Description:

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

AIR CLEANER ASSEMBLY OF A VEHICLE

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to an air cleaner assembly of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Traditionally, a vehicle is provided with an air cleaner assembly disposed below a seat unit of a vehicle. The air cleaner assembly comprises an enclosure accommodating at least one filter element. The enclosure further comprises an air inlet duct comprising an air inlet port and an air outlet duct comprising an air outlet port, the air inlet port and the air outlet port fluidically communicating with the at least one filter element. Typically, the air inlet port extends rearward in a vehicle length direction and is positioned above a rear fender of the vehicle.

[003] It has been observed that many a times during water washing of the vehicle or during rainy season, water enters into the enclosure via the air inlet port and this adversely affecting the performance of the air cleaner assembly. To avoid ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly via the air inlet port, traditionally a separate enclosure is created to surround the air inlet port. This solution however is not cost effective as it involved additional elements, which have to be fabricated separately and assembled so as to surround the air inlet port. Also, in few riding condition of the vehicle, the seat may flex downward which may need space below the seat and the enclosure. Thus, there exists a need to provide a simple construction of the air cleaner assembly which address the aforesaid problem.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[004] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[005] Accordingly, the present invention provides an air cleaner assembly of a vehicle, comprising an enclosure accommodating at least one filter element. The enclosure comprises an air inlet duct comprising an air inlet port and an air outlet duct comprising an air outlet port. The air inlet port and the air outlet port fluidically communicate with the at least one filter element. The enclosure is located below a seat unit of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, the air inlet port extends rearward in a vehicle length direction and is positioned above a rear fender of the vehicle. The air cleaner assembly further comprises a resilient member located behind the air inlet port in a vehicle length direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member extends in a vehicle upward direction from an upper surface of the rear fender.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member extends up to a first height in the vehicle upward direction and comes in abutting relation with an underside of the seat unit.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the air cleaner assembly further comprises a first wall member located behind the air inlet port in a vehicle length direction.

[008] In yet embodiment of the invention, the first wall extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface of the rear fender.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the underside of the seat unit comprises a second wall projecting in a vehicle downward direction.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the second wall is positioned behind the resilient member in a vehicle length direction.

[0011] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the air cleaner assembly further comprises a third wall positioned ahead of the air inlet port in a vehicular length direction.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the third wall is substantially parallel to the first wall.

[0013] In a yet another embodiment of the invention, the air cleaner assembly further comprises a fourth wall interconnecting the first wall and the third wall along a first edge.

[0014] In still another embodiment of the invention, the air cleaner assembly further comprises a fifth wall interconnecting the first wall and the third wall along a second edge.

[0015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the third wall extends up to a second height in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface of the rear fender.

[0016] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the first wall extends up to a third height in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface of the rear fender, wherein the third height being greater than the second height.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the fourth wall extends up to at least one of a fourth height and the third height in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface of the rear fender, wherein the fourth height having a value between the second height and the third height.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the fifth wall extends up to at least one of a fifth height and the third height in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface of the rear fender, wherein the fifth height having a value between the second height and the third height.

[0019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the third wall comprises an aperture for accommodating an intermediate portion of the air inlet duct positioned ahead of the air inlet port in a vehicle length direction.

[0020] In still another embodiment of the invention, the resilient member comprises a sixth wall that extends along the first wall; a seventh wall that extends along the fourth wall; an eighth wall that extends along the fifth wall; a first upper edge that comes in abutting relation with the underside of the seat unit; and a bottom edge.

[0021] In a further embodiment of the invention, the sixth wall of resilient member is coupled to the first wall.

[0022] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the seventh wall of resilient member is coupled to the fourth wall.

[0023] In an embodiment of the invention, the eighth wall of resilient member is coupled to the fifth wall.

[0024] In another embodiment of the invention, the bottom edge of the resilient member is coupled to a second upper edge of the fourth wall, a third upper edge of the first wall, and a fourth upper edge of the fifth wall.

[0025] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second wall projecting in a vehicle downward direction from the underside of the seat unit overlaps at least partly with the resilient member in a rear view of the vehicle.

