Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle and particularly relates to a headlamp stay and a holder of electronic components of the saddle type vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Modern day vehicles employ a plurality of electronic components, including but not limited to tweeters, beepers, relays, horns, charging units, etc., to perform a variety of functions. In a saddle type vehicle, it is a matter of convenience to dispose many of these electronic components at a front portion of the vehicle. Conventionally, a headlamp stay for mounting a headlamp unit of the vehicle is also adapted to mount these electronic components at the front portion of the vehicle. However, in order to mount a variety of electronic components of varying types and sizes the headlamp stay needs to be designed differently and moulded separately for each case depending on the type and size of electronic component to be mounted thereon. Hence, this arrangement not only increases design complexity of the headlamp stay, but also increases overall assembly time and cost for different models of individual vehicles.
[003] Further, in certain vehicles, a dedicated external bracket is used to mount the plurality of electronic components. Even as this might overcome the design complexity issues of the headlamp stay by eliminating requirement for frequent design changes of the headlamp stay, attachment of the dedicated external bracket to the vehicle poses problems. Conventionally, the dedicated external bracket is mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle or to the headlamp stay with the aid of clamps. Use of clamps to attach the dedicated external bracket to the vehicle reduces the overall strength of the mounting bracket and also increases overall cost of the vehicle. Further, clamps are also employed to attach the plurality of electronic components onto the dedicated external bracket. The clamps loosen over time and cause rattling and may even cause the dedicated external bracket and the plurality of electronic components attached thereon to eventually fall off. Furthermore, conventionally the dedicated external bracket is oriented vertically to be perpendicular to a lateral axis of the vehicle. The vertical alignment of the dedicated external bracket creates difficulty in an assembly line of the vehicle. Also, specialized tools are required to mount the plurality of electronic components on such inclinedly or vertically aligned dedicated external bracket.
[004] Thus, there is a need in the art for a holder of electronic components of a saddle type vehicle which addresses at least the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[005] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a saddle type vehicle and particularly relates to a holder to accommodate electronic components of the saddle type vehicle. The saddle type vehicle includes a headlamp stay mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle and a headlamp unit mounted to the headlamp stay. The vehicle further includes a holder adapted to receive a plurality of electronic components. The holder is mounted to the headlamp stay. A length of the holder is parallel to a vehicle lateral axis. The holder includes one or more horizontal surfaces along the length of the holder, and the one or more horizontal surfaces are adapted to stably seat one or more of the plurality of electronic components.
[006] In an embodiment, the holder has a first distal end and a second distal end opposite the first distal end. The holder is segmented into a plurality of portions between the first distal end and the second distal end.
[007] In an embodiment, the plurality of portions includes a first portion disposed at the first distal end of the holder. The first portion is adapted to receive a charging plug which can connect a power source to the headlamp unit.
[008] In another embodiment, the plurality of portions includes a second portion disposed adjacent to the first portion. The second portion is adapted to receive a telematics unit. The telematics unit has a GPS unit for navigation and tracking of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the telematics unit is secured to the second portion of the holder at two diagonally disposed fastening points in the holder. The two diagonally disposed fastening points are adapted to receive fasteners to attach the telematics unit to the second portion of the holder.
[009] In yet another embodiment, the plurality of portions includes a fourth portion disposed at the second distal end of the holder. The fourth portion is adapted to receive a relay unit. In an embodiment, the holder has an attachment slot to securely mount the relay unit. In another embodiment, the relay unit includes at least a relay for a pair of turn signal lamps and a relay for the headlamp unit.
[010] In a further embodiment, the plurality of portions includes a third portion disposed adjacent to the fourth portion. The third portion is adapted to receive a beeper. In an embodiment, the beeper produces a sound to indicate a turning of the vehicle along with at least a blinking of a pair of turn signal lamps. In another embodiment, the holder includes a mounting slot to securely mount the beeper.
[011] In an embodiment, the holder is mounted to the headlamp stay using a plurality of fasteners. In another embodiment, the first distal end of the holder has a first mounting hole, and the second distal end of the holder has a second mounting hole. The first mounting hole and the second mounting hole are adapted to receive fasteners to attach the holder to the headlamp stay.
