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 which includes a body cover accommodating a fuel cap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] In recent years, many vehicles have adopted a rear-mounted fuel tank entry, particularly noticeable in scooters, where previously the entry was situated in the cabinet under the seat. This configuration allows for refueling the tank without requiring the passenger or driver to dismount. However, like any technological advancement, this feature has its drawbacks. One significant issue is the elongation of the body cover to accommodate the fuel inlet port at the rear. This extension increases the vulnerability of the body cover to break during refueling, especially in cases of accidental extra force application.

[003] Another notable concern is the presence of a gap between the body cover and the fuel filling cap after vehicle assembly. This gap further increases the chances of ingress of water and dirt interior of the body cover.

[004] Also, users may find it challenging to use the fuel filling port for refueling. Thus, there exists a need to address one or more of the aforesaid disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[005] 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.

[006] In an aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a fuel tank, a body cover, a fuel entry port, a first cover. The body cover positioned above the fuel tank. The body cover having an aperture. The fuel entry port situated below the aperture in the body cover. The fuel entry port comprises a coupling provision configured to pivotally receive a lid member. The first cover affixed to the fuel entry port and positioned below the lid member. The body cover comprises a first stepped portion. The first cover comprises a second stepped portion. The first stepped portion and the second stepped portion abuts each other.

[007] In an embodiment of the invention, the first stepped portion overlaps with the coupling provision provided in the fuel entry port in a top view of the vehicle.

[008] In another embodiment of the invention, the first stepped portion comprises a first vertical wall and a first horizontal wall projecting towards a rear of the vehicle from the first vertical wall. The second stepped portion comprises a second vertical wall and a second horizontal wall projecting towards a front of the vehicle from the second vertical wall. The second horizontal wall being located above the first horizontal wall.

[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the coupling provision comprises a surface formed by extending the coupling provision in the vehicle front direction. The surface being located below the body cover and abuts with the first horizontal wall of the first stepped portion of the body cover.

[0010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the first vertical wall comprises a central portion, a first edge and a second edge. The height of the first vertical wall being constant for a width at the central portion and thereafter decreases to the edges.

[0011] In still another embodiment of the invention, a width of the second horizontal wall is less than or equal to the width of the center portion of the first vertical wall.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the surface supports the first horizontal wall and second horizontal wall which abuts each other.

[0013] One of the advantages of the invention is that a gap between the body cover and the first cover is not possible due to the presence of stepped portions. The stepped portions also lock the space between the body and the first cover effectively preventing the ingress of water and dirt into the body cover.

[0014] Another advantage of the invention is that the coupling provision abutting the stepped portions provides additional strength to that portion making it resistant to accidental additional forces in that portion.

[0015] Still another advantage of the invention is that no extra part is used hence weight of the assembly is not increased. Also, assembly line is not needed to change to accommodate the invention. Thus, ease of adaptation to current assembly lines is possible.

[0016] Yet another advantage of the invention is that other parts of the vehicle are not affected in accommodation of the invention in the existing assembling process. Also, the parts are modified without addition of the material reducing weight of the vehicle while increasing the strength of the fragile part.

[0017] A further advantage of the invention is that the reduction in height of the first vertical wall further decreases the ingress by closing the joining portions of the stepped portions.

[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 side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a part of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective side view of the body cover in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of the first cover in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel entry port in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view of vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0026] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of fuel entry port, body cover, first cover and the first cover of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0027] 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:
[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0038] 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] Now referring to Figure 1, illustrates a side view of the vehicle (10) that comprises a body frame (12). The body frame (12) further comprises a head tube (22), down tube (24), front forks (28).The head tube (22) providing steering support to the front forks (28). The front forks (28) connected to a front ground engaging member (14). The body frame (12) further supports a power unit (18) that supplies power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and /or a rear ground engaging member (16). The body frame (12) further supports a seat (20) which provides a seating arrangement for at least a rider and a pillion of the vehicle (10). The body frame (12) further supports a body cover (100) which covers the body frame (12) and other vehicular components. Below the seat (20), there is provided a luggage compartment (26), which may be supported by the body frame (12).

[0041] There may be disposed one or more additional vehicular components below the seat (20). For example, in case the power unit (18) is an internal combustion engine, there may be disposed a fuel tank (40) beneath the seat (20). By way of another example, in case the power unit (18) is a motor, there may be disposed at least one battery (not shown) beneath the seat (20). By way of yet another example, in case the power unit (18) is an internal combustion engine, there may be disposed at least one battery (not shown) beneath the seat (20). It may be noted that there is no limitation as to what nature of components are disposed beneath the seat (20).

[0042] Now referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, it can be seen that a fuel entry port (104) is disposed on a part of the body cover (100) extending rearwards of the seat (20). By the way of example, in case the power unit (18) is a motor, there may be disposed a charging port (not shown) in place of the fuel entry port (104). Particularly referring to Figure 2, it can be seen that a lid member (108) is disposed above the fuel entry port (104) in a closed position. A first cover (110) is disposed below the lid member (108) and affixed to the fuel entry port (104). The first cover comprises a second stepped portion (114) which is coupled to a first stepped portion (112) provided in the body cover (100).