[0026] In still another embodiment of the invention, a distance between the second wall and the resilient member in a vehicle length direction is in excess of H1-H3, wherein H1 is a distance up to which the resilient member extends in a vehicle length direction and H3 is a distance up to which the first wall extends in a vehicle length direction.

[0027] The invention furthermore provides a vehicle comprising a frame body supporting at least one front ground engaging member, at least one rear ground engaging member, an internal combustion engine supplying power to at least one of the at least one front ground engaging member and the at least one front ground engaging member; and an air cleaner assembly drawing air from environment, cleaning the air and supplying a cleaned air to the internal combustion engine. The air cleaner assembly comprising an enclosure accommodating at least one filter element. The enclosure comprises an air inlet duct comprising an air inlet port and an air outlet duct comprising an air outlet port. The air inlet port and the air outlet port fluidically communicate with the at least one filter element. The enclosure is located below a seat unit of the vehicle. In an embodiment of the invention, the air inlet port extends rearward in a vehicle length direction and is positioned above a rear fender of the vehicle. The air cleaner assembly further comprises a resilient member located behind the air inlet port in a vehicle length direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member extends in a vehicle upward direction from an upper surface of the rear fender

[0028] An advantage of the invention is that ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly via the air inlet port is avoided.

[0029] Another advantage of the invention is that since the the resilient member extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface of the rear fender, providing the resilient member is much simpler compared to providing a separate enclosure which surrounds the air inlet port.

[0030] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the resilient member that extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface of the rear fender is much lighter compared to providing a separate enclosure which surrounds the air inlet port.

[0031] A further advantage of the invention is that a time involved in assembling the resilient member that extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface of the rear fender is much lesser compared to assembling a separate enclosure so as to surround the air inlet port.

[0032] Since in an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member extends up to a first height in the vehicle upward direction and comes in abutting relation with an underside of the seat unit, an extent of sealing provided by the resilient member is equal to or greater than providing a separate enclosure which surrounds the air inlet port.

[0033] Since in an embodiment of the invention, there is additionally provided a first wall member located behind the air inlet port in a vehicle length direction, chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly via the air inlet port is furthermore diminished.

[0034] Since in an embodiment of the invention, the first wall extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface of the rear fender, providing the first wall is much simpler compared to providing a separate enclosure which surrounds the air inlet port. By way of a non-example, the first wall may be formed while forming the rear fender itself.

[0035] Since in an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a second wall positioned behind the resilient member, chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly via the air inlet port is furthermore diminished.

[0036] Since in an embodiment of the invention, the second wall is provided on an underside of the seat unit, the second wall can be formed while forming the seat unit i.e. as an integral part of the seat unit. Thus, a time involved in assembling the air cleaner assembly is substantially reduced.

[0037] Since in an embodiment of the invention there is provided a third wall, a fourth wall, and a fifth wall, chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly via the air inlet port is furthermore diminished.

[0038] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the third wall, the fourth wall, and the fifth wall can be formed while forming the rear fender i.e. as an integral part of the rear fender. Thus, a time involved in assembling the air cleaner assembly is substantially reduced.

[0039] Since in an embodiment of the invention, the third wall comprises an aperture for accommodating an intermediate portion of the air inlet duct positioned ahead of the air inlet port in a vehicle length direction, even the enclosure is well supported and a chance of breakage of the enclosure is reduced.

[0040] 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:
[0041] 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:

[0042] Figure 1 shows a first side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0043] Figure 2 shows an exploded view of a part of the vehicle particularly showing the air cleaner assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0044] Figure 3 shows a first side sectional view of a part of the vehicle showing particularly the air cleaner assembly in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0045] Figure 4 shows the underside of the seat unit and the upper surface of the rear fender in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0046] Figure 5 shows the upper surface of the rear fender and the extent to which the resilient member, the first wall, the third wall, the fourth wall and the fifth wall extend in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0047] 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:
[0048] 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.

[0049] 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.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0058] 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.

[0059] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows F, R, U, D in the Figures.

