Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A fuel tank assembly (100) for a vehicle (10) comprising:
a fuel tank (20); and
one or more mounting brackets (110) disposed on a first surface (112) and a second surface (114) of the fuel tank (20), the one or more mounting brackets (110) being configured to connect the fuel tank (20) with a main frame (22) of the vehicle (10).

2. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more mounting brackets (110) comprise first mounting brackets (120) disposed on the first surface (112) of the fuel tank (20) and second mounting brackets (130) disposed on the second surface (114) of the fuel tank (20).

3. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (20) is disposed at a front portion of the vehicle (10) and below a handlebar (30), the front portion being a front of a head tube (24) of the vehicle (10).

4. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first surface (112) is a top surface of the fuel tank (20), and the second surface (114) is a bottom surface or an adjacent face of the fuel tank (20).
5. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the first mounting brackets (120) are configured with a first connecting portion (120A) to connect with the head tube (24) of the main frame (22) of the vehicle (10) and a second connecting portion (120B) extending angularly from the first connecting portion (120A), the first mounting brackets (120) being configured to connect with the top surface the fuel tank (20).

6. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second mounting brackets (130) is configured with a third connecting portion (130A) to connect with the head tube (24) of the main frame (22) of the vehicle (10) and a fourth connecting portion (130B) extending angularly from the third connecting portion (130A), the second mounting brackets (130) being configured to connect with the bottom surface of the fuel tank (20).

7. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the top surface of the fuel tank (20) comprises two first mounting brackets (120), each first mounting bracket (120) having the second connecting portion (120B) being configured to connect with the top surface of the fuel tank (20) by a welding process.

8. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the bottom surface of the fuel tank (10) comprises two second mounting brackets (130), each second mounting bracket (130) having the fourth connecting portion (130B) being configured to connect with the bottom surface of the fuel tank (20) by a welding process.

9. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the head tube (24) and the main frame (22) are provided with one or more third mounting brackets (150) for connecting with the first mounting brackets (120) and the second mounting brackets (130).

10. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 2 or 9, wherein the first mounting brackets (120), the second mounting brackets (130) and the third mounting brackets (150) are provided with one or more weld nuts (140) to connect with threaded bolts (142) for assembling the fuel tank (20) with the vehicle (10).

11. The fuel tank assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (20) has a front surface (116) conforming to an inner surface (28) of a front board member (26) of the vehicle (10).

12. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a main frame (22) having a head tube (24); and
a fuel tank assembly (100) comprising a fuel tank (20) disposed at a front portion of the vehicle (10); and one or more mounting brackets (110) disposed on a first surface (112) and a second surface (114) of the fuel tank (20), the one or more mounting brackets (110) being configured to connect the fuel tank (20) with a main frame (22) of the vehicle (10).

13. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the one or more mounting brackets (110) comprise first mounting brackets (120) disposed on the first surface (112) of the fuel tank (20) and second mounting brackets (130) disposed on the second surface (114) of the fuel tank (20).

14. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 12, wherein the fuel tank (20) is disposed below a handlebar (30) and in front of a head tube (24) of the vehicle (10).

15. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first mounting brackets (120) are configured with a first connecting portion (120A) to connect with the head tube (24) of the main frame (22) of the vehicle (10) and a second connecting portion (120B) extending angularly from the first connecting portion (120A), the first mounting brackets (120) being configured to connect with the top surface the fuel tank (20).

16. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the second mounting brackets (130) is configured with a third connecting portion (130A) to connect with the head tube (24) of the main frame (22) of the vehicle (10) and a fourth connecting portion (130B) extending angularly from the third connecting portion (130A), the second mounting brackets (130) being configured to connect with the bottom surface of the fuel tank (20).