[0043] Now referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4, it can be seen that the first stepped portion (112) comprises a first vertical wall (116) and a first horizontal wall (118) projecting towards a rear of the vehicle (10) from the first vertical wall (116). The second stepped portion (114) comprises a second vertical wall (120) and a second horizontal wall (122) projecting towards a front of the vehicle (10) from the second vertical wall (120). The second horizontal wall (122) being located above the first horizontal wall (118). Particularly referring to Figure 3, the first vertical wall (116) comprises a central portion (126), a first edge (128) and a second edge (130). The height (H1) of the first vertical wall (116) being constant for a width (W1) at the central portion (126) and thereafter decreases to the edges (128, 130). Particularly referring to Figure 4, a width (W2) of the second horizontal wall (122) is provided.

[0044] Now referring to Figure 5, illustrates a perspective view of the fuel entry port in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and being pivotally coupled to the lid member (108) via coupling provision (106). In particular, the coupling provision (106) comprises a surface (124) formed by extending the coupling provision (106) in the vehicle front direction.

[0045] Now referring to Figure 6, illustrates a sectional view of vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention and in particular the body cover (100), the first cover (110), the lid member (108) and the fuel entry port (104) are shown. The first stepped portion (114) overlaps with the coupling provision (106) provided in the fuel entry port (104) in a top view of the vehicle (10). The second horizontal wall (122) being located above the first horizontal wall (118). The surface (124) being located below the body cover (100) and abuts with the first horizontal wall (118) of the first stepped portion (112) of the body cover (100). The surface (124) supports the first horizontal wall (118) and second horizontal wall (122) which abuts each other.

[0046] Now referring to Figure 7, illustrates a perspective view of the assembly of the fuel entry port (104), the body cover (100), and the first cover (110) of the vehicle (10) in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The width (W2) of the second horizontal wall (122) is less than the width (W1) of the center portion (126) of the first vertical wall (116). By the way of example, there may be provided that the width (W2) of the second horizontal wall (122) is equal to the width (W1) of the center portion (126) of the first vertical wall (116) (not shown).

[0047] One of the advantages of the invention is that a gap between the body cover (100) and the first cover (110) is filled with the first stepped portion (112) and the second stepped portion (114). The first stepped portion (112) and the second stepped portion (114) also lock the space between the body cover (100) and the first cover (110) effectively preventing the ingress of water and dirt into the body cover (100).

[0048] Another advantage of the invention is that the coupling provision (106) abutting the first stepped portion (112) and the second stepped portion (114) provides additional strength to the body cover (100) and the first cover (110) making it resistant to accidental additional forces in the portion of the first stepped portion (112) and the second stepped portion (114).

[0049] Still another advantage of the invention is that no extra part is used hence weight of the assembly is not increased. Also, assembly line is not needed to change to accommodate the invention. Thus, ease of adaptation exists for current assembly lines.

[0050] Yet another advantage of the invention is that other parts of the vehicle (10) are not affected in accommodation of the invention in the existing assembling process. Also, the parts are modified without addition of the material reducing weight of the vehicle (10) while increasing the strength of the fragile parts.

[0051] A further advantage of the invention is that the reduction in height of the first vertical wall further decreases the ingress by closing the joining portions of the stepped portions.

[0052] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0053] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a fuel tank (40);
a body cover (100) positioned above the fuel tank (40), the body cover (100) having an aperture (102);
a fuel entry port (104) situated below the aperture (102) in the body cover (100), the fuel entry port (104) comprising a coupling provision (106) configured to pivotally receive a lid member (108);
a first cover (110) affixed to the fuel entry port (104) and positioned below the lid member (108);
the body cover (100) comprises a first stepped portion (112);
the first cover (110) comprises a second stepped portion (114); and
the first stepped portion (112) and the second stepped portion (114) abuts each other.

2. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first stepped portion (114) overlaps with the coupling provision (106) provided in the fuel entry port (104) in a top view of the vehicle (10).

3. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first stepped portion (112) comprises a first vertical wall (116) and a first horizontal wall (118) projecting towards a rear of the vehicle (10) from the first vertical wall (116); the second stepped portion (114) comprises a second vertical wall (120) and a second horizontal wall (122) projecting towards a front of the vehicle (10) from the second vertical wall (120); and the second horizontal wall (122) being located above the first horizontal wall (118).

4. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the coupling provision (106) comprises a surface (124) formed by extending the coupling provision (106) in the vehicle front direction; the surface (124) being located below the body cover (100) and abuts with the first horizontal wall (118) of the first stepped portion (112) of the body cover (100).

5. The vehicle as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first vertical wall (116) comprises a central portion (126), a first edge (128) and a second edge (130); and the height (H1) of the first vertical wall (116) being constant for a width (W1) at the central portion (126) and thereafter decreases to the edges (128, 130).

6. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein a width (W2) of the second horizontal wall (122) is less than or equal to the width (W1) of the center portion (126) of the first vertical wall (116).

7. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surface (124) supports the first horizontal wall (118) and second horizontal wall (122) which abuts each other.