Description:

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

RETAINING MEMBER FOR SECURELY ACCOMMODATING BATTERY OF 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 retaining member for securely accommodating a battery of a vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] Traditionally, a vehicle is provided with a battery as shown in Figure 1a which is disposed between a first frame portion and a second frame portion. There is also provided a retaining member for securely accommodating the battery. There is further provided a first connector which is connected to the negative terminal of the battery and a second connector which is connected to the positive terminal of the battery, which are supposed to be oriented in a predetermined orientation as shown in Figure 1a. This conventional technique, poses a variety of problems including a higher risk of a positive terminal of the battery coming inadvertently in contact with one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion. This may happen for instance, when the second connector connected to the positive terminal of the battery rotates as shown in Figure 1b. This may also happen when the battery shakes and one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion comes in contact with one of the positive terminal of the battery or the second connector connected to the positive terminal of the battery. The conventional retaining member is unable to prohibit such a short circuit. Thus, there exists a need to address the aforesaid disadvantage.

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

[004] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a retaining member for securely accommodating a battery of a vehicle, said retaining member comprising: a band member comprising a first end releasably coupled to a first part of the vehicle, a second end releasably coupled to a second part of the vehicle, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first end and the second end; and a terminal cover member coupled to the intermediate portion.

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal cover member comprises a first cover portion adapted to be located along a first side of the battery, and a second cover portion adapted to be located along a second side of the battery.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, the band member comprises a first member releasably coupled to the first part of the vehicle, the first member comprising the first end releasably coupled to the first part of the vehicle and a third end; a second member releasably coupled to the second part of the vehicle, the second member comprising the second end releasably coupled to the second part of the vehicle and a fourth end; and a third member comprising a fifth end releasably coupled to the third end, a sixth end releasably coupled to the fourth end, and the intermediate portion positioned between the fifth end and the sixth end.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, the first member being adapted to be located at least partly above a top side of the battery, in a coupled state to the first part of the vehicle and to the third member.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second member being adapted to be located at least partly behind a rear side of the battery, in a coupled state of the second member to the second part of the vehicle and to the third member.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the third member being adapted to be located at least partly above the top side of the battery, in a coupled state of the third member to the first member and to the second member.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the terminal cover member being made of an electrically insulating material.

[0011] In a furthermore embodiment of the invention, the terminal cover member comprising a shoulder portion positioned between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, the shoulder portion adapted to be located above a top side of the battery.

[0012] In an embodiment of the invention, the first cover portion comprises a first side wall adapted to be located along the first side of the battery, the first side being proximate to a first terminal of the battery; a first top wall adapted to be located above the first terminal of the battery in a top view of the vehicle; and a first rear wall adapted to be located along a rear side of the battery.

[0013] In another embodiment of the invention, the second cover portion comprises a second side wall adapted to be located along the second side of the battery, the second side being proximate to a second terminal of the battery; a second top wall adapted to be located above the second terminal of the battery in a top view of the vehicle; and a second rear wall adapted to be located along a rear side of the battery.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the fifth end comprises one of a first female coupling member and a first male coupling member, and the third end comprises the other of the first male coupling member and the first female coupling member.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the invention, the sixth end comprises one of a second female coupling member and a second male coupling member, and the fourth end comprises the other of the second male coupling member and the second female coupling member.

[0016] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising: a head pipe supporting at least one front fork in a steerable manner; a first frame portion connected to the head pipe, the first frame portion disposed on a first side of the head pipe and extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle; a second frame portion connected to the head pipe, the second frame portion disposed on a second side of the head pipe and extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle; a battery positioned between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, such that the first frame portion lies along a first side of the battery and the second frame portion lies along a second side of the battery; and a retaining member for securely accommodating the battery. In an embodiment of the invention, the retaining member comprises a band member comprising a first end releasably coupled to a first part of the vehicle, a second end releasably coupled to a second part of the vehicle, and an intermediate portion positioned between the first end and the second end; and a terminal cover member coupled to the intermediate portion.

