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

SUPPORT STRUCTURE 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 support structure of a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a support structure for supporting at least a first vehicular component and a second vehicular component.

Background of the Invention:
[002] Traditionally, a vehicle such as a two wheeled vehicle comprises a frame structure supporting a front ground engaging member, an internal combustion engine, a rear ground engaging member, and a fuel tank. The vehicle further comprises one or more vehicular component including particularly, a first vehicular component and a second vehicular component which are supported by the frame structure.

[003] When the first vehicular component and the second vehicular component are disposed on the frame structure, individual supporting brackets are used for connecting each of the first vehicular component and the second vehicular component to the frame structure. Additionally, the first vehicular component and the second vehicular component cannot be disposed close to the engine, as a lot of heat is generated by the engine. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

Summary of the Invention:
[004] 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.

[005] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a support structure of a vehicle for supporting at least a first vehicular component and a second vehicular component. In an embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a plate member positioned between a first top frame member and a second top frame structure. In an embodiment of the invention, the plate member comprises a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface comprising a first portion supporting the first vehicular component and a second portion supporting the second vehicular component. In another embodiment of the invention, the first portion being at a first elevation in the vehicular upward direction and the second portion being at a second elevation in the vehicular upward direction, the first elevation being higher than the second elevation in the vehicular upward direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprises a first bracket located at the first portion for holding the first vehicular component; and a second bracket located at the second portion for supporting the second vehicular component.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the first bracket comprises a first shoulder portion disposed below the bottom surface of the plate member, the first shoulder portion defining a first end and a second end, the first shoulder portion being connected to the plate member via a first connecting mechanism; a first arm portion extending in a vehicular upward direction from the first end, the first arm portion traversing through a first aperture provided in the plate member; and a second arm portion extending in a vehicular upward direction from the second end, the second arm portion traversing through a second aperture provided in the plate member.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the second bracket comprises a second shoulder portion disposed below the bottom surface of the plate member, the second shoulder portion defining a third end and a fourth end, the second shoulder portion being connected to the plate member via a second connecting mechanism; a third arm portion extending in a vehicular upward direction from the third end, the third arm portion traversing through a third aperture provided in the plate member; and a fourth arm portion extending in a vehicular upward direction from the fourth end, the fourth arm portion traversing through a fourth aperture provided in the plate member.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, wherein the plate member comprises a third portion supporting a third vehicular component.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, third portion comprises a fifth aperture; and a bottom wall covering the fifth aperture from an underside thereof, the bottom wall being detachably attached to the plastic plate.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the third portion being at a third elevation in the vehicular upward direction.

[0011] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the third portion being substantially closer to a seat of the vehicle.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the second portion being sandwiched between the first portion and the third portion in a vehicular length direction.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the plate member comprises at least one wire routing provision for routing at least one of the first wire corresponding to the first vehicular component, the second wire corresponding to the second vehicular component, and a third wire corresponding to the third vehicular component.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprising at least one vibration dampening element protruding from the bottom surface of the plastic plate.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first vehicular component is an electronic control unit (ECU), the second vehicular component is a Body Control Module (BCM), and the third vehicular component is a vehicular beeper.

[0016] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a frame structure supporting a front ground engaging member, an internal combustion engine, a rear ground engaging member, and a fuel tank; the frame structure comprising a first top frame member and a second top frame structure; and a support structure for supporting at least a first vehicular component and a second vehicular component. In an embodiment of the invention, the support structure comprising a plate member positioned between a first top frame member and a second top frame structure, the plate member comprising a top surface and a bottom surface, the top surface comprising a first portion supporting the first vehicular component and a second portion supporting the second vehicular component, the first portion being a first elevation in the vehicular upward direction; the second portion being at a second elevation in the vehicular upward direction, the first elevation being higher than the second elevation in the vehicular upward direction.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a first bracket located at the first portion for holding the first vehicular component; and a second bracket located at the second portion for supporting the second vehicular component.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the first vehicular component is accommodated in a first casing, the first casing comprising a sixth aperture for receiving the first arm portion and a seventh aperture for receiving the second arm portion.