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, it relates to a fuel tank assembly for the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In a conventional type of scooter vehicle, a fuel tank is placed at a rear side of the vehicle and respective fuel filling position is also kept at the rear side of the vehicle. The fuel tank and its filling position may cause rider discomfort while fuel refilling as the rider has to get down from the vehicle during each time of the fuel filling. In addition, the fuel tank at the rear side occupies space in the vehicle thereby reducing volume in a utility box. In order to overcome the limitation of reduced volume in the utility box, few attempts have also been made to provide the fuel tank underneath a floorboard of the vehicle. However, the vehicles having the fuel tank either on the rear side of the vehicle or underneath the floorboard would require a lengthy fuel tube since the fuel tank is placed at a faraway location from a fuel filling cap. It is an unmet need in such vehicles that the mounting arrangement provided for the fuel tank should be in such a way that the fuel tank should be accessible easily.
[003] In one kind of a fuel tank assembly in a scooter type vehicle the fuel tank is mounted underneath the floorboard of the vehicle. In this fuel tank assembly, left and right fuel tank shelves are provided, which extend from lower parts of left and right side members toward the centre of a fuel tank body. Further, the fuel tank assembly includes cushion sheets which are placed on the fuel tank shelves. A fuel tank is seated on the cushion sheets and is held in place at the footboard. The fuel tank assembly of this kind required fuel tank shelves which extended from lower parts of the left and right side member, and it is required to place cushion sheets at the fuel tank shelves in order to provide a seating arrangement for the fuel tank. Thus, the fuel tank arrangement under the footboard of this kind requires more holding elements for the fuel tank. In addition, the cushion as provided between the fuel tank and the shelves may tend to dislocate after a prolonged usage, making the fuel tank displaced from the assembled position. Also, as the fuel tank is located at a faraway location from the fuel filling cap, the fuel tank assembly would require a lengthy fuel tube for having connection between the fuel tank and the fuel filling cap.
[004] Thus, there is a need in the art for a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle which could address at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a fuel tank assembly for a vehicle. The fuel tank assembly includes a fuel tank and one or more mounting brackets disposed on a first surface and a second surface of the fuel tank. The one or more mounting brackets are configured to connect the fuel tank with a main frame of the vehicle.
[006] In another embodiment, the one or more mounting brackets includes first mounting brackets disposed on the first surface of the fuel tank and second mounting brackets disposed on the second surface of the fuel tank. The first surface is a top surface of the fuel tank, and the second surface is a bottom surface or an adjacent face of the fuel tank.
[007] In a further embodiment, the fuel tank is disposed at a front portion of the vehicle and below a handlebar of the vehicle. The front portion is a front of a head tube of the vehicle.
[008] In a further embodiment, the first mounting brackets are configured with a first connecting portion to connect with the head tube of the main frame of the vehicle and a second connecting portion is extending angularly from the first connecting portion. The first mounting brackets are configured to connect with the top surface the fuel tank.
[009] In a further embodiment, the second mounting brackets is configured with a third connecting portion to connect with the head tube of the main frame of the vehicle and a fourth connecting portion extending angularly from the third connecting portion. The second mounting brackets is configured to connect with the bottom surface of the fuel tank.
[010] In a further embodiment, the top surface of the fuel tank includes two first mounting brackets. Each first mounting bracket has the second connecting portion which is configured to connect with the top surface of the fuel tank by a welding process.
[011] In a further embodiment, the bottom surface of the fuel tank includes two second mounting brackets. Each second mounting bracket has the fourth connecting portion configured to connect with the bottom surface of the fuel tank by a welding process.
[012] In a further embodiment, the head tube and the main frame are provided with one or more third mounting brackets for connecting with the first mounting brackets and the second mounting brackets.
[013] In a further embodiment, the first mounting brackets, the second mounting brackets and the third mounting brackets are provided with one or more weld nuts to connect with threaded bolts for assembling the fuel tank with the vehicle.
[014] In a further embodiment, the fuel tank has a front surface conforming to an inner surface of a front board member of the vehicle.
