Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A fuel tank (200) for a saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising:
a top face (210); and
a bottom face (230), the top face (210) and the bottom face (230) extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle (10) between a front end (200A) of the fuel tank (200) and a rear end (200B) of the fuel tank (200) forming a space therebetween; wherein
the fuel tank (200) is configured to be disposed on a rear end (106’) of a pair of seat rails (106) such that a portion of the fuel tank (200) extends rearwardly from the rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106).

2. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least half of the fuel tank (200) extends rearwardly from the rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106).

3. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (200) has a tapered profile between the front end (200A) of the fuel tank (200) and the rear end (200B) of the fuel tank (200), in a vehicle top view.

4. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top face (210) extends rearwardly and upwardly between the front end (200A) of the fuel tank (200) and the rear end (200B) of the fuel tank (200).

5. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the top face (210) comprises a front portion (212) extending along the seat rails (106), and a rear portion (222) extending rearwardly from the rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106).

6. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein width of the front portion (212) of the top face (210) is greater than a gap between the pair of seat rails (106) extending along the front portion (212) of the top face (210), in the vehicle top view.

7. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the bottom face (230) of the fuel tank (200) extends rearwardly and upwardly between the front end (200A) of the fuel tank (200) and the rear end (200B) of the fuel tank (200).

8. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 7, wherein a front portion (232) of the bottom face (230) has a recess (234) formed therein, thereby dividing the front portion (232) of the bottom face (230) in a raised arcuate central section (236), a flat left section (236) and a flat right section (238), when seen in a vehicle front view.

9. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the raised arcuate central section (236) of the front portion (232) of the bottom face (230) provides a space for accommodating an upper portion of a rear wheel (145) of the vehicle (10).

10. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a fuel inlet opening (260) at the rear portion (222) of the top face (210) for receiving fuel.

11. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 8 or 10, wherein the bottom face (230) comprises an inclined rear portion (244) for directing the fuel from the fuel inlet opening (260) towards the front portion (232) of the bottom face (230).

12. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inclined rear portion (244) of the bottom face (230) is raised with respect to the front portion (232) of the bottom face (230), thereby directing the fuel from the fuel inlet opening (260) towards the front portion (232) of the bottom face (230).

13. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 5, comprising a fuel gauge (270) mounted on the rear portion (222) of the top face (210), forwardly of the fuel inlet opening (260), for gauging the level of the fuel in the fuel tank (200).

14. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the fuel gauge (270) is mounted on the rear portion (222) of the top face (210) such that it is offset with respect to a vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, in the vehicle top view.

15. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 13, wherein the fuel gauge (270) comprises a float connected to the fuel gauge (270) via an arm (272), the arm (272) extending downwardly from the top face (210) towards the bottom face (230).

16. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the fuel gauge (270) is mounted on a left-side of the top face (210) with respect to the vehicle centreline (X-X’), and the float of the fuel gauge (270) is disposed substantially above the flat right portion (240) of the bottom face (230), in the vehicle front view.

17. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the fuel gauge (270) is mounted on a right-side of the top face (210) with respect to the vehicle centreline (X-X’), and the float of the fuel gauge (270) is disposed substantially above the flat left portion (238) of the bottom face (230), in the vehicle front view.

18. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 15, wherein the float of the fuel gauge (270) is disposed above a planar segment (242) of the bottom face (230) behind the raised arcuate central section (236) of the bottom face (230), in the vehicle front view.

19. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the front portion (212) of the top face (210) comprises a flat segment (214) for receiving a first mounting bracket (280) for mounting the fuel tank (200) on the seat rails (106).

20. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 19, wherein the first mounting bracket (280) is capable of being attached to the seat rails (106) together with a utility box mounting bracket (290).

21. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the rear portion (222) of the top face (210) comprises a slanted segment (224) for receiving a second mounting bracket (282) for mounting the fuel tank (200) on the seat rails (106).

22. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 21, wherein the second mounting bracket (282) is capable of being attached to the seat rails (106) together with a pillion handle mounting bracket (292) or a cross bridge by means of an add-on bracket (286).

23. The fuel tank (200) as claimed in claim 19 or 21, wherein a first reinforcement bracket (284) is placed under the first mounting bracket (280), and a second reinforcement bracket is placed under the second mounting bracket (282).

