related accessories, and other miscellaneous items. Therefore, in this scenario, the diagnostic coupler comes in direct contact with the stored items, which leads to a damage to the diagnostic coupler adversely affecting it’s functionality.

[005] Thus, there is a requirement of solving one or more of the aforesaid problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[006] 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.

[007] Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a head pipe supporting a front fork in a steerable manner; a main frame connected to the head pipe, the 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; at least one skin member disposed below the seat , the at least one skin member comprising an utility box portion disposed in a vehicle front direction, a first cavity disposed behind the utility box portion in a vehicle rear direction, and an electronic component receiving portion located between the utility box portion and the first cavity; at least one electronic component removably accommodated within the electronic component receiving portion; and a lid removably disposed with respect to the electronic component receiving portion ,the lid restricting access of the electronic component accommodated in the electronic component receiving portion.

[008] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first cavity being adapted to receive a seat locking part, the first cavity comprising at least one vertical wall and at least one bottom wall connected to a bottom end of the at least one vertical wall, the at least one vertical wall comprising a first aperture.

[009] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the first aperture receives a retaining member adapted to retain the lid in a locked state with respect to the electronic component receiving portion.

[0010] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the electronic component receiving portion comprises at least one of a second aperture and a second cavity.

[0011] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the lid comprises a top plate covering the electronic component receiving portion and at least one wall projected in a vehicle downward direction from an underside of the top plate.

[0012] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the at least one wall comprises a channel that co-operates with the retaining member to retain the lid in a locked state with respect to the electronic component receiving portion.

[0013] According to a further more embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member being adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a first state wherein the retaining member engages with the lid so as to retain the lid in a locked state with respect to the electronic component receiving portion and a second state wherein the retaining member disengages from the lid.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic component being releasably attached to the lid and removably accommodated within the electronic component receiving portion.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the lid comprises a top plate covering the electronic component receiving portion; at least one wall projected in a vehicle downward direction from an underside of the top plate; and an attachment means for releasably attaching the electronic component, the attachment means being provided on at least one of the underside of the top plate and the at least one wall projected in a vehicle downward direction from an underside of the top plate.

[0016] According to one more embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member is adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a third state wherein the retaining member applies a force on the lid.

[0017] One of the advantages of the present invention includes use of the space inside the electronic component receiving portion in an optimum way. Further, one of the advantages of the present invention includes prevention of tempering of the electronic component from other neighboring components. Furthermore, one of the advantages of the present invention includes, requirement of disassembling lesser number of parts in order to access the electronic component leading to lesser service time of the vehicle. Yet another, advantage of the present invention includes ease in opening of the lid in order to access the electronic component, thus increasing serviceability of the vehicle. Still another advantage of the present invention includes, protecting contamination of the electronic component from dust or other foreign contaminates, thus increasing the life cycle of the electronic component.

[0018] 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:
[0019] 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:
[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a side perspective view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic view of a skin member provided below seat of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the skin member of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a magnified view of underside of the skin member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] 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:
[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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. Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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 vehicles” 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.

[0036] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a 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).

[0037] 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.

[0038] The steering mechanism (20) comprises a head pipe (22) supporting a front fork (24) in a steerable manner, and a handlebar (26) connected to the front fork (24) 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) connected to the head pipe (22), the main frame (28) extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10). The main frame (28) supports the front-end structure (12), the footboard (16), and the rear end structure (14).

[0039] Further, the front-end structure (12) comprises a front cover assembly (30) and a leg shield (32). The front cover assembly (30) and the leg shield (32) at least partially cover the head
pipe (22) and the front fork (24). The leg shield (32) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). The front-end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as headlight, dash assembly, handle cover, windscreen, mirror(s), front turn indicator(s),
etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0040] The rear end structure (14) comprises a first seat frame (34) disposed on a first side of the main frame (28) and a second seat frame (36) disposed on a second side of the main frame (28).The first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36) extending from the main frame (28) in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10).

[0041] Further, rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (38) and a rear ground engaging member (40). The seat (38) is supported by the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36), and provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (10). 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. Further, the rear end structure (14) comprises a first cover (42) and a second cover (44) covering the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36).

[0042] The vehicle (10) may comprise additional components such as taillight, rear turn indicator(s), and cushioning elements, cover assembly, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0043] Referring to Figure 2, at least one skin member (46) is disposed below the seat (38). The at least one skin member (46) comprises a utility box portion (48) disposed in a vehicle (10) front direction and a first cavity (50) disposed behind the utility box portion (48) in a vehicle (10) rear direction. According to an embodiment of the present invention the first cavity (50) bulges inwardly.

[0044] Further, an electronic component receiving portion (52) is located between the utility box portion (48) and the first cavity (50). The electronic component receiving portion (52) removably accommodates at least one electronic component (54).By way of a non-restrictive example, the at least one of electronic component (54) comprises a diagnostic coupler.

[0045] Further, a lid (56) is removably disposed with respect to the electronic component receiving portion (52). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lid (56) restricts access of the electronic component (54) accommodated in the electronic component receiving portion (52).

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first cavity (50) is adapted to receive a seat locking part (58). The seat locking part (58) is adapted to keep the seat (38) in a restricted state with respect to the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36).

[0047] Further, the first cavity (50) comprises at least one vertical wall (60) and at least one bottom wall (62) connected to a bottom end of the at least one vertical wall (60). The at least one vertical wall (60) comprises a first aperture (64). According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first aperture (64) receives a retaining member (66) adapted to retain the lid (56) in a locked state with respect to the electronic component receiving portion (52).

