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

FRAME 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 frame structure of a vehicle in particular frame structure of an electric vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Vehicles such as electric motorcycles or electric scooters comprise at least one battery and a power generating motor to operate the vehicle. The power generating motor generates necessary drive force based on the electric power supplied by the battery. Additionally, the vehicle comprises a variety of electrical or electronic components. For proper functioning of the electrical / electronic components, they need to be coupled using a wire harness. A frame structure of the vehicle assists in routing the wire harness.

[003] Especially, if we look at a frame structure that comprises a head pipe, an upper frame extending from the head pipe in a rearward direction; a set of lower frames extending from either the upper frame or the head pipe in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter;; and a set of pivot frames extending from the upper frame in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the set of lower frames;, the wire harness is solely placed along a side of the upper frame, which is not effective. Additionally, clips are needed to hold and route the wire harness especially along the upper frame. Thus, spacing available for routing the wire harness reduces. Additionally, a cost of the vehicle increases. 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] Accordingly, the present invention provides a frame structure of a vehicle comprising a head pipe; an upper frame extending from the head pipe in a rearward direction; a first lower frame extending from either the upper frame or the head pipe in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter; and a second lower frame extending from either the upper frame or the head pipe in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter. The frame structure further comprises a first pivot frame extending from the upper frame in the rearward-downward direction a second pivot frame extending from the upper frame in the rearward-downward direction. The first pivot frame is connected with the first lower frame while and the second pivot frame is connected with the second lower frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure further comprises a first arm member and a second arm member. The first arm member is coupled to the upper frame and extends above and along a first side of the upper frame. The second arm member is coupled to the upper frame and extends above and along a second side of the upper frame.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm member is spaced apart from the second arm member in a vehicle width direction.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the first arm member, the second arm member and a top surface of the upper frame together define a channel for accommodating at least one wire harness.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first arm member comprises a first portion, a second portion, and a first intermediate portion positioned between the first portion and the second portion. The first portion is connected to the first side of the upper frame at a first location. The second portion is connected to the first side of the upper frame at a second location.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the second arm member comprises a third portion, a fourth portion and a second intermediate portion located between the third portion and the fourth portion. The third portion is connected to the second side of the upper frame at a third location. The fourth portion is connected to the second side of the upper frame at a fourth location.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the frame structure further comprises at least one cross member connected between the first arm member and the second arm member. In particular there is provided at least one cross member connected between the first intermediate portion forming part of the first arm member and the second intermediate portion forming part of the second arm member.

[0011] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the at least one cross member is spaced apart from the top surface of the upper frame.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the first portion forming part of the first arm member projects in a vehicle downward direction; while the second portion forming part of the second arm member projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the third portion forming part of the second arm member projects in a vehicle downward direction; while the fourth portion forming part of the second arm member projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first intermediate portion forming part of the first arm member comprises a fifth portion located proximate to the first portion forming part of the first arm member. The fifth portion projects in a vehicle upward and rearward direction.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the first intermediate portion forming part of the first arm member comprises a sixth portion located proximate to the second portion forming part of the first arm member. The sixth portion projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction.

[0016] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second intermediate portion forming part of the second arm member comprises a seventh portion located proximate to the third portion forming part of the second arm member. The seventh portion projects in a vehicle upward and rearward direction.

[0017] In another embodiment of the invention, the second intermediate portion forming part of the second arm member comprises an eighth portion located proximate to the fourth portion forming part of the second arm member. The eighth portion projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction.

[0018] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a front portion of the at least one wire harness is routed through a first space and a rear portion of the at least one wire harness is routed through a second space. In an embodiment of the invention, the first space is located between the first location and the head pipe along the first side of the upper frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the second space is located behind the second location along the first side of the upper frame.

[0019] In still another embodiment of the invention, a front portion of the at least one wire harness is routed through a third space and a rear portion of the at least one wire harness is routed through a fourth space. In an embodiment of the invention, the third space is located between the third location and the head pipe along the second side of the upper frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the fourth space is located behind the fourth location along the second side of the upper frame.

[0020] There is furthermore provided a vehicle comprising a frame structure supporting a front fork, a front ground engaging member, a steering handle bar, a rear ground engaging member, and at least one wire harness. The frame structure comprises a head pipe; an upper frame extending from the head pipe in a rearward direction; a first lower frame extending from either the upper frame or the head pipe in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter; and a second lower frame extending from either the upper frame or the head pipe in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter. The frame structure further comprises a first pivot frame extending from the upper frame in the rearward-downward direction a second pivot frame extending from the upper frame in the rearward-downward direction. The first pivot frame is connected with the first lower frame. The second pivot frame is connected with the second lower frame. The frame structure further comprises a first arm member and a second arm member. The first arm member is coupled to the upper frame and extends above and along a first side of the upper frame; the second arm member is coupled to the upper frame and extends above and along a second side of the upper frame.