24. A saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (102);
a main frame (104) extending rearwardly from the head pipe (102);
a pair of seat rails (106) extending rearwardly from the main frame (104); and
a fuel tank (200) having a top face (210) and a bottom face (230) extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle (10) between a front end (200A) of the fuel tank (200) and a rear end (200B) of the fuel tank (200) forming a space therebetween, wherein the fuel tank (200) is configured to be disposed on a rear end (106’) of the pair of seat rails (106) such that a portion of the fuel tank (200) extends rearwardly from the rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106).

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a fuel tank for a saddle-type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] In conventional motor vehicles, especially scooter-type vehicles with larger sized wheels, the frame of the vehicle has a specialised construction. Herein, the frame of the vehicle has a single front tube which extends rearwards from the front of the vehicle. The single front tube thereafter split into a pair of split rear tubes which extend to the rear of the vehicle. The single front tube and the split rear tubes are connected to form a higher step through portion such that these specific variants of scooter-type vehicles do not have a floorboard. The above-mentioned disposition of the frame enables accommodation of larger wheels, especially larger rear wheel. The utility box and the fuel tank are disposed adjoining each other under a seat of the vehicle, between the split rear tubes.
[003] However, in the frame dispositions explained hereinbefore, the space available under the seat between the split rear tubes is limited. Further, due to the utility box and the fuel tank being disposed adjoining each other under the seat, the utility box space is severely restricted by the fuel tank, and correspondingly, the fuel tank volume is restricted by the utility box. The utility box space and the fuel tank volume are further compromised in providing a space for the upper part of the larger rear wheel.
[004] Further, in such conventional vehicles, the fuel filling cap is provided on the fuel tank and hence to access the fuel filling cap for a fuel filling/refuelling operation, the rider and the pillion must dismount the vehicle and open the seat causing rider inconvenience at every instance of refuelling.
[005] Although, the frame dispositions explained hereinbefore provide compact vehicles, the utility box and the fuel tank must be disposed in a manner wherein the utility box space and the fuel tank volume are not compromised, without hampering the compactness of the vehicle and increasing its size.
[006] Thus, there is a need in the art for a saddle-type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[007] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a fuel tank for a saddle-type vehicle. The fuel tank has a top face and a bottom face. The top face and the bottom face extend in a front-rear direction of the vehicle between a front end of the fuel tank and a rear end of the fuel tank forming a space therebetween. Further, the fuel tank is configured to be disposed on a rear end of a pair of seat rails such that a portion of the fuel tank extends rearwardly from the rear end of the seat rails. In an embodiment of the invention, at least half of the fuel tank extends rearwardly from the rear end of the seat rails.
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank has a tapered profile between the front end of the fuel tank and the rear end of the fuel tank, in a vehicle top view.
[009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the top face extends rearwardly and upwardly between the front end of the fuel tank and the rear end of the fuel tank. In an embodiment, the top face has a front portion extending along the seat rails, and a rear portion extending rearwardly from the rear end of the seat rails. In a further embodiment, width of the front portion of the top face is greater than a gap between the pair of seat rails, in the vehicle top view.
[010] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the bottom face of the fuel tank extends rearwardly and upwardly between the front end of the fuel tank and the rear end of the fuel tank. In an embodiment, a front portion of the bottom face has a recess formed therein, thereby dividing the front portion of the bottom face in a raised arcuate central section, a flat left section and a flat right section, when seen in a vehicle front view and the raised arcuate central section of the front portion of the bottom face provides a space for accommodating an upper portion of a rear wheel.