[0060] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a side view of a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) particularly comprises a frame body (12) supporting at least one front ground engaging member (14) and at least one rear ground engaging member (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises an internal combustion engine (18) supplying driving power to at least one of the at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the at least one rear ground engaging member (16). IN particular, the internal combustion engine (18) supplies driving power to at least one of the at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the at least one rear ground engaging member (16) via a transmission system (34).

[0061] The at least one front ground engaging member (14) is connected to a handlebar (20) vide at least one front fork (22). A user can steer the vehicle (10) using the handlebar (20). The vehicle (10) further comprises a front fender (24) positioned above the at least one front ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) may further comprise at least one front lighting unit (26) which is positioned above the at least one front ground engaging member (14) and in front of the handlebar (20).

[0062] The vehicle further comprises a fuel tank (28) which stores the fuel and supplies the same to the internal combustion engine (18). While in the illustrated example, the fuel tank (28) is shown to be disposed between the handlebar (20) and the internal combustion engine (18), the fuel tank may be poisoned in other locations also.

[0063] The vehicle (10) further comprises a swing arm (30) and a shock absorber (32) disposed between the frame body (12) and the at least one rear ground engaging member (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a seat unit (36) which is supported by the frame body (12). Typically, the seat unit (36) is disposed above the rear ground engaging member (16).

[0064] The vehicle (10) further comprises a tail light unit (38) typically disposed above the rear ground engaging member (16) and behind the seat unit (36). The vehicle (10) further comprises a rear fender (40) disposed between the seat unit (36) and the rear ground engaging member (16). The primary role of the rear fender is to shield the rider and the vehicle itself from mud, water, and debris. The vehicle (10) further comprises an air cleaner assembly which draws air from environment, cleans the air and supplies a cleaned air to the internal combustion engine (18). The vehicle (10) may further comprise additional components which are not pertinent to understanding of the invention and hence, not described.

[0065] Now referring to Figure 2, in an embodiment of the invention, the air cleaner assembly (100) comprises an enclosure (102) accommodating at least one filter element (104). The filter element (104) removes contaminants from the air drawn in. The enclosure (102) comprises an air inlet duct (106) comprising an air inlet port (108) and an air outlet duct (110) comprising an air outlet port (112). The air inlet port (108) and the air outlet port (112) fluidically communicate with the at least one filter element (104). In particular, air from environment is drawn through the air inlet port (108) and communicated to the at least one filter element (104) by the air inlet duct (106). The cleaned air on the other hand is drawn from the enclosure (102) by the air outlet duct (110) and supplied to the internal combustion engine (18) by the air outlet port (112).

[0066] Typically, the enclosure (102) is located below the seat unit (36) of the vehicle (10), while the air inlet port (108) extends rearward in a vehicle length direction. Typically, the air inlet port (108) is positioned above the rear fender (40). To avoid ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly via the air inlet port (108), there is provided a resilient member (118) located behind the air inlet port (108) in a vehicle length direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member (118) extends in a vehicle upward direction from an upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40). Particularly, now referring to Figure 3, which shows the coupled state of the seat unit (36), in an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member (118) comes in abutting relation with an underside (120) of the seat unit (36).

[0067] Now referring to Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4 together, in embodiment of the invention, the air cleaner assembly (100) further comprises a first wall member (114) located behind the air inlet port (108) in a vehicle length direction. The first wall (114) extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40). The first wall (114) may once in a while come in abutting relation with the underside (120) of the seat unit (36). While, the first wall (114) in itself is not sufficient to prohibit ingress of water into the air inlet port (108) to a level above the desired level, the second wall (114) contributes to increasing a level of protection afforded by the resilient member (118) against ingress of water into the air inlet port (108) (it may be noted that the resilient member (118) in itself prohibits ingress of water into the air inlet port (108) to a level above the desired level). As best seen in Figure 4, in an embodiment of the invention, the first wall (114) extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40).