[015] In another aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a main frame having a head tube. The vehicle further includes a fuel tank assembly having a fuel tank disposed at a front portion of the vehicle, and one or more mounting brackets disposed on a first surface and a second surface of the fuel tank. The one or more mounting brackets are configured to connect the fuel tank with a main frame of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[016] Reference will be made to embodiments of the invention, examples of which may be illustrated in accompanying figures. These figures are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Although the invention is generally described in context of these embodiments, it should be understood that it is not intended to limit the scope of the invention to these particular embodiments.
Figure 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a front portion of the vehicle mounted with a fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a main frame of the vehicle including the fuel tank assembly at the front portion of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3a illustrates a rear perspective view of the fuel tank assembly mounted to the main frame of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3b illustrates a left side perspective view of the fuel tank assembly shown in Figure 3a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3c illustrates a right side perspective view of the fuel tank assembly shown in Figure 3a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3d illustrates a left side view of the fuel tank assembly shown in Figure 3a – 3c, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4a illustrates a rear view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4b illustrates a front view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4c illustrates a top view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4d illustrates a bottom view of the fuel tank assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5a illustrates a left side view of an assembly of the main frame and a head tube, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5b illustrates a right side view of the assembly of the main frame and the head tube shown in Figure 5a, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[017] Various features and embodiments of the present invention here will be discernible from the following further description thereof, set out hereunder. In the ensuing exemplary embodiments, the vehicle is a scooter-type vehicle. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any automobile capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[018] The present invention generally relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuel tank assembly for the vehicle.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates a rear perspective view of a front portion of a vehicle 10 mounted with a fuel tank assembly 100 (visible in Figure 2), in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As an exemplary embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a scooter-type vehicle. It may be contemplated that the fuel tank assembly 100 as disclosed in the present invention may be applied onto other types of vehicles having such mounting space at the front portion of the vehicle 10. Thus, the application of the fuel tank assembly 100 as disclosed in the present invention should not be meant to be limiting to only the illustrated scooter-type vehicle.
[020] The vehicle 10 as illustrated in the present invention includes a prime mover (not shown) that is typically disposed at a rear portion of the vehicle 10 and below a seat assembly (not shown) and/or a storage bin (not shown). In an exemplary embodiment, the prime mover can be an internal combustion engine and/or an electric motor connected with a battery pack in a hybrid vehicle and is adapted to provide a driving force for movement of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes an instrument cluster assembly 32 and a handlebar 30 mounted with one or more control switches and devices of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes front and rear wheels (not shown) for movement of the vehicle and a main frame 22 (shown in Figure 2) providing a structural element for the vehicle 10.
[021] Referring now to Figure 2, it illustrates a top perspective view of the main frame 22 including the fuel tank assembly 100 having a fuel tank 20 at the front portion of the vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The main frame 22 includes right and left parallel frame members 22A, 22B. The frame 22 further includes a head tube 24 towards the front portion of the vehicle 10. The head tube 24 is adapted to support a steering shaft (not shown) which is further connected to the handlebar 30 of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the handlebar 30 is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate to a left side or a right side about an axis of the steering shaft for turning the vehicle 10.
[022] Referring now to Figures 3a – 3d, which illustrate various views of the fuel tank assembly 100 mounted to the main frame 22 of the vehicle 10. The fuel tank assembly 100 includes a fuel tank 20. In the illustrated embodiment as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the fuel tank 20 is disposed at the front portion of the vehicle 10 and below the handlebar 30. The term ‘front portion’ as used herein is defined as a front of the head tube 24 of the vehicle 10, such that the fuel tank 20 is provided between a front board member 26 (shown in Figures 1 and 2) and the head tube 24. In one embodiment, the fuel tank 20 has a front surface 116 which conforms to an inner surface 28 of the front board member 26 of the vehicle 10. In another embodiment, the front surface 116 of the fuel tank 20 may be positioned slightly inside to the inner surface 28 of the front board member 26.
