Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A vehicle (100), comprising:
a frame structure (110) having a pair of spaced apart rear frames (112, 114) extending in a front-rear direction (D1) of the vehicle (100); and
a storage member (120) disposed onto the pair of rear frames (112, 114) and being configured to mount a controller and an on-board diagnostic scanner of the vehicle (100) disposed in the storage member in a vehicle width direction (W) with respect to each other.

2. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage member (120) comprises a pair of side walls (122), a front wall (124), a rear wall (126) and a base member (128), the pair of side walls (122), the front wall (124) and the rear wall (126) being extending vertically from the base member (128) forming a storage space in the storage member (120).

3. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the base member (128) of the storage member (120) includes one or more mounting provisions (128A, 128B) disposed laterally and proximal to the side walls (122) for mounting the controller and the on-board diagnostic scanner of the vehicle (100) inside the storage member (120).

4. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a rear cross member (130) between the pair of rear frames (112, 114), the rear cross member (130) being thinner, thereby providing an additional space for enlarging the storage member (120) towards a rear of the vehicle (100).

5. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the rear cross member (130) comprises one or more mounting points (132) on its upper surface (134) and being adapted to mount a pillion handle (140) onto the rear cross member (130).

6. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the pillion handle (140) is adapted to mount a rear portion of the storage member (120), thereby supporting the storage member (120).

7. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pair of frame members (112, 114) comprises a mounting provision (116) at a front portion of the pair of frame members (112, 114) for mounting a bracket member (150), the bracket member (150) being configured to support a front portion of the storage member (120) from below the base member (128) of the storage member (120).

8. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the bracket member (150) is removably connected to the front portion of the pair of frame members (112, 114) such that one or more battery modules (160) of the vehicle (100) is/are accessible upon removal of the bracket member (150) from the pair of frame members (112, 114).

9. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 8 comprising one or more battery module covers (162) disposed below a bottom surface (128A) of the storage member (120), the one or more battery module covers (162) being located corresponding to a location of the one or more battery modules (160) and adapted to cover a top portion of the one or more battery modules (160).

10. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein a rear portion of each frame member (112, 114) comprises a mounting provision (118) for mounting a suspension member (170) of the vehicle (100), the suspension member (170) being disposed away from the storage member (120), thereby creating an additional space for the storage member (120) in a vehicle width direction (W).

11. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1 comprising a seat member (180) hingedly disposed onto the storage member (120), the seat member (180) comprising an outer surface (182) having a foam layer (182A) and an inner surface (184) covering an open portion (120A) of the storage member (120).

12. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inner surface (184) of the seat member (180) comprises a rib member (184A) covering the storage member (120) and disposed corresponding to an outer periphery (120B) of the storage member (120) such that the rib member (184A) being configured to protect the storage member (120) from load to be exerted from the seat member (180) to the storage member (120) and position the seat member (180) onto the storage member (120) of the vehicle (100).

13. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the inner surface (184) of the seat member (180) comprises one or more collapsible portions (184B), the one or more collapsible portions (184B) being adapted to flex due to contact of the one or more accessories disposed in a storage space in the storage member (120).

14. The vehicle (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the storage member (120) is configured to provide storage for at least two head protection gears (H1, H2) placed in a S-manner, the S-manner being defined as a first head protection gear (H1) being placed with a chin (C1) facing towards a head portion (H2’) of a second head protection gear (H2).

, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a utility box for a two-wheeled vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Generally, under-seat storage unit in two-wheeled vehicles like scooters are used for storing articles and in some cases just a single helmet. Providing storage space for two helmets is a challenge in terms of vehicle layout and packaging. This causes disappointment to the user as only one of the riders can store their helmet inside and the other helmet is in the risk of theft and damage.
[003] In one example, the existing two-wheeled vehicle include a utility box which cannot accommodate two full faced helmets. However, the utility box may accommodate one full faced helmet and a smaller helmet / half sized helmet. In case of a non-electric vehicle, the above configuration works, with all other vehicular components including the engine assembly below the utility box. However, in case of an electric vehicle, the utility box is small with capacity of accommodating a single helmet due to space requirements for accommodating one or more electrical / electronic components including, but not limited to, battery modules. The battery modules disposed below the utility box do not allow to increase depth of the utility box and also serviceability of electronic components and the battery modules is difficult. In addition, the electric vehicle further include the electronic components like a controller and on-board diagnostic (OBD) scanner situated in front of and rear to the utility box, because of which, extending the utility box to a bigger size is constrained. Therefore, there is an unmet need to provide a utility box, bigger than the existing utility box, that can accommodate two full faced helmets.
[004] There have been attempts to provide a utility space in the utility box where two full faced helmets can be accommodated. However, such attempts include providing two separate utility boxes mounted together in the vehicle. The utility box made with two such separate utility boxes in the vehicle poses serious problems in achieving the fit and finish in the vehicle and also alignment of side panels which are used to package the utility boxes. The two separate utility boxes were chosen as a possible solution, due to difficulty in molding / producing a single utility box that has a huge utility space. Also, the tools/die required to produce the huge utility box is not preferred to be made due to high complexities and huge cost associated with the tools and/or dies.
[005] Existing two-wheeled vehicle of either an engine type or an electric type may accommodate two helmets of dissimilar sizes in the utility box. However, the utility box may be having poor stiffness due to positioning of the controller at the front of the utility box. Further, the existing design of four mountings in a pillion handle with frame occupies storage space for the OBD scanner and positioning the USB coupler occupies more space. Also, positioning of a rear suspension, battery and battery cover in the existing layout intrudes into the utility space.
[006] In one kind of a utility box arrangement, two front and rear helmets are provided in a container box without increasing the height of a seat member of the vehicle. In a two-wheeled motor vehicle, a container box extending in the longitudinal direction of a vehicle body is disposed above a rear wheel, and a seat is disposed above the container box. A bottom plate of the container box is formed in an approximately inverse-V shape when viewed from the side. The container box includes a forward downwardly slanting face and a rearward downwardly slanting face. Two helmets are received in front and rear positions within the container box, by placing them on the forward downwardly slanting face and a rearward downwardly slanting, respectively. However, the utility box arrangement of this kind includes limitations like reduced storage space and inconvenient seat height.
[007] In yet another kind of storage box in a vehicle, a low floor type motorcycle with a storage room capable of storing at least two helmets below a tandem seat is provided. The storage room has a first helmet room located ahead of a rider's sitting point where rider is to sit, and a second helmet room located behind a co-rider's sitting point where co-rider is to sit. The storage room has a middle room which connects the first helmet room and the second helmet room, and a fuel injector, a throttle body, and an air cleaner are provided below the middle room. This kind of storage box has limitations like less space for packaging large diameter rear wheel, low storage volume, poor ground reachability.
[008] Thus, there is a need in the art for a vehicle with a storage member or utility box which address the aforementioned problems and limitations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[009] In one aspect, the present invention is directed to a vehicle. The vehicle includes a frame structure having a pair of spaced apart rear frames extending in a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The vehicle further includes a storage member disposed onto the pair of rear frames and being configured to mount a controller and an on-board diagnostic scanner of the vehicle disposed in the storage member in a vehicle width direction with respect to each other.