[0068] Once again referring to Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4 together, in embodiment of the invention, the underside (120) of the seat unit (36) comprises a second wall (122) projecting in a vehicle downward direction. In an embodiment of the invention the second wall (122) is positioned behind the resilient member (118) in a vehicle length direction. As best seen in Figure 4, in an embodiment of the invention, the second wall (122) extends in a vehicle downward direction from the underside (120) of the seat unit (36). It can also be seen that the second wall (122) projects in a vehicle downward direction from the underside (120) of the seat unit (36) such that it overlaps at least partly with the resilient member (118) in a rear view of the vehicle (10). While, the second wall (122) in itself is not sufficient to prohibit ingress of water into the air inlet port (108) to a level above the desired level, the second wall (122) contributes to increasing a level of protection afforded by the resilient member (118) against ingress of water into the air inlet port (108) (it may be noted that the resilient member (118) in itself prohibits ingress of water into the air inlet port (108) to a level above the desired level). In an embodiment of the invention, a distance between the second wall (122) and the resilient member (118) in a vehicle length direction is in excess of H1-H3, wherein H1 is a distance up to which the resilient member (118) extends in a vehicle length direction and H3 is a distance up to which the first wall (114) extends in a vehicle length direction.

[0069] Once again referring to Figure 2, Figure 3, and Figure 4 together, in embodiment of the invention, the air cleaner assembly (100) further comprises a third wall (124) positioned ahead of the air inlet port (108) in a vehicular length direction and being substantially parallel to the first wall (114); a fourth wall (126) interconnecting the first wall (114) and the third wall (124) along a first edge (128); and a fifth wall (130) interconnecting the first wall (114) and the third wall (124) along a second edge (132). In an embodiment of the invention, each of the third wall (124), the fourth wall (126) and the fifth wall (130) extend in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40).

[0070] Now referring to Figure 5, in an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member (118) extends up to a first height (H1) in the vehicle upward direction. In an embodiment of the invention, the third wall (124) extends up to a second height (H2) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), while the first wall (114) extends up to a third height (H3) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40). In an embodiment of the invention, the third height (H3) is greater than the second height (H2). By way of another non-limiting example, the fourth wall (126) extends up to at least one of a fourth height (H4) and the third height (H3) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40). In an embodiment of the invention, the fourth height (H4) has a value between the second height (H2) and the third height (H3). By way of yet another non-limiting example, the fifth wall (130) extends up to at least one of a fifth height (H5) and the third height (H3) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40). In an embodiment of the invention, the fifth height (H5) has a value between the second height (H2) and the third height (H3). In an embodiment of the invention, the third wall (124) additionally comprises an aperture (134) for accommodating an intermediate portion (136) of the air inlet duct (106) positioned ahead of the air inlet port (108) in a vehicle length direction.

[0071] In an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member (118) comprises a sixth wall (138) that extends along the first wall (114); a seventh wall (140) that extends along the fourth wall (126); an eighth wall (142) that extends along the fifth wall (130); a first upper edge (144) that comes in abutting relation with the underside (120) of the seat unit (36); and a bottom edge (146).

[0072] In an embodiment of the invention, the sixth wall (138) of resilient member (118) is coupled to the first wall (114) extending from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40). In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the seventh wall (140) of resilient member (118) is coupled to the fourth wall (126) extending from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40). In yet another alternative embodiment of the invention, the eighth wall (142) of resilient member (118) is coupled to the fifth wall (130) extending from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40). In still another alternative embodiment of the invention, the bottom edge (146) of the resilient member (118) is coupled to a second upper edge (148) of the fourth wall (126) which is extending from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), a third upper edge (150) of the first wall (114) which is extending from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), and a fourth upper edge (152) of the fifth wall (130) which is extending from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40).

[0073] An advantage of the invention is that ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly (100) via the air inlet port (108) is avoided.

[0074] Another advantage of the invention is that since the the resilient member (118) extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), providing the resilient member (118) is much simpler compared to providing a separate enclosure which surrounds the air inlet port.