[023] The fuel tank 20 further includes one or more surfaces which are connected to form a closed body, thereby forming the fuel tank 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tank 20 includes a first surface 112 disposed at a top surface of the fuel tank 20, a second surface 114 disposed at a bottom surface or at side surfaces of the fuel tank 20. The fuel tank 20 further includes a rear surface 118 which is facing towards the head tube 24 and the main frame 22 of the vehicle 10. In one embodiment, the rear surface 118 of the fuel tank 20 has a profile which conforms to an outer surface of the head tube 24 which comes in contact with the rear surface 118 of the fuel tank 20 when the fuel tank 20 is assembled with the head tube 24 of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the body of the fuel tank 20 may be made of metallic material or any other materials known in the art.
[024] The fuel tank assembly 100 further includes a fuel tube 34 connected to the fuel tank 20 at the top surface of the fuel tank 20 at a first end of the fuel tube 34. A portion of the fuel tube 34 is exposed outside to a small length such that a fuel filling cap 36 can be connected to a second end or a free end of the fuel tube 34. Since the fuel filling cap 36 is located closer to the fuel tank 20, a length of the fuel tube 34 required for connecting to the fuel tank 20 is considerably short which is advantageous by way of cost associated with the fuel tube 34 and its associated components. In an embodiment, the fuel tube 34 can be welded to the top surface of the fuel tank 20. In one embodiment, the fuel tube 34 may include a flange member 34A to connect with a flange member 36A (shown in Figure 3a) of the fuel filling cap 36. In the illustrated embodiments, the fuel filling cap 36 and the fuel tube 34 are provided at a left side portion of the top surface of the fuel tank 20 since the vehicle 10 on its right side portion above the fuel tank 20 may include the components like ignition key provisions. However, it should be understood that the illustrated location of the fuel tube 34 with the top surface is exemplary only and it may be positioned slightly different or angled apart from the illustrated examples in the present invention.
[025] The fuel tank 20 of the fuel tank assembly 100 further includes one or more mounting brackets 110 disposed on the first surface 112 and the second surface 114 of the fuel tank 20. The one or more mounting brackets 110 are configured to connect the fuel tank 20 with the main frame 22 of the vehicle 10.
[026] Referring now to Figures 4a – 4d which illustrate various views of the fuel tank assembly 100 having the one or more mounting brackets 110, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the one or more mounting brackets 110 includes first mounting brackets 120 disposed on the first surface 112 of the fuel tank 20 and second mounting brackets 130 disposed on the second surface 114 of the fuel tank 20.
[027] In one embodiment, the first surface 112 is the top surface of the fuel tank 20. In one embodiment, the second surface 114 is a bottom surface or an adjacent face of the fuel tank 20. The adjacent face in an embodiment can be the rear face 118 of the fuel tank 20.
[028] As illustrated in Figures 4a and 4b, the first mounting brackets 120 are configured with a first connecting portion 120A to connect with the head tube 24 of the main frame 22 of the vehicle 10. The first mounting brackets 120 are further configured with a second connecting portion 120B extending angularly from the first connecting portion 120A. In one embodiment, the second connecting portion 120B may be at an angle of about 90o with respect to the first connecting portion 120A. It should be understood that the second connecting portion 120B may be provided at angle apart from the 90o and it is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. The second connecting portion 120B of the first mounting brackets 120 are configured to connect with the top surface the fuel tank 20. In one embodiment, the second connecting portion 120B of the first mounting brackets 120 are welded to the fuel tank. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tank 20 is provided with two first mounting brackets 120 and are spaced apart with a predetermined distance such that the space between the two first mounting brackets 120 allows mounting of the head tube 24 of the main frame 22 for connecting with the fuel tank 20 using one or more fastener members.
[029] As illustrated in Figures 4a, 4b and 4c, the second mounting brackets 130 are configured with a third connecting portion 130A to connect with the head tube 24 of the main frame 22 of the vehicle 10. The second mounting brackets 130 are further configured with a fourth connecting portion 130B extending angularly from the third connecting portion 130A. In one embodiment, the fourth connecting portion 130B may be at an angle of about 90o with respect to the third connecting portion 130A. It should be understood that the fourth connecting portion 130B may be provided at angle apart from the 90o and it is not meant to limit the scope of the present invention. The fourth connecting portion 130B of the second mounting brackets 130 is configured to connect with the bottom surface the fuel tank 20. In one embodiment, the fourth connecting portion 130B of the second mounting brackets 130 are welded to the fuel tank 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the fuel tank 20 is provided with two second mounting brackets 130 and are spaced apart with a predetermined distance such that the space between the two second mounting brackets 130 allows mounting of the head tube 24 of the main frame 22 for connecting with the fuel tank 20 using one or more fastener members.
