Description:

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

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 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 head pipe; a first lower frame extending in a vehicle downward direction and thereafter in a vehicle rearward direction;a second lower frame extending in a vehicle downward direction and thereafter in vehicle rearward direction, the second lower frame being spaced apart from the first lower frame in a vehicle width direction. The vehicle further comprises a first upper frame extending in a vehicle rearward direction and being spaced apart from the first lower frame in a vehicle height direction; and a second upper frame extending in a vehicle rearward direction, the second upper frame being spaced apart from the second lower frame in a vehicle height direction, and the second upper frame being spaced apart from the first upper frame in a vehicle width direction. The vehicle further comprises at least one body cover covering the head pipe, the first lower frame, the second lower frame, the first upper frame and the second upper frame. The body cover comprises a first floor panel portion;a second floor panel portion spaced apart from the first floor panel portion in a vehicle width direction; and a center tunnel portion positioned between the first floor panel portion and the second floor panel. The center tunnel portion accommodating a first space and there is positioned a wireless device charger within the first space.

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle further comprises a first rear frame extending in a rearward direction from the first upper frame; and a second rear frame extending in a rearward direction from the second upper frame.

[006] In another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle further comprises a first lid member which is pivotable between a first state and a second state with respect to the center tunnel portion. The first lid member restricts access to the wireless device charger in the first state and allows access to the wireless device charger in the second state.

[007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first space comprises a second storage compartment positioned below the first lid member and the wireless device charger is provided in the second storage compartment.

[008] In still another embodiment of the invention, the second storage compartment comprises a bottom wall and the wireless device charger is positioned on the bottom wall.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second storage compartment comprises a bottom wall and a first aperture in the bottom wall and the wireless device charger is positioned in the first aperture formed in the bottom wall.

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the second storage compartment comprises a side wall and a second aperture in the side wall and the wireless device charger is positioned in the second aperture formed in the side wall.

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, the wireless device charger is positioned to project in a vehicle height direction.

[0012] In another embodiment of the invention, the wireless device charger comprises a casing defining a second space and a third space, the second space securely accommodating a wireless device charger unit and the third space removably accommodating a wireless device.

[0013] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the casing comprises a second lid member providing access to the third space in a third state and restricting access to the third space in a fourth state, the second lid member facing the first lid member.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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.

[0018] The first space which is generally available below the center tunnel portion is effectively utilized for locating the wireless device charger and hence, there is no need to create additional space in the vehicle, which is huge technical challenge.

[0019] 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:
[0020] 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:

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a first side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 2 illustrates a second side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 4 illustrates a first side perspective view of the frame body of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 5 illustrates a second side perspective view of the frame body of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 6 illustrates a first side perspective view of the center tunnel portionshowing the mounting of the wireless device charger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0027] Figure 7 illustrates a first side view of the center tunnel portionshowing the mounting of the wireless device charger in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 8 illustrates a first side perspective view of the center tunnel portionshowing the mounting of the wireless device charger in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 9 illustrates a first side perspective exploded view of the center tunnel portion showing the mounting of the wireless device charger in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

[0030] Figure 10 illustrates a first side view of the center tunnel portion showing the mounting of the wireless device charger in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0031] 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:
[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] Referring to Figure 1, Figure 2, and Figure 3 there is illustrated a first side view, a second side view and a top view of the vehicle (10) constructed in accordance with the teachings of the invention. The vehicle (10) inter-alia comprises a frame body (12) supporting a front ground engaging member (14) and a rear ground engaging member (16). The front ground engaging member (14) is coupled to a steering mechanism (18) using which the vehicle (10) can be steered. The vehicle (10) further comprises a power generating unit (20) supported by the frame body (12) and being adapted to supply driving power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16). In an embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit (20) may be a motor, in which case, the vehicle (10) would further comprise at least one battery (22) for supplying electrical energy to the motor. Apart from supplying electrical energy to the motor, the at least one battery (22)may supply electrical energy to various electricity operated device carried by the vehicle (10).

[0045] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the power generating unit (20) may be an internal combustion engine, in which case, the vehicle (10) would further comprise a fuel storage tank (not shown) which stores the fuel and supplies the same to the internal combustion engine. It may be noted that even if the power generating unit (20) is an internal combustion engine, the vehicle (10) may comprise at least one battery (22) for supplying electrical energy to various electricity operated device carried by the vehicle (10).

[0046] The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one seat (24) supported by the frame body (12) and disposed above the rear ground engaging member (16). The at least one seat (24) provides a seating facility to at least a rider of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one body cover (26) which covers a substantial portion of the frame body (12). The body cover (26) may furthermore cover the power generating unit (20) and the at least one battery (22).

