TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to a two-wheeled vehicle. More particularly but not exclusively, the present invention relates to a storage structure for the two-wheeled vehicle.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Generally, in a two-wheeled vehicle, a storage structure is used as a utility member either to store various articles of the user or to store power source for the vehicle. The storage structure can also be used to store fuel for the vehicle. The storage structure is usually disposed at a rear end of the vehicle or at the front end of the vehicle. Ln a scooter type of motorcycle, the storage structure is disposed below the seat assembly and at the rear end of the vehicle. Whereas, in a motorcycle, the storage structure is disposed along a main frame of a vehicle frame assembly. The storage structure is used to store fuel of required capacity and facilitate smooth and uninterrupted fuel flow to an engine assembly whenever required. In a conventional scooter type vehicle in which a part of the seat is disposed above the fuel tank assembly comprising a vertically erect fuel pump unit, which is used to supply fuel to the carburettor. Further, the fuel tank top includes a recess through which the fuel pump unit is inserted into the fuel tank. During vehicle running condition, the fuel pump unit rotates for pumping the fuel, causing vibrations and thereby leading to transfer of load to the fuel tank top. Also, in these types of scooters, the pillion load is carried by the seat, which is disposed on the load receiving section of the fuel tank i.e. upper surface of fuel tank top, near the fuel pump mounting section. Thus, the fuel tank top acts as a load carrying member in the scooters having above described vehicle configuration.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0003] The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanying figures. The same numbers are used throughout the drawings to reference like features and components.

[0004] Figure 1 shows a side view of a typical vehicle, for example a scooter type vehicle.
[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the storage structure mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle.
[0006] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a storage structure.
[0007] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the storage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0008] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the storage assembly.
[0009] Figure 6 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the integrated inlet holding member.
[00010] Figure 7 illustrates a comparative study of performance measure of a storage structure under various conditions,
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00011] Typically,, a fuel tank assembly comprises of a fuel tank inlet, fuel tank outlet and one or more mounting provisions, for example, one or more mounting lugs for attaching the fuel tank assembly to respective vehicular parts. The conventional fuel tank assembly comprises of the fuel tank inlet/outlet and the mounting lug as two different parts attached on a surface of the fuel tank assembly. The separate mounting of the mounting lug and the fuel tank inlet/outlet leads to more number of attaching joints creating more number of weak points on the surface of the fuel tank assembly. Hence, a conventional sheet fuel tank assembly is more susceptible to leakage of the fuel from the fuel tank assembly. Further, the fuel tank assembly is heavy and substantially adds up to the weight of the vehicle. Furthermore, upon prolonged usage, the fuel hose connected to the fuel tank outlet loosens and results in leakage of the fuel. Furthermore, in the fuel tank assembly, the flashes present in the regions where two surfaces are joined creates irregular surfaces resulting in leakage of fuel. Furthermore, in a conventional fuel tank assembly, the fuel tank inlet is fixedly attached onto the top surface of the fuel tank assembly. The attached joints are

more susceptible to fuel leakage from the fuel tank assembly. The contact areas of the fuel tank inlet on the fuel tank assembly are weaker points since the material is thin at the contact areas.
[00012] In general, in a fuel tank assembly, the fuel tank inlet is formed by the
5 process of injection moulding for better accuracy in the fuel tank inlet including the fuel tank cap. The fuel-tank cap is mounted on the fuel tank inlet for External Fuel Filling system and later attached to the fuel tank assembly by the process of enmoulding with the fuel tank assembly. Generally, the fuel tank assembly includes at least one rear and at least one front mounting lugs for attaching the
0 fuel tank assembly on to the vehicle. The at least one rear and at least one front mounting lugs of the fuel tank assembly are formed through moulding process, for example, the blow moulding process along with whenever the moulding of the fuel tank assembly takes place. Therefore, the at least one rear and at least one front mounting lugs of the fuel tank assembly and the fuel tank assembly are
5 formed by enmoulding as a single part. After the process of blow moulding the fuel tank assembly undergoes cooling process for a period of time during which the fuel tank mounting lugs will undergo shrinking and have distortions at the fuel tank inlet portion. Due to these defects, the fuel tank inlet profile including the shape and other various pre-determined configurations formed during the
0 enmoulding cannot be matched with the external surfaces including for example, fuel tank cover.
[00013] Furthermore, the same distortion/deviation will not appear common to all the fuel tank assembly that is formed by the moulding process and after the cooling process. Therefore, a common solution, which can be applied to all the 5 fuel tank assemblies to overcome the above said problem has to be obtained.
[00014] Furthermore, due to shrinkage undergone during the cooling process, the required dimensions expected between the mounting lugs and the fuel tank inlet is not being achieved. The entire fit and finish and the surrounding parts are disturbed due to non-achievement of the defined dimensions between the fuel tank

