Claims:WE CLAIM:
1. A saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising:
a head pipe (22);
a main tube (24) extending rearwardly from the head pipe (22);
a fuel tank (20) mounted on the main tube (24); and
a component holder (100) disposed below the fuel tank (20), the component holder (100) being configured to receive plurality of electrical components.

2. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the fuel tank (20) extends in a front-rear direction (F-R) of the vehicle (10) between a front end (20a) and a rear end (20b), wherein the component holder (100) is disposed in vicinity of the rear end (20b) of the fuel tank (20).

3. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the component holder (100) is configured to be detachably mounted on a rear portion of the main tube (24).

4. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the component holder (100) comprises at least one mounting provision (M) for detachably mounting the component holder (100) on the main tube (24).
5. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the component holder (100) comprises one or more first regions (R1), each of the one or more first regions (R1) being configured to receive at least one electrical component from the plurality of electrical components.

6. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the component holder (100) comprises one or more second regions (R2), each of the one or more second regions (R2) being configured to route a first set of wires (W1) therefrom.

7. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the component holder (100) comprises one or more third regions (R3), each of the one or more third regions (R3) being configured to support a second set of wires (W2).

8. The saddle-type vehicle (10) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plurality of electrical components is selected from a group consisting of couplers, fuse box, diagnostic couplers and relays.

9. A component holder (100) for a saddle-type vehicle (10), comprising a panel (110) including: a body (120) configured to receive at least one electrical component from a plurality of electrical components, the body (120) having at least a first mounting provision (122a);
a first arm (130) extending laterally from the body (120), the first arm (130) configured to receive at least one electrical component from a plurality of electrical components;
a second arm (140) extending laterally from the body (120), the second arm (140) configured to route a first set of wires (W1) therefrom; and
a third arm (150) extending laterally from the body (120), the third arm (150) configured to support a second set of wires (W2).

10. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body (120) comprises: a first holder (120a) to receive a first electrical component (C1); a second holder (120b) to receive a second electrical component (C2); and a third holder (120c) to receive a third electrical component (C3).

11. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the body (120) comprises the first mounting provision (122a) and a second mounting provision (122b) in a spaced apart manner.

12. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 11, wherein the first mounting provision (122a) comprises a first through hole (122a’) and the second mounting provision (122b) comprises a second through hole (122b’).

13. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first arm (130) comprises: a double-armed fork (132) having a first section (132a) and a second section (132b) wherein a portion of the first arm (132) extends laterally between the first section (132a) and the second section (132b), the first arm (132) comprising a fourth holder (120d) to receive a fourth electrical component (C4).

14. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second arm (140) comprises at least one hook (142) for routing the first set of wires (W1) therefrom.

15. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the third arm (150) comprises an elongated member (151) configured for supporting the second set of wires (W2).

16. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the first arm (130) and the third arm (150) extend in opposing directions from the body (120), laterally in a left-right direction.

17. The component holder (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second arm (140) extends substantially perpendicular to the first arm (130) and the third arm (150).
, Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[001] The present invention generally relates to a component holder, more particularly it relates to a holder for holding electrical components of a motor vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[002] Motor vehicles have a plurality of primary and ancillary electrical components. The primary electrical components include speedometer, fuel gauge, lights, sensors, etc. and the ancillary electrical components include couplers, protection switches, fuses etc. The primary electrical components are connected to a power source and may also be interconnected among each other through wires. These wires may be a single wire or a bunch of wires harnessed together. Further, ancillary electrical components like the couplers, protection switches, fuses etc. are disposed between the wires of the interconnected primary electrical components.
[003] It is known that all electrical components are sensitive to heat, water, vibrations and the like. These factors greatly affect functioning of the electrical components which subsequently lead to malfunctions and failure. Hence, although the primary electrical components are generally encased, when it comes to protection of ancillary electrical components, having a housing for each of such ancillary component becomes an arduous, inconvenient and an expensive task. Further, most of the ancillary electrical components are generally randomly disposed in the vehicle. Randomly disposed electrical components pose a lot of problems during servicing, changing of parts, identifying a problematic component, finding the wires connected to and from the specific ancillary electrical component etc. Importantly, the need for protection of the ancillary electrical components still remains.
[004] Hence, there have been several attempts made in order to protect these components from the aforementioned factors and have a better serviceability. In one such attempt, a plurality of coupler holders has been mounted on various parts of the vehicle. These coupler holders are configured to retain the couplers in one place. However, having a plurality of coupler holders increases costs by manifold. Further, mounting and dismounting of the coupler holders to the vehicle is a time taking process. Hence, having multiple coupler holders distributed all over the vehicle is not feasible.
[005] In another attempt, ancillary electrical components are collectively arranged together in a place with such place being less likely to be influenced by the heat, vibrations, water etc. However, in order to arrange the electrical components, each electrical component requires a separate holder or casing. Hence, this also becomes a cost intensive task.
[006] In another attempt, the ancillary electrical components are mounted on a cowl assembly of a motor vehicle. However, mounting the electrical components on the cowl assembly also require additional mounting provisions. Since, the cowl assembly is generally made of plastic, having mounting provisions on the cowl assembly generally compromises the strength and integrity of the cowl assembly. Further, in case of mishaps, or accidents, ancillary electrical components would also be compromised first leading to damage and thus increasing costs for repair.
[007] Thus, there is a need in the art for a component holder which addresses at least the aforementioned problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[008] The present invention in one aspect is directed to a saddle-type vehicle having a head pipe, a main tube extending rearwardly from the head pipe, a fuel tank mounted on the main tube, and a component holder disposed below the fuel tank. Herein, the component holder is configured to receive plurality of electrical components.
[009] In an embodiment of the invention, the fuel tank extends in a front-rear direction of the vehicle between a front end and a rear end, wherein the component holder is disposed in vicinity of the rear end of the fuel tank.
[010] In another embodiment of the invention, the component holder is configured to be detachably mounted on a rear portion of the main tube.
[011] In yet another embodiment, the component holder has at least one mounting provision for detachably mounting the component holder on the main tube.
[012] In a further embodiment, the component holder has one or more first regions, each of one or more first regions is configured to receive at least one electrical component from the plurality of electrical components.
[013] In another embodiment of the invention, the component holder has one or more second regions, each of the one or more second regions being configured to route a first set of wires therefrom.
[014] In yet another embodiment of the invention, the component holder has one or more third regions, each of the one or more third regions being configured to support a second set of wires.
[015] In a further embodiment, the plurality of electrical components is selected from a group consisting of couplers, fuse box, diagnostic couplers and relays.
[016] In another aspect, the present invention discloses a component holder for a saddle-type vehicle having a panel including a body configured to receive at least one electrical component from a plurality of electrical components. The body has at least a first mounting provision. The panel includes a first arm extending laterally from the body and the first arm is configured to receive at least one electrical component. The panel further includes a second arm extending laterally from the body and the second arm is configured to route a first set of wires therefrom. Furthermore, the panel includes a third arm extending laterally from the body and the third arm is configured to support a second set of wires.
[017] In an embodiment, the body has a first holder to receive a first electrical component, a second holder to receive a second electrical component, and a third holder to receive a third electrical component.
[018] In an embodiment of the invention, the body has the first mounting provision and a second mounting provision in a spaced apart manner.
[019] In another embodiment of the invention, the first mounting provision has a first through hole and the second mounting provision has a second through hole.
[020] In yet another embodiment, the first arm has a double-armed fork having a first section and a second section wherein a portion of the first arm extends laterally between the first section and the second section. Herein the first arm has a fourth holder to receive a fourth electrical component.
[021] In a further embodiment, the second arm has at least one hook for routing the first set of wires therefrom.
[022] In an embodiment, the third arm has an elongated member configured for supporting the second set of wires. In a further embodiment, the first arm and the third arm extend in opposing directions from the body, laterally in a left-right direction.
[023] In another embodiment, the second arm extends substantially perpendicular to the first arm and the third arm. In a further embodiment, the electrical component is selected from a group consisting of couplers, fuse box, diagnostic couplers and relays.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[024] 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 shows a right side view of a motor vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 2 shows a top view of the motor vehicle in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3a shows a front view of a component holder in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 3b shows a front perspective view of the component holder in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 shows the component holder along with wires in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[025] The present invention relates to a component holder for a saddle-type motor vehicle.
[026] Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary motor vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. The saddle-type motor vehicle 10 has an IC engine 12 that is vertically disposed. Preferably, the IC engine 12 is a single-cylinder type IC engine. The motor vehicle 10 has a front wheel 14, a rear wheel 16, a frame member, a seat assembly 18 and a fuel tank 20. The frame member includes a head pipe 22, a main tube 24, a down tube (not shown), and a pair of seat rails, i.e a left seat rail 48a and a right seat rail 48b (shown in Figure 2). The head pipe 22 supports a steering shaft (not shown) and two telescopic front suspensions 26 (only one shown). The two telescopic front suspensions 26 support the front wheel 14. The upper portion of the front wheel 14 is covered by a front fender 28 mounted to the lower portion of the telescopic front suspension 26 at the end of the steering shaft. A handlebar 30 is fixed to upper bracket not shown and can rotate to both sides.
[027] The frame member has a down tube that may be located in front of the IC engine 12 in a vehicle front-rear F-R direction and extends slantingly downward from head pipe 22. The main tube 24 of the frame member is located above the IC engine 12 and extends rearward from head pipe 22 in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R. The IC engine 12 is mounted at the front to the down tube and a rear of the IC engine 12 is mounted at the rear portion of the main tube 24. In an embodiment, the IC engine 12 is mounted vertically, with a cylinder block extending vertically above a crankcase.
[028] The fuel tank 20 is mounted on the horizontal portion of the main tube 24. In the present embodiment, the fuel tank 20 extends from a front end 20a (not shown) to a rear end 20b (not shown) in a vehicle front-rear direction F-R. The left seat rail 48a and the right seat rail 48b (shown in Figure 2) are joined to the main tube 24 and extend rearward in the vehicle front-rear direction F-R to support the seat assembly 18. A rear swing arm 34 is connected to the frame member to swing vertically, and a rear wheel 16 is connected to rear end of the rear swing arm 34. Generally, the rear swing arm 34 is supported by a mono rear suspension 36 (as illustrated in the present embodiment) or through two suspensions on either side of the motor vehicle 10. A taillight unit (not shown) is disposed at the end of the motor vehicle 10 and at the rear of the seat assembly 18. A grab rail (not shown) is also provided on the rear of the seat rails. The rear wheel 16 arranged below seat 18 rotates by the driving force of the IC engine 12 transmitted through a chain drive (not shown) from the IC engine 12. A rear fender 38 is disposed above the rear wheel 16.
[029] Further, an exhaust pipe 40 of the vehicle extends vertically downward from the IC engine 12 up to a point and then extends below the IC engine 12, longitudinally along the vehicle length before terminating in a muffler 42. The muffler 42 is typically disposed adjoining the rear wheel 16. Furthermore, a headlamp assembly 44, and a speedometer unit 46 are arranged on an upper portion of the head pipe 22.
[030] The present invention discloses a component holder 100. The component holder 100 is disposed below the fuel tank 20 (shown in figure 1). Referring to Figure 2, in an embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 is disposed in vicinity of the rear end 20b of the fuel tank 20. In another embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 is detachably attached on a rear portion of the main tube 24. As seen in the Figure 2, the component holder 100 is thus mounted anterior to the left seat rail 48a and the right seat rail 48b.
[031] Referring now to Figures 3a and 3b, the component holder 100 of the present invention is configured to receive a plurality of electrical components along with routing and supporting plurality of wires therefrom.
[032] For receiving the plurality of electrical components, in an embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 has one or more first regions R1 (depicted in Figures 3a and 3b). Thus, each of the first region R1 is configured to receive at least one electrical component. In the embodiment depicted in the Figures, the component holder 100 has three (3) first regions. In this regard, in various embodiments of the invention, the first region R1 includes holders, brackets, hooks and similar components which facilitate a detachable mounting of the electrical components. Thus, in the referred embodiment, each of the electrical component is detachably mounted on each of the first regions R1 of the component holder 100. In various embodiments of the invention, the electrical components include but are not limited to, couplers, fuse boxes, diagnostic couplers, and relays.
[033] For routing the plurality of wires, in another embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 has one or more second regions R2. Each of the second region R2 as indicated in the Figures 3a and 3b, is configured to route a first set of wires W1 therefrom. In this regard, in various embodiments of the invention, the second region R2 includes hooks, loops, hoops, and similar components which facilitate routing of the first set of wires W1 to and from the electrical components that are detachably mounted on the first regions R1.
[034] For supporting a plurality of wires, in yet another embodiment of the invention, the component holder 100 has one or more third regions R3. Each of the third region R3 as indicated in the Figures 3a and 3b, is configured to support a second set of wires W2 therefrom. In this regard, in various embodiments of the invention, the third region R3 includes elongated members, elevated portions, raised surfaces and similar regions which facilitate supporting the second set of wires W2 to and from the electrical components that are detachably mounted on the first regions R1.
[035] Further, in the embodiment referred to herein, the component holder 100 also has at least one mounting provision M, shown in Figures 3a and 3b. The mounting provisions M are used for fixedly mounting the component holder 100 to the main frame (not shown) of the vehicle 10. In another embodiment, the mounting provisions M are used for fixedly mounting the component holder 100 to the main tube 24 of the vehicle 10. In this regard, in various embodiments of the invention, the mounting provisions M include through holes for receiving screws, nuts and bolts; clip-on holders; snap fit systems; hook and loop systems; and similar systems which facilitate mounting of the component holder 100 to a respective part on the main frame of the vehicle 100.
[036] Another aspect of the present invention discloses the component holder 100 for the saddle-type vehicle 10 as seen in the Figures 3a and 3b. In the present aspect, the component holder has a panel 110. The panel 110 has a body 120 which is configured to receive at least one electrical component. In the embodiment depicted in Figures 3a and 3b, the body 120 has a first holder 120a, a second holder 120b and a third holder 120c in a spaced apart manner. In this regard, each of the first holder 120a, the second holder 120b and the third holder 120c of the component holder 100 have one electrical component being detachably mounted thereon.
[037] Further, the body 120 has at least one mounting provision. In an embodiment of the invention, the body 120 has a first mounting provision 122a and a second mounting provision 122b in a spaced apart manner. In another embodiment of the invention, the first mounting provision 122a has a first through hole 122a’ whereas the second mounting provision 122b has a second through hole 122b’. In an embodiment of the invention, the first through hole 122a’ and the second through hole 122b’ each receive fixating means such as screws, nuts, bolts, etc. to facilitate the mounting of the component holder 100 to a respective part of the main frame of the vehicle 100 as explained hereinunder.
[038] According to the present aspect of the invention, and as seen in Figures 3a and 3b, the panel 110 has a first arm 130. The first arm 130 laterally extends from the body 120 and is configured to receive at least one electrical component. In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm 130 has a double-armed fork 132. As seen in Figures 3a and 3b, the double-armed fork 132 has a first section 132a and a second section 132b. Further, a portion of the first arm 130 extends laterally between the first section 132a and the second section 132b in order to receive the at least one electrical component. In an embodiment, the extended portion of the first arm 130 has a fourth holder 120d. The fourth holder 120d has one electrical component being detachably mounted thereon.
[039] Further, as illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, the panel 120 has a second arm 140. The second arm 140 extends laterally from the body 130 and is configured to route the first set of wires W1 therefrom (shown in Figure 4 and explained hereinunder). In an embodiment of the invention, the second arm 140 has a hook 142.
[040] Referring yet to Figures 3a and 3b, the panel 120 of the present invention has a third arm 150. The third arm 150 also extends laterally from the body 120. The third arm 150 is thereby configured to support the second set of wires W2 (shown in Figure 4 and explained hereinunder). In an embodiment of the invention, the third arm 150 essentially has an elongated member 151. Thus, elongated member 151 supports wires going to or routed from the various electrical components. In an embodiment of the invention, and as seen in Figure 3b, edges of the elongated member 151of the third arm 150 have plurality of ribs 152 thereon. The ribs 152 provide additional support to the third arm 150 and provide structural strength and stability to further support the second set of wires W2 and allow the second set of wires W2 to stay stable during shocks and vibrations.
[041] In an embodiment of the invention, the first arm 130 and the third arm 150 extend in opposing directions from the body 120, laterally in a left-right direction. Further, in another embodiment of the invention, the second arm 140 extends substantially perpendicular to the first arm 130 and the third arm 150.
[042] Referring now to Figure 4, a first electrical component C1 is detachably mounted on the first holder 120a, a second electrical component C2 is detachably mounted on the second holder 120b and a third electrical component C3 is detachably mounted on the third holder 120c. In various embodiments of the invention, the electrical components include but are not limited to, couplers, fuse boxes, diagnostic couplers, and relays. Further, as seen in Figure 4, a fourth electrical component C4 is detachably mounted on the fourth holder 120d. In various embodiments of the invention, and as explained hereinabove, the electrical component includes but is not limited to, couplers, fuse boxes, diagnostic couplers, and relays. In an embodiment of the invention, the hook 142 of the second arm 140 is used to route the first set of wires W1. The first set of wires W1 may either be leading towards respective electrical components or may be coming from the respective electrical components. In another embodiment and as explained hereinabove, the elongated third arm 150 supports the second set of wires W2 going to or routed from the various electrical components as seen in Figure 4.
[043] Advantageously, owing to the present invention, the aforementioned electrical components are placed at one location. The location described hereinbefore, i.e on the rear portion of the main tube, is least influenced by heat and water. Further, the said portion of the main tube, is also least influenced by vibrations and external shocks. Further, the said portion of the main tube being a non-conspicuous portion of the vehicle, the plurality of the electrical parts do not affect aesthetic appearance of the motor vehicle. Furthermore, since the electrical components are mounted in close vicinity to each other, length of wires required is also substantially reduced. Further still, although the component holder is disposed at the non-conspicuous portion of the vehicle, however, in order to access the electrical components a technician or a rider is only required to dismount the fuel tank, rather than the individual primary electrical components.
[044] 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.