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:
[01] The present invention relates to a vehicle in particular supporting an electric vehicle comprising a battery accommodating mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[02] In today's rapidly evolving transportation landscape, there is an increasing demand for innovative solutions that enhance the functionality, convenience, and efficiency of vehicles, particularly in the realm of personal mobility. Traditional vehicle designs often face challenges related to space utilization, storage options, and integration of essential components such as power sources.

[03] Existing vehicles typically offer limited storage options, often requiring users to compromise on space or carry additional accessories for storage purposes. Additionally, the integration of power sources, such as batteries, into vehicle designs can pose challenges related to space constraints and efficient utilization of available resources.

[04] Furthermore, another challenge for the current vehicles having power sources as batteries is that the chances of the vehicle being theft are increased as it requires only electrical terminals to be electrically connected in the process.

[05] Thus, there exists a need to address at least one of the difficulties as mentioned above.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[06] 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.

[07] Accordingly, the present invention provides a vehicle comprises a main frame rotatably supporting at least one of a front ground engaging member and a rear ground engaging member, at least one seat member being adapted to be maintained in at least one of a first state and a second state with respect to the body frame and a storage compartment positioned below a seat member of the vehicle, the storage compartment comprises a first portion being adapted to receive at least one battery, a second portion being adapted to receive a luggage box, the luggage box being positioned between a top surface of the battery and an underside of the seat member.

[08] In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one resilient member being positioned on at least one of the at least one battery and the storage compartment and adapted to apply a first force in a first direction on the at least one battery and the luggage box adapted to apply a second force in a second direction on the at least one battery the second direction being opposite to the first direction

[09] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the seat member adapted to apply a third force a second direction on the luggage box causing the luggage box to apply the second force in the second direction on the at least one battery.

[010] In still another embodiment of the invention, the luggage box is latched to storage compartment, to apply the second force in a second direction on the at least one battery

[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, a first electrical terminal being positioned in the storage compartment electrically connected to a driving unit of the vehicle, a second electrical terminal corresponding to the first electrical terminal being positioned on the at least one battery, the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal are electrically connected when the second force is applied.

[012] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the luggage box further comprises a base and at least one side wall

[013] In an embodiment of the invention, at least one grommet being positioned between the top surface of the battery and the base; the at least one grommet is positioned on at least one of the top surface of the battery and the base.

[014] In another embodiment of the invention, at least one rib and counter-groove being adapted to prevent movement of the luggage box in the storage compartment

[015] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the at least one rib is provided on at least one of the second portion and the side wall and the counter-groove is provided on the other of the second portion and the side wall.

[016] One of the advantages of the invention is that the space between the at least one battery and the at least one seat member is utilized for accommodating various items without occupying additional space.

[017] Still another advantage of the invention is that the at least one grommet positioned between the at least one battery and the first portion base contributes to preventing damage to both the at least one battery and the luggage box by minimizing friction and providing cushioning.

[018] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the at least one rib and the at least one counter-groove guides and places luggage box at correct position over the at least one battery.

[019] A further advantage of the invention is that the luggage box can be used as an anti-theft mechanism. The at least one resilient member always provides the first force to the at least one battery. In case of absence of the luggage box the second force is absent. The luggage box is required to ensure the electrical connection of the first electrical terminal and the second electrical terminal.

[020] Another advantage of the invention is that the latch provided in one embodiment ensures the second force, in case the operator access the luggage box preventing the at least one seat member from providing the third force.

[021] 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:
[022] 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:

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

[024] Figure 2 illustrates a view of storage compartment, battery and luggage box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[025] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the storage compartment in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[026] Figure 4 illustrates exploded view of storage compartment, battery and luggage box in accordance with another embodiment of the invention;

[027] Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the storage compartment with seat in a closed position in accordance with another embodiment of the invention; and

[028] Figure 6 illustrates a sectional view about A-A axis as shown in Figure 5 of the storage compartment with seat in a closed position in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.

[029] 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:
[030] 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.

[031] 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.

[032] 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.

[033] 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.

[034] 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.

[035] 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.