[0017] In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal cover member comprising a first cover portion adapted to be located along the first side of the battery, and a second cover portion adapted to be located along the second side of the battery.

[0018] In another embodiment of the invention, the first side of the battery being proximate to a first terminal of the battery, the first terminal of the battery being adapted to be electrically coupled to a first connector, and the first cover portion being adapted to be located so as to electrically insulate the first frame portion from one or both of the first terminal of the battery and the first connector.

[0019] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the second side of the battery being proximate to a second terminal of the battery, the second terminal of the battery being adapted to be electrically coupled to a second connector, and the second cover portion being adapted to be located so as to electrically insulate the second frame portion from one or both of the second terminal of the battery and the second connector.

[0020] In still another embodiment of the invention, the vehicle further comprises a battery supporting structure supporting a bottom side of the battery, the battery supporting structure comprising at least one of the first part of the vehicle and the second part of the vehicle.

[0021] An advantage of the invention is that a chances of the positive terminal of the battery coming inadvertently in contact with one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion is substantially reduced.

[0022] Another advantage of the invention is that a chances of the second connector connected to the positive terminal of the battery coming inadvertently in contact with one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion is substantially reduced.

[0023] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the retaining member serves dual purpose in that it not only assists in securely accommodating the battery between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, but also reduces the chances of the positive terminal of the battery coming inadvertently in contact with one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion or reduces the chances of the second connector connected to the positive terminal of the battery coming inadvertently in contact with one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion.

[0024] Still another advantage of the invention is that the first cover portion is adapted to maintain the first connector in a predetermined orientation with respect to the first terminal of the battery and restricts rotation of the first connector with respect to the first terminal of the battery. Thus, the first cover portion functions as a Poka-yoke mechanism.

[0025] A further advantage of the invention is that the second cover portion is adapted to maintain the second connector in a predetermined orientation with respect to the second terminal of the battery and restricts rotation of the second connector with respect to the second terminal of the battery. Thus, the first cover portion functions as a Poka-yoke mechanism.

[0026] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that the band member and the terminal cover member comprising the first cover portion and the second cover portion are coupled and hence, cost of making the retaining member as well a cost of the vehicle reduces substantially.

[0027] Another advantage of the invention is that the when the band member is coupled to the first part of the vehicle and the second part of the vehicle, the first cover portion and the second cover portion are automatically placed in their designated locations. Thus, a time of assembling the vehicle and a complexity of assembling the vehicle reduces substantially,

[0028] 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:
[0029] 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:

[0030] Figure 1a illustrates a vehicle having a battery disposed between a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the battery being securely retained by a retaining member, a first connector being connected to a negative terminal of the battery, and a second connector being connected to a positive terminal of the battery, and each of the first connector and the second connector being oriented in the predetermined orientation;

[0031] Figure 1b illustrates a vehicle having a battery disposed between a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the battery being securely retained by a retaining member, a first connector being connected to a negative terminal of the battery, and a second connector being connected to a positive terminal of the battery, with the second connector rotating to an incorrect orientation which increases a chances of short circuit between the second frame portion and one of the positive terminal or the second connector;

[0032] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0033] Figure 3 illustrates a top view of a portion of the vehicle showing a battery being disposed between a first frame portion and a second frame portion, the battery being securely retained by the retaining member constructed in accordance with a first embodiment of the invention;

[0034] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view showing a battery and a retaining member constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention being located above the battery;

[0035] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective exploded view showing the battery and the retaining member constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

[0036] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of the retaining member constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention;

[0037] Figure 7 illustrates an exploded view of the retaining member constructed in accordance with the first embodiment; and

[0038] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view showing a retaining member constructed in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention being located above the battery.

[0039] 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:
[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Referring to Figure 2 there is illustrated a first side view of a vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) particularly comprises a head pipe (12) steerability supporting at least one front ground engaging member (14). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one rear ground engaging member (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises a power unit (18) supplying driving power to at least one of the front ground engaging member (14) and the rear ground engaging member (16).