[012] In an embodiment, the holder is made of a plastic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[013] 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 side elevation view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a front portion of the saddle type vehicle and an exemplary holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a top plan view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle, a top plan view of the holder and an exemplary vehicle lateral axis, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of an exemplary headlamp stay and the holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a top plan view of the headlamp stay and the holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a top plan view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle, the holder and a plurality of exemplary electronic components mounted thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a top perspective view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle, the holder and the plurality of electronic components mounted thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a top plan view and a side elevation view of the holder and a length of the holder, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[014] 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 saddle type vehicle is a two wheeled 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.
[015] The present invention generally relates to a saddle type vehicle 10 and particularly relates to a headlamp stay 100 and a holder 200 for electronic components of the saddle type vehicle 10. In the following description the term vehicle has been interchangeably used with the term saddle type vehicle in the interest of brevity.
[016] Figure 1 illustrates a side elevation view of an exemplary saddle type vehicle 10, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. As illustrated, the vehicle 10 is a scooter type two wheeled vehicle. However, it may be contemplated that the saddle type vehicle 10 can be any kind of saddle type vehicle. Thus, the example of the scooter type two wheeled vehicle illustrated in Figure 1 should not be meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
[017] The vehicle 10 includes a frame structure (not shown) extending in a vehicle front-rear direction F-R. The frame structure provides structural support for the vehicle 10 and is adapted to mount one or more vehicular components. In an embodiment, the frame structure includes a head pipe 22 (shown in Figure 2) at a front portion of the vehicle 10. The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and a front suspension 52 attached to the steering shaft through a lower bracket (not shown). The front suspension 52 supports a front wheel 36 which is adapted to steer the vehicle 10. A handlebar 62 is fixed to an upper bracket (not shown) and can rotate about the steering shaft for changing direction of the vehicle 10. An instrument cluster (not shown) is arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22 or is provided on the handlebar 62. A rear suspension (not shown) is provided at a rear portion of the frame structure for dampening vibrations induced during travel of the vehicle 10 over undulations. A rear wheel 38 is supported by the rear suspension. Further, the front wheel 36 is covered at its upper portion by a front fender 46. A rear fender 48 is disposed above the rear wheel 38. A taillamp (not shown) is disposed at a rear end of the vehicle 10. A seat 40 which is adapted to accommodate a rider of the vehicle 10 is disposed rearwardly of the handlebar 62 and supported by the frame structure. A pillion grabrail 64 is provided for facilitating a pillion rider to grip and/or balance on the vehicle 10 during movement.
[018] The vehicle 10 further includes a prime mover (not shown) to provide motive force to the rear wheel 38 of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the prime mover is an Internal Combustion (IC) engine. A fuel tank (not shown) is mounted to the frame structure to store fuel and supply fuel to the IC engine. An exhaust pipe (not shown) extends rearwardly from the IC engine to terminate at the rear portion of the vehicle 10. The exhaust pipe is coupled to the IC engine to safely remove the combustion gasses and other particulates released from the IC engine post each combustion cycle. In another embodiment, the prime mover is an electric machine like an electric motor. The rear wheel 38 is operatively coupled to the prime mover and is adapted to propel the vehicle 10 under motive force provided by the prime mover. The prime mover is mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle 10 at a lower portion of the frame structure. In yet another embodiment, the vehicle 10 is a hybrid vehicle in which the prime mover includes both the IC engine and the electric motor, where the electric motor may work in isolation or in conjunction with the IC engine to provide motive force to the rear wheel 38 for propelling the vehicle 10. A suitable transmission unit 82 is provided to operatively couple the prime mover to the rear wheel 38 for transferring motive force generated in the prime mover onto the rear wheel 38 for driving the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 further includes a storage compartment (not shown) disposed downwardly of the seat 40 for storing one or more articles such as helmet. The vehicle 10 also includes a plurality of body panels for styling, including a front panel 70, a front panel back cover 72, right and left rear side panels 74, etc.
