Description:

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

VEHICLE COMPRISING A WIRELESS DEVCIE CHARGER

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 is directed to a vehicle comprising a wireless device charger.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Generally speaking, a vehicle such as a two wheeled vehicle or a saddled type vehicle is provided with a variety of accessories which helps a rider of the vehicle. One such accessory which is disposed on the vehicle is a charger unit which can be used for charging a battery-operated device that may be carried by rider of the vehicle. Typically, a charger port is provided in the vehicle to which the battery-operated device is connected vide a wire-based connector. However, there are substantial disadvantages associated with providing a charger port on the vehicle. Attempts to provide a wireless charger unit on a two wheeled vehicle which will be used for charging a battery-operated device have been made but have faced a lot of challenges. Thus, there exists a need to overcome one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[003] 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.

[004] Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising a frame structure steerably supporting a steering mechanism; a first cover covering at least a part of at least one of the frame structure and the steering mechanism; a windscreen disposed on a front side of the first cover; and a wireless device charger positioned in a first space between the front side of the first cover and the windscreen.

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the wireless device charger is positioned on a rear surface of the windscreen facing the front side of the first cover.

[006] In another embodiment of the invention, the wireless device charger is positioned on the front side of the first cover facing a rear surface of the windscreen.

[007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the wireless device charger comprises casing defining a second space and a third space, the second space securely accommodating a wireless charger unit and the third space removably accommodating a wireless device.

[008] In still another embodiment of the invention, the casing comprises a lid member providing access to the third space for inserting and removing the wireless device therefrom.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the casing comprises at least a first attachment structure and the rear surface of the windscreen facing the front side of the first cover comprises at least a second attachment structure for attaching the casing.

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the casing comprises at least a first attachment structure and the front side of the first cover comprises at least a third attachment structure for attaching the casing.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the casing being made of a transparent material.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the lid member being hingeable with regard to the casing.

[0013] An advantage of the invention is that there is provided a wireless device charger which can charge a battery of a battery-operated wireless device.

[0014] Another advantage of the invention is that the construction of the wireless device charger is substantially simple and cost effective, therefore making it easy and economical to provide it in the vehicle.

[0015] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the construction of the wireless device charger also allows for easy insertion and removal of the wireless device therefrom.

[0016] Still another advantage of the invention, is that the placement of the wireless device charger on the vehicle is such that both the wireless device charger and the wireless device are securely held and does not experience vibrations during motion of the vehicle.

[0017] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which 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:
[0018] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where 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:
[0019] Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 2 illustrates side view of a front portion of the vehicle showing some parts of the vehicle in exploded condition in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 3 illustrates a illustrates a first perspective exploded view of the windscreen and the wireless device charger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective assembled view of the windscreen and the wireless device charger particularly showing insertion of the wireless device into the wireless device charger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 5 illustrates a second perspective exploded view of the windscreen and the wireless device charger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0024] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of a front portion of the vehicle in accordance with an alternative embodiment of the invention.

[0025] 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:
[0026] 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10) that comprises a frame body (12) steerably supporting a steering mechanism (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises a first cover (16) covering at least a part of at least one of the frame structure (12) and the steering mechanism (14). The steering mechanism (14) particularly can be used for steering a front ground engaging member (18). By way of a non-limiting example, the steering mechanism (14) comprises a front fork (20) defining a bottom end and a top end. The bottom end of the front fork (20) is coupled to the front ground engaging member (18) while the top end of the front fork (20) is coupled to a handlebar (22).

[0039] The vehicle (10) further comprises a rear ground engaging member (24) which is rotatably coupled to the frame body (12). The vehicle (10) further comprises a power unit (26) which supplies driving power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (18) and the rear ground engaging member (24). By way of a non-limiting example, the power unit (26) may comprise an internal combustion engine or a motor. By way of a non-limiting example, the front ground engaging member (18) and the rear ground engaging member may comprise a wheel or a track.

[0040] The vehicle (10) further comprises a seat (28) which providing a seating arrangement for at least one rider. The vehicle (10) further comprises a second cover (30) covering at least a part of at least one of the frame structure (12) and is disposed below the seat (30).

[0041] The vehicle (10) further comprises a windscreen (38) which may be disposed on a front side (40) of the first cover (16). The location of the windscreen (38) with respect to the front side (40) of the first cover (16) is such that there is created a first space (42) between the front side (40) of the first cover (16) and the windscreen (38).

[0042] In an embodiment of the invention there may be provided a wireless device charger (100) which may be used for charging a battery of a wireless battery-operated device (46), best seen in Figure 3. Typically, the wireless device charger (100) is located in the first space (42) between front side (40) of the first cover (16) and the windscreen (38).