[0053] 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 front ground engaging member (14). The vehicle 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).

[0054] In case the power unit (18) is an internal combustion engine, the vehicle (10) may further comprise a fuel tank (28) disposed behind the handlebar (20). The rear ground engaging member (16) is supported by at least one swing arm (30). The vehicle (10) further comprise a rear fender (34) disposed above the rear ground engaging member (16). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one rear lighting unit (36) disposed above the rear fender (34). In case the power unit (18) is an internal combustion engine, the vehicle (10) may further comprise an exhaust pipe (38) which expels an exhaust gas produced by the internal combustion engine into the environment after suitable processing. The vehicle (10) may further comprise at least one seat unit (40) which provides seating provision for at least one user. The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one body cover (42) disposed below the seat unit (40) to hide one or more vehicular components (not shown). The vehicle (10) further comprises at least one battery (48) which supplies electrical energy to one or more vehicular components. For instance, the at least one battery (48) may supply electrical energy to one or more of the at least one front lighting unit (26), the at least one rear lighting unit (36), a dash assembly (not shown), a display unit (not shown), a power unit control system (not shown), etc.

[0055] Now referring to Figure 3, in an embodiment of the invention at least one battery (48) may be supported by a first frame portion (44) and a second frame portion (46). The first frame portion (44) may be coupled to the head pipe (12) and extends in a rearward and downward direction from the head pipe (12). The second frame portion (46) may be coupled to the head pipe (12) and extends in a rearward and downward direction from the head pipe (12). The first frame portion (44) and the second frame portion (46) may be spaced apart from each other in a vehicle width direction. Among others, the first frame portion (44) and the second frame portion (46) may additionally support the fuel tank (28). In an embodiment of the invention, the first frame portion (44) lies along a first side (48L) of the battery (48) and the second frame portion (46) lies along a second side (48R) of the battery (48). In an embodiment of the invention, the battery (48) comprises a first terminal (56) and a second terminal (58). The first terminal (56) of the battery (48) is located proximate to the first side (48L) of the battery (48) while the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) is located proximate to the second side (48R) of the battery (48). The first terminal (56) and the second terminal (58) are positioned to face a top side (48T) of the battery (48). The first terminal (56) of the battery (48) is adapted to be electrically coupled to a first connector (501) and the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) is adapted to be electrically coupled to a second connector (502). The battery (48) is securely held between the first frame portion (44) and the second frame portion (46) using a retaining member (100). In an embodiment of the invention, there may be provided a battery supporting structure (60) supporting a bottom side (48U) of the battery (48). In an embodiment of the invention, the battery supporting structure (60) comprises at least one of the first part (52) of the vehicle (10) and the second part (54) of the vehicle (10).

[0056] Now referring to Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 5 illustrated is the perspective view of the retaining member (100) constructed in accordance with the first embodiment of the invention being located above the battery (48) and being spaced apart from the battery (48), respectively. The retaining member (100) comprises a band member (102) having a first end (104), a second end (106) and an intermediate portion (108) positioned between the first end (104) and the second end (106). The first end (104) of the retaining member (100) is releasbly coupled to a first part (52) of the vehicle (10), while the second end (106) of the retaining member is releasbly coupled to a second part (54) of the vehicle (10). When the first end (104) of the band member (102) is coupled to the first part (52) of the vehicle (10) and the second end (106) of the band member (102) is coupled to the second part (54) of the vehicle (10), the retaining member (100) securely holds the battery (48) as shown in Figure 4 while when the first end (104) of the band member (102) is decoupled from the first part (52) of the vehicle (10) and the second end (106) of the band member (102) is decoupled to the second part (54) of the vehicle (10), as shown in Figure 5, the battery (48) can be removed from between the first frame portion (44) and the second frame portion (46).