inlet to the mounting lugs, angle of inlet and disorientation of the fuel tank inlet. These defects will be evident after mounting of fuel tank on the frame.
[00015] In general, the fuel tank assembly after formed from the moulding process, includes a parting line and the mounting lugs in the fuel tank assembly are always placed at the parting line of the fuel tank assembly. Further, due to blow moulding manufacturing constraints and sufficient thickness it is required at the portion of the mounting lugs to withstand the weight of fuel tank assembly. As a preventive measure, the portions of the mounting lugs on the fuel tank assembly are thickened during the moulding process. Because of the above reasons, the weight of the fuel tank assembly will increase which leads to significant increase in cost.
[00016] Hence, there is a requirement to reduce the number of joints on the surface of the fuel tank assembly and to make the fuel tank assembly leak proof. Further, to reduce the weight of the fuel tank assembly. Furthermore, the fuel tank outlet on the fuel tank assembly should be able to resist the applied torque during assembly of the fuel tank assembly using fastening elements.
[00017] Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the fuel tank assembly includes an integrated fuel tank inlet holding member. Wherein, the fuel tank inlet holding member includes a fuel tank inlet portion and a mounting portion through the holding member.
[00018] Therefore, to solve the above explained drawbacks, the fuel tank inlet and the mounting lugs are integrated and enmoulded with the fuel tank assembly. This results in achieving the better fit and finish with the surrounding vehicular parts by maintaining the defined dimension between the fuel tank inlet to the mounting lugs, angle of the fuel tank inlet and proper orientation of the fuel tank inlet. The fuel tank mounting lug is made by a.separate process of injection moulding and enmoulded with the fuel tank assembly during blow moulding process. This reduces weight and cost by decreasing the input material of the fuel tank assembly. By the process of integrating and enmoulding, the fuel tank

mounting lugs can be placed anywhere on the surface of the fuel tank assembly considering strength of the fuel tank assembly at mounting zones.
[00019] According to an embodiment of the present invention, integrated inlet-holding member includes a fuel-tank inlet portion and a holding member, the holding member is configured to be attached to at least a portion of the cross member of the frame assembly. Further, the fuel-tank inlet portion is inclined at a first angle with respect to a horizontal axis passing through at least a horizontal middle portion of the holding member. Further, the fuel-tank inlet portion is disposed at a predetermined distance from a central axis passing through the fuel-tank inlet portion centrally and vertically.
[00020] The integrated inlet-holding member and the fuel tank assembly are made of polymer. The fuel-tank inlet portion and the holding member are integrally formed by a process of injection moulding. Furthermore, fuel-tank inlet portion is inclined at the first angle varying in the range of 20-30 degrees. The predetermined distance in the range of 90-110mm.
[00021] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the integrated inlet holding member includes a fuel-tank inlet portion, and a holding member, said fuel-tank inlet portion and said holding member are integrally formed, wherein said fuel-tank inlet portion is inclined at a first angle with respect to a horizontal axis passing through at least a horizontal middle portion of said holding member and said fuel-tank inlet portion is disposed at a predetermined distance from a central axis passing through the fuel-tank inlet portion centrally and vertically.
[00022] The foregoing objective and summary provide only a brief introduction to the present invention. To fully appreciate these and other objects of the present invention as well as the invention itself, all of which will become apparent to those skilled in the art, the following detailed description of the invention and the claims should be read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Throughout the specification and drawings identical reference numerals refer to identical or similar parts.

[0001] Figure 1 shows a side view of a typical vehicle, for example a scooter type vehicle. The vehicle has a body frame assembly made up of several tubes welded together which usually supports the body of the said vehicle. The vehicle has a steerable front wheel 101 and a driven rear wheel 102. The body frame assembly of the vehicle is an elongated structure, which typically extends from a forward end to a rearward end of the vehicle. It is generally convex in shape, as viewed from a side elevation view. The frame assembly includes a head tube (not shown), a main frame and also may have a sub-frame. The sub-frame is attached to the main frame using appropriate joining mechanism. The frame assembly is covered by a plurality of vehicle body covers including a front panel 106, a rear cover 116, a lower side cover 110, and a pair of side panel including a left hand side panel 115.
[0002] A handlebar assembly 108 and a seat assembly 109 are supported at opposing ends of the frame assembly and a generally open area is defined there between known as floorboard 117, which functions as a step through space. The seat assembly 109 for a driver and a pillion is placed above a fuel tank assembly 118 and rear side of the floorboard 117. A front fender 103 is provided above the front wheel 101 to avoid the said vehicle and its occupants from being splashed with mud. Likewise, a rear fender 104 is placed between the fuel tank assembly 118 and the rear wheel 102, and to the outer side in the radial direction of rear wheel 102. The rear fender 104 inhibits rain water or the like from being thrown up by rear wheel 102.
[0003] An engine assembly 112 is provided to drive the vehicle. Suspensions are provided for comfortable steering of the vehicle on the road. A front suspension assembly (not shown) is connected to a front fork 117. The rear suspension assembly comprises of at least one rear suspension. However, a vehicle with two rear suspensions, namely on the left side and the right side is also possible. For the safety of the user and in conformance with the traffic rules, a headlight 107 in the front portion of the vehicle and a taillight 114 in the rear portion of the vehicle is also provided.