[0048] Now coming to constructional feature of the electronic component receiving portion (52) according to an embodiment of the present invention, the electronic component receiving portion (52) comprises at least one of a second aperture (68) and a second cavity (70).

[0049] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, the lid (56) comprises a top plate (72) covering the electronic component receiving portion (52) and at least one wall (74) projected in a vehicle downward direction from an underside of the top plate (72). Further, the at least one wall (74) comprises a channel (76) that co-operates with the retaining member (66) to retain the lid (56) in a locked state with respect to the electronic component receiving portion (52).

[0050] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member (66) being adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a first state wherein the retaining member (66) engages with the lid (56) so as to retain the lid (56) in a locked state with respect to the electronic component receiving portion (52) and a second state wherein the retaining member (66) disengages from the lid (56). According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member (66) is rotated to a first predefined angle in a clock wise direction to attain the first state and the retaining member (66) is rotated to a second predefined angle in a counter clock wise direction to attain the second state.

[0051] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the retaining member (66)is adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a third state wherein the retaining member (66) applies a force on the lid (56). For an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the rotation of the retaining member (66) in the anti-clock wise direction beyond the second predefined angle up to a third predefined angle to attain the third state.

[0052] Now coming to aspect of nature of attachment of the electronic component (54), according to an embodiment of the present invention the electronic component (54) is releasably attached to the lid (56) and removably accommodated within the electronic component receiving portion (52).

[0053] According an embodiment of the present invention, the lid (56) comprises a top plate (72) covering the electronic component receiving portion (52) and at least one wall (74) projected in a vehicle downward direction from an underside of the top plate (72). Further, the lid (56) comprises an attachment means (78) for releasably attaching the electronic component (54).

[0054] Now coming to an aspect of variation in location of the electronic component (54) inside the electronic component receiving portion (52), according to an embodiment of the present invention, the attachment means (78) is provided on at least one of the underside of the top plate (72) and the at least one wall (74) projected in a vehicle downward direction from an underside of the top plate (72). The variation in location of the attachment means (78) with respect to the lid (56) helps in organizing the electronic components in an order such that the space inside the electronic component receiving portion (52) can be used optimally.

[0055] Since, the electronic component (54) is stored inside a designated space i.e., inside the electronic component receiving portion (52). One of the advantages of the present invention includes prevention of tempering of the electronic component from other neighboring components.

[0056] Since, the lid (56) is removably disposed with respect to the electronic component receiving portion (52), and for bringing the lid (56) from locked state to unlocked state only rotation of the retaining member (66) is required. One of the advantages of the present invention includes, requirement of disassembling lesser number of parts in order to access the electronic component (54) leading to lesser service time of the vehicle.

[0057] Since, the rotation of the retaining member (66) to the third state exerts force on the lid (56). One of the advantages of the present invention includes ease in opening of the lid (56) in order to access the electronic component (54), thus increasing serviceability of the vehicle (10). Further, the lid protects contamination of the electronic component (54) from dust or other foreign contaminates, thus increasing the life cycle of the electronic component.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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 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 rearward and downward 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 seat frame (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);
at least one skin member (46) disposed below the seat (38), the at least one skin member (46) comprising a utility box portion (48) disposed in a vehicle front direction, a first cavity (50) disposed behind the utility box portion (48) in a vehicle rear direction, and an electronic component receiving portion (52) located between the utility box portion (48) and the first cavity (50);
at least one electronic component (54) removably accommodated within the electronic component receiving portion (52); and
a lid (56) removably disposed with respect to the electronic component receiving portion (52), the lid (56) restricting access of the electronic component (54) accommodated in the electronic component receiving portion (52).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cavity (50) being adapted to receive a seat locking part (58), the first cavity (50) comprising at least one vertical wall (60) and at least one bottom wall (62) connected to a bottom end of the at least one vertical wall (60), the at least one vertical wall (60) comprising a first aperture (64).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first aperture (64) receives a retaining member (66) adapted to retain the lid (56) in a locked state with respect to the electronic component receiving portion (52).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component receiving portion (52) comprises at least one of a second aperture (68) and a second cavity (70).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid (56) comprises a top plate (72) covering the electronic component receiving portion (52) and at least one wall (74) projected in a vehicle downward direction from an underside of the top plate (72).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one wall (74) comprises a channel (76) that co-operates with the retaining member (66) to retain the lid (56) in a locked state with respect to the electronic component receiving portion (52).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in any of claims 3 or 5, wherein the retaining member (66) being adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a first state wherein the retaining member (66) engages with the lid (56) so as to retain the lid (56) in a locked state with respect to the electronic component receiving portion (52) and a second state wherein the retaining member (66) disengages from the lid (56).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the electronic component (54) being releasably attached to the lid (56) and removably accommodated within the electronic component receiving portion (52).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the lid (56) comprises a top plate (72) covering the electronic component receiving portion (52); at least one wall (74) projected in a vehicle downward direction from an underside of the top plate (72); and an attachment means (78) for releasably attaching the electronic component (54), the attachment means (78) being provided on at least one of the underside of the top plate (72) and the at least one wall (74) projected in a vehicle downward direction from an underside of the top plate (72).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the retaining member (66) is adapted to be rotated at about its axis to attain a third state wherein the retaining member (66) applies a force on the lid (56).