[0019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second vehicular component is accommodated in a second casing, the second casing comprising a eighth aperture for receiving the third arm portion and a ninth aperture for receiving the fourth arm portion.

[0020] In still another embodiment of the invention, the plate member being positioned between the first top frame member and the second top frame structure such that plate member being located between the internal combustion engine and the fuel tank.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the plate member comprises at least one first wire routing provision for routing at least one of a first wire corresponding to the first vehicular component, a second wire corresponding to the second vehicular component, and a third wire corresponding to a third vehicular component.

[0022] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the first wire being routed in at least one of a vehicular longitudinal direction or a vehicular traverse direction and the second wire being routed in the other of the vehicular longitudinal direction or the vehicular traverse direction.

[0023] In another embodiment of the invention, the first wire overlaps at least partially the second vehicular component in a vehicle plan view.

[0024] An advantage of the invention comprises providing a singular support structure supporting the first vehicular component and the second vehicular component and optionally, the third vehicular component with respect to the frame structure and especially the first top frame member and the second top frame structure.

[0025] Another advantage of the invention comprises the ability to dispose the first vehicular component, the second vehicular component, and optionally the third vehicular component close to the engine, especially between the internal combustion engine and the fuel tank.

[0026] Yet another advantage of the invention comprises the ability to properly route the first wire and the second wire such that minimum space is required to route both the first wire and the second wire.

[0027] Still another advantage of the invention comprises a reduction in a cost the vehicle, as a singular support structure supports the first vehicular component and the second vehicular component and optionally, the third vehicular component with respect to the frame structure and especially the first top frame member and the second top frame structure.

[0028] A further advantage of the invention comprises a reduction in a cost of the vehicle, as the support structure additionally routes the first wire for connecting to the first vehicular component and the second wire for connecting to the second vehicular component.

[0029] A furthermore advantage of the invention comprises an increase in strength as well as a load bearing capacity of the support structure contributed by the construction of the support structure.

[0030] 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:
[0031] 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:

[0032] Figure 1 illustrates a left side view of a vehicle constructed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 2 illustrates a left side view of the frame structure of the vehicle supporting the engine in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a selective portion of the frame structure of the vehicle specifically showing the support structure positioned between the first top frame member and the second top frame structure and supporting at least the first vehicular component and the second vehicular component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the support structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the first bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0038] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the second bracket in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0039] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of selective portion of the frame structure of the vehicle specifically showing the support structure positioned between the first top frame member and the second top frame structure in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0040] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the first casing accommodating the first vehicular component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0041] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of the second casing accommodating the second vehicular component in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0042] 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:
[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 Fr, Rr, U, Lr, L, R in the Figures.

[0055] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front fork (12), a frame structure (14), a front fender (16), a front ground engaging member (18), a rear ground engaging member (20), a headlight (22), a steering handle bar (24), a power unit (26), a rear fender (28), a tail light (30), a seat (32), and a fuel tank (34). The frame structure (14) rotatably supports the steering handle bar (24) and the steering handle bar (24) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering handle bar (24) via the front fork (12). The front ground engaging member (18) is in front portion of the vehicle (10) and is at least partially covered by the front fender (16) while the rear ground engaging member (20) is in rear portion of the vehicle (10) and is at least partly covered by the rear fender (28). The headlight (22) is disposed above the front ground engaging member (18) while the tail light (30) is disposed above the rear ground engaging member (20). In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank (34) is disposed between the steering handle bar (24) and the seat (32). The seat (32) provides seating for a rider and a passenger of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the power unit (26) is disposed below the fuel tank (34). The rear ground engaging member (20) is rotatably supported by the frame structure (14). The frame structure (14) also supports the power unit (26), the seat (32) and the fuel tank (34). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may include other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described. In an embodiment of the invention, the power unit (26) comprises an internal combustion engine (26).

