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

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:
[01] The present invention relates to a vehicle comprising a road assistance kit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:

[02] It would be beneficial to provide a road side assistance kit using which air can be inflated in a wheel of a vehicle and using which a flat wheel of a vehicle can be fixed. Since a vehicle generally comprises limited space, accommodating the road side assistance kit which can be used for inflating the wheel of the vehicle and which can be used for fixing the flat wheel is a technical challenge. Also, the road side assistance kit should be stored in such a manner that it is easily accessible and is not susceptible to stealing.

[03] Given these challenges, there is a need to address the aforementioned limitations and provide a holistic solution.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[04] 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.

[05] The present invention provides a vehicle comprising a head tube and a frame extending rearward and downward from the head tube. The frame comprising a first seat rail and a second seat rail, atleast one front wheel and at least one rear wheel supported by the frame, an engine unit supported by the frame, a seat supported by the first seat rail and the second seat rail so as to be disposed above the rear wheel. A rear fender disposed between the rear wheel and the seat in a vehicle height direction, an air cleaner disposed between the rear fender and the engine unit in a vehicle length direction and a wheel inflator assembly being removably mounted on the frame. The vehicle further comprises a first side cover being removably coupled to at least the first seat rail such that the first side cover overlaps with the wheel inflator assembly in a side view of the vehicle and a wheel maintenance tool assembly being removable mounted on the rear fender such that the wheel maintenance tool assembly overlaps with the wheel inflator assembly and the first side cover in a side view of the vehicle.

[06] In an embodiment of the invention, the first side cover restricts access to the wheel inflator assembly in an attached state and allows access to the wheel inflator assembly in the detached state.

[07] In an embodiment of the invention, the first side cover and the wheel inflator assembly restrict access to the wheel maintenance tool assembly in their respective attached state and allow access to the wheel maintenance tool assembly in their respective detached state.

[08] In an embodiment of the invention, the wheel maintenance tool assembly comprises a tool accommodating tray , the tool accommodating tray being adapted to accommodate a plurality of maintenance tools , the plurality of maintenance tools comprises two or more of a first T-shaped tool with a vertical member and a horizontal member , a second T-shaped tool with a vertical member and a horizontal member , a puncture strip and a knife .

[09] In an embodiment of the invention, the rear fender comprises a first set of guiding member and the tool accommodating tray comprises a second set of guiding member that interacts with the first set of guiding member thereby allowing the tool accommodating tray to be slidably positioned on the rear fender and allowing sliding removal of the tool accommodating tray from the rear fender.

[010] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame comprising the first seat rail and the second seat rail spaced away from the first seat rail , the first seat rail and the second seat rail extending in a vehicle rearward direction, a first pivot frame and a second pivot frame spaced away from the first pivot frame , the first pivot frame and the second pivot frame extending in a vehicle downward direction, a first sub-frame interconnecting the first seat rail and the first pivot frame , and a second sub-frame interconnecting the second seat rail and the second pivot frame , the wheel inflator assembly being held coupled to at least three positions of the frame.

[011] In an embodiment of the invention, the first sub-frame being coupled to a first bracket member , the first bracket member being coupled to first seat rail , the second sub-frame being coupled to a second bracket member ,the second bracket member being coupled to second seat rail the first bracket member comprising at least one of: a first projecting member for slidably receiving the wheel inflator assembly, and a first platform for supporting the wheel inflator assembly .

[012] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first seat rail and the first bracket member comprises a first attachment provision , at least one of the first sub-frame and the first bracket member comprises a second attachment provision , a third attachment provision couplable between the first attachment provision and the second attachment provision , the third attachment provision restricting the wheel inflator assembly from exhibiting un-wanted movement upon being coupled between the first attachment provision and the second attachment provision.

[013] In an embodiment of the invention, the first seat rail , the first pivot frame and the first sub-frame defining a first space therebetween, the first space accommodating a battery accommodating structure and the wheel inflator assembly , the wheel inflator assembly being positioned behind the battery accommodating structure in a vehicle length direction.

[014] One of the advantages of the invention is that there is provided a vehicle having the wheel inflator assembly and the wheel maintenance tool assembly which can be used for inflating the wheel of the vehicle and which can be used for fixing the flat wheel.