[036] 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.

[037] 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.

[038] 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.

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

[040] 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.

[041] 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.

[042] Referring to Figure 1 there is illustrated a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) comprises, inter-alia, a front ground engaging member (14), a rear ground engaging member (16), rotatably supported by a main frame (12). The front ground engaging member (14) is coupled to a handlebar (30) vide a front fork (24). The handlebar (30) is rotatably received by a head pipe (32) (not shown), which forms part of the main frame (12). The vehicle (10) further comprises a headlight (22) positioned above the front ground engaging member (14) and a tail light (34) positioned above the rear ground engaging member (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one powering unit (18) (not shown) receiving electrical energy from the at least one battery (Figure 2) and supplying driving power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16).

[043] The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one seat member (20) being adapted to be maintained in at least one of a first state and a second state with respect to the main frame (12). The vehicle (10) further comprises a storage compartment (100) positioned below the at least one seat member (20) of the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) may comprise other parts which may not be relevant for explaining the present invention and hence not shown and described.

[044] Figure 2 illustrates a view of storage compartment, battery and luggage box in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The storage compartment (100) comprises a first portion (102). The first portion (102) adapted to receive at least one battery (104) and a second portion (102A) adapted to receive a luggage box (110). The luggage box (110) is positioned between a top surface (112) of the battery (104) and an underside (114) of the seat member (20).

[045] Figure 3 illustrates a bottom view of the storage compartment. The first portion (102) further comprises at least one resilient member (106). The at least one resilient member (106) is positioned on at least one of the at least one battery (104) and the first portion (102). The at least one resilient member (106) is adapted to apply a first force in a first direction on the at least one battery (104). The luggage box (110) is adapted to apply a second force in a second direction on the at least one battery (104). However, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

[046] By way of a non-limiting example, the at least one resilient member (106) may be spring, polymer, rubber, foam or any other material having sufficient resilience.

[047] Figure 4 illustrates an exploded view of storage compartment, battery and luggage box with seat in an open position. The seat member (20) adapted to apply a third force in a second direction on the luggage box (110) that causes the luggage box (110) to apply the second force in the second direction on the at least one battery (104).

[048] In an embodiment of the invention, the luggage box (110) is latched to storage compartment (102), to apply the second force in a second direction on the at least one battery (104). The latch used to apply the second force can be actuated by the third force. The latch allows the operator to use the luggage box (110) without disconnecting the vehicle (10) from power form the at least one battery (104). The latch can be unlatched by another iteration of the third force, by a button, key or switch engaging the latching member or by any other provision available in the technology.

[049] By way of non-limiting example, the latch can be of the type of a rotating on pressure more like of a click pen, can have a heart shape groove for iterative application of the third force mechanism. By way of another non-limiting example, the latching member can be of click fit type, rotating type or of any other technology available.

[050] Referring to Figure 5 and 6, there is illustrated a front view and a sectional view of the storage compartment (100) and the at least one seat (20) in closed position. The first portion (102) comprises a first electrical terminal (116) and the first portion (102) is electrically connected to a driving unit (18) of the vehicle (10). The battery comprises a second electrical terminal (118) and corresponds to the first electrical terminal (116) wherein the first electrical terminal (116) and the second electrical terminal (118) are electrically connected when the second force is applied.

[051] In an embodiment of the invention, the second force being greater than the first force. This ensures the first electrical terminal (116) and the second electrical terminal (118) are electrically connected in the various road conditions including but not limited to jerks, accelerations, deacceleration and shocks.

[052] Ine an embodiment of the invention, the luggage box (110) further comprises a base (122) and at least one side wall (128). In another embodiment, the luggage box (110) may have sections divided into it to accommodate different objects. By way of a non-limiting example, the luggage box (110) can be a cylindrical, cuboidal, frustum or any other three-dimensional shape possible. The shape of the luggage box (110) can be customized according to the needs of the operator of the vehicle (10).

[053] In one embodiment of the invention, the storage compartment (100) further comprises at least one grommet (120) being positioned between the top surface (112) of the battery (104) and the base (122). The at least one grommet (120) is positioned on at least one of the top surface (112) of the battery (104) and the base (122) of the luggage box (110).