[0021] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle comprises an electric vehicle and the frame structure further supports at least one battery.

[0022] An advantage of the invention comprises the frame member effectively accommodating the wire harness. In particular, no special space has to be created for accommodating the wire harness.

[0023] Another advantage of the invention comprises the wire harness being located in the channel defined by the first arm member, the second arm member and a top surface of the upper frame.

[0024] Yet another advantage of the invention comprises the ability to route the wire harness without requiring any additional clips.

[0025] Still another advantage of the invention comprises the ability of utilize each of the upper frame, the first lower frame, the second lower frame, the first pivot frame, the second pivot frame, the first arm member, and the second arm member for multiple purposes. For instance, the upper frame, the first lower frame, the second lower frame, the first pivot frame, the second pivot frame can be used for accommodating at least one battery while the first arm member and the second arm member being used for restricting an upward movement of the at least one battery. Thus, all the components of the invention have multiple purposes and hence, there is a substantial cost advantage.

[0026] 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:
[0027] 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:

[0028] Figure 1 illustrates a side of the electric vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the electric vehicle after removal of all the cowl elements in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 3 illustrates a first perspective view of the frame structure supporting at least one wire harness in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 4 illustrates a second perspective view of the frame structure supporting at least one wire harness in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention;

[0032] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the first arm member and the second arm member in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention; and

[0033] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the first arm member and second arm member in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention.

[0034] 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:
[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front ground engaging member (12), a rear ground engaging member (14), rotatably supported by a frame structure (100). The front ground engaging member (12) is coupled to a steering handle bar (16) vide a front fork (18) and the frame structure (100) rotatably supports the front fork (18). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight (20) positioned above the front ground engaging member (12) and a tail light (22) positioned above the rear ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least a first battery (24) supported by the frame structure (100). . It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may further comprise a second battery located behind the first battery (24) in the side view shown in Figure 1 and hence, is not visible. The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one powering unit (28) receiving electrical energy from the at least first battery (24) and supplying driving power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (12) and the rear ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one seat (30) supported by the frame structure (100), the at least one seat (30) providing a seating provision for a driver and/or a pillion rider. The vehicle further comprises an upper cowl element (32) disposed above the frame structure (100). The upper cowl element (32) is located between the seat (30) and the steering handle bar (16). The vehicle (10) may comprise other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0048] Now referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a side view of the electric vehicle (10) after removal of the upper cowl element (32) and the seat (30). It can be seen that the frame structure (100) supports at least one wire harness (126) and the at least first battery (24). In particular, there may be provided a supporting frame member (158) (best seen in Figure 3 and Figure 4) supporting the at least first battery (24). For instance, there may be disposed a first case (not numbered) which accommodates the first battery (24). The first case is placed on the supporting frame member (158) (best visible in Figure 3 and Figure 4) and coupled to the frame structure (100). It may be noted that the vehicle (10) may further comprise a second case (not shown) accommodating the second battery. The second case gets located behind the first case in the side view shown in Figure 2 and hence, is not visible.

[0049] Now referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated a first perspective view of the frame structure (100) in accordance with an first embodiment of the invention from a first side of the vehicle (10) and referring to Figure 4, there is illustrated a second perspective view of the frame structure (100) in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention from a second side of the vehicle (10). The frame structure (100) comprises a head pipe (102) and an upper frame (108) extending in a vehicle rearward direction from the head pipe (102). As best visible in Figure 3, in an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure (100) further comprises a first lower frame (104) extending from the upper frame (108) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter. It may be noted that while in Figure 3 the first lower frame (104) is shown as extending from the upper frame (108), in an alternative embodiment which is not shown, the first lower frame (104) may extend from the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter.

[0050] As best visible in Figure 4, in an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure (100) further comprises a second lower frame (106) extending from the upper frame (108) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter. It may be noted that while in Figure 4 the second lower frame (106) is shown as extending from the upper frame (108), in an alternative embodiment which is not shown, the second lower frame (106) may extend from the head pipe (102)in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter.

