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 relates to a vehicle having a raised front fender.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Generally, a vehicle comprises a body frame supporting at least one front ground engaging member, at least one rear ground engaging member, at least one front fork, a handlebar, a headlight and a front fender. Typically, the handlebar is connected to the at least one front fork and at least one front fork is connected to the at least one front ground engaging member. The at least one front fork absorb the shock experienced by the at least one front ground engaging member while the handlebar assist in steering the at least one front ground engaging member. Typically, the headlight is located below the handlebar and above the at least one front ground engaging member and faces in a front direction of the vehicle. Typically, the front fender is positioned above the at least one front ground engaging member and below the headlight. The front fender serves multiple purposes, including shielding the rider and the vehicle itself from mud, water, and debris, as well as providing an additional layer of protection in case of accidental impacts. In most instances, the front fender is coupled to the at least one front fork. In some other instances, the front fender is coupled directly to the body frame. However, both of the aforesaid techniques do not provide satisfactory results when the front fender is to be positioned in a raised condition i.e. in a condition where a distance between the front fender and the at least one front ground engaging member is lesser than a distance between the front fender and the headlight. Thus, there exists a need to address the aforesaid problem and to provide a technique for positioning the front fender in a raised condition.

BACKGROUND 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] In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a body frame (12) rotatably supporting a handlebar (18) and at least one front ground engaging member (14) steerably connected to the handlebar (18). The vehicle further comprises a headlight supported by the body frame. In an embodiment of the invention, the headlight is located below the handlebar and above the at least one front ground engaging member. The vehicle further comprises at least one crash guard coupled between the frame body and an underside of the headlight. The vehicle further comprises a front fender positioned above the at least one front ground engaging member. The front fender is coupled to the underside of the headlight and to the at least one crash guard.

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the underside of the headlight comprises at least a first attachment provision and the front fender comprises at least a first counter attachment provision for attaching the front fender to the underside of the headlight.

[006] In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one crash guard comprises a first rear end attached to a first side portion of the body frame, a second rear end attached to a second side portion of the body frame, a first intermediate portion extending from the first rear end and along a first side of the vehicle, a second intermediate portion extending from the second rear end along a second side of the vehicle, and a front portion extending between the first intermediate portion and the second intermediate portion.

[007] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the front portion of the at least one crash guard is positioned below and being coupled to the underside of the headlight.

[008] In still another embodiment of the invention, the front fender is coupled to the front portion of the at least one crash guard.

[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the front portion of the at least one crash guard comprises a second attachment provision and a third attachment provision.

[0010] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the front fender comprises at least a second counter attachment provision for attaching the front fender to the second attachment provision provided on the front portion of the at least one crash guard.

[0011] In another embodiment of the invention, the front fender comprises at least a third counter attachment provision for attaching the front fender to the third attachment provision provided on the front portion of the at least one crash guard.

[0012] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the at least one crash guard comprises a first crash guard and a second crash guard.

[0013] In still another embodiment of the invention, the first crash guard comprises a first rear end attached to a first side portion of the body frame, a first front end attached to the underside of the headlight, and a first middle portion extending between the first rear end and the first front end, the first middle portion further extending along a first side of the vehicle.

[0014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second crash guard comprises a second rear end attached to a second side portion of the frame body, a second front end attached to the underside of the headlight, and a second middle portion extending between the second rear end and the second front end, the second middle portion further extending along a second side of the vehicle.

[0015] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the front fender is coupled to the first front end of the first crash guard and the second front end of the second crash guard.

[0016] In another embodiment of the invention, the first front end of the first crash guard comprises a second attachment provision and the front fender comprises at least a second counter attachment provision for attaching the front fender to the first front end of the first crash guard.

[0017] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second front end of the second crash guard comprises a third attachment provision and the front fender comprises at least a third counter attachment provision for attaching the front fender to the second front end of the second crash guard.

[0018] One of the advantages of the invention is that the front fender is positioned in a raised condition i.e. in a condition where a distance between the front fender and the at least one front ground engaging member is lesser than a distance between the front fender and the headlight.

[0019] Another advantage of the invention is that no additional elements are used for coupling the front fender in a raised condition on the vehicle.

[0020] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the front fender is coupled to the underside of the headlight and to the at least one crash guard, both of which serve other purposes (and not merely as a mounting mechanism for the front fender). As no additional component (

[0021] A further advantage of the invention is that the at least a first attachment provision can be formed at the time of forming the headlight. Thus, there is a substantial time saving and cost saving.

[0022] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that second attachment provision and the third attachment provision can be formed at the time of forming the at least one crash guard. Thus, there is a substantial time saving and cost saving.

[0023] Another advantage of the invention is that all of the first counter attachment provision, the second counter attachment provision, and the third counter attachment provision can be formed on the front fender at the time of forming the front fender itself. Thus, there is a substantial time saving and cost saving.

[0024] There is also a substantial ease in attaching the front fender to the vehicle, which leads to substantial time reduction in assembling of the vehicle.