[015] Another advantage is that there is no need to provision separate space for accommodating the wheel inflator assembly and the wheel maintenance tool assembly.

[016] Also, since the wheel inflator assembly and the wheel maintenance tool assembly are positioned below the side cover and hence is not susceptible to unauthorized access thereby making the same less susceptible to stealing.

[017] 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:
[018] 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:

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

[020] Figure 2 illustrates a schematic side view of a frame of the vehicle, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[021] Figure 3 illustrates a schematic isomeric view of the wheel inflator assembly with the frame structure, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[022] Figure 4 illustrates a schematic isomeric view of the rear fender with a wheel maintenance tool assembly partially slided thereon, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[023] Figure 5 illustrates a schematic isomeric view of the rear fender with the wheel maintenance tool assembly partially slided thereon, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[024] 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:
[025] 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.

[026] 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.

[027] 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.

[028] 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.

[029] 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.

[030] 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.

[031] 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.

[032] 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.

[033] 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.

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

[035] 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.

[036] 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.

[037] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a first side view of a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a head tube (12a) and a frame (12b) extending rearward and downward from the head tube (12a). The frame (12b) comprising a first seat rail (14a) and a second seat rail (14b), atleast one front wheel (16a), at least one rear wheel (16b), an engine unit (18), a seat (20) supported by the first seat rail (14a) and the second seat rail (14b) so as to be disposed above the rear wheel (16b), a rear fender (22) disposed between the rear wheel (16b) and the seat (20) in a vehicle height direction and an air cleaner (24) disposed between the rear fender (22) and the engine unit (18) in a vehicle length direction.

[038] Referring to Figure 2 and 3, there is illustrated a frame (12b) of the vehicle (10) and a wheel inflator assembly (26) being removably mounted on the frame (12b). In an embodiment of the invention, a first side cover (28) is removably coupled to at least the first seat rail (14a) such that the first side cover (28) overlaps with the wheel inflator assembly (26) in a side view of the vehicle (10). In other words, the first side cover (28) restricts access to the wheel inflator assembly (26) in an attached state and allows access to the wheel inflator assembly (26) in the detached state.

[039] In an embodiment of the invention, a wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) is removably mounted on the rear fender (26) such that the wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) overlaps with the wheel inflator assembly (26) and the first side cover (28) in the side view of the vehicle (10). In other words, the first side cover (28) and the wheel inflator assembly (26) restricts access to the wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) in their respective attached state and allow access to the wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) in their respective detached state.

[040] In an embodiment of the invention, the frame (12b) comprising the first seat rail (14a) and the second seat rail (14b) spaced away from the first seat rail (14a), the first seat rail (14a) and the second seat rail (14b) extending in a vehicle rearward direction. A first pivot frame (48a) and a second pivot frame (48b) spaced away from the first pivot frame (48a), the first pivot frame (48a) and the second pivot frame (48b) extending in a vehicle downward direction. A first sub-frame (50a) interconnecting the first seat rail (14a) and the first pivot frame (48a) and a second sub-frame (50b) interconnecting the second seat rail (14b) and the second pivot frame (48b) thereby enabling the wheel inflator assembly (26) to be held/coupled to at least three positions of the frame (12b).

[041] In an embodiment of the invention, the first sub-frame (50a) being coupled to a first bracket member (52a), the first bracket member (52a) being coupled to first seat rail (14a). The second sub-frame (50b) being coupled to a second bracket member (52b), the second bracket member (52b) being coupled to second seat rail (14b). In one embodiment, the first bracket member (52a) comprising a first projecting member (54a) for slidably receiving the wheel inflator assembly (26) and the wheel inflator assembly (26) being provided with respective members/provisions to interact with the first projecting member (54a). In another embodiment, the first bracket member (52a) comprising a first platform (54b) for supporting the wheel inflator assembly (26). In yet another embodiment, the first bracket member (52a) comprising the first projecting member (54a) for slidably receiving the wheel inflator assembly (26) and the first platform (54b) for supporting the wheel inflator assembly (26).