[0057] Additionally, the retaining member (100) comprises a terminal cover member (110) coupled to the intermediate portion (108) of the band member (102). The terminal cover member (110) comprising a first cover portion (112) and a second cover portion (114). When the first end (104) of the band member (102) is coupled to the first part (52) of the vehicle (10) and the second end (106) of the band member (102) is coupled to the second part (54) of the vehicle (10), the first cover portion (112) gets located along a first side (48L) of the battery (48), and the second cover portion (114) gets located along a second side (48R) of the battery (48), as shown in Figure 5.

[0058] Although not illustrated, in an embodiment of the invention, the band member (102) and the terminal cover member (110) may be formed as a single element. Alternatively, referring to Figure 6 and Figure 7, in an embodiment of the invention, the band member (102) may comprises a first member (116) releasbly coupled to the first part (52) of the vehicle (10), the first member (116) comprising the first end (104) releasbly coupled to the first part (52) of the vehicle (10) and a third end (118); a second member (120) releasbly coupled to the second part (54) of the vehicle (10), the second member (120) comprising the second end (106) releasbly coupled to the second part (54) of the vehicle (10) and a fourth end (122); and a third member (124) comprising a fifth end (126) releasbly coupled to the third end (118), a sixth end (128) releasbly coupled to the fourth end (122), and the intermediate portion (108) positioned between the fifth end (126) and the sixth end (128). In this case, the third member (124) and the terminal cover member (110) may be formed as a single element.

[0059] In this embodiment, the fifth end (126) comprises one of a first female coupling member (144) or a first male coupling member (146), and the third end (118) comprises the other of the first male coupling member (146) or the first female coupling member (144). The first female coupling member (144) cooperates with the first male coupling member (146) to join the first member (116) with the third member (124). Also, in this embodiment, the sixth end (128) comprises one of a second female coupling member (148) or a second male coupling member (150), and the fourth end (122) comprises the other of the second male coupling member (150) or the second female coupling member (148). The second female coupling member (148) cooperates with the second male coupling member (150) to join the second member (120) with the third member (124).

[0060] In this embodiment, the first member (116) gets located at least partly above a top side (48T) of the battery (48), in a coupled state of the first member (116) to the first part (52) (best visible in Figure 3) of the vehicle (10) and to the third member (124), as best seen from Figure 4. In this embodiment, the second member (120) gets located at least partly behind a rear side (48B) of the battery (48), in a coupled state of the second member (120) to the second part (54) (best visible in Figure 3) of the vehicle (10) and to the third member (114), as best seen from Figure 4. In thus embodiment of the invention, the third member (124) gets located at least partly above the top side (48T) of the battery (48), in a coupled state of the third member (114) to the first member (116) and to the second member (120), as best seen from Figure 4.

[0061] More specifically, when the first end (104) of the band member (102) is coupled to the first part (52) of the vehicle (10) and the second end (106) of the band member (102) is coupled to the second part (54) of the vehicle (10), the first cover portion (112) gets located between the first frame portion (44) and one or both of the first terminal (56) of the battery (48) and the first connector (501). Additionally, the second cover portion (114) gets located between the second frame portion (46) and one or both of the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) and the second connector (502). In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal cover member (122) is made of an electrically insulating material. Thus, when the first cover portion (112) gets located between the first frame portion (44) and one or both of the first terminal (56) of the battery (48) and the first connector (501), the first cover portion (112) electrically insulates the first frame portion (44) from one or both of the first terminal (56) of the battery (48) and the first connector (501), as best seen from Figure 3. Also, when the second cover portion (114) gets located between the second frame portion (46) and one or both of the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) and the second connector (502), the second cover portion (114) electrically insulates the second frame portion (46) from one or both of the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) and the second connector (502), as best seen from Figure 3.

[0062] In an embodiment of the invention, the terminal cover member (122) further comprises a shoulder portion (130) positioned between the first cover portion (112) and the second cover portion (114), the shoulder portion (130) adapted to be located above a top side (48T) of the battery (48). The shoulder portion (130) of the terminal cover member (122) gets located above the top side (48T) of the battery (48).

