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 an electronic component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Conventionally, a vehicle in particularly a two-wheeled vehicle comprises numerous electronic components, which is required for proper functioning of the vehicle. 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] Generally, the diagnostic coupler is positioned around various locations in proximate to a specific vehicular part of the vehicle. For example, the diagnostic coupler may be positioned under floorboard of the vehicle. But, in case of the floor board, assembling the diagnostic coupler requires an operator to bend forward leading to discomfort and a discontinuity in the assembling process. Further, in this case the accessibility of the diagnostic coupler reduces, as it requires dismantling many parts. Dismantling multiple parts is a time-consuming process and increases the service time of the vehicle. In another example, the diagnostic coupler may be positioned on a handle bar. In this case, the diagnostic coupler may get dislodged from its position, due to generation of high vibration. Also, in this case the diagnostic coupler may get exposed to dust and other contaminates, affecting functionality of the diagnostic coupler.

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

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

[006] Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicle comprising a seat a skin member disposed below the seat, the skin member comprising a first aperture; a lid member disposed removably with respect to the first aperture; and a holding member positioned below the skin member, the holding member comprising a first part extending at least partially in a vehicular upward direction, the first part being adapted to receivably hold an electronic component.

[007] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the first part overlaps at least partly with the first aperture in a plan view of the vehicle.

[008] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the lid member comprises a set of legs extending beyond the lid member and a second aperture ; the skin member comprises a first arm extending towards the first aperture, the firm arm comprising a third aperture ; the set of the legs interacting with the skin member in close proximity to the first aperture ; and the third aperture present overlapping with the second aperture in a plan view of the vehicle.

[009] According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, the second aperture and the third aperture being coupled via fasteners.

[0010] According to still another embodiment of the present invention, the lid member comprises a set of legs extending beyond the lid member and a male connecting part extending from underside of the lid member ; the skin member comprises a female connecting part ; the set of the legs interacting with the skin member in close proximity to the first aperture ; and the male connecting part and the female connecting part co-operating so as to couple the lid member with respect to the skin member.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the holding member comprises a second part extending from the first part, and at least one of:
• the second part and the first part being an integral part of the lid member;
• the holding member being coupled to the lid member via the second part;
• the second part and the first part being an integral part of the skin member; and
• the holding member being coupled to the skin member via the second part.

[0012] According to a further more embodiment of the present invention, comprises a restricting member positioned below the skin member in close proximity to the first part of the holding member, the restricting member adapted to restrict removal of the electronic component from the holding member.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the restricting member comprises a flexible member adapted to move from a first state to a second state with respect to the first part upon application of an actuating force and adapted to return to the first state from the second state with respect to the first part upon removal of the actuating force, the flexible member disallowing removal of the electronic component from the holding member in the first state and allowing removal of the electronic component from the holding member in the second state.

[0014] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least one of:
• the restricting member being an integral part of the skin member;
• the restricting member being coupled to the skin member;
• the restricting member being an integral part of the lid member; and
• the restricting member being coupled to the lid member.
[0015] In an embodiment of the invention, the electronic component being a diagnostic coupler.

[0016] One advantage of the present invention is that the electronic component can be assembled within the vehicle, without requiring an operator to come in a discomforting position i.e. bending in a forward direction. Another advantage of the present is that the assembling process of the vehicle does not get discontinued for assembling the electronic component. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the installation and removal of the electronic component is easy and requires less time. A still another advantage of the present invention is that the number of component (s) required for holding the electronic component is less. One of the advantages of the present invention includes an increase in serviceability of the vehicle.

[0017] One of the advantages of the present invention includes assuring a firm holding of the electronic component. One of the advantages of the present invention includes preventing the electronic component to dislodge from its position during a movement of the vehicle. One of the advantages of the present invention includes an increase in the aesthetics of the vehicle. An advantage of the present invention is that the electronic component is protected from dust and other contaminates. One advantage of the present invention includes preventing the electronic component to get damaged before its anticipated life cycle.

[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 view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a rear perspective view of a skin member showing a first aperture and a lid member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a cross sectional view of the skin member showing the lid member disposed over the first aperture in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a magnified view of the lid member and the skin member constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a magnified view of the lid member and the skin member constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of the skin member showing a holding member as an integral part of the lid member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 7 illustrates a sectional view of the skin member showing the holding member as an integral part of the skin member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 8 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the skin member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0028] Figure 9 illustrates a magnified view of underside of the skin member in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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).

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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).