[010] In an embodiment, the storage member includes a pair of side walls, a front wall, a rear wall and a base member, the pair of side walls, the front wall and the rear wall being extending vertically from the base member forming a storage space in the storage member.
[011] In a further embodiment, the base member of the storage member includes one or more mounting provisions disposed laterally and proximal to the side walls for mounting the controller and the on-board diagnostic scanner of the vehicle inside the storage member.
[012] In a further embodiment, the vehicle includes a rear cross member between the pair of rear frames. The rear cross member being thinner, thereby providing an additional space for enlarging the storage member towards a rear of the vehicle.
[013] In a further embodiment, the rear cross member includes one or more mounting points on its upper surface and being adapted to mount a pillion handle onto the rear cross member.
[014] In a further embodiment, the pillion handle is adapted to mount a rear portion of the storage member, thereby supporting the storage member.
[015] In a further embodiment, the pair of frame members includes a mounting provision at a front portion of the pair of frame members for mounting a bracket member. The bracket member is configured to support a front portion of the storage member from below the base member of the storage member.
[016] In a further embodiment, the bracket member is removably connected to the front portion of the pair of frame members such that one or more battery modules of the vehicle is/are accessible upon removal of the bracket member from the pair of frame members.
[017] In a further embodiment, the vehicle comprising one or more battery module covers disposed below a bottom surface of the storage member. The one or more battery module covers being located corresponding to a location of the one or more battery modules and adapted to cover a top portion of the one or more battery modules.
[018] In a further embodiment, a rear portion of each frame member includes a mounting provision for mounting a suspension member of the vehicle. The suspension member being disposed away from the storage member, thereby creating an additional space for the storage member in a vehicle width direction.
[019] In a further embodiment, the vehicle comprising a seat member hingedly disposed onto the storage member. The seat member includes an outer surface having a foam layer and an inner surface covering an open portion of the storage member.
[020] In a further embodiment, the inner surface of the seat member includes a rib member covering the storage member and disposed corresponding to an outer periphery of the storage member such that the rib member being configured to protect the storage member from load to be exerted from the seat member to the storage member and position the seat member onto the storage member of the vehicle.
[021] In a further embodiment, the inner surface of the seat member includes one or more collapsible portions. The one or more collapsible portions being adapted to flex due to contact of the one or more accessories disposed in a storage space in the storage member.
[022] In a further embodiment, the storage member is configured to provide storage for at least two head protection gears placed in a S-manner. The S-manner being defined as a first head protection gear being placed with a chin facing towards a head portion of a second head protection gear.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[023] 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 perspective view of a rear portion of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rear portion of the vehicle, wherein a seat member is hingedly connected to a storage member and is in an opened position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 illustrates a top perspective view of the storage member of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the storage member of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of the storage member of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the storage member of the vehicle without battery module covers, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 illustrates a front perspective view of the storage member of the vehicle showing dismounting of a bracket member from the frame member for removing battery module of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate perspective views of the seat assembly showing an inner surface of seat assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 illustrates a top view of the storage member mounted onto rear frames of the frame structure of the vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 11 illustrates a top view of the storage member with one or more accessories disposed inside the storage member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 12 illustrates a section view along A-A of the storage member shown in Figure 11, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 illustrates an exploded side view of the storage member with the rear frames and one or more accessories disposed inside the storage member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 14 illustrates a top perspective view of an assembly of the storage member with the rear frames and one or more accessories disposed inside the storage member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 15 illustrates a section view of the assembly shown in Figure 14, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 16 illustrates a side view of the assembly shown in Figures 14 and 15 with the seat member, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[024] 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 vehicle is a two-wheeled vehicle like a scooter. However, it is contemplated that the disclosure in the present invention may be applied to any two-wheeled scooter vehicle which may be driven by an Internal combustion engine or an electric batteries capable of accommodating the present subject matter without defeating the scope of the present invention.