[0051] As best visible in Figure 3, the frame structure (100) further comprises a first pivot frame (110) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction. While in Figure 3, the first pivot frame (110) is shown to be connected with the first lower frame (104), in an alternative embodiment, which is not illustrated, the first pivot frame (110) may be spaced apart from the first lower frame (104) and not per se connected to the first lower frame (104).For instance, the first pivot frame (110) may be connected to the first lower frame (104) vide one or more other additional vehicular component (not shown). Thus, the phrase “the first pivot frame (110) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the first lower frame (104)” is intended to include both direction connection as well as connection vide one or more other additional vehicular component.

[0052] As best visible in Figure 4, the frame structure further comprises a second pivot frame (112) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction. While in Figure 4, the second pivot frame (112) is shown to be connected with the second lower frame (106), in an alternative embodiment, which is not illustrated, the second pivot frame (112) may be spaced apart from the second lower frame (106) and not per se connected to the second lower frame (106). For instance, the second pivot frame (112) may be connected to the second lower frame (106) vide one or more other additional vehicular component (not shown). Thus, the phrase “the second pivot frame (112) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the second lower frame (106)” is intended to include both direction connection as well as connection vide one or more other additional vehicular component.

[0053] The supporting frame member (158) may be located between the first lower frame (104), the second lower frame (106), the first pivot frame (110) and the second pivot frame (112). It may be noted that the supporting frame structure (158) may be have alternative constructions and the construction as shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 is only by way of a non-limiting example. The frame structure (100) may comprise further elements which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown or not described (even if shown in the figures).

[0054] As best seen in Figure 3, the first lower frame (104) and the first pivot frame (110) extend along the first side (116) of the upper frame (108). As best seen in Figure 4, the second lower frame (106) and the second pivot frame (112) extend along the second side (120) of the upper frame (108).

[0055] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure (100) further comprises a first arm member (114) and a second arm member (118). In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm member (114) is spaced apart from the second arm member (118) in a vehicle width direction.

[0056] As best seen in Figure 3, Figure 5 which illustrates a perspective view of the first arm member (114) and second arm member (118) in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention, and Figure 6 which illustrates a perspective view of the first arm member (114) and the second arm member (118) in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention, the first arm member (114) comprises a first portion (128), a second portion (132), and a first intermediate portion (136) located between the first portion (128) and the second portion (132). As can be particularly seen in Figure 3, the first portion (128) is connected to the first side (116) of the upper frame (108) at a first location (130) while the second portion (132) is connected to the first side (116) of the upper frame (108) at a second location (134).

[0057] In an embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the first arm member (114), especially, the first intermediate portion (136) extends above an upper surface (122) of the upper frame (108). Since the first portion (128) and the second portion (132) are connected to the first side (116), it can also be said that at least a part of the first arm member (114) extends along the first side (116) of the upper frame (108).

[0058] As best seen in Figure 4, Figure 5, and Figure 6, the second arm member (118) in particular comprises a third portion (138), a fourth portion (142), and second intermediate portion (146) located between the third portion (138) and the fourth portion (142). As can be particularly seen in Figure 4, the third portion (138) is connected to the second side (120) of the upper frame (108) at a third location (140) while the fourth portion (142) is connected to the second side (120) of the upper frame (108) at a fourth location (144).

[0059] In an embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the second arm member (118), especially, the second intermediate portion (146) extends above the upper surface (122) of the upper frame (108). Since the third portion (138) and the fourth portion (142) are connected to the second side (120), it can also be said that at least a part of the second arm member (118) extends along the second side (120) of the upper frame (108)

[0060] Thus, now referring back to Figure 3 and Figure 4, it can be observed that a channel (124) gets formed between the upper surface (122) of the upper frame (108), the first arm member (114) and the second arm member (118). It may be noted that the channel (124) may not get formed in case no portion of the first arm member (114) extends above the upper surface (122) of the upper frame (108). It may also be noted that the channel (124) may not get formed in case no portion of the second arm member (118) extends above the upper surface (122) of the upper frame (108).

[0061] As can be seen in Figure 3 and Figure 4, at least one wire harness (126) is located within the channel (124). It may be noted that only an intermediate portion of the at least one wire harness (126) is located within the channel and not the entire length of at least one wire (126).

[0062] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame structure (100) may further comprises at least one cross member (148) connected between first arm member (114) and the second arm (118). The at least one cross member (148) is spaced from the top surface (122) of the upper frame (108). The at least one cross member (148) is located such that the at least one wire harness (126) passes in the gap between the at least one cross member (148) and the top surface (122) of the upper frame (108).