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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).

[0047] The rear end structure (14) further comprises a skin member (46) (best seen in Figure 2) disposed below the seat (38). In an embodiment of the invention the skin member (46) is accessible only when the seat (38) is in open condition with respect to the first seat frame (34) and the second seat frame (36).

[0048] 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.

[0049] Referring to Figure 2 and Figure 3, the skin member (46) comprises a first aperture (48) and a lid member (50) disposed removably with respect to the first aperture (48). In an embodiment of the invention, the lid member (50) is adapted to cover the first aperture (48) completely. By way of a non- restrictive example the skin member (46) further comprises a utility box (49). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first aperture (48) is positioned behind the utility box (49) in a rear direction of the vehicle (10). However, first aperture (48) may be positioned at various location of the skin member (46).

[0050] The vehicle (10) further comprises a holding member (52) positioned below the skin member (46). The holding member (52) comprises first part (54) and a second part (70) extending from the first part (54). In an embodiment of the invention, the first part (54) extends at least partially in a vehicular upward direction. The first part (54) is adapted to receivably hold an electronic component (56).

[0051] In an embodiment of the invention, the first part (54) overlaps at least partly with the first aperture (48) in a plan view of the vehicle (10). The overlapping between the first part (54) and the first aperture (48) assures accessibility of the electronic component (56) through the first aperture (48). In another embodiment of the invention, the electronic component is a diagnostic coupler (56).

[0052] Referring to Figure 4, there is illustrated the skin member (46) and the lid member (50) constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the lid member (50) comprises a set of legs (58) extending beyond the lid member (50) and a second aperture (60). Further, the skin member (46) comprises a first arm (64) extending towards the first aperture (48). In an embodiment of the invention, the firm arm (64) comprises a third aperture (62).

[0053] In the first embodiment of the invention as explained in the Figure 4, the set of the legs (58) interacts with the skin member (46) in close proximity to the first aperture (48). Further, the third aperture (62) overlaps with the second aperture (60) in a plan view of the vehicle (10). The interaction between set of the legs (58) and the skin member (46) assures proper alignment of the lid member (50) with respect to the first aperture (48), and the overlapping between the third aperture (62) and the second aperture (60) allows coupling of the lid member (50) to the skin member (46). In an embodiment of the invention, the second aperture (60) and the third aperture (62) is coupled via fasteners (66).

[0054] Now referring to Figure 5, there is illustrated the skin member (46) and the lid member (50) constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment of the invention, the lid member (50) comprises a set of legs (58) extending beyond the lid member (50) and a male connecting part (68) extending from underside of the lid member (50). Further, the skin member (46) comprises a female connecting part (67).

[0055] In the second embodiment of the invention as explained in the Figure 5, the set of the legs (58) interacts with the skin member (46) in close proximity to the first aperture (48). Further the male connecting part (68) and the female connecting part (67) co-operates with each other. The interaction between set of the legs (58) and the skin member (46) assures proper alignment of the lid member (50) with respect to the first aperture (48), and the co-operation between the the male connecting part (68) and the female connecting part (67) allows coupling of the lid member (50) with respect to the skin member (46).

[0056] In an embodiment of the invention, the holding member (52) may be constructed as an integral part of the skin member (46) or the lid member (52), in both the first and the second embodiment of the invention. In another embodiment of the invention, the holding member (52) may be constructed as a part easily mountable to the skin member (46) and the lid member (52) in both the first and the second embodiment of the invention.

[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, the second part (70) and the first part (54) being an integral part of the lid member (50) as shown in a Figure 6. Although not shown, in another embodiment of the invention, the holding member (52) being coupled to the lid member (50) via the second part (70). In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second part (70) and the first part (54) being an integral part of the skin member (46) as shown in a Figure 7. In still another embodiment of the invention, the holding member (52) being coupled to the skin member (46) via the second part (70) as shown in a Figure 8.

[0058] Now referring to Figure 9, a restricting member (72) is positioned below the skin member (46) in close proximity to the first part (54) of the holding member (52). The restricting member (72) is adapted to restrict removal of the electronic component (56) from the holding member (52).

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, the restricting member (72) comprises a flexible member (72) adapted to move from a first state to a second state with respect to the first part (54) upon application of an actuating force and adapted to return to the first state from the second state with respect to the first part (54) upon removal of the actuating force. In the first state, the flexible member (72) disallows removal of the electronic component (56) from the holding member (52). While, in the second state, the flexible member (72) allows removal of the electronic component (56) from the holding member (52).