[0063] In an embodiment of the invention, the first cover portion (112) comprises a first side wall (132) adapted to be located along the first side (48L) of the battery (48), the first side (48L) being proximate to a first terminal (56) of the battery (48); a first top wall (134) adapted to be located above the first terminal (56) of the battery (48) in a top view of the vehicle; and a first rear wall (136) adapted to be located along a rear side (48B) of the battery (48). In another embodiment of the invention, the second cover portion (114) comprises a second side wall (138) adapted to be located along the second side (48R) of the battery (48), the second side (48R) being proximate to a second terminal (58) of the battery (48); and a second top wall (140) adapted to be located above the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) in a top view of the vehicle; and a second rear wall (142) adapted to be located along a rear side (48B) of the battery (48).

[0064] Referring to Figure 8, there illustrated a perspective view of a retaining member (100) constructed in accordance with another embodiment of the invention being located above the battery (48). Construction of the retaining member (100) shown in Figure 8 is substantially similar to a construction of the retaining member (100) as shown in Figure 6 and Figure 7, with the difference being the second side wall (132) comprising a protruded portion (152), The protruded portion (152) projects toward the second frame portion (46) and further protects the second connector (502) which is coupled to the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) from coming in contact with the second frame portion (46).

[0065] An advantage of the invention is that a chances of the positive terminal of the battery coming inadvertently in contact with one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion is substantially reduced.

[0066] Another advantage of the invention is that a chances of the second connector connected to the positive terminal of the battery coming inadvertently in contact with one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion is substantially reduced.

[0067] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the retaining member serves dual purpose in that it not only assists in securely accommodating the battery between the first frame portion and the second frame portion, but also reduces the chances of the positive terminal of the battery coming inadvertently in contact with one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion or reduces the chances of the second connector connected to the positive terminal of the battery coming inadvertently in contact with one of the first frame portion and the second frame portion.

[0068] Still another advantage of the invention is that the first cover portion is adapted to maintain the first connector in a predetermined orientation with respect to the first terminal of the battery and restricts rotation of the first connector with respect to the first terminal of the battery. Thus, the first cover portion functions as a Poka-yoke mechanism.

[0069] A further advantage of the invention is that the second cover portion is adapted to maintain the second connector in a predetermined orientation with respect to the second terminal of the battery and restricts rotation of the second connector with respect to the second terminal of the battery. Thus, the first cover portion functions as a Poka-yoke mechanism.

[0070] A furthermore advantage of the invention is that the band member and the terminal cover member comprising the first cover portion and the second cover portion are coupled and hence, cost of making the retaining member as well a cost of the vehicle reduces substantially.

[0071] Another advantage of the invention is that the when the band member is coupled to the first part of the vehicle and the second part of the vehicle, the first cover portion and the second cover portion are automatically placed in their designated locations. Thus, a time of assembling the vehicle and a complexity of assembling the vehicle reduces substantially,

[0072] 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.

[0073] 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 retaining member (100) for securely accommodating a battery (48) of a vehicle (10), said retaining member (100) comprising:
a band member (102) comprising a first end (104) releasbly coupled to a first part (52) of the vehicle (10), a second end (106) releasbly coupled to a second part (54) of the vehicle (10), and an intermediate portion (108) positioned between the first end (104) and the second end (106); and
a terminal cover member (110) coupled to the intermediate portion (108), the terminal cover member (110) comprising a first cover portion (112) adapted to be located along a first side (48L) of the battery (48), and a second cover portion (114) adapted to be located along a second side (48R) of the battery (48).

2. The retaining member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the band member (102) comprises:
a first member (116) releasbly coupled to the first part (52) of the vehicle (10), the first member (116) comprising the first end (104) releasbly coupled to the first part (52) of the vehicle (10) and a third end (118);
a second member (120) releasbly coupled to the second part (54) of the vehicle (10), the second member (120) comprising the second end (106) releasbly coupled to the second part (54) of the vehicle (10) and a fourth end (122); and
a third member (124) comprising a fifth end (126) releasbly coupled to the third end (118), a sixth end (128) releasbly coupled to the fourth end (122), and the intermediate portion (108) positioned between the fifth end (126) and the sixth end (128).

