Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising:
a main frame (104) extending rearwardly and downwardly from a head pipe (102);
a pair of seat rails (106) extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main frame (104); and
a fuel tank (200) disposed at a rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106) such that at least a portion (200B) of the fuel tank (200) is disposed rearwardly from the rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106), in a vehicle front-rear direction.

2. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the main frame (104) comprises a front portion (104A) extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe (102) at a first slope, and a rear portion (104B) extending rearwardly and downwardly from a rear end of the front portion (104A) at a second slope, wherein the first slope is greater than the second slope.

3. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the seat rails (106) extend rearwardly and upwardly from the rear portion (104) of the main frame (104).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein an anterior portion (200A) of the fuel tank (200) is disposed forwardly from the rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106), and below the seat rails (106).

5. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein width of the anterior portion (200A) of the fuel tank (200) is substantially same as or more than a gap between the pair of seat rails (106) extending along the anterior portion (200A) of the fuel tank (200), in a vehicle top view.

6. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portion (200B) of the fuel tank (200) disposed rearwardly from the rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106) extends beyond a rear end of a rear wheel (145), in the vehicle front-rear direction.

7. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the portion (200B) of the fuel tank (200) disposed rearwardly from the rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106) lies forwardly of the rear end of the rear wheel (145), in the vehicle front-rear direction.

8. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the fuel tank (200) comprises a recess (206) formed therein, thereby accommodating an upper portion of the rear wheel (145).

9. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (200) comprises a fuel inlet opening (202) provided on the portion (200B) of the fuel tank (200) disposed rearwardly from the rear end (106’) of the seat rails (106), and an openable fuel cap (204) being attached to the fuel tank (200) to cover the fuel inlet opening (202).

10. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a utility box (180) disposed between the seat rails (106), under a seat (151) and substantially forwardly of the fuel tank (200) in the vehicle front-rear direction.

11. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a front end of the utility box (180) is disposed on the rear portion (104B) of the main frame (104).

12. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 10, wherein a bottom surface of the utility box (180) comprises a recess (182) formed therein, thereby accommodating the upper portion of the rear wheel (145).

13. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 8 and 12, wherein the recess (206) formed on the bottom surface of the fuel tank (200) and the recess (182) formed on the bottom surface of the utility box (180) form an arcuate space therebetween, to accommodate the upper portion of the rear wheel (145).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to 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 at a saddle-type vehicle. Herein, the saddle-type vehicle has a main frame extending rearwardly and downwardly from a head pipe and a pair of seat rails extending rearwardly and upwardly from the main frame. The saddle-type vehicle further has a fuel tank disposed at a rear end of the seat rails. The fuel tank is disposed such that at least a portion of the fuel tank is disposed rearwardly from the rear end of the seat rails, in a vehicle front-rear direction
[008] In an embodiment of the invention, the main frame has a front portion extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe at a first slope, and a rear portion extending rearwardly and downwardly from a rear end of the front portion at a second slope. Herein, the first slope is greater than the second slope.
[009] In another embodiment of the invention, the seat rails extend rearwardly and upwardly from the rear portion of the main frame.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, an anterior portion of the fuel tank disposed forwardly from the rear end of the seat rails, and below the seat rails.
[011] In a further embodiment of the invention, width of the anterior portion of the fuel tank is substantially same as or more than a gap between the pair of seat rails extending along the anterior portion of the fuel tank, in a vehicle top view.
[012] In a further embodiment of the invention, the portion of the fuel tank disposed rearwardly from the rear end of the seat rails extends beyond a rear end of a rear wheel, in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[013] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the portion of the fuel tank disposed rearwardly from the rear end of the seat rails lies forwardly of the rear end of the rear wheel, in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[014] In a further embodiment of the invention, a bottom surface of the fuel tank has a recess formed therein for accommodating an upper portion of the rear wheel.
[015] In a further embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank has a fuel inlet opening provided on the portion of the fuel tank disposed rearwardly from the rear end of the seat rails, and an openable fuel cap being attached to the fuel tank to cover the fuel inlet opening.
[016] In a further embodiment of the invention, the saddle-type vehicle has a utility box disposed between the seat rails, under a seat and substantially forwardly of the fuel tank in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[017] In a further embodiment of the invention, a front end of the utility box is disposed on the rear portion of the main frame.
[018] In a further embodiment of the invention, a bottom surface of the utility box has a recess formed therein for accommodating the upper portion of the rear wheel.
[019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the recess formed on the bottom surface of the fuel tank and the recess formed on the bottom surface of the utility box form an arcuate space therebetween, to accommodate the upper portion of the rear wheel.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[020] 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-side exploded view of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3 illustrates the left-side of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 illustrates the left-side view of a rear portion of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a top view of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the saddle-type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[021] The present invention relates to a saddle-type vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to layout of a compact saddle-type vehicle.
[022] 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 main frame 104 (shown in Figure 2). A portion of the main frame 104 extends 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.
[023] 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.
[024] 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.
[025] In addition, a front fender 165 is covering at least a portion of the front wheel 115. A utility box 180 (shown in Figure 2) 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.
[026] 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).
[027] As illustrated in Figure 2, and mentioned hereinbefore, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has the main frame 104 extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 102 disposed towards the front of the vehicle 10, in a vehicle front-rear direction. Further, the pair of seat rails 106 extend rearwardly and upwardly from the main frame 104, in the vehicle front-rear direction. The pair of seat rails 106 extend from the main frame 104 to the rear of the saddle-type vehicle 10. Further, the saddle-type vehicle 10 has a fuel tank 200. Herein, the fuel tank 200 is disposed at a rear end 106’ of the pair of seat rails 106. The fuel tank 200 is disposed on the rear end 106’ of the pair of seat rails 106 in a manner that at least a portion 200B of the fuel tank 200 is disposed rearwardly from the rear end 106’ of the pair of seat rails 106, in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[028] As illustrated in Figure 3, and referenced in Figure 2, the main frame 104 has a front portion 104A extending rearwardly and downwardly from the head pipe 102 at a first slope, and a rear portion 104B extending rearwardly and downwardly from a rear end of the front portion 104A of the main frame 104 at a second slope. Herein the first slope is greater than the second slope, that is, the front portion 104A of the main frame 104 extends downwardly at a greater slant than the downward extension of the rear portion 104B with respect to a horizontal plane parallel to a ground level. As further referenced in Figure 2, the pair of seat rails 106 extend rearwardly and upwardly from the rear portion 104B of the main frame 104.