[0056] Now referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a left side view of the frame structure (14) of the vehicle supporting the power unit (26). The frame structure (14) comprises a first top frame member (36) and a second top frame structure (38) extending in a rearward direction from a head pipe (40). The frame structure (14) may further comprise at least one bottom frame member (42) extending in a downward and rearward direction from the head pipe (40). The engine is supported between the first top frame member (36), the second top frame structure (38) and the at least one bottom frame member (42). The fuel tank (34) is supported by the first top frame member (36) and the second top frame structure (38). The frame structure (14) comprises additional members not explicitly described.

[0057] Now referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated a top view of a selective portion of the frame structure (14) of the vehicle (10) specifically showing the support structure (100) positioned between the first top frame member (36) and the second top frame structure (38). It can be observed that the support structure (100) supports a first vehicular component (102) and a second vehicular component (104) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The support structure (100) may additionally support a third vehicular component (106). The first vehicular component (102) is operably coupled to a first wire (162), the second vehicular component (104) is operably coupled to a second wire (166), and the third vehicular component (106) is operably coupled to a third wire (168). In still another embodiment of the invention, the first vehicular component (102) is an electronic control unit (ECU), the second vehicular component (104) is a Body Control Module (BCM), and the third vehicular component (106) is a vehicular beeper.

[0058] Now referring to Figure 4, which illustrates an exploded view of the support structure (100); and Figure 5, which illustrates a perspective view of the support structure, it can be observed that in accordance with an embodiment of the invention the support structure (100) comprises a plate member (108). The plate member (108) is adapted to be positioned between the first top frame member (36) and the second top frame structure (38). The plate member (108) comprises a top surface (110) and a bottom surface (112).

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention the top surface (110) of the plate member (108) comprises a first portion (114) supporting the first vehicular component (102) and a second portion (116) supporting the second vehicular component (104). In an embodiment of the invention, the top surface (110) of the plate member (108) may additionally comprise a third portion (118) supporting the third vehicular component (108).

[0060] In an embodiment of the invention, the support structure (100) further comprises a first bracket (120) located at the first portion (114) for holding the first vehicular component (102) and a second bracket (122) located at the second portion (116) for supporting the second vehicular component (104).

[0061] In an embodiment of the invention, the first portion (114) of the plate member (108) comprises a first aperture (134) and a second aperture (138) which receives the first bracket (120). Likewise, in an embodiment of the invention, the second portion (116) of the plate member (108) comprises a third aperture (150) and a fourth aperture (154) which receives the second bracket (122).

[0062] In an embodiment of the invention, the first bracket (120) is formed as a separate element and is physically coupled to the plate member (108) using a first connecting mechanism (130). Likewise, in an embodiment of the invention, the second bracket (122) is formed as a separate element and is physically coupled to the plate member (108) using a second connecting mechanism (146).

[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, the plate member (108) further comprises at least one wire routing provision (160) for routing at least one of the first wire (162) corresponding to the first vehicular component (102), the second wire (164) corresponding to the second vehicular component (104), and the third wire (166) corresponding to the third vehicular component (106).

[0064] To ensure that the first vehicular component (102) does not hinder with the second vehicular component (104), in a preferred aspect of the invention, the first portion (114) is at a first elevation in the vehicular upward direction while the second portion (116) is at a second elevation in the vehicular upward direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the first elevation being higher than the second elevation in the vehicular upward direction.

[0065] As best seen from Figure 3, to ensure that the first wire (162) does not does not hinder in any with the second wire (164), in a preferred aspect of the invention, the first wire (162) is routed in at least one of a vehicular longitudinal direction or a vehicular traverse direction and the second wire (164) is routed in the other of the vehicular longitudinal direction or the vehicular traverse direction. In an embodiment of the invention, in order to ensure a compact packing, the first wire (162) overlaps at least partially the second vehicular component (106) in a vehicle plan view.

[0066] Now referring to Figure 6, which illustrates a perspective view of the first bracket (120), it can be observed that in accordance with an embodiment of the invention the first bracket (120) comprises a first shoulder portion (124) defining a first end (126) and a second end (128); a first arm portion (132) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the first end (126); and a second arm portion (136) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the second end (128).