[00023] Fig. 2 illustrates a sectional view of the storage structure mounted to the frame assembly of the vehicle. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the frame assembly 201 of the vehicle includes a pair of rear frames 201a extending obliquely rearwardly towards a rear end of the vehicle 100. The storage structure 118 is attached to at least a portion of the pair of rear frames 201a through an integrated inlet holding member 202. The integrated inlet holding member 202 includes a fuel-tank inlet portion 202a capable of receiving fuel from a fuel filler unit. The fuel-tank inlet portion 202a may be covered by a cap. Further, the integrated inlet holding member 202 includes a holding member 202b disposed at a predetermined distance from the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a. The holding member 202b is configured to be attached to at least a portion of the pair o f rear frames 201a.
. [00024] According to another embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the holding member 202a is attached to a mounting member 203 through one or more mounting means 203. In particular, the mounting member 203 is a bracket attached to the holding member 202a and at least a portion of the pair of rear frames 201a. Further, the holding member 202a is attached to a cross member (not shown) disposed across the pair of rear frames 201a. This way, the frame assembly 201, the integrated inlet, holding member 202 including the holding member 202a are attached indirectly to each other. This way, a stable mounting of the storage member to the frame assembly 201 is achieved.
[00025] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a storage structure. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the integrated inlet holding member 202 including the holding member 202a and the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a is attached to at least an outer surface of the storage structure 118. The fuel-tank inlet portion 202a is disposed at a predetermined distance XX mm from the holding member 202b. The XX mm is an optimal pre-determined distance for achieving efficient attachment of the storage structure 118 with the frame assembly 201 (not shown). Furthermore, the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a and the holding member 202b are integrated by the process of injection molding. In order

to integrate the holding member 202b with the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a, the holding member 202b is.disposed at a predetermined distance XX mm such that the. stress undergone by the holding member 202b during assembling of the storage structure 118 onto the frame assembly 201 is not transferred on to the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the holding member 202b is disposed at a predetermined distance XX mm from a first axis passing through centrally through the holding member 202b to a second axis MM' passing through centrally and vertically through a central portion of the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a.
[00026] Furthermore, in order to obtain an efficient fuel filling into the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a and to remain unaffected by the stress that may be transferred from the holding member 202b, the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a is inclined at an angle YY degrees with respect to a horizontal axis PP' passing through a horizontal middle portion 202ba of the holding member 202b.
[00027] Figure 4 illustrates a sectional view of the storage structure according to an embodiment of the present invention. The integrated inlet holding member 202 including the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a and the holding member 202b are formed integrally by a process of injection molding. Further, the integrated inlet holding member 202 is fixedly attached to the storage structure 118 by the process of blow molding. In particular, the integrated inlet holding member 202 includes a lower surface 301 that is disposed adjacently to an inner peripheral surface 302 of the storage structure 118 after assembling. Furthermore, during assembling, the entire material of the storage structure 118 is bonded permanently with the lower surface 301 of the integrated inlet holding member 202.
[0002S] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the integrated inlet holding member 202 includes rest of the portion that is exposed outside of the storage structure 118.
[00029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the horizontal middle portion 202ba includes a predetermined height. Preferably at least half the predetermined height is dispose inside and attached to the inner peripheral surface