[025] The present invention relates to a vehicle. More particularly, the present invention relates to a utility box in a two-wheeled vehicle.
[026] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a rear portion of the vehicle 100, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated Figures 1 - 16, the vehicle 100 is a scooter-type two-wheeled vehicle. It may be contemplated that the vehicle 100 may be an internal combustion engine or an electric vehicle. The vehicle 100 includes a frame structure 110 having a pair of rear frames 112, 114 spaced apart by a predetermined distance. The frame structure 110 of the vehicle 100 provides a structural support for mounting one or more components of the vehicle 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the pair of rear frames 112, 114 extends in a front-rear direction D1 of the vehicle 100. The one or more components of the vehicle 100 supported by the pair of rear frames 112, 114 may include, but not limited to, a seat member 180, a utility box 120 and suspension members 170.
[027] In an embodiment, the storage member 120 includes a pair of side walls 122 (shown in Figure 10), a front wall 124 (shown in Figure 10), a rear wall 126 (shown in Figure 10) and a base member 128 (shown in Figure 10). The pair of side walls 122, the front wall 124 and the rear wall 126 are extending vertically from the base member 128 forming a storage space in the storage member 120. The terms “storage member” and “utility box” are interchangeably used in the present disclosure. It should be understood that both the terms “storage member” and the “utility box” are relating to same component of the vehicle 100.
[028] In an embodiment, the utility box 120 is configured to mount a controller (not shown) and an on-board diagnostic (OBD) scanner (not shown) of the vehicle 100. The controller and the OBD scanner are disposed in the storage member 120 in a vehicle width direction W with respect to each other. In an embodiment as shown in Figure 10, the base member 128 of the storage member 120 includes one or more mounting provisions 128A, 128B disposed laterally and proximal to the side walls 122 for mounting the controller and the OBD scanner of the vehicle 100 inside the storage member 120.
[029] In an embodiment, the pair of frame members 112, 114 includes a mounting provision 116 (shown in Figure 7) at a front portion of the pair of frame members 112, 114 for mounting a bracket member 150. The mounting provision 116 may include an L shaped bracket member welded onto the pair of frame members. The L shaped bracket member includes one or more holes for accommodating fasteners during mounting of the bracket member 150 with the pair of frame members 112, 114. The bracket member 150 is configured to support a front portion of the storage member 120 from below the base member 128 of the storage member 120. In other words, the bracket member 150 includes a central portion having a mounting portion for accommodating the base member 128 of the storage member 120 when the bracket member 150 is fastened to the pair of frame members 112, 114. In an embodiment, the bracket member 150 is removably connected to the front portion of the pair of frame members 112, 114 such that one or more battery modules 160 of the vehicle 100 is/are accessible upon removal of the bracket member 150 from the pair of frame members 112, 114 (shown in Figure 7). In other words, the bracket member 150/ the frame member 110, upon which the utility box 120 rests is made as a bolt-on bracket, wherein the bolt on bracket member 150 can be dismounted to remove the utility box 120 or tilt the utility box 120 to access the one or more battery modules 160 suspended beneath the utility box 120, during servicing/replacement of the one or more battery modules 160.
[030] In an embodiment, the vehicle 100 includes a rear cross member 130 (Figures 2, 5, 13 and 15) and is provided between the pair of rear frames 112, 114. The rear cross member 130 is thinner when compared with the rear cross member in the existing vehicle, thereby providing an additional space for enlarging the storage member 120 towards a rear of the vehicle 100 or can be able to accommodate utility box 120 of bigger size. The thinner or sender rear cross member 130 does not affect the functionality because, the other parts that were being mounted onto/ the rear cross member that were taking load from other parts are rearranged to provide space to grow the utility box 120. The rear cross member 130 includes one or more mounting points 132 on its upper surface 134 and is adapted to mount a pillion handle 140 onto the rear cross member 130. In some exemplary embodiment, the one or more mounting points 132 on the rear cross member 130 is / are projections extending from an outer surface of the rear cross member 130 facing upwardly. The pillion handle 140 is adapted to mount a rear portion of the storage member 120, thereby supporting the storage member 120. That is to say, the pillion handle 140 is disposed between the rear cross member 130 and the storage member 120 before fastening them (the rear cross member 130, the pillion handle 140 and the utility box 120) together at the rear portion of the vehicle 100.