[030] Referring to Figures 5a and 5b in conjunction with Figures 3a – 3d, the head tube 24 and the main frame 22 are provided with one or more third mounting brackets 150 for connecting with the first mounting brackets 120 and the second mounting brackets 130. In an exemplary embodiment, the one or more third mounting backets 150 are welded to the head tube 24 and the main frame 22 of the vehicle. The first mounting brackets 120, the second mounting brackets 130 and the third mounting brackets 150 are provided with one or more weld nuts 140 to connect with threaded bolts 142 for assembling the fuel tank 20 with the vehicle 10.
[031] The fuel tank assembly 100 may further includes a fourth mounting bracket 160 (shown in Figures 3a, 3b and 3c) disposed at the top surface of the fuel tank 20. The fourth mounting bracket 160 is welded to the top surface of the fuel tank 20 and is provided with weld nuts 140 for connecting with a threaded bolt (not shown) to connect the fuel tank assembly 100 with the front board member 26 of the vehicle 10.
[032] Advantageously, the fuel tank assembly having the fuel tank is mounted at the front side and below the handlebar and the mountings are provided with the head tube and the main frame of the vehicle. As the fuel tank is mounted at the front side of the vehicle, this provides an advantage of increasing volume of a utility box which is provided below the seat assembly of the vehicle.
[033] The fuel tank assembly having the two mounting brackets at the top of the fuel tank acts as a holding member which holds the fuel tank from top side. While the remaining two mounting brackets at the bottom supports the fuel tank to hold in position from the bottom side. Further, the mounting brackets in the main frame or the mounting brackets in fuel tank are provided with weld nuts based on the requirement. This increases the accessibility of the fuel tank in the vehicle which in turn increases the serviceability of the fuel tank. As a result, the assembly and disassembly time of the fuel tank is reduced, and the operator strain is also reduced.
[034] The fuel tank assembly in the present invention includes a simplified mounting structure for the fuel tank since the mounting brackets are provided at the nearby frame components i.e., head tube. Further, the mounting brackets provided are compact as well as rigid which meets the necessary function to hold the fuel tank in its position.
[035] Unlike the prior art fuel tank mounting, where the position of the fuel tank at the vehicle is very complex in terms of layout point of view, in the present invention the fuel tank mounting is a simplified mounting structure.
[036] The fuel tank assembly having the mounting brackets for mounting the fuel tank with frame is simplified as the fuel tank assembly includes mounting fasteners at four locations to be applied along with washers and to be tightened with necessary tightening torque. The second mounting brackets are welded to the fuel tank either at the bottom face or at the adjacent face of the tank and the positioning of the fuel tank immediately below the handlebar helps to have short fuel tube design which connects the fuel tank and the fuel inlet. Thereby, the fuel tank assembly in the present invention reduces overall cost associated with the fuel tank.
[037] Fuel tank assembly in the present invention improves layout packaging of fuel tank assembly since the mounting brackets are simple in construction and easy to mount onto the fuel tank and the main frame and head tube.
[038] Since the fuel tank assembly includes fasteners for mounting the fuel tank with the head tube and main frame through the mounting brackets, the fuel tank assembly is easy to access.
[039] Since the fuel tank assembly in the present invention include the fuel filling cap of the fuel tank outside the visible location and at the front portion, it provides an advantage of easy accessibility of the fuel filing cap of the fuel tank. This also improves rider comfort as the rider need not step down from the vehicle at fuel filling stations for filing fuel to the fuel tank of the vehicle. Also, the rider can ensure whether fuel refilling is happening properly and after filling, the rider can also ensure that the fuel filling / tank cap is closed properly.
[040] Since the fuel filling cap is located at the front portion of the vehicle and is visible to both the operator who fills the fuel tank and the rider, it reduces the operator and rider’s strain as there are no operations to be carried for lifting the vehicle seat while filling the fuel at the fuel station.
[041] While the present invention has been described with respect to certain embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals
10: Vehicle
20: Fuel tank
22: Main frame
22A: Right frame member
22B: Left frame member
24: Head tube
26: Front board member
28: Inner surface of the front board member
30: Handlebar
32: Instrument cluster assembly
34: Fuel tube
34A: Flange member of fuel tube
36: Fuel filling cap
36A: Flange member of fuel filling cap
100: Fuel tank assembly
110: Mounting brackets
112: First surface
114: Second surface
116: Front surface
118: Rear surface
120: First mounting brackets
120A: First connecting portion
120B: Second connecting portion
130: Second mounting brackets
130A: Third connecting portion
130B: Fourth connecting portion
140: Weld nuts
142: Threaded bolts
150: Third mounting brackets
160: Fourth mounting bracket