[019] Figure 2 illustrates a top perspective view of a front portion of the saddle type vehicle 10 and an exemplary holder 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The saddle type vehicle 10 includes a headlamp stay 100 mounted to the frame structure of the vehicle 10 at the front portion of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the headlamp stay 100 is mounted to the head pipe 22. In another embodiment, the headlamp stay 100 may be mounted to the lower bracket which supports the front suspension 52 or the upper bracket which supports the handlebar 62. A headlamp unit 110 is mounted to the headlamp stay 100. In an embodiment, in addition to the headlamp unit 110, the headlamp stay 100 is also adapted to mount a pair of left and right turn signal lamps 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the headlamp unit 110 and the pair of left and right turn signal lamps 112 form a single lamp unit. The vehicle 10 further includes the holder 200 mounted to the headlamp stay 100. The holder 200 is adapted to receive and securely seat a plurality of electronic components. In the illustrated embodiment, the headlamp stay 100, the holder 200 and the plurality of electronic components are disposed between the front panel 70 and the front panel back cover 72 of the vehicle 10. Hence, the headlamp stay 100, the holder 200 and the plurality of electronic components are protected from an external environment and hidden from direct sight improving aesthetics. The single lamp unit consisting of the headlamp unit 110 and the pair of left and right turn signal lamps 112 are flush fitted with an opening in the front panel 70 to be exposed to a vehicle front direction F.
[020] Figure 3 illustrates a top plan view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle 10, a top plan view of the holder 200 and an exemplary vehicle lateral axis X-X’, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. The vehicle lateral axis X-X’ is an axis that is along a vehicle width direction W. Referring to Figures 1 and 3, the vehicle lateral axis X-X’ is orthogonal to both a vehicle up down direction UP-DW and the vehicle front rear direction F-R. The holder 200 is oriented along the vehicle lateral axis X-X’ such that a length L (shown in Figure 9) of the holder 200 is parallel to the vehicle lateral axis X-X’. In an embodiment, the headlamp stay 100 is also oriented along the vehicle lateral axis X-X’.
[021] Figure 4 illustrates a top perspective view of the headlamp stay 100 and the holder 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 5 illustrates a top plan view of the headlamp stay 100 and the holder 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the holder 200 is mounted to the headlamp stay 100 using a plurality of fasteners. In the illustrated embodiment, the first distal end 202 of the holder 200 has a first mounting hole 212 and the second distal end 204 of the holder 200 has a second mounting hole 214. The first mounting hole 212 and the second mounting hole 214 are adapted to receive one or more of the plurality of fasteners to attach the holder 200 to the headlamp stay 100. Further, the holder 200 includes one or more horizontal surfaces along the length L of the holder 200. The one or more horizontal surfaces are adapted to stably seat one or more of the plurality of electronic components. The holder 200 has a first distal end 202 and a second distal end 204. The first distal end 202 and the second distal end 204 are at opposite ends of the holder 200. The first distal end 202 is at a left hand side LT of the vehicle 10 and the second distal end 204 is at a right hand side RT of the vehicle 10. In an embodiment, the holder 200 is made of a plastic material. In yet another embodiment, the holder 200 is made of a resin material. In a further embodiment, the holder 200 is segmented into a plurality of portions between the first distal end 202 and the second distal end 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the holder 200 is segmented into four portions.
[022] In an embodiment, the plurality of portions has a first portion 230 disposed at the first distal end 202 of the holder 200. In another embodiment, the plurality of portions includes a second portion 240 which is disposed adjacent to the first portion 230, i.e., towards a right hand side RT of the first portion 230. In yet another embodiment, the plurality of portions has a fourth portion 260 disposed at the second distal end 204 of the holder 200. In a further embodiment, the plurality of portions includes a third portion 250 which is disposed adjacent to the fourth portion 260, i.e., towards a left hand side LT of the fourth portion 260.
[023] Figure 6 illustrates a top plan view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle 10, the holder 200 and a plurality of exemplary electronic components mounted thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 7 illustrates a top perspective view of the front portion of the saddle type vehicle 10, the holder 200 and the plurality of electronic components mounted thereon, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to Figures 4, 5, 6 and 7, the first portion 230 of the plurality of portions of the holder 200 is adapted to receive a charging plug 130. The charging plug 130 connects a power source, like a battery of the vehicle 10, to the headlamp unit 110. In an embodiment, the charging plug 130 also connects the power source to the pair of left and right turn signal lamps 112. In an embodiment, a U-shaped structure is provided at the first portion 230 to receive and securely hold the charging plug 130. In an embodiment, a base of the charging plug 130 is also supported by the headlamp stay 100. In another embodiment, the U-shaped structure can act as a clamp to securely hold the charging plug 130 to ensure that it is not dislodged under road vibrations or other vibrations from the vehicle 10. The second portion 240 is adapted to receive a telematics unit 140. In an embodiment, the telematics unit 140 has a