3. The retaining member (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein:
the first member (116) being adapted to be located at least partly above a top side (48T) of the battery (48), in a coupled state to the first part (52) of the vehicle (10) and to the third member (124);
the second member (120) being adapted to be located at least partly behind a rear side (48B) of the battery (48), in a coupled state of the second member (120) to the second part (54) of the vehicle (10) and to the third member (114); and
the third member (124) being adapted to be located at least partly above the top side (48T) of the battery (48), in a coupled state of the third member (114) to the first member (116) and to the second member (120).

4. The retaining member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the terminal cover member (122) being made of an electrically insulating material and the terminal cover member (110) comprising a shoulder portion (130) positioned between the first cover portion (112) and the second cover portion (114), the shoulder portion (130) adapted to be located above a top side (48T) of the battery (48).

5. The retaining member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first cover portion (112) comprises:
a first side wall (132) adapted to be located along the first side (48L) of the battery (48), the first side (48L) being proximate to a first terminal (56) of the battery (48);
a first top wall (134) adapted to be located above the first terminal (56) of the battery (48) in a top view of the vehicle; and
a first rear wall (136) adapted to be located along a rear side (48B) of the battery (48).

6. The retaining member (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second cover portion (114) comprises:
a second side wall (138) adapted to be located along the second side (48R) of the battery (48), the second side (48R) being proximate to a second terminal (58) of the battery (48); and
a second top wall (140) adapted to be located above the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) in a top view of the vehicle; and
a second rear wall (142) adapted to be located along a rear side (48B) of the battery (48).

7. The retaining member (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein:
the fifth end (126) comprises one of a first female coupling member (144) or a first male coupling member (146), and the third end (118) comprises the other of the first male coupling member (146) or the first female coupling member (144); and
the sixth end (128) comprises one of a second female coupling member (148) or a second male coupling member (150), and the fourth end (122) comprises the other of the second male coupling member (150) or the second female coupling member (148).

8. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a head pipe (12) supporting at least one front fork (22) in a steerable manner;
a first frame portion (44) connected to the head pipe (12), the first frame portion (44) disposed on a first side of the head pipe (12) and extending in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10);
a second frame portion (46) connected to the head pipe (12), the second frame portion (46) disposed on a second side of the head pipe (12) and extending in a rearward direction of the vehicle (10);
a battery (48) positioned between the first frame portion (44) and the second frame portion (46), such that the first frame portion (44) lies along a first side (48L) of the battery (48) and the second frame portion (46) lies along a second side (48R) of the battery (48); and
a retaining member (100) for securely accommodating the battery (48), said retaining member (100) comprising:
a band member (102) comprising a first end (104) releasbly coupled to a first part (52) of the vehicle (10), a second end (106) releasbly coupled to a second part (54) of the vehicle (10), and an intermediate portion (108) positioned between the first end (104) and the second end (106); and
a terminal cover member (110) coupled to the intermediate portion (108), the terminal cover member (110) comprising a first cover portion (112) adapted to be located along a first side (48L) of the battery (48), and a second cover portion (114) adapted to be located along a second side (48R) of the battery (48).

9. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein:
the first side (48L) of the battery (48) being proximate to a first terminal (56) of the battery (48), the first terminal (56) of the battery (48) being adapted to be electrically coupled to a first connector (501), and the first cover portion (112) being adapted to be located so as to electrically insulate the first frame portion (44) from one or both of the first terminal (56) of the battery (48) and the first connector (501);
the second side (48R) of the battery (48) being proximate to a second terminal (58) of the battery (48), the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) being adapted to be electrically coupled to a second connector (502), and the second cover portion (114) being adapted to be located so as to electrically insulate the second frame portion (46) from one or both of the second terminal (58) of the battery (48) and the second connector (502).

10. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, comprising a battery supporting structure (60) supporting a bottom side (48U) of the battery (48), the battery supporting structure (60) comprising at least one of the first part (52) of the vehicle (10) and the second part (54) of the vehicle (10).