Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT, 1970
(39 of 1970)
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003
COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10, Rule 13]

“A VEHICLE”

HERO MOTOCORP LIMITED, an Indian Company at: The Grand Plaza, Plot No.2, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj- Phase -II, New Delhi, India, 110 070

THE FOLLOWING SPECIFICATION PARTICULARLY DESCRIBES THE INVENTION AND THE MANNER IN WHICH IT IS TO BE PERFORMED.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. In particular, the present invention relates to a two-wheeled vehicle, such as a scooter, having a foot rest mounting structure with enhanced aesthetic appeal.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
[002] In a conventional two wheeled vehicle such as a scooter a floor board panel is designed such that it comprises an aperture for allowing mounting of a foot rest on to a main frame of the vehicle. In the traditional construction, a size of the aperture is greater than a size of the foot rest and hence, a gap is formed between the external periphery of the foot rest and aperture through which some of the internal parts of the vehicle become visible. Thus, an external aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is adversely affected.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION:
[003] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[004] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a main frame extending in a downward and rearward direction of the vehicle; a floor board panel supported on and located above the main frame; and a rear fender located above a rear ground engaging member.

[005] In an embodiment of the invention, the floor board panel comprises a rear end located in close proximity of a front end of the rear fender. In an embodiment of the invention, the rear end of the floor board panel and the front end of the rear fender co-operating to define an aperture. In an embodiment of the invention, the vehicle further comprises a foot rest coupled to the main frame and protruding from the aperture formed between rear end of the floor board panel and the front end of the rear fender.

[006] In an embodiment of the invention, footrest is pivotally coupled to the main frame through one or more mounting bracket.

[007] In another embodiment of the invention, a mating line between the rear end of the floor board panel and the front end of the rear fender lie in a vehicle vertical direction.

[008] In yet another embodiment of the invention, an intermediate portion of the rear fender comprises a packet to accommodate the foot rest in retracted position.

[009] In still another embodiment of the invention, the rear fender is mounted on the main frame.

[0010] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling a vehicle, comprising: coupling a foot rest (50) to a main frame (28); and coupling a floor board panel (16) and a rear fender (42) to the main frame (28) such that an aperture (48) is formed between a rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) and a front end (46) of the rear fender (42), and the foot rest (50) protrudes from the aperture (48).

[0011] In an embodiment of the invention, a body cover (40) is coupled to the main frame (28) such that the body cover (40) at least partly covers the main frame (28) and the rear fender (42)

[0012] One of the advantages of the invention includes a substantial reduction in a size of the aperture provided for foot rest. By way of a non-limiting example, a size of the aperture can be equal to a size of the foot rest. By way of another non-limiting example, a size of the aperture can be lesser than a size of the foot rest. Thus, internal parts of the vehicle are not visible. Therefore an external aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is improved. In addition, the rear fender is a single part which engages with floor board panel to define an aperture, therefore, there is less complexity in assembling the body cover of the vehicle and also reduces the number of individual parts.

[0013] To further clarify the advantages and features of the invention, a more particular description of the invention will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof, which is illustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES:
[0014] In order that the invention may be readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to exemplary embodiments as illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings, where like reference numerals refer to identical or functionally similar elements throughout the separate views. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages, in accordance with the present invention where:

[0015] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0016] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a part of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a part of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0018] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a main frame in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0019] Figure 5 illustrates a perspective view of a main frame having the front cowl structure attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0020] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of a main frame having the front cowl structure and rear fender attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of a main frame having the front cowl structure, a rear fender and a floor board panel attached thereto in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0022] Figure 8 illustrates a perspective view of a floor board panel in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0023] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of a rear fender in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0024] Figure 10 illustrates a close-up enlarged view of a part of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

[0025] Figure 11 illustrates a side view of a part of the vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0026] It may be noted that to the extent possible, like reference numerals have been used to represent like elements in the drawings. Further, skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the drawings are illustrated for simplicity and may not have been necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the drawings may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, one or more elements may have been represented in the drawings by conventional symbols, and the drawings may show only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the drawings with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.

Detailed Description of the Invention:
[0027] For the purpose of promoting an understanding of the principles of the invention, reference will now be made to the embodiment illustrated in the drawings and specific language will be used to describe the same. It will nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of the invention is thereby intended, such alterations and further modifications in the illustrated device, and such further applications of the principles of the invention as illustrated therein being contemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to which the invention relates.

[0028] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are explanatory of the invention and are not intended to be restrictive thereof.

[0029] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0030] Reference throughout this specification to “an aspect”, “another aspect” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrase “in an embodiment”, “in another embodiment”, and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

[0031] The terms "comprises", "comprising", or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that one or more devices or sub-systems or elements or structures or components proceeded by "comprises... a" does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other devices or other sub-systems or other elements or other structures or other components or additional devices or additional sub-systems or additional elements or additional structures or additional components.