[029] As further illustrated in Figure 2, in an embodiment of the invention, at least some part of the fuel tank 200 disposed forwardly from the rear end 106’ of the pair of seat rails 106, extending below the pair of seat rails 106. The said portion of the fuel tank 200 disposed forwardly from the rear end 106’ of the pair of seat rails 106, and extending below the pair of seat rails 106 is defined as an anterior portion 200A of the fuel tank 200. In an embodiment of the invention, width of the anterior portion 200A of the fuel tank 200 is substantially same as a gap between the pair of seat rails 106 extending along the anterior portion 200A of the fuel tank 200, in a vehicle top view. In another embodiment of the invention, width of the anterior portion 200A of the fuel tank 200 is more than the gap between the pair of seat rails 106 extending along the anterior portion 200A of the fuel tank 200, in the vehicle top view.
[030] As mentioned hereinbefore and further illustrated by Figure 2, at least a portion 200B of the fuel tank 200 is disposed rearwardly from the rear end 106’ of the pair of seat rails 106, in the vehicle front-rear direction. Herein, in an embodiment of the invention, the portion 200B of the fuel tank 200 disposed rearwardly from the rear end 106’ of the seat rails 106 extends beyond a rear end of the rear wheel 145, in the vehicle front-rear direction. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the portion 200B of the fuel tank 200 disposed rearwardly from the rear end 106’ of the seat rails 106 lies forwardly of the rear end of the rear wheel 145, in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[031] To provide an inlet for fuel to be filled in the fuel tank 200, the fuel tank 200 has a fuel inlet opening 202. As further illustrated in Figure 2, the fuel inlet opening 202 is provided on the portion 200B of the fuel tank 200 disposed rearwardly from the rear end 106’ of the seat rails 106. Further, an openable fuel cap 204 is attached to the fuel tank 200 for covering the fuel inlet opening 202. In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel cap 204 is threadedly engaged with the fuel inlet opening 202. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the fuel cap 204 is hinged on the fuel tank 200 and is operable by means of a wire wherein a first end of the wire is coupled with the fuel cap 204 and an operable end of the wire operates the fuel cap 204. In an embodiment of the invention, the operable end of the wire is connected to an ignition lock through an operable switch.
[032] Reference is made to Figure 3, wherein Figure 3 illustrates that the engine 125 of the vehicle 10 is mounted on the main frame 104 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment of the invention, the engine 125 is mounted on the rear portion 104B of the main frame 104. The engine 125 is mounted on the rear portion 104B of the main frame 104 in the manner that the engine 125 extends downwards from the rear portion 104B of the main frame 104. The engine 125 at its rear end is supported by a rear engine mounting bracket 108.
[033] As further illustrated in Figure 3, and referenced in Figure 2, the saddle-type vehicle 10 further has the utility box 180 for providing a storage space for convenience of the rider. As illustrated in Figure 4 and referenced in Figure 2, the utility box 180 is disposed between the pair of seat rails 106. Resultantly, the utility box 180 is disposed under the seat 151. In an embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figure 3, and further illustrated in Figure 4, the utility box 180 is disposed substantially forwardly of the fuel tank 200 in the vehicle front-rear direction.
[034] As further illustrated in Figure 3, the utility box 180 is provided on the saddle-type vehicle 10 in a manner that a front end of the utility box 180 is disposed on the rear portion 104B of the main frame 104.
[035] As further illustrated in Figure 4 and mentioned hereinbefore, the utility box 180 is disposed substantially forwardly of the fuel tank 200. Herein, the utility box 180 and the fuel tank 200 are disposed abutting each other. Specifically, a rear portion of the utility box 180 is in contact with at least the anterior portion 200A of the fuel tank 200. More particularly, as illustrated in Figure 5, the utility box 180 is disposed in a manner that a rear end of the utility box 180 overlaps with the fuel tank 200 in the vehicle top view. Therefore, the utility box 180 extending from the rear portion 104B of the main frame 104 to the fuel tank 200 is provided thereby providing a utility box 180 with increased space in the compact layout of the saddle-type vehicle 10.
[036] Figure 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the saddle-type vehicle 10. As illustrated in the embodiment depicted in Figure 6, a bottom surface of the fuel tank 200 has a recess 206 formed therein. The recess 206 formed in the bottom surface of the fuel tank 200, provides a space for accommodation of an upper portion of the rear wheel 145 wherein the rear wheel 145 is a larger rear wheel. In a further embodiment of the invention, a bottom surface of the utility box 180 has a recess 182 formed therein. The recess 182 formed in the bottom surface of the utility box 180 provides a space for accommodation of the upper portion of the larger rear wheel 145. In a further embodiment of the invention, the recess 206 formed on the bottom surface of the fuel tank 200 and the recess 182 formed on the bottom surface of the utility box 180 form an arcuate space therebetween, thereby providing a space corresponding to the profile of the upper portion of the larger rear wheel 145 and thereby accommodating the upper portion of the rear wheel 145.
[037] Advantageously, the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention provides the utility box and the fuel tank in a compact layout of the main frame and the pair of seat rails such that the utility box space and the fuel tank volume is not compromised due to a compact vehicle layout.
[038] Further, in the saddle-type vehicle of the present invention, as the fuel tank cap is provided rearwardly of the rear end of the seat rails, and thence rearwardly of the seat, the requirement of the rider dismounting the vehicle and opening the seat to access the fuel cap is eliminated. In the present configuration, the rider need not dismount the vehicle and open the seat to access the fuel cap, thereby increasing rider convenience.
[039] Furthermore, the recesses formed on the bottom surface of the fuel tank and the utility box provide the space for accommodation of a larger rear wheel in the vehicle layout without increasing the size of the vehicle.
[040] 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.