[0067] Now referring back to Figure 4 and Figure 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the first shoulder portion (124) of the first bracket (120) is disposed below the bottom surface (112) of the plate member (108) and is connected to the first portion (114) of the plate member (108) via the first connecting mechanism (130). The first arm portion (132) traverses through the first aperture (134) provided in the plate member (108) and the second arm portion (136) traverses through the second aperture (138) provided in the plate member (108).

[0068] Now referring to Figure 7, which illustrates a perspective view of the second bracket (122), it can be observed that in accordance with an embodiment of the invention the second bracket (122) comprises a second shoulder portion (140) defining a third end (142) and a fourth end (144); a third arm portion (148) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the third end (142); and a fourth arm portion (152) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the fourth end (144).

[0069] Now referring back to Figure 4 and Figure 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the second portion (140) of the second bracket (122) is disposed below the bottom surface (112) of the plate member (108) and is connected to the second portion (116) of the plate member (108) via the second connecting mechanism (146). The third arm portion (148) traverses through the third aperture (150) provided in the plate member (108) and the second arm portion (152) traverses through the fourth second aperture (154) provided in the plate member (108).

[0070] While the first vehicular component (102) and the second vehicular component (104) are supported by the first bracket (120) and the second bracket (122), respectively, the third vehicular component (106) is not supported by any bracket. Instead, the third portion (118) comprises a fifth aperture (156) within which the third vehicular component (106) is positioned. In an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a bottom wall (158) (best visible in Figure 4) covering the fifth aperture (156) from an underside thereof. In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall (158) may be adapted to be detachably attached to the plastic plate (108).

[0071] Now referring to Figure 8 which illustrates a perspective view of the support structure positioned between the first top frame member (36) and the second top frame structure (38) or alternatively to Figure 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the third portion (118) is located at a third elevation in the vehicular upward direction. To ensure that the second vehicular component (104) does not hinder with the third vehicular component (106), in a preferred aspect of the invention, the third portion (118) is at a third elevation in the vehicular upward direction while the second portion (116) is at a second elevation in the vehicular upward direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the third elevation being higher than the second elevation in the vehicular upward direction.

[0072] Especially, from Figure 8 it can be seen that the first portion (114) is closest to the head pipe (40) while the third portion (118) is farthest from the head pipe (40). Thus, the third portion (118) is substantially closer to a seat (32) of the vehicle (10). Also, it can be observed that the second portion (116) is sandwiched between the first portion (114) and the third portion (118) in a vehicular length direction.

[0073] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, one can easily envisage that the support structure (100) and especially, the plate member (108) is located between the internal combustion engine (26) and the fuel tank (34). Since the first vehicular component (102) and the second vehicular component (104) are located on the top surface (110) of the plate member (108), the first vehicular component (102) and the second vehicular component (104) is not subjected directly to the heat generated by the internal combustion engine (26).

[0074] In an aspect of the invention, the plate member (108) is formed of a plastic member and hence, plate member (108) provides a second level of heat protection to the first vehicular component (102) and the second vehicular component (104).

[0075] In an aspect of the invention, the first bracket (120) is formed of a metal member and hence, increases a strength of the support structure (100). In another aspect of the invention, the second bracket (120) is formed of a metal member and hence, increases a strength of the support structure (100). Despite the fact that the first bracket (120) and the second bracket (122) are of metal members, on account of the fact that the first shoulder portion (124) of the first bracket (120) and the second shoulder portion (140) of the second bracket (122) are disposed below the bottom surface (112) of the plate member (108), a level of heat transferred to the first vehicular component (102) and the second vehicular component (104) are substantially low.

[0076] In an embodiment of the invention, the first vehicular component (102) is accommodated in a first casing (170). In another embodiment of the invention, the second vehicular component (102) is accommodated in a second casing (176). In an embodiment of the invention, the first casing (170) accommodating the first vehicular component (102) is coupled to the first bracket (120). In another embodiment of the invention, the second casing (176) accommodating the second vehicular component (104) is coupled to the second bracket (122).