[0075] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the resilient member (118) that extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40) is much lighter compared to providing a separate enclosure which surrounds the air inlet port. Further, in certain riding condition of the vehicle, there may come one or more situation where the seat (36) may sink downward and hit top edge of the wall structure. However, as there is resilient member (115), therefore, it gives space for the seat (36) to sink downward without giving hard feeling to the rider of the vehicle ().

[0076] A further advantage of the invention is that a time involved in assembling the resilient member (118) that extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40) is much lesser compared to assembling a separate enclosure so as to surround the air inlet port.

[0077] Since in an embodiment of the invention, the resilient member (118) extends up to a first height (H1) in the vehicle upward direction and comes in abutting relation with an underside (120) of the seat unit (36), an extent of protection against ingress of water provided by the resilient member (118) is equal to or greater than an extent of providing a separate enclosure which surrounds the air inlet port.

[0078] Since in an embodiment of the invention, there is additionally provided a first wall (114) located behind the air inlet port (108) in a vehicle length direction, chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly (100) via the air inlet port (108) is furthermore diminished.

[0079] Since in an embodiment of the invention, the first wall (114) extends in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), providing the first wall (114) is much simpler compared to providing a separate enclosure which surrounds the air inlet port. By way of a non-example, the first wall (114) may be formed while forming the rear fender (40) itself.

[0080] Since in an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a second wall positioned behind the resilient member, chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly via the air inlet port is furthermore diminished.

[0081] Since in an embodiment of the invention, the second wall (122) is provided on an underside (120) of the seat unit (36), the second wall (122) can be formed while forming the seat unit (36) i.e. as an integral part of the seat unit (36). Thus, a time involved in assembling the air cleaner assembly (100) is substantially reduced.

[0082] Since in an embodiment of the invention there is provided a third wall (124), a fourth wall (126), and a fifth wall (130), chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly (100) via the air inlet port (108) is furthermore diminished.

[0083] In an embodiment of the invention, each of the third wall (124), the fourth wall (126), and the fifth wall (130) can be formed while forming the rear fender (40) i.e. as an integral part of the rear fender (40). Thus, a time involved in assembling the air cleaner assembly (100) is substantially reduced.

[0084] Since in an embodiment of the invention, the third wall (124) comprises an aperture (134) for accommodating an intermediate portion of the air inlet duct (106) positioned ahead of the air inlet port (108) in a vehicle length direction, even the enclosure (102) is well supported and a chance of breakage of the enclosure (102) is reduced.

[0085] Since the second wall (122) projects in a vehicle downward direction from the underside (120) of the seat unit (36) and overlaps at least partly with the resilient member (118) in a rear view of the vehicle (10), chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly (100) via the air inlet port (108) is furthermore diminished.

[0086] Since a distance between the second wall (122) and the resilient member (118) in a vehicle length direction is in excess of H1-H3, wherein H1 is a distance up to which the resilient member (118) extends in a vehicle length direction and H3 is a distance up to which the first wall (114) extends in a vehicle length direction, chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly (100) via the air inlet port (108) is furthermore diminished.

[0087] Since the third wall (124) extends up to a second height (H2) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly (100) via the air inlet port (108) is furthermore diminished.

[0088] Since the first wall (114) extends up to a third height (H3) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly (100) via the air inlet port (108) is furthermore diminished.

[0089] Since the fourth wall (126) extends up to at least one of a fourth height (H4) and the third height (H3) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly (100) via the air inlet port (108) is furthermore diminished.

[0090] Since the fifth wall (130) extends up to at least one of a fifth height (H5) and the third height (H3) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), chances of ingress of water into the air cleaner assembly (100) via the air inlet port (108) is furthermore diminished.

[0091] 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.

[0092] 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. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. An air cleaner assembly (100) of a vehicle (10), comprising:
an enclosure (102) accommodating at least one filter element (104), the enclosure (102) comprising an air inlet duct (106) comprising an air inlet port (108) and an air outlet duct (110) comprising an air outlet port (112), the air inlet port (108) and the air outlet port (112) fluidically communicate with the at least one filter element (104), the enclosure (102) being located below a seat unit (36) of the vehicle (10), the air inlet port (108) extending rearward in a vehicle length direction and positioned above a rear fender (40) of the vehicle (10); and
a resilient member (118) located behind the air inlet port (108) in a vehicle length direction, the resilient member (118) extending in a vehicle upward direction from an upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40).