[0060] Similar to the holding member (52), the restricting member (72) may be constructed as an integral part of the skin member (46) or the lid member (52), in both the first and the second embodiment of the invention. Also, the restricting member (52) may be constructed as a part easily mountable to the skin member (46) or the lid member (52), in both the first and the second embodiment of the invention.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the restricting member (72) is an integral part of the lid member (50) as shown in the Figure 9. In an embodiment of the invention the restricting member (72) being an integral part of the skin member (46). In another embodiment of the invention, the restricting member (72) being coupled to the skin member (46). In yet another embodiment of the invention, the restricting member (72) being coupled to the lid member (50).

[0062] One advantage of the present invention is that the electronic component (56) can be assembled within the vehicle (10), without requiring an operator to come in a discomforting position i.e. bending in a forward direction. Another advantage of the present is that the assembling process of the vehicle does not get discontinued for assembling the electronic component. Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the installation and removal of the electronic component (56) is easy and requires less time. A still another advantage of the present invention is that the number of component (s) required for holding the electronic component is less. One of the advantages of the present invention includes an increase in serviceability of the vehicle (10).

[0063] Since, the first part of the holding member (52) extends at least partially in a vehicular upward direction. One of the advantages of the present invention includes assuring a firm holding of the electronic component (56). One of the advantages of the present invention includes preventing the electronic component (56) to dislodge from its position during a movement of the vehicle (10).

[0064] One of the advantages of the present invention includes an increase in the aesthetics of the vehicle (10). An advantage of the present invention is that the electronic component (56) is protected from dust and other contaminates. Since, the electronic component (56) is protected from the dust and other contaminates. One advantage of the present invention includes preventing the electronic component (56) to get damaged before its anticipated life cycle.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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 seat (38);
a skin member (46) disposed below the seat (38), the skin member (46) comprising a first aperture (48);
a lid member (50) disposed removably with respect to the first aperture (48); and
a holding member (52) positioned below the skin member (46), the holding member (52) comprising a first part (54) extending at least partially in a vehicular upward direction, the first part (54) being adapted to receivably hold an electronic component (56).

2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first part (54) overlaps at least partly with the first aperture (48) in a plan view of the vehicle (10).

3. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the lid member (50) comprises a set of legs (58) extending beyond the lid member (50) and a second aperture (60);
the skin member (46) comprises a first arm (64) extending towards the first aperture (48), the firm arm (64) comprising a third aperture (62);
the set of the legs (58) interacting with the skin member (46) in close proximity to the first aperture (48); and
the third aperture (62) present overlapping with the second aperture (60) in a plan view of the vehicle (10).

4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the second aperture (60) and the third aperture (62) being coupled via fasteners (66).

5. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the lid member (50) comprises a set of legs (58) extending beyond the lid member (50) and a male connecting part (68) extending from underside of the lid member (50);
the skin member (46) comprises a female connecting part (___);
the set of the legs (58) interacting with the skin member (46) in close proximity to the first aperture (48); and
the male connecting part (68) and the female connecting part co-operating so as to couple the lid member with respect to the skin member (46).

6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holding member (52) comprises a second part (70) extending from the first part (54), and at least one of:
• the second part (70) and the first part (54) being an integral part of the lid member (50);
• the holding member (52) being coupled to the lid member (50) via the second part (70);
• the second part (70) and the first part (54) being an integral part of the skin member (46); and
• the holding member (52) being coupled to the skin member (46) via the second part (70).

7. The vehicle as claimed in claim1, comprises a restricting member (72) positioned below the skin member (46) in close proximity to the first part (54) of the holding member (52), the restricting member (72) adapted to restrict removal of the electronic component (56) from the holding member (52).

8. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein the restricting member (72) comprises a flexible member (72) adapted to move from a first state to a second state with respect to the first part (54) upon application of an actuating force and adapted to return to the first state from the second state with respect to the first part (54) upon removal of the actuating force, the flexible member (72) disallowing removal of the electronic component (56) from the holding member (52) in the first state and allowing removal of the electronic component (56) from the holding member (52) in the second state.

9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein at least one of:
• the restricting member (72) being an integral part of the skin member (46);
• the restricting member (72) being coupled to the skin member (46);
• the restricting member (72) being an integral part of the lid member (50); and
• the restricting member (72) being coupled to the lid member (50).

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim1, wherein the electronic component (56) being a diagnostic coupler.