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 frame structure rotatably supporting at least a front ground engaging member, the front ground engaging member being coupled to a handlebar vide a front fork; the frame structure comprising a head pipe rotatably receiving the handlebar; a seat unit supported by the frame structure and providing a seat for a rider of the vehicle; a utility box located between the handlebar and the seat unit in a vehicle length direction, the utility box being disposed above the frame structure and comprising a container defining a first space and a lid member pivotally connected to the container and being adapted to exhibit pivotal movement to attain a first state restricting access to the first space and attain a second state providing access to the first space; and a wireless device charger positioned on an underside of the lid member.

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the lid member comprises a first portion and a second portion, the first portion and the second portion having different levels of transparency.

[006] In another embodiment of the invention, the wireless mobile charger is located beneath the second portion such that at least a portion of at least one of the wireless mobile charger and a wireless device is visible in a top view of the vehicle with the lid member being in the first state restricting access to the first space.

[007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second portion is attached to the first portion to form the lid member.

[008] In still another embodiment of the invention, the wireless device charger is positioned to project in at least one of a vehicle length-direction and a vehicle width direction.

[009] In a further 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 the wireless device.

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the casing comprises a lid member providing access to the third space in a third state and restricting access to the third space in a fourth state.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the underside of the lid member comprises at least a first attachment member and the wireless device charger is attached to the underside of the lid member vide at least a second counter attachment member.

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] By locating the wireless device charger on the underside of the lid member, the space is effectively utilized and hence, there is no need to create additional space in the vehicle, which is huge technical challenge.

[0017] Since the lid member is generally provided with a locking mechanism andthe wireless device charger on the underside of the lid member, un-authorized access of the wireless device charger and the wireless device is restricted.

[0018] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0019] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a first side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a part of the vehicle, particularly showing the utility box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the utility box with the lid member being in the second state providing access to the first space and the wireless device charger being positioned on an underside of the lid member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of the utility box with the lid member being in the second state providing access to the first space and the wireless device charger being positioned on an underside of the lid member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view showing the wireless device charger positioned on an underside of the lid member in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the utility box showing the wireless device being located beneath the second portion and being visible in a top view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view showing the wireless device charger positioned on an underside of the lid member in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

[0027] Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the wireless device charger in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[0028] 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:
[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom”, “left / leftward”, “right / rightward” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride.

[0040] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled 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.

[0041] 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 (16). The front ground engaging member (12) is coupled to a handlebar (18) vide a front fork (20). The handlebar (18) is rotatably received by a head pipe (22), which forms part of the frame structure (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight (24) positioned above the front ground engaging member (12) and a tail light (26) positioned above the rear ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one battery (28) supported by the frame structure (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one powering unit (30) receiving electrical energy from the at least one battery (28) 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 a seat unit (32) supported by the frame structure (16), the seat unit (32) providing a seating provision for a driver and/or a pillion rider. The vehicle (10) further comprises a first utility box (34)disposed above the frame structure (16) and coupled to the frame structure (16). The first utility box (34) is located between the seat unit (32) and the handlebar (18). The vehicle (10) may comprise other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[0042] Now referring to Figure 2, it can be seen that the utility box (34) being disposed above the frame structure (16) and comprises comprising a container (36) and a lid member (40). Bow referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, it can be observed that the utility box (34) comprises a first space (38). It can be also observed that the lid member (40) is pivotally connected to the container (36) and is adapted to exhibit pivotal movement to attain a first state restricting access to the first space (38), best seen in Figure 2;and attain a second state providing access to the first space (38), best seen in Figure 3 and Figure 4.It can be seen from Figure 3 and Figure 4 that lid member (40) comprises an underside (42) on which a wireless device charger (100) is positioned. It can be seen that the wireless device charger (100) is positioned on the lid member (40) so as to project in at least one of a vehicle length-direction and a vehicle width direction.

[0043] Now referring to Figure 5, it can be observed that the wireless device charger (100) comprises a casing (102) defining a second space (104) and a third space (106), the second space (104) securely accommodating a wireless device charger unit (108) and the third space (106) removably accommodating the wireless device (48).In an embodiment of the invention as specifically shown in Figure 5, the second space (104) faces the underside (42) of the lid member (40) while the third space (106) faces the casing (102) of the wireless device charger (100). Thus, the wireless device charger unit (108) gets located just below the underside (42) of the lid member (40). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, which is specifically shown in Figure 7, the second space (104) faces the casing (102) of the wireless device charger (100) while the third space (106) faces the underside (42) of the lid member (40). Thus, the wireless device (48) gets located just below the underside (42) of the lid member (40).