[0077] Now referring to Figure 9, in an embodiment of the invention, the first casing (170) comprising a sixth aperture (172) and a seventh aperture (174). The sixth aperture (172) is adapted to receive the first arm portion (132) of the first bracket (120) and the seventh aperture (174) is adapted to receive the second arm portion (136) of the first bracket (120).

[0078] Now referring to Figure 10, in an embodiment of the invention, the second casing (176) comprising an eighth aperture (178) and a ninth aperture (180). The eighth aperture (178) is adapted to receive the third arm portion (148) of the second bracket (122) and the ninth aperture (180) is adapted to receive the fourth arm portion (152) of the second bracket (122).

[0079] Since the first vehicular component (102) is accommodated in the first casing (170) and coupled to the plate member (108), a further level of heat protection is achieved. Likewise, since the second vehicular component (104) is accommodated in the second casing (176) and coupled to the plate member (108), a further level of heat protection is achieved.

[0080] An advantage of the invention comprises providing a singular support structure supporting the first vehicular component and the second vehicular component and optionally, the third vehicular component with respect to the frame structure and especially the first top frame member and the second top frame structure.

[0081] Another advantage of the invention comprises the ability to dispose the first vehicular component, the second vehicular component, and optionally the third vehicular component close to the engine, especially between the internal combustion engine and the fuel tank.

[0082] Yet another advantage of the invention comprises the ability to properly route the first wire and the second wire such that minimum space is required to route both the first wire and the second wire.

[0083] Still another advantage of the invention comprises a reduction in a cost the vehicle, as a singular support structure supports the first vehicular component and the second vehicular component and optionally, the third vehicular component with respect to the frame structure and especially the first top frame member and the second top frame structure.

[0084] A further advantage of the invention comprises a reduction in a cost of the vehicle, as the support structure additionally routes the first wire for connecting to the first vehicular component and the second wire for connecting to the second vehicular component.

[0085] A furthermore advantage of the invention comprises an increase in strength as well as a load bearing capacity of the support structure contributed by the construction of the support structure.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A support structure (100) of a vehicle (10) for supporting at least a first vehicular component (102) and a second vehicular component (104), said support structure (100) comprising:
a plate member (108) positioned between a first top frame member (36) and a second top frame structure (38), the plate member (108) comprising a top surface (110) and a bottom surface (112), the top surface (110) comprising a first portion (114) supporting the first vehicular component (102) and a second portion (116) supporting the second vehicular component (104), the first portion (114) being a first elevation in the vehicular upward direction; the second portion (116) being at a second elevation in the vehicular upward direction, the first elevation being higher than the second elevation in the vehicular upward direction;
a first bracket (120) located at the first portion (114) for holding the first vehicular component (102); and
a second bracket (122) located at the second portion (116) for supporting the second vehicular component (104).

2. The support structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the first bracket (120) comprises:
a first shoulder portion (124) disposed below the bottom surface (112) of the plate member (108), the first shoulder portion (124) defining a first end (126) and a second end (128), the first shoulder portion (124) being connected to the plate member (108) via a first connecting mechanism (130);
a first arm portion (132) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the first end (126), the first arm portion (132) traversing through a first aperture (134) provided in the plate member (108); and
a second arm portion (136) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the second end (128), the second arm portion (136) traversing through a second aperture (138) provided in the plate member (108); and
the second bracket (122) comprises:
a second shoulder portion (140) disposed below the bottom surface (112) of the plate member (108), the second shoulder portion (140) defining a third end (142) and a fourth end (144), the second shoulder portion (140) being connected to the plate member (108) via a second connecting mechanism (146);
a third arm portion (148) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the third end (142), the third arm portion (148) traversing through a third aperture (150) provided in the plate member (108); and
a fourth arm portion (152) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the fourth end (144), the fourth arm portion (152) traversing through a fourth aperture (154) provided in the plate member (108).