[0032] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the terms "coupled to", “connected to”, “operably connected to”, and “operatively connected to” are intended to include both direct connection / coupling (in which two elements that are coupled / connected to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling / connection (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Similarly, the terms “connected to” and “connected with” are used synonymously.

[0033] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one ordinary skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The device, methods, and examples provided herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

[0034] The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g. “such as”) provided with respect to certain embodiments herein is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as being essential to the practice of the invention.

[0035] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written description of all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

[0036] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] While the present invention is illustrated in the context of a vehicle, however, cover and aspects and features thereof can be used with other types of vehicles as well. The terms “vehicle”, “two wheeled vehicle” and “motorcycle” have been interchangeably used throughout the description. The term “vehicle” comprises vehicles such as motorcycles, scooters, bicycles, mopeds, scooter type vehicles, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATV) and the like.

[0038] The terms “front / forward”, “rear / rearward / back / backward”, “up / upper / top”, “down / lower / lower ward / downward, bottom” used therein represents the directions as seen from a vehicle driver sitting astride and these directions are referred by arrows F, R, U, D in the Figures.

[0039] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2 there is illustrated a perspective view of a vehicle (10) and a perspective view of a part of the vehicle (10) that comprises a front end structure (12), a rear end structure (14), and a footboard panel (16). The front end structure (12) forms the front portion of the vehicle (10). The rear end structure (14) forms the rear portion of the vehicle (10). The footboard panel (16) lies between the front end structure (12) and the rear end structure (14).

[0040] The front end structure (12) comprises a front ground engaging member (18), and a steering mechanism (20). The front ground engaging member (18) is operatively connected to the steering mechanism (20). In the illustrated example, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a wheel. Alternatively, the front ground engaging member (18) embodies a track, without limiting the scope of the invention. The steering mechanism (20) comprises a head pipe (22) (best visible in Figure 3 and Figure 4) supporting a front fork (24) in a steerable manner and a handlebar (26) for steering the front fork (24). The handlebar (26) is configured to be rotated by the rider to steer the vehicle (10). The vehicle (10) further comprises a main frame (28) (best visible in Figure 3 and Figure 4) supporting the front end structure (12), the footboard (16), and the rear end structure (14). The main frame (28) extends in a rearward and downward direction of the vehicle (10) from the head pipe (22).

[0041] Further, the front end structure (12) comprises a front cover (30) and a leg shield (32) at least partially covering the head pipe (22). The leg shield (32) provides protection for the feet of the rider of the vehicle (10). The front end structure (12) further comprises a dash assembly (not shown). The dash assembly comprises a display unit (not shown). The display unit displays information about the vehicle (10) to the rider. The dash assembly may comprise additional components such as LCD, GPS, graphical user interface (GUI), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention. The dash assembly is supported on the handlebar (26). The front end structure (12) may further comprise additional components such as handle cover, windscreen, headlight, mirror(s), turn indicator(s), etc. without limiting the scope of the invention.

[0042] The rear end structure (14) comprises a seat (34) and a rear ground engaging member (36) disposed below the seat (34). The seat (34) provides seating for a rider of the vehicle (10). The seat (34) is supported by the main frame (28). The rear ground engaging member (36) is also connected to main frame (28) via a swing arm (38). A body cover (40) is disposed below the seat (34) and surrounds the main frame (28). The rear end structure (14) further comprises a rear fender (42) located above the rear ground engaging member (36) and connected to the main frame (28). The vehicle (10) further comprises a foot rest (50) connected to the main frame (28). The rear end structure (14) comprises a bottom plate (58) disposed underneath the main frame (28) and connected thereto.

[0043] Referring to Figure 3, there is illustrated an exploded view of a part of the vehicle (10) and clearly shows the head pipe (22) connected to the main frame (28). The front cover (30) and the leg shield (32) are coupled to one another and are mounted on the main frame (28). The foot board panel (16) is disposed above the main frame (28) while the bottom plate (58) is disposed underneath the main frame (28) and connected thereto. The rear fender (42) is disposed at about a rear end of the main frame (28) and is connected thereto. The body cover (40) is disposed so as to at least partially surround the main frame (28) and the rear fender (42). While a part of the rear fender (42) is surrounded by the body cover (40), a front portion of the rear fender may not be surrounded by the body cover (40) and hence, may be visible in an external view of the vehicle (10).

[0044] In one aspect of the invention, there is provided a method for assembling a vehicle, comprising: coupling a foot rest (50) to a main frame (28); and coupling a floor board panel (16) and a rear fender (42) to the main frame (28) such that an aperture (48) is formed between a rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) and a front end (46) of the rear fender (42), and the foot rest (50) protrudes from the aperture (48).