[042] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first seat rail (14a) and the first bracket member (52a) comprises a first attachment provision (56a) and at least one of the first sub-frame (50a) and the first bracket member (52a) comprises a second attachment provision (56b). Further, a third attachment provision (56c) is coupled between the first attachment provision (56a) and the second attachment provision (56b), the third attachment provision (56c) thereby restricting the wheel inflator assembly (26) from exhibiting un-wanted movement upon being coupled between the first attachment provision (56a) and the second attachment provision (56b). In an embodiment of the invention, the third attachment provision (56c) being an elastomeric or rubber member.

[043] In an embodiment of the invention, the first seat rail (14a), the first pivot frame (48a) and the first sub-frame (50a) defines a first space (58) therebetween. The first space (58) accommodates a battery accommodating structure (60) and the wheel inflator assembly (26). In an embodiment of the invention, the wheel inflator assembly (26) being positioned behind the battery accommodating structure (60) in a vehicle length direction.

[044] Referring to Figure 4 and 5, which illustrate schematic isomeric views of the rear fender (22) with the wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) partially slided thereon. The wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) comprises a tool accommodating tray (32), the tool accommodating tray (32) being adapted to accommodate a plurality of maintenance tools (34). The plurality of maintenance tools (34) comprises two or more of a first T-shaped tool (36) with a vertical member (36A) and a horizontal member (36B), a second T-shaped tool (38) with a vertical member (38A) and a horizontal member (38B), a puncture strip (40) and a knife (42).

[045] In an embodiment of the invention, the tool accommodating tray (32) comprises a support structure (62) for supporting a first vertical member (36A, 38A) of either of the first T-shaped tool (36) and second T-shaped tool (38) and a first restraining member (64) which in conjunction with the support structure (62) supports a second vertical member (38A, 36A) of other of the first T-shaped tool (36) and second T- shaped tool (38). In an embodiment of the invention, the support structure (62) being shaped in an arcuate manner to support the first vertical member (36A, 38A) of either of the first T-shaped tool (36) and second T-shaped tool (38).

[046] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the first vertical member (36A) and second vertical member (38A) is provided with an indentation (66) to support a first or second horizontal member (36B, 38B). In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first vertical member (36A) or second vertical member (38A) which is disposed between the support structure (62) and the first restraining member (64) is provided with the indentation to support the horizontal member (36B, 38B) of such vertical member (36A, 36B) which is supported by the support structure (62). In a non-limiting exemplary embodiment of the invention, the horizontal member (36B, 38B) of such vertical member (36A, 36B) which is supported between the support structure (62) and the first restraining member (64) is supported by the first restraining member (64).

[047] In an embodiment of the invention, the puncture strip (40) is accommodated between a peripheral wall (68) of the tool accommodating tray (32) and a second restraining member (70), the peripheral wall (68) being opposite to a protrusion (44) of the tool accommodating tray (32). In an embodiment of the invention, the puncture strip (40) is disposed below the second horizontal member (38B, 36B) to provide additional support for securing of the puncture strip (40).

[048] In an embodiment of the invention, a plurality of restraining members (461-n) is provided for securing and holding the knife (42).

[049] In an embodiment of the invention, the rear fender (22) comprises a first set of guiding member (not shown) and the tool accommodating tray (32) comprises a second set of guiding member (not shown) that interacts with the first set of guiding member (not shown) thereby allowing the tool accommodating tray (32) to be slidably positioned on the rear fender (22) and allowing sliding removal of the tool accommodating tray (32) from the rear fender (22).

[050] In an embodiment of the invention, the wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) is positioned between the rear fender (22) and the air filter (24).

[051] One of the advantages of the invention is that there is provided a vehicle having the wheel inflator assembly and the wheel maintenance tool assembly which can be used for inflating the wheel of the vehicle and which can be used for fixing the flat wheel.

[052] Another advantage is that there is no need to provision separate space for accommodating the wheel inflator assembly and the wheel maintenance tool assembly.

[053] Also, since the wheel inflator assembly and the wheel maintenance tool assembly are positioned below the side cover and hence is not susceptible to unauthorized access thereby making the same less susceptible to stealing.

[054] 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.