[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, the first portion (128) of the first arm member (114) projects in a vehicle downward direction and the second portion (132) of the first arm member (114) projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction. Thus, the first arm member (114) has sufficient space for coupling to the first side (116) of the upper frame (108). Also, a first space (166) (best visible in Figure 3) is left between the first location (130) and the head pipe (108) along the first side (116) of the upper frame (108), the first space (166) can be utilized for routing a front portion of the at least one wire harness (126). Similarly, a second space (168) (best visible in Figure 3) is left behind the second location (134) along the first side (116) of the upper frame (108), the second space (168) can be utilized for routing a rear portion of the at least one wire harness (126).

[0064] Likewise, in an embodiment of the invention, the third portion (138) of the second arm member (118) projects in a vehicle downward direction and the fourth portion (142) of the second arm member (118) projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction. Thus, the second arm member (118) has sufficient space for coupling to the second side (120) of the upper frame (108). Also, a third space (170) (best visible in Figure 4) is left between the third location (138) and the head pipe (108) along the second side (120) of the upper frame (108), the third space (170) can be utilized for routing a front portion of the at least one wire harness (126). Similarly, a fourth space (172) (best visible in Figure 4) is left behind the fourth location (144) along the second side (120) of the upper frame (108), the fourth space (172) can be utilized for routing a rear portion of the at least one wire harness (126).

[0065] Now particularly referring to Figure 5 and Figure 6, the first intermediate portion (136) of the first arm member (114) comprises a fifth portion (150) proximate to the first portion (128) and a sixth portion (152) proximate to the second portion (132). The fifth portion (150) projects in a vehicle upward and rearward direction. The sixth portion (152) on the other hand, projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction. Thus, while the fifth portion (150) projects at least partly in the upward direction, the sixth portion (152) begins at the fifth portion (150) but instead of projecting in an upward direction, projects at least partly in a downward direction.

[0066] Similarly, the second intermediate portion (146) of the second arm member (118) comprises a seventh portion (154) proximate to the third portion (138) and an eighth portion (156) proximate to the fourth portion (142). The seventh portion (154) projects in a vehicle upward and rearward direction. The eighth portion (156) on the other hand, projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction. Thus, while the seventh portion (154) projects at least partly in the upward direction, the eighth portion (156) begins at the seventh portion (154) but instead of projecting in an upward direction, projects at least partly in a downward direction

[0067] Generally speaking, first intermediate portion (136) of the first arm member (114) and the second intermediate portion (146) of the second arm member (118) comprise at least one mounting provision (160, 162, and 164) for mounting other components of the vehicle. For instance, in Figure 5, the first intermediate portion (136) of the first arm member (114) and the second intermediate portion (146) of the second arm member (118) are shown to comprise a first mounting provision (160) for receiving a first component of the vehicle (not shown).

[0068] For instance, in Figure 6, the first intermediate portion (136) of the first arm member (114) and the second intermediate portion (146) of the second arm member (118) are shown to comprise a first mounting provision (160) for receiving a first component of the vehicle (not shown), a second mounting provision (162) for receiving a second component of the vehicle (not shown) and a third mounting provision (164) for receiving a third component of the vehicle (not shown).

[0069] For instance, the first mounting provision (160) may be adapted to receive a vehicular component (not shown) that restricts an upward movement of the first battery (24) (best visible in Figure 1 and Figure 2) and the second battery (not shown). By way of another example, the second mounting provision (162) may be adapted to receive a charger port (170) (best visible in Figure 2) through which the first battery (24) and the second battery (not shown) may be charged.

[0070] Thus, the first arm member (114) and the second arm member (118) may actually support one or more components of the vehicle and are not provided solely for the purposes of creating the channel (124).

[0071] Thus, an advantage of the invention comprises the frame member (100) effectively accommodating the at least one wire harness (126). In particular, no special space has to be created for accommodating the at least one wire harness (126).

[0072] Another advantage of the invention comprises the at least one wire harness (126) is located in the channel (124) defined by the first arm member (114), the second arm member (118) and a top surface (122) of the upper frame (108). In case the frame member (100) further comprises at least one cross member (148), the at least one wire harness (126) is furthermore located in a space between the top surface (122) of the upper frame (108) and the at least one cross member (148). Thus, unwanted movement, especially, movement of the at least one wire harness (126) outside the channel (124) is substantially prohibited.

[0073] It may be noted that the upper cowl (32) additionally covers the at least one wire harness (126) located in the channel (124) in a top view of the vehicle (10). If the vehicle (10) comprises a fuel tank instead of the upper cowl (32) at the same location at which the upper cowl (32) is placed, then the fuel tank covers the at least one wire harness (126) located in the channel (124) in a top view of the vehicle (10).