[0043] The vehicle (10) may further comprise at least one battery (32) which supplies electrical energy to the wireless device charger (100) using which the wireless device charger (100) charges the battery of the wireless battery-operated device (46). The wireless device charger (100) may be connected to the at least one battery (32) using wires (not shown). The at least one battery (32) is may be supported by the frame structure (12) and may be hidden by at least one of the second cover (30) and the seat (28). The vehicle (10) may comprise other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described. By way of non-limiting example, the vehicle (10) may further comprise additional components such as headlight, tail light, mirror(s), turn indicator(s), transmission system, fuel tank (in case the power unit is an internal combustion engine) or at least one battery (in case the power unit is a motor), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0044] Now referring to Figure 2, Figure 3, Figure 4, and Figure 5 there is illustrated a front portion of the vehicle (10). By way of a non-limiting example, the windscreen (38) comprises a rear surface (44) which faces the front side (40) of the first cover (16). As illustrated in Figure 2, in an embodiment of the invention, there may be disposed a second attachment structure (48) disposed on the rear side (44) of the windscreen (38) such that the windscreen (38) may be attached to the first cover (16) vide the second attachment structure (48). In an embodiment of the invention, the second attachment structure (48) also plays a critical role in attaching the wireless device charger (100) to the vehicle (10).

[0045] Now referring to Figure 3, in an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a first attachment structure (112) which co-operates with the second attachment structure (48) thereby coupling the wireless device charger (100) to the vehicle (10), especially to the rear surface (44) of the windscreen (38).

[0046] Now referring to Figure 4, in an embodiment of the invention, apart from the wireless device charger (100) being connected to the rear surface (44) of the windscreen (38), the wireless device charger (100) comprises a casing (102) accommodating a wireless charger unit (108) and a wireless device (46). In an embodiment of the invention, the wireless device charger (100) further comprises a lid member (110) being hingeable with regard to the casing (102). Now referring particularly to Figure 5, the casing (102) in particular comprises a second space (104) and a third space (106), the second space (104) securely accommodating the wireless charger unit (108) and the third space (106) removably accommodating the wireless device (46). When the wireless device (46) is located in the third space (106), battery of the wireless device (46) gets charged. In an embodiment of the invention, the first attachment structure (112) may form part of the casing (102). In an embodiment of the invention, the casing (102) may comprise at least a portion which is made of a transparent material. Thus, when the wireless device (46) is inserted in the casing (102) of the wireless device charger (100), at least a part of the wireless device (46) may be visible without having the need to open the casing (102).

[0047] While in the above embodiments, the wireless device charger (100) was attached to the rear surface (44) of the windscreen (38), in an alternative embodiment of the invention, the wireless device charger (100) was attached to the front side (40) of the first cover (16). This aspect is demonstrated in Figure 6, wherein it can be observed that first attachment structure (112) co-operates with the third attachment structure (50) provided on the front side (40) of the first cover (16) thereby coupling the wireless device charger (100) to the vehicle (10) and especially to the front side (40) of the first cover (16).

[0048] An advantage of the invention is that there is provided a wireless device charger which can charge charging a battery of a battery-operated wireless device.

[0049] Another advantage of the invention is that the construction of the wireless device charger is substantially simple and cost effective, therefore making it easy and economical to provide it in the vehicle.

[0050] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the construction of the wireless device charger also allows for easy insertion and removal of the wireless device therefrom.

[0051] Still another advantage of the invention, is that the placement of the wireless device charger on the vehicle is such that both the wireless device charger and the wireless device are securely held and does not experience vibrations during motion of the vehicle.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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 vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame structure (12) steerably supporting a steering mechanism (14);
a first cover (16) covering at least a part of at least one of the frame structure (12) and the steering mechanism (14);
a windscreen (38) disposed on a front side (40) of the first cover (16); and
a wireless device charger (100) positioned in a first space (42) between the front side (40) of the first cover (16) and the windscreen (38).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless device charger (100) is positioned on a rear surface (44) of the windscreen (38) facing the front side (40) of the first cover (16).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless device charger (100) is positioned on the front side (40) of the first cover (16) facing a rear surface (44) of the windscreen (38).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless device charger (100) comprises casing (102) defining a second space (104) and a third space (106), the second space (104) securely accommodating a wireless charger unit (108) and the third space (106) removably accommodating a wireless device (46).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the casing (102) comprises a lid member (110) providing access to the third space (106) for inserting and removing the wireless device (46) therefrom.

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the casing (102) comprises at least a first attachment structure (112) and the rear surface (44) of the windscreen (38) facing the front side (40) of the first cover (16) comprises at least a second attachment structure (48) for attaching the casing (102).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the casing (102) comprises at least a first attachment structure (112) and the front side (40) of the first cover (16) comprises at least a third attachment structure (50) for attaching the casing (102).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the casing being made of a transparent material.

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the lid member (110) being hingeable with regard to the casing (102).