[054] By way of a non-limiting example, the at least one grommet (120) can be of rubber, foam, polymer or any other material having sufficient resilience for preventing damage to both the at least one battery and the luggage box by minimizing friction and providing cushioning. In another embodiment of the invention, the at least one grommet (120) transfers the second force from the luggage box (110) to the at least one battery (104).

[055] In one embodiment of the invention, the luggage box (110) comprises at least one rib (124) and the second portion (102A) comprises at least one counter-groove (126). The at least one rib (124) and the at least one counter-groove (126) being adapted to prevent movement of the luggage box (110) with respect to the storage compartment (100). The at least one rib (124) is provided on at least one of the second portion (102A) and the side wall (128) and the counter-groove (126) is provided on the other of the second portion (102) and the side wall (128).

[056] One of the advantages of the invention is that the space between the at least one battery (104) and the at least one seat member (20) is utilized for accommodating various items without occupying additional space.

[057] Another advantage of the invention is that the latch provided in one embodiment ensures the second force, in case the operator access the luggage box (110) preventing the at least one seat member (20) from providing the third force.

[058] Still another advantage of the invention is that the at least one grommet (120) positioned between the at least one battery (104) and the first portion base (122) contributes to preventing damage to both the at least one battery (104) and the first portion (102) by minimizing friction and providing cushioning.

[059] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the at least one rib (124) and the at least one counter-groove (126) guides and places the luggage box (110) at correct position over the at least one battery (104).

[060] A further advantage of the invention is that the luggage box (110) can be used as an anti-theft mechanism. The at least one resilient member (106) always provides the first force to the at least one battery (104). In case of absence of the luggage box (110) the second force is absent. The luggage box (110) is required to ensure the electrical connection of the first electrical terminal (116) and the second electrical terminal (118).

[061] 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.

[062] 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 main frame (12) rotatably supporting at least one of a front ground engaging member (14) and a rear ground engaging member (16);
at least one seat member (20) being adapted to be maintained in at least one of a first state and a second state with respect to the main frame (12); and
a storage compartment (100) integrated with the main frame (12) being positioned below a seat member (20) of the vehicle (10);
the storage compartment (100) comprising a first portion (102) being adapted to receive at least one battery (104) and a second portion (102A) being adapted to receive a luggage box (110);
the luggage box (110) being positioned between a top surface (112) of the battery (104) and an underside (114) of the seat member (20).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one resilient member (106) being positioned on at least one of the at least one battery (104) and the first portion (102) and adapted to apply a first force in a first direction on the at least one battery (104); and
the luggage box (110) adapted to apply a second force in a second direction on the at least one battery (104);
the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the seat member (20) adapted to apply a third force in the second direction on the luggage box (110) causing the luggage box (110) to apply the second force in the second direction on the at least one battery (104).

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the luggage box (110) is latched to first portion (102), to apply the second force in a second direction on the at least one battery (104).

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2 wherein a first electrical terminal (116) being positioned in the first portion (102) electrically connected to a driving unit (18) of the vehicle (10);
a second electrical terminal (118) corresponding to the first electrical terminal (116) being positioned on the at least one battery (104);
the first electrical terminal (116) and the second electrical terminal (118) are electrically connected when the second force is applied.

6. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the luggage box (110) further comprises a base (122) and at least one side wall (128).

7. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least one grommet (120) being positioned between the top surface (112) of the battery (104) and the base (122); the at least one grommet (120) is positioned on at least one of the top surface (112) of the battery (104) and the base (122) of the luggage box.

8. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the luggage box (110) comprises at least one rib (124) and the second portion (102A) comprises at least one counter-groove (126), the at least one rib (124) and the at least one counter-groove (126) being adapted to prevent movement of the luggage box (110) with respect to the second portion (102A).

9. The vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one rib (124) is provided on at least one of the second portion (102A) and the at least one side wall (128) and the counter-groove (126) is provided on the other of the second portion (102) and the at least one side wall (128).