[0047] The body cover (26) typically comprises a first floor portion (28) providing a first foot resting space thereupon, a second floor portion (30) providing a second foot resting space thereupon. The second floor portion (30) is spaced apart from the first floor portion (28) in a vehicle width direction. Both the first floor portion (28) and the second floor portion (30) are located at a first height in a vehicle height direction. The body cover (26) further comprises a center tunnel portion (32) positioned between the first floor panel portion (28) and the second floor panel (30). The center tunnel portion (32) protrudes up to a second height which is greater than the first height in a vehicle height direction. The center tunnel portion (32) accommodates a first space (34) in which is positioned a wireless device charger (100) which is adapted to charge a battery of a battery operated wireless device (60) (specifically shown in Figure 8). It may be noted that the first space (34) may additionally accommodate other components of the vehicle (10). For instance, the power generating unit (20), the at least battery (22), the fuel tank (not shown) (which may be present in case the power generating unit (20) is an internal combustion engine) may be positioned in the first space (34). The first space (34) may additionally or alternatively store one or more user articles. Typically, the center tunnel portion (32) as well as the first space (34) is positioned between the steering mechanism (18), the at least one seat (24), the first floor portion (28) and the second floor portion (30). 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, etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0048] Now referring to Figure 4 and Figure 5, there is illustrated a first and a second perspective view of the frame body (12) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. Typically, the frame body (12) comprises a head pipe (102) a main pipe (104), a first lower frame (106), a second lower frame (108), a first rear frame (110), a second rear frame (112), a first upper frame (114), and a second upper frame (116). The head pipe (102) serves to pivotally support the steering system (18). The head pipe (102) enables the vehicle to be steered and controlled by the rider. The main pipe (104) extends downwardly and rearwardly from the head pipe (102) and thereafter towards the rearward of the vehicle (10).

[0049] The main pipe (104) comprises a first upper part (118), a second upper part (120), a first lower part (122), a second lower part (124) and a rear end (126). The first lower frame (106) comprises of three primary segments: a first front end part (128), a first rear end part (130), and a first middle part (132). The second lower frame (108) comprises three parts: a second front end part (134), a second rear end part (136), and a second middle part (138). The first rear frame (110) comprises three parts: a third front end part (140), a third middle part (142), and a third rear end part (144). Similarly, the second rear frame (112) comprises three parts namely a fourth front end part (146), a fourth middle part (148), and a fourth rear end part (150). The first upper frame (114) comprises a fifth front end part (152) and a fifth rear end part (154) while the second upper frame (116) comprises a sixth front end part (156) and a sixth rear end part (158).

[0050] The first front end part (128) of the first lower frame (106) is coupled to the first lower part (122) of the main pipe (104), the second front end part (134) of the second lower frame (108) is coupled to the second lower part (124) of the main pipe (104). Additionally, the rear end (126) of the main pipe (104) is coupled to the first middle part (132) of the first lower frame (106) and the second middle part (138) of the second lower frame (108) vide a cross member (160).

[0051] The first rear end part (130) of the first lower frame (106) is coupled to the third middle part (142) of the first rear frame (110) and the second rear end part (136) of the second lower frame (108) is coupled to the fourth middle part (148) of the second rear frame (112).In an embodiment of the invention, the fifth front end part (152) of the first upper frame (114) is coupled to the first upper part (118) of the main pipe (104) and the sixth front end part (156) of the second upper frame (116) is coupled to the second upper part (120) of the main pipe (104).

[0052] The fifth rear end part (154) of the first upper frame (114) may be coupled to the third front end part (140) of the first rear frame (110) and the sixth rear end part (158) of the second upper frame (116) may be coupled to the fourth front end part (146) of the second rear frame (112). The third rear end part (144) of the first rear frame (110) may be coupled either directly or indirectly to the fourth rear end part (150) of second rear frame (112).

[0053] In this case, the first space (34) is formed between the main pipe (104), the first lower frame (106), the second lower frame (108), the first rear frame (110), the second rear frame (112), the first upper frame (114), and the second upper frame (116). The body cover (26) post attachment to the body frame (12) hides at least partly the head pipe (102), the first lower frame (106), the second lower frame (108), the first upper frame (114) and the second upper frame (116). The body cover (26) may additionally hide at least partly the first rear frame (110) and the second rear frame (112).

[0054] Now referring to Figure 6, and Figure 7, in an embodiment of the invention, the center tunnel portion (32) comprises a first lid member (62) that restricts access to the first space (34) in a first state and allows access to the first space (34) in a second state. It can be observed that in an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle (10) further comprises a wireless mobile charger (100) positioned in the first space (34). Referring to Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, and Figure 7together, it can be said that the first space (34) is formed between the main pipe (104), the first lower frame (106), the second lower frame (108), the first rear frame (110), the second rear frame (112), the first upper frame (114), and the second upper frame (116).Also, the first space (34) is located below the first lid member (62). It can be seen from Figure 6 and Figure 7that the wireless mobile charger (100) is positioned in the first space (34) which is located below the first lid member (62) of the center tunnel portion (32). Thus, access to the wireless mobile charger (100) can be gained while the first lid member (62) is in the second state while access to the wireless mobile charger (100) is prohibited when the first lid member (62) is in the first state.