[0044] Now referring to Figure 8, the wireless device charger (100) comprises a lid member (110) providing access to the third space (106) in a third state and restricting access to the third space (106) in a fourth state.

[0045] Now referring to Figure 5 and Figure 7, in an embodiment of the invention, the underside (42) of the lid member (40) comprises at least a first attachment member (50) and the wireless device charger (100) being attached to the underside (42) of the lid member (40) vide at least a second counter attachment member (52).

[0046] Now referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, in an embodiment of the lid member (40) comprises a first portion (44) and a second portion (46), the first portion (44) and the second portion (46) having different levels of transparency. Particularly referring to Figure 6, the wireless mobile charger (100) is located beneath the second portion (46) such that at least a portion of at least one of the wireless mobile charger (100) and a wireless device (48)is visible in a top view of the vehicle (10) with the lid member (40) being in the first state restricting access to the first space (38). Now referring to Figure 7, it can be observed that the second portion (46) may be attached to the first portion (44) to form the lid member (40).

[0047] An advantage of the invention is that there is provided a wireless device charger (100) which can charge a battery of a battery-operated wireless device (48).

[0048] Another advantage of the invention is that the construction of the wireless device charger (100) is substantially simple and cost effective, therefore making it easy and economical to provide it in the vehicle (10).

[0049] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the construction of the wireless device charger (100) also allows for easy insertion and removal of the wireless device (48) therefrom.

[0050] Still another advantage of the invention, is that the placement of the wireless device charger (100) on the vehicle (10) is such that both the wireless device charger (100) and the wireless device (48) are securely held and does not experience vibrations during motion of the vehicle (10).

[0051] By locating the wireless device charger (100) on the underside (42) of the lid member (40), the first space (38) is effectively utilized and hence, there is no need to create additional space in the vehicle (10), which is huge technical challenge.

[0052] Since the lid member (40) is generally provided with a locking mechanism (not shown) by locating the wireless device charger (100) on the underside (42) of the lid member (40), un-authorized access of the wireless device charger (100) and the wireless device (48) is restricted.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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 (16) rotatably supporting at least a front ground engaging member (12), a rear ground engaging member (14), the front ground engaging member (12) being coupled to a handlebar (18) vide a front fork (20); the frame structure (16) comprising a head pipe (22) rotatably receiving the handlebar (18);
a seat unit (32) supported by the frame structure (16) and providing a seat for a rider of the vehicle (10);
a utility box (34) located between the handlebar (18) and the seat unit (32) in a vehicle length direction, the utility box (34) being disposed above the frame structure (16) and comprising a container (36) defining a first space (38) and a lid member (40)pivotally connected to the container (36) and being adapted to exhibit pivotal movement to attain a first state restricting access to the first space (38) and attain a second state providing access to the first space (38); and
a wireless device charger (100) positioned on an underside (42) of the lid member (40).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the lid member (40) comprises a first portion (44) and a second portion (46), the first portion (44) and the second portion (46) having different levels of transparency.

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the wireless mobile charger (100) being located beneath the second portion (46) such that at least a portion of at least one of the wireless mobile charger (100) and a wireless device (48) being visible in a top view of the vehicle (10) with the lid member (40) being in the first state restricting access to the first space (38).

4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second portion (46) being attached to the first portion (44) to form the lid member (40).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless device charger (100) being positioned to project in at least one of a vehicle length-direction and a vehicle width direction.

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the wireless device charger (100) comprises a casing (102) defining a second space (104) and a third space (106), the second space (104) securely accommodating a wireless device charger unit (108) and the third space (106) removably accommodating the wireless device (48).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the casing (102) comprises a lid member (110) providing access to the third space (106) in a third state and restricting access to the third space (106) in a fourth state.

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the underside (42) of the lid member (40) comprises at least a first attachment member (50) and the wireless device charger (100) being attached to the underside (42) of the lid member (40) vide at least a second counter attachment member (52).