[0025] 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:
[0026] 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:

[0027] Figure 1 illustrates a first side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0028] Figure 2 illustrates a front view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0029] Figure 3 illustrates a front side exploded perspective view of a part of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0030] Figure 4 illustrates a rear side exploded perspective view of a part of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] Figure 5 illustrates a front side exploded perspective view of a part of the vehicle in another accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0032] Figure 6 illustrates a rear side exploded perspective view of a part of the vehicle in another accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0033] 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:
[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] Now referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, there is illustrated a side view and a front view of the vehicle (10) that comprises a body frame (12) that supports at least one front ground engaging member (14), at least one rear ground engaging member (16), at least one front fork (20), a handlebar (18), a headlight (22). The handlebar (18) is connected to the at least one front fork (20) and at least one front fork (20) is connected to the at least one front ground engaging member (14). The at least one front fork (20) absorb the shock experienced by the at least one front ground engaging member (14) while the handlebar (18) assist in steering the at least one front ground engaging member (14). Typically, the headlight (22) is located below the handlebar (18) and above the at least one front ground engaging member (14) and faces in a front direction of the vehicle. The vehicle (10) may further comprise at least one crash guard (31) coupled between the frame body (12). The at least one crash guard (31) shields a user of the vehicle and the vehicle itself in case of accidents.

[0047] The body frame (12) further supports a seat unit (26) which provides a seating arrangement for at least a rider of the vehicle (10). The body frame (12) further supports a power unit (not shown) which supplies energy to the at least one front ground engaging member (14) and/or the at least one rear ground engaging member (16). Typically, the front fender (24) is positioned above the at least one front ground engaging member (14) and below the headlight (22). The vehicle (10) may comprise further components which are not pertinent to understanding of the invention and hence, not described in detail.

[0048] Now coming to the attachment of the front fender (24) to the vehicle (10), generally stated, the front fender (24) is coupled to an underside (26) of the headlight (22) and to the least one crash guard (31). In an embodiment of the invention, the at least one crash guard (31) may comprise a single crash guard (31) or alternatively two crash guards namely, a first crash guard (32) and a second crash guard (34). Thus, the front fender (24) may be coupled to the underside (26) of the headlight (22) and to the least one crash guard (31) or alternatively, the front fender (24) may be coupled to the underside (26) of the headlight (22) and to the first crash guard (32) and the second crash guard (34).

[0049] Now referring particularly to Figure 3 and Figure 4, there is shown a vehicle (10) which comprises a first crash guard (32) and a second crash guard (34) and attachment of the front fender (24) to the vehicle (10) having the first crash guard (32) and the second crash guard (34).

[0050] In particular, it can be seen that the first crash guard (32) comprises a first rear end (32R) attached to a first side portion (12R) of the body frame (12), a first front end (32F) attached to the underside (26) of the headlight (22), and a first middle portion (32M) extending between the first rear end (32R) and the first front end (32F), the first middle portion (32M) extending along a first side of the vehicle (10). Likewise, the second crash guard (34) comprises a second rear end (34R) attached to a second side portion (12L) of the frame body (12), a second front end (34F) attached to the underside (26) of the headlight (22), and a second middle portion (34M) extending between the second rear end (34R) and the second front end (34F), the second middle portion (34M) extending along a second side of the vehicle (10).

[0051] As to the connection, the front fender (24) is coupled to the first front end (32F) of the first crash guard (32) and the second front end (34F) of the second crash guard (34). To enable the aforesaid connection, the first front end (32F) of the first crash guard (32) comprises a second attachment provision (44) and the front fender (24) comprises at least a second counter attachment provision (48) for attaching the front fender (24) to the first front end (32F) of the first crash guard (32). Also, the second front end (34F) of the second crash guard (34) comprises a third attachment provision (46) and the front fender (24) comprises at least a third counter attachment provision (50) for attaching the front fender (24) to the second front end (34F) of the second crash guard (34).

[0052] Now referring particularly to Figure 5 and Figure 6, there is shown a vehicle (10) which comprises a single crash guard (31). In particular, the single crash guard (31) comprises a first rear end (31R) attached to a first side portion (12R) of the body frame (12), a second rear end (31L) attached to a second side portion (12L) of the body frame (12), a first intermediate portion (31A) extending from the first rear end (31R) and along a first side of the vehicle (10), a second intermediate portion (31B) extending from the second rear end (31L) along a second side of the vehicle (10), and a front portion (31F) extending between the first intermediate portion (31A) and the second intermediate portion (31B), the front portion (31F) being positioned below and being coupled to the underside (26) of the headlight (22). In an embodiment of the invention, the front fender (24) is coupled to the front portion (31F) of the at least one crash guard (31).