[0055] Now referring to Figure 8, Figure 9, and Figure 10, in an aspect of the invention, the wireless mobile charger (100) is provided in the second storage compartment (54) which is positioned below the first lid member (62). In an embodiment of the invention, the second storage compartment (54) comprises a bottom wall (64) and the wireless mobile charger (100) is positioned on the bottom wall (64). In this case, the wireless mobile charger (100) is positioned to project in a vehicle length direction.

[0056] Now particularly referring to Figure 10, in another embodiment of the invention, the second storage compartment (54) comprises a bottom wall (64) and at least one side wall (68). In an embodiment, the second compartment (54) can be a two part construction as shown in figure 10 (as 541and 542). In an embodiment of the invention, the bottom wall (64) comprises a first aperture (66) and the wireless mobile charger (100) is positioned in the first aperture (66) formed in the bottom wall (64). In this case, the wireless mobile charger (100) is positioned to project in a vehicle height direction. In another alternative embodiment of the invention, which is not illustrated, there may be provided a second aperture (not shown) in the at least one side wall (68) and the wireless mobile charger (100) is positioned in the second aperture thus formed in the at least one side wall (68).

[0057] Now referring to Figure 6, Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9, and Figure 10 together, it can be seen that the wireless device charger (100) comprises a casing (202) defining a second space (204) and a third space (206). In an embodiment of the invention, the second space (204) securely accommodates a wireless device charger unit (208) and the third space (206) removably accommodates the wireless device (60). Once the wireless device (60) is placed in the third space (206), the wireless device charger unit (208) charges a battery contained in the wireless device (60). It can be furthermore observed that in an embodiment of the invention, the casing (202) comprises a second lid member (210) providing access to the third space (206) in a third state and restricting access to the third space (206) in a fourth state. In an embodiment of the invention, the second lid member (210) faces the first lid member (62), thus it becomes easy to open the second lid member (210) once the first lid member (62) is in the open condition.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] The first space which is generally available below the center tunnel portion is effectively utilized for locating the wireless device charger and hence, there is no need to create additional space in the vehicle, which is huge technical challenge.

[0063] The first lid member may be provided with a locking mechanism and hence, unauthorized access to the wireless device charger as well as the wireless device can be restricted.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 head pipe (102);
a first lower frame (106) extending in a vehicle downward direction and thereafter in a vehicle rearward direction;
a second lower frame (108) extending in a vehicle downward direction and thereafter in vehicle rearward direction, the second lower frame (108) being spaced apart from the first lower frame (106) in a vehicle width direction;
a first upper frame (114) extending in a vehicle rearward direction and being spaced apart from the first lower frame (106) in a vehicle height direction;
a second upper frame (116) extending in a vehicle rearward direction, the second upper frame (116) being spaced apart from the second lower frame (108) in a vehicle height direction, and the second upper frame (116) being spaced apart from the first upper frame (114) in a vehicle width direction;
at least one body cover (26) covering the head pipe (102), the first lower frame (106), the second lower frame (108), the first upper frame (114) and the second upper frame (116); the body cover (26) comprising:
a first floor panel portion (28);
a second floor panel portion (30) spaced apart from the first floor panel portion (28) in a vehicle width direction; and
a center tunnel portion (32) positioned between the first floor panel portion (28) and the second floor panel (30), the center tunnel portion (32) accommodating a first space (34); and
a wireless device charger (100) positioned within the first space (34).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising:
a first rear frame (110) extending in a rearward direction from the first upper frame (114); and
a second rear frame (112) extending in a rearward direction from the second upper frame (116).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a first lid member (62) pivotable between a first state and a second state with respect to the center tunnel portion (32), the first lid member (62) restricting access to the wireless device charger (100) in a first state and allowing access to the wireless device charger (100) in a second state.

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first space (34) comprises a second storage compartment (54) positioned below the first lid member (62) and the wireless device charger (100) being provided in the second storage compartment (54).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second storage compartment (54) comprises a bottom wall (64) and the wireless device charger (100) being positioned on the bottom wall (64).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second storage compartment (54) comprises a bottom wall (64) and a first aperture (66) in the bottom wall (64) and the wireless device charger (100) being positioned in the first aperture (66) formed in the bottom wall (64).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second storage compartment (54) comprises a side wall (68) and a second aperture in the side wall (68) and the wireless device charger (100) being positioned in the second aperture formed in the side wall (68).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless device charger (100) being positioned to project in a vehicle height direction.

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless device charger (100) comprises a casing (202) defining a second space (204) and a third space (206), the second space (204) securely accommodating a wireless device charger unit (208) and the third space (206) removably accommodating a wireless device (60).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the casing (202) comprises a second lid member (210) providing access to the third space (206) in a third state and restricting access to the third space (206) in a fourth state, the second lid member (210) facing the first lid member (62).