GPS unit which is employed for navigation and tracking of the vehicle 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the second portion 240 has a recessed region to receive and securely seat the telematics unit 140. The recessed region provides the horizontal surface adapted to stably seat the telematics unit 140. The third portion 250 is adapted to receive a beeper 150. In an embodiment, the beeper 150 produces a sound to indicate a turning of the vehicle 10 along with at least a blinking of the pair of turn signal lamps 112 to indicate to other vehicles and passers-by on a road that the vehicle 10 is taking a turn. The fourth portion 260 is adapted to receive a relay unit 160. In an embodiment, the relay unit 160 has a relay for the headlamp unit 110 and the pair of left and right turn signal lamps 112. In the illustrated embodiment, the fourth portion 260 has the horizontal surface adapted to stably seat the relay unit 160. The relay unit 160 is further attached to the fourth portion 260 using fasteners.
[024] Figure 8 illustrates a top perspective view of the holder 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Figure 9 illustrates a top plan view and a side elevation view of the holder 200 and a length L of the holder 200, in accordance with an embodiment of the present subject matter. Referring to figures 7, 8 and 9, the telematics unit 140 is secured to the second portion 240 of the holder 200 with the aid of fasteners. The second portion 240 has two diagonally disposed fastening points 242. The two diagonally disposed fastening points 242 are adapted to receive fasteners to attach the telematics unit 140 to the second portion 240. In another embodiment, the holder 200 has a mounting slot 252 at the third portion 250 to securely mount the beeper 150. The mounting slot 252 provides the horizontal surface adapted to stably seat the beeper 150. In yet another embodiment, the holder 200 includes an attachment slot 262 at the fourth portion 260 to securely mount the relay unit 160. The relay unit 160 is seated at the horizontal surface provided at the fourth portion 260 and is attached to the holder 200 via fasteners. The fasteners that attach the relay unit 160 are received by the attachment slot 262.
[025] Advantageously, the present claimed invention provides a headlamp stay and a holder for electronic components of a saddle type vehicle. The claimed configurations of the headlamp stay and the holder for electronic components of the saddle type vehicle as discussed above are not routine, conventional, or well understood in the art, as the claimed configurations enable the following solutions to the existing problems in conventional technologies. The headlamp stay being oriented along a vehicle lateral axis allows for ease of assembly of the holder with the headlamp stay. Similarly, the holder being aligned horizontally along the vehicle lateral axis aids in ease of mounting of a plurality of electronic components to the holder. Furthermore, the horizontal orientation of the headlamp stay and the holder eliminates requirement of specialized tools for assembly of the headlamp stay, the holder and the plurality of electronic components. Thus, conventional existing tools can be used in an assembly line of the vehicle for the said assembly which in turn brings down cost of assembly and time for assembly. The claimed invention further provides a single place, i.e., the holder for mounting of the plurality of electronic components and thereby aids to simplify the vehicle design. This also increases serviceability and accessibility of these electronic components. The claimed layout also utilises existing space in the vehicle without creating space constraints. Furthermore, the holder provides a horizontal surface to stably seat the plurality of electronic components which increases ease of assembly as the electronic component can be placed on the holder before attachment to the holder without any specialized tools to hold the electronic components in place. The horizontal surface also provides an additional support to the plurality of electronic components thereby preventing loosening of attachment means and rattling under roads and vehicle vibrations.
[026] 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 modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Reference Numerals:
10 - saddle type vehicle
22 - head pipe
36 - front wheel
38 - rear wheel
40 - seat
46 - front fender
48 - rear fender
52 - front suspension
62 - handlebar
64 - pillion grabrail
70 - front panel
72 - front panel back cover
74 - right and left rear side panels
82 - transmission unit
100 - headlamp stay
110 - headlamp unit
112 - pair of turn signal lamps
130 - charging plug
140 - telematics unit
150 - beeper
160 - relay unit
200 - holder
202 - first distal end
204 - second distal end
212 - first mounting hole
214 - second mounting hole
230 - first portion
240 - second portion
242 - diagonally disposed fastening points
250 - third portion
252 - mounting slot
260 - fourth portion
262 - attachment slot
L - length of the holder
W - vehicle width direction
X-X’ - vehicle lateral axis
, Claims:1. A saddle type vehicle (10) comprising:
a headlamp stay (100) mounted to a frame structure of the vehicle (10);
a headlamp unit (110) mounted to the headlamp stay (100); and
a holder (200) configured to receive a plurality of electronic components, the holder (200) mounted to the headlamp stay (100),
wherein a length (L) of the holder (200) being parallel to a vehicle lateral axis (X-X’) and the holder (200) having one or more horizontal surfaces along the length (L) of the holder (200), the one or more horizontal surfaces configured to stably seat one or more of the plurality of electronic components.

2. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder (200) comprising a first distal end (202) and a second distal end (204), the holder (200) being segmented into a plurality of portions between the first distal end (202) and the second distal end (204).

3. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of portions comprising a first portion (230) disposed at the first distal end (202) of the holder (200), the first portion (230) configured to receive a charging plug (130), the charging plug (130) configured to connect a power source to the headlamp unit (110).

4. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the plurality of portions comprising a second portion (240) disposed adjacent to the first portion (230), the second portion (240) configured to receive a telematics unit (140), the telematics unit (140) having a GPS unit for navigation and tracking of the vehicle (10).

5. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the telematics unit (140) being secured to the second portion (240) of the holder (200) at two diagonally disposed fastening points (242) in the holder (200), the two diagonally disposed fastening points (242) configured to receive fasteners to attach the telematics unit (140) to the second portion (240) of the holder (200).

6. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of portions comprising a fourth portion (260) disposed at the second distal end (204) of the holder (200), the fourth portion (260) configured to receive a relay unit (160).

7. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the holder (200) comprising an attachment slot (262) to securely mount the relay unit (160), the relay unit (160) having at least a relay for a pair of turn signal lamps (112) and a relay for the headlamp unit (110).

8. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 6, wherein the plurality of portions comprising a third portion (250) disposed adjacent to the fourth portion (260), the third portion (250) configured to receive a beeper (150), the beeper (150) configured to produce a sound to indicate a turning of the vehicle (10) along with at least a blinking of a pair of turn signal lamps (112).

9. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the holder (200) comprising a mounting slot (252) to securely mount the beeper (150).

10. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder (200) being mounted to the headlamp stay (100) using a plurality of fasteners.

11. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claims 2 and 10, wherein the first distal end (202) of the holder (200) having a first mounting hole (212) and the second distal end (204) of the holder (200) having a second mounting hole (214), the first mounting hole (212) and the second mounting hole (214) configured to receive fasteners to attach the holder (200) to the headlamp stay (100).

12. The saddle type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the holder (200) being configured to a plastic material.