[031] In the embodiments shown in Figures 1, 3, 4, and 5, one or more battery module covers 162 are disposed below a bottom surface 128A of the storage member 120. In the illustrated embodiments, it may be noted that there are two battery module covers 162 located corresponding to a location of the two battery modules 160 (shown in Figure 7). The illustrated example of two battery module covers 163 for the two battery modules 160 should not be meant to be limiting the scope of the present invention. The vehicle 100 may include less or more than two battery modules and accordingly the battery module covers can be provided. The example of two battery modules and two battery module covers are for illustration purpose only and thus does not limit the scope of the present invention. The battery module covers 162 are adapted to cover a top portion of the two battery modules 160. In an embodiment, the battery module covers 162 may be affixed to a bottom surface 128C of the base member 128 of the utility box 120. In another embodiment, the battery module covers 162 may be provided onto the battery modules 160 after mounting the battery modules 160 below the frame structure 110.
[032] A rear portion of each frame member 112, 114 includes a mounting provision 118 for mounting a suspension member 170 of the vehicle 100. The suspension member 170 is disposed away from the storage member 120, thereby creating an additional space for the storage member 120 in a vehicle width direction “W”. That is to say, the rear suspension members 170 on both sides of the vehicle 100 are angularly optimised for more space for the storage member 120 to be mounted onto the rear frame members 112, 114. In some embodiment, the vehicle 100 include two suspension members 170 disposed at the rear portion of the vehicle 100. In some further embodiment, the suspension members 170 may include a gusset member (not shown) or a U shaped clamp at its ends for connecting with the rear frame members 112, 114. The mounting method of the suspension members 170 can be one of the methods like welding and/or bolting known in the art.
[033] Referring again to Figure 2, it illustrates the seat member 180 which is hingedly disposed onto the storage member 120. That is to say, a front portion of the seat member 180 is hingedly connected with a front portion of the storage member at a peripheral edge of the front wall 124. In some embodiment, opposite end or rear end of the seat member 180 may be provided with a latch mechanism (not shown) or a locking member (not shown) for latching or locking the seat member 180 with the storage member 120 when the seat member 180 is closed.
[034] Referring to Figures 9 and 10, the seat member 180 includes an outer surface 182 having a foam layer 182A and an inner surface 184 covering an open portion 120A of the storage member 120. In an embodiment, the inner surface 184 of the seat member 180 includes a rib member 184A (shown in Figure 9) covering the storage member 120 and disposed corresponding to an outer periphery 120B of the storage member 120 such that the rib member 184A is configured to protect the storage member 120 from load to be exerted from the seat member 180 to the storage member 120 and position the seat member 180 onto the storage member 120 of the vehicle 100. In addition, the rib member 184A may prevent access to the storage member 120 from outside, thereby prevent any theft of articles present inside the storage member 120.
[035] In a further embodiment, the inner surface 184 of the seat member 180 includes one or more collapsible portions 184B. The one or more collapsible portions 184B is/are adapted to flex or compress due to contact of the one or more accessories disposed in a storage space in the storage member 120. In an exemplary embodiments shown in Figure 12, the storage member 120 accommodates two headgear units such as helmets H1, H2. The first helmet H1 is disposed in such a manner that a dome or a bulge portion of the helmet is facing upwards the storage member 120. When the seat member 180 is closed covering opening area of the storage member 120, the collapsible portion 184B located at a front portion of the seat member 180 comes in contact with the dome or the bulge portion of the helmet H1 and contracts of flexes inwardly so that no hinderance is provided for closing the seat member 180 covering the open area of the storage member 120. Further, a chin portion of the second head gear or helmet H2 is positioned upside-down in the storage member 120 and a bottom portion of the second helmet H2 will come in contact with another collapsible portion provided towards rear portion of the seat member 180. Thus, the second helmet H2 also does not provide any hindrance while closing the seat member 180 onto the storage member 120 as the collapsible portion of the seat member 120 accommodates the contacting portion of the second helmet H2. In other words, the collapsible portions 184B of the seat member 180 takes the stress from the rider and not transfer to the head protection gears or helmets H1, H2 present in the storage member 120. Thus, the collapsible portions 184B does not cause any damage to the helmets H1 or H2 even when there is a complete loan on the seat member 180 from the rider.