[0053] In an embodiment of the invention, the front portion (31F) of the at least one crash guard (31) comprises a second attachment provision (44) and a third attachment provision (46), the front fender (24) comprises at least a second counter attachment provision (48) for attaching the front fender (24) to the second attachment provision (44) of the front portion (31F) of the at least one crash guard (31) and the front fender (24) comprises at least a third counter attachment provision (50) for attaching the front fender (24) to the third attachment provision (46) of the front portion (31F) of the at least one crash guard (31).

[0054] Now referring to Figure 3, Figure 4, Figure 5 and Figure 6, the underside (26) of the headlight (22) comprises at least a first attachment provision (28) and the front fender (24) comprises at least a first counter attachment provision (30) for attaching the front fender (24) to the underside (26) of the headlight (22).

[0055] One of the advantages of the invention is that the front fender (24) is positioned in a raised condition i.e. in a condition where a distance between the front fender (24) and the at least one front ground engaging member (14) is lesser than a distance between the front fender (24) and the headlight (22).

[0056] Another advantage of the invention is that no additional elements are used for coupling the front fender (24) in a raised condition on the vehicle (10).

[0057] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the front fender (24) is coupled to the underside (26) of the headlight (22) and to the at least one crash guard (31), both of which serve other purposes (and not merely as a mounting mechanism for the front fender).

[0058] Still another advantage of the invention is that the at least a first attachment provision (28) can be formed at the time of forming the headlight (22). Thus, there is a substantial time saving and cost saving.

[0059] A further advantage of the invention is that second attachment provision (44) and the third attachment provision (46) can be formed at the time of forming the at least one crash guard (31 / 32 / 34). Thus, there is a substantial time saving and cost saving.

[0060] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that all of the first counter attachment provision (30), the second counter attachment provision (48), and the third counter attachment provision (50) can be formed on the front fender (40) at the time of forming the front fender (40) itself. Thus, there is a substantial time saving and cost saving.

[0061] Another advantage of the invention is that there is also a substantial ease in attaching the front fender (40) to the vehicle (10), which leads to substantial time reduction in assembling of the vehicle.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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 body frame (12) rotatably supporting a handlebar (18);
at least one front ground engaging member (14) steerably connected to the handlebar (18);
a headlight (22) supported by the body frame (12), the headlight being located below the handlebar (18) and above the at least one front ground engaging member (14);
at least one crash guard (31) coupled between the frame body (12) and an underside (26) of the headlight (22); and
a front fender (24) positioned above the at least one front ground engaging member (14), the front fender (24) being coupled to the underside (26) of the headlight (22) and to the at least one crash guard (31).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the underside (26) of the headlight (22) comprises at least a first attachment provision (28) and the front fender (24) comprises at least a first counter attachment provision (30) for attaching the front fender (24) to the underside (26) of the headlight (22).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one crash guard (31) comprises a first rear end (31R) attached to a first side portion (12R) of the body frame (12), a second rear end (31L) attached to a second side portion (12L) of the body frame (12), a first intermediate portion (31A) extending from the first rear end (31R) and along a first side of the vehicle (10), a second intermediate portion (31B) extending from the second rear end (31L) along a second side of the vehicle (10), and a front portion (31F) extending between the first intermediate portion (31A) and the second intermediate portion (31B), the front portion (31F) being positioned below and being coupled to the underside (26) of the headlight (22).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the front fender (24) being coupled to the front portion (31F) of the at least one crash guard (31).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the front portion (31F) of the at least one crash guard (31) comprises a second attachment provision (44) and a third attachment provision (46), the front fender (24) comprises at least a second counter attachment provision (48) for attaching the front fender (24) to the second attachment provision (44) of the front portion (31F) of the at least one crash guard (31) and the front fender (24) comprises at least a third counter attachment provision (50) for attaching the front fender (24) to the third attachment provision (46) of the front portion (31F) of the at least one crash guard (31).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one crash guard (31) comprises a first crash guard (32) and a second crash guard (34).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
the first crash guard (32) comprises a first rear end (32R) attached to a first side portion (12R) of the body frame (12), a first front end (32F) attached to the underside (26) of the headlight (22), and a first middle portion (32M) extending between the first rear end (32R) and the first front end (32F), the first middle portion (32M) extending along a first side of the vehicle (10); and
the second crash guard (34) comprises a second rear end (34R) attached to a second side portion (12L) of the frame body (12), a second front end (34F) attached to the underside (26) of the headlight (22), and a second middle portion (34M) extending between the second rear end (34R) and the second front end (34F), the second middle portion (34M) extending along a second side of the vehicle (10).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the front fender (24) being coupled to the first front end (32F) of the first crash guard (32) and the second front end (34F) of the second crash guard (34).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first front end (32F) of the first crash guard (32) comprises a second attachment provision (44) and the front fender (24) comprises at least a second counter attachment provision (48) for attaching the front fender (24) to the first front end (32F) of the first crash guard (32).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second front end (34F) of the second crash guard (34) comprises a third attachment provision (46) and the front fender (24) comprises at least a third counter attachment provision (50) for attaching the front fender (24) to the second front end (34F) of the second crash guard (34).