[0074] Yet another advantage of the invention comprises the ability to route the wire harness without requiring any additional clips. By avoiding usage of clips, a space which would be otherwise consumed by the clips is gained. Additionally, the cost is saved by not using the clips. Using clips to locate / hold the at least one wire harness with respect to the frame structure increases a complexity and a time involved in assembling. Since the at least one wire harness is placed directly with respect to the frame structure without using the clips, a complexity as well a time involved in assembling the vehicle reduces substantially. Thus, a cost of manufacturing the vehicle decreases substantially.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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 frame structure (100) of a vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe (102);
an upper frame (108) extending from the head pipe (102) in a rearward direction;
a first lower frame (104) extending from at least one of the upper frame (108) and the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter;
a second lower frame (106) extending from at least one of the upper frame (108) and the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter;
a first pivot frame (110) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the first lower frame (104);
a second pivot frame (112) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the second lower frame (106);
a first arm member (114) coupled to the upper frame (108) and extending above and along a first side (116) of the upper frame (108); and
a second arm member (118) coupled to the upper frame (108) and extending above and along a second side (120) of the upper frame (108).

2. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm member (114) is spaced apart from the second arm member (118) in a vehicle traverse direction.

3. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first arm member (114), the second arm member (118) and a top surface (122) of the upper frame (108) define a channel (124) for accommodating at least one wire harness (126).

4. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one of:
the first arm member (114) comprises:
a first portion (128) connected to the first side (116) of the upper frame (108) at a first location (130);
a second portion (132) connected to the first side (116) of the upper frame (108) at a second location (134); and
a first intermediate portion (136) located between the first portion (128) and the second portion (132); and
the second arm member (118) comprises:
a third portion (138) connected to the second side (120) of the upper frame (108) at a third location (140);
a fourth portion (142) connected to the second side (120) of the upper frame (108) at a fourth location (144); and
a second intermediate portion (146) located between the third portion (138) and the fourth portion (142).

5. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, comprising at least one cross member (148) connected between the first intermediate portion (136) and the second intermediate portion (146), such that the at least one cross member (148) is spaced from the top surface (122) of the upper frame (108).

6. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one of:
the first portion (128) projects in a vehicle downward direction;
the third portion (138) projects in a vehicle downward direction;
the second portion (132) projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction; and
the fourth portion (142) projects in a vehicle downward and rearward direction.

7. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one of:
the first intermediate portion (136) comprises a fifth portion (150) proximate to the first portion (128) and projecting in a vehicle upward and rearward direction and a sixth portion (152) proximate to the second portion (132) and projecting in a vehicle downward and rearward direction; and
the second intermediate portion (146) comprises a seventh portion (154) proximate to the third portion (138) and projecting in a vehicle upward and rearward direction and an eighth portion (156) proximate to the fourth portion (142) and projecting in a vehicle downward and rearward direction.

8. The frame structure (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one of:
a first space (166) is left between the first location (130) and the head pipe (108) along the first side (116) of the upper frame (108), the first space (166) being utilized for routing a front portion of the at least one wire harness (126); and a second space (168) is left behind the second location (134) along the first side (116) of the upper frame (108), the second space (168) can be utilized for routing a rear portion of the at least one wire harness (126); and
a third space (170) is left between the third location (138) and the head pipe (108) along the second side (120) of the upper frame (108), the third space (170) being utilized for routing a front portion of the at least one wire harness (126); and a fourth space (172) is left behind the fourth location (144) along the second side (120) of the upper frame (108), the fourth space (172) being utilized for routing a rear portion of the at least one wire harness (126).

9. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure (100) supporting a front fork (12), a front ground engaging member (14), a steering handle bar (16), a rear ground engaging member (18), and at least one wire harness (126);
the frame structure (100) comprising:
a head pipe (102);
an upper frame (108) extending from the head pipe (102) in a rearward direction;
a first lower frame (104) extending from at least one of the upper frame (108) and the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter;
a second lower frame (106) extending from at least one of the upper frame (108) and the head pipe (102) in a downward-rearward direction and in a substantially rearward direction thereafter;
a first pivot frame (110) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the first lower frame (104);
a second pivot frame (112) extending from the upper frame (108) in the rearward-downward direction and connected with the second lower frame (106);
a first arm member (114) coupled to the upper frame (108) and extending above and along a first side (116) of the upper frame (108); and
a second arm member (118) coupled to the upper frame (108) and extending above and along a second side (120) of the upper frame (108).

10. The vehicle as claimed in claim 9, comprising an upper cowl (32) located between the steering handle bar (16) and a seat (30), the upper cowl (32) covers at least one wire harness in a top view of the vehicle (10).