[036] As shown in Figures 12 and 15, the storage member 120 is configured to provide storage for at least two head protection gears H1, H2 placed in a S-manner (discontinues curved line). The S-manner is defined as a first head protection gear H1 being placed with a chin C1 facing towards a head portion H2’ of a second head protection gear H2.
[037] In an embodiment of the present invention, the storage member 120 is made as a single-piece moulded part for housing two large full-face helmets H1, H2. Beading 184C (shown in Figure 8) in the seat member 180 is designed to match uniformly with a periphery or a beading (120C (shown in Figure 7) of the storage member 120, whenever the seat member 180 is in closed condition, for better fit and finish and flush in the vehicle 100. The storage member 120 provided with the mounting provision 128A for the OBD scanner and an USB charging (not shown) does not intrude the space in the storage member 120 provided for the helmets H1, H2.
[038] Advantageously, the controller and OBD scanner mountings provided at the left and right hand sides of the utility box provides space in the utility box at the front and rear portions. In other words, the mounting provision for the controller and the OBD scanner is shifted from the front and rear portions of the utility box to the sides of the utility box, thereby providing the space for accommodating two full size helmets inside the utility box.
[039] The storage member provides a significant increase in storage volume for two helmets packaging provision without change in aesthetic/style parts around the storage member in the vehicle. Further, the present invention provides more storage volume without affecting the ground reachability of rider and pillion rider. The position of helmets and orientation enables compact packaging within the existing vehicle boundary without requiring changes on surrounding style parts. Thus, maintaining the dimension of the vehicle. The present invention provides a single utility box structure that holds two helmets as opposed to split structure in the prior arts leading to more number of parts.
[040] The present invention includes a bolt-on bracket member fastened to the frame member for supporting the storage member and the seat member. Thus, enabling easy removal of the battery packs or modules during servicing of the vehicle. Also, the bolt-on bracket member fastened to the frame member supports transferring of the load from the rider and the storage member to the frame member.
[041] The pillion handle in the present invention is mounted on the pair of rear frame members behind the storage member or the utility box with two-point mountings to the frame member and the utility box is mounted onto the pillion handle. Thus, the pillion handle acts as a structural support for rear style components along with its primary function of grab rail or handle.
[042] In the present invention, relay components of the vehicle are mounted on the frame member behind the storage member in such a way that the relay components are easily accessed by removing only the storage member during servicing.
[043] The storage member in the present invention is made as a single-piece moulded part for housing two large full-face helmets. Beading profile in the seat member is designed to match uniformly with a periphery of the storage member, whenever the seat is in closed condition, for better fit and finish and flush in the vehicle. Further, the storage member provides a provision for the OBD scanner and the USB charging without intruding the space provided for the helmets.
[044] The seat member having a collapsible portions provides an advantage of accommodating the helmets without compromising on the foam thickness of the seat member and seat comfort.
[045] The present invention further provides technical advantages of ease of battery serviceability, frame member access, ease of relay components serviceability, see through gap between the utility box and the seat provides an advantage of cooling the controller and thus providing a solution for reduced controller efficiency. Further, the utility box of the present invention overcomes the problems associated with existing two-wheeled scooter vehicles where insufficient space and insufficient stiffness of seat base are overcome. Furthermore, the present invention provides a durable storage box, and does not alter the dimension of the vehicle, thereby maintaining the aesthetics of the vehicle. Also, as the single utility box is designed to accommodate the two helmets, the vehicle obtains the advantages of part reduction and thus cost reduction as well.
[046] 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.