3. The support structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate member comprises a third portion (118) supporting a third vehicular component (106); the third portion (118) comprising a fifth aperture (156); and optionally a bottom wall (158) covering the fifth aperture (156) from an underside thereof, the bottom wall (158) being detachably attached to the plastic plate (108).

4. The support structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one of:
the third portion (118) being at a third elevation in the vehicular upward direction;
the third portion (118) being substantially closer to a seat (32) of the vehicle (10); and
the second portion (116) being sandwiched between the first portion (114) and the third portion (118) in a vehicular length direction.

5. The support structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate member comprises at least one wire routing provision (160) for routing at least one of the first wire (162) corresponding to the first vehicular component (102), the second wire (164) corresponding to the second vehicular component (104), and a third wire (166) corresponding to the third vehicular component (106).

6. The support structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, comprising at least one vibration dampening element (168) protruding from the bottom surface (112) of the plastic plate (108).

7. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure (14) supporting a front ground engaging member (18), an internal combustion engine (26), a rear ground engaging member (20), and a fuel tank (34); the frame structure (14) comprising a first top frame member (36) and a second top frame structure (38);
and
a support structure (100) for supporting at least a first vehicular component (102) and a second vehicular component (104), the support structure (100) comprising:
a plate member (108) positioned between a first top frame member (36) and a second top frame structure (38), the plate member (108) comprising a top surface (110) and a bottom surface (112), the top surface (110) comprising a first portion (114) supporting the first vehicular component (102) and a second portion (116) supporting the second vehicular component (104), the first portion (114) being a first elevation in the vehicular upward direction; the second portion (116) being at a second elevation in the vehicular upward direction, the first elevation being higher than the second elevation in the vehicular upward direction;
a first bracket (120) located at the first portion (114) for holding the first vehicular component (102); and
a second bracket (122) located at the second portion (116) for supporting the second vehicular component (104).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein:
the first bracket (120) comprises:
a first shoulder portion (124) disposed below the bottom surface (112) of the plate member (108), the first shoulder portion (124) defining a first end (126) and a second end (128), the first shoulder portion (124) being connected to the plate member (108) via a first connecting mechanism (130);
a first arm portion (132) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the first end (126), the first arm portion (132) traversing through a first aperture (134) provided in the plate member (108); and
a second arm portion (136) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the second end (128), the second arm portion (136) traversing through a second aperture (138) provided in the plate member (108);
the second bracket (122) comprises:
a second shoulder portion (140) disposed below the bottom surface (112) of the plate member (108), the second shoulder portion (140) defining a third end (142) and a fourth end (144), the second shoulder portion (140) being connected to the plate member (108) via a second connecting mechanism (146);
a third arm portion (148) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the third end (142), the third arm portion (148) traversing through a third aperture (150) provided in the plate member (108); and
a fourth arm portion (152) extending in a vehicular upward direction from the fourth end (144), the fourth arm portion (152) traversing through a fourth aperture (154) provided in the plate member (108);
the first vehicular component (102) being accommodated in a first casing (170), the first casing (170) comprising a sixth aperture (172) for receiving the first arm portion (132) and a seventh aperture (174) for receiving the second arm portion (136); and
the second vehicular component (102) being accommodated in a second casing (176), the second casing (176) comprising an eighth aperture (178) for receiving the third arm portion (148) and a ninth aperture (180) for receiving the fourth arm portion (152).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plate member (108) being positioned between the first top frame member (36) and the second top frame structure (38) such that plate member (108) being located between the internal combustion engine (26) and the fuel tank (34).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the plate member (108) comprises at least one first wire routing provision (160) for routing at least one of a first wire (162) corresponding to the first vehicular component (102), a second wire (164) corresponding to the second vehicular component (104), and a third wire (166) corresponding to a third vehicular component (106), the first wire (162) being routed in at least one of a vehicular longitudinal direction or a vehicular traverse direction and the second wire (164) being routed in the other of the vehicular longitudinal direction or the vehicular traverse direction, the first wire (162) overlaps at least partially the second vehicular component (106) in a vehicle plan view.