2. The air cleaner assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the resilient member (118) extends up to a first height (H1) in the vehicle upward direction and comes in abutting relation with an underside (120) of the seat unit (36).

3. The air cleaner assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a first wall member (114) located behind the air inlet port (108) in a vehicle length direction, the first wall (114) extending in a vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40).

4. The air cleaner assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the underside (120) of the seat unit (36) comprises a second wall (122) projecting in a vehicle downward direction, the second wall (122) being positioned behind the resilient member (118) in a vehicle length direction.

5. The air cleaner assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a third wall (124) positioned ahead of the air inlet port (108) in a vehicular length direction and being substantially parallel to the first wall (114); a fourth wall (126) interconnecting the first wall (114) and the third wall (124) along a first edge (128); and a fifth wall (130) interconnecting the first wall (114) and the third wall (124) along a second edge (132).

6. The air cleaner assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one of:
the third wall (124) extends up to a second height (H2) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40);
the first wall (114) extends up to a third height (H3) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), the third height (H3) being greater than the second height (H2);
the fourth wall (126) extends up to at least one of a fourth height (H4) and the third height (H3) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), the fourth height (H4) having a value between the second height (H2) and the third height (H3); and
the fifth wall (130) extends up to at least one of a fifth height (H5) and the third height (H3) in the vehicle upward direction from the upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40), the fifth height (H5) having a value between the second height (H2) and the third height (H3); and
the third wall (124) comprises an aperture (134) for accommodating an intermediate portion (136) of the air inlet duct (106) positioned ahead of the air inlet port (108) in a vehicle length direction.

7. The air cleaner assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the resilient member (118) comprises a sixth wall (138) that extends along the first wall (114); a seventh wall (140) that extends along the fourth wall (126); an eighth wall (142) that extends along the fifth wall (130); a first upper edge (144) that comes in abutting relation with the underside (120) of the seat unit (36); and a bottom edge (146).

8. The air cleaner assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least one of:
the sixth wall (138) of resilient member (118) is coupled to the first wall (114);
the seventh wall (140) of resilient member (118) is coupled to the fourth wall (126);
the eighth wall (142) of resilient member (118) is coupled to the fifth wall (130); and
the bottom edge (146) of the resilient member (118) is coupled to a second upper edge (148) of the fourth wall (126), a third upper edge (150) of the first wall (114), and a fourth upper edge (152) of the fifth wall (130).

9. The air cleaner assembly (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein at least one of:
the second wall (122) projecting in a vehicle downward direction from the underside (120) of the seat unit (36) overlaps at least partly with the resilient member (118) in a rear view of the vehicle (10); and
a distance between the second wall (122) and the resilient member (118) in a vehicle length direction is in excess of H1-H3, wherein H1 is a distance up to which the resilient member (118) extends in a vehicle length direction and H3 is a distance up to which the first wall (114) extends in a vehicle length direction.

10. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a frame body (12) supporting at least one front ground engaging member (14), at least one rear ground engaging member (16), an internal combustion engine (18) supplying power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16);
an air cleaner assembly (100) drawing air from environment, cleaning the air and supplying a cleaned air to the internal combustion engine (18); the air cleaner assembly comprising:
an enclosure (102) accommodating at least one filter element (104), the enclosure (102) comprising an air inlet duct (106) comprising an air inlet port (108) and an air outlet duct (110) comprising an air outlet port (112), the air inlet port (108) and the air outlet port (112) fluidically communicate with the at least one filter element (104), the enclosure (102) being located below a seat unit (36) of the vehicle (10), the air inlet port (108) extending rearward in a vehicle length direction and positioned above a rear fender (40) of the vehicle (10); and
a resilient member (118) located behind the air inlet port (108) in a vehicle length direction, the resilient member (118) extending in a vehicle upward direction from an upper surface (116) of the rear fender (40).