302 of the storage structure 118. The at least half the predetermined height attached to the inner peripheral surface 302 of the storage structure 118 provides for a reliable and fail-safe attachment of the integrated inlet holding member 202 with the inner peripheral surface 302 of the storage structure 118.
[00030] Figure 5 illustrates an exploded view of the storage assembly. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the storage structure includes the integrated inlet holding member 202, the fuel-inlet opening 402, and a fuel inlet cap 401.. The integrated inlet holding member 202, the fuel-inlet opening 402, and a fuel inlet cap 401 are disposed along the central axis XY. The holding member 202b of the integrated inlet holding member 202 is disposed away from the central axis XY.
[00031] Figure 6 illustrates a detailed sectional view of the integrated inlet holding member. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the integrated inlet holding member 202 includes the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a integrally attached with the holding member 202b. Further, the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a is disposed at a predetermined distance from the holding member 202b. A horizontal middle portion 202ba is disposed along the predetermined distance for providing support between the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a is disposed at a predetermined distance from the holding member 202b. Furthermore, the holding member 202b configured with a hole 202h for attaching the holding member 202b to at least a portion of the frame assembly 201.
[00032] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the lower surface 301 is disposed below a base portion 402 of the integrated inlet holding member 202. The base portion 402 is exposed outside the storage structure (not shown) after assembling of the integrated inlet holding member 202 with the storage structure 118. Furthermore, an intermediate portion 403 is configured with . plurality of ridges that can accommodate material of the storage portion during the blow molding process. This ensures effective attachment of the integrated inlet holding member 202 with the storage structure 118.

[00033] Figure 7 illustrates a comparative study of performance measure of a storage structure under various conditions. The graphical representation includes a linear first linear curve 501 and a second linear curve 502. The graphical representation is plotted against time as a factor along X-axis and Load as a factor along Y-axis. The first linear curve 501 is the representation of the performance of the storage structure without the integrated inlet-holding member provided in the present invention. The first linear curve 501 of the integrated inlet-holding member tends to bear the load only up to a certain extend as represented in the graph. Upon further application of load, at least one of the holding member 202b and the fuel-tank inlet portion 202a tends to fail and the joint between the integrated inlet-holding member and the portion of the storage structure tends to become weak. Further, as compared to the first linear curve 501, the second linear curve 502 tends to continue in the linear direction without undergoing any failure and by retaining the joint between the integrated inlet-holding member and the storage structure. Therefore, a more reliable, and durable storage structure is obtained according to the present invention.
[00034] Although the subject matter has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. ' Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the subject matter, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the subject matter. It is therefore contemplated that such modifications can be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present subject matter as defined.

I/We claim:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (100), said saddle-type vehicle (100) comprising:
a frame assembly (201) including a pair of rear frames (201a) extending obliquely rearwardly, said pair of rear frames (201a) are joined by a cross member disposed across said pair of rear frames (201a); and
a storage structure (118) detachably attached to said cross member of said pair of rear frames (201 a), wherein,
said storage structure (118) includes an integrated inlet-holding member (202) comprising a fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) and a holding member (202b) integrally attached to each other, said integrated. inlet-holding member (202) is fixedly attached to at least an outer surface (304) of said storage structure (118).
2. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated inlet-holding member (202) includes a fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) and a holding member (202b), said holding member (202b) is configured to be attached to at least a portion of the cross member.
3. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) is inclined at a first angle (YY) degrees with respect to a horizontal axis passing through at least a horizontal middle portion (202ba) of said holding member (202b).
4. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) is disposed at a predetermined distance (XX) mm from a central axis passing through the fuel-tank inlet portion centrally and vertically.
5. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated inlet-holding member (202) is made of polymer.

6. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said fuel tank assembly (118) is made of polymer.
7. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said first angle (YY) degrees varies in the range of 20-30 degrees.
8. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said predetermined distance (XX) mm varies in the range of 90-110mm.
9. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said integrated inlet-holding member (202) includes an intermediate middle portion (202ba) disposed between said fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) and said holding member (202b).
10. The saddle-type vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein said fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) and said holding member (202b) are integrally formed by a process of injection molding.
11. An integrated inlet-holding member (202) for a storage structure of a. vehicle (100), said integrated inlet-holding member (202) comprising:
a fuel-tank inlet portion (202a), a holding member (202b), and an intermediate middle portion (202ba), said fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) and said holding member (202b) are integrally formed, wherein said fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) is inclined at a first angle (YY) degrees with respect to a horizontal axis passing through at least a horizontal middle portion (202ba) of said holding member (202b) and said fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) is disposed at a predetermined distance (XX) mm from a central axis passing through the fuel-tank inlet portion centrally and vertically.
12. A method to assemble an integrated inlet-holding member (202) to a
storage structure (118), said method of assembly comprising the steps of:
integrating a fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) and a holding member (202b) of said integrated inlet-holding member (202) by a first attaching process;

attaching said integrated inlet-holding member (202) to at least a portion of an inner peripheral surface (302) of said storage structure (118) by a second attaching process; • disposing said fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) at a predetermined distance (XX) mm from said holding member (202b); and disposing said fuel-tank inlet portion (202a) at a first angle (YY) degrees with respect to a horizontal axis passing through at least a horizontal middle portion (202ba) of said holding member (202b).