[0045] More particularly, referring to Figures 4 to 7, a non-limiting example of a sequence of assembling of the parts of the vehicle is demonstrated. In an embodiment of the invention, the foot rest (50) is coupled to the main frame (28) through one or more mounting member (52) as shown in Figure 4. The mounting member (52) may be indirectly coupled to the main frame (28), for instance via a bracket element (60). The front cover (30), the leg shield (32) and the bottom plate (58) are coupled to the main frame (28) using any of the conventional methods as shown in Figure 5. The rear fender (42) is coupled to the main frame (28) using any of the conventional methods as shown in Figure 6. The foot board panel (16) is coupled to the main frame (28) using any of the conventional methods as shown in Figure 7 and finally, the body cover (40) is coupled to the main frame (28).

[0046] Now referring to Figure 8, there is illustrated a view of the foot board panel (16). In an embodiment of the invention, the floor board panel (16) comprises a rear end (44) and a front end (44A). Now referring to Figure 9, there is illustrated a view of the rear fender (42). In an embodiment of the invention, the rear fender (44) comprises a front end (46) and a rear end (46A).

[0047] Now referring to Figure 10, there is illustrated a close-up view of the portion of the vehicle (10). In an embodiment of the invention, the rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) is located in close proximity of the front end (46) of the rear fender (42). The rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) and the front end (46) of the rear fender (42) co-operate to define an aperture (48). In an embodiment of the invention, at least a part of the floor board panel (16) and the at least a part of the rear fender (42) are located so as to be next to each other and the aperture (48) is formed there-between. Thus, instead of forming the aperture (48) solely in the floor board panel (16) or solely in the rear fender (42), a first part of the aperture (48) is formed in the rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) and a second part of the aperture (48) is formed in the front end (46) of the rear fender (42). Since the aperture (48) is formed in two parts, a mating line (54) is formed between the rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) and the front end (46) of the rear fender (42). In an embodiment of the invention, the mating line (54) lies in a vehicle vertical direction. Although not specifically shown, the mating line (54) gets hidden by the foot rest (50) post assembly. Since the foot rest (50) can be placed in a retracted state and an extended state, in an embodiment of the invention, the rear fender (42) comprises a pocket (56) to accommodate the foot rest (50) in retracted position.

[0048] Now referring to Figure 11, there is illustrated a size relationship between the aperture (48), the foot rest (50) and the mounting member (52). It can be seen that the aperture (48) has a size lesser than a size of the foot rest (50) and greater than a size of the mounting member (52).

[0049] One of the advantages of the invention includes a substantial reduction in a size of the aperture. By way of a non-limiting example, a size of the aperture can be equal to a size of the foot rest. By way of another non-limiting example, a size of the aperture can be lesser than a size of the foot rest. Thus, internal parts of the vehicle are not visible. Therefore an external aesthetic appeal of the vehicle is improved.

[0050] While specific language has been used to describe the disclosure, any limitations arising on account of the same are not intended. As would be apparent to a person in the art, various working modifications may be made to the method in order to implement the inventive concept as taught herein.

[0051] The figures and the forgoing description give examples of embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that one or more of the described elements may well be combined into a single functional element. Alternatively, certain elements may be split into multiple functional elements. Elements from one embodiment may be added to another embodiment. For example, orders of processes described herein may be changed and are not limited to the manner described herein. Moreover, the actions of any flow diagram need not be implemented in the order shown; nor do all of the acts necessarily need to be performed. Also, those acts that are not dependent on other acts may be performed in parallel with the other acts. The scope of embodiments is by no means limited by these specific examples. Numerous variations, whether explicitly given in the specification or not, such as differences in structure, dimension, and use of material, are possible. The scope of embodiments is at least as broad as given by the following claims.
, Claims:WE CLAIM:

1. A vehicle (10) comprising:
a main frame (28) extending in a downward and rearward direction of the vehicle (10);
a floor board panel (16) supported on and located above the main frame (28);
a rear fender (42) located above a rear ground engaging member (36) of the vehicle (10);
the floor board panel (16) comprising a rear end (44) located in close proximity of a front end (46) of the rear fender (42), the rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) and the front end (46) of the rear fender (42) co-operating to define an aperture (48); and
a foot rest (50) coupled to the main frame (28) and protruding from the aperture (48) formed between the rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) and the front end (48) of the rear fender (42).

2. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the foot rest (50) is pivotally coupled to the main frame (28) through one or more mounting means (52).

3. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a mating line (54) between the rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) and the front end (46) of the rear fender (42) lies in a vehicle vertical direction.

4. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear fender (42) comprises a pocket (56) to accommodate the foot rest (50) in retracted position.

5. The vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the rear fender (42) is mounted on the main frame (28).

6. A method for assembling a vehicle, comprising:
coupling a foot rest (50) to a main frame (28); and
coupling a floor board panel (16) and a rear fender (42) to the main frame (28) such that an aperture (48) is formed between a rear end (44) of the floor board panel (16) and a front end (46) of the rear fender (42), and the foot rest (50) protrudes from the aperture (48).

7. The method as claimed in claim 6, wherein a body cover (40) is coupled to the main frame (28) such that the body cover (40) at least partly covers the main frame (28) and the rear fender (42).