[055] 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. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Additionally, numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible.
, Claims:We claim:

1. A vehicle (10), comprising:
a head tube (12a) and a frame (12b) extending rearward and downward from the head tube (12a); the frame (12b) comprising a first seat rail (14a) and a second seat rail (14b);
atleast one front wheel (16a) and at least one rear wheel (16b) supported by the frame (12b);
an engine unit (18) supported by the frame (12b);
a seat (20) supported by the first seat rail (14a) and the second seat rail (14b) so as to be disposed above the rear wheel (16b);
a rear fender (22) disposed between the rear wheel (16b) and the seat (20) in a vehicle height direction;
an air cleaner (24) disposed between the rear fender (22) and the engine unit (18) in a vehicle length direction;
a wheel inflator assembly (26) being removably mounted on the frame (12b);
a first side cover (28) being removably coupled to at least the first seat rail (14a) such that the first side cover (28) overlaps with the wheel inflator assembly (26) in a side view of the vehicle (10);
a wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) being removable mounted on the rear fender (26)such that the wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) overlaps with the wheel inflator assembly (26) and the first side cover (28) in a side view of the vehicle (10).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, the first side cover (28) restricts access to the wheel inflator assembly (26) in an attached state and allows access to the wheel inflator assembly (26) in the detached state.

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, the first side cover (28) and the wheel inflator assembly (26) restricts access to the wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) in their respective attached state and allow access to the wheel maintenance tool assembly (30) in their respective detached state.

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1,the wheel maintenance tool assembly (30)comprises a tool accommodating tray (32), the tool accommodating tray (32) being adapted to accommodate a plurality of maintenance tools (34), the plurality of maintenance tools (34) comprises two or more of a first T-shaped tool (36) with a vertical member (36A) and a horizontal member (36B), a second T-shaped tool (38) with a vertical member (38A) and a horizontal member (38B), a puncture strip (40) and a knife (42).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, the rear fender (22) comprises a first set of guiding member (not shown) and the tool accommodating tray (32) comprises a second set of guiding member (not shown) that interacts with the first set of guiding member (not shown) thereby allowing the tool accommodating tray (32) to be slidably positioned on the rear fender (22) and allowing sliding removal of the tool accommodating tray (32) from the rear fender (22).

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
the frame (12b) comprising the first seat rail (14a) and the second seat rail (14b) spaced away from the first seat rail (14a), the first seat rail (14a) and the second seat rail (14b) extending in a vehicle rearward direction; a first pivot frame (48a) and a second pivot frame (48b) spaced away from the first pivot frame (48a), the first pivot frame (48a) and the second pivot frame (48b) extending in a vehicle downward direction;a first sub-frame (50a) interconnecting the first seat rail (14a) and the first pivot frame (48a); and a second sub-frame (50b) interconnecting the second seat rail (14b) and the second pivot frame (48b);
the wheel inflator assembly (26) being held coupled to at least three positions of the frame (12b).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first sub-frame (50a) being coupled to
a first bracket member (52a), the first bracket member (52a) being coupled to first seat
rail (14a), the second sub-frame (50b) being coupled to a second bracket member (52b),
the second bracket member (52b) being coupled to second seat rail (14b).
the first bracket member (52a) comprising at least one of:
a first projecting member (54a) for slidably receiving the wheel inflator assembly (26); and
a first platform (54b) for supporting the wheel inflator assembly (26).

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein:
at least one of the first seat rail (14a) and the first bracket member (52a) comprises a first attachment provision (56a),
at least one of the first sub-frame (50a) and the first bracket member (52a) comprises a second attachment provision (56b), a third attachment provision (56c) couplable between the first attachment provision (56a) and the second attachment provision (56b), the third attachment provision (56c) restricting the wheel inflator assembly (26) from exhibiting un-wanted movement upon being coupled between the first attachment provision (56a) and the second attachment provision (56b).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first seat rail (14a), the first pivot frame (48a) and the first sub-frame (50a) defining a first space (58) therebetween, the first space (58) accommodating a battery accommodating structure (60) and the wheel inflator assembly (26), the wheel inflator assembly (26) being positioned behind the battery accommodating structure (60) in a vehicle length direction.