[011] In a further another embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank has a fuel inlet opening at the rear portion of the top face for receiving fuel. In an embodiment, the bottom face has an inclined rear portion for directing the fuel from the fuel inlet opening towards the front portion of the bottom face. In another embodiment, the inclined rear portion of the bottom face is raised with respect to the front portion of the bottom face, thereby directing the fuel from the fuel inlet opening towards the front portion of the bottom face.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank has a fuel gauge mounted on the rear portion of the top face, forwardly of the fuel inlet opening, for gauging the level of the fuel in the fuel tank. In an embodiment, the fuel gauge is mounted on the rear portion of the top face such that it is offset with respect to a vehicle centreline extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, in a vehicle top view. In another embodiment, the fuel gauge has a float connected to the fuel gauge via an arm, the arm extending downwardly from the top face towards the bottom face. In a further embodiment, the fuel gauge is mounted on a left-side of the top face with respect to the vehicle centreline, and the float of the fuel gauge is disposed substantially above the flat right portion of the bottom face, in the vehicle front view. In an alternative embodiment, the fuel gauge is mounted on a right-side of the top face with respect to the vehicle centreline, and the float of the fuel gauge is disposed substantially above the flat left portion of the bottom face, in the vehicle front view. In another alternative embodiment, the float of the fuel gauge is disposed above a planar segment of the bottom face behind the raised arcuate central section of the bottom face, in the vehicle front view.
[013] In another embodiment of the invention, the front portion of the top face has a flat segment for receiving a first mounting bracket for mounting the fuel tank on the seat rails. In an embodiment, the first mounting bracket is capable of being attached to the seat rails together with a utility box mounting bracket.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, the rear portion of the top face has a slanted segment for receiving a second mounting bracket for mounting the fuel tank on the seat rails. In an embodiment, the second mounting bracket is capable of being attached to the seat rails together with a pillion handle mounting bracket or a cross bridge by means of an add-on bracket.
[015] In yet another embodiment of the invention, a first reinforcement bracket is placed under the first mounting bracket, and second reinforcement bracket is placed under the second mounting bracket.
[016] In another aspect, the present invention is directed at a saddle-type vehicle. The saddle-type vehicle has a head pipe, a main frame extending rearwardly from the head pipe and a pair of seat rails extending rearwardly from the main frame. Further, a fuel tank has a top face and a bottom face extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle between a front end of the fuel tank and a rear end of the fuel tank forming a space therebetween. Herein, the fuel tank is configured to be disposed on a rear end of the pair of seat rails such that a portion of the fuel tank extends rearwardly from the rear end of the seat rails.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[017] 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 left-side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a left perspective view of the saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a top-view of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a left-side view of a fuel tank disposed on the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a front view of the fuel tank in, accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a top view of the fuel tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a left-side sectional view of the fuel tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a left-side view of the fuel tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of the fuel tank, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the fuel tank mounted on the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[018] The present invention relates to a fuel tank for a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a fuel tank and the disposition thereof on a saddle-type vehicle.
[019] Figure 1 illustrates a left-side view of an exemplary saddle-type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle 10 has a frame. The frame comprises a head pipe 102 (shown in Figure 2), and a portion of a main frame 104 (shown in Figure 2) extending rearwardly downward from the head pipe 102. One or more front suspensions 110 connect a front wheel 115 to a handlebar 190, which forms a steering assembly of the vehicle 10. The steering assembly is rotatably disposed about the head pipe 102. Further, the frame includes a pair of seat rails 106 (shown in Figure 2) extending inclinedly rearward from the main frame 104 towards a rear portion of the vehicle 10.
[020] The vehicle 10 includes a power unit comprising at least an internal combustion (IC) engine 125. The engine 125 is coupled to a rear wheel 145. In one embodiment, the engine 125 is mounted on the frame. Further, the vehicle 10 includes a transmission means (not shown) coupling the rear wheel 145 to the engine 125. The transmission means includes a continuously variable transmission, an automatic transmission, or a fixed ratio transmission. A seat 151 is supported by the pair of seat rails 106 of the frame. The seat 151 is hingedly openable. The frame defines a step-through portion 155 ahead of the seat 151, wherein a rider can operate the vehicle 10 in a seated position by resting feet on the step-through portion 155.
[021] Further, the frame is covered by plurality of body panels including a front panel 160A, an under-seat cover 160B, and a left and a right-side panel 160C and a rear panel 160D, disposed on the frame and covering the frame and parts mounted thereof.
[022] In addition, a front fender 165 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 115. A utility box (not shown) is disposed below the seat 151 and is supported by the frame. A rear fender 175 is covering at least a portion of the rear wheel 145 and is positioned upwardly of the rear wheel 145. One or more suspension(s) 170 are provided in the rear portion of the vehicle 10 for connecting a swing arm 141 and the rear wheel 145 to the frame for damping the forces from the rear wheel 145 from reaching the frame.
[023] Furthermore, the vehicle 10 comprises of plurality of electrical and electronic components including a headlight 185A, a taillight 185B, a transistor-controlled ignition (TCI) unit (not shown), and an alternator (not shown), a starter motor (not shown).
[024] As illustrated in Figure 2, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has a fuel tank 200 disposed thereon. The fuel tank 200 has a top face 210 that extends in a front-rear direction from a front end 200A of the fuel tank 200 to a rear end 200B of the fuel tank 200. The fuel tank further has a bottom face 230 extending in the front-rear direction from the front end 200A of the fuel tank 200 to the rear end 200B of the fuel tank 200. The top face 210 and the bottom face 230 form a space therebetween, thereby defining a space having a volume for storing and supplying the fuel to the engine 125. As further illustrated in Figure 2, the fuel tank 200 is configured to be disposed on a rear end 106’ of the pair of seat rails 106. The fuel tank 200 is disposed on the seat rails 106 in a manner that a portion of the fuel tank 200 extends rearwardly from the rear end 106’ of the seat rails 106.
[025] In the embodiment depicted in Figure 3, and referenced in Figure 2, the fuel tank 200 is disposed on the seat rails 106 such that at least half of the fuel tank 200 extends rearwardly from the rear end 106’ of the seat rails 106. Such a disposition of the fuel tank 200, wherein at least half of the fuel tank 200 extends rearwardly from the rear end 106’ of the seat rails 106 opens up space for packaging of other components between or under the seat rails 106. Similarly, the disposition of the fuel tank 200 in this embodiment allows for the utility box to have greater space, as the utility box can occupy more space between the seat rails 106.
[026] As further illustrated in Figure 3, in an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank 200 has a tapered profile between the front end 200A of the fuel tank 200 and the rear end 200B of the fuel tank 200, tapering from the front end 200A of the fuel tank 200 to the rear end 200B of the fuel tank 200 in a vehicle top view. The tapered profile of the fuel tank 200 matches the aesthetics of a rear end of the saddle-type vehicle 10 having a compact layout of the main frame 104 and the seat rails 106.
[027] As illustrated in Figure 4, the top face 210 of the fuel tank 200 extends rearwardly and upwardly between the front end 200A of the fuel tank 200 and the rear end 200B of the fuel tank 200. Likewise, the bottom face 230 of the fuel tank 200 extends rearwardly and upwardly between the front end 200A of the fuel tank 200 and the rear end 200B of the fuel tank 200 to form a space therebetween with the top face 210.
[028] As further illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, the top face 210 of the fuel tank 200 has a front portion 212 and a rear portion 222. Herein, the front portion 212 of the top face 210 of the fuel tank 200 extends along the seat rails 106, up to the rear end 106’ of the seat rails 106. The rear portion 222 of the top face 210 of the fuel tank 200 extends rearwardly from the rear end 106’ of the seat rails 106 to the rear end 200B of the fuel tank 200. As referenced in Figure 3, the width of the front portion 212 of the top face 210 is greater than a gap between the pair of seat rails 106 where the seat rails 106 are extending along the front portion 212 of the top face 210, in the vehicle top view.
[029] As further illustrated in Figure 4, the bottom face 222 of the fuel tank 200 has a front portion 232 and an inclined rear portion 244. Herein, the inclined rear portion 244 of the bottom face 230 is raised with respect to the front portion 232 of the bottom face 230.
[030] As further illustrated in Figure 4, the rear portion 222 of the top face 210 of the fuel tank 200 has a fuel inlet opening 260 provided thereon for receiving fuel from an external source. The fuel inlet opening 260 is provided on the rear portion 222 of the top face 210 such that the fuel received by the fuel inlet opening 260 falls on to the inclined rear portion 244 of the bottom face 230. As the inclined rear portion 244 of the bottom face 230 is raised with respect to the front portion 232 of the bottom face 230, the fuel that falls on to the inclined rear portion 244 of the bottom face 230 is directed towards the front portion 232 of the bottom face 244 assisted by gravity, thereby holding the requisite amount of fuel. A fuel pipe 252 is connected to the front portion 232 of the bottom face 230 for supplying the fuel to the engine 125. The slope created by the upward and rearward extension of the bottom face 230 of the fuel tank 200 ensures that the fuel in the fuel tank 200 is supplied to the fuel pipe 252 irrespective of the volume of the fuel in the fuel tank 200.
[031] Figure 4 further illustrates a fuel gauge 270 being mounted on the rear portion 222 of the top face 210 for gauging the level of the fuel in the fuel tank 200. In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel gauge 270 is disposed forwardly of the fuel inlet opening 260 in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[032] As illustrated in Figure 5, the front portion 232 of the bottom face 230 has a recess 234 formed therein. The recess 234 formed on the front portion 232 of the bottom face 230 divides the front portion 232 of the bottom face 230 in a raised arcuate central section 236, a flat left section 238 and a flat right section 240, when seen in a vehicle/fuel tank front view. The raised arcuate central section 236 of the front portion 232 of the bottom face 230 provides a space for accommodating an upper portion of the rear wheel 145. The space formed by the raised arcuate central section 236 corresponds to the profile of the larger rear wheel 145, thereby allowing the larger rear wheel 145 to be accommodated in the compact layout of the saddle-type vehicle 10.
[033] As illustrated in Figure 6, the fuel gauge 270 is mounted on the rear portion 222 of the top face 210 such that the fuel gauge 270 is offset with respect to a vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, in the vehicle top view. In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel gauge 270 is offset to the left with respect to the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, that is the fuel gauge 270 is mounted on a left-side of the top face 210 in the vehicle top view. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fuel gauge 270 is offset to the right with respect to the vehicle centreline (X-X’) extending in the vehicle front-rear direction, that is the fuel gauge 270 is mounted on a right-side of the top face 210 in the vehicle top view.
[034] As illustrated in Figure 7, the fuel gauge 270 has a float (not shown) connected to the fuel gauge 270 via an arm 272. The arm 272 extends downwardly from the top face 210 towards the bottom face 230. The float moves in response to the level of fuel in the fuel tank 200 to gauge the level of fuel in the fuel tank 200. In the embodiment wherein the fuel gauge 270 is mounted on the left-side of the top face 210 with respect to the vehicle centreline (X-X’), the float of the fuel gauge 270 is disposed substantially above the flat right portion 240 of the bottom face 230, in the vehicle front view. In an alternative embodiment wherein fuel gauge 270 is mounted on the right-side of the top face 210 with respect to the vehicle centreline (X-X’), the float of the fuel gauge 270 is disposed substantially above the flat left portion 238 of the bottom face 230, in the vehicle front view. In a further alternative embodiment, the float of the fuel gauge 270 is disposed above a planar segment 242 of the bottom face 230, behind the raised arcuate central section 236 of the bottom face 230, in the vehicle front view. Such a provision of the float in the fuel tank 200 ensures that the float of the fuel gauge 270 can have maximum range of movement with the level of fuel in the fuel tank 200 and the level of fuel can be gauged in a more accurate manner.
[035] As illustrated in Figure 8, the front portion 212 of the top face 210 has a flat segment 214. As illustrated in Figure 9, the flat segment 214 receives a first mounting bracket 280 (shown in Figure 2) on top of a first reinforcement bracket 284, wherein the first mounting bracket 280 is configured for mounting the fuel tank 200 on the seat rails 106. The first mounting bracket 280 has through holes, through which fasteners are attached to the first reinforcement bracket 284, thereby attaching the first mounting bracket 280 on the seat rails 106.
[036] As further illustrated in Figure 8, the rear portion 222 of the top face 210 has a slanted segment 224. The slanted segment 224 receives a second mounting bracket 282 wherein the second mounting bracket 282 is configured for mounting the fuel tank 200 on the seat rails 106.
[037] As illustrated in Figure 10, the first mounting bracket 280 is capable of being attached to the seat rails 106 together with a utility box mounting bracket 290. Further, the second mounting bracket 282 is capable of being attached to the seat rails 106 together with a pillion handle mounting bracket 292 or a cross bridge by means of an add-on bracket 286. To further enhance the robustness of the mounting of the fuel tank 200 on the seat rails 106, a second reinforcement bracket (not shown) is placed under the second mounting bracket 282 so as to increase the strength of the attachment of the second mounting bracket 282 on the top face 210 of the fuel tank 200.
[038] Advantageously, the fuel tank for the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention is disposed in a compact vehicle layout without having to compromise with the volume of the fuel tank, while providing increased space for provision of other vehicle components. Especially, a larger utility box can be provided in the present configuration without hampering the fuel tank volume. Further, the present invention provides a fuel tank which is easy to manufacture and assemble and hence cost effective.
[039] The provision of the fuel tank on the seat rails and the tapered profile of the fuel tank allow the fuel tank to be accommodated in a sleek vehicle design, thereby improving aesthetics of the saddle-type vehicle. The recess provided on the bottom face of the fuel tank ensures that a rear wheel of larger diameter can be fitted in the compact vehicle layout without having to carry out modifications to the frame of the vehicle.
[040] Furthermore, the mounting provisions of the fuel tank on the saddle-type vehicle in the present invention by the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket, utilises a low number of mechanical parts while providing sufficient strength